Pool Safety

(QLD) Non-climbable zone on the inside of a barrier

Where a barrier is 1800 millimetres or higher, the non-climbable zone can be located on the inside of the fence measured from the top of the barrier. The Queensland Development Code Mandatory Part 3.4 and the Australian Standard clearly show that to measure the height, the distance from the top of the barrier to the ground surface immediately inside the enclosure must be used.

(NSW) Non-climable zones

There are 5 climbing zones around a pool barrier. 4 zones for an internal barrier and 1 where the boundary barrier is used as part of the pool barrier. A common question from property owners asked of pool barrier inspectors is, ‘What makes something non-climbable in a NCZ (non-climbing zone)?’

(QLD) Objects that may compromise the effective height of a barrier

Generally, the effective height of a barrier is the measurement from the finished ground level to the top of the barrier. The ground surface can often be uneven or rough and minor irregularities should not compromise the height of a barrier.
However, where there are objects adjacent to the barrier which could compromise the barrier’s effective height (for example a deck)

(NSW) CPR sign changes

A common non-compliance issue for a pool barrier is the state and content of the CPR sign. Since August 30th, 2018, the contents of the CPR sign have changed slightly.

(QLD) Meaning of 'effective height'

The term ‘effective height’ is referred to in the Pool Safety Standard. For example, section 2.1 of Australian Standard 1926-2007 part 1 (AS1926.1) provides that ‘the effective height shall not be less than 1200 millimetres...’.

(QLD) Engaging a second pool safety inspector within the reinspection period

The Building Act 1975 provides that during the reinspection period a pool owner may only ask the pool safety inspector (PSI) who performed the initial inspection to reinspect. This requirement aims to prevent pool owners from ‘shopping around’ for a PSI who may provide a more favourable assessment.

(QLD) Barriers and ground clearance

When assessing gaps between the bottom of a barrier and the finished ground level, a pool safety inspector (PSI) must ensure that the finished ground is solid and unlikely to be disturbed by a young child.

(QLD) Glass pool fence panels

When inspecting pool barriers with glass panels, pool safety inspectors should be aware that as the ground (or other foundations) expand and contract with weather conditions, the glass panels may move out of position or be dislodged.

(QLD) Pool latches that are able to be locked in the open position

The Australian Standard stipulates that the latching device for a pool gate shall not be able to be inadvertently adjusted during operation, locked in the ‘open’ position, or adjusted without the use of tools.

(QLD) Minor repairs to achieve compliance

A pool safety inspector and pool owner can agree for the pool safety inspector to carry out minor repairs to make the pool comply with the pool safety standard. However, a pool safety inspector can carry out minor repairs only if they hold an unconditional licence.

(QLD) Fire exits and pool safety compliance

Fire doors and exits must be clearly marked in accordance with the National Construction Code. Under no circumstances should a fire door or exit be locked or blocked in order to meet the pool safety requirements.

(QLD) Consultancy work

A pool safety inspector may be engaged to consult or provide general advice to a pool owner about their pool’s compliance with the pool safety standard..