Just like swimming pools, spas have a very specific set of safety requirements. Fencing requirements for pools and spas are the same, so let’s take a look at the spa safety requirements to get your spa ready for use.
Depth of your spa
All spas that are filled with more than 30cm of water need to be fenced. If you have a spa in your yard that is empty, you don’t need to erect a fence. When you choose to fill your spa, even for a few months of the year, it is time to install a fence. Even temporary spas require a fence, by law, to ensure that your family is safe at all times.
Spa safety standards
All spa fencing needs to adhere to Australian Standard AS1926-2012.
This means that your spa fence needs to be:
- At least 1.2m tall
- Fitted with a self-closing and self-latching gate
- The latch must stand 1.5m above the ground
- Your spa gate must also swing away from your spa and out of the spa enclosure
Your spa fence must meet the Australian Standards as they have been put in place specifically for Australian spas and pools. If you have an older fence and are unsure whether it meets current spa safety standards, make the right choice and ask us at Pool Barrier Services. We can give you the latest information and help you ensure your spa fence is compliant as well as avoid hefty fines.
Non-climbable spa zone
When installing your fence, take into consideration your surroundings and the non-climbable zone that is required.
- The non-climbable zone is measured 900mm on the outside of the fence and above the fence
- Keep your spa fence clear of climbable objects such as play equipment, pots and trees to make sure your family and friends are safe
Use what you have
If you are planning where to place your spa, make sure you consider what you have in your yard already. Using your boundary fence as part of your spa enclosure fence is great for saving some space in your garden.
Although this is great for saving space, make sure your boundary fence is at least 1.8m tall and in good condition. It will be your responsibility to maintain the boundary fence in the case of damage or disrepair. There is a significant onus on spa owners to keep their spa enclosure safe.
Choosing to have your spa a little closer to the house is great too, but remember it must be fully enclosed. The only entry your spa enclosure can have is an outward swinging gate. Although it might be a fun idea to have direct access to the spa from your house, it makes your spa non-compliant.
Choosing your material
There is a range of materials that you can choose for your spa fence. Options range from traditional powder-coated bars to more modern and sleek glass or mesh. Some spa owners even choose wooden fencing to incorporate a more natural look.
All of these fencing options are safe and comply with fencing standards. It is now up to you to choose the best option. When selecting a fence, remember to consider how easy it is to maintain the fence and how long it will last.
Wooden fences don’t last as long as powder-coated metal; however, powder-coated metal can become brittle in the sun and rust if chipped. Many spa owners are opting for mesh or glass for a more modern and uninterrupted view of their spa.
Spa inspection
To make sure your fence is strong and safe, contact the Pool Barrier Services team and arrange a spa safety Pre-Compliance Consultation. A consultant will come to you, check your spa fence and run through a checklist of safety items with you to ensure your fence is compliant with safety standards. If there are any improvements to be made the consultant will assist with qualified advice.
OUR GUARANTEE: If we conduct a Pre-Compliance Consultation and the owners take our advice on rectification works we will guarantee that if the Swimming Pool and Spa Inspector conducts a Compliance Inspection and it fails we will pay for any revisits required to get the barrier compliant. We also GUARANTEE that if we conduct a Pre-Compliance Consultation on a pool or spa constructed between 1950 and 2010 and the barrier system is fully compliant we will refund the Pre-Compliance Consultation fee.
Once the consultant is satisfied the barrier is ready Pool Barrier Services will recommend an independent Swimming Pool and Spa Barrier Inspector. At the end of a successful spa safety inspection, your inspector will issue you a compliance certificate.
Spa Registration
Once your spa fence is inspected and you have been issued a compliance certificate, it is time to lodge your form 23 Compliance certificate local Council. Be sure to get your registration in within 30 days otherwise it will expire and will require to be reissued again.
Your registration will have to be renewed every four years, which means having your fence re-inspected every time – this is a great way to ensure that your fence is well maintained and in good working order.
Give our friendly team a call today and see how we can help you prepare for your spa safety inspection.