Safety First: Why Glass Pool Fencing in Melbourne is the Best Choice
Glass Pool Fencing - helping to keep your loved ones safe
According to the Royal Life Saving Society - Australia, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death in children aged 0-4 years. Alarmingly, the majority of all drowning deaths in this age group occur in backyard swimming pools. In Victoria, there are strict pool fencing regulations in place to help prevent drowning incidents. The regulations outlined by the Victorian Building Authority state that all swimming pools and spas, capable of containing more than 300 mm (30 cm) depth of water need to be surrounded by a safety barrier that is at least 1.2 metres high (boundary fences that make up the pool barrier must be minimum 1.8m high), with gates that are self-closing and self-latching. Installing a high-quality glass pool fence that meets or exceeds the Australian Standards provides peace of mind whilst enhancing the aesthetic of your backyard. Tough Glass Worx are Melbourne’s experts in pool fencing compliance and can work with you to design a glass pool fencing solution to maximise safety, without disrupting the views of your glistening swimming pool.
While installing a compliant pool fence provides some level of protection, it is crucial for homeowners and parents to take additional preventative measures to ensure the safety of their family and visitors. Never leave a pool gate propped open, and ensure the area is clear from any objects that children could use to climb over the pool fence. Royal Life Saving Australia recommends the following safety tips to keep kids safe around water as part of their Keep Watch campaign:
Supervise: Actively supervise children around water
Restrict: Restrict children’s access to water
Teach: Teach children water safety skills
Respond: Learn how to respond in the case of an emergency
For more information about Royal Life Saving’s Keep Watch campaign, visit www.royallifesaving.com.au
Are Glass Pool Fences safe?
Glass pool fencing requires the use of toughened safety glass, which is much stronger than regular glass and is actually extremely hard to break. Toughened glass is a popular material for pool fencing in Melbourne due to its many safety benefits. Unlike other materials, toughened glass is not susceptible to rotting, warping, or rusting over time. Its durability and strength also make it resistant to breakage, which means that it is unlikely to shatter or break under force, ensuring that the pool area remains safe and secure at all times. Additionally, if in the very unlikely event the glass does break, it is designed to break up into small, pebble-like pieces, rather than shards.
All our pool fences in Melbourne can be customised to allow for various height requirements or cut outs ensuring we design the best solution for your unique space. Victorian pool fencing regulations state that all safety barriers must have self-closing and self-latching gates to prevent the gate from being left open accidentally. As an integral safety element of any glass pool fence, we proudly offer what we believe are the best quality pool gate hinges available in Australia. The hinges we offer our clients are constructed from Superior 2205 duplex stainless steel, exceed the Australian Standards, are non-climbable and are designed for longevity.
All toughened glass pool fencing installed by Tough Glass Worx is guaranteed to meet the Australian Standards for Swimming Pool Barriers (AS1926.1 – 2012 & AS1926.2 – 2012) and Safety Glazing Materials (AS2208-1996), providing homeowners with peace of mind knowing that their pool area is secure and complies with safety regulations.
Should you consider DIY glass pool fencing installation or hire a professional?
While some homeowners might consider attempting a DIY pool fencing installation, this can be risky and may result in safety requirements not being met, potentially putting children and pets at risk. Glass pool fencing installation requires specialised tools and knowledge, and without these, you may be faced with lots of frustration and an inferior pool fence. Additionally, DIY installation may not comply with the Australian Standards or the Victorian pool fencing regulations, which could potentially result in legal issues, fines and liability.
Engaging a professional business like Tough Glass Worx to install your glass pool fence in Melbourne, ensures the pool fencing is installed correctly and complies with safety requirements and the Australian Standards. Our experts will assess the area and design a pool fence that is the correct height and with the appropriate spacing between the glass panels. We will also provide you with the best quality gate hardware, ensuring the glass pool gate is self-closing and self-latching, and that all hinges and latches are correctly installed. Additionally, we guarantee the glass pool fencing is installed securely, with the appropriate supports and fixings, to ensure that it is not at risk of falling or being dislodged.
Is Glass Pool Fencing worth it?
Glass pool fencing is a popular choice among Melbourne homeowners due to its elegant appearance and unobstructed view of the pool area. The cost of glass pool fencing is dependent on several factors. Factors may include any level changes, the size of the pool fence and the number of pool gates used. Each job is unique, and following a site visit, we will happily work with you to design a cost-effective pool fence for your space.
When compared to other pool fencing options such as wood or metal, glass pool fencing can be more expensive upfront. However, glass pool fencing typically requires less maintenance and is more durable, which can result in long-term cost savings. Additionally, the unobstructed view of the pool area can increase the value of a property, making glass pool fencing a worthwhile investment for homeowners who are looking to increase the value of their home.
While the initial cost of glass pool fencing may be higher than other options, its safety features, durability and low maintenance requirements make it a cost-effective choice in the long run. Furthermore, the aesthetic appeal and increased property value that comes with glass pool fencing, making it a wise investment for homeowners who are looking to create a luxurious pool area.
If you’re interested in finding out more about the cost of glass pool fencing, get in touch with us today to discuss your needs.
Final thoughts on whether glass pool fences are a safe option
Glass pool fencing provides numerous safety benefits for pool or spa owners and their families. The sturdy, toughened safety glass used in pool fencing is extremely difficult to break, ensuring your new pool fence stands the test of time. Glass pool fencing also has no footholds or handholds, making it difficult for children to climb over and enter the pool area unsupervised. And when you choose Tough Glass Worx to install your pool fencing in Melbourne, you are guaranteed to get the best-quality gate hardware and materials, ensuring your pool gates are self-closing and self-latching. Overall, glass pool fencing is an effective safety measure for homeowners looking to secure their pool area while maintaining an elegant and modern appearance.