There are wonderful benefits of having a swimming pool such as relaxation, enjoyment and family bonding, etc. However, pool owners should also pay much attention when it comes to pool safety and following pool compliance regulations. Pools require regular maintenance and repairs in order to extend its lifespan.
If you are a pool owner, it is important to know that there are specific regulations that you must follow. One of these is having a compliant pool fence and gate. Once you have a pool barrier, your pool should undergo compliance inspection and get the repairs done if necessary.
To educate you further, here are quite a few important things that you should know about pool compliance inspection and repair which can help you clear the confusion.
What does the law say about pool compliance inspection and repair?
According to the law, all pool owners should have a compliant pool fence. It is also compulsory to have their pools registered. After it is registered in NSW Swimming Pool Register, pools are required to be inspected by local council or private certifiers.
If the pool owner fails to comply with the rules, there are respective penalties that need to be undertaken.
Penalties for failure to comply
Since pool inspection is a State requirement, penalties are strictly imposed. If your pool is found to be non-compliant, there will be a charge of up to $5,500 and on-the-spot fines of up to $550.
Furthermore, if the pool is non-compliant, local council or private certifier will issue a certificate of non-compliance. If you are a buyer of a property with a non-compliant swimming pool, you will be given about 90 days to fix any issues regarding non-compliance and to obtain a certificate of pool compliance.
Who can administer pool compliance inspection and repair?
In NSW, only the local council and private inspectors are authorised to carry out a pool compliance inspection. Local council is a government organization that offers different services such as local planning functions, pool fence inspections etc.
On the other hand, private pool certifiers are inspectors who are in category A1, A2, A3 or E1 are accredited by Building Professionals Board. Additionally, the council does not offer repair services while there are some private inspectors who provide repair services.
When is a pool compliance inspection required?
There are certain circumstances wherein pool compliance inspection is required. Here are some of them:
- After a new pool is built
- When selling a house with a pool
- When leasing or renting a property with a pool
How much do pool compliance inspections cost?
For Local Council:
Local council usually charge lower rates compared to private certifiers. For inspections, the council may charge you a maximum of $150 per inspection and $100 for a re-inspection if it is needed. Moreover, the local council does not provide any repair services to their customers.
For Private Certifiers:
Inspection cost will depend on different circumstances. Rates on pool safety inspection and repair services will also vary on several companies.
- Residential pool inspection (with 2 gates) may range from $175 to $300. If the pool fence has more than 2 gates, some private inspectors may charge up to $25 each gate.
- Second inspection or follow up inspection can cost up to $150.
- Larger pools and shared pools may charge from $250 or more.
Please note that these rates are just estimation and are subject to change. Generally, the local council provides cheaper pool compliance inspection services compared to private certifiers. Nonetheless, private inspectors can carry out inspections faster than the local council.
How long does a pool inspection process take?
The local council may take up to 4 weeks to complete a pool compliance inspection. For private inspectors, most inspection can be completed within days after the contract is completed. If needed, repairs are also made. Once the inspection is successfully completed, a certificate of compliance will be emailed to the owner within 24 hours.
How much does swimming pool Compliance repair cost?
Generally, pool compliance repair services include any rectification jobs to make your pool comply with the standard. This includes fixing services for your pool gates, hinges, fencing panels, etc. Moreover, removal or trimming of trees near the pool fence and other compliance issues are provided.
DIY repairs are cheaper than hiring a private certifier. However, you will still need a local council or a private certifier to issue a certificate of compliance. If the issue cannot be easily resolved, it is recommended to seek help from professionals.
Local council generally does not provide repair services to their clients. For private certifiers, some of them provide repair services but others do not. Pool fence repair cost will depend on factors such as the pool size, type of pool and severity of the issue that needs to be fixed.
Conclusion
Pool compliance inspection and repair are important things that pool owners should give attention to. They can not only ensure that your pools follow the latest legislation, but it will also make your pool safe and avoid expensive penalties.
If you prefer a private certifier to inspect your pools, then make sure that they carry out fast and reliable pool compliance inspection services. They should also assist you with pool repairs in order to meet the compliance requirements.