Guide to review of ACT swimming pool fencing rules

The ACT Government has released a discussion paper about swimming pool and spa safety in Canberra. The paper focuses on pool fencing as a way of preventing drowning and injuries in backyard pools and spas.

Currently if you purchase or own a house with an unfenced pool, or with a pool that was installed before fencing became mandatory, there is no legal requirement to install pool safety fencing.

The paper discusses the different ways pool fencing could be introduced and safely maintained. Questions raised in the paper include:

• what is the best way to upgrade safety requirements so that all home swimming pools comply with the Building Code of Australia?

• should compliance to new rules be introduced through self regulation or compulsory inspections?

• should we introduce regular pool (safety) inspections?

• should we establish a pool register listing all pools and spas in the ACT?

• should home swimming pool safety signage to be displayed?

• should there be a legal requirement ensuring all pool filters and chemicals are safe?

• should health professionals be required to report pool-related accidents?

• if a pool register and inspection model is chosen should this only apply to homes or should hotels and apartments also be included?

The discussion paper looks at the differing pool safety legislation adopted by other Australian states and territories as possible models for the ACT. Examples include:

• South Australia - all houses with a pool must comply with 2010 pool fencing rules before sale or rental.

• Western Australia - conducts mandatory inspections every four years to ensure pools comply with 1993 pool fencing rules.

• Queensland - inspections are required every two years to ensure pools comply with 2010 fencing rules and all pools must be listed on a state pool register.

Want to make a comment?

• Comment online here

• Written submissions can be posted to ACT Planning and Land Authority, GPO Box 1908, Canberra ACT 2601.

• Email comments can be provided to planning.systemreform@act.gov.au

• For further information on the discussion paper contact ACTPLA on 6207 1662.