When you get a pool inspection report in Victoria, it details how your pool meets local safety and compliance standards. The pool inspection report focuses on:
- Barrier height
- Gap height
- Hinges, gates, and latch mechanisms
- Non-climbable zones
- Impact load and load rating
- Construction materials and type
- Structures within the barrier
- Window height from the ground if part of the barrier
- Doors
Essential Tips For Pool Safety Checklist
Let’s understand pool fence regulations in detail:
- Pool Gates: Ensure gates swing outward from the pool, self-close, and latch shut from any position. The latch must be over 1.5 meters off the ground.
- Pool Fences: The fence must be at least 1.2 meters high with a non-climbable zone of 900mm. Fence gaps should not exceed 100mm.
- Dividing Fences: Boundary fences near the pool must be 1.8 meters high and free of climbable objects on the poolside. Alternatively, a 1.2-meter-high fence with a 1.2-meter non-climbable zone on the neighbour’s side is acceptable.
- Resuscitation Sign: Display a resuscitation sign clearly visible in the pool area.
- Branches: Trim any branches or vegetation that could help a child climb over the pool fence.
- Climbable Objects: Remove or shield any climbable objects (greater than 10mm) near the pool fence. This includes anything within 900mm outside and 300mm inside the fence.
- Doors: No doors from the house should open directly into the pool area; a separate fence is required.
- Windows: Install fixed security screens on windows that open into the pool area or ensure they cannot open more than 100mm.
What is a Pool Compliance Certificate?
A pool compliance certificate is an official document issued by a certified pool inspector. It confirms that your pool meets the government’s necessary safety regulations. This certificate is proof that your pool is safe to use, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries.
Obtaining this certificate is not just a legal requirement; it also ensures the well-being of your family and friends.
How often do pool owners need to get the Certificate of Compliance?
In Melbourne, pool and spa owners are required to obtain a Certificate of Compliance every four years. This certificate proves that the pool or spa barrier meets the safety standards outlined by local regulations. The process involves a thorough inspection by a registered pool inspector, who checks the barrier for any potential issues or non-compliance issues.
The importance of this regular certification cannot be overstated. It ensures that the pool or spa’s safety features are maintained over time, reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing the overall safety of the pool area. Pool owners must stay proactive in scheduling these inspections to avoid penalties and ensure their pool or spa remains a safe environment for all users. Also, regular compliance checks help identify and address any wear and tear or changes in the surroundings that could affect the barrier’s effectiveness.
By adhering to this four-year cycle for obtaining the Certificate of Compliance, pool owners contribute to a safer community and demonstrate their commitment to upholding the necessary safety standards for their properties.
What is the cost of our pool inspection services?
The cost of a safety barrier inspection (to obtain a Certificate of Barrier Compliance) typically ranges between $200 and $500 (excluding GST). This price includes any necessary re-inspections and the Certificate itself.
We don’t charge for re-inspections because we are committed to helping you achieve compliance.
If your barrier is non-compliant, you must address the issues yourself or hire a tradesman to assist. Our pool inspector, Leigh, will guide you through the simplest and most cost-effective solutions to achieve compliance.
Once your safety barrier is certified as compliant, you’ll receive a Swimming Pool Certificate of Barrier Compliance, which you must submit to the council.
Work not covered under our pool fence inspections
Here’s a list:
- Certification of newly built pool barriers.
- Assessing slip, trip, or fire hazards around the pool or property.
- Checking water chemical balance or chemical storage.
- Inspecting pool or spa mechanical parts like filters, pumps, or jets.
- Inspecting structures not part of the pool or spa barrier, such as the pool itself, spa, veranda, patio, or house.
- Addressing non-compliance issues unrelated to the pool or spa barrier being inspected.
Why should you choose Bayside Peninsula Pool Compliance for your next pool inspection and pool safety consultation needs?
Regarding your pool inspection and safety consultation needs, choosing Bayside Peninsula Pool Compliance offers several advantages. As a certified pool inspector, Leigh not only understands the legal requirements but also assists you in meeting them if your pool is non-compliant. By choosing us, you benefit from flexible appointment options, affordable pricing, and a flat rate that includes re-inspections at no extra cost. We guide pool construction to ensure it complies with state standards, all delivered with a friendly approach. Also, you’ll receive full digital reports within 24 hours of the inspection. To schedule an appointment with Leigh, call 0403 577 254.