While a backyard swimming pool offers endless hours of entertainment and relaxation over the summer months, you’re required by law to have it appropriately fenced for safety. Glass pool fencing is an increasingly popular choice due to its elegant appeal and the unobstructed views it provides, but are there any regulations that you need to be aware of? In this article, we’ve taken a closer look at glass fencing regulations as set out by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA).
*Please note that we are specifically discussing regulations for Victoria. Be sure to check the regulations for your state or territory, or contact a registered installer, before proceeding.
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It should be noted that there is an overarching national standard – AS 1926.1-2012 – which covers the safety requirements for pool barriers (including ones made from glass). Key takeaways from this standard include:
• The minimum height for a pool barrier is 1200mm.
• The gap at the bottom of the barrier (between the fence and the ground) cannot exceed 100mm.
• If doubling as a boundary fence, the barrier should meet the minimum height requirement of 1800mm on the poolside.
In addition to the requirements set out under the national standard, the VBA also has some strict regulations that must be met when installing glass barriers around a swimming pool:
• Barriers (including gates) must not be able to be used as a climbing device for young children to access the pool area.
• Any surfaces close to the fence cannot be used as a climbing platform.
• Barriers must be free from sharp edges, sharp projections, entrapping spaces, and similar hazards.
• The ground underneath the barrier must be stable to prevent digging in order to gain access to the pool area – loose sand is unacceptable.
• There must be a 900mm non-climbable zone (NCZ) from the top of the barrier around the outside (excluding boundary fences). This zone must also be free of any climbable objects.
• There must be a 300mm NCZ on the inside of the barrier (excluding boundary fences), and this zone must also be free of any climbable objects.
• There must be a 900mm NCZ at the top of the barrier around the inside, and this zone must be free of any climbable objects.
• The spacing between adjacent vertical members (such as individual glass panels) must not exceed 100mm at any point.
• Glass used in pool fencing must comply with AS 1288, which covers safety glass used in buildings. Glass must be visible, strong, and safe.
• Top and bottom pivot-style hinges on glass gates must not provide footholds or handholds for young children to access the pool area.
Most installers will offer a choice of semi-framed and frameless reinforced safety glass barriers; either is suitable, depending on the look and feel you’re after. All panels feature polished bevel edges to ensure that they are not able to cut the skin. Semi-framed panels are traditionally 10mm thick, whereas frameless panels are 12mm thick to ensure that they provide adequate durability. On the off chance that your fencing was to shatter, it will break into small cube-like pieces (which significantly reduces the risk of injury).
While glass pool fencing offers the perfect blend of safety and modern design, it’s essential that you’re well-informed of the relevant safety standards and regulations to ensure that your backyard is compliant. This is why it’s highly recommended that you seek professional guidance from a glass fencing installer – you can spend more time enjoying the crystal-clear water of your pool and less time worrying about the safety of your family and neighbours.
