Inflatable swimming pool fencing required?

Lspunkyfondue on 19/10/2019 - 15:58
Last edited 19/10/2019 - 16:35

Update: Facepalm! Forgot to mention I live in NSW

Hi everyone

Hope you are doing great

Since summers are almost here, I would love to put up an inflatable pool in my backyard. Nothing too large. Something like this maybe -
https://www.bigw.com.au/product/intex-swim-centre-family-lou…

Regulations say that a fence is required around this for children's safety. I get that.

But I am renting so I don't want to go to the expense of putting up a fence for an inflatable pool. Can't afford it really.

But when reading through the regulations - I thought I may not need a separate fence. I live in a house and I want to put this up in my backyard, which is surrounded by a 7 ft high wall on all sides. There are two gates leading out to the street, which are locked at all times. There is one entry into the backyard from my home which is a lockable door. So do I still need to put up a fence?

In case this does not work, is it legal to just fill the inflatable pool when you are using it and then drain the water. So no children are at risk. It'll waste water though and I will have to figure out a way to store and use this water + it will limit pool use to only the hottest days, but if that works, I can do it.

More info
No kids, just me and my wife live in the house.
The door leading to the backyard and the gates don't self lock. This could be a problem

Sorry if this been discussed before. I couldn't find a thread related to it, so created one.

Thanks for all the help

Home & Garden

Comments

  • Jenny13 on 19/10/2019 - 16:07

    I checked out regulations in Victoria & found as long as it had 30cm or less of water doesn't need fencing.

    • trex on 19/10/2019 - 16:15
      +2

      30cm water level is based on the pool’s capacity, not actual water level. So if the pool is capable to be filled up to 45cm but filled only to 30cm, it will still need fencing.

      • Jenny13 on 23/10/2019 - 12:41

        I rang & checked & lady I spoke to confirmed no fence req'd as long as 30cm or less water - copied following of website - Current laws
        All swimming pools and spas on residential properties in Victoria with a depth greater than 30cm (300mm) are required to be surrounded by a safety barrier (e.g. a pool fence). There are currently 3 sets of requirements for pool/spa barriers in Victoria - these are based on when your pool or spa was constructed:
        Before 8th April 1991
        Between 8th April 1991 - 30th April 2010, and;
        After 30th April 2010
        Below are some important points to help explain the current requirements for pool barriers. Please note that the information below is not exhaustive and is a guide only.
        Pool Fencing Laws
        If a Victorian residential pool or spa has a depth of 30cm or more (300mm), it is required to be surrounded by safety barrier. This includes inflatable pools.

        So I won't be swimming to far but can cool off without fencing pool

        • trex on 23/10/2019 - 13:36

          You don’t get my point. The 30cm is based on the capability of the pool, not actual water level.

          • Jenny13 on 23/10/2019 - 17:18

            @trex: No I checked with lady and she said definitely it is the depth. You can have a pool 2m deep & only put 30 cm in & doesn't need fencing.
            This is in Victoria

            • trex on 23/10/2019 - 17:31
              +1

              @Jenny13: Unless it is Victoria that’s not in Australia then read this especially the part:-

              Barriers aren’t required for:

              • pools or spas that cannot contain a water depth of more than 300 mm

              So if a pool can contain water depth of more than 300mm, doesn’t matter if it is filled to that level, then it needs a barrier.

          • Jenny13 on 24/10/2019 - 11:59

            @trex: I do get your point but according to lady I spoke to you are wrong!!

            • trex on 24/10/2019 - 12:01
              +1

              @Jenny13: LOL… Do note that what I mention is from the link from Victorian Building Authority so according to that lady, VBA is wrong.

              Or perhaps that the lady could be incorrect in her interpretation?

              edit : further source from Swimming Pool & Spa Association here that notes the same for VIC barrier laws:-

              "Safety barriers are not required for structures not used principally for swimming, paddling or wading, including bird baths, fish ponds, fountains, water supply/storage tanks and dams. They are also not required for swimming pools or spas not capable of containing a depth of water greater than 300mm (30cm)."

