Top Pool Safety Standards and How to Comply with Them

Pool ownership can be a lot of work, but safety is one of those areas that can’t be ignored. Did you know that recent statistics note that drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children below five years in Australia?

Pools are accidents waiting to happen unless safety measures have been put in place. Let’s dive into some vital pool safety rules and guidelines you need to know to maintain a secure environment around your pool.

Pool Safety Barriers: Meeting the Regulatory Requirements

No matter how “safe” you think your pool is, there are strict pool safety guidelines and standards that must be followed. One of the first lines of defence for pool safety is a solid barrier. With regards to Queensland regulations, all pools should be enclosed by a safety barrier that has to meet standards set by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission or QBCC. These barriers act as a physical obstruction in preventing unsupervised access, primarily to children.

Fence Height and Material Specifications

Some key pool safety guidelines concerning your fence include:

• Your fence barrier must be a minimum of 1200mm from the ground to the top.
• The gap between the bottom of your barrier and the ground needs to be less than 100mm.

And the non-climbable zones around your pool need to be a minimum of 900mm on the outside and 300mm on the inside.

Pool Gates: Ensuring Safety Compliance

It’s not just your pool fence that will come under inspection, you also need to check your pool gates. According to the QBCC all pool gates need to open away from the pool, be self-closing and self-latching. This means that your pool gate should automatically shut after someone passes through, reducing the chance of accidental access.

You will also need to ensure that your pool latch is at least 1500mm from the ground and 1400mm from the top of your highest lowest horizontal section.

Additional Safety Equipment: Pool Covers and Alarms

Pool covers are an excellent form of protection from those unplanned falls into the water when a pool is not in use. With these devices, your pool will be well protected while reaping many other benefits: reduction in debris accumulation and maintaining water temperature better. However, ensure that you have a pool cover that can support the weight of an adult. A properly fitted cover should not have any openings through which a person, child, or pet could manage to get into the water. Fitted covers are available with heavy anchors or a locking mechanism that secures to the pool deck for an added layer of safety.

For another layer of safety you can consider a pool alarm. These devices are fitted into your inground pools and will alert you on any unsupervised entries into your pool area. This can be a good way to catch any children or pets that have snuck into the pool area and avoid accidents.

Pool Signage: What’s Mandatory?

Any pool safety inspector will tell you that signage is absolutely mandatory. According to the Queensland Government’s pool safety standards, you need to display warning signs if you are constructing a new pool and once it is complete your completed pool area needs to have a CPR sign clearly displayed.

To adhere to pool safety guidelines, your CPR sign needs to be at least 300x300mm in size and should be attached to your pool fence. Make sure this is made out of a weather-proof material and has clear instructions such as calling 000 in case of emergencies.

Pool Maintenance and Water Quality

For your own safety you should test your pool water to avoid health issues. Poor water quality in your swimming pool can lead to a wide range of health effects: from the presence of bacteria, viruses, and parasites to other contaminants. Bad water can indeed cause skin irritations, rashes, or infections such as those coming from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common cause of swimmer’s itch or folliculitis.

When testing your water with an at home kit, your pH levels should be sitting between 7 and 7.6.

How to Ensure Compliance with Pool Safety Standards

This involves keeping your documentation up to date, performing regular checks and maintenance and even calling in the professionals when you need it.

Regular Pool Inspections and Certification

You will need to renew your pool safety certificate to ensure you are compliant. For private pools, this means every two years and for shared pools this is every year.

In order for you to get a new safety certificate, you will need to book a pool inspection with a verified inspector.  This not only helps you maintain compliance but also keeps your pool safe for all users.

All you need to do is search via your postcode on our site and you’ll be able to get in touch with inspectors in your area. Then you just need to pick your time and date and you’ll receive confirmation with all the details!

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Ignoring the rules and regulations surrounding your pool, will not only put you and your family at risk, but you’ll be in danger of fines and penalties. In Queensland, the penalties for non-compliance can include hefty fines and legal action. Failure to comply with regulations could also increase liability in the event of an accident.

Book Your Inspection to Keep Your Pool Safe

With Book My Pool Inspection, securing your pool’s safety has never been easier. Our professional and certified inspectors provide a hassle-free experience, making sure your pool meets all necessary requirements for a safe and enjoyable time.

Don’t wait until an accident happens, book your pool inspection now and enjoy peace of mind knowing your pool is up to standard.