Swim season safety in the spotlight

23 September 2016

Reminder to renters and landlords about pool requirements

Spring has sprung! In backyards across the Tweed, long neglected swimming pools are coming back to life - which brings a timely reminder from Council about pool regulations and responsibilities for landlords and tenants.

As of April this year, all properties leased or sold in NSW require a current Swimming Pool Compliance Certificate or a relevant Occupation Certificate, to ensure the pool barrier (fence and gate) is safe.

A copy of the Swimming Pool Compliance Certificate must be provided to tenants or buyers upon entering into any new residential tenancy or purchase agreement.

Team Leader, Building Surveying, Robert Noakes says Council is receiving increasing numbers of enquiries, particularly from tenants, with concerns about swimming pools that may not be safe.

“At this time of year we encourage everyone to make sure their swimming pool fence and gate are safe and well maintained,” Mr Noakes said.

“If tenants find the pool barrier needs repair or maintenance they are encouraged to speak to their real estate agent or the landlord to have these issues rectified immediately.”

“If you have signed a new lease or recently purchased a house with a pool and didn’t get a copy of the Swimming Pool Compliance Certificate you are encouraged to contact Council to report the matter for investigation.”

The property owner is directly responsible for compliance in regards to the Swimming Pools Act which includes:

• ensuring the swimming pool barrier is kept in a good state of repair
• ensuring all access points, doors and gates to a swimming pool are kept securely closed when not in use
• warning Notice (CPR Sign) to be displayed inside the pool area.

Council’s Swimming Pool Compliance Officers are also available to assist, please contact (02) 6670 2400.