A properly fenced pool is about more than just meeting regulations – it could save your child’s life. During a hot Aussie summer’s afternoon, swimming pools bring joy and relief, but they require a mindful approach to safety if young children are present.
In this guide, we’ll summarise what your main considerations should be when constructing a secure pool environment for children. While we handle pool fencing installation, we break down your main tools for managing poolside risk for young ones.
Understanding Pool Safety Risks for Young Children
Pool Accidents in Australia
For Australian children under five, drowning is sadly one of the most common causes of accidental death. According to Royal Lifesaving Australia, 197 drowning deaths occurred between 2014 and 2024, for children aged 0 to 4 years, with 65% of these occurring in a swimming pool or bathtub.
Why Effective Safety Measures Matter
When it comes to pool safety, it’s vital to have multiple layers of protection, such as fencing, door alarms and pool covers. Keeping a watchful eye on children is a powerful preventative measure, but is not enough on its own. Physical barriers like fencing are invaluable when supervisor attention drifts (as it inevitably does).
Fencing As A Primary Tool
A carefully installed pool fence acts as an important line of defence against pool-related accidents. In Australia, standards dictate certain features which offer the greatest protection for youngsters. It’s worth noting that inflatable or temporary pools are not exempt from these requirements. If you’re concerned about meeting Australian pool standards, our article on compliant pool fencing goes into greater detail. If in doubt, contact our team at 0419 444 619.
Baby-proofing: Choosing the Right Pool Fence
Key Features of a Child-safe Pool Fence
The safety of your little ones comes first. The primary step in creating a protective pool area is to ensure your fence stands at a minimum height of 1.2 metres. Equally important, the fence should be sturdy and permanently fixed. Curious little minds should find no grips or steps, so ensure gaps are not larger than 100mm and that there are no footholds that could be used to climb the fence. Check for gaps between the bottom of the fence and the ground as these are commonly overlooked by parents.
Popular Child-safe Pool Fence Materials
When it comes to materials, glass panel fencing is an excellent choice for those who value an unimpeded view fused with security. They require some upkeep to stay clear but are a popular and well-rounded option. In contrast, aluminium fencing is a more budget-friendly choice that is highly durable. When these pool fences are installed professionally, they conform to Australian safety standards.
Self-closing and Self-latching Gates
When considering the gates to the pool area, outward-opening is a must. Ensure they incorporate a self-closing feature. Also, position the latch mechanism at a minimum of 1.5 metres above the ground, putting it out of the reach of small children and adding peace of mind.
Additional Pool Area Baby-proofing Measures
Pool Alarms
Modern pool alarms are designed to alert you instantly via smartphone when they detect any water disturbance, providing an extra layer of security to your existing safety system.
Pool Covers and Nets
To create a physical barrier when the pool is not in use, consider safety covers. Opt for those compliant with Australian standards, as they can support the weight of a child safely.
Non-slip Pool Area Surfaces
Non-slip decking or tiles installed around your pool area help to prevent accidents caused by slipping, tripping, bumping your head and falling into the water. Regular cleaning to prevent algae buildup is essential, maintaining the slip-resistance of the surface.
Removal of Tempting Pool Toys
It’s wise to store pool toys away from the water when not in use since floating toys can easily attract curious toddlers to the pool’s edge.
Chemical Storage
If you keep pool chemicals nearby, it’s recommended to lock them away. While often overlooked, bright bottles can easily attract a curious child’s attention.
Maintenance and Regular Safety Checks
Routine Fence Inspections
Weekly checks:
– Test the gate – does it shut and latch properly each time?
– Look for loose sections, screws or fixings
– Ensure there is no rust or corrosion (metal fences)
– Check gaps have not widened
– Make sure nothing has been left nearby that children can climb on
– Check pool alarm systems are functioning (if applicable).
Once per season, conduct a seasonal check for panel warping due to heat, new climbing opportunities (such as plant growth) or other gradual changes in the space.
FAQs on Baby-proofing Pool Areas
DIY vs Professional Installation
Choosing a professional installation ensures that your pool fence not only meets all safety standards but also boosts peace of mind and compliance with regulations, making it a wise investment. It is more cost-effective to have your fence installed correctly the first time than to fail an audit on your DIY fence and have to start from scratch.
What Is The Best Pool Alarm for Young Children?
When selecting a pool alarm, look for systems that offer multiple sensors coupled with smartphone connectivity. These features help shorten the time between the alarm triggering and parents taking action. Additionally, consider options that provide both perimeter and submersion detection capabilities.
Are Inflatable Pool Fences Safe?
While temporary barriers, such as inflatable pool fences, might seem convenient, they fall short of Australian safety standards. Opting for permanent fencing solutions ensures consistent and dependable protection for your little ones.
The Bottom Line
A good pool fence could save your child’s life, but it’s just one part of pool safety. Get your fence installed by a professional, check it regularly and never take your eyes off of children in the water. To make sure your pool barrier complies with all safety guidelines, contact Firm Fencing today.