The pool gate latch is one of the most important steps of pool safety. To ensure that your pool gate latch is compliant, you need to have correct installation, including height requirements to best protect your family and pass your next inspection.
The Ultimate Guide To Pool Gate Latch Safety
What Is A Pool Gate Latch?
One of the first stops in pool safety is the barrier around the pool. Out of this barrier, the gate is often the weakest part, this can be due to faulty latches, broken hinges, or low quality materials. This is why it is so essential to check your pool gate and ensure you have the correct gate latch installed. Ensuring the safety of your pool area is a top priority.
Before delving into the specifics of gate latches, consider obtaining a pool safety certificate. This certification is a testament to the compliance of your pool area with the necessary safety standards. It not only guarantees the well-being of your family but also ensures adherence to local regulations.
A swimming pool gate latch is the mechanism that secures a gate and keeps it from opening accidentally. There are a number of different latches you can choose from, however you need to ensure that they meet the pool gate latch regulations in your local area.
Factors to consider when choosing a pool gate fastener
Before you install your pool fencing, there are factors to consider when choosing a pool gate fastener to ensure you are compliant with your local regulations. There are a wide range of pool gate fasteners available on the market, so you need to make sure you choose the right one.
The most important factors to consider when choosing a pool gate fastener are:
- Price: The higher the price tag, often the higher quality material. Don’t settle for a low quality gate latch as they can become unreliable and compromise the safety of your pool area.
- Height of pool gate latch: Measure the width of your gate to ensure your latch will properly fit. The height of pool gate latch will also need to be measured before you install it. Keep reading below for more information on the height of pool gate latch regulations.
- Regulations: Lastly you need to ensure that your new pool gate latch is compliant with local regulations. If your pool gate latch can be opened by shaking your gate or with force, it can fail the inspection and also be extremely unsafe.
What is the proper pool gate latch height
Before installation ensure that you check the regulations for the height of your pool gate latch according to your local state government.
According to QLD standards, your swimming pool gate latch height you will need to ensure the bottom of the latch is at least 1500mm off the ground and 1400mm higher than the top of the bottom horizontal fence run.
You can also check our Pool Inspection Guide for more information and tips on installing your swimming pool fences and more.
How to properly install Pool Gate Latch
There are several types of pool gate latches available on the market, ensure that before you purchase your gate latch it meets all the requirements for a swimming pool. The three main types of pool gate latches are gravity close latches, spring loaded latches, and bolt secured latches. These can all be purchased from your local hardware store or swimming pool supplier store.
According to the Queensland Building and Construction Commission regulations a swimming pool gate must never open towards the pool and must be self closing. Your pool gate must also be able to self latch from any angle. This means that you need to install your gate latch correctly, or it will not be an effective safety barrier to your pool.
To install your gate latch you will first need to fit both the latch and lock combination at a height of no less than 1500mm off the ground. Your gate latch must also be at least 1400mm from the top of the lowest horizontal member. Your pool gate hinges must be at least 900mm apart to prevent climbing, or a 60 degree safety cap must be installed.
When securing the gate latch and lock mechanism, ensure that you follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
Common Pool Gate Latch Problems and Solutions
A common problem with pool gates is latches that don't close properly. This can be due to worn out locks, rusted hinges or loose screws. If your latch isn't closing check to see if there are signs of corrosion, or any screws that have come loose. You may even find you need a new gate latch.
A great way to avoid latches from wearing out is with a little maintenance. You can tighten the mounting screws and grease the mechanisms to ensure your gate is always working. A little WD-40 or oil can help things work smoothly.
You may even find that your pool gate latch is non-compliant. If your pool gate latch doesn't adhere to regulations because it is too old or worn out, you will need to get it replaced before you will pass your inspection.
Another common mistake is an ill fitted gate latch that is the wrong size or has simply been installed incorrectly. Avoid this mistake by measuring your gate fence before you purchase your gate latch and always consult a professional to install your gate latch if you are unsure or don't have the correct tools. An incorrectly installed gate can easily be opened by unsupervised children and fail an inspection.
Additional Safety Tips for Pool Gate Latches
To keep your family safe and ensure that you pass your next pool inspection, there are a few safety tips you should always follow:
- Always ensure that your pool gate latch can’t be forced open by force or shaking it
- Test your gate by letting it close at various angles and forces to ensure it closes securely
- Always ensure that your fence and gate have a minimum gap of 100mm to the ground level
- Latches should never be key locked to open
- Plan a regular maintenance day to inspect your pool hinges, latches and openings for signs of wear and tear
Don’t make the mistake of neglecting your pool gate, with maintenance you can make sure that your equipment lasts for years to come. If you are unsure about your pool gate requirements, always consult a professional. Not only can a fault pool gate latch fail a pool inspection but it can also be a hazard to children and pets. Protecting your pool barrier is always vital to protect your friends and family.
To learn more about booking your Pool Inspection Brisbane or further south towards the Gold Coast, contact us today.
Conclusion
The barrier around your swimming pool is an important protection layer to keeping your family safe and staying compliant. Before you get your pool inspected, you need to ensure that you have all the necessary parts in place from the height of your pool gate latch, to your fences.
Important factors you should consider when choosing your pool gate fastener:
- The price and quality of your gate latch
- The height of your pool gate latch
- Your local regulations and restrictions
Whether you are installing a brand new swimming pool fence, or just replacing your pool gate latch, keep up to date with the latest regulations and also follow directions for installation.
Once your pool gate latch is up to date with compliance levels, you can book in your next pool inspection today. Simply search by your location by entering in your postcode and we can connect you in real time with a professional inspector. Ensure your swimming pool is compliant today.