Designing Compliant Pool Fences/Barriers in NSW: Balancing Safety and Style
Few design challenges test your creativity and technical knowledge like integrating a compliant pool barrier system into a detailed landscape and pool space. Pool safety regulations are non-negotiable – and rightly so – but often they’re at odds with aesthetic goals.
Over the years, we’ve worked on dozens of pool designs across NSW, from compact urban courtyards to sprawling suburban backyards through to large estates. One common theme? Clients want their pool area to be both safe and stunning.
Striking that balance is absolutely achievable, but it requires forethought, smart design choices, and a good understanding of the regulatory framework.
The following is an insight into what goes into making a pool fence that doesn’t scream “fortress” – but still meets every requirement of NSW’s strict safety laws.
The Regulatory Framework – Design Parameters
Before we even pick up a pencil or open CAD, the rules must be clear. In NSW, the pool fence (or barrier system) must comply with the Swimming Pools Act 1992, the Swimming Pools Regulation 2018, and the Australian Standard AS1926.1–2012. A new update has been released which aims to simplify the standard and set a goal for future compliance, but this has not been enforced as yet.
Some key points that directly impact design include:
The fence must be at least 1.2 metres high from ground level
There must be a non-climbable zone of 900mm on the outside of the fence.
Gaps must not exceed 100mm, whether beneath the fence or between vertical bars.
When a boundary fence is being used as a pool barrier it must be 1.8 metres high. There must be a non-climbable zone of 900mm on the inside of the fence.
Gates must self-close and self-latch, swinging away from the pool.
If the property was built (or pool installed) after 2008, there can be no direct access from the dwelling to the pool area.
So, with these rules in place, how do we create a pool fence that protects lives and elevates the space visually?
Challenge 1: Keeping It Safe Without Killing the View
Glass fencing has become a go-to solution for good reason – it offers unobstructed views, which helps the pool feel like a seamless part of the garden. But even with frameless or semi-frameless glass, there are details to get right.
Anchoring glass panels securely is a top priority, especially when working on uneven terrain or sloped gardens. Frameless systems require heavy-duty spigots, inground channels and exact levelling, which can be visually intrusive if not chosen carefully. We always aim to integrate spigots into paved areas or decking to minimise their visibility.
Another consideration is the acoustic properties– glass is invisible in theory, but it is a solid barrier so noise can bounce around inside the pool area. Sometimes we’ll opt for a more passive detail at one end to allow noise to dissipate.
Challenge 2: Managing the Non-Climbable Zone (NCZ)
The NCZ is probably the trickiest part of any pool fence design. It’s not just about what you install – it’s about what might grow or be moved within that 900mm clearance zone.
Hedges, vines, trees, trellises – all are potential climbing hazards.
To work around this, we often:
Ensure greater offsets for planting to be maintained outside the NCZ, and climbable objects are placed far enough away to avoid creating a foothold.
Opt for non-climbable plantings, low-growing groundcovers or ornamental grasses near the fence line.
Incorporate feature planting within the pool enclosure, where the rules are less strict.
It takes discipline to keep the NCZ clear, especially in a lush garden. Education is key – We always walk clients through what they can and can’t do after handover, so the fence stays compliant long-term.
Challenge 3: Material Compatibility with the Landscape
A stainless-steel or powder-coated aluminium fence might tick all the compliance boxes, but will it suit the character and style of the garden.
Matching fence materials to the landscape’s style is part art, part engineering. We’ll often use:
Dark painted vertical bar fencing for modern style gardens – clean lines, minimal fuss.
Hardwood timber slats where a natural aesthetic is needed and timbers are allowed to silver and soften
Corten or mild steel rods and panels for a bold, industrial feel – this doesn’t suit all gardens and usually will just form a section of the full barrier detail.
Whatever the choice, durability in our harsh Australian climate is non-negotiable. Salt spray, UV exposure, and chlorinated water will test any material over time, so we always go for finishes with proven resilience.
Challenge 4: Integrating the Fence with the Broader Garden Design
A compliant pool fence can sometimes feel like a barrier – in both a literal and visual sense. But with the right design approach, it can feel integrated and intentional.
Some strategies we love:
Layered planting on open fences: Use non-climbable plants within the pool zone to soften the fence line from inside and bleed through battens or bars
Stepping levels: For sloping sites, staggered fencing combined with retaining walls can help avoid huge, monolithic fence runs.
Invisible lines: Use materials that visually blend into the background – for instance, black verticals often “disappear” when viewed against green foliage.
Gate placement: Strategically placing entry points improves flow between entertaining spaces and pool areas without compromising safety.
Every fence line is an opportunity to create structure in the garden. It’s not just a safety requirement – it can be a design feature in its own right.
The Importance of Collaboration
One final thought: collaboration is everything. We always involve the certifier and our pool construction team early in the process. Miscommunication or last-minute compliance checks can derail the whole design if we’re not on the same page. By having a collaborative approach, sign off is an easy box-ticking exercise at handover.
In Conclusion
Designing a compliant pool barrier system in NSW is a balancing act – one that blends regulatory knowledge, creative problem-solving, and attention to detail. But when done well, the result is a pool area that not only keeps kids safe but also adds serious value and beauty to the property.
If you're planning a pool, don’t see the fence as a limitation. See it as a design opportunity. With the right approach, it’s absolutely possible to have safety and style in perfect harmony.
*The above is intended as a guide only. Please always check with an accredited private certifier or professional before installing pool barriers to ensure compliance with the Australian Standards and NCC.
Need help designing your dream pool area? We’d love to help you make it beautiful, functional, and 100% compliant.