What Do I Do When I buy Property with a Swimming Pool Non-Compliance Certificate in NSW?

In the event you purchase a house in NSW with a pool non-compliance certificate, you have a period of 90 days in which to carry out the recommendations and have the pool reinspected. Failure to comply could result in a fine, so it is important to act in a timely manner, and with that in mind, here are a few of the issues that might have to be addressed in and around your swimming pool.

Pool Gating

The law states that the pool gate must open outwards and be at least 1200mm in height, plus the gate must have an auto-close feature and must be able to close from any position. Self-latching is another requirement and the gate release must be at least 1500mm from the ground. There can be no vertical gaps larger than 100mm and no horizontal gaps which could be used as a climbing aid.

Pool Fencing

When looking for pool compliance in Sydney NSW, the fencing must be of a suitable height (according to the size of the pool) with no vertical gaps exceeding 100mm. The fencing must be in good condition and if your fencing has seen better days, we recommend installing a glass pool barrier.

Inside the Pool Area

You are not permitted to have any sort of garden furniture inside the pool area; the only items allowed are pool filtration equipment, fixed water slides and a permanent shading structure. Remove any washing lines and any items other than those stated above, prior to arranging to have the pool inspected.

Surrounding the Pool Area

There must be no item within 1200mm of the pool fencing, as this could aid a child to climb into the pool area. This would include trees, shrubs and any item of furniture, so take a walk around the pool fencing to check this and remove anything that is within that space.

If you have purchased a property with a pool non-compliance certificate, call in a special company that can make the recommended alterations, then you can ask a local pool certification company to inspect the pool. Your local government would publish all the details regarding pool compliance on government websites and a Google search will help you source the information.

The State have the right to inspect your pool at any time and they can levy fines if the non-compliance is not acted upon within 90 days of buying the property.

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