Make Your Pool Safe This Summer

Water is synonymous with summer, and life on the Plains is no different as people find solace with a splash in a backyard pool.

With portable and inflatable pools becoming more accessible and increasing in popularity over the years, the backyard pool now takes many shapes and forms.

While Council encourages residents to beat the heat this Summer, those who purchase portable or inflatable pools are urged to ensure they are correctly fenced and safe.

In NSW the Swimming Pools Act 1992 requires all swimming pools to have an appropriate child resistant barrier that restricts access between the residence and the swimming pool.

Any pool that is capable of being filled with water to a depth of 300mm or more is subject to pool fencing laws. It is also important to note that pools that have the capacity to hold 2,000L or more require a Development Application to be lodged with Council.

Due to the increase in popularity, throughout summer Council rangers will be looking out for portable and inflatable pools which do not appear to be appropriately fenced.

Penalties may apply for unfenced pools or for those pools which do not have the appropriate required consent, residents with any questions or concerns should contact Council for more information.

Some useful information is available on the NSW Government’s Fair Trading website: https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-property/building-and-renovating/pools-and-pool-safety/portable-swimming-pools

Further information on backyard swimming pool compliance can be found at: www.swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au.

Further information on why children are at risk of drowning and ways to prevent this can be found at: https://kidsafe.com.au/water-safety.