Having a pool is great, a little bit of luxury right in your own yard. It is a big responsibility too, as well as a significant investment. A pool can become a big headache if it is not considered with the right attitude. Pools need regular maintenance, supervision, and they need to conform to government standards. Neglect any of these, and you will begin to have trouble. If you are installing a pool on your property and have not yet been certified. Here are a few things to check to ensure that you will pass the inspection.
- Fence: All pools need to be fenced to reduce the chance of children or other unexpected guests entering the pool unsupervised. Your barrier will need to conform to the minimum height of 1200mm. And the gap underneath the fence can be no more than 100mm. You also need to make sure that there are no climbable access points within 900mm of the fence on the outside, and 300mm on the inside. The gaps must be less than 100mm as well.
- Gates and Latches: Your gate must not open towards the pool and must be self-closing and self-latching. The latch mechanism needs to be 1500mm from the ground and 1400mm above the highest horizontal member. This is so kids cannot step up and unlatch the gate. The inside latch needs to be lower than 150mm from the top and shielded to prevent reaching from over the top.
- Safety Equipment: A government-compliant sign detailing CPR must be placed in an unobstructed place near the pool. Other items you should have available are rescue equipment such as a pole with a handle, or life preserver ring. These items should be stowed in a visible place and have signage related to their usage. You can arrange Pool Certification in Glenhaven through an internet search.
The inspector might look for other things, including trip hazards on the decking around the pool, broken tile or drainage vents, and the potential for shock hazards by nearby electrical items. It would help if you had the appropriate chlorine test equipment and understand how to use it. Your inspector might also show concern about the proximity of windows decks or balconies near the pool. Hopefully, they are all further than the 900mm limit. The best time to consider these things is before you begin, but if you notice you have a problem, it is best to correct the issue before you call for an inspection.
