There is nothing more fun or relaxing the jumping in the pool on a hot day, but owning a pool comes with responsibility. Your main concern should always be safety. Small children and pets can’t seem to help themselves, they have just got to go to the water. They just do not understand the dangers that a swimming pool can present. Australian legislation requires pool fences for any body of water 300mm deep. The fence must be in place and inspected before water can be added. The main reason for this mandate is so that children under 5 years of age cannot access the pool area unless accompanied by an adult. Pool barriers or fences may be made of any material that has a reasonable life span. The materials must be able to withstand exposure to elements such as salt spray, chemical, decay, and insects. Dimensions of barrier fences are very specific; they must have a perpendicular height of 1.2 metres, all rails must be on the inside of the fence in order to prevent climbing. Clearance from the bottom of the fence to the ground must not exceed 100mm, and space between vertical member must also be no greater than 100mm. Gates must be self closing and self latching, with the latches on the inside of the gate. The gate has to have a perpendicular height of 1.2 metres and open outward away from the pool. The latch must be at least 1.5 metres above the ground, and can only be opened manually. A properly installed latch can only be opened by reaching over the gate to release it. Any hand holds must be at least 1.2 metres from the ground. Existing walls of houses or buildings may be used as barriers if they are fitted with child resistant doors and windows. Doors must be self-closing and self-latching. The door should only be able to be re-opened manually, with the releases on the house side. Latches must be greater than 1.5 metres from the floor. Windows must be totally enclosed with grill and have no opening greater than 150mm. They cannot be opened far enough to pass a 105mm bar through. The lowest opening panel must be not less than 1.2 metres from the floor. There can be no handholds lower than 1.1 metres from the lowest opening pane. Windows that are fitted with firm fly wire are also acceptable. Pool covers, although not a substitute for barriers, can be used as a deterrent to small children and pets. If a child tries to step on a pool cover, a pond deep enough to be dangerous can be created. Remove all pool covers completely when the pool is in use. If a child were to get trapped under a partially removed cover, no one would be aware and the child could drown. There is no substitute for constant supervision. Ensure that your pool is visible from the house. Unless your pool is designed for safe diving, post No Diving signs near the pool. Drinking alcohol should be banned from the pool area. Prohibit glass bottles and other breakables from the pool area. For more information on pool barrier/fence specifications contact your local council For more child safety tips go to www.kidsafevic.com.au
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There is nothing more fun or relaxing the jumping in the pool on a hot day, but owning a pool comes with responsibility. Your main concern should always be safety. Small children and pets can’t seem to help themselves, they have just got to go to the water. They just do not understand the dangers that a swimming pool can present. Australian legislation requires pool fences for any body of water 300mm deep. The fence must be in place and inspected before water can be added. The main reason for ...
Nicholas Ayres is a Perth concrete pool builder who also provides spas, water features, pool fences and landscaping services.
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