The presence of Non Climbable Zone NCZ5 is a complete change from the older standard and causes pool owners some confusion.
Your Swimming Pool Inspector is required to assess your Pool Enclosure using AS1926.1-2012.
Let’s talk about how pool fencing is assessed after the release of the Swimming Pools Regulations 2018
In the example above, the vertical palings provide a smooth surface within NCZ 5 and because of that this pool enclosure complied. Conversely a fence projections and indentations would likely have defects.
- When your pool enclosure has been assessed under the current AS1926.1-2012, a 900mm Non Climbable Zone NCZ5 exists at the top of your Boundary Fence and is measured out and in a downward arc.
- When there is any object located within this zone, whether it be a part of the fence, or near to the fence, that object needs to be removed or resolved.
NCZ5 relates to Clauses within AS1926.1-2012 – 2.2.1 and 2.2.4.
- Clause 2.2.1 states that it also applies to NCZ 1, 2 & 3 (these are located on or near a pool barrier, rather than a Boundary fence)
- Furthermore, the Clause states that “Within an NCZ, there shall be no handholds or footholds, objects or plants that can facilitate climbing.”
- According to this, there is no leeway here – nothing can be in the zone that can be used to climb down into the pool enclosure from the neighbouring property.
Below are some images of the most common intrusions within NCZ5.
- Vegetation and trees,
- horizontal rails,
- decorative screens and lattice,
- objects such as washing lines,
- light fittings and ornaments,
- trellising and vines,
- structures such as the pool filter enclosure, garden shed or shade structure,
- posts to shade sails and
- intersecting barriers that have a width that exceeds 50mm.
Making Pools Safer, One Inspection at a Time
Book An InspectionOf course, we all love to see vegetation in the garden, however when its growing within a Non Climbable Zone that presents a problem.
For pool owners who want to dispute the scalability of their vegetation within an NCZ, I would refer you to the above clauses. Are you able to justify why the vegetation is not scalable? Remember there is no standardised test. An inspector not only has to justify every non-compliance but also every compliance in order to meet Fair Trading’s requirements. So if you are seeking an exemption that permits vegetation with branches and trunks to remain against the boundary fence, best to engage your local Council Inspector. You may not be aware that they can make discretionary decisions and are not answerable to Fair Trading. That does not mean that your vegetation will be permitted.
Your assessor will likely ask you to remove or resolve these intrusions and this is the reason. The Standard requires a smooth surfaces in this Non Climbable zone.
- Typical fixes are:
- Vertical palings can be used to cover the horizontal rails,
- screens can be removed,
- trees will need to be trimmed back / removed (over 4 metres in height may require Council permission) and
- low structures need to be increased in height or removed.
Book An Inspection
Reach out to our Pool Compliance Inspector at Pool Certify
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date content, it is not intended to replace professional advice. The publisher of this article cannot be held liable for the creation of any new non-compliances. Acting without professional advice could result in a failure to comply. Acting on the general information contained herein may not achieve your desired outcome without prior on site advice.