A swimming pool is defined by the Swimming Pools Act 1992 as:
Any excavation, structure or vessel:
(a) Capable of being filled with water to a depth of 300mm or more, and;
(b) Solely used, designed, manufactured or adapted to be used for the purpose of swimming, wading, paddling or any other human aquatic activity, and includes a spa pool, but does not include a spa bath, anything that is situated in a bathroom or any other circumstance declared by the regulations not be a swimming pool.
As there are different fencing requirements for swimming pools depending on when and where the pool was installed, three checklists have been provided below. Pool owners are asked to complete the checklist that applies to their property and swimming pool. If you don’t know when your pool was built, contact Council’s Planning and Development Division
For each question in the appropriate checklist answer “yes” or “no” as to whether your pool fence meets the specific requirement. If you answer “no” to any of these questions your pool may be in breach of the legislation and unsafe. Please contact Council if you have any concerns.
- Home pool safety checklist - All pools installed after 1 August 1990 excluding pools on very small properties (less than 230 m2), large properties (greater than 2 hectares) and waterfront properties.
- Home pool safety checklist - small properties - All pools installed on very small properties (less than 230 m2); and all pools installed before 1 August 1990 excluding pools on large properties (greater than 2 hectares) and pools on waterfront properties.
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Home pool safety checklist - large properties and waterfront properties - All pools on large properties (area greater than 2 hectares); and all pools on waterfront properties regardless of when they were installed.
Australian Standard AS: 1926.1 – 2007, Swimming Pool Safety Part 1: safety barriers for swimming pools.
The Swimming Pools Act 1992 currently calls up this Australian Standard in relation to pool safety and fencing requirements. A copy of the standard is available to be viewed at Council’s administration building (located at 144 Otho Street, Inverell), or alternatively a copy can be purchased at www.saiglobal.com/shop/
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
CPR flow charts (signs) are required within the pool area and need to be clearly visible and legible from a distance of 3m. Council has CPR flow charts/signs which can be purchased from the Inverell Shire Council Administration Centre located at 144 Otho Street, Inverell. A CPR fact sheet can also be found below:
Swimming Pool Compliance Certificate
You can apply to Council for a certificate which certifies that a swimming pool complies with the relevant requirements of the Swimming Pools Act 1992. An application form for a Swimming Pool Compliance Certificate can be found below.
