Pools, Fencing and Inspections
Swimming pool safety
Residents are urged to ensure their backyard swimming pool is safe and secure at all times, especially in the lead up to summer. When summer is approaching and many of us are thinking of beating the heat, relaxing by the pool always comes to mind. This is a great way to spend some quality time with the kids, supervising them by the pool as they enjoy floating and playing in the water.
Unfortunately every summer there are tragic announcements that children have drowned in backyard swimming pools. These incidents could have been prevented by ensuring that adequate fences were surrounding the pool.
Your Responsibilities under the Act
If your pool was constructed after 1990 you must install a child proof fence which must completely enclose the pool and surrounds. Similarly if you would like to complain about a public swimming pool or spa please don't hesitate to contact us.
The Swimming Pools Act 1992 requires the owner of the premises on which a swimming pool is situated to ensure that the swimming pool is surrounded by a child-resistant barrier:
- That separates the swimming pool from any residential building situated on the premises and from any place (whether public or private) adjoining the premises, and
- That is designed, constructed, installed and maintained in accordance with the approved standards.
A safety warning notice must also be displayed near swimming pools. This sign gives a supervision warning and the details of resuscitation techniques.
Penalty infringement notices may be issued for offences under the Act which carry fines ranging from $33 to $220, depending on the type of breach.
These measures are designed to help protect children from the risk of drowning and ensure that backyard swimming pools are safe.
Home Pool Safety Checklist
The Home Pool Safety Checklist, Developed by the NSW Water Safety Taskforce in consultation with local councils, the swimming pool checklist has been designed to assist pool owners determine whether their pool fence or other barrier complies with the legislation. The Checklist is available online.
Inspections
Our officers will be inspecting all swimming pools in the City of Canterbury to ensure they have adequate fences and barriers to protect young children from drowning.
The purpose of the inspection is to check that swimming pools have adequate fences and barriers to minimise the risk of young children from drowning. Pool owners will be notified of when 'safety inspections' will be carried out in their suburb. We will carry out the initial inspection and if required a second inspection free of charge. However, if a further inspection is required a fee of $50 will apply to cover our administration costs. If you need advice or more information in regard to the general requirements for safety barriers to your pool or to make an appointment now please call our Administration Officer on 9789 9378.
Swimming Pools Act 1992 -- Application for Certificate of Compliance (48KB)
Tips for reducing your pool water and energy use
To help pool owners enjoy their pool whilst still being environmentally responsible, Canterbury City Council has developed a Pool Owners Fact Sheet. This fact sheet provides simple and effective tips to reduce energy and water use associated with domestic pools. If pool owners can put even a little of this information into practice, they will not only benefit themselves but the community and environment as well.
