Amended AS 1926.1 2024 and NCC 2025 boundary barriers changes

AS 1926.1 has undergone a revision in 2024 to address potential ambiguities and recognise modern practices. The key changes include:

• Clearer definitions and diagrams to aid understanding and proper implementation. 
• Detailed guidance on the positioning of objects and plants within non-climbable zones, helping ensure barriers remain effective and are not compromised by external factors. 
• Updated requirements around gate latches and hinges, focusing on long-term reliability and effectiveness to help pool barriers maintain their protective function over time. 

Clearer definitions and diagrams 

Updated figures are now provided specifically for non-climbable zones (NCZs) to reduce interpretation issues.

Boundary barrier clearance 

A change has occurred to Clause 2.3.1 in relation to clearance requirements from barriers for objects or level changes to reduce the height of the barrier (Note: A change to NCC 2025 overrides this provision). 

Non-climbable zones

Special attention is given to the placement of objects or structures near the pool to reduce opportunities for children to climb over barriers. A new section provides clear landscaping guidance for areas adjacent to internal and boundary barriers and the non-climbable zone (NCZ).

Gate components

Revised marking and design requirements for gate latches and hinges to ensure components remain secure and reliable. 

Re-introduced 1400 mm latch-release height minimum to reduce gate latch reach-risk. 

Gate hardware reliability  

Mandatory markings and identification required to indicate the supplier for latches and hinges. There is also higher-cycle durability testing to strengthen reliability and operational integrity. 

Exemption pathway for combined structures forming a barrier

There is an exemption pathway where combined structures form a barrier, provided certain requirements are met for general barrier conformance. The barrier must: 

• present as a single barrier 
• conform to a maximum ledge depth for any ledge occurring in the barrier 
• not be within an NCZ 
• have a minimum height above any ledge.  

Compliant alternative for windows used as barriers to indoor pools

Where a window is used as a barrier, the new clause in the standard has options for partial or full barrier treatment for openable parts of windows. 

Glass barriers and testing

A new Appendix G introduces alternative test methods for glass panels. These complement existing durability and strength tests. 

NCC 2025 override of Clause 2.3.1 of AS 1926.1

The change to Clause 2.3.1 of AS 1926.1:2024 that exempts boundary barriers from the 500 mm clearance requirement for objects or level changes that would reduce the effective height of the boundary barriers (see Figure 1) has been overridden by NCC 2025.

NCC Volume 1 G1D2(1)(a) for Class 2, 3 and Class 4 parts of buildings and NCC Volume 2 H7D2(1)(a) for Class 1 and 10 buildings states: 

“Performance Requirement… is satisfied for a swimming pool with a depth of water more than 300 mm… if it has safety barriers in accordance with– 
(a) AS 1926.1, except ‘This clause shall not apply to boundary barriers’ in Clause 2.3.1 is replaced with ‘This clause shall apply to boundary barriers.”

This requires that boundary barriers are subject to the 500mm clearance of objects etc. and not reduce the effective height of the barrier.

When do the changes take effect?

NCC 2025 is available for adoption by states and territories from 1 May 2026. The timeline for adoption of NCC 2025 is determined by the states and territories, and some states may maintain variations to the NCC or swimming pool Acts. Visit our NCC 2025 hub for the latest updates as they become available.