Pool Safety Inspections Sutherland Shire and Sydney

Absolute Property Inspections perform pool safety inspections in the Sutherland Shire.  We issue pool compliance certificates that ensure your swimming or spa pool adheres to the pool safety laws regarding pool fencing. This law applies to swimming and spa pools located on or being built on residential buildings, movable dwelling and tourist and visitor accommodations.

Based in the Sutherland Shire, we advise on non-compliant issues and issue pool safety certificates that are required when selling a property with a swimming pool or spa.

A certificate of compliance is valid for three years.

Pool Safety Inspections are just one of the many types of inspections Absolute Property offer, view our pest and building inspections to get your home fully inspected and protect your investment.

What we Check for in Pool Safety Inspections

Pool Fencing Laws

Pools built before 1st August 1990 must have restricted access to keep children safe. They may include doors and windows in the barrier, but they must be compliant.

Pools built between 1st August 1990 and 1 July 2010 must have a fence that separates the pool from the house. Exemptions apply when a property is under 230 square metres, over two hectares, or against waterfront.

After 1 July 2010, all pools built must be surrounded by a fence that separates it from the home. Inflatable pools must also comply with fencing laws.

Click here to view the NSW pool self-assessment checklist.

Fencing Measurements

• A pool’s fence must have a minimum height of 1.2 metres.

• The bottom gap must not be more than 10 centimetres.

• Spaces between vertical bars within the fence must be no more than 10 centimetres apart. 

• Horizontal bars must be at least 90 centimetres apart

Establish a “Non-Climbable” Zone

• A “non-climbable zone” ensures no children can climb over the fence.

• No trees, ladders, chairs, or other objects can exist within 90 centimetres of this area

Child-Resistant Barriers

• Older pools may have doors or windows within the barrier, however, this is no longer allowed. 

• If a door exists, it must be self-closing and self-latching

• The latch must be over 150 centimetres from the ground

• Must not have a pet door.

• Windows must contain locking devices or security screens that keep them from opening past 10 centimetres

Pool Gates

• A pool gate must always remain shut.

• Must swing away from the pool area. 

• Must be self-closing and self-latching

Fence and Gate Maintenance

• All bolts, screws, and other fasteners must be completely tightened and in proper order. 

• Self-closing locks, latches and hinges should be sprayed with a lubricant.

• Proper maintenance can help prevent future problems from developing.