Maintaining your pool fence is essential for ensuring it stays compliant and functional throughout the year. Here’s a guide on how to properly care for your pool safety barrier.
1. Regular Cleaning
Why It’s Important: Dirt, debris, and algae can build up on your pool fence, especially if it’s located near water or vegetation. This not only affects the appearance but may also damage the fence over time.
How to Do It: Use a soft brush and soapy water to clean the fence every few months. Avoid harsh chemicals that could corrode the material. If you have a metal fence, check for rust spots and treat them with a rust inhibitor.
2. Inspect for Wear and Tear
Why It’s Important: Over time, exposure to the elements can cause wear and tear on your pool fence, potentially compromising its compliance.
How to Do It: Inspect your fence regularly for signs of damage, such as cracks, loose panels, rust, or warping. Ensure that the gate is functioning correctly and self-closes as required. If you notice any issues, address them promptly.
3. Trim Surrounding Vegetation
Why It’s Important: Overgrown vegetation can create climbable points, violating the non-climbable zone (NCZ) requirements around your pool fence.
How to Do It: Regularly trim back trees, bushes, and plants near the fence. Keep the 900mm non-climbable zone clear of any structures or vegetation that could assist a child in climbing over the barrier.
4. Check the Gate Mechanism
Why It’s Important: The pool gate is one of the most critical parts of your barrier. It must self-close and self-latch to meet compliance standards.
How to Do It: Test the gate frequently to ensure it’s working correctly. If the gate doesn’t self-close, adjust the hinges or latches. Lubricate the hinges to keep them in good working condition.
5. Keep Records of Maintenance
Why It’s Important: If your property is being rented or sold, maintaining a record of your fence maintenance can be helpful when obtaining a pool safety certificate.
How to Do It: Keep a log of all repairs, maintenance checks, and compliance inspections to demonstrate your pool’s compliance and safety over time.
Regular maintenance ensures your pool fence remains compliant year-round, keeping your family safe.
