When you own a pool in Melbourne, you must ensure it is safe and meets Australian standards. Another reason pool safety inspections are more important is that they benefit your family and visitors. Pool barriers are ordinances aimed at eliminating some mishaps, particularly those involving young ones ( children under 5 years old). Having your pool inspected in this way ensures legal compliance, enjoys a carefree summer, and ensures the understanding that your pool area is as safe as possible.
This blog will outline all the steps to help you prepare for a pool safety inspection in Melbourne, including necessary checks and adjustments to meet compliance. This pool safety inspection guide will make it even easier to conduct the inspection and increase the chances of discovering issues.
Understanding Pool Safety Standards in Melbourne
It is, therefore, important to navigate to the VBA website to acquaint yourself with the safety requirements that need to be met during the safety inspection of pools. Australian pool safety laws state that swimming pools and spas must be protected by a safety barrier that complies with the law. This includes swimming pools that are installed above the ground and swimming pools for the indoor and spas. If your pool was installed before the latest legislation updates, you might need to modify your barriers to meet the current standards.
Pool Fence and Barrier Requirements
An important part of any pool safety inspection is ensuring that your pool fence or barrier complies with safety standards. The barrier needs to be at least 1200 mm high, and there should be no gaps between the ground and the lowest point of the barrier that is more than 100 mm wide. The distance between the fence posts, if above ground, should also be no wider than 100 mm. Gates have to have their latching and closing mechanisms built into them, which helps prevent children from being able to open them independently.
A well-maintained and compliant barrier is one of the most essential factors that inspectors focus on during pool compliance inspections. Check the barrier regularly for wear and tear, as a broken or weak barrier can easily lead to a failed inspection.
Non-Climbable Zones
During your pool safety inspection, the inspector will evaluate the area around the pool fence to ensure it’s free of climbable objects. This includes furniture, trees, garden equipment, or any structure that could assist a child in scaling the fence. In Melbourne, the law requires a clear 900 mm non-climbable zone around the outside of the pool barrier.
One way to ensure compliance is to trim any overhanging tree branches or move objects like chairs and garden pots away from the fence. You should also ensure there is no foothold for climbing, such as decorative ledges or attachments on the fence.
Pool Gate Functionality
Faulty pool gates are a common issue leading to failed pool compliance inspections. The gate should swing shut automatically and latch securely without manual assistance. If your gate requires a push or lift to close, it will likely fail the inspection. Regular maintenance of the gate’s hinges and latch system will ensure smooth operation, increasing your chances of passing the pool safety inspection.
Gates should open outwards from the pool area, not towards it. This ensures that the gate will stay closed in case of unexpected bumps rather than swinging inward.
Direct Access from the Home
Extra precautions are necessary if your home has direct access to the pool area, such as through a sliding door or window. The door should be self-closing and self-latching with child-proof locks at a height that children cannot reach. Windows that open into the pool area should have restrictions that prevent them from opening more than 100 mm, or they should be covered with compliant safety screens.
Inspectors often focus on direct access points, as these can be major issues for unsupervised access to the pool. Ensuring these points are secure will help you pass your pool safety inspection without issues.
Regular Inspections and Upgrades
Pool owners should ensure that their pools meet all safety requirements and conduct constant checkups to see whether or not they make it to the list again. Victorian pool owners should also remember that safety regulations may alter and try to familiarise themselves with the changes as much as possible to avoid breaking the law.
That is why, even after the successful inspection, checking your pool barrier, gate, and other safety features is recommended now and then. This implies that with time, the various components of safety measures might encounter some form of damage, such as the negative impact of weather, among other things. Before you and your children decide to enjoy the pool and swimming, frequent minor inspections and periodic repairs can be very beneficial.
What will our pool inspector, Leigh, check during pool inspections?
Our inspector, Leigh, is authorised to conduct thorough inspections and issue a Certificate of Compliance in Form 23. This certificate is mandatory for existing pools and must be updated or reissued every four years following an inspection to ensure continued compliance with evolving safety standards.
Here’s a checklist to help you prepare for your pool safety inspection:
- Height of the barriers
- Height of gaps
- Hinge gates and latch mechanism- Check that the gate self-closes and self-latches without assistance.
- Impact of load and load rating
- Construction material and type
- The structure contained with the barrier includes:
- Fences
- Posts
- Panels
- Walls
- Gates
- Doors
- Windows
And other fittings are restricting access to the pool or spa area.
- Direct Access Points: Secure all windows and doors leading to the pool with safety locks or barriers.
- Non-climbable zone (NCZ)- 900mm on the outside and 300mm on the inside.
A comprehensive inspection takes approximately 30-45 minutes, thus making Melbourne pools safe. If you follow these steps, you will be ready for the pool safety inspection in Melbourne. The following measures ensure that all those who use your pool obey the set rules and promote the safety of people in the pool.