If you live in NSW, or indeed, any part of Australia, you must comply with the requirements of the 1992 Swimming Pool Act. There are state-approved pool certification companies and when you contact such an organisation, they would make an appointment for an official to visit you at home and carry out the required inspection.
What Exactly Does That Involve?
The pool inspection includes the following:
- Pool Fencing – The pool fencing must be of a minimum height (depending on pool size) with no gaps wider than 100mm, including the gap at the bottom of the fence. The fencing must be in good condition and if part of the property perimeter barrier is part of the pool fencing, this must also comply.
- Pool Gate – Must be of the self-closing type and be outward opening and with pool certification in Merrylands, the inspector will also look to see if the latch is at least 1500mm from the ground and that the gate closes by itself with no obstructions. Hinges must be capped to prevent a child using them to gain a foothold.
- Inside the Pool Area – There can be no garden furniture, BBQ or any other leisure item inside the pool area and that includes water toys. The only items allowed inside are permanent slides, water filtration and pool cleaning equipment, everything else must be outside.
- CPR Sign – This must be inside the pool area and be legible from any location, with clear diagrams of how to perform CPR on a drowning person. You can order one online (Google is your best friend).
- No Climb Zone – The area around the pool fencing needs to be free from any item, natural or man-made, which could be used as a climbing aid to enter the pool area. If there is nothing within 1200mm of the fencing, this will be acceptable to the inspector.
Booking a Pool Inspection
Once you are sure that your pool complies with the regulations, search online for a state-approved pool certification provider and make a booking via their website. On the morning of the inspection, take the time to walk around to check that everything is as it should be and remove any washing line that might be inside the pool area, as this will lead to a fail.
Transferrable
Whether you have a compliance certificate or a non-compliance notice, they are transferred to the new owner in the event of a sale and if you are planning to put your home on the market, get the pool compliance certificate first. The certificate is valid for 3 years, after which time, the pool must again be inspected.
