Every privately-owned swimming pool that can hold more than 30 cm of water should be surrounded by a child-proof fence and now must also be fitted with a safety net or a solid safety cover to prevent children from drowning.
How New Pool Fence Regulations in South Africa Affect You
The new regulations for pool fencing in South Africa are designed to enhance safety and prevent drowning accidents. Every privately-owned swimming pool that can hold more than 30 cm of water must be surrounded by a child-proof fence and fitted with a safety net or solid safety cover. Here's how these regulations impact you and what you need to know:
Updated Standards
In December 2018, the SABS 10134 Standard for Safety Around Private Swimming Pools was updated. This standard reflects current safety approaches and was accepted via a public participation process. It provides recommended safety standards for all privately-owned swimming pools. While not law, these standards should be read in conjunction with the National Building Regulations (NBR) or SANS 10400-D regulation.
Legal Requirements
Fencing and Gates
Child-Proof Fencing: Fences must be difficult or impossible for small children to climb over and should be fitted with self-closing, auto-latching gates that are also difficult for toddlers to open.
Owner Responsibility: Pool owners are responsible for enforcing these regulations and can be held liable or criminally charged in the event of a drowning where negligence is proven.
Multi-Layered Protection: Pools must have three layers of protection:
A compliant fence or wall with a self-closing, auto-latching gate.
A certified pool cover or net from a reputable supplier, professionally installed.
Adult supervision and proper access control to the pool area.
Specifications for Pool Fences
Height and Access
Fence Height: The pool fence must be at least 1.2 meters high.
Gate Mechanism: Gates should be self-closing and auto-latching. Ideally, gates should open to the inside, potentially with an additional foot latch for extra security.
Installation
Professional Installation
DIY systems are not recommended as they may not be developed in consultation with an engineer and may not guarantee safety. Ensure a qualified, professional contractor installs your pool fence. The hinges and latches should be guaranteed to self-close and auto-latch for their lifetime.
Types of Pool Fences
Various materials are available for pool fencing, including timber, steel, aluminum, PVC (vinyl), and glass. Each material has its pros and cons, but PVC pool fences and gates, like those from Value Fencing, are highly recommended for their durability and low maintenance.
PVC and Glass Fences
PVC Fences: These are flexible, strong, and conform to SANS principal criteria for swimming pool fences and gates. They are designed to withstand significant forces, as demonstrated in Value Fencing's test videos.
Glass Fences: Ensure the glass is SABS-approved toughened safety glass with solid cast stainless steel hinges and locks to prevent corrosion from exposure to sea or chlorinated water.
Additional Safety Standards
Solid Safety Covers: A fitted safety cover must not allow any object measuring 100 mm in diameter to pass through or under the cover. It must support a weight of 220 kg for larger pools or 125 kg for smaller pools, and water should run off and dry within five minutes. These covers must be professionally installed by an accredited responsible party.
Comprehensive Protection
While a fence is crucial, it is not sufficient on its own. The regulations require a combination of barriers to ensure comprehensive protection:
Access Control: Ensure no child or unauthorized person can access the pool from public spaces, adjoining sites, or within a complex without passing through a secure, self-latching, auto-closing gate.
Construction Compliance: The pool fence and gate must meet the SANS 1390 constructional requirements.
Conclusion
The new pool fence regulations in South Africa aim to improve safety and prevent accidental drownings. By adhering to these standards, you can ensure your pool area is secure and compliant. For professional installation and high-quality PVC pool fencing, contact Value Fencing today. Enhance your pool's safety and enjoy peace of mind with our reliable fencing solutions.
