Inflatable pools are a cheap and easy alternative to beat the heat in the warmer weather, but do you need to fence your inflatable pool?
Although inflatable pools are a fantastic easy solution to cool you and your family down, they can still pose a drowning risk to unsupervised children. Keep your family safe by getting all the facts about whether you need a fence around your inflatable pool from the Pool Barrier Services team.
Do I need a fence for our inflatable pool?
Whether you need to fence your pool depends on the depth of water contained in your pool. If your pool is greater than 30cm (300mm) deep, you are required to erect a fully certified fence.
Under current legislation, all pools with water over the depth of 30cm (300mm) are required to be fenced. The legislation does not differentiate between inbuilt inground pools, above ground pools or inflatable pools.
NOTE: All standards which apply to inground pools are relevant to above ground and inflatable pools.
Are inflatable pools included?
Depending on your type of inflatable pool, you may need a pool fence.
The first test is whether your pool can hold more than 30cm (300mm) of water. If your pool cannot hold this water depth, you do not need to fence your pool.
Secondly, consider the construction of your pool. Inflatable pools such as toddler pools and wading pools require only inflation. They can often be inflated without a pump or compressor and do not require extra poles or filters. Pools without multiple components, such as poles or filters, do not require fencing.
Does the length of my pool matter?
When erecting a pool, including inflating a pool, length or height is irrelevant. The most crucial factor is the depth of water that the pool can hold, not the pool’s length. Even if your pool runs the entire length of your backyard, it is only required to be fenced if it currently holds more than 30cm (300mm) of water.
The laws concerning the size of pools are the same for both inbuilt and inflatable pools. Both inground and inflatable pools only need a fence when they are filled with more than 30cm (300mm) of water.
Pool depth matters
If your pool is incapable of holding more than 30cm (300mm) of water, you do not need to fence your pool.
If your pool can hold more and you choose not to fill to 30cm, you still do not need a fence.
When the pool is filled deeper than the maximum 30cm (300m), you will need to erect a secure pool fence. This can be temporary or fixed. There are a range of temporary fencing options available and your friendly team at Pool Barrier Services can keep you up to date on everything you need to know.
If you choose to erect a temporary fence, remember: the fence will need to be reinstalled each time the pool is filled with water.
If you are unsure about your pool’s depth, you can check with a tape measure or standard ruler. If your pool is deeper than the maximum 30cm (300mm), it is important you take immediate steps to ensure your pool is fenced and that fence is compliant.
Scenario
You have finally invested in a paddle pool for your children, choosing a rectangular three-ring inflatable pool. It measures just over 3m long and 60cm tall. After spending time inflating it, you are ready to fill the pool and choose to fill it to capacity. After filling, you measure approximately 50cm of water. Do you need to fence your pool?
This is a tricky scenario. On the one hand, all pools containing water deeper than 30cm need to be fenced. On the other hand, pools that only require inflation do not need to be fenced. In scenarios like this, it is better to be safe than sorry and erect a fence. This can be a temporary fence to be removed when the pool is deflated.
If you are unsure about the definition of a multi-component pool, check with your Local Council. Some Councils may consider a pool with more than one inflatable section multi-component.
My pool is only temporary, do I still need a fence?
Many families choose to have an inflatable pool for the summer, then pack it away for the winter months. Temporary pools follow the same rules as inbuilt pools, and – as previously mentioned – it fully depends on depth, not the permanency of the structure.
Even if your pool is only filled for a short period of time, you are still required to have a fully certified fence if the pool contains water deeper than 30cm (300mm).
Temporary fencing options are available, and you can speak to the team at Pool Barrier Services about your options. You can choose to erect a temporary fence while your pool is erect and filled with water, then remove the fence when the pool is disassembled.
Remember, if you choose to have a temporary pool, it still needs to be registered with your local council. Your pool will be registered as a temporary pool, so it will need to be registered each time it is installed. Due to this, you will also be required to have your pool fence certified for registration each time it is installed.
Even if your pool is registered as temporary you will still require the barrier to be inspected and certified every 12 months.
Mesh fencing is easily installed and removed, becoming a popular option for temporary pools. These panels consist of a metal frame and a mesh interior, which can be stored easily in cooler months when the pool is not erect.
If you are unsure about whether you should fence your pool, it is best to speak with an expert. The Pool Barrier Services friendly team are available to answer all your questions, advise you on how to best keep your family safe around your pool, and organise a pre-compliance inspection.