Whether you’ve recently installed a pool, are looking to sell or buy a home with a pool, or are a real estate agent, strata manager, or accommodation operator, it’s important to make sure that your pool is properly accredited and complies with current safety standards. All swimming pools and spas are required to be registered and if they aren’t, you’ll not only be breaking the law, but you could also be putting your children at risk for drowning or any other pool injuries. If your pool has yet to be accredited, be sure to reach out to a swimming pool certifier right away.
What Are the Requirements?
A pool certification applies to all types of swimming pools and spa pools including in-ground, above-ground, indoor, portable, and other vessels that are capable of being filled to a depth of 300 mm or more of water. If you own any of these, you are required to reach out to accredited swimming pool certifiers as soon as possible to obtain an inspection to attain your swimming pool safety certificate.
Before you hire just anyone, however, be sure to do the necessary research to find a pool certifier that you can trust.
What Happens During an Inspection?
A pool inspection is done by pool certifiers to ensure your pool is in compliance with the latest laws. The inspector’s job is to inspect your gates, barriers, and pool area for safety and compliance with relevant standards and identify any safety breaches and advise how to address them. Prior to your inspection, you can also get a swimming pool compliance checklist for your pool so you can see what needs to be done and work on a plan of action.
If your swimming pool is found to be non-compliant with new laws, a professional will be able to advise you exactly how to rectify any such issues. Once resolved, you will be eligible to receive a compliance certificate, which becomes part of your contract of sale or lease for your property. This is also the certificate you will need before you can sell your property.
Keep in mind that after three years, your certificate will have expired and your pool will need to be re-inspected to receive a new certification. If you have any questions, be sure to reach out to a professional today.