Pool Safety
If you own a pool and live in Queensland, you are probably already aware of the pool safety changes that have been enacted. The first phase of the new changes kicked in back in December 2009. The next and final phase of the changes goes into effect on 1 December 2010. Are you ready for the latest changes to pool safety and pool fence safety laws in Queensland? Get a feel for what the new laws are about and how they will affect you by checking out the information below!
Why are New Laws Needed?
Despite the fact that Queensland has been enforcing pool safety regulations since 1991, drowning is still the number-one cause of death for children between the ages of one and four. This troubling fact is highlighted by some pretty sobering statistics. For instance, 41 drownings happened to kids under the age of five in Queensland residential pools between January 2004 and the middle of 2010. The Queensland government hopes that the stricter new laws, which primarily focus on existing pools, will reduce the number of drownings even further.
What are the Primary Changes?
The most important changes that will go into effect on 1 December 2010 include:
- New and existing pools must be upgraded and brought into compliance by 20 November 2015; this must be done sooner if a property with a pool on it is leased or sold before that time.
- When selling, buying or leasing a property with a pool in Queensland, a pool safety certificate will be mandatory.
- All swimming pools in Queensland must be registered in the pool safety register by no later than 4 May 2011.
How Will the New Changes Affect You?
The changes in Queensland pool safety laws will have different impacts on different people. For example:
If You are a Landlord - You must bring your pools into compliance before you can lease your property to a new tenant. A new lease can not be entered into without a valid pool safety certificate.
If You Own Short-Term Accommodation Properties - Townhouses and units with shared pools and spas will be subject to a two-year phase-in period; a pool safety certificate must be obtained within that period of time. Hotels, motels and other short-term accommodation properties must have pool safety certificates within six months.
If You are a Homeowner - There is a five-year deadline for homeowners in Queensland to obtain pool safety certificates. The official deadline is 30 November 2015. If the property is leased or sold before that time, the certificate must be obtained sooner.
If You Sell Your Property - You have two options when selling a property with a pool. You must either obtain a pool safety certificate before settlement, or you must use form 36, which is a notice of no pool safety certificate. It must be issued before settlement and the buyer must obtain a pool safety certificate within 90 days of settlement.
Contact our Team Today on 1300 440 690 for your next Swimming Pool Inspection.
All swimming pool inspections are completed by a licensed Swimming Pool Safety Inspector
Pool Safety Certificates and the Pool Safety Register
The Queensland government has set up an official pool safety register as a part of the new laws. It has been populated with records from local governments for regulated pools throughout the state. After 28 February 2011, pool owners can check the register to make sure that their pool is listed. As long as they have valid pool safety certificates, their pools should be registered. If a pool is not registered, owners have until 4 May 2011 to get their pools registered. The register will provide records of pool safety certificates for each registered pool in Queensland.
Preparing for Your Pool Safety Inspection
In order to obtain a pool safety certificate, a pool owner must have their pool inspected by a licensed pool safety inspector. The pool safety inspector will check a number of different things to ensure that a pool is compliant with current laws. In order to make sure that your pool inspection goes off without a hitch, it pays to know what pool inspectors will be looking for during their inspections. The following information will give you an overview of what an inspector will take into account as he examines your pool, pool area, fencing and other features.
Resuscitation Signs - The inspector will check to make sure that a resuscitation sign is clearly visible from the pool area. While in or near the pool, people should be able to see your resuscitation sign.
Pool Fences - It is imperative to have compliant fencing for your pool. In Queensland, pool fences must be at least 1.2 metres high. If there are gaps, they must be smaller than 100mm. All fences must include non-climbable portions that are at least 900mm in size.
Branches - Make sure that there are no nearby branches that could be used to climb over your pool fences. If you find any, trim them back so that they do not pose such a threat.
Pool Gates - Pool gates must self-latch and self-close. On top of that, they need to swing away from the pool. Their latches must be at least 1.5 metres off the ground, so that small children cannot reach up and open them.
Dividing Fences - If you use dividing fences as barriers around your pool, they must be non-climbable on your side. They also need to be at least 1.8 metres high.
Climbable Objects - Inside your fences, climbable objects like pool equipment and plant pots should be kept at least 300mm from the fence. Outside of your fences, climbable objects need to be at least 900mm away. A climbable object is defined as any object that has a toehold or ledge that's at least 10mm in size.
Doors - In Queensland, it is against the law to have a door that opens directly from a house into a pool area. Your pool area must be maintained entirely separately from your home.
Windows - If you have windows around your pool area, they must be equipped with safety screens. This is something that pool inspectors will look for during their inspections. As always, the goal here is keeping children out of pool areas.
Click Here to download the Defence PoolSafe Checklist
Example of a Pool Safety Inspection
On the surface, this pool looks compliant, but take a closer look...
Gate latch not closing
Climbable zone within fence
Climbable object next to fence
Intersecting fence not 1200mm high and no 900mm non climb zone
Contact our Team Today on 1300 440 690 for your next Swimming Pool Inspection.
All swimming pool inspections are completed by a licensed Swimming Pool Safety Inspector
Click Here to download the Defence PoolSafe Checklist
Useful Links:
Pool Safety Certificates - Defence PoolSafe