Temporary Pool Fencing Requirements During Construction

What This Requirement Covers

Temporary pool fencing during construction refers to the short-term barriers and safety measures installed around excavations, forming pools, or newly installed pools while building work is underway and before a final, permanent compliant pool barrier is in place. The requirement exists to protect young children and other site visitors from access to water hazards and incomplete pool structures, reducing drowning risk and meeting the objectives of the National Construction Code (NCC) relating to safeguarding young children from drowning (see NCC Volume One, Part G1). It applies to builders, site supervisors, developers, certifiers, and homeowners responsible for construction sites where a pool, spa or excavated water-holding structure is present or being formed.

Temporary fencing is not a substitute for the permanent barrier required by pool safety laws, but it must provide an effective, continuous means of restricting access to the hazard during construction. The temporary barrier should meet the same substantive safety principles as permanent barriers - continuity, sufficient strength and rigidity, restricted accessibility to young children, and self-closing and latching where gates are provided - and where applicable be consistent with the technical provisions in NCC Volume One and Volume Two and referenced Australian Standards such as AS 1926.1 and AS 1926.2.

Key Requirements

1. Applicability threshold - Requirements apply where the pool or excavation contains more than 300 mm of water, consistent with the NCC definitions and G1 application (see NCC Volume One, Part G1 and related state adaptations). Exact legislative triggers may also come from state pool safety Acts and Regulations (for example, Swimming Pools Act and Swimming Pools Regulation in NSW).
2. Continuity and extent - The barrier must be continuous for the full extent of the hazard and restrict access to the immediate pool surrounds, as required by NCC Volume One, G1P2 / G1D2 and relevant state variations (for example NSW G1P2/G1D2 and VIC G1P2/G1D2 references in NCC Volume One).
3. Strength and rigidity - Temporary fencing must be of a strength and rigidity to withstand the foreseeable impact of people. While the NCC does not give an exact kPa value for temporary fencing, it requires barriers to be constructed to resist foreseeable impacts - use robust fencing systems (chainmesh with bracing, hoarding with structural supports). Where structural design is needed, follow relevant Australian Standards for temporary fencing and site hoardings (use principles in AS 4687 for temporary fencing and AS 1657 for access/guarding where relevant).
4. Gate operation - Any gates or doors in the temporary barrier must be fitted with latching devices not readily operated by young children, and be constructed to automatically close and latch where practicable (NCC Volume One G1P2, NSW H7P1).
5. Height and openings - For permanent pool barriers, AS 1926.1 requires a minimum barrier height of 1200 mm measured on the outside (or as otherwise specified). For temporary barriers the expectation is to emulate these protective dimensions where feasible-install temporary barriers at least 1200 mm high and minimise climbable features and openings larger than 100 mm where they would allow passage of a small child. Cite: AS 1926.1 and NCC Volume One/G1D2 where permanent barrier dimensions are stated; use these as a practical benchmark for temporary fencing.
6. Fence spacing and climbability - Permanently, AS 1926.1 limits gaps, climbable footholds and horizontal rails. Temporarily avoid horizontal rails or footholds that could assist a child to climb - where chainmesh is used, ensure mesh aperture is small enough to prevent footholds and handholds. Specific permanent limits in AS 1926.1 include restricting openings to prevent passage of a 100 mm diameter sphere in critical locations. Use those values as reference for temporary barriers.
7. Visibility and signage - Provide clear signage indicating the hazard - e.g., “Construction Area - No Access - Pool Excavation” - and ensure the barrier allows sufficient visibility for supervision while preventing access.
8. Drainage and water depth control - During construction keep standing water below 300 mm where practicable, or remove/cover water to avoid triggering full pool-safety barrier obligations. NCC Volume One G1O1(1) notes application where depth is more than 300 mm.
9. Referenced documents - The technical basis for pool barriers and safety systems is found in: NCC Volume One - Part G1 (and state variations: e.g., NSW G1D2, VIC G1D2), NCC Volume Two (where applicable for certain building classes and H7 ancillary provisions), and Australian Standards including AS 1926.1 (Safety barriers for swimming pools - Construction), AS 1926.2 (Location of safety barriers), and AS 1926.3 (water recirculation safety). For temporary fencing and hoardings consider AS 4687 (Temporary fencing and hoardings) and related workplace standards.

