Installing swimming pool fence is necessary especially if you have children or elderly people around. Pool barriers provide protection for your kids in the pool area. They can reduce possible incidents from occurring in the swimming pool.
To meet the local government regulation, having compliant pool fencing in place is a must. The pool fence law has actually been modified to prevent young children from accessing to the pool on their own.
Some people are confused about the latest pool compliance regulations NSW. Below are answers to pool owner’s questions about pool fence.
1. When do you need a pool fence?
As a swimming pool owner, you are responsible to unsure the pool safety. A pool fence prevent your children from going swimming without any supervision. It provides you with a feeling of reassurance that your kids are safe around the pool.
NSW State Government amended swimming pool laws in order to minimise incidence of drowning. The updated policy enforces regular checks and maintenance of pool safety barriers such as fencing.
After complying with pool fence requirements, local council or private certifiers can issue you a certificate of compliance.
2. Where to get the compliance certificate for my pool?
To obtain the certificate of compliance, your pool should be carefully inspected. Local council or private certifier can perform inspections and assess whether your pool complies with the pool safety regulation.
After the inspection, if your pool is found to be compliant, your local council or private certifier can issue you the compliance certificate. Mandatory inspections on your swimming pools must be conducted every 3 years
One of the important compliance requirements is placing a CPR sign on your pool area. See below
3. Where do you have to put a pool safety sign?
Swimming pool regulation requires that a pool safety warning sign must be displayed in the vicinity of the swimming pool. It should also be maintained in a clear and good condition. It should also be read from at least 3 meters away.
The sign should have the following statements, “Keep articles, objects and structures at least 900 millimeters clear of the pool fence at all times”, “Pool gates must be kept closed at all times” and “Young children should be supervised when using this swimming pool”.
4. Where can you get pool safety signs?
Safety warning signs or CPR signs are available at St John Ambulance, the Australian Red Cross and The Royal Life Saving Society.
Apart from meeting pool safety requirements, having a clean pool is also necessary. You can maintain your pool by closing it and empty it when not in use.
5. When should the pool be closed?
Keep in mind that closing your pool differs from season. Before closing your pool, you should make sure you understand the proper procedure of maintaining your pool.
You should put the right chemicals such as chlorine, filtrate pH etc. in your pool in order to keep your pool clean and avoid pool weeds from growing.
Furthermore, you can close your pool when the water temperature is below 18.3 degree to avoid algae growth.
Conclusion
There are many possible incidents that may happen in the swimming pool such as pool entrapment and accidental falling. Therefore, installing safety barriers is essential to help minimise pool-related accidents. Pool barriers can also prevent young children from entering your pool especially when they are not accompanied by an adult.