Pool Safety

Last modified: October 20, 2009 - 12:44 AM

Pool fencing is an integral part of child safety when it comes to backyard swimming pools. Although some exemptions exist for large rural properties, specific measures are still required to make any dwelling or habitable building child-safe. In any event, Wollondilly Shire Council recommends the use of a well designed and properly installed pool fence around any swimming pool.

Due to the significant safety risk that backyard pools can pose, any pool that can be filled with water to a depth of 300mm or more and hold more than 2,000 litres of water require approval from Council or a Private Certifier. The following is a list of pool fencing requirements:

Residential Properties
Pools installed after 1 August 1990 must be fully enclosed by a child-resistant barrier (normally a pool fence) that complies with Australian Standard AS1926.

Pools installed before 1 August 1990 still need to be isolated by a child-resistant barrier. This barrier may include the use of the boundary fence and wall of the house as long as they comply with Council's requirements.

Rural Properties
All pools on rural properties are required to have a child-resistant barrier.

Properties with an area of 2 hectares (5 acres) or more may make windows and doors of any residential building child-safe instead of installing a pool fence. These properties may still have to ensure access is restricted from adjoining public and private land.

Inflatable and prefabricated DIY pools
In the last few years, inflatable and prefabricated DIY pools have become popular alternatives to the cost of a full size pool and many are installed without first consulting Council. These pools pose the same risk to children as larger pools and may still require approval and the installation of a child resistant barrier. Penalties apply for pools that are installed without approval or where a child-resistant barrier is not installed or maintained.

If members of the public have concerns with the suitability of their pool safety provisions, Council provides a service where pool fencing and isolation barriers can be checked for compliance by authorised officers for a nominal fee.

If you have any questions relating to pool isolation requirements, please contact Council's Building Team on (02) 4677 1100 for assistance between 8am and 10am weekdays.

Contact details
Land Use and Planning
Tel: 02 4677 1100
Fax: 02 4677 2339
http://www.wollondilly.nsw.gov.au
council@wollondilly.nsw.gov.au

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