When you own a swimming pool or spa in the Blacktown area of NSW, you may or may not be aware that the government has the ability to initiate spot checks on pools and even impose penalties for any violations of compliance. It all sounds sincere, but if you’re not aware, and especially if fines are involved, it’s probably an area you should be familiar with.
What exactly is a swimming pool certificate and why do I need one?
A swimming pool certificate is required to confirm that a swimming pool meets certain safety requirements (for example; child safety barriers around the pool). A swimming pool can be classed as; any construction, building, or vessel that can be filled with water to a depth of more than 30 centimetres (including spa pools).
The safety regulations set out by the government apply to any swimming pool on a residential property or a property used for guest or tourist accommodation, including newly constructed properties. If your swimming pool falls into this category, you should investigate pool certification in Blacktown to make sure that it meets the rules set by your local authority.
What does it cover?
Surprisingly, there’s a few services available, with prices starting at around 100 bucks, depending on whether you are booking a re-inspection or a pre-sale/after-sale inspection. The following are some things to expect from the inspection and what the inspector will look for;
Any vegetation obstructions, including branches that could be used to climb on, CPR Sign must be suitable and in good condition, fences or pool barrier must be the correct height in relation to your pool, pool gate must also be the correct height and open outwards,
Any hazards that could be used to climb upon, which may include objects on your property depending on where your pool is located, as well as the contents of your pool barrier, such as a slide, sun shade equipment, or a BBQ, will all be taken into account and assessed accordingly.
What do I do?
There are a few tests you can perform on your own. For example, by researching the requirements established by your local authority, you will be able to self-check your current pool setup and make some adjustments prior to scheduling a consultation. This should increase your chances of obtaining certification on your first visit.
After this, all that remains is for you to locate a local, certified pool inspector and schedule a meeting. There are a few firms to choose from, so it really depends on cost and how thorough your testing will need to be.
