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Pool fencing regulations prevent children from entering the pool area without supervision. Swimming pool rules exist to prevent drownings of young people. If you’re renting or selling a house with a swimming pool, these are the strictest regulations.
The regulations may also differ from one state to another, or even council to council. It is important to know the condition of your pool and its fencing and what needs to be done to comply with the rules.
The team at New Home Building Instructions (Melbourne), say it very simply. They highlight pool safety is paramount for protecting the life of a young child.
Do I Need A Pool Safety Inspection?
Swimming pool safety is affected by many factors in Australia, depending on the area you plan to move to. A pool that does not meet standards can result in non-compliance warnings, fines or worse, an accident where a child drowns.
The legal role of a Pool Safety Inspector is to inspect the pool and determine whether it meets the standards set by the governing body. If issues aren’t corrected in a specified time frame, they are qualified to issue nonconformity and safety notices. These people can be from private companies or government workers.
A Pool Safety Inspector can also be hired to provide you with advice on how to make your pool safer. You can also hire some inspectors to perform minor repairs, such as fixing latches. The inspectors are not permitted to make repairs that fall outside their expertise or require the assistance of a fencing or pool specialist.
Hills Pools, Sydney team says “Swimming Pool Compliance is horribly complex.” Select someone with more than 35 years of industry experience. “Fixed price agreements are the best way to get it right on the first try.
A pool safety certificate is required if you plan to build a new pool, sell a property that has a swimming pool or lease or rent an existing property with a swimming pool. When renting out a property, an inspection of the pool is required each time a new tenant is taken on.
What You Can Expect To Pay For A Safety Certificate?
The cost of hiring a licensed and qualified contractor to conduct a pool safety check will ultimately depend on your property’s circumstances.
- Inspection of a pool for residential use, up to two gates included (approx. $175 – $200)
- If there are still issues that need to be addressed after the initial inspection, a second inspection may be necessary (approx. $120)
- Cost of a certificate of compliance (approx. $30 – $35)
The Pool Inspection in st Augustine may be more expensive if the pool is large. $25 extra). $25 extra).
Ask the inspector you choose if they provide free pre-inspection checks so that you can be ahead of the compliance process even before they arrive. This can save you on the cost for a second inspection.
We also checked with Robsons Pool Safety Insp and noted:
To avoid stress during the hectic time of moving, arrange your pool safety certification before you list your home. You will have time to fix any problems. The certificates are valid for two years, so you don’t have to worry about them expiring.
It’s always best to compare prices of local businesses in order to find the best deal.
Rules That Apply To All Swimming Pools In Australia
All states, territories, and councils in Australia have adopted pool safety standards with the primary objective of preventing drowning of children. These standards are all based on a few general principles which are shared by all jurisdictions.
- The fence surrounding a pool must be at minimum 1.2 meters high.
- Fences at the property boundary must be at least 1.8 meters high.
- A child must not be able to climb a fence and enter a spa or pool area.
- The maximum gap between the ground, the fence and between fence posts is 100 mm.
- All gates installed must be equipped with a self-closing system.
- All gates installed must have latches which are not within the reach of small children.
Some states allow spas to be locked with a lid, but they must also have a lock to prevent unsupervised entry.
The barrier around a residential pool must be childproof. It will require an inspection in order to confirm that it is. No matter if it is an above-ground pool, an inground pool, or a spa; if the level of water is greater than 300mm (30 cm), then a barrier around the pool must be installed. The same applies to large inflatable pools or kiddie-pools.
The owner of a pool is responsible for ensuring that it is compliant. However, you may be required to maintain the barrier.
Always supervise children in swimming pools.
Swimming Pool Regulations In Sydney (New South Wales)
If the pool is located indoors, the room surrounding the pool must also be fully sealed, including the windows and doors. The same rules apply to spas, other types of pools and even indoor pools.
A Pool Safety Inspector must inspect your pool to ensure that it is in compliance with all regulations. The inspector will issue the compliance certificate once the pool has been inspected and found to meet the safety standards.
Swimming Pool Regulations In Brisbane (Queensland)
If the fence is less than 1.5 metres from a boundary and the barrier completely prevents unsupervised access by a small child, it must also be at least 2 metres high. The pool should be at least 2 metres high if it is adjacent to a retaining structure.
A Pool Safety Inspector must inspect your pool to ensure that it is in compliance with all regulations. The inspector will issue the compliance certificate once the pool has been inspected and found to meet the safety standards.
Swimming Pool Regulations In Melbourne (Victoria)
It is the responsibility of the new owner to ensure that the barrier is compliant in Victoria. This includes erecting a barrier around the swimming pool to prevent unsupervised children from accessing the water.
Pools Safe Inspections Victoria responded that the Victorian Building Regulations Law requires that all Pool Spas be inspected at least every four years. “
A Pool Safety Inspector must inspect your pool to ensure that it is in compliance with all regulations. The inspector will issue the compliance certificate once the pool has been inspected and found to meet the safety standards.
Pool Safety Is An Essential Part Of Your Moving Checklist
Owning a pool in your home comes with many benefits, but also a lot of responsibilities. You need to include these into your moving checklist.
After your pool has been inspected, you are free to dive into the summer of fun (or even winter if that is your thing).
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