Pool Fence Certification

 

With all the social and health benefits of owning a swimming pool also comes the huge responsibility of ensuring it is well-maintained and always safe for use. In NSW, the government makes certain every pool owner understands this responsibility and implements pool safety rules that should strictly be followed. However, not everyone is fully aware of what it takes to have swimming pools certified. Keep reading for more information about the pool fence certification process and requirements.

Pool Compliance Standards

If you want to have your pool certified, you need to know the pool fence certification requirements in your area. By complying with these laws and standards, you can avoid unnecessary penalties and ensure that your pool is always safe for use. In Australia, different states have their own fencing regulations. Nevertheless, here are some of the rules that are common to all states:

• The fence should be at least 1200mm in height;
• The gap from the ground to the bottom of the barrier is 100mm at most;
• The pool gate should be able to self-close and open outwards; and
• The height of the latching device must be more than 1500mm off the ground.

Pool fence regulations NSW:

The earlier-mentioned regulations apply in NSW. However, if you live in a community with more than 2 lots and a shared pool, the pool fencing regulations may not apply to you. Contact a private certifier near you or talk to the local council for clarifications.

You should also remember the following:

• CPR instructions should always be posted around swimming pools.
• Toys should be out of water when not in use so that children are not tempted to enter the pool alone.
• Place pool covers securely when the pool is not in use, and make sure to completely remove them when before the pool is used.
• Flotation devices, ropes, and other basic safety equipment should be near the pool area and make sure everyone knows how to use it in case of an emergency.

Find out the local pool fence regulations in your locality through coordinating with the council or with a private pool certifier.

Self-Assessment

The first step to having a safe and compliant pool is through self-assessment. As a pool owner, it is something you need to do intentionally. You can do this by visiting the NSW swimming pool register where you will find a self-assessment checklist. Use the swimming pool compliance checklist as your guide to self-assess. But before that, list down the basic information about your swimming pool. To find the correct checklist, you will need to know things such as when the swimming pool was built, if it was ever renovated or rebuilt, and whether it's indoor, outdoor, spa, or portable. The size and location of your property will also be important in finding the right checklist.

Register Your Swimming Pool

Before a pool inspection can be done on your property, you must first register your pool to the NSW Swimming Pool Register. To do this, you can go to their website and complete an online form. They will require you to submit information such as your name, address, contact details, type of pool you own, and when your pool was built. You also need to attach the self-assessment of your pool which you completed earlier. After your pool has been registered, you can call on the local council or a private certifier to carry out the pool compliance inspection.

Coordinate With A Pool Certifier

The New South Wales pool fencing law requires every pool owner to meet local council requirements regarding pool barrier safety. This means that you may coordinate with the council or an accredited private pool certifier to inspect your swimming pool and help you apply for a Pool Fence Certificate of Compliance. Choosing to coordinate a pool certifier will be more expensive, but is faster and more convenient. Also, some certifiers can help you fix your pool fence comply with the regulations.

The following situations will require you to arrange a pool fence inspection:

• Sell, rent, or manage residential properties that have a pool;
• Manage a community title property or operate an accommodation property such as a hotel or resort; and
• A private home-owner selling your house or renting it to a tenant.

Things A Pool Inspector Will Check

To be ready for an inspection and make sure you will be able to pass the pool compliance certification, you will need to know the things you have to prepare. Basically, you just need to follow the self-assessment checklist and know the local regulations. However, you can also use this list to find out what the pool inspector will check when they are already on your property.

• CPR Signage;
• Pool fence gates;
• Pool fence height;
• Location of pool fence;
• Pool fence vertical gaps;
• Pool fence gap at the bottom;
• Self-closing latching devices;
• Wall of the house used as a pool barrier;
• Pool fence non-climbable zones;
• Windows forming part of the barrier;
• Pool fence horizontal climbable members; and
• Boundary fence used as part of pool fence

If the pool certifier sees that your pool is not fit for a pool fence certification, you should immediately fix the non-compliance issues.

Conclusion

Pool fence certification can be easy, as long as you understand and follow the pool fence standards in your state. Keep in mind that the main reason for the pool barrier is to restrict child's access to your pool. You need to build a strong safety barrier to avoid the possibility of accidents around your pool. Moreover, pool compliance NSW will also help you avoid liabilities and expensive penalties. Coordinate with a reliable private certifier for comprehensive pool fence inspections and useful information on improving your pool safety.