The short answer
NSW pool laws apply to any pool or spa that can be filled to a depth greater than 30cm, including portable pools. The fence must have:
- A height of at least 1.2m from finished ground level - 1.8m where a boundary fence is part of the barrier.
- No gap bigger than 10cm at the bottom, or between vertical bars.
- A 90cm non-climbable zone kept clear of trees, shrubs, barbeques, pot plants, toys, ladders and chairs.
- A gate that swings outwards, shuts by itself from any open position and self-latches.
Every pool and spa must also be on the NSW Swimming Pool Register, and must display a CPR sign readable from 3m away.
Pool fence cost calculator
Measure the length of fence the pool needs - leave out any wall of the house that forms part of the barrier. Prices are the per-metre bands from our fencing cost guide.
Estimated pool fence cost$6,000 to $16,000
- Fence
- Pool fencing — glass (per m), 20 m
- Price row
- $300 to $800 per metre
Gates are extra: a single gate is $250 to $650 on our fencing cost guide.
The fence in detail
Horizontal climbable bars must be spaced at least 90cm apart. Mesh or perforated barriers must have holes no greater than 13mm for a 1.2m fence. The non-climbable zone also includes the space extending 30cm inside the pool area.
Which standard applies to your pool
NSW applies 3 versions of the pool barrier standard depending on when the pool was built, and pools built after 1 May 2013 must meet AS1926.1 - 2012. If the barrier is modified - including during house and yard renovations - AS1926.1-2012 applies and earlier exemptions end.
Certificates, selling and renting
- Councils and registered swimming pool inspectors can inspect the barrier and issue a certificate of compliance, which is valid for 3 years.
- A sale contract must include a Swimming Pool Register certificate plus an occupation certificate from the last 3 years, a valid certificate of compliance or a certificate of non-compliance.
- If those certificates are missing, the buyer may rescind within 14 days of exchange unless settlement has happened.
- A buyer who takes on a certificate of non-compliance has 90 days from settlement to fix the defects and get a certificate of compliance.
- To rent the property, the landlord or agent must give the tenant a copy of the certificate of compliance or occupation certificate. A certificate of non-compliance cannot be used to rent.
Penalties
Under the Swimming Pools Act 1992, failing to keep the barrier in a good state of repair carries a maximum penalty of 50 penalty units, and failing to register the pool a maximum of 20 penalty units.
Pool fences on a shared boundary
Any extra dividing fence cost for enclosing a pool is met by the owner of the property with the pool. See our dividing fence guide for how the rest of the cost is shared.
What a pool fence costs
Prices from our fencing cost guide:
- Pool fencing — glass (per m): $300 to $800 per metre
- Pool fencing — aluminium (per m): $100 to $350 per metre
- Fence gate — single: $250 to $650
Ask the installer to confirm in writing that the fence, gate and latch will meet your state's standard, and who arranges the inspection or certificate.
Frequently asked questions
How high does a pool fence need to be in NSW?
At least 1.2m from finished ground level, or 1.8m where a boundary fence is part of the pool barrier.
What gap is allowed under a pool fence in NSW?
No more than 10cm from finished ground level, and no more than 10cm between vertical bars.
How long is a pool certificate of compliance valid in NSW?
3 years.
Do I need a pool certificate to sell in NSW?
Yes. The sale contract must include a Swimming Pool Register certificate plus an occupation certificate from the last 3 years, a certificate of compliance or a certificate of non-compliance; without them the buyer may rescind within 14 days of exchange.
Do I need a pool certificate to rent out a property in NSW?
Yes. The tenant must be given a copy of the certificate of compliance or occupation certificate; a certificate of non-compliance cannot be used to rent.
Do portable pools need a fence in NSW?
Yes, if they can be filled deeper than 30cm. They also need a CPR sign.
Compare quotes from local pool fencing installers, and ask each one to confirm the fence will meet the standard that applies to your pool.
Get pool fencing quotes →Sources
This guide summarises the law; it is not legal advice. The rules for your property can turn on its date, its council and any approval it carries - check with your council or the state regulator below. Checked against these pages in October 2026:
- Dividing fences | State Library of New South Wales (sl.nsw.gov.au) · www.sl.nsw.gov.au/find-legal-answers/books-online/neighbours-and-law/dividing-fe
- Owning a pool or spa: your obligations | NSW Government (nsw.gov.au) · www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/building-or-renovating-a-home/pools-and-
- View - NSW legislation (legislation.nsw.gov.au) · legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/current/act-1992-049
Related guides
- Pool fence laws in Australia: the rules by state
- Pool fence laws in Queensland
- Pool fence laws in Victoria
- Pool fence laws in WA
- Pool fence laws in South Australia
- Dividing fence laws: who pays, state by state
- Fencing Cost Per Metre in Australia (2026)
- How much does a swimming pool cost in Australia?
- Fence Calculator: Colorbond, Timber and Pool Fence Cost