Safe pools and spas

Sunshine Coast Council encourages the installation of fully compliant safety barriers around swimming areas as they make pools and spas safe and fun for everyone.

Manager Building Services, Steven Tucker said having the right safety barriers around pools and spas is essential for saving lives and preventing injuries.

"That’s why pool safety certificates are required by law," he said.

"Under current State Government legislation, if you are selling or renting a property with a swimming pool you must attain a pool safety certificate from a licensed pool safety inspector.

"Pool owners not selling or leasing a property have until 30 November 2015 to comply with the new pool fence safety standard.

"This standard applies to pools associated with houses and also applies to units, hotels, motels, backpacker hostels, caravan parks and mobile van parks."

Safe swimming areas must have;

• A safety barrier with an effective height of 1200mm from top to bottom
• Gates that open away from the pool enclosure and self close and self latch from any stationary position
• No climbable objects outside the barrier within the quadrant radius of 1200mm measured out and down of the barrier. This includes tree limbs, outdoor furniture, pot plants or anything that can be climbed over to access the swimming enclosure
• Windows that open into the swimming enclosure with a sill height of less than 1200mm require permanently fixed security screens
• A clearly displayed resuscitation sign within the pool enclosure that includes the emergency number 000 and instructions for resuscitating infants, children and adults.

Mr Tucker said pool owners can arrange for a licensed pool safety inspector to inspect their swimming pool enclosure to determine whether or not they comply with the pool safety standard.

"If the licensed pool safety inspector issues a nonconformity notice it means the swimming area doesn’t meet legislative requirements," he said.

"A nonconformity notice should state how the pool barrier doesn't comply and what needs to be done to make it comply."

To find out more about what you need to do to make sure your pool or spa comply with the law ring council on 5475 7272 or check council’s website.