Replacing a Fence When There's a Pool Behind It

In this post:

• How to tell if your boundary fence is part of a pool barrier
• Keeping the pool safe while the fence is replaced
• The pool rules your new fence has to meet
• What to tell your neighbour, and who pays

Most people don't think about this until the old fence is coming down. Then it hits them. If this fence is part of the pool barrier, what happens to the pool while there's no fence?

It's a good question. In Queensland, a pool barrier isn't optional, even for a day. A gap in the fence is a gap a child can get through.

Is your boundary fence part of the pool barrier?

It is if it forms one side of the area around your pool, or your neighbour's pool. Plenty of backyard pools use the boundary fence as one or two sides.

If that's you, replacing the fence isn't just a fencing job. It's pool barrier work too.

Keeping the pool safe during the job

The usual answer is a temporary pool fence while the old fence is out and the new one goes in.

Under QBCC rules, you can use a temporary fence for up to three months, as long as it's been inspected and approved by a building certifier or pool safety inspector.

We plan the job so the old fence and the new fence are swapped over as quickly as possible. The pool is never left open.

The new fence has to comply

If the new fence is part of a pool barrier, it has to meet the pool safety standard. A few of the key rules:

• At least 1,200 mm high, measured from the finished ground level.
• No more than 100 mm gap under the bottom.
• A child can't climb it from the neighbour's side.

A standard 1.8 m Colorbond fence often works well here. But the rails and the non-climbable zone need checking.

Telling your neighbour

If the fence is shared and it's part of a pool barrier, there's a specific notice. It's a Form 39. You give it to your neighbour at least 14 days before work starts, or at least a month if they have a pool too.

Where the work is only needed to make a pool fence comply, the pool owner usually pays the full cost, not a 50/50 split.

How we help

When we quote a fence near a pool, we ask about it straight away. We'll plan the temporary fencing, keep the changeover tight, and build the new fence to suit the pool safety rules.

We always suggest getting a pool safety inspector to check the finished barrier. It's peace of mind, and it's often needed if you're selling or leasing.

If you're not sure whether your fence is part of a pool barrier, ask us at the quote. We'll look at it with you.

Common questions

Can I leave the pool unfenced for one day while the fence is replaced?

No. The pool barrier must stay in place. A temporary pool fence approved by a certifier or pool safety inspector is the usual answer.

Can a Colorbond fence be a pool fence?

Often, yes, if it meets the height, gap and non-climbable rules from the outside.

Who pays when a dividing fence is part of a pool barrier?

Where the work is only needed for pool compliance, the pool owner usually pays the full cost.

Keep reading

• Neighbour or body corporate approval: who sorts it out?
• How do I know the fence is going on the right line?
• How much does a Colorbond fence cost in Brisbane?

Replacing a fence near a pool? Call us on 07 2141 7748, get a price online or let's have a chat.