Swimming pool compliance - doesn't matter if your pool is big or small, you still need to comply
Jan 22, 2016As most people know, if there is a swimming pool on your property, then you are required by section 7 of the Swimming Pools Act 1982 (NSW) to ensure that the swimming pool is, at all times, surrounded by a child resistant barrier which complies with the Building Code of Australia as prescribed by the Swimming Pools Regulation 2008 (NSW).
A number of self-assessment checklists are available online to determine what the specific requirements are for your type of pool, but in general, you require:
-
a 1200mm high pool fence with a self-closing outward-opening gate;
-
a non-climbable zone (that is, no hand holds or foot holds) within 900mm outside the fence;
-
a non-climbable zone within 300mm inside the fence; and
-
a resuscitation sign.
What a lot of people may not realise is that Section 7 does not only apply to above ground pools, in ground pools or spa pools. The laws also apply to inflatable pools such as children’s pools and semi-permanent pools with a filter system – all of which can be bought online or from most major retail stores.
It is important to note that the Act does not distinguish between a permanent pool structure and a temporary pool. Not only do temporary pools need to be compliant, they must also be registered.
So what is the definition of a swimming pool?
The Act defines a swimming pool as:
an excavation, structure or vessel:
-
that is capable of being filled with water to a depth greater than 300mm; and
-
that is solely or principally used, or that is designed, manufactured or adapted to be solely or principally used, for the purpose of swimming, wading, paddling, or any other human aquatic activity,
and includes a spa pool but does not include a spa bath , anything that it situated within a bathroom or anything declared by the regulations not to be a swimming pool for the purposes of this Act.
Does the pool need to be approved?
Under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW) any pool that can hold more than 2,000 litres must be approved by Council. This means that the larger temporary pools or semi-permanent pools need Development Approval from your local Council before being set up.
What about the Swimming Pools Register?
All swimming pools are required to be registered on the Swimming Pools Register. Any property with a swimming pool must have a Certificate of Compliance included in the Contract for Sale or the Lease, before selling or leasing the property.
So what if my pool is not compliant?
If your pool is not compliant or has not been approved by Council, you may be liable for the following fines:
No development approval (individual) – $1,500
No development approval (corporation) – $3,000
No child resistant barrier – $550
No resuscitation sign – $110
No registration – $220
As with most things, there are statistics to show how many children drown each year because the pool was not fenced or was fenced but the fencing was not adequate. There are unfortunately no statistics to reflect how many children are saved by ensuring your pool is compliant.
For further information:
-
Office of Fair Trading Fact Sheet – Inflatable swimming pools
-
Sydney Children’s Hospital – Inflatable pools need fences too!
So what you may have thought was a cheap purchase to provide some fun over summer may not turn out to be so cheap after all …
If you are unsure of what you need to have in place, or if you are unsure if what you have is compliant, contact a pool technician, private certifier or your local council who will be able to help you make sure your pool is safe for everyone to enjoy this summer.
Contact the Shire Legal team if you have any questions.
Stay informed
Sign up to receive regular updates regarding changes to the law, Court decisions and other happenings of interest.
