The short answer

In Western Australia every private pool - including spa and portable pools - with water more than 30cm deep must have a safety barrier:

  • At least 1.2 m high on the non-poolside.
  • No more than 100 mm between vertical members, under the barrier, or under the gate.
  • A 900 mm non-climbable space on the face of the barrier - the first of five non-climbable zones.
  • Gates that swing outwards, self-close from any open position and latch automatically.

Your local government inspects the barrier at least every four years.

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.

Gates and latches

Pool gates must swing outwards, away from the pool area, and must not slide sideways or open inwards. They must self-close from any open position and have a latch that secures the gate automatically. One latch option is a release at least 1500 mm above finished ground level on the non-poolside.

Which standard applies

Barriers must generally comply with AS 1926.1-2012 and AS 1926.2-2007. Pools and spas installed before 1 May 2016 can instead have barriers that comply with AS 1926.1-1993.

Building approval and inspections

All swimming pools and spas need building approval. The builder must submit a BA7 notice of completion to the local government within seven days of completion - failing to can bring a $500 infringement notice or a court penalty of up to $10,000. The local government must inspect a new pool's barrier within 30 days of becoming aware it is finished, and every barrier at least every four years after that.

What a pool fence costs

Prices from our fencing cost guide:

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 WA?

At least 1.2 m on the non-poolside.

What gap is allowed under a pool fence in WA?

No more than 100 mm between the barrier and the stabilised ground beneath, and no more than 100 mm under a gate or between vertical members.

How often are pool fences inspected in WA?

Local governments must inspect pool and spa barriers at least every four years, and a new pool within 30 days of becoming aware it is finished.

Does a pool need building approval in WA?

Yes. All swimming pools and spas need building approval, and the builder must lodge a BA7 notice of completion within seven days of finishing.

Does a portable pool need a fence in WA?

Yes, if the water is more than 30cm deep: the rule covers every private pool, including spa and portable pools.

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:

  1. Swimming pool and spa safety barrier requirements (wa.gov.au) · www.wa.gov.au/organisation/building-and-energy/swimming-pool-and-spa-safety-barr
  2. wa.gov.au (wa.gov.au) · www.wa.gov.au/media/60087/download?inline

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