SANS 10400: D 4 South African National Building Regulations

SANS 10400 is the South African National Standard for the National Building Regulations. It sets safety, health and structural requirements for construction, including design, fire protection, plumbing and accessibility, under the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act.

Regulation D4 - swimming pools and swimming baths

This catalogue focuses on the D4 / D5 public-safety rules for swimming pools.

D4 Swimming pools and swimming baths

(i) The owner of any site which contains a swimming pool shall ensure that access to such pool is controlled.

(ii) Any owner who fails to comply with the requirements of sub-regulation (1) shall be guilty of an offence.

D5 The requirements of D4 shall be satisfied where access to a swimming pool complies with Part D of Section 3 of SANS 10400.

Deemed-to-satisfy rules - SANS 10400-D 4.4 Swimming pool and swimming baths

4.4.1 A wall or fence shall be provided by the owner of a site which contains a swimming pool or a swimming bath to ensure that no person can have access to such pool or bath from any street or public space or any adjoining site other than through:

1. a self-closing and self-latching gate with provision for locking in such wall or fence, or
2. a building where such building forms part of such wall or fence.

4.4.2 A wall, fence or barrier shall be provided in any complex or building that is not classified as H4 which contains a swimming pool or swimming bath to ensure that no person can have access to such pool or bath from any street or public place or anywhere within the complex other than through a self-closing and self-latching gate with provision for locking in such wall or fence.

4.4.3 Such wall or fence and any such gate therein shall be not less than 1,2 m high measured from the adjacent level and shall not contain any opening that will permit the passage of a 100 mm diameter ball and shall not provide any form of foothold.

4.4.4 The design of a gate shall be such that, after its installation, it shall not be possible to open the gate towards the swimming pool.

What is SANS 10400?

SANS 10400 provides the deemed-to-satisfy rules for safe, lawful construction in South Africa. It replaced older standards such as SABS 0400-1990.

Parts that often apply to fencing and related work:

1. Structural design (Part B) - structural soundness; load-bearing and foundation requirements.
2. Fire protection (Part T) - fire safety for residential and commercial buildings; escapes, exits and fire-resistant materials.
3. Drainage and plumbing (Part P) - wastewater standards; protection of potable water.
4. Safety and access (Part D and Part M) - barriers, balustrades and guardrails; accessibility for people with disabilities.
5. Energy efficiency (Part XA) - energy-saving requirements, including thermal insulation and solar considerations.

Why compliance matters

• Legal requirement: non-compliance can lead to fines or demolition orders.
• Occupational and public safety: the rules are intended to reduce structural failure, fire and health risks.
• HOA and estate approval: residential estates often require compliance for new work and renovations.
• Property value and insurance: meeting the building regulations can affect resale and insurance.

How to get the standard

This catalogue summarises the D4 pool-access rules. Use Download PDF or View PDF above to read the Value Fencing® guide. The official SANS 10400 parts are published by SABS and should be obtained from SABS if you need the full standard.

How Value Fencing® can help

Value Fencing® supplies HOA-approved PVC fencing, balustrades and screening specified against the SANS 10400 public-safety rules that apply to this work. Typical solutions include:

• PVC balustrades and safety barriers - maintenance-free.
• Secure fencing and screening - privacy with a safety barrier.
• Custom designs for estates and homes.
• Professional installation specified to the South African building regulations that apply.

valuefencing.co.za · Contact us for a consultation and compliance assessment.

Serving South Africa, including Paarl, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is SANS 10400, and why is it important?
SANS 10400 is the South African National Standard that sets out the deemed-to-satisfy rules for the National Building Regulations.

2. Is compliance with SANS 10400 mandatory?
Yes. Buildings must comply with the National Building Regulations; SANS 10400 is the usual route to demonstrate that.

3. Does SANS 10400 cover fencing and balustrades?
Yes. Part D (public safety) and Part M (access to buildings) cover barriers, guardrails and balustrades, including the D4 pool rules above.

4. How can I verify if my building complies?
Consult a registered building inspector or your local authority. Value Fencing® can advise on fencing, gates and balustrades specified to these rules.

5. What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Non-compliance can lead to delays, fines, legal action or forced modifications.

Next step

Do not take risks with pool access and barrier rules. If you need PVC fencing, balustrades or screening specified to SANS 10400, contact Value Fencing®.