When you have little ones, the backyard should be the one place you can let them run without a second thought. Getting there takes more than just a fence. It takes the right height, the right gaps, secure self-closing gates and a pool barrier that actually does its job. As fencing specialists who work to Australian safety standards every day, we have put together this simple checklist to help you make your yard genuinely safe for kids, from the gate latch right down to the finish on the panels.
Secure, Self-Closing Gates
Gates are where most backyard accidents begin, because a gate left open is an open invitation. Every gate to a pool, and ideally to the yard itself, should be self-closing and self-latching, so it swings shut and locks on its own every single time, no matter how anyone leaves it. The self closing gate latch height matters too: on a pool gate the latch release must sit at least 1.5 metres above the ground, or be shielded, so small hands cannot reach it, and the gate must open away from the pool. Never prop a safety gate open, even for a minute.
Keep Climbable Objects Away From The Fence
A 1.2 metre barrier only works if a toddler cannot climb it, and children are remarkably good at finding a leg-up. Keep a clear non-climbable zone of 900 millimetres around the fence and gate, and move anything that works as a step, outdoor furniture, pot plants, the BBQ, pool pumps, toys and large rocks, well back from the barrier. Watch the horizontal rails too, because a fence with climbable rails on the pool side quickly becomes a ladder. Vertical pickets or smooth sheeting give little climbers nothing to grip.
Your Fence And The Pool Barrier
In Perth, any pool or spa holding more than 300 millimetres of water needs a compliant barrier under Australian Standard AS1926.1. That means a fence at least 1.2 metres high, vertical gaps no wider than 100 millimetres, and a self-closing, self-latching gate, with the barrier restricting access from both the house and neighbouring yards. Local councils inspect pool barriers periodically, so it pays to stay compliant. If your boundary or dividing fence doubles as one side of the pool barrier, that section has to meet the same rules, which is exactly the kind of detail we get right from the start.
Safe Materials And Finishes
The safest fence has no sharp edges, no splinters and no toxic or flaking paint for curious hands and mouths. Smooth, durable materials like powder coated aluminium and Colorbond are ideal, giving a clean face with no footholds and a finish that will not chip away. Keep vertical gaps under 100 millimetres so a small head cannot get stuck, and avoid low horizontal rails that double as a step. Well designed, well finished fencing protects your kids without you having to think about it.
Your Backyard Safety Checklist
Here is a quick run-through to make your yard safe for kids:
- Perimeter and pool fences at least 1.2 metres high
- Vertical gaps no wider than 100 millimetres
- Self-closing, self-latching gates with the latch 1.5 metres up
- A clear 900 millimetre non-climbable zone around every barrier
- Furniture, pots and anything climbable moved back from the fence
- Smooth, splinter-free materials with no sharp edges or flaking paint
- Pool barrier compliant with AS1926.1, restricting access from the house
Tick all of these and your backyard is genuinely child-safe.
Our Recent Fencing Work In Perth
A safe backyard starts with a compliant barrier and gates that latch themselves. A recent child-safe project:
Child-Safe Perforated Pool Barrier: We custom-cut a perforated aluminium pool fence to sit flush against a limestone wall with no climbable ledges, a laser-levelled, compliant enclosure designed around keeping small children out.
Secure Perimeter With Self-Latching Gates: A full garrison perimeter with properly hung, self-latching gates closed off every access point, the kind of hardware that keeps a yard secure even when little ones are testing it.
Pet And Child-Safe Enclosure: Multiple matching gates and a gap-controlled slat boundary enclosed this property on every side, giving parents a yard that safely contains both kids and pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
The child safety questions Perth parents ask us most:
How High Should A Child-Safe Fence Be?
At least 1.2 metres for pool and perimeter fences, with vertical gaps no wider than 100 millimetres so a child cannot climb over or squeeze through.
What Height Should A Self-Closing Gate Latch Be?
On a pool gate, the latch release must be at least 1.5 metres above the ground, or shielded, so young children cannot reach it. The gate must also self-close and self-latch.
Do I Need A Pool Fence In WA?
Yes. Any pool or spa in WA holding more than 300 millimetres of water must have a compliant barrier meeting AS1926.1, and councils inspect them periodically.
Give Yourself One Less Thing To Worry About
A safe backyard lets your kids play and lets you breathe. Get the height, the gaps, the gates and the pool barrier right, keep the climbable objects clear, and choose smooth, sturdy materials, and you have turned your yard into a space you can trust. If you want a fence or gate that ticks every box on this checklist and meets Australian safety standards, we would love to help. Get in touch today for expert advice and a free, no-obligation quote, and let us make your backyard a safe place for the whole family.
With years of hands-on experience in the fencing industry, Niels founded FencrGatr with a mission to deliver premium fencing solutions backed by excptional service across Perth.
