Home / NSW pool rules / Boundary fences and pools

Can a Colorbond boundary fence be used as a pool barrier?

It can form part of a pool barrier only if that fence meets the barrier rules that apply, including the 1.8 m height noted by the NSW Government when a boundary fence is part of the pool fence. A standard dividing fence is not automatically suitable.

Colorbond sheet can be a useful solid barrier, but climbable rails, low height, gates in the boundary, and objects against the fence are common reasons it fails.

An extension can raise height. It still has to be fixed so it does not create footholds, and the rest of the enclosure — including the pool gate back to the house — still has to work.

Neighbours, retaining walls and sloping yards change how the height is measured. That is a site question, not a brochure question.

Common mistakes

• Assuming any 1.8 m Colorbond fence is a pool fence.
• Putting the pool gate in the boundary fence because it is convenient.
• Leaving the neighbour’s side rails, shelves or bins in the climb zone.

Official sources

• NSW Government — owning a pool or spa
• NSW Swimming Pool Register
• Swimming Pools Act 1992 (NSW)

Pool fencing requirements can depend on the pool, property, barrier configuration, construction date and applicable legislation/standards. Information on this website is provided as general guidance and should not replace advice from the relevant NSW authority, council, certifier or qualified professional. For an installation project, our team can assess the site and identify potential fencing and access issues before installation.