October 30, 2015
The South Burnett Regional Council has warned local home owners that all swimming pools must comply with new Queensland safety standards by November 30, or earlier if their properties are sold or leased.
“Pool owners have a responsibility to make sure their pools are compliant with the standards required by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission,” South Burnett mayor Wayne Kratzmann said.
“If pools do not meet these standards, not only do owners face fines, but they are putting the lives of families and friends at risk.”
Council’s Manager of Planning and Land Management Chris Du Plessis said the pool fence laws were introduced by the State Government in 2010, however, owners were given five years to comply.
Residents who need more details on obtaining a safety certificate, or who are unsure if their pool is safe, should have their pool assessed by a safety inspector.
Safety inspectors are listed at www.qbcc.qld.gov.au, or for more information, phone 13-91-33.
Pool owners must also register their pools with the QBCC, which is free.
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Some simple measures to ensure pool safety include:
- Removing climbable objects like pot plants and chairs from fence surrounds so children cannot climb into pools and spas
- Reducing the height of surrounding garden beds
- Ensuring windows facing onto pool areas have key locks
- Displaying current CPR signs
- Ensuring gates close and are regularly maintained
A free pool safety checklist can be downloaded (156kb PDF)
- Related article: Pool Owners Face $800 Fines
