Ground Levels Around Pool Fences
Most homeowners assume that if their pool fence is 1.2 metres high, it will always comply.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
During a Pool Safety Inspection, we assess not only the height of the fence but also the ground levels surrounding it. Changes to the landscape can reduce the fence’s effective height and create an access hazard.
Why Ground Levels Matter
Pool fencing must provide an effective barrier to prevent young children from gaining access to the pool.
If the ground outside the fence has been raised, the effective height of the fence may be reduced below the required standard.
Even relatively small changes can affect compliance.
Common Causes
Ground levels commonly change because of:
- New paving.
- Retaining walls.
- Garden edging.
- Raised garden beds.
- Imported soil.
- Mulch build-up.
- Decorative stone.
- Timber decking.
Many of these improvements enhance a property’s appearance but can unintentionally affect pool compliance.
What We Look For
During every Pool Safety Inspection, we assess:
- Changes in ground levels.
- Whether retaining walls create climbing opportunities.
- Raised surfaces adjacent to the barrier.
- Landscaping that reduces the effective fence height.
- Objects that combine with raised ground levels to create access.
Maintaining Compliance
Property owners should regularly inspect the area around their pool fence, particularly after landscaping or renovation work.
If any work changes the surrounding ground level, the pool barrier should also be assessed to ensure it continues to comply.
From the Inspector
Ground level changes are often overlooked because they occur gradually or as part of landscaping projects.
A compliant fence can become non-compliant simply because the surrounding ground has been raised over time.
Professional inspections identify these issues before they become a safety risk.
Related Articles
- Trees and Landscaping Near Pool Fences
- Climbable Objects Around Your Pool Fence
- Boundary Fences Used as Pool Barriers
Contact Pool Compliance Gold Coast
For professional Pool Safety Inspections throughout the Gold Coast, contact Pool Compliance Gold Coast on 0422 966 774 or visit www.poolcompliancegoldcoast.com.au.
