Swimming pools are a great addition to any backyard, but they come with an important responsibility – ensuring the safety of those who use them. In South East Queensland, it is a legal requirement for pool owners to have their pool inspected and registered, with inspections required every two years. In this blog post, we’ll explore what to expect during a pool safety inspection in South East Queensland and why it’s so important for pool owners to comply with safety standards.
Pool Inspection Process
Pool inspections in South East Queensland are carried out by licensed inspectors who are trained to assess pool barriers, gates, and fencing for compliance with safety standards. During an inspection, the inspector will assess the overall safety of the pool area, looking for any hazards or risks that could lead to injury or drowning.
The inspection process typically involves the inspector conducting a thorough visual assessment of the pool and its surrounding areas, including any gates or fences. They will check that the pool fencing is at least 1200mm high and that there are no gaps or holes in the fencing that a child could crawl through. The inspector will also ensure that the fence is free from damage or corrosion, and that any self-closing or self-latching gates are functioning correctly.
If the inspector finds any non-compliant issues during the inspection, they will provide a written report outlining the issues that need to be addressed. Depending on the severity of the issues, the pool may be deemed non-compliant and a compliance notice will be issued. This means that the pool owner will need to take steps to rectify the issues before the pool can be registered.
Common Issues Found During Pool Inspections
There are several common issues that are often found during pool inspections in South East Queensland. One of the most common issues is faulty gates or latches, which can prevent the gate from closing and latching securely. Other issues that may be identified during an inspection include broken fence panels, climbable objects near the fence, and inadequate pool barriers.
It’s important for pool owners to address these issues as quickly as possible to ensure the safety of those using the pool. For example, if a gate is not functioning correctly, a child could easily gain access to the pool area and potentially drown. Likewise, if there are climbable objects near the fence, a child could use them to climb over the fence and enter the pool area unsupervised.
The good news is that many of these issues can be easily addressed with some simple maintenance or repairs. For example, broken fence panels can be replaced, and faulty gates or latches can be repaired or replaced to ensure they function correctly.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with pool safety standards can have serious consequences. If a pool is found to be non-compliant during an inspection, a compliance notice will be issued requiring the pool owner to address the issues identified. Failure to comply with the notice can result in fines of up to $26,690.50, legal action, and potentially even the closure of the pool.
But more importantly, non-compliance can put the safety of those using the pool at risk. Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of five in Australia, and it’s essential that pool owners take all necessary steps to prevent this from happening.
In conclusion, pool inspections are an essential part of maintaining a safe swimming environment in South East Queensland. During an inspection, the inspector will assess the overall safety of the pool area and identify any non-compliant issues that need to be addressed.
