If you have just had a new pool installed, or you have moved to a property with one. You are required to make sure it is certified. Pool certification is an easy process. But before you make the call and have an inspector come out. It is a good idea to look at the pool yourself and determine if everything is ok before they arrive. There are several things to look for, mostly related to pool access and security. Here are some of the things you can check for yourself.
- Pool Fence: Your fence is one of the most important things to get right. It needs to be tall enough, low enough, and far enough away from climbing points. Your fence should be 1200 mm tall, and the gap beneath it should not be more than 100mm from the ground. In addition, the vertical gaps cannot exceed 100mm. You also need to keep a 900mm zone around the fence where there is nothing climbable, including windows and decks. If something is climbable in this area, the pool fence must be 1200mm above that point. If you have a horizontal member on your fence, the vertical gaps must be less than 10mm, and the horizontal member must have a 60-degree fillet.
- Gates: Your pool gate must open outward, be self-closing, and have a latch that latches on contact. The latch release must be at least 1500mm from the ground and 1400mm above the closest horizontal member.
- Signage: It is good to have all your safety equipment accessible and marked with signage. You will need to have a sign that explains the steps of CPR according to the rules of CPR compliance. Swimming pool certifiers in Sydney will let you know where to get one if you do not know. It is also a good idea to have signs telling people the pool is off-limits without permission.
- Extra Items: Your pool inspector may also look for other hazards. Things to look for are trip hazards in the decking area. Electrical items too close to the pool. Damaged pool drains and any other potential hazard. You also might consider having a camera installed to see if you are getting any unwelcome visitors.
Your pool is intended for pleasure, but a lot of responsibility goes along with a pool. Every year there are numerous injuries and drownings, despite precautions. Even after you get your certification, you will be expected to maintain health and safety standards. Adopt a regular routine of pool maintenance, and make frequent checks of the pool chemistry and the pool hardware.