Qld Government Legislation has brought about many stringent safety measures to help prevent incidents with children around swimming pools. These measures are now a compulsory compliance under the Building Act 1975. The new pool laws were effective as at the 1st December 2015 which required all pools that can hold 300mm of water (or more) to be registered and compliant.
The Role of the Licensed Pool Safety Inspector
Your Pool Safety Inspector must perform many checks during the course of your inspection. Every check has a purpose and is conducted with the greater public interests and safety in mind. This does not negate that every effort should be made to help you in achieving compliance.
Your Pool Inspector must abide by the Code of Conduct for Swimming Pool Inspectors September 2010. Central to this standard is the importance for the pool inspector to act in the professional, moral and ethical manner expected by the community. Maintaining confidentiality is another important requirement.
When do I need to have a pool inspection?
Inspections are not limited to pools. They include spas and any temporary structure such as inflatable pools that can hold 300mm deep water.
If you are unsure if your pool/structure/spa requires an inspection please feel free to ring me on 0403 654 654.
When you are selling your property you need a swimming pool safety certificate.
If you do not obtain a certificate prior to sale of your home you will need to submit a Form 36 stating the responsibility for a certificate resides with the purchaser, who have 90 days to obtain one from the date of settlement.
If you rent your property you need a swimming pool safety certificate.
Rental properties need to have a pool inspection conducted every 2 years. The responsibility lays with the owner to have this done.
If you manage a shared pool such as in a motel, townhouse complex, caravan park or hotel you need to have regular pool inspections.
When managing these types of swimming pools it is a requirement that an inspection is done every 1 year.
Real Estate agents whom are often involved in the sale and management of properties with pools.
Real Estate agents require the services of a Pool Safety Inspector on a regular basis for all sorts of situations where a pool inspection is needed.
Non-climbable zones (NCZ) for a pool barrier
This cross-section of a pool barrier (fence) is a "guide" to complying. There are many instances where a variation of this might be used to determine if your pool barrier is compliant.
Non-climbable zones (NCZ) for a pool fence 1800mm high
When a pool fence is 1800mm high it can have a designated NCZ on the inside. It's not compulsory but an option. This puts the control into your hands as to what objects are kept away from the fence.
Intersecting Fences on a Retaining Wall
Note the section extended out 900mm past the intersection of the fences and the 1200mm high.
Are you unsure if your pool fence is compliant?
It is common for people to be unsure if their swimming pool fence is compliant with the laws. For this reason I offer a consultation service. A full audit is performed to give you peace of mind. My goal is to help you understand the important requirements so you can keep your property compliant long after I have left.
Feel free to Contact me to discuss your requirements or view my Prices.
Pebbles under a pool fence are not compliant
As per Newsplash July 2013 pebbles under a pool fence are not compliant if the gap is greater than 100mm.
