Can a Boundary Fence be a Pool Fence in Victoria?

Difference of Boundary Fence and Pool Fence

With the introduction of new mandatory pool safety standards in Victoria, the entire process can be a little confusing, especially with new terms that all pool owners should be aware of. Failing to get your swimming pool or spa barrier means facing costly consequences no one has the time and money for. We'll set the facts straight by clearly listing any key terms you need to be aware of when you're conducting your pool self-assessment inspection including everything you need to know about boundary fences!

Essential definitions every spa or pool owner should know about:

What is a barrier? 

A barrier includes any components such as fences, panels, walls, gates, doors, and windows on a building and other fittings restricting access to a pool or spa area.

Your pool or spa barrier will need to be in line with Australian Standards or else it will not be considered safe and compliant with the new pool fence regulations around pool safety.

In Victoria, it is a requirement that your pool fence or barrier be at least 1200 mm or (1.2m) high. The gap between the bottom part of the fence and the ground should not exceed 100 mm (10cm). This is to prevent young children from crawling under as well as over the pool barrier to access the pool other than the pool gate which must be fitted with a self-closing and self-latching device.

You can ensure that your pool or spa barrier is compliant by completing this self-assessment checklist based on when your pool or spa finished being installed.

1. VBA Checklist 1: For pools or spas installed before 8th April 1991
2. VBA Checklist 2: For pools or spas installed between 8th April 1991 and 30th April 1991
3. VBA Checklist 3: For pools or spas installed from 1st May 1991

What is a boundary fence? 

A boundary fence is a fence that shares a common boundary or barrier between two properties.

In most cases, a boundary fence can be used as your pool or spa barrier if it is a dividing fence that meets all the compliance standards. If you're planning on using a boundary fence as part of your spa or pool fence barrier, then the boundary fence must be at least 1800 mm or 1.8m high.

If your pool or spa barrier was installed, you'll need to follow additional barrier requirements when it comes to boundary fences. For example, if your pool or spa was installed from the 1st May 2013, your boundary fence should be clear of any climbable objects within 900 mm at the top of the fence on the inside barrier (refer to the diagram on page 5 of VBA Checklist 3.

What is a non-climbable zone? 

A non-climbable zone (NCZ) is identified as any area around the safety barrier that should restrict access to young children from entering the pool area by using the pool barrier. 

There are areas indicated on a pool barrier where specific non climb zones are and your barrier must be fully clear within the areas to remain compliant with safety standards. You can check if your pool or spa barrier fulfils these requirements in the diagrams and locations of NCZ that are further explained in Is Your Pool Barrier ‘Clear Span’ and ‘No Climb Zone’ Approved?

Each checklist has specific requirements regarding the non-climbable zone such as the radius of which there should be no climbable objects within the zone. To ensure that there is no way a young child can access the pool area, always ensure there are no climbable objects such as plants, BBQs, toys or furniture near the pool area. For example, you can see on page 4 of VBA Checklist 1 that a 'clear span' of 1200mm is required for the non-climbable zone.

Next Steps in the Getting Your Pool Compliance with Pool Safety Check

If you're confident in completing your self-assessment then go ahead and book your compliance inspection to ensure if your pool fencing is compliant. We'll provide a thorough inspection and if necessary will provide any recommendations to fix any faults in our comprehensive report with clear diagrams.

If you're not sure if your pool or spa barrier is compliant, or haven't had the time to complete your own self-assessment inspection, we recommend contacting us for a pre-inspection consultation. Find out more information about our services by getting in touch with our friendly team today.