Pool Fence Regulations NSW Q&A Series No 6: Answers to "Do" Questions

Swimming Pools Act 2012 was implemented to minimise the risk of unintentional drowning for young children. Following the pool fence regulations NSW helps prevent pool accidents such as pool entrapment, slipping or falling in the pool.

Even if you do not have small kids at home, as a pool owner, you should comply with pool compliance and safety law. You also need to register your pool at NSW pool register. Moreover, a certified pool barrier should be installed.

To guide you and clarify your doubts on the regulation, here are some answers to the most popular questions.

1. Do you need a certifier for pool fence?

Engaging with a pool certifier is not compulsory. However, SPASA NSW recommends that your property must be inspected by an experienced pool fence inspectors such as council officers, building consultants or private certifiers. All swimming pool including inflatable pools also needs to be inspected.

2. Do you need a pool fence for an inflatable pool?

Inflatable pools have the same compliance requirements with indoor pools. Inflatable pools that are 300mm or more in height are required to have a safety barrier around it.

Your safety fence should also be checked by your local council or private inspectors after being registered with NSW Pool Register.

You can consult the local council on fencing requirements and child-resistant barriers for your spa or indoor pools.

3. Do you need pool fence for your spa in NSW?

Pool compliance regulation NSW states that spa pool is not required to install a child-resistant barrier as long as the access to the spa pool is restricted. Spa pools should be covered and secured by lockable child-safe features such as doors, lids or grills.

Whereas for portable spas, spa owners should see to it that all electrical components and pumps meet electrical safety requirements and are properly covered. You can check with mandatory electrical safety approval or a Regulatory Compliance Mark.

4. Do you have to include a pool compliance certificate in contract when selling a property?

Starting from 29 April 2016, property vendors are now required to attach a Certificate of Compliance, or a Certificate of Non-Compliance to the contract of sale.

Both buyers and owners of a property with swimming pool must ensure their pool complies with the latest complaince requirements before purchasing or selling the property. By following these, you can avoid penalties and other safety issues in the future.

5. Do you need to certify pool every 3 years?

You are not required to update your compliance certificate unless you are selling or leasing your property after 29 April 2016. However, multi-occupancy houses need the most recent certificate of compliance.

Conclusion

Obeying pool fencing law can prevent any incidents from happening in your pool. When you install a pool fence, you can be reassured that your family is well-protected from any harm around the pool area.