This informative and valuable article was orginally created on January 2018 and was updated in March 2019
In 2019, many people still got confused regarding the Swimming Pool Compliance Regulation in NSW. Since non-compliant pool fence can result in paying expensive penalties and even worse, accidents and death, it is vital to make sure that you followed all pool compliance regulations.
So in 2019, what can every swimming pool owner do to avoid penalties and provide a safe swimming environment for your family?
To keep you on track, we collected some great articles we created in 2017 and 2018 which are the most important things you need to know to comply with the pool fencing regulations in NSW - Click on the embedded urls below to get more in-depth knowledge.
Things to Consider When Selling or Leasing Properties with Pools
If you are planning to sell or rent a property with a pool, there are some points that you should consider.
Selling or leasing properties with pools have specific rules in NSW. Before doing so, your pool must be registered on the NSW Swimming Pool Register and obtain a valid certificate of compliance.
What to Consider When Buying a House with a Pool
When buying a house with a pool, homeowners are required to have their pools inspected and get a compliance certificate. Likewise, pool owners should register their pools online.
There are some instances where pool owners fail to pass the pool safety inspection because of some problems. To have a hassle-free pool inspection, you must know these common issues.
Common issues that result in a failing pool compliance inspection
To avoid pool fence issues that can result in a failing inspection, you must follow all the pool compliance regulations. You should also ensure your pool is in good condition and properly maintained.
If you still got confused about pool fencing regulations, here are some guidelines that you might have missed.
Crucial Guidelines That Ensure Your Kids’ Safety in Swimming Pool
Kids are the most active persons in the pool. They tend to play and jump around the pool with excitement. Even though swimming pool is a place for enjoyment and relaxation, you should also ensure that the safety of your kids is not overlooked.
There are important guidelines that parents and pool owners should follow. You should supervise your kids at all time and never allow them to play excessively in the pool. Moreover, installing a pool barrier is also important to restrict your kids’ access to the pool.
In NSW, there are relevant rules and regulations regarding pool fencing that you must follow. Click her for more
Answers to the Most Popular Questions on Pool Safety Guidelines
How to register your pool on the Swimming Pool Register?
Fill up the registration form with your important details. Make sure that all the details are true and correct.
Exemptions of getting a compliance certificate
Owners of properties with two lots and a shared pool are exempted from obtaining a pool compliance certificate.
What if you fail to meet the pool fence standards?
The local council or private certifier will issue a non-compliance certificate if your pool fails to meet the requirements. You will only be given an allotted time to fix your pool until it will be compliant.
Click here for 2019 Pool Compliance Inspection Checklist in NSW
Pool Compliance Regulations NSW Explanation No1 - Pool Fence
According to the Swimming Pool Regulation, your pool must be surrounded by a sturdy and compliant pool barrier. As a pool owner, you must understand that your pool fence should be at least 1200mm from ground level.
Additionally, there should be no more than 100mm gap between the fence bottom and the ground. If you have a boundary fence that is also part of the pool barrier, the boundary fence should be at least 1800mm in height.
Apart from the pool fence, you must also make sure that your pool gate and windows are compliant.
Pool Compliance Regulations NSW Explanation No2 – Pool Gate and Windows
Another pool compliance regulation is for the pool gate and windows. Your pool gate should be self-closing from any position. It should also have a latching device that is at least 1500mm (above ground level) so that kids will not access the gate after someone passes through it.
Furthermore, your gate should open away (outwards) from the pool so that kids cannot engage the latch easily. If there are also pool windows, it should not open for more than 100mm.
Following the Non-Climbable Zone requirement in your pool is also essential.
Pool Compliance Regulations NSW Explanation No3 – (NCZ) Non-Climbable Zone
Based on the NSW pool fence standard, a Non-Climbable Zone (NCZ) is important to make sure that children’s access to the pool is restricted. Here are a few reminders when it comes to Non-Climbable Zone in the pool.
All pools are required to have a 900-mm Non-Climbable Zone around the pool fence and should extend on both upwards and downwards. Around the pool fence, there should be no barriers or any potential footholds (shrubs, trees, chairs, ladders, and other objects) where your kids can climb on.
In addition to this, indoor pools and spas are not exempted from following the pool safety guidelines.
Pool Compliance Regulations NSW Explanation No4 – Indoor pools and spas
Indoor pools and spas also have to follow NSW’s pool compliance regulations. It should have a pool gate with a latching device that is at least 1500mm above ground level. If pet doors or any wall openings are existing, it should not open more than 100mm. A clear CPR sign should also be available.
If you want to ensure that your swimming pool have followed all these requirements, pool safety inspection is a Must!
Difference between Council and Private Certifier for Pool Inspection
Local council and private certifiers are the ONLY authorised persons who can inspect and check if your pool meets all the compliance standards. Both of them do the same job but with different levels of services.
The local council is cheaper compared to the private certifiers. However, pool certifiers can provide better and faster service than the local council (also with better report ect)
How to Get Pool Colmpliance Certificate in NSW Through Inspection 2019
In order to get a pool safety certificate, an inspection is a must. So how to get the certification successfully? Learn from this latest article in 2019.
Conclusion
Meeting all the swimming pool compliance requirement seems complex and difficult. But if you just follow all the rules in NSW, having a safe and compliant pool is attainable.
Working with a reliable pool compliance inspection company is recommended to have a compliant pool. Services such as pool repairs can also be provided to help you get the certificate of compliance eventually.