How to Pass Your Pool Safety Inspection

Barrier is in good repair — permanent structure with no sharp edges, rusted screws, or loose panels

Barrier height is a minimum of 1200mm from finished ground level (FGL) on the approach side

Gap of at least 900mm between any horizontal rails on the outside of the barrier

💡 If there is NO gap of at least 900mm between horizontal rails, the horizontal rails must be on the inside and the gaps between vertical members must not exceed 10mm, or a fillet of 60 Degrees attached to turn horizontal surfaces into non climbable objects.

Gap under the barrier is less than 100mm from a permanent surface

Distance between all vertical gaps (posts, pickets, elements) is less than 100mm

Strength test — posts and panels are rigid and securely attached

Chain wire fencing (if used) is a minimum of 1800mm high

Perforated material — if openings are between 13mm and 100mm, the barrier height must be at least 1800mm

Gate opens outward, away from the pool area

Gap under the gate is less than 100mm

Hinges — if protruding more than 10mm, hinge surfaces must be 900mm apart or bottom hinge is capped with a 60° non-climbable cap

Latch is at least 1500mm high from FGL and at least 1400mm above the highest lower horizontal member

Inner latch (if on the inside) is at least 150mm down from the top of the gate

Gap between the fence panel and the gate is no greater than 10mm

Latch shield — shielded for a 450mm radius with gaps between verticals less than 10mm

Gate self-closes and self-latches from rest, half-open, and fully open positions

💡 Check that nothing holds the gate open — door stops, pot plants, furniture, or garden hoses can all prevent a gate from closing properly.

Gate cannot be pulled open without operating the latch and doesn't open if bounced

NCZ 1 — 900mm vertical plane between horizontals, positioned anywhere on the barrier height from ground level. Must be clear of climbable areas greater than 10mm depth. Gaps between vertical members must not exceed 100mm.

NCZ 2 — A quadrant arc downward with a 900mm radius from the top of NCZ 1. The arc must be fully clear of climbable objects.

💡 You can achieve compliance from top-to-bottom or bottom-to-top. For example, an electricity box sitting in front of a fence — measure from the top down. A clear span of 1200mm must exist so nothing reduces the effective height of the fence or gate.

NCZ 3 — Rectangular zone on the outside (approach side) curving upward from the top of NCZ 1. 900mm radius of non-climbable objects.

NCZ 4 — Only applies if gaps between verticals are greater than 10mm and less than 100mm. No climbable objects 300mm inside the barrier and 900mm outside (rectangular zone).

NCZ 5 — Boundary barrier quadrant. Applies when the boundary fence is used as a pool barrier. 900mm quadrant downward from the top on the inside — nothing considered climbable going DOWN.

💡 The minimum height of a boundary fence is 1800mm ONLY if you are using the inside face for compliance.

Vegetation — all trees and shrubs trimmed to prevent being used as a foothold within any NCZ

No horizontal projections or indentations greater than 10mm deep within any NCZ (e.g. power points, railings, garden taps)

Boundary fence less than 1800mm — compliance must be assessed from the approach (outside) side only

Boundary fence 1800mm or higher — compliance can be met using either the inside or outside face

💡 If you can't achieve compliance on the inside, you can use the outside — then normal NCZ 1, 2, and 3 rules apply (must be 1200mm minimum height, etc.).

For fences less than 1800mm, climbable objects must be at least 900mm away on the outside. Where vertical gaps are greater than 10mm, objects must be 300mm away on the inside.

For fences 1800mm or higher, the 900mm NCZ may be on the inside, measured from the top

Ensure the entire internal side of the boundary is free from climbable objects (outside may be climbable)

Intersections — top of intersecting fence must be less than 50mm wide, and NCZ 1/2 must be maintained 900mm beyond the intersection

No horizontal components on the intersecting barrier that reduce the effective 1200mm height — this is super common with paling fences!

💡 Where horizontals are on the customer's side (approach side), use a 60° timber wedge to make them non-climbable.

Windows less than 1800mm from ground level must be restricted to a maximum 100mm opening

Balconies less than 1800mm high must have a compliant barrier on top

Retaining walls on the high side less than 1800mm must have a pool barrier installed on top

CPR sign — a current Resuscitation sign must be prominently displayed and visible from the pool area

💡 Signs must comply with the latest Australian Resuscitation Council guidelines. Faded, damaged, or outdated signs will fail.

Suction — all pump grates and covers are securely in place and unbroken

Chemical storage — pool chemicals stored securely, out of view, and out of reach of children

A body of water at least 1800mm wide is considered a barrier in itself

Minimum 300mm depth required when the body of water is dry or at low tide

If there is sand in front of a water wall, a barrier may be required unless the water is 1800mm deep at low tide

You need 1200mm clearance on the outside and 900mm on the inside of any barrier near a permanent body of water