Swimming pools are considered as an enjoyable and delightful environment by most children. It can improve children’s early intellectual and physical progress. Sadly, swimming pools have also been one of the major causes of tragic deaths in children under 5 years of age.
Swimming pool accidents are a serious matter in the society now. Accidents like drowning are very alarming to the Government and to the pool owners. Hence, it is the an extremely important responsibility of the owners to guarantee the safety of their backyard pools.
Unfortunately, about a third of Sydney homes failed to comply with safety inspections. Therefore, it is necessary to know the common issues that result in failing the pool safety inspection.
What are the common issues that result in failing a pool safety inspection?
Here are the most common issues where pool owners fail to meet during safety inspections:
Gate not self-closing
Improper gate latch height
Internal fixtures from the fencing
Vegetation surrounding that are violating the barrier requirement
Pool cover not stored at a required distance
Improper installation of garden stakes
Resuscitation sign not clearly displayed
Aside from the common issues mentioned above, pool owners are also struggling in fulfilling their certificate of compliance. Thus, homeowners are required to register their pools as soon as possible.
Why is registering the pools important?
It is very important for pool owners to register their pools to ensure the protection of young children. In addition, it is also the duty of the local government to promote safety measures on pools in the community. These safety procedures are all done with appropriate pool inspections and programs.
To promote high standard and safety pools, the NSW Government has issued changes on their Swimming Pool Laws effective 29 April 2016.
What are these changes?
Changes in the NSW swimming pool regulations are now being implemented. Properties that are to be sold or lease with a pool must have one of the following:
1. Relevant Occupation Certificate
2. Certificate of Compliance
3. Certificate of Non-Compliance
These are the revisions in the swimming pool policies:
Pool sellers are now able to transfer the responsibility of obtaining a ‘certificate of compliance’ to the buyer. A ‘certificate of non-compliance’ can now be enclosed to the contract of sale.
The buyer of a property with a non-compliant swimming pool has given 90 days from the date of agreement to address any issues of pool barrier non-compliance and acquire a certificate of compliance.
Properties with more than two (2) dwellings are exempt from the obligation to provide a compliant pool barrier on sale or lease, as they are already ordered through required three (3)-yearly council inspections.
The owner of a property with one or two dwellings must have a certificate of compliance or relevant occupation certificate and a certificate of registration before entering into a lease.
What if they fail to comply?
As indicated, the Local Councils are planning to utilise satellite imagery and development applications. This is to discover property owners that might be violating the safety requirement. By these means, Councils are now ready to spot and catch unregistered pools.
If a swimming pool fails to comply after an inspection, the owner may be given a certificate of non-compliance. The local authority may issue a written notice indicating that requirements have not been met. Fines may also be issued for non-compliance. Enforcement actions may also be taken if the pool remains to fail inspections.
Herewith, pool owners should try to start to comply the safety measures and conditions mentioned above to maximise child’s security.
How to get the certificate of compliance?
With all the information already given, it is advised to contact an expert pool safety inspection certifier. This is to help pool owners acquire the appropriate certificate needed as well as assist them throughout the process.