A pool fence is one of the few home projects where safety rules matter as much as looks. Most Perth pool fencing is either frameless or semi-frameless glass, aluminium tubular (picket) fencing, or aluminium slat fencing designed to be non-climbable. The right choice depends on your view, budget, block and how the fence meets your house and boundary.
Pool barrier rules in WA
In Western Australia, private swimming pools and spas deeper than 300 mm need a compliant safety barrier, and local governments inspect pool barriers at least every four years. The requirements come from the WA Building Regulations and the Australian Standard for pool barriers (AS 1926.1), which cover things like minimum fence height, maximum gaps, non-climbable zones around the fence, and gates that self-close and self-latch.
Rules change and individual sites vary, so confirm the current requirements with your local council and the WA Government’s Building and Energy division before work starts. A good installer will explain how their design meets the standard on your particular site — ask them to.
Choosing a material
- Frameless glass — keeps the view open and looks clean; usually the highest-cost option and needs regular cleaning.
- Semi-frameless glass — glass panels between slim posts; a middle ground on cost and appearance.
- Aluminium tubular — practical, durable and generally the most budget-friendly; available in many powder-coat colours.
- Aluminium slat — a modern screened look; slat spacing and orientation must still meet the non-climbable requirements.
What affects the price
Pool fencing is usually quoted per metre plus fixed items, so two quotes can look very different for the same backyard. Ask each business to itemise:
- Total length of fencing and the number of gates
- Material, glass thickness, and hardware (spigots, posts, hinges and latches)
- The ground it’s fixed to — pavers, concrete, limestone, sand or decking
- Removing an existing fence, and any retaining or levelling
- Access to the backyard, and whether a compliance certificate or council inspection is included
Questions to ask a pool fencer
- How will the design meet AS 1926.1 on my site, including the gate and any boundary fence that forms part of the barrier?
- Is the price fixed or estimated, and what could change it?
- Who arranges the council inspection, and what happens if it doesn’t pass?
- What warranty do you offer on the glass, hardware and installation?
- How long will the pool be without a compliant barrier during the work?
Before you ask for responses
Measure the approximate length of fence needed, note how many gates you want, and take a couple of photos of the pool area and ground surface. That’s enough for businesses to give a realistic indicative range — you don’t need final measurements.
