Pool Safety Inspection Victoria Point

A pool safety inspection in Victoria Point brought some rather interesting challenges to the table this week, namely, a large neighbouring tree, a gate that opened inwards towards the pool area and an aluminium pool fence that ran under an external staircase.

Let’s start with the neighbouring tree. The non-climbable zone of 900mm from the top of the fence and the additional clear area of 1200mm from the top of the pool fence were infringed upon by and provided very obvious access over the pool fence. The tree spread out in several directions and one of the branches went straight over the fence. Fortunately, the neighbour was very obliging in allowing the pool owner to cut the offending branch. This is not always the case. A recent inspection in Redland Bay proved difficult when the neighbour refused any kind of entry or infringement on their property. Naturally there was another solution but it was more expensive.

The gate fortunately was hinged such that it could swing outwards as well as inwards. All that was necessary there was to change the latching mechanism from the inside of the gate to the outside. What an easy solution. It’s rate that is the case though.

Victoria Point is a quaint little part of the world. Apparently, there are a lot of swimming pools. I’ve done a few pool safety inspections there. I am hoping to pick up more business from that area.

Now for the tricky one, the fence under the staircase. The problems were 2 fold. 1) The railing on the stairs was only 600mm high. It needed to be 1200mm measured perpendicular to the railing. Although one could have used masonite/Hardy board or the likes, it would not have looked very appealing. The alternative was perspex BUT having 600mm hanging in the air above the railing meant it would not pass the rigidity test. The rigidity test is reasonable amount of force in a pulling and pushing action so as not to break. The solution was to reinforce it with slats of timber spaced about 450mm apart. Problem solved and the job turned out well. Cudos to the owner.

2) The next problem (and a very easy fix) was the ability for someone to shuffle their way up the staircase on the outside and then onto the pool fence and into the pool area. The law in effect here is the pool fence is within 600mm of the base of the railing ie very easy to slide a leg over onto. This was solved by placing a 60° wedge/fillet along the base of the railing. The wedge prevents kids from getting a foothold because their feet will slip off. (Now all the bases were covered.) These wedges are available from Bunnings for $4 for a 2.4m length. I carry short 1m lengths with me for when they are required by clients.

If you live in surrounding suburbs of Victoria Point like Thornlands, Sheldon or Redland Bay, I certainly service those areas. If you want your pool safety inspection done correctly, be sure to give me a call.