Defect type
Critical · 4–5/5
Pool Fence Climbable Zone Breach - Objects or Features Within NCZ
Compliance/pool-safety/standard/pre–1970, 1970–2000, 2000–2015, post–2015/pool fence, glass pool fence, metal pool fence
I measured around the pool barrier and found objects, landscaping, or building features a child could use to scale the fence - inside the 900mm outside arc and/or the 300mm inside zone I check against AS 1926.1. Typical breaches I record include pot plants, pool pumps, retaining walls, trees, pergola posts, and outdoor furniture pushed against the fence line. Extremely common on established properties where landscaping has matured around an originally compliant barrier.
Causes
- Garden landscaping matured or altered after original barrier certification
- Outdoor furniture, BBQ, or storage relocated beside the pool fence
- Retaining wall or raised garden bed constructed within the 900mm arc
- Pool equipment (pump, filter, heater) sited against the barrier
- Tree branches overhanging the fence providing an adult-free climb path
- Adjacent shed, pergola, or carport built with climbable horizontals
Symptoms to look for
- Pot plants, furniture, or decor within 900mm of the outside fence face
- Retaining wall top within the NCZ arc
- Pool equipment within arm's reach of the barrier top rail from outside
- Tree limbs crossing the plane of the pool fence
- Building, shed, or boundary fence with climbable features within 900mm
- Horizontal rails on a boundary fence doubling as the pool barrier within the NCZ
Remedies
- Relocate all movable objects at least 900mm clear of the barrier outside face
- Prune or remove trees and branches within the NCZ arc
- Relocate pool pump and equipment to a compliant plant enclosure
- Rebuild adjacent retaining walls to sit outside the NCZ or raise the barrier
- Replace climbable boundary fencing serving as part of the barrier
- Book a re-inspection once the NCZ is fully cleared
Critical
Get an inspector through this property.
Findings in this category skew high severity. If you are under contract, we can usually book inside the cooling-off window. Every inspection includes 12 months of free advice.
Same category