Standards Australia Announces Revised Swimming Pool Standard
Across Australia, there are requirements for having swimming pool barriers, designed to enhance safety and prevent accidents. Standards Australia aims to support these efforts through its revised standard, AS 1926.1:2024, Swimming pool safety Part 1: Safety barriers for swimming pools.
GALLERY
AS 1926.1:2024 specifies the design, construction, component and testing requirements intended to restrict children’s access to swimming pools and spas. It has been revised to eliminate ambiguity and offer enhanced clarity and conformity for industry stakeholders and Australian homeowners.
Some of the changes to the standard include:
- Introduction of new definitions
- Clarification and simplification of clauses
- New and improved diagrams
- New section for plants located within an non-climbable zone
- Marking of gate latches and hinges
- Increased cycles and frequency of testing gate components
Several organisations passionate about enhancing safety and compliance were represented on Standards Australia’s technical committee CS-034 – the group that revised the standard. The Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Australia (SPASA) was one of the organisations that contributed to the revision.
SPASA chief executive Lindsay McGrath says the revision is designed to enhance safety while providing clarity: “This new version of AS 1926.1 aims to simplify the complex requirements and integrates modern practices, to foster a safer environment for pool owners while promoting compliance across the industry.”
While the standard is a crucial step in enhancing pool safety, barriers form part of a broader strategy to protect young children from drowning. The standard emphasises the need for the following measures:
- Supervision
- Safety barrier conformance inspections
- Swimming lessons
- First aid
- Public education
Standards Australia chief operating officer Kareen Riley-Takos says that as Australia approaches the summer season, it’s crucial for all pool owners to review and enhance their safety measures.
“Pool barriers play a part in this, but it is also important to enroll your children in swimming lessons, undergo first aid training and stay vigilant when children are near water,” she says.
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