Remember pool safety fencing laws when splashing out on inflatable pools

With a hot summer in store, Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is reminding residents to keep pool safety fencing laws front of mind before purchasing or filling temporary inflatable pools.

TRC Environmental Health portfolio leader Cr Tim McMahon said state pool safety fencing laws applied to all existing in-ground pools, spas and temporary inflatable pools that can hold 30 centimetres or more of water.

Cr McMahon said safety must be residents’ top priority before enjoying a dip to cool off in the hot weather.

“Temporary inflatable pools must always have a compliant swimming pool safety barrier in place,” Cr McMahon said.

“Inflatables are in some ways more dangerous than bigger pools, due to the low set up costs, collapsible sides and a lack of education when they are sold at retail outlets.

“More importantly, residents with inflatables pools, or any pool, must supervise their children when they are near water.

“Residents must inspect and carry out maintenance on an existing swimming pool or spa to ensure it meets Queensland Pool Safety Standards requirements.

“Since December 1, 2015, all existing and new regulated Queensland swimming pools must comply with the pool safety laws.

“Council appreciates residents’ efforts to comply with the laws, but there is no room to be complacent when it comes to pool safety.

“Council regards community safety, particularly that of young children, as a top priority and won’t hesitate to take enforcement action when safety is compromised. The pool safety laws are about saving lives.

“If you have recently moved to a property with a pool and are unsure if the fencing complies with the Standards, please engage a QBCC licensed pool safety inspector to ensure you have a barrier that is safe. Don’t wait until a child’s life is endangered on your property.

“All residential swimming pools must have a Building Approval for the swimming pool and pool safety barrier and they must be registered with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission.”

Cr McMahon said home owners could check or register their properties on the pool safety register at: https://my.qbcc.qld.gov.au/s/pool-register

“If you are selling or buying a property with a swimming pool, please check the requirements,” Cr McMahon said.

“Property owners are required to always maintain a compliant barrier, even if this means erecting a temporary pool fence that complies with the requirements while the permanent fence undergoes maintenance.

“Residents who are unsure about any of these safety aspects can find further information at: https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/home-building-owners/pool-safety/overview

Cr McMahon said nothing should overshadow the primary safety message and the importance of knowing how to perform CPR.

Council has details about the regulations, please refer to: https://www.tr.qld.gov.au/planning-building/do-i-need-approval/building-renovating-projects/12949-pools-spas

For a pool safety checklist, visit https://www.tr.qld.gov.au/payments-self-service-laws/laws-permits/fences-pools-trees-vegetation/15474-pool-safety-and-compliance

Council officers can also provide relevant advice on request. Please call 131 872 to request further information.