The short answer: in Western Australia a pool fence must be at least 1200mm high, measured on the outside from the finished ground. Gaps under the fence and between uprights can be no more than 100mm, the 900mm zone outside the fence must stay clear of anything climbable, and the gate latch release must be at least 1500mm above the ground.
| Rule | The number |
|---|---|
| Fence height (outside, from finished ground) | 1200mm minimum |
| Gap under the fence or gate | 100mm maximum |
| Gap between uprights | 100mm maximum |
| Clear zone outside the fence | 900mm, nothing climbable |
| Gate latch release (outside) | 1500mm minimum |
| Boundary fence used as the barrier (poolside) | 1800mm minimum |
| Which pools and spas | Anything that can hold more than 300mm of water |
Where people get caught
- Raised ground. A garden bed, new paving or a retaining wall built up against the fence can drop it below 1200mm. The height is checked all along the fence, not once at the gate.
- Things near the fence. Bins, pot plants, BBQs, pool pumps and air-conditioning units inside the 900mm zone make a compliant fence non-compliant.
- The gate. It must swing away from the pool and close and latch by itself every time. Propped-open gates and tired hinges are the most common failures.
Our panels and gates
Our Frameless Glass and Flat Top panels and gates are 1200mm high, and our self-closing hinges and top-pull latches are made for pool gates. Our glass pool gate guide explains the options.
Who checks it
Your local council inspects pool barriers at least once every four years, and the council inspector has the final say. If you are unsure about your site, ask your council before you build.
The full rules
This is the short version. Our WA pool fence rules guide explains every rule in plain English, with the official Building and Energy booklet "Rules for Pools and Spas" (December 2025) to read or download.
Pick your fence, enter your lengths and the calculator counts every panel, post, spigot, hinge and latch for you. Or send us a top view plan with measurements and we'll work everything out for you.
Common questions
How high does a pool fence need to be in WA?
At least 1200mm, measured on the outside of the fence from the finished ground level.
How high does a pool gate latch need to be in WA?
The latch release must be at least 1500mm above the ground on the outside of the fence, or sit on the poolside with shielding under the second option in the rules.
How high does a boundary fence need to be if it is part of the pool barrier?
At least 1800mm, measured on the poolside, under the option Building and Energy prefers in most cases.