[*focus*]

I am going anon as I know I am going to get slammed for this.

We decided to get an above ground pool for Christmas mostly to get our children off computers.

We thought we had all the info on pool fences etc.

Bought the pool.

It is now 2 weeks from Christmas. Just realised that (I think) our fencing is not compliant for NSW but would be for some other states. We are in NSW.
DH has arranged to install a gate for $600 which makes it better but still not compliant. They have probably started making it so we probably have to pay regardless now.
To make it compliant we would have to fence the whole pool and spend around $5,000.
We can't afford that.
Relatives have bought pool toys for Christmas.
We have gone over this 1000 times DH is getting very crankythinks I am overreacting and no kid could get into the pool anyway.
I am really uncomfortable with the whole thing. I can't talk to anyone about it.
I don't know what to do.
We had planned to put the pool up this weekend.
Please help and please don't abuse me for not caring about kids drowning because I really do care otherwise I wouldn't worry about it.

[SeaPrincess]

Your local council will be able to tell you the specific requirements. Speak to them or have a look on their website.

[PrincessPeach]

I was just going through the pool fencing laws yesterday with my BIL (he's just bought a new house!) - however I am in Qld, so I don't know if the rules are the same.

In Qld you can apply to have an authorised temporary fence put up for 3 months. Now not sure if that is the same case in NSW, but it might give you the financial breathing space.

Is there also an option for you to buy & erect your own pool fence & then have it inspected?

[*focus*]

It does not and will not comply.

It will cost around $5000 to comply. We looked inot putting the fence in ourselves. It is not at all easy and you don't save that much. Plus not knowing what you are doing can mean that the fence is not safe.

[*focus*]

The thing is, we bought a pool with 1.2m high walls and no toe holes as we thought this was compliant (if we take out the steps). It woudn't be compliant in Queensland but not in NSW. DH isn't concerned as he thinks if it is compliant in Queens;and we shouldn't worry about it.

[Femogan Boop!]

OP, if the side walls are over 1.2 metres (?) it may not require a fence. That's worth looking in to as you may not need to be concerned with the non compliant fence.

How old are your kids?

[JRA]

So it is compliant in the state you are in?

It woudn't be compliant in Queensland but not in NSW. DH isn't concerned as he thinks if it is compliant in Queens;and we shouldn't worry about it.

I am not sure what you are saying?

[*focus*]

OP, if the side walls are over 1.2 metres (?) it may not require a fence. That's worth looking in to as you may not need to be concerned with the non compliant fence.

How old are your kids?

Yes we would not require a fence if we were in Queensland but in NSW the pool is required to be fenced regardless. My kids are old enough to stand in a pool that size. The youngest is 11 so I am not in the slightlest concerned about them. I am more concerned about the little kids next door. There is a fence next door which is over 1.2 meters but it is not compliant because it has toe holds which are 1.1m apart that is 10cm less than they should be and there is a tree next to the fence. The neighbours with the little kids have a non compliant spa, but somehow that doesn't make me feel any better about the whole thing.

[SeaPrincess]

Call your local council. They will know what applies.
Our local council uses satellite imagery to check on pools - they do random checks on a certain number each year as well as identifying new pool installations.

[*focus*]

So it is compliant in the state you are in?



I am not sure what you are saying?

Sorry, it would be compliant in Queensland but we are in NSW. It is not compliant in the state we are in. I am not particualrly concerned about getting fined because I think we would get a warning first. My concern is about the safety of the kids around us.