As you may be aware, every Australian state has swimming pool safety regulations in place, and the following information is in regard to NSW and swimming pool safety compliance.
All swimming pools must conform to the following:
- Pool Fencing – All pools must have a pool barrier that is of a height specified according to the size of the pool. There can be no gaps that exceed 100mm and the fencing must be in good condition. Glass is the preferred material for pool fencing, as it allows you to see into the pool area, plus glass is easy to keep clean and requires no maintenance. Prior to contacting pool fence certifiers in Sydney, make sure that the fencing conforms to the standards, and for more detailed information, check with NSW government websites.
- Pool Gating – The pool gate must be self-closing and outward opening, with the catch release fitted at least 1500mm from ground level, and protruding hinges must be suitable capped. The pool gate must never be propped open, especially when the inspection occurs.
- Pool Enclosure – There can be no items of furniture (BBQ, tables and chairs) within the pool area, nor can there be any water toys, other than a fixed slide. There must be a suitably sized CPR sign located inside the pool area, which can be seen from all locations. Fixed shading is allowed, but no washing lines can be in place.
- No-Climb Zone – There should be a free space area of 1200mm from the fencing, with no items (natural or man-made) that could aid a child climbing the barrier. This includes trees, shrubs, rocks or any other objects that might aid climbing.
Random Inspections
The state can randomly inspect swimming pools in NSW and issue on the spot fines if there are any issues, not to mention the consequences if there was an accident and the pool fencing did not conform to state regulations.
Booking a Pool Safety Inspection
Once you are confident that your pool conforms to the regulations, you can make a booking with an approved swimming pool certification provider, who would carry out the inspection and, if all is well, would issue you a pool safety certificate. In the event the pool does not pass. Then a non-compliance certificate would be issued and you would have to make the recommended changes, before another inspection can be carried out, and a compliance certificate would be issued.