Residential vs Commercial

1. Residential (Class 1 and 10) - Temporary fencing expectations for single houses, detached residences and incidental structures generally follow the NCC Volume One G1 provisions and state pool safety laws. For residential sites building contractors and homeowners must ensure temporary barriers cover the full hazard extent, emulate permanent barrier dimensions (minimum 1200 mm where practicable), prevent child-accessible latches, and minimise standing water greater than 300 mm. State legislation (for example NSW Swimming Pools Act/Regulation) imposes additional compliance obligations and inspection/certification for permanent barriers once the pool is completed.
2. Commercial (Class 2 to 9) - Where pools are associated with higher-class buildings, NCC Volume One G1 (and Volume Two or Part H7 where applied) and applicable state schedules specify barrier requirements. For Class 2 and 3 buildings or Class 4 parts, the NCC explicitly requires barriers in accordance with AS 1926.1 and AS 1926.2 (see VIC and NSW variations). Commercial sites typically require more robust temporary solutions, stricter site control, and may need engineered temporary barricades or hoardings to meet the higher risk profile and public access considerations. Also consider workplace safety regulations (Safe Work Australia and state WHS/OHS) for construction sites with public or worker exposure.

Exceptions and Exemptions

1. Water depth below 300 mm - If water in the excavation or structure is kept at or below 300 mm, certain NCC G1 performance provisions for pool barriers may not apply (see NCC Volume One G1O1(1)). However, workplace safety rules and local council requirements may still require a barrier or controls.
2. Above-ground pools - Some above-ground pools and out-of-ground pool walls may not be regarded as effective barriers under certain state provisions. The NCC and state adaptations (for example NSW G1D2) note out-of-ground walls and above-ground pools including inflatable pools are often not considered effective barriers; nonetheless, temporary fencing is still strongly recommended on construction sites to prevent accidental access.
3. Alternative compliance - Where a temporary barrier cannot practically meet AS 1926.1 dimensions, a risk-managed alternative is acceptable if it demonstrably prevents child access and is approved by an appropriate authority or certifier. This should be documented with evidence that the alternative provides equivalent protection.
4. Local authority exemptions - Councils or certifiers may grant specific temporary exemptions for tightly time-limited scenarios, but these should be obtained in writing and accompanied by alternative safety measures such as active supervision, water removal, or restricted site access.

State and Territory Variations

1. NCC Volume One includes state schedules and specific inserts. Several states have explicit restatements or additions:
2. New South Wales - NCC inserts NSW G1P2 / NSW G1D2 and Volume Two NSW H7D2 that reference the Swimming Pools Act 1992 and Swimming Pools Regulation 2018; barriers must comply with AS 1926.1 and AS 1926.2 for pools deeper than 300 mm. NSW treats out-of-ground walls and above-ground pool walls as not effective barriers in some contexts (see NSW G1D2).
3. Victoria - VIC G1P2 and VIC G1D2 in NCC Volume One require barriers in accordance with AS 1926.1 and AS 1926.2 for relevant associated buildings and children's services.
4. Other jurisdictions - All states and territories adopt the NCC but have schedules (Schedules 4-12 of NCC Volume One) that may modify or add requirements. Builders must check the relevant state schedule in NCC Volume One and their state pool safety legislation for any additional requirements, registration, inspection, or certification processes.

Practical Compliance Tips

1. Install a temporary barrier at least 1200 mm high where possible and avoid horizontal rails or features that could be used as footholds; use the permanent AS 1926.1 dimensions as a pragmatic benchmark.
2. Keep standing water below 300 mm during construction where feasible to avoid triggering full pool barrier obligations and the immediate drowning hazard. Pump out or cover excavations overnight.
3. Use self-closing, child-resistant latches on any temporary gates and ensure gates close and latch automatically - test them daily during site operations.
4. Document any alternative measures (photos, risk assessments, certifier approval) if a temporary barrier cannot meet AS 1926.1 in every respect - written evidence helps with compliance queries.
5. Coordinate with local council and certifier early to confirm state-specific obligations (registration, inspections, transitional requirements) and get approvals for any non-standard temporary solution.
6. Ensure robustness and bracing - brace chainmesh or hoarding to resist foreseeable impacts from site traffic and visitors; check fixings and supports daily, especially after wind or heavy activity.
7. Keep site access controlled and signed - restrict entry to the pool area with fencing around the entire hazard, display clear signage, and maintain safe egress routes for workers.

Cited references: NCC 2022 Volume One - Part G1 (G1O1, G1P2, G1D2), NCC 2022 Volume Two - H7 (state inserts such as NSW H7P1 / H7D2), and Australian Standards AS 1926.1, AS 1926.2, AS 1926.3, and guidance from temporary fencing standards such as AS 4687 where applicable. Note: check the relevant state schedule in NCC Volume One for jurisdictional amendments and the state pool-safety legislation (for example NSW Swimming Pools Act 1992 and Swimming Pools Regulation 2018) for additional requirements.