One sets the threshold at 30 cm, the other at 40 cm; requirements for pool fencing thresholds differ significantly between Australia and New Zealand.
Although Australia and New Zealand are geographically close and share similar regulatory frameworks, there is a 10-centimeter difference in the depth threshold for pool fencing-a distinction that directly determines whether a portable pool requires a surrounding fence.
Australia: The 30 cm Threshold
In New South Wales, any pool capable of holding more than 30 cm of water-including portable pools and container pools-is governed by the *Swimming Pools Act 1992*. These pools must be enclosed by a child-safety fence that complies with the AS 1926 standard. The fence must be at least 1,200 mm high, and there must be no climbable objects within a 1,200 mm radius outside the fence. Additionally, the pool must be registered with the NSW Swimming Pool Register, and a CPR sign must be displayed nearby.
Regulations in Victoria are even stricter: if a movable pool holds more than 30 cm of water and remains in place for more than three days, a permanent safety fence is mandatory, and a building permit must be obtained prior to installation. Queensland explicitly classifies container pools as "structures," subjecting them to the same planning approval requirements as fixed pools.
New Zealand: The 40 cm Threshold
New Zealand applies a uniform national threshold of 400 mm. Under the *Building Act 2004* and Building Code Clause F9, any residential pool-whether permanent, temporary, portable, or a spa pool-capable of holding more than 400 mm of water must be secured by a compliant physical barrier. Fencing requirements mandate a minimum height of 1,200 mm and a maximum gap of 100 mm between fence components.
A key difference is that in New Zealand, a building consent is required even if the homeowner installs the fence themselves. Auckland Council offers a fast-track approval process with a fixed fee for such portable above-ground pools, provided they are placed on a level platform and do not involve geotechnical or contamination issues. The consequences of non-compliance are clearly stated: fines of up to NZD 20,000 for individuals and up to NZD 60,000 for corporate entities.
Implications for Export and Installation
For container pools shipped to Australia, fencing solutions must be verified against specific state requirements; notably, the 30cm threshold rule in New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria (VIC) means that almost all products require fencing. For products destined for New Zealand, structural connection points for fencing must be incorporated during the design phase, as a building permit is a prerequisite for fence installation rather than something that can be obtained retroactively.
