Home / NSW pool rules / Older pools and different standards

Do older NSW pools use the same fence rules?

Not always. The NSW Government says the applicable version of AS 1926 can depend on when the pool was built: 1986 for many pools before 30 August 2008, the 2007 standard for pools from 1 September 2008 to 30 April 2013, and AS 1926.1-2012 for pools constructed after 1 May 2013.

If the barrier is modified or altered — which can include some house and yard renovations — the current Act, the Swimming Pools Regulation 2018 and AS 1926.1-2012 can apply, and earlier exemptions can cease.

Windows and doors that once formed part of a barrier are called out specifically: the NSW Government says child-resistant doors and windows as part of the pool barrier are no longer allowed for older pools that used that approach.

Common mistakes

• Copying a neighbour’s older fence detail onto a new pool.
• Rebuilding one side and assuming the rest can stay on the old exemption.

Official sources

• NSW Government — owning a pool or spa
• NSW Swimming Pool Register
• Swimming Pools Act 1992 (NSW)

Pool fencing requirements can depend on the pool, property, barrier configuration, construction date and applicable legislation/standards. Information on this website is provided as general guidance and should not replace advice from the relevant NSW authority, council, certifier or qualified professional. For an installation project, our team can assess the site and identify potential fencing and access issues before installation.