7 Essential Tips To Make Your Pool Safer
A swimming pool is a fantastic addition to any home, but safety should always be the top priority. Ensuring your pool area is secure not only helps you comply with local regulations but also protects your family and guests, especially young children. Here are seven practical tips to make your pool safer and reduce the risk of accidents:
1. Ensure Your Fence Meets Height Requirements
The height of your pool fence is critical for preventing unsupervised access. Measure the height of your fence from the ground level to the top of the barrier. It must be at least 1,200mm tall at all points.
Action Step: If garden beds, raised ground levels, or other features reduce the effective height of your fence, lower them to ensure compliance.
2. Adjust and Maintain Your Pool
GateA self-closing and self-latching gate is one of the most important safety features of your pool area.
Action Step:
Adjust the hinges to ensure the gate closes automatically from any position.
Regularly oil the hinges and latch to keep them functioning smoothly.
3. Shield Climbable Objects
Climbable objects near the fence, such as furniture, pot plants, or decorative features, can provide a way for children to scale the barrier.
Action Step:
Attach non-climbable materials (e.g., flat polycarbonate sheeting) to the outside of the fence to prevent climbing.
Secure or remove any moveable objects within 900mm of the outside of the fence and 300mm of the inside.
4. Trim Vegetation and Overhanging Branches
Trees and shrubs near the pool fence can also act as climbing aids.
Action Step:
Trim any vegetation or tree branches within 900mm of the fence.
If branches overhang from a neighbor’s property, discuss the issue with them and request their cooperation in removing or trimming the branches.
5. Secure Windows Near the Pool Area
Windows that open directly into the pool area can pose a safety risk if they allow unsupervised access.
Action Step:
Permanently adjust windows so they cannot open more than 100mm. Note that using a window lock alone does not comply with safety standards.
Alternatively, install permanently fixed security screens on windows to prevent children from accessing the pool area from inside the house.
