Do I have to fence my pool?
What is pool safety?
Why is pool safety important?
Prefabricated and inflatable pools
Spa pool safety
Pool safety barriers
Resuscitation /warning sign
Pool gates
Swimming pool safety check
Swimming pool certificate of compliance
Do I have to fence my pool?
Under the Swimming Pools Act 1992 the owner of a swimming pool has the responsibility to ensure that the pool is at all times surrounded by a complying child-resistant pool safety barrier.
Pool safety barriers must be maintained in a good state of repair as an effective and safe barrier restricting access to the pool.
Pool safety is a system of child-resistant barriers that restrict access to the pool area by children. The two factors are consistently identified with pool drownings and near drownings are access to the pool and adult supervision.
If access to the pool is restricted and maintained the child is more likely to be supervised as someone has to let the child into the pool area.
Although child deaths in NSW fell almost 40% in the past decade, the number of child drownings in backyard pools has not changed.
The majority of child drownings occur in private pools/spas.
If you own a pool or rent a property with a pool, you have a direct impact on pool safety.
Prefabricated and inflatable pools
Prefabricated and inflatable pools capable of being filled with water to a depth of 300mm or more, require child-resistant barriers to prevent access to the pool by children.
Spa pool safety
Spa pools are also covered by the legislation and should be separated by a child-resistant pool safety barrier in accordance with the Australian Standard AS1926.1-2007. Alternatively, the spa pool must be covered and secured by a lockable child-safe structure such as a door, lid, grille or mesh.
Swimming pools must be separated from a residential dwelling by a child resistant barrier.
From 1 July 2010, swimming pools located on properties which are waterfront, on land over 2 hectares or on very small properties (230m
2 or less) can no longer use the automatic exemptions from the Swimming Pools Act 1992 (Act).
Previously, pools located on the above mentioned properties could use the dwelling as the swimming pool barrier. This required all doors and windows from the dwelling to be made child resistant in accordance with the Australian Standard. Existing exempt properties may continue to use the exemption but only if the barrier is continuously kept compliant with the Australian Standard. If the barrier is found to be non-compliant, the Council may remove the old exemption and require compliance with the current Australian Standard.
For swimming pools constructed or completed before 1 September 2008, the barrier must comply with Australian Standard 1926-1986 'Fences and gates for private swimming pools'.
Swimming pools that commenced construction from 1 September 2008, must have a barrier that complies with Australian Standard 1926.1-2007 'Part 1: Safety barriers for swimming pools'.
All pools require a Resuscitation Chart/Warning Notice to be displayed in a prominent position in the immediate vicinity of the pool.
It is recommended that signs more than 3 years old be replaced, due to changes in best practice resuscitation techniques.
Resuscitation charts are available for purchase from Council offices.
Pool gates
- gates must be self-closing and self-latching and must be kept closed at all times
- gates to open outwards from the pool area
- no double gates are permitted
- latch release mechanism to be 1.5m above the ground except where a shield is used. If a shield is used the latch is positioned on the pool side near the top of the gate. The shield makes it necessary to reach over the gate to release the latch mechanism
- gate width is to be kept to a minimum (no more than 1m) to minimise the possibility of the weight of the gate causing the gate to drop with the self-latching mechanism failing.
Swimming pool safety check
- check there are adequate pool safety barriers in place separating the pool from the residence, adjoining properties and the neighbourhood
- are these barriers compliant with current legislation
- ensure all of the pool safety barriers are maintained and operating eg. check gates are self-closing and self-latching
- supervise children when using the swimming pool
- make sure pool gates are kept closed at all times
- keep articles, objects and structures at least 900mm clear of the pool fence at all times, eg chairs, pot plants
If you are the owner of a property containing a swimming pool you can at any time apply to Council for a certificate of compliance. A certificate of compliance certifies that the swimming pool complies with the relevant legislative and safety requirements.
Note:
Shoalhaven Libraries provide online access to the Australian Standard. Please note due to copyright restrictions, copies of the documents are unable to be made