Keeping Your Pool Area Safe

Aug 18, 2020 / by administrator

Children are often our first thought when the topic of pool safety come up. Keeping the pool area child-friendly is certainly important; after all, they are the most at risk if left unattended. However, pool safety is also incredibly important for adults. Being relaxed on pool safety guidelines can lead to serious consequences.

To help ensure your pool is safe for everyone, here are guidelines that all pool owners should implement:

Installing a Pool Fence

Let’s start with the most obvious – fencing your pool. In NSW and across Australia, there are strict laws requiring all pool owners to install a reliable pool fence. Sadly, inadequate pool fencing still remains a major contributing factor in the rate of drowning among children under 5 years of age.

In NSW, a pool fence must:

Be at least 1.2m high (as measured from the finished ground level)
Not leave a gap at the bottom greater than 10cm from the finished ground level
Not have gaps of more than 10cm between any vertical bars in the fence
Have horizontal climbable bars at least 90cm apart (if applicable)

No-Climbing Zone

Ensure that there is nothing left in the yard or around the pool that could be used to climb over the fence. As a responsible pool owner, make your yard a no-climbing zone where any toys, tables, chairs or other furniture that could be used as a climbing prop are safely kept far from the fence and out of reach of children.

Regular Maintenance

Checking the pool and equipment periodically helps to keep a healthy and safe environment for you and your family to swim. Cover any sharp edges and protruding bolts and check the stability of ladders and railings, repairing any that are defective. Replace non-slip materials when they wear out.

Educate Everyone about Pool Safety

Pool safety comes down to education, from adults to children. Caution individuals who behave dangerously in the pool area about the risks they are taking and the example they are setting if children are present. Teach children to swim as early as possible and educate them about pool safety rules and why they are important to follow.
Outback Pools is a family owned and operated pool shop in Penrith. We’re known for providing friendly service and quality products in all domains of swimming pool life. As experts in concrete swimming pools and in-ground swimming pools, Outback Pools can provide swimming pool maintenance, custom pools or pool renovations in Sydney. Whatever your swimming pool needs, Outback Pools has the know-how to help you.
If you’re looking for more information on swimming pool safety, give Outback Pools a call to discuss the best pool equipment options to keep your family’s pool safe. You can check out our services here or keep up to date on tips and insights on our blog. Contact us online or give us a call on 02 4721 8914.