Buying a home is an exhilarating experience, and if the house comes with a pool, you have to consider one more thing: ensuring the pool barrier is compliant. Being compliant is important for both meeting Australian safety standards and obtaining a Certificate of Compliance every four years.
This guide explains what involves in a pool inspection when buying a home, why compliance matters, and how to make sure your new home meets all legal obligations.
Why Pool Barrier Compliance Should be Considered Important Before buying a house?
Swimming pools in Australia must meet specific safety requirements to prevent unsupervised access, particularly for young children. Ensuring that a pool barrier is compliant protects homeowners from legal penalties and guarantees that the pool area adheres to local regulations.
Pool barrier compliance typically focuses on:
- Fences and barriers – including posts, panels, walls, gates, doors, windows, and other fittings restricting access to the pool or spa area.
- Gates and fittings – gates must be self-closing and self-latching, and windows forming part of the barrier must have restricted openings.
- Non-climbable zones (NCZs) – spaces around the barrier designed to prevent children from climbing into the pool area.
Conducting a Pool Inspection Before You Buy
Before finalising a property purchase, arranging a professional pool inspection is advisable. A licensed and certified pool inspector will assess whether the pool barrier complies with legislation. The inspection typically takes 30–45 minutes, and a Certificate of Compliance (Form 23) can be issued within 24 hours of inspection if the barrier meets all requirements.
During the inspection, the following aspects are checked:
- Height of the barrier and any gaps
- Hinges, gates, and latch mechanisms
- Non-climbable zones
- Impact load and construction material of the barrier
- Structures contained within or near the barrier
- Minimum height of windows or doors forming part of the barrier
If minor non-compliance can be addressed immediately, such as moving objects from the NCZ or small adjustments to the barrier, the inspector may rectify these on the spot. Otherwise, owners are provided with recommendations to bring the barrier into compliance, typically within seven days.
Re-Inspections and Certificate Updates
A Certificate of Compliance is valid for four years. Re-inspections are required if non-compliance was found or to update the certificate. During a re-inspection, the inspector will:
- Review all previous inspection documentation
- Determine whether identified non-compliance has been addressed
- Issue a Certificate of Compliance if the barrier is now compliant
- Record the inspection thoroughly, including photos or checklists
Pool Safety Consultation
In addition to barrier inspections, homeowners can request a Pool Safety Consultation. While this does not result in a certificate, it provides guidance on ensuring the barrier continues to meet legal requirements.
Why Choose Bayside Peninsula Pool Compliance
Bayside Peninsula Pool Compliance provides reliable, professional pool inspection and safety consultation services to ensure your pool meets all safety standards. With a focus on accuracy, transparency, and customer convenience, every inspection is conducted by experienced professionals who deliver comprehensive assessments and practical recommendations.
Here’s what our inspector will do:
- Pool Inspection
- Pool Safety Consultation
- Flat-rate pricing with full digital reports
- Inspections available for residential pools of any size; commercial pools can also be inspected
- Service areas include Dingley Village, metropolitan Melbourne, Bayside, Mornington Peninsula, and surrounding suburbs
Final Steps Before Purchasing
To ensure your pool is compliant before buying a home:
- Arrange a professional pool inspection with a licensed and certified inspector.
- Review the inspection report carefully to confirm all barriers meet legal requirements.
- Complete any recommended minor fixes or schedule re-inspections as advised.
Conclusion
Buying a home with a swimming pool comes with added responsibilities, but by arranging a professional pool barrier inspection with Bayside Peninsula Pool Compliance and following compliance recommendations, homeowners can ensure the pool meets all legal standards. This not only ensures but also secures a valid Certificate of Compliance for years to come.