Pool fence maintenance: a year-round guide

Good pool fence maintenance starts with a short walk around your barrier. Check the fence height and gaps. Test the gate from every position. Look over the hinges, latch and fixings. Clear the climbable zone. Then check your windows, doors and CPR sign. Do it every season, and after every big storm, and your pool stays compliant all year.

Rob spent 20 years designing and building pool fences before he became a QBCC licensed pool safety inspector. He knows where a fence wears first: the moving parts, the fixings and the ground it stands on.

How often should I check my pool fence?

Check your pool fence at the start of each season and after any storm or heavy rain. A quick walk once a month keeps you ahead of wear. Pools still need a compliant barrier when no one is swimming. Winter is a quiet time to fix small faults before summer brings the kids and visitors back.

What should I check on the fence itself?

• The fence is at least 1200mm high from the finished ground outside it. That ground must be permanent and stable.
• The gap under the fence is no more than 100mm. Rain can wash soil away and widen it.
• Horizontal rails on the outside of the fence are at least 900mm apart, so they can’t act as a ladder.
• Posts are solid and don’t move when you push them.
• Glass panels and infill panels are secure in their fittings.
• Screws, bolts and fixings are tight, with no rust.

Why does my pool gate stop closing properly?

Gates are the hardest-working part of any pool fence. Every opening wears the hinges and the latch a little. Over time, springs lose tension and the gate drops. Then it stops reaching the latch. Test your gate from fully open, half open and nearly shut. It must close and latch by itself every time, without bouncing.

How do I maintain pool gate hinges and latches?

Clean and lubricate the hinges and latch so they move freely. Tighten any loose screws. If the gate drags or drops, adjust the hinge tension or the alignment. Check that the gate opens away from the pool. A worn hinge or latch is a small, quick fix. Rob can often do it on the day.

Does salt air affect pool fences on the Gold Coast?

Yes. Salt air is hard on metal, and coastal pool fences feel it first. Hinges, springs, latches and screws can corrode faster near the beach. Rinse metal parts with fresh water now and then. Look for rust stains around fixings. Replace any part that has started to rust through, before it stops working.

What about the climbable zone, doors and windows?

• Keep the 900mm non-climbable zone clear of furniture, pot plants, toys and branches. Here are some non-climbable plants for your pool area.
• A door from the house must not open straight into the pool area.
• Windows that open into the pool area are restricted to open less than 100mm, or security screened.

Is my CPR sign still compliant?

Your CPR sign must be visible from the pool area. It must be current, and it can’t be faded or damaged. Sun and weather take their toll, so check it every season. A new CPR sign from Poolinspec is $35 + GST. Read how to keep your CPR sign compliant.

Is my pool safety certificate still valid?

A pool safety certificate (Form 23) lasts 2 years for a non-shared pool and 1 year for a shared pool. You need a current one to sell or lease. Your barrier must stay compliant the whole time. If your certificate has expired, or you are unsure, book an inspection. Want a check first? Book a pool safety consultation.

What if something needs fixing?

Rob does minor repairs himself: latches, hinges, climbable objects and small fence sections. Bigger work is quoted upfront. If a formal inspection finds a fault, you get a Form 26 and a clear report with photos. The re-inspection must happen within 3 months, from $79 + GST. See all pool safety inspection prices.

Book your pool fence check with Rob

Keep your pool fence compliant through every season. Run through our pool safety checklist, then call Rob on 0457 445 197 or book a pool safety certificate inspection. Inspections start from $100 + GST, with same-day certificates on compliant pools.