DESPITE changes to pool regulations from April, standards already in place will mean little should change for pool owners.
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From April 29, all pools will need a certificate of compliance from Orange City Council and properties will not be able to be sold or rented out unless a certificate can be produced.
Multi-dwelling complexes and tourist and visitor accommodation will also need to have a valid certificate after April 29.
Certificates will be valid for three years.
However real estate agent and councillor Chris Gryllis said his agency already ensured the limited pools on the properties it listed were compliant.
“It has to be very clear that the pool on the property is compliant with regulations, it’s a very important safety issue,” he said.
Central Caleula Motor Lodge owner Colin Longman said the government inspectors already checked the facility to make sure it was safe and it would be business as usual after April 29.
“A lot of it’s common sense anyway, it doesn’t matter whether it’s council or the Department of Health,” he said.
“We’ve also got a maintenance person on full time, so it’s part of our effort to make sure it’s all done.”
Orange City Council corporate and community relations manager Nick Redmond said it was important everyone with a pool made sure fences and gates were secure to keep children out for safety reasons.
“Everyone with a pool should have put their pool on the online state register [and] they can work through the simple checklist to make sure their pool is up to scratch,” he said.
“Once they have made any changes, residents can ask for an inspection, and if it complies they’ll be given a certificate.”
Mr Redmond said the council aimed to have a 10-day turnaround for inspections - first inspections cost $150 and second inspections, if required, will cost $100.
Pool registrations are already mandatory - to register your pool, visit swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au.
Fines of up to $550 will apply for non-compliance.
The council’s draft swimming pool barriers inspection program procedure is on public exhibition, with submissions closing on February 6.