8 Common Pool Fencing Mistakes To Avoid In Bundaberg

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a dip in your backyard pool during the scorching months, but with that enjoyment comes a responsibility—ensuring your pool area is compliant, secure and built to withstand the conditions. In Bundaberg, where the weather can be harsh and regulations strict, making even small pool fencing errors can lead to safety hazards or fines. Whether you're upgrading an existing barrier or planning a new install, understanding these common pitfalls can save you time, money and stress. Let’s explore the biggest mistakes locals make with pool fencing and how to avoid them.

Failing To Meet The Local Regulatory Height & Gap Requirements

In Queensland, the pool fencing regulations aren’t just suggestions—they’re legally enforced for a reason. A common misstep by homeowners is underestimating how detailed these regulations can be.

The key standards that apply in Bundaberg fencing include:

• Fencing must be a minimum of 1200mm in height measured from the finished ground level.
• The gap between the bottom of the fence and the ground must not exceed 100mm.
• Vertical bars must be spaced no more than 100mm apart to prevent children squeezing through.
• Climbable objects must not be within 900mm of the fence on the outside to prevent scaling.



Failure to adhere to these specifications not only risks non-compliance with Queensland’s Pool Safety Standards (MP 3.4), but more importantly, compromises the safety of your household.

Using Your Boundary Fence Without Checking Its Suitability As A Pool Barrier

Many homeowners assume their rear or side boundary fence can double as a pool fence—but that’s not always the case. Without a professional assessment, you could be unknowingly in breach of regulations.



Here’s where things often go wrong:

• Boundary fences often have horizontal rails that can be climbed by children.
• The fence may not meet the minimum height requirement, especially if the ground has shifted or been built up over time.
• Existing fences may have gaps or weak points that make them unsuitable without reinforcement.

Before relying on a boundary fence for your pool area, it's crucial to get expert advice from a Bundaberg fencing professional who understands the local conditions and legal requirements.

Selecting Materials Inappropriate For Bundaberg’s Subtropical Coastal Conditions

Bundaberg’s subtropical climate—with its combination of salt air, humidity, high UV and seasonal storms—puts unique pressure on building materials. Unfortunately, many property owners don’t consider this when selecting fencing materials.

Some of the most common mistakes include:

• Choosing untreated timber, which may warp, rot or split under moisture exposure.
• Installing budget steel that isn't powder-coated or galvanised, leading to premature rust.
• Using low-grade fixings with glass fencing that corrode quickly due to salt air.

Investing in quality materials like aluminium, marine-grade stainless steel or tempered glass with appropriate fixtures ensures your pool fencing in Bundaberg will remain strong and attractive for years.

Attempting DIY Installation & Overlooking Critical Safety Features

DIY is popular for many home projects, but pool fencing in Bundaberg is one area where a lack of expertise can lead to serious problems. An improperly installed fence won’t pass inspection—and more importantly, may not keep children safe.



Typical mistakes DIYers make include:

• Failing to install self-closing, self-latching gates that swing away from the pool.
• Misjudging fence height or leaving excessive gaps under the panels.
• Not anchoring fence posts securely enough, especially in soft or shifting soil.
• Forgetting to arrange for the mandatory safety certificate or inspection.

Using a professional ensures that your fence meets both function and compliance standards.

Neglecting The Required “Non-Climbable Zone” Around The Pool Barrier

Queensland’s pool safety laws mandate a non-climbable zone (NCZ) of 900mm on the outside of the fence. Many homeowners unintentionally void this by landscaping or placing furniture too close to the wall.

Mistakes that undermine the NCZ include:

• Placing pot plants, garden beds or rocks that reduce the effective fence height.
• Allowing tree branches to grow within reach of the pool fence.
• Leaving storage boxes, chairs or play equipment near the boundary.

To stay compliant, always maintain a clear space around the outside of the fence and be mindful of future garden growth or furniture placement to ensure continued compliance.

Ignoring Gate Function & Relying On Faulty Or Tampered Closures

Your pool gate is the most used access point, yet it’s also one of the most overlooked components when it comes to maintenance and compliance.

Common issues that arise with gates include:

• Latches set too low or not aligned correctly, making them easy for kids to open.
• Gates that don’t self-close fully or require force to latch.
• Components rusting, bending or being intentionally disabled for convenience.



A faulty gate puts lives at risk. Regularly test your gate to ensure it closes and latches automatically every time it is opened. If it doesn’t, repairs should be arranged immediately.

Over-Emphasising Aesthetics At The Cost Of Safety And Function

While we all want a beautiful backyard, focusing only on aesthetics can lead to fences that look great but fail to meet safety standards.



Examples of style-over-safety mistakes include:

• Decorative timber or metal fences that create footholds for climbing.
• Frameless glass panels spaced too widely, exceeding the 100mm gap rule.
• Choosing low-profile fences for visual appeal, but failing to meet minimum height requirements.

You can still achieve a stunning design—just ensure it's done in line with the laws and functionality expectations of pool fencing in Bundaberg.

Skipping Regular Maintenance & Inspection Of The Pool Barrier

Even a perfectly installed and compliant fence can become dangerous over time without maintenance. Bundaberg’s weather conditions can cause wear to occur faster than expected, especially in coastal areas.



Some maintenance pitfalls include:

• Allowing rust or corrosion to build up on steel components.
• Not checking for rot or loose panels in timber fencing.
• Forgetting to clean glass panels, which can become stained or develop weakened seals.
• Failing to retighten or replace damaged fixings.

A seasonal maintenance schedule—ideally at the start of summer and again in autumn—can help identify and address problems before they compromise the fence’s safety.

Ready To Fence Your Pool The Right Way?

At Brendan's Landscaping and Fencing, we build fences that aren’t just compliant—but made to last in Bundaberg’s unique climate. Our pool fencing in Bundaberg combines durable materials, expert workmanship and local knowledge of compliance rules. Whether you’re planning a new pool area or need to upgrade an existing fence to meet current regulations, we’re here to help. Contact us to explore our services or book a consultation. Let’s create a safe, stylish and regulation-compliant solution for your pool today.