Home drowning deaths occur year around and it’s every pool owner’s responsibility to make sure pools are safe. Here you’ll find essential information about new swimming pool laws, safety requirements and pool registration. Don’t take chances in and around the pool.
Swimming Pool Registration
Pool and spa owners need to register their pools on the NSW Government online register to avoid fines.
Your pool or spa must comply with all pool safety legal requirements. You need a Swimming Pool Compliance Certificate to be able to sell or lease your property. Application Form
What if My Pool Doesn’t Meet Standards?
If your pool fails to meet compliance, Council will let you know the work required to gain certification. You’ll be given a certificate of non-compliance which should be provided to your solicitor or conveyancer if you’re selling your property.
Swimming Pool Barriers
Registered compliant pools or spas need a barrier at least 1.2m high with no gaps more than 10cm underneath.
Gates must open outwards and be self-closing and self-latching. Gate latches must be 1.5m above ground level or have a shield.
Boundary fences forming part of the pool barrier must be 1.8 metres high.
Pool Fences are Important
Backyard pool drownings due to faulty pool fencing can be avoided. Keep pool fencing clear and well maintained. Anything potentially climbable, that might serve as a foothold, must be kept at least 900mm clear of fences and gates. Spas not enclosed by a pool barrier must be covered by a child-resistant lockable lid.
Swimming Pool Barrier Inspection Program
Northern Beaches Council has established an inspection program as required under Section 22B of the Swimming Pools Act 1992. The program sets out inspection priorities, fee payment arrangements and the approach to be taken to ensure compliance.
Council Inspections
Council proactively inspects backyard pools for safety compliance. Find out more about Council’s Barrier Inspection Program. Or make use of these checklists.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is life-saving first aid and an essential skill for backyard pool owners.
A CPR resuscitation chart must be displayed within the pool or Spa area.
CPR is a combination of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and chest compressions delivering oxygen and artificial blood circulation to anyone in cardiac arrest.
Public Swimming Pools
Northern Beaches Council has an effective program of registering and inspecting all public swimming pools and spas. This ensures public health standards of cleanliness and safety are maintained.
This program covers, club, workplace, accommodation guest, school and hospital pools. Under Public Health Regulation 2012, pools posing a public health risk can be closed.
Find more detailed information on pool and spa safety regulations on the NSW Government Fair Trading Website.