Pool Fencing Inspection

Why do pool fences fail inspection?

Pool inspections are a necessary part of getting your Certificate of Compliance. However, many pool fences often fail inspection due to gate and latch malfunctions, issues with climbable objects, poor physical structure, poor maintenance, and not having the right CPR signage.

If this is you, no worries! Our team at Pool Living can assess your pool fence and guide you on getting your pool certified.

Common reasons for fence failure

1. Pool Gate and latch malfunction

The gate doesn't automatically swing shut from any open position
The latching device doesn’t automatically engage and secure the gate
The release mechanism (if located on the outside) doesn’t meet the minimum height of 1.5 meters
The gate is left open, or can be easily propped open
Hinges are worn, the gate is sticking, or the latch is damaged

2. Climable objects

The gate doesn't automatically swing shut from any open position
There are objects that can be used as footholds to climb over the fence barrier
Objects are not kept at a distance of 900 mm on the outside or 300 mm on the inside of the pool
The design of the fence itself can be used as footholds

3. Barrier dimensions and gaps

The fence barrier does not meet the minimum height of 1.2 metres for a fence or 1.8m for a boundary fence
There is a gap of more than 100 mm between the bottom of the fence and the finished ground level
There is a gap of more than 100 mm between the vertical slats or bars of the barrier

4. Poor maintenance and integrity

There are clear signs of rust, corrosion, and cracks that compromise the strength and integrity of the fence
The boundary fence used does not comply with safety standards

5. Missing or Non-compliant signage

There is no Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) sign displayed in the pool area
The CPR sign is not visible, legible, or up-to-date

Want a seamless pool compliance process? start with Pool Living

At Pool Living, we believe that fencing inspections give you peace of mind, instead of leaving you overwhelmed with a test you pass or fail. We’ll help you get your pool safe and ready for certification with these three fuss-free phrases.

Phase 1: Preparation & booking (setting the stage)

We’ll visit your pool site at a convenient time and send you a simple pre-inspection checklist before that. Your inspector will be a certified professional who specialises in pool safety standards and will be your partner in getting your pools certified.

Phase 2: The on-site safety check (what we look for)

We’ll begin inspecting your pool fence, looking at gate and latch integrity, assessing and measuring non-climbable zones, fence dimensions and structure, and signage. If there’s an issue, you’ll know right away.

Phase 3: Results & compliance (the path forward)

If you pass, we’ll issue your Certificate of Barrier Compliance immediately, which you can lodge with your local council. You’ll get a friendly reminder from our team whenever your next pool inspection is due.

If non-compliance is found, we will provide you with a detailed, clear, and easy-to-read written Direction to Rectify report with photos and video. This report is a simple to-do list, telling you exactly what needs fixing and why it's a safety concern.

I failed my inspection! What’s next?

If you’ve failed your pool inspection or received a Direction to Rectify report, no stress! Most non-compliance issues are easy fixes, and our report is written in a simple-to-understand format, so you’ll know exactly what to do.

We’ll inform you that you typically have up to 60 days to complete the required rectification work before we re-inspect your pool. You can choose to do the minor work yourself or hire a professional for more complex repairs. Our team is here to guide you through this process and connect you with our trusted network of contractors.

Once the repairs are completed, contact us right away so we can re-inspect your pool before the 60-day deadline.