              But hey, feel free disregard all this at your own risk. After all if the council comes after you, you can just tell them what the lady said.

  • holdenmg on 19/10/2019 - 16:12
    -1

    What does the party you are Renting from say…

    • spunkyfondue on 19/10/2019 - 17:22

      Haven't asked. Quite sure, they won't pay for fencing

  • Davo1111 on 19/10/2019 - 16:18

    you empty them when they're not in use.

    • try2bhelpful on 19/10/2019 - 16:37

      If you use it everyday you could waste a lot of water.

      • spunkyfondue on 19/10/2019 - 17:22

        Yeah, that's why I will limit usage of I do that and also store that water somewhere

  • try2bhelpful on 19/10/2019 - 16:45
    +1

    https://www.radiestates.com/does-your-portable-wading-pool-n…

    Interesting article and raises the point that if your pool deflates and water damages the property you will be liable. I would guarantee you will need a puncture kit for a blow up pool. Eventually something is going to pierce it.

    • spunkyfondue on 19/10/2019 - 17:23

      I have a large backyard. If the pool deflates, the water will just run into the lawn. And I will keep a tarp below the pool to protect it

      • try2bhelpful on 19/10/2019 - 17:33
        +1

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_M3VLDH9BTU

        I don't think the tarp will be enough to protect it, but I do look forward to the video.

      • brad1-8tsi on 21/10/2019 - 08:57

        I emptied our blowup pool onto our 15mx15m lawn on sandy soil. I had to do it quite slowly to stop it flowing beyond the property.

        I think if the failure was catastrophic and let 50% of the pool out the lawn couldn't suck it up quick enough.

        Maybe you could make some sort of bund?

        edit: We didn't have a pool fence. We did have teenage kids. Our personal risk assessment said that the likelihood of a non-swimmer getting into the yard was low. (Yes, I break the law a fair bit - I'm a bad person).

  • spackbace on 19/10/2019 - 16:46
    +1

    Put it up, but bring it down and put it away when you have an inspection.

    If there's water damage as a result to the property, that's on you to pay for.

    Don't let kids anywhere near it

    Simples

    • spunkyfondue on 19/10/2019 - 17:29

      My landlord is not interested much in inspections, just had one and don't expect one for another year. Will make sure there are no kids around.

  • pjetson on 19/10/2019 - 18:38

    The NSW rules seem to apply whether a pool has water in it or not - the rules say "are capable of being filled with 30cm or more water".

    I believe that means that you will need to have a fence around the pool at any time that the pool is capable of holding water. As soon as you erect it, you'll need to fence it.

    Basically, you're going to need a fence.

  • dizzle on 19/10/2019 - 18:41

    I believe the type of fencing matters as well. They need to not be climbable from the outside. So any horizontal supports need to be on the inside or a certain distance apart. So you will have to inspect the neighbours sides of the fence to make sure there is nothing that can help someone climb over (Sheds, raised decking etc)
    You may also run into some issues with any back door or window lock into the garden.

    • Euphemistic on 21/10/2019 - 12:02

      AFAIK you don’t need to worry about the neighbours side of the fence provided your side meets the standards.

      You do need to ensure that your side has no climbable elements though - including plants.

      • dizzle on 21/10/2019 - 18:12

        OK, I knew that if a pool fence goes up against the boundary, there were rules, so I assumed it went for the other side. Seems as long as the boundary is 1.8m minimum it's ok.

  • Peter Enis on 19/10/2019 - 22:38
    +2

    Go to the local pool on the hot days.

  • buderim11 on 20/10/2019 - 07:56
    +1

    Dont forget the grass under the pool will die , so you may have to re-seed the lawn when you take the pool down.

  • Whisper Quiet on 20/10/2019 - 08:00

    No kids, not permanent and you're renting… Why bother asking about fencing. Unless your neighbours somehow look over and call the council to dob you in about regulations. Don't worry about it and just put it up

  • huggzz2u on 20/10/2019 - 09:32
    +1

    My parents work for a pool company and there has to be a temporary fence while the pool is being built ie no water. Once filled a proper fence is to be built this would be for inflatable Pools too. Plus NSW has water restrictions and to fill your inflatable pool each time would be illegal.

