Since children are prone to accidental drownings and other pool-related injuries, private swimming pools should be enclosed with a safety barrier. In NSW, all swimming pools should comply with the Australian pool fencing standards.
Unfortunately, there are still pool owners who seem to be confused when it comes to pool compliance regulations. Accordingly, here are some information about the swimming pool safety regulations that may lessen your misconception.
Why is it important to comply with the law?
It is very important to understand and comply with the swimming pool safety regulations. These new laws were made to assure the safety of the people around the pool. Also, it is a rule to avoid penalties. Pool owners who fail to follow the regulations will be fined for more than $50,000.
To keep you on track, below are some of the requirements that you should follow.
What are the pool fencing requirements?
As swimming pool owners, you should:
- Surround your pools with a child-resistant safety barrier
- Make sure that all doors and gates that provide access to the swimming pool should be closed
- Display a CPR warning sign near the pool area
- Ensure that the fences surrounding your pools are designed, constructed, installed and maintained well.
Does the swimming pool regulations apply to all?
This law applies to all homeowners with a swimming pool. This includes all owners of a private swimming pool or spa pool.
In a community scheme, all the lot owners jointly own any swimming pool is on common property. The owners’ corporation is responsible for ensuring such pools follows the pool safety regulations.
As a legal requirement, all pool owners should also register their pools.
How do you register your swimming pool In NSW?
Pool owners can register their pools online on the NSW Government's Swimming Pool Register. A certificate of registration will be issued to the pool owner after completing the process. You can visit the NSW Government's Swimming Pool Register website to check if your pool has already been registered.
In 2012, the Swimming Pools Act 1992 was modified to add safety for children around swimming pools. The changes include that:
- The pool owners must register their swimming pool on the NSW Swimming Pool Register.
- Local councils and accredited certifiers authorised by the Building Professionals Board can perform inspections of swimming pools.
- A copy of a relevant occupation certificate or a valid certificate of compliance is necessary.
How can you obtain a certificate of compliance and organise an inspection?
Local councils and accredited certifiers approved by the Building Professionals Board can do a swimming pool barrier inspection. They can then issue a certificate of compliance if the swimming pool meets all the safety requirements.
Moreover, you should contact their local council or a private certifier to organise a complete pool compliance inspection.
If you want to buy or sell a property with a pool, the NSW government has also implemented a law to prevent confusion.
What requirements should you look for when buying or selling a property with a swimming pool?
In 2016, a new law states that, if you are buying or selling a property with a swimming pool, you should ensure that the contract for sale includes:
- A valid swimming pool compliance certificate
- An occupation certificate and a proof that the pool is currently registered
- A valid certificate of non-compliance.
On the other hand, if you are still planning to build a new pool in your backyard, there are things that you should consider.
What things should you consider when building a new pool?
When building a new pool, it is necessary for you to:
- Install temporary fencing around the pool area while it is still under construction
- Inform your local council to where your permanent pool fence will be located, to make sure that it will meet council guidelines
- Arrange a final inspection as soon as possible after the permanent compliant fence has been installed.
Conclusion
The swimming pool compliance regulation in NSW can be a little confusing. With all the requirements, registrations and inspections you need to complete, it is normal to be baffled. However, knowing that you followed the regulations mentioned above is a relief. You can now be sure that your pool is safe to use.
If you want to know more about pool safety compliance, do not hesitate to look for a trusted pool compliance inspection company to help you. All your questions will be answered with their knowledgeable certifiers.