Non-climbable zones and boundary fences

The non-climbable zone is the area on and around a pool fence where a child shouldn't be able to get a foothold. QBCC describes a continuous 900 mm zone, with climbable items kept at least 900 mm from the outside of the fence and 300 mm from the inside. A licensed inspector decides whether your barrier meets the standard.

The basic rules

Sources: QBCC, non-climbable zones (opens in a new tab) and QBCC, pool fences (opens in a new tab).

What counts as climbable

QBCC lists barbecues, outdoor furniture, pot plants, steps, ledges, stairs, toys, trampolines, air-conditioning units, pipework, umbrellas, deck ledges, window sills and climbable security screens. Move them out of the zone, or fit a shield (such as flat polycarbonate sheeting) or vertical palings where they can't be moved.

Trees, shrubs and garden beds

• Trim branches within 900 mm of the fence. QBCC notes removing the plant may be better, because branches regrow quickly.
• Trim other climbable growth away from the fence on both sides.
• Raised beds within 900 mm can push the effective fence height under 1200 mm. Options are removing them, lowering the ground, or raising the fence.

Horizontal rails and corners

Where fences meet at a corner, both must comply. QBCC's fix for timber rails is to fit a timber wedge to each rail for at least 900 mm from the corner, inside and outside.

Boundary and dividing fences

QBCC says a dividing fence between you and your neighbour may work as a pool barrier if it is:

• at least 1200 mm high,
• non-climbable on the outside, and
• free of accessible climbable items within 300 mm on the inside.

You can't control what a neighbour puts against their side. If the rails or objects are on their side, QBCC's options are to fit a 60 degree wedge to the rails, or, if the fence is at least 1800 mm high, to keep a 900 mm non-climbable zone on the inside measured from the top. Branches overhanging from next door may need to be removed by agreement.

Working with your neighbour

• Talk to your neighbour first. If you can't, give a Form 39 notice at least 14 days before starting (1 month if they also have a pool).
• The pool owner pays the full cost of work needed for the pool fence to comply. If both neighbours have pools needing work, the cost is shared equally.
• You need permission to enter your neighbour's land to do the work.
• Fences over 2 m may need council approval.

QBCC's pages list built or natural walls, including retaining walls, as possible parts of a barrier but don't give specific rules for them, so ask a licensed inspector about a retaining wall in your fence line.

This is a summary of QBCC's guidance, not a ruling on your pool. Every site is different and only a licensed pool safety inspector can decide whether your barrier meets the standard.