It is the responsibility of the homeowners to ensure that areas around the swimming pools are safe. Thus, it is necessary for the pool owners to have a better knowledge about the pool safety guidelines.
Some homeowners may have certain questions regarding the pool safety guidelines. This is a FAQ article that answers your most common queries.
What is a safety pool barrier?
A safety pool barrier is a fence, boundary or a wall designed to form a barrier around a pool. It is used to restrict young children below five years old in getting access to the pool area.
The NSW government has given pool owners specific requirements for the pools. Homeowners with pools must comply with these safety standards to avoid potential injuries. A safety fence can assist in ensuring your kids will not access the pool without adult supervision.
Are all pool owners responsible for installing a safety fence?
All pools must be enclosed by a safety fence that separates the pool from the house. It is the responsibility of the pool owners to make sure that the pools are installed with safety barriers. Homeowners with inflatable pools must also follow the pool fencing requirements.
Furthermore, the homeowners must see to it that the pool barrier undergo proper maintenance. This is to verify that the pool barrier functions as intended and will not cause more trouble.
How to make sure that the safety pool barriers comply with the requirements?
In order to be sure that you comply with the law, homeowners can have their pools inspected by a private certifier. After the inspection, the certifier will issue a certificate of compliance if it complies with the law.
What if pool owners fail to meet the safety pool fence standards?
Property owners who fail to meet all the safety pool fence standards will be issued a non-compliance certificate. The owner will be asked to accomplish all the necessary steps provided within the given time.
How to register a pool?
The Swimming Pools Amendment Act 2012 requires pools to be registered on the NSW Swimming Pool Register. It is very easy to fill up the registration form. You must provide all the necessary information to complete it.
Registering your pools online will not ask for any registration fees. However, if you let your local council do it, they may charge you up to $10.
Pool owners who fail to register their pools online will pay a penalty up to $220.
Who are oblige to get a compliance certificate?
Under the NSW regulations, homeowners who are planning to sell, buy or lease a property with a pool are obliged to obtain a compliance certificate. The certificate of compliance will be attached to the prescribed documents when selling or renting a property with a pool.
For pool owners who will not buy or lease their properties, it is not compulsory to obtain a compliance certificate. However, if you want to acquire one, you can ask your private certifier to do an inspection.
What is the exemption of obtaining a compliance certificate?
Properties with more than two lots and a shared pool are exempted in getting a compliance certificate. These include units in strata complexes and community schemes.
How to get a compliance certificate?
A certificate of compliance will be issued by the local council or a private safety inspector. They will perform necessary inspections to check if you meet all the required safety standards. If needed, your private certifier can also do a repair to your pool barriers to meet all the safety pool standards.
Conclusion
For more details about your swimming pool safety needs, you can go to the NSW information page. You can also call a reliable safety inspection company if you have further questions. They can assist you regarding your safety pool inspection and repair.