Safety is very important when you own a pool. Among the most important of all is installing adequate barriers to prevent unauthorised access — especially by children. In Victoria, the Victorian Building Authority imposes strict laws on pool barriers to protect people; for that, you will also need to conduct regular checks to see if the pool barrier complies with these legislations or, more importantly, to protect a safe environment around your pool. This blog discusses why pool barrier inspections are required, code regulations, and the dangers of missing inspections.
Overview of Pool Barrier Regulations
These standards govern the installation of pool barrier systems for safety reasons and are targeted especially at preventing unintended drowning for children aged less than 5 years. When it comes to any property with pools, the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) sets a specific rule that pool owners must comply with to make their pool safe and comply with the requirements of the legislation. Here are some of the key places where barriers need to be placed:
- In-ground pools and spas: These permanent structures must have barriers that meet height, access, and gap requirements.
- Above-ground pools and spas: This includes relocatable or inflatable pools that are designed to be set up on-site and hold water deeper than 300mm.
- Indoor pools and spas: Pools located indoors must also comply with barrier requirements to ensure safety.
- Water play areas or swimming pools: Any pool or water feature capable of holding water deeper than 300mm is subject to these regulations.
These obstructions are enabled to hinder admittance for unsupervised children at pool regions, in huge part by lessening the opportunity of risk.
What Happens During a Pool Barrier Inspection?
A swimming pool barrier inspection is a thorough evaluation of your pool’s safety features to ensure compliance with the VBA’s regulations. When a qualified inspector visits your property, they will conduct an assessment of several key aspects of your pool barrier. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect during an inspection:
1. Presentation of Identification and Registration
Before starting the inspection, the inspector will present their VBA registration card. This ensures that the inspector is qualified and legally authorised to perform pool safety barrier inspections in Victoria.
2. Checking Barrier Height and Gaps
One of the most critical aspects of a pool barrier is its height. According to regulations, pool fences must be at least 1200mm tall. Check for any gaps in the fencing the gaps between the bottom of the barrier and the ground should not exceed 100mm to prevent children from crawling underneath.
3. Inspecting Gates and Latch Mechanisms
Gates are a common point of failure in pool barriers, and they require special attention during an inspection. The gate must close automatically and latch securely every time. The inspector will check that the latches are working correctly and that the gate opens outwards, away from the pool.
4. Assessing Non-Climbable Zones
To prevent children from climbing over the fence, inspectors will ensure that there are no climbable objects (like trees, furniture, or toys) within 900mm of the top of the pool barrier. This non-climbable zone extends around the entire fence.
5. Material and Structure Evaluation
The materials used in the construction of the pool barrier must be durable and sturdy. The inspector will evaluate and check for any weak points that could lead to failure over time. Additionally, structures like windows or doors that form part of the barrier must meet the appropriate safety standards.
6. Testing for Impact Load
In some cases, the inspector may conduct strength tests to determine whether the pool barrier can withstand pressure or force. This is to ensure that the fence will remain intact even if someone accidentally falls against it.
7. Documentation and Reporting
After completing the safety pool inspection, the inspector will document their findings using a checklist, photos, and videos if necessary. This documentation is important as it provides a record of the pool’s compliance status. If any areas of non-compliance are found, they will be highlighted in the report, along with recommendations for bringing the barrier into compliance.
Common Mistakes Pool Owners Make
Many pool owners, despite their best intentions, can inadvertently make mistakes that result in non-compliance with pool safety regulations. Here are some of the most common errors and how to avoid them:
1. Using Low-Quality Materials
It can be tempting to cut costs by using cheaper materials for the pool barrier, but this can backfire in the long run. Quality that is not up the mark is more likely to break down or fail, compromising the safety of the fence. Always invest in high-quality materials that meet safety standards.
2. Ignoring Local Regulations
Each state or territory has specific pool barrier regulations. Failing to understand and follow these regulations can result in non-compliance.
3. Neglecting Regular Maintenance
A regular pool barrier inspection is only effective if it is properly maintained. Pool owners should regularly check for broken panels, faulty gate latches, or climbable objects near the fence. Simple maintenance tasks can help ensure that the barrier remains compliant and functional.
4. Overlooking Regulation Updates
Pool safety regulations can change over time. Ignoring updates can result in hefty fines or, worse, safety risks.
Risks of Neglecting Regular Pool Barrier Inspections
Failing to regularly inspect and maintain your pool barrier can have serious consequences, including:
1. Financial Penalties
Non-compliance with pool barrier regulations can lead to fines from local authorities. These fines can range depending on the severity of the violation.
2. Legal Liability
As a pool owner, you are legally liable for assuring that your pool area is safe. If a child or other individual suffers an injury or drowning due to non-compliance, you could face legal action for negligence.
3. Insurance Issues
Most home insurance policies require compliance with local pool safety regulations. Failing to comply could result in your insurance coverage being voided, leaving you financially vulnerable in the event of an accident.
4. Pool Closure
In extreme cases, local authorities may require the pool to be closed until all safety issues are resolved. This can be an inconvenience and may result in additional costs for reopening.
Cost of Pool Barrier Inspections
In Victoria you can expect to pay between $200 -$500 (plus GST) to have your pool barrier inspected. This fee will account for the initial inspection and could also provide you with a Certificate of Barrier Compliance (if your pool complies). Some inspectors also give free re-inspections for making small changes to the barrier compared with what is needed to make it compliant.
Why Choose Bayside Peninsula Pool Compliance?
If you need trustworthy and professional pool barrier inspections, Bayside Peninsula Pool Compliance can assist with all your compliance needs. Leigh is our inspector; you can book an appointment around your schedule and pay a low flat-rate price to get ongoing pool barrier advice. They can get digital reports within 24 hours of their sampling and free re-inspections.
Conclusion
Regular pool barrier inspections are conducted to maintain safety and compliance with local codes. By conducting these inspections, pool owners are able to identify potential risks, remedy non-compliance issues, and help create a safer space for all. Ignoring the inspections, however, may result in fines, lawsuits, and greater trouble. By prioritising a regular pool barrier inspection, you can steer clear of monetary penalties and, more importantly, keep accidents at bay, which will most likely save precious lives!
Contact Leigh at Bayside Peninsula Pool Compliance 0403 577 254 to find out more or book an inspection.