Zig-zag steel boundary fences often fail pool inspections because the bottom rail creates a climbable ledge. Here's why it happens, what the rules say and how to fix it, from an award-winning licensed pool safety inspector.
Zig-zag profile steel fences, such as COLORBOND® steel zig-zag panels, are one of the most common boundary fences in Australia, and many of them form part of a pool barrier. The steel sheet itself is smooth, but underneath it there is usually a bottom rail or a timber plinth. The flat top of that rail forms a horizontal ledge.
Pool barrier rules require a 900mm non-climbable zone that is free of anything a child could use to climb, including horizontal rails and ledges. If the bottom rail sits inside that zone, it counts as a foothold and the fence can fail, even when its height and gaps are fine.
In Queensland, a boundary fence can form part of the pool barrier. Between 1200mm and 1800mm high, the non-climbable zone must be on the outside, on the neighbour's side. At 1800mm or higher, it can be on either side. Read more in our Compliance Guide.
Zedgie™ is an anti-climb wedge shaped to the zig-zag profile. It sits on the bottom rail or timber plinth and gives the ledge a sloped face of more than 60°, removing the foothold. It screws straight to the rail face.
See Zedgie™ →Replacing panels, changing the fence design or raising a boundary fence to 1800mm or higher can also solve the problem, but usually costs more and involves your neighbour.
Not sure the rail is the only issue? A pool safety inspection or a design consult tells you exactly what needs to change before you spend money.
Design consult →Any compliant fix is acceptable, and the barrier is always assessed as a whole. Zedgie™ is one way to remove this particular foothold.
Make sure your fence is zig-zag profile steel with a bottom rail or timber plinth under the sheets.
Viewed from the side that needs to be non-climbable: if the long face of each zig-zag slopes away to the right, choose Right; away to the left, choose Left.
Boundary fencing is shared property, so let your neighbour know before you fit anything.
Sit each wedge on the rail and screw it to the rail face for a neat, flush finish.
The most common reason is the bottom rail, or a timber plinth under the steel sheet. Its flat top forms a horizontal ledge, and if that ledge sits inside the non-climbable zone it counts as a foothold a child could use to climb the fence.
Yes. In Queensland a boundary fence can form part of the pool barrier. Between 1200mm and 1800mm high, the 900mm non-climbable zone must be on the outside, on the neighbour's side. At 1800mm or higher, it can be on either side of the fence.
The foothold needs to be removed or made non-climbable. One option is Zedgie™, an anti-climb wedge that covers the ledge with a sloped face of more than 60° and screws to the rail. Other compliant fixes are also acceptable, and the barrier is always assessed as a whole.
No. Zedgie™ is designed only for zig-zag profile steel boundary fences, such as COLORBOND® steel zig-zag panels. Timber and other fence styles need a different solution.
Boundary fencing is shared property, so talk to your adjoining neighbour before fitting anything to a boundary fence.
No product can guarantee a pass on its own. Zedgie™ removes one common foothold, but the inspector assesses the whole barrier, including gates, heights, gaps and anything else in the non-climbable zone.
Pool barrier rules across Australia are based on AS 1926.1, but each state uses its own edition and rules for boundary fences and inspections. Check your state's requirements or ask a local pool safety inspector.
More on common pool fence problems, Queensland's technical rules and pool safety rules by state.
Zedgie™ is a trade mark of Zedgie Pty Ltd (application pending). COLORBOND® is a registered trade mark of BlueScope Steel Limited. Brisbane Pool Safety and Zedgie Pty Ltd are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by BlueScope Steel Limited; references are for profile compatibility only.
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Book a licensed pool safety inspection with the 2024 SPASA National Gold Winner and 2026 SPASA Queensland Gold Winner, or order Zedgie™ for your zig-zag fence.
