swimming pools fact sheet 2

pool safety

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Every year, a number of children drown in backyard swimming pools and many more suffer brain damage and other serious injuries.

As part of Council’s commitment to community safety and through its Swimming Pool Safety Education Program, a series of fact sheets have been developed which incorporate important information regarding pool safety and fencing requirements.

The Swimming Pools Act 1992, which requires the provision of safety barriers for swimming pools, was introduced to improve pool safety for children. However, the provision of pool barriers and warning notices are only part of this.

The most important aspect is competent supervision of young children in and around swimming pools. Swimming classes for children and the training of adults in resuscitation techniques are other important aspects of water safety.

A swimming pool may be defined as any excavation or structure containing water to a depth greater than 300mm and used primarily for swimming, wading, paddling or the like, including a bathing or wading pool or spa.

In NSW, the Swimming Pools Act 1992 requires that all swimming pools have an appropriate child resistant barrier that restricts access between the residence and the swimming pool.

Under this legislation, Council may direct owners to upgrade a pool fence or child restraint barrier to comply with requirements of the Act. Penalties or fines may apply where any owner fails to comply with a Swimming Pools Act direction.

The Act, Swimming Pools Regulation 2008 and Australian Standard AS 1926 - 2007 Swimming Pool Safety, contains more detailed technical information and the requirements of these documents do take precedence over the information contained within this guide.

What are some of the things I need to consider when dealing with pool chemicals?

In order to maintain your pool at the standard of cleanliness to prevent infections and disease, you will need to sanitise the water. In most home pools, this is done using a pump, a series of filters and chemical treatment of the water. There are a number of simple safety issues you should remember when using and handling chemicals, including:

• keep pool chemicals away from fertilisers and petroleum products as they may explode

• use only clean, dry and impervious scoops (not wood) when transferring chemicals

• water should not be poured over chemicals, pour the chemicals into water

• are chemicals stored out of reach of children?

• are chemicals stored in a cool dry area away from sunlight?

• use protective equipment (gloves and eyewear) when handling pool chemicals and always follow manufacturers recommendations.

• maintain good pool water quality by dosing responsibly. If your pool fails a water test at any stage, DO NOT allow anyone to swim in it until it is corrected.

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pool safety

What other things must be done for safety?

Other than pool safety fencing and correct chemical storage and handling, the following is a list of things that must be done to maintain the pool in a child safe manner. These are:

(a) the display of an approved resuscitation chart

(b) all fencing, locks and latches be regularly maintained and kept in good working order

(c) spa lids being secured when the spa is not in use

(d) landscaping around the pool fencing be regularly trimmed to prevent trees, shrubs and other plants from being used as a foothold to gain access to the pool

(e) all doors and gates that provide access to the pool be kept securely latched in a closed position when the pool is not in use. Don’t leave any gates or doors propped open

(f) always leave your filter covered so small children can’t get into it

(g) don’t leave objects near the fence as children may use them to climb over

(h) a secure pool fence is not substitute for responsible adult supervision. Children in or around the water must be watched at all times. No matter what their swimming ability, children should always be supervised

(i) it is essential that children are taught to swim from an early age. NSW Sport and Recreation conducts learn to swim classes at most major swimming centres. Please contact them for further details

(j) training in resuscitation techniques will give adults the skills required for emergency situations

(k) exposed electrical leads and connections should not be located within proximity to any swimming pool due to risk of electrical shock.

If your pool does not comply with the requirements of the Swimming Pools Act 1992, Council can advise you what steps you need to take in your particular circumstances.

For a fee, Council can also issue a certificate of compliance if your swimming pool complies with the requirements of the Act.

For more details on pool safety, see the link to Safewaters on Council’s website at www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au or call Council’s Planning and Environment Division on 4645 4608.

further information

Note: The information presented in the fact sheet series is intended to serve as a guide. The information provided does not exclude the necessity to meet the specific requirements of the Swimming Pools Act 1992, the Swimming Pools Regulation 2008 or Australian Standard AS 1926 Swimming Pool Safety as these requirements take precedence over information contained within this guide and should be referenced in conjunction with the fact sheet information.

Document produced by Campbelltown City Council Last edited: 23/09/2009 Version 1

Civic Centre Queen Street Campbelltown PO Box 57 Campbelltown NSW 2560 DX5114Telephone 02 4645 4000 Facsimile 02 4645 4111 TTY 02 4645 4615Email council@campbelltown.nsw.gov.au Web www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au ABN 31 459 914 087