Smart Pool Safety

04/03/2026

🚨 One of the Most Dangerous Pool Setups I See

Something many pool owners don’t realise is that direct access from the house to the pool area can be extremely dangerous if it’s not properly controlled.

What do I mean by direct access?

It’s when a child can simply open a door from the house and walk straight into the pool area without a compliant barrier. Doors need to be bolted shut permanently, or a coral is to be built around it. If you have a screen door infront of the sliding door, you can have the screen door bolted shut permanently and still use the glass sliding door open for ventilation.
in front. See the example in the image.

This is a serious risk because young children are curious and quick.
It only takes seconds for a child to slip outside unnoticed.

In many pool incidents, children didn’t climb fences — they walked straight through an open door.

That’s why pool safety laws require that access to the pool must always be restricted by a compliant barrier or safety system.

Your pool fence and gate are designed to create a controlled entry point to the pool area.

Without that protection, it becomes much easier for children to reach the water.

If you own a pool, it’s worth asking yourself this simple question:

👉 Could a child leave the house and reach the pool area without going through a properly secured pool gate?

If the answer is yes, it’s something that should be addressed as soon as possible.

Pool safety isn’t just about compliance — it’s about protecting the little ones who visit your home.

Stay safe, everyone.

— Thereza

04/03/2026

🚨 Something I See Almost Every Week During Pool Inspections… And It’s So Dangerous.

One of the most common mistakes I see when inspecting pool fences is plant pots placed right next to the fence or gate latch.

It might look nice… but it creates a serious safety risk.

Here’s why 👇

Children are incredibly curious and resourceful.
When a pot, chair, or decorative item is placed next to the pool fence, it can easily become a step for climbing over the fence.

Even worse — when pots are placed near the gate latch, kids can stand on them and reach up to open the gate.

And here’s the scary statistic:

⚠️ Around 80% of children who access pools unsupervised enter through the gate.

That’s why the gate is the most vulnerable access point of any pool barrier.

As pool owners, we must make sure nothing helps a child:
• climb the fence
• reach the latch
• or access the gate

That means keeping pot plants, furniture, eskies, toys, and anything climbable well away from the pool fence and gate area.

Pool safety isn’t just about compliance — it’s about preventing tragedies before they happen.

If you have a pool, take a quick walk outside today and ask yourself:

👉 Could a child use anything near my fence to climb or reach the latch?

If the answer is yes, move it immediately.

Stay safe and protect the little ones. 💙
— Thereza
Smart Pool Safety

21/02/2026

Leaving a pool gate in the open position is a dangerous habit. You may not have children of your own, but guests and family members often do. Relying on a temporary gate hook can fail in seconds if it’s forgotten — and that’s all it takes.

21/02/2026

Vines on pool fences create foot and hand holds - remove all vines from fences and poison them as they will grow back if you do not remove them, root and all.

04/02/2026

☀️ With warmer weather around the corner, now is the perfect time to check:
✔️ Gate latches
✔️ Fence height
✔️ Gaps under fences

A quick check today can prevent bigger issues later.

04/02/2026

🚨 One of the most common pool safety issues we see:
Climbable objects within the 1.2m Non-Climbable Zone.

Things like ornaments, pot plants, bins, chairs, BBQ's, tables and chairs, or even stacked firewood/timber or just stuff, can make a pool non-compliant.

04/02/2026

❌ Myth: “My pool passed last time, so it will pass again.”
✔️ Fact: Even small changes like ground build-up, new plants, or fence wear can affect compliance.

Regular checks save time and stress.

Download my checklist on:

Pool Safety Checklist QLD at a flat fee with free reinspection. Expert inspections to ensure compliance. Book your inspection today!

04/02/2026

“Did You Know?” Post
👉 Did you know a pool gate must self-latch from just 1cm open?
Many pool owners assume it’s fine as long as it closes most of the time — but even small gaps matter for compliance and safety.

💡 Tip: Test your gate from multiple opening distances.

17/11/2025

Metal Bars & Horizontal Rails Can Fail Your Pool Fence”

Many homeowners are surprised when their fence fails because of horizontal bars or middle rails.

Why?
Because horizontal elements within the 900mm NCZ create an easy climbing path for children.

Look out for:
🚫 Fences with mid-rails
🚫 Decorative horizontal panels
🚫 Lattice work
🚫 Gaps where toes can easily grip

If your fence has a middle bar, it may not meet current pool safety standards — especially if it’s under 1.8m on a boundary line.

Need help identifying hazards? I’ve inspected over 6,000 pools and can easily point out what needs fixing.

17/11/2025

Is Your Boundary Fence Really Safe?”

Your boundary fence needs a clear NCZ on the inside of your pool area — and this is where many homeowners unknowingly fall out of compliance.

Hazards to check for:
✔ Patio furniture placed too close
✔ Pool toys piled near the fence
✔ Pumps and filter boxes
✔ Fixed shelves or decorative panels
✔ Raised garden beds

If any of these are within the 900mm NCZ, they must be moved, trimmed, or modified.

A compliant boundary fence protects your family — don’t leave it to chance.

17/11/2025

Barbecues, Ladders & Boxes… Yes, They All Count”

Anything within the Non-Climbable Zone that’s higher than 10mm and able to support a child’s weight is considered a climbable hazard.

These are the most common issues I see during inspections:
🔥 BBQs placed within the 1.2m NCZ of the fence
📦 Storage boxes, pool pumps & filtration equipment
🪜 Ladders temporarily left near the fence
📚 Garden beds built too high

Even everyday items can create a dangerous climbing point.

Tip: If a child can step on it, stand on it, or use it to climb — it shouldn’t be in the NCZ. Make sure you have a clear 1.2m clearance on the outside of your fence and 300mm clearance on the inside of the pool fence.