Swimming Pools
The Swimming Pools Act 1992 states that all residents are required to fence their swimming pools with a complying barrier.
Did you know?
- Drowning is one of the major causes of death in children under 5 years of age
- Ten children die each year and many more suffer serious injuries from swimming pool-related incidents
- You can be subject to fines of up to $5,500 for failing to maintain a proper child-safe fence or barrier between your swimming pool and house
Ensure your pool is safe
- Conduct regular maintenance of your pool fence, gate and pool area
- Download a home pool safety checklist from www.safewaters.nsw.gov.au
- Contact your local pool professional for advice and repairs
- Have a Council officer inspect your pool area ($70 fee) to ensure it complies
To book an inspection, download a Pool Compliance Certificate Application Form (Word doc, 237kb)
What is considered a ‘swimming pool’?
- Spa pools
- In-ground pools
- Semi in-ground pools
- Above-ground pools
- Inflatable swimming pools capable of holding water with a depth greater than 300mm
- Pools under construction
Checklist for pool fencing
- Pool fencing and gates must be 1.2 metres in height and must provide an effective child safe barrier
- Pool fencing and gates must be in good working order
- No gaps are permitted in, around or under fencing greater than 100mm
- The construction of the fence and gates must be non-climbable
- Gates must be self-closing and self-latching from all positions and must open away from the pool
- Latches must be 1.5 metres from the ground (or in another complying child safe location)
- No climbing aids (such as tree branches, filter boxes, play equipment, chairs, barbeques, etc) are permitted adjacent to the fence
- A complying CPR resuscitation chart must be prominently displayed within the pool area
Please note: There are different pool fencing requirements depending on the year the pool was constructed and when the fence was substantially modified. For more information, please call Council on 9847 6760 or visit the Safe Waters website.
More information
For more information about this legislation and requirements for fencing, call Council on 9847 6760 or visit the following websites:
