NSW pool barrier law is set by the Swimming Pools Act 1992, the Swimming Pools Regulation 2018 and the Australian Standard AS 1926. It covers pools and spas at homes, movable dwellings and tourist and visitor accommodation, including portable pools that can hold more than 30 cm of water.

This is a plain-English summary of the NSW Government's guidance. It isn't legal advice, and the exact rules for your pool depend on when it was built. If in doubt, ask us.

Which standard applies

The barrier standard depends on when your pool was built:

built before 30 August 2008: AS 1926-1986 may apply
built 1 September 2008 to 30 April 2013: AS 1926.1-2007 may apply
built after 1 May 2013: AS 1926.1-2012 applies

If the barrier is modified or altered, including during house or yard renovations, the current law and AS 1926.1-2012 apply, and any earlier exemptions end.

The fence

The NSW Government's summary of the main requirements:

at least 1.2 m high, measured from finished ground level
no gap at the bottom larger than 10 cm
1.8 m high where a boundary fence forms part of the barrier
no gaps over 10 cm between vertical bars
horizontal climbable bars at least 90 cm apart
mesh or perforated barriers: holes no larger than 13 mm at 1.2 m height (larger holes up to 100 mm are allowed on a 1.8 m barrier)
kept well maintained and in good working order

Gates

Gates must swing outward from the pool, self-close and self-latch, and be kept shut, never propped open. Keep the hardware maintained.

The non-climbable zone

Keep a 90 cm zone outside the fence clear of trees, shrubs, furniture, toys and anything else a child could climb. The 30 cm area inside the fence must also be free of footholds and handholds.

Doors and windows

Doors and windows can no longer form part of the pool barrier.

Spas

A secured, child-resistant cover may be acceptable for a spa, depending on its size or function. Some larger swim spas may need a fence.

CPR sign

A CPR sign must be displayed near the pool (portable pools too), in good condition and readable from 3 m away.

Not sure if your pool complies?

A pool inspection tells you exactly where you stand. Call Garry on 0417 277 164.

NSW pool barrier rules