Australian Pool Fence Laws & AS 1926.1-2012 and 2024 Guide

Updated 11 September 2025

Australian pool fence laws and regulations are a combination of Australian Standards and state laws, but it's vital that you know your local laws. Find the details for your state in our handy guide.

Australia’s pool‑safety framework blends the Australian Standard for safety barriers (AS 1926.1) with state and territory legislation. Which edition applies can depend on where you live and when the pool was built (commonly 1986, 2007 or 2012 editions). Use this guide for the universal basics and then check the official links for your state to confirm the exact rules that apply to your property.

Australian Standard (how it applies)

AS 1926.1 sets the benchmark for pool safety barriers in Australia. Most jurisdictions assess compliance against AS 1926.1–2012 (often with local variations) based on pool construction dates, while some legacy pools are assessed against earlier editions (1986 or 2007). A newer edition (AS 1926.1:2024) has been published by Standards Australia, but it only applies where the NCC (National Construction Code) BCA (Building Code of Australia) and local legislation have been updated to reference it. Always check your state’s current position before you install.

Portable / Inflatable pools

Australia has a mandatory labelling standard for portable pools (Consumer Goods (Portable Swimming Pools) Safety Standard 2013). If a portable or inflatable pool can hold more than 300 mm (30 cm) of water, it is treated as a “swimming pool” and the pool‑barrier laws apply in most jurisdictions. Supervise closely, empty shallow waders after use, and store them safely.

Spa pools & hot tubs

Spas generally require a compliant safety barrier or in some states a secure, child‑resistant lockable cover is allowed. If the cover is removed or doesn’t meet the rules, a fence is required. Check your local guidance below.

Common fence requirements (always confirm locally)

Height: minimum fence height of 1.2 m above finished ground level.
Ground gap: gap at the bottom no more than 100 mm.
Openings: gaps between verticals no more than 100 mm. (under stress)
Boundary as barrier: commonly 1.8 m high with a 900 mm internal non‑climbable zone.
Non‑climbable zone: keep objects (furniture, BBQs, trees) out of the 900 mm zone.
Gates: must swing away from the pool, be self‑closing and self‑latching; latch release positioned out of small children’s reach.
Signage: CPR/resuscitation sign near the pool (format/placement set by your state).
Maintenance: keep barriers, hinges and latches in good working order; never prop gates open.
Horizontal Slats & Perforated Panels: Gaps or Holes 10mm maximum.

New South Wales (NSW)

NSW applies different editions of AS 1926.1 by construction date (1986, 2007 or 2012). Pools and portable pools capable of holding more than 30 cm require a compliant barrier. Owners must register pools and may need certification by council or an accredited certifier.

Typical measurements used in NSW guidance: 1.2 m minimum fence height; ≤100 mm ground gap; boundary barriers used as part of the pool barrier generally 1.8 m; vertical gaps ≤100 mm; maintain a 900 mm non‑climbable zone.
Gates must swing outwards (away from water), self‑close and self‑latch; latches positioned out of small children’s reach.
All pools capable of holding >30 cm of water (including many portable pools) need a child‑resistant barrier.
Register your pool and arrange inspections where required.
NSW Swimming Pool Register – Information
NSW Government – Owner obligations
NSW Fair Trading – Pool fencing requirements
NSW Swimming Pool Register

Victoria (VIC)

All pools/spas capable of holding >30 cm of water must have a compliant barrier, be registered with council, and undergo inspection with a compliance certificate lodged on a recurring cycle (typically every four years).

Registration of the pool/spa with your local council is mandatory.
Inspection and a barrier compliance certificate are required; lodge the certificate within the set timeframe.
Relocatable/inflatable pools that can hold >30 cm are included.
Barrier standards differ by installation date (older vs newer pools), with VBA checklists to help owners interpret requirements.
VBA – Swimming pools & spas (registration, inspections & compliance)

Queensland (QLD)

Queensland uses the Pool Safety Standard (QDC MP 3.4), which adopts AS 1926.1–2007 with QLD‑specific modifications. Registration and, where required, licensed pool safety inspector checks apply.

