There are around 2700 pools in the Greater Taree City Council area and from April 29, the NSW government requires all tourist, visitor and multi-occupancy developments with pools or spas to have a compliance certificate. 

The new law will also apply to property owners who seek to sell or lease their property. Greater Taree City Council is tasked with the responsibility of undertaking inspections and issuing the compliance certificates and Craig McWilliams, team leader building services, is keen to ensure pool owners understand what is required to secure a compliance certificate. Currently, Craig says the first inspection failure rate sits around 95 per cent and this is something council hopes to change with a few tips for pool owners.

“Every pool must be on the NSW government’s online Swimming Pool Register. That’s the first step.  Then if you need to lease or sell your home you have to complete an application form for a Swimming Pool Compliance Certificate,” Craig explained.

“We then have to check if you’re on the register and arrange a time to inspect the pool.”

Different rules apply to indoor pools, outdoor pools and spas and the NSW government’s Swimming Pool Register website provides self-assessment checklists to give people an indication about whether or not the pool barrier meets the requirements in NSW. 

Craig says there are a few common issues people need to look for when critically assessing their pool area. They include:

o The gate mechanism on the pool barrier must be self-latching.

o No openings must be greater than 100mm.

o The gap between the bottom of the fence and the ground is no more than 100mm.

o The pool fence must be clear of any objects such as barbecues, trees, rocks, shrubs and deck chairs that could help a small child climb over the fence.

For further information visit the NSW government’s Swimming Pool Register website http://www.swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au