Spa fencing is important to both comply with regulations, but also prevent drownings. In this guide we dive into how to choose the right fence, common mistakes, regulations you need to follow, and maintenance tips.
Spa Fencing: Do You Need a Fence Around a Spa?
Importance and benefits of spa fencing
Do you need a fence around a spa area? The answer is yes. Installing a fence around your spa is highly important, not just for your liability and privacy, but also to prevent young children or pets from drowning.
Drowning prevention
Fencing your spa can help easily avoid drownings for children. Remember you only need two inches of water to drown in, making it essential that you observe regulations and correctly fence your spa and pool area.
Privacy
Above ground spa fencing can also add to the privacy for your spa area. Don’t worry about nosy neighbours next time you are hopping in the spa. With a range of styles to choose from you can easily add more luxury and privacy to your spa with fencing.
Liability protection
Even if your spa has a lockable cover, you still need to have a regulated fence surrounding the area in order to be compliant. In the unfortunate case of an accident, you will not be covered under insurance if someone injures themselves due to a lack of fence around your spa.
How to choose the right spa fence for your backyard?
If your spa is filled with over 300 mm of water, it falls under the same category as pools in terms of regulations. Therefore, there are some important things to consider.
The spa pool wall must be of minimum 1200mm for above ground spa fencing. This is on the condition that there are no climbable objects or bracing nearby or as part of the fence.
In terms of what style of fence to choose, there are a wide range of pool fences on the market that adhere to regulations. When choosing your spa fencing, you can also consider what styles and colours best suit your outdoor area. Neutral colours such as black, beige, greens, or browns.
Exploring the different types of spa fencing
Before you choose your spa pool fence, you need to decide on what style of fencing best suits you and your needs. There are a few important things to consider such as the climbability of fences, durability, and of course, ensuring that it meets your local regulations.
Glass spa pool fence
A glass spa pool fence is a great choice for your home. Not only is glass spa fencing durable, but it is also versatile and can easily blend into any backyard. Glass spa fencing is also a fantastic option thanks to the extra visibility it allows. With a glass fence you can see who is in your spa pool at all times, plus the smooth surface of the glass makes it extra hard for any children to attempt to climb.
Ensure that your glass spa pool fence adheres to the local regulations in your area. The maximum gap between glass panels must be under 100mm, and must be a minimum of 1200mm high.
Vinyl spa pool fence
A vinyl spa pool fence is a great alternative to the traditional wooden fences but still holds the same aesthetic appeal. This is a great option for homeowners as vinyl fencing comes in a wide variety of colours and styles that adhere to your local regulations.
Vinyl spa fencing isn’t only a great option for style, but it is also easy to clean. All your fence will need is the occasional hose down and they can last for years to come. Your vinyl fence won’t deteriorate over time like other materials and can withstand the wear and tear that comes with a spa pool area.
Mesh spa pool fence
Mesh spa pool fences also have a range of styles and colours available in accordance with safety regulations. Mesh spa fencing is an affordable option for many spa owners as it is lightweight and low maintenance. If you need a safe and cheaper option for your spa pool area, mesh spa fencing is the perfect choice.
Before finalising your spa pool safety, ensure compliance by obtaining a pool safety certificate. This crucial document not only enhances safety but also guarantees adherence to local regulations, providing added assurance for the well-being of spa users.
Spa pool fencing regulations
According to spa fencing regulations QLD a spa pool is exempt from regulations if:
- Can’t be filled more than 300mm
- The volume of spa is less than 2,000L
- And doesn't have a filtration system
For indoor spa pools, you need to ensure that your spa is surrounded by walls of a building or located on a balcony, rooftop, or deck that can only be accessed through a building.
For outdoor spas, they fall under the same category as swimming pools. This means that they must have the correct fencing and child-proof safety features. Spa fencing regulations state that your barrier should be at least 1200mm high, and ensure there are no climbable objects within 900mm of the barrier.
Always ensure that your spa pool complies with the current spa pool fencing regulations to keep you and your guests and family safe.
Pool fencing installation
Spa pool fencing should always be installed by a professional to ensure that regulations are maintained. To find an installer, you can search for local businesses in your area.
Should you wish to install your spa fencing on your own, ensure that you refer to the Queensland guidelines and regulations prior to installation. Note that different styles of fencing will require different methods of installation. If you need further advice on installation, consult with your fence manufacturer or supplier.
Visit our Free Pool Inspection Checklist to ensure you are familiar with your local regulations.
Common mistakes people make with Spa Fencing
Installing a spa pool fence is an important part of your safety checklist when it comes to your home. Failing to meet your local regulations and requirements with your fencing will result in a fail on your inspection.
Here are some common mistakes that people make with spa fencing to make sure you avoid:
Choosing the wrong material
There is a wide range of materials available on the market in terms of spa pool fencing. However, the wrong choice in material can be an eyesore and costly long-term. Some people make the mistake of choosing a cheaper option for their spa pool fence, only to find that it deteriorates quickly over time. When you pick your spa pool fencing, keep in mind the durability of your materials.
Improper installation
Sometimes things are best left to the professionals. With improper installation, your spa fencing can become unsafe over time. When you search for a fence installer, make sure that they are aware of the local regulations so you can rest assured that your pool fencing is compliant.
Lack of maintenance
With a little maintenance performed regularly your spa pool fencing can last for years to come. Some homeowners make the mistake of neglecting maintenance on their spa fencing and the resulting damage including corrosion, rust, and broken parts can cost hundreds in repair fees and void your compliance if your fence falls to disrepair.
Tips for spa pool fencing maintenance
Homeowners can ensure that their spa pool fencing lasts for years to come and keep their family safe with regular maintenance. Some important tips for your spa fencing maintenance include:
- Homeowners can use a hose or a bucket of mild soapy water to clean away any dirt or build up on your fences.
- Sweep or blow away debris including leaves from your pool area.
- Check for signs of rust and corrosion before your annual pool inspection.
- Ensure that there are no climbable objects within 900mm of your fence.
Conclusion
Before you install your spa pool fencing, familiarise yourself with your local regulations. Not only is this important for your pool safety inspection, but it will also keep your friends and family safe.
Avoid common mistakes and ensure that your spa fencing lasts for years to come by choosing the correct materials and conducting a regular maintenance check. Book your next pool inspection on the Gold Coast, or search for inspectors near you by using our search bar.