Key dimensions: fence height ≥1.2 m; ≤100 mm ground gap; vertical openings ≤100 mm; boundary barriers typically 1.8 m.
Maintain a 900 mm non‑climbable zone on the outside (and keep the inside clear near the gate area).
Gates must self‑close and self‑latch; latches generally ≥1.5 m above finished ground level; gates swing away from the pool.
Display a compliant CPR sign and maintain the barrier in good condition.
QBCC – Pool safety standard

South Australia (SA)

All pools/spas require a continuous safety barrier restricting young children’s access. Councils administer inspections under current practice directions.

Fence height generally ≥1.2 m; ensure no footholds or climbable elements. Boundary barriers used as part of the pool barrier commonly 1.8 m with a 900 mm non‑climbable zone on the pool side.
Gates must swing outward, self‑close from any resting position and self‑latch; latches typically ≥1.5 m high.
New pools are inspected by councils; further inspections may apply depending on local rules.
Older pools may remain under earlier arrangements unless altered—check SA guidance and your council.
SA.GOV.AU – Pool & spa safety

Tasmania (TAS)

Pools/spas that hold 300 mm or more of water need a compliant barrier. Inflatable and relocatable pools are included. Barriers are installed by licensed practitioners and overseen by a building surveyor.

Trigger: water depth ≥300 mm requires a barrier (includes above‑ground, indoor, inflatable, relocatable, wading pools and hot tubs).
Gates must be self‑closing and self‑latching; maintain non‑climbable zones and barrier condition.
Older pools (installed before 1994) may have different expectations; CBOS strongly recommends compliant barriers.
CBOS – Pool safety barriers

Western Australia (WA)

Pools/spas capable of holding more than 30 cm require a safety barrier. A building permit is required to install or alter a pool or barrier. Local governments inspect barriers at set intervals.

Barrier requirement applies to in‑ground, above‑ground, indoor, outdoor, inflatable and portable pools where depth exceeds 30 cm.
Local governments inspect new barriers (typically within 30 days of completion) and at regular intervals (usually every four years).
Pre‑May 2016 pools may comply with earlier barrier rules unless the barrier is altered.
WA Consumer Protection – Pool safety

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Reforms commencing 1 May 2024 phase in updated requirements: by 1 May 2028 all home pools/spas must have a barrier meeting the current standards. Barriers are certified by ACT‑licensed building surveyors.

Pools lawfully constructed under older rules may continue temporarily, but most must upgrade by the transition deadline unless already altered or non‑compliant.
Boundary fences can lose effectiveness over time; separate barriers may be required.
Access Canberra – Swimming pools & spas

Northern Territory (NT)

Pool safety is regulated by the Swimming Pool Safety Act 2004. Standards and certification depend on installation date and property size, with specific rules for properties under and over 1.8 hectares.

Definition: a pool/spa capable of being filled to 30 cm or more is a “swimming pool” (includes in‑ground, above‑ground, inflatable and portable).
Post‑1 Jan 2003 (properties <1.8 ha): must meet the modified Australian standard and hold a current compliance certificate.
Pre‑1 Jan 2003 (properties <1.8 ha): if the property has been sold/leased since 2003, you must hold a compliance certificate or acknowledgement notice and may need to upgrade to the modified Australian standard.
Large properties (≥1.8 ha): owners can choose which standard to meet in some cases; check official guidance.
Free advice inspections available from the Pool Fencing Unit.
NT – Pool fencing rules | Pool Fencing Unit contacts

Useful links

Fence Guru supplies trade‑quality, professional‑grade pool fencing compliant with AS 1926.1–2012, suitable for use in all states and territories of Australia. Australia‑wide, we help customers get the compliant fencing they need—fast, friendly and reliable.

1st Jun 2020 Fence Guru Team