Owning a swimming pool or spa within a strata or community scheme comes with shared responsibilities and legal obligations. As joint owners of these facilities located on common property, lot owners must ensure compliance with the Swimming Pools Act 1992. Here's a comprehensive guide to understanding and fulfilling these regulatory requirements, brought to you by Compass Strata.
Understanding the Law
The Swimming Pools Act 1992 applies to any structure capable of holding water to a depth greater than 30cm, designed for human aquatic activities. This includes swimming pools and spa pools within strata or community schemes. To comply with the law, pool owners must register their facilities online through the NSW Swimming Pool Register. This registration process ensures accountability and provides a certificate of registration for verification.
CPR Signage: A Vital Safety Measure
Clear and updated CPR signage near pool areas is essential for guiding emergency response procedures. These signs must be prominently displayed, easily visible, and accessible to facilitate prompt and effective action during emergencies. As a critical safety measure, CPR signage helps ensure the well-being of pool users and aids in emergency preparedness. The signage, which can be purchased from Royal Life Saving, should be well-maintained and easily legible from a distance of 3 meters.
Fencing Requirements for Child Safety
Proper fencing is crucial to prevent unauthorised access to pool areas. Make sure that pools are enclosed by a child-resistant safety barrier, effectively separating them from any residential buildings and adjoining areas. Additionally, ensure that doors and gates providing access to the swimming pool are kept closed at all times. All pool enclosures must comply with Australian Standards to safeguard against drowning incidents and ensure child safety. By adhering to fencing requirements, strata communities create a secure environment for residents and mitigate potential risks associated with pool ownership.
Pool Cleaning Systems: Mitigating Accident Risks
To reduce the risk of accidents, pool owners must secure cleaning systems and skimming devices to prevent entrapment, particularly involving children. Clear labelling and awareness of filtration system controls are also vital safety measures to uphold. By prioritising pool cleaning and maintenance, strata communities uphold operational efficiency and safety standards, fostering a safe and enjoyable pool environment for residents.
What is a skimmer box?
A pool skimmer box is a vital component of a swimming pool's filtration system. It is typically located at the water's surface level along the pool's edge. The skimmer box works by drawing water from the pool through a skimmer basket, which captures leaves, debris, and other floating particles before they sink to the bottom. The collected debris is then trapped in the skimmer basket, preventing it from clogging the pool's filtration system. Skimmer boxes help maintain the cleanliness and clarity of the pool water by efficiently removing surface debris.
Certification and Maintenance: Ensuring Compliance
All pools or spas must be registered to ensure their safety for all users. Upon registration, the owners corporation will receive a certificate of registration. Residents/owners can lookup registration online. Pool inspection self-assessment checklists are available for different types of pools. Strata schemes with more than two lots must schedule pool inspections by the local council at least every three years to verify compliance with regulatory standards. Owners Corporation can also engage registered private certifiers to inspect on request, who can issue either a certificate of compliance or non-compliance after an inspection.
⚠️ Kids can’t help themselves around water, you need to.
⚠️ Keep Watch to keep your child safe around water.
Essential Community Pool Safety
In summary, navigating pool ownership within a strata or community scheme requires careful attention to legal requirements and safety guidelines. By understanding and adhering to these regulations, strata communities can create a safe and enjoyable pool environment for residents to relax and unwind. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive strata management services and how we can assist you in maintaining a safe and thriving community.
