A Guide to Swimming Pool Certification in New South Wales

A colorful beach ball floating in a swimming pool.

In 2013, the NSW government amended the Swimming Pool Act of 1992, making it compulsory for every swimming pool and spa to be registered. Three years later, in 2016, any property to be sold must have a valid swimming pool compliance, or if the property is non-compliant, the new owner must have the swimming pool certified as complaint within 90 days of purchasing the property.

Accredited Swimming Pool Certifiers

If your swimming pool has yet to be certified, there are accredited swimming pool certifiers in Sydney, who can easily be found with an online search. These amendments to the Swimming Pool Act of 1992 are in place to help prevent children drowning in swimming pools, and they apply to every swimming pool or spa that has a depth of more than 300mm. This also includes pools that are in-ground, above ground, indoor, or even portable pools, and if your pool has yet to be certified, you should contact one of the accredited pool certifiers that are licensed to carry out pool inspections.

Failing the Compliance Inspection

In the event your pool does not meet the standards required, the pool certifier will tell you exactly what needs to be done to rectify the situation, and once the improvements have been made, the pool can be reassessed, and a compliance certificate issued. Pool compliant certificates are valid for three years, after which time, the pool needs to be reassessed by an accredited pool certifier.

Selling or Leasing a Property with a Non-Compliance Certificate

It is possible to sell or lease a property that has a pool and is non-compliant, and that means the new owner or tenant has 90 days to make the pool compliant. This is an extra burden for the new owner or tenant, so it is advisable to have the pool certified before putting the property on the market, which makes for a more attractive proposition from the buyer’s perspective.

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What Does a Pool Inspection Cover?

When a swimming pool is evaluated, the following are inspected:

  • CPR Sign – A sign that contains essential information on how to resuscitate must be legible and within the boundaries of the pool area.
  • Pool Fencing – The barriers that surround the pool must be of the correct height and have no gaps between the vertical components or under the fencing of more than 100mm.
  • Climbing Hazards – There must be no objects within 1200mm of the pool fencing; items such as flower pots, large stones, or any item of furniture that might allow a child to climb up and jump over the pool fencing and gain access to the pool.
  • Items Within the Pool Enclosure – Tables, chairs or other items of furniture must be outside the pool area, along with BBQ units or clothes lines.

If your pool has yet to be certified as safe, an online search will put you in touch with an accredited pool certifier, who can arrange to inspect your pool area.

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