NSW Pool Fence Regulations Explained (2026)

Which pools do the rules apply to?

The Swimming Pools Act 1992 and Swimming Pools Regulation 2018 apply to any swimming pool or spa capable of holding water to a depth of more than 30 centimetres. That includes above-ground pools, portable pools, inflatable paddling pools, and spa pools - not just in-ground pools.

If you own a property with a residential building and it has a pool of any kind, these rules apply to you.

Which Australian Standard applies to your pool?

NSW uses three different versions of the Australian Standard (AS1926) depending on when your pool was built:

• Built before 30 August 2008: AS 1926-1986
• Built between 1 September 2008 and 30 April 2013: AS 1926.1-2007
• Built on or after 1 May 2013: AS 1926.1-2012

There is one important exception: if your pool barrier has been modified, altered, or rebuilt at any point - even if the pool itself is old - the current AS 1926.1-2012 applies from that point onwards. Any earlier exemptions are lost.

Key fence measurements

Here are the numbers every NSW pool owner should know:

• Minimum fence height: 1.2 metres (measured from the finished ground level outside the fence)
• Boundary fences used as pool barriers: 1.8 metres minimum
• Maximum gap at the bottom of the fence: 10 centimetres
• Maximum gap between vertical bars: 10 centimetres
• Horizontal bars must be spaced at least 90 centimetres apart - closer spacing creates footholds
• Perforated or mesh fencing with holes 13mm or smaller: minimum 1.2m height
• Perforated or mesh fencing with holes larger than 13mm: minimum 1.8m height

The non-climbable zone (NCZ)

Even a fence that meets every height and gap requirement can fail compliance if the non-climbable zone is not clear. The NCZ is an imaginary arc - 900mm in radius - measured from the top of the fence outward and downward on the outside (approach) side.

A further 300mm zone inside the pool area must also be kept clear.

Anything within this arc that a child could use to boost themselves over the fence - pot plants, pool equipment, garden beds, outdoor furniture, toys, overhanging tree branches - must be removed or relocated.

Gate rules

Pool gates are one of the most common failure points in compliance inspections. Your gate must:

• Swing away from the pool (outward) in all positions
• Self-close from any open angle without being pushed
• Self-latch automatically every time it closes
• Never be propped open

Check the gate hinges and latch regularly. Lubricating them with silicone spray twice a year prevents the slow drift that leads to gates that no longer close properly.

CPR signage

Every pool in NSW must display a CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) sign in good condition and readable from 3 metres away. Updated signage came into effect on 1 September 2019. If your pool was built or substantially altered after that date, you need the new-format sign.

Selling or renting a property with a pool

If you are selling, the sale contract must include:

• A certificate of registration from the NSW Swimming Pool Register, plus
• Either a valid certificate of compliance, an occupation certificate issued within the last 3 years, or a certificate of non-compliance

If a certificate of non-compliance is attached, the buyer takes on the obligation to fix the issues and obtain a compliance certificate within 90 days of settlement.

If you are renting, you must provide a valid certificate of compliance to the tenant before the tenancy begins. A non-compliance certificate cannot be used for rental properties.

How compliance is checked

Local councils inspect pools on a mandatory 3-year cycle and are required to investigate complaints. If you would rather not wait for a council inspection, you can hire a registered private certifier (swimming pool inspector) at any time. Both councils and private certifiers can issue certificates of compliance or non-compliance. Find registered certifiers through the NSW Building Commission's public register.