    • 82norm on 20/10/2019 - 15:48
      +1

      How would they know ?

  • windale on 20/10/2019 - 13:34

    Just call it a sea or ocean then you don’t need a fence.

  • HeWhoKnows on 20/10/2019 - 13:49

    No you dont need a fence for a temporary blow-up pool.
    Here today - gone tomorrow

  • backpaqer on 20/10/2019 - 13:50

    Just put a tarp over it so the council doesn't see it with their drones. Or put it in the lounge room. Another way to limit it to the 30cm rule is to clamp the side to limit the depth so that excess water runs out that exceeds the 30cm mark. 1000 litres is not a lot of water. You could get a water tank and just pump water between the two vessels as required. If it's a black water tank it will be a free water heater.

    • Euphemistic on 21/10/2019 - 12:04

      Councils don’t go around with drones looking for illegal pools - but they do use regular aerial photography inspections.

      • Xizor on 25/10/2019 - 09:18

        Yet.

        • Euphemistic on 25/10/2019 - 12:52

          You’d be surprised at the clarity of the current aerial photos they get. Updated every 6-12 months. It wouldn’t take much to develop an algorithm to check for changes either.

          • Xizor on 25/10/2019 - 13:22

            @Euphemistic: More so to do with knowing councils never ending appetite for grossly inflated bureaucracy, control, and coin. Sooner or later they'll want data at better intervals.

            • Euphemistic on 25/10/2019 - 13:59

              @Xizor: Having worked in council I can’t see this as providing value for kinetic like he aerial photos do. Sure, they’ll use drones sporadically, but that would be for specific locations and tasks, rather than ‘just looking’. Maybe if your neighbour complains about illegal development, pop up a drove near the site and have a peek. Weed surveys in specific bush land etc, not just cruising around checking on the neighbourhood. There isn’t enough time or money for that.

              The aerial photos are done by a third party, nearmap is one, and used by many industries. Major metro areas probably get the photos upgrade as much as monthly on occasion.

  • gyrex on 20/10/2019 - 14:25

    "Since summers are almost here" - how many summers per year do you get and where do you live? I'd love to move there!

  • 82norm on 20/10/2019 - 15:50
    +2

    Over thinking it. Just put it up and enjoy it. Unless you have nosy Parker neighbours or there is a real possibility of children accessing it, don’t worry too much.

  • try2bhelpful on 20/10/2019 - 16:06
    -1

    A couple of things.
    a) If the landlord does find out then you are going to be out on your ear and with a black mark when you try and rent again. People talk about "nosey neighbours" but a couple of noisy pool parties and you may well find yourself being reported. If I owned a rental property the first thing I would do is tell my neighbours to come to me as soon as they have any issues with the people renting - they are a very handy resource and it is worthwhile to keep them onside
    b) If the pool does cause damage, and isn't properly setup, then your insurance company might dump you like a hot potato.
    c) You could find yourself prosecuted by the council for having an illegal pool setup.
    d) and this is the big one, if you have friends over and one of their kids manages to drown themselves in your pool you are going to have to live with that for the rest of your life. Not to mention the associated charges.

    My personal opinion if talk to the council and find out what is permissable, then talk to the owner and see what they would allow. The chance of shit happening is, likely, remote but it could be really big shit if it all goes wrong.

  • mattyman on 20/10/2019 - 18:39

    Blow up fences? Hmmmm.

    • try2bhelpful on 21/10/2019 - 11:59

      Reminds of the blow up kid, from the blow up family, with the pin. You let yourself down, and your whole family down.

  • andylch on 20/10/2019 - 20:48

    Councils in NSW always search for illegal/temp pools by using satellite images. Then they will contact you and ask you to register and put up a fence.

    My suggestion is go to the public pool. It is always funnier to swim and play with strangers there.

    • Euphemistic on 21/10/2019 - 12:05
      +1

      Or just make the inside of the pool grass coloured. The aerial photos won’t pick it up then.

      • Xizor on 25/10/2019 - 09:19

        Green tarp over the whole thing. Screw the councils.

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