When purchasing a swimming pool fence. there are many guidelines you should consider when making your decision. For further information, contact your local council.

Pool Safety Checklist

• Pools must have suitable barriers to prevent toddlers gaining access.
  
• All gates and fences must comply with Australian Standard 1926.1.
  
• Fences, gates, doors, windows and safety devices should all be in working order. 

• All plants, objects or equipment near the fence or gate (that could be used by a small child to gain access to the pool) must be removed at all times.
  
• The gaps in the fence between the vertical sections must be 100mm wide or smaller.
  
• Your fence must be no greater than 100mm off the ground to ensure a small child cannot crawl underneath the fence.
  
• All horizontal (or near horizontal) fence rails must be no less than 900mm apart.
  
• Self-closing and self-latching fence gates, side gates and doors leading to the water area, should be above a child's reach. All gates must open outward.
  
• All doors, windows and gates leading to the water should be locked when not in use.
  
• Never leave toys in or around the water area to attract young children.
• Remove steps to above-ground pools when not in use.
• An approved resuscitation chart should be prominently displayed within the pool area.