Garden Taps Near Pool Fences
A garden tap is something most homeowners never think twice about. It’s simply part of the plumbing around the home.
However, when a tap is located close to a pool fence, it can become a climbable object that affects pool safety compliance.
During Pool Safety Inspections, garden taps positioned within the non-climbable zone are regularly identified as compliance issues, particularly where they provide a foothold that could assist a young child in climbing over the barrier.
Why Can a Garden Tap Be a Problem?
Queensland pool safety legislation requires a non-climbable zone (NCZ) around every compliant pool barrier.
This zone is designed to reduce opportunities for children to climb over the fence.
Generally, the non-climbable zone extends:
- 900mm outside the pool fence.
- 300mm inside the pool fence.
A tap, especially one fitted with a handle, hose connector or hose reel, may provide enough support for a child to gain extra height when attempting to climb the fence.
It Is Not Just the Tap
Other plumbing fixtures can also create compliance issues, including:
- Hose reels.
- Irrigation controllers.
- Backflow prevention devices.
- Water meters.
- Exposed pipework.
- Wall-mounted hose brackets.
Each inspection considers whether these fixtures create a practical climbing aid.
A Real Inspection Example
During a recent inspection in Helensvale, a garden tap was positioned within the non-climbable zone beside the pool fence.
Although the tap had been installed many years earlier, its location and design meant it could potentially be used as a foothold.
Rather than relocating the plumbing, a purpose-designed 60-degree tap cover was fitted over the tap.
The cover prevented the tap from being used as a climbing aid while still allowing normal access when required.
Once installed, the pool barrier complied with Queensland pool safety requirements and a Pool Safety Certificate was issued.
Common Mistakes
Some of the most common issues we identify include:
- Garden taps installed beside glass fencing.
- Hose reels mounted directly next to the barrier.
- Permanent hoses wrapped around taps.
- Storage hooks fixed beside the fence.
- Plumbing fixtures installed during renovations without considering pool compliance.
These additions are often made for convenience but can unintentionally affect compliance.
How Can the Problem Be Fixed?
The solution depends on the location and design of the tap.
Possible options include:
- Installing a compliant tap cover.
- Relocating the tap.
- Removing unnecessary fittings.
- Relocating hose reels.
- Modifying nearby fixtures.
A licensed Pool Safety Inspector can advise on the most practical and cost-effective solution.
Preventing Future Problems
If you’re renovating your pool area or landscaping around the fence:
- Consider the location of new taps before installation.
- Avoid mounting hose reels near the barrier.
- Keep plumbing fixtures outside the non-climbable zone where possible.
- Have any proposed changes checked if you’re unsure.
Planning ahead is usually much easier than making alterations later.
From the Inspector
Garden taps are one of those compliance issues that often surprise homeowners.
Most people have never considered that something as ordinary as a tap could affect their Pool Safety Certificate.
Fortunately, these situations are usually straightforward to resolve. In many cases, a compliant tap cover provides an effective solution without needing to relocate the plumbing.
Why Choose Pool Compliance Gold Coast?
Pool Compliance Gold Coast provides professional Pool Safety Inspections for:
- Homeowners
- Property Sellers
- Landlords
- Property Managers
- Real Estate Agencies
- Body Corporate Managers
We proudly service:
- Helensvale
- Hope Island
- Paradise Point
- Runaway Bay
- Biggera Waters
- Parkwood
- Ashmore
- Benowa
- Carrara
- Clear Island Waters
- Robina
- Varsity Lakes
- Broadbeach Waters
- Mermaid Waters
- Burleigh Waters
and all surrounding Gold Coast suburbs.
Our inspections are practical, thorough and designed to help property owners understand exactly what is required to achieve compliance.
Related Articles
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- Outdoor Furniture Near Your Pool Fence
- Boundary Fences Used as Pool Barriers
- Preparing Your Pool for Inspection – A Simple Checklist
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