Only one of 61 backyard swimming pools inspected by Orange City Council officers has met safety standards.
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The owners of the 60 pools checked in Orange in the past few months that failed the State Government’s strict pool fencing regulations were required to fix the problems.
Since last April any residence sold or rented in NSW requires a compliance certificate from their local council if there is a pool on the property.
Four council officers also inspect pools where complaints are made about their safety, however they are not doing random checks.
Orange City Council spokesman Nick Redmond said that since the legislation was introduced, compliance officers checked one pool a week on average.
“Only one backyard pool passed the first compliance test,” he said.
Common problems included pool gate latches not working and plants or shrubs growing so close to the pool fence that children could climb on them to get over the fence.
“No fines for non-compliance of swimming pool fencing standards have been issued in Orange,” he said.
KNOW THE RULES
- Fence must be 1.2m high
- Gap between fence and ground no more than 100mm
- Gate must self-close with latch and open outward
- No rocks, plants or shrubs near fence
- Illegal to prop gate open
- Must have warning sign
“If homes have not passed the compliance test an order is issued and a time-frame is given to rectify the issue.
“A fine can only be issued if the order has not been complied with, but this would be an extreme circumstance.
“The council is more likely to negotiate with the property owner or take the issue to court. A fine does not make a pool safe.”
There are 624 pools registered in Orange.
Mr Redmond said officers would check inflatable pools if a complaint was made.
Following a spate of backyard pool drownings Royal Life Saving NSW has called on people to be vigilant as it takes just a few seconds for a child to drown.
Operations manager Michael Ilinsky said people should not leave children unsupervised near the pool.
“Answering the door, changing a sibling’s nappy and answering a phone call are all distractions that will leave children vulnerable to drowning,” he said.