Having a swimming pool in your backyard is one of the most popular ways to enjoy the Sydney sunshine all year round. However, owning a pool also comes with responsibilities, especially when it comes to safety standards. Drowning remains the leading cause of unintentional deaths in children under five. To ensure that your Sydney pool is safe, it must comply with the rules and specifications set by the NSW government. In this article, we will take a closer look at these standards and how you can make sure that your Sydney pool is compliant with them.
While ocean pools are rare in other Australian states, they remain abundant along Sydney’s beaches, where they serve both as public swimming pools and beach safety measures. While they allow waves to wash in, their walls exclude large sharks and provide a safe environment that is sheltered from the dangerous rips that plague surf beaches and are responsible for many coastal drownings.
As a result, swimming pools in Sydney are popular with families and visitors alike. The summer climate in Sydney is perfect for relaxing around a pool and the water temperature can be maintained at a comfortable level with the use of a solar heating system. However, when it comes to building a new pool, there are several factors that should be taken into consideration. First and foremost, it is important to choose a reputable pool builder who is licenced by the NSW Fair Trading agency. In addition to this, your pool builder must be able to prove that they are insured against any damage or loss caused during the construction process.
Before you begin your pool build, it is also a good idea to check whether there are any trees in your area that may be protected by preservation orders or are in the path of underground pipes. If this is the case, you will need to get permission from your local council before removing any of these trees. Additionally, if there are any essential infrastructure, such as water pipes, that run under the ground in your area, you will need to have these covered with a suitable cover.
You should also consider a pool fence if you are going to be building your own swimming pool in Sydney. According to the NSW government, all swimming pools need to have a safety fence that is at least 1.2 metres high and must be self-closing and self-latching. In addition, the gate must open away from the pool.
Finally, you should consider the cost of your pool build and ensure that it is within your budget before committing to it. Typically, the cost of a pool will increase as you add more features to it. Consequently, it is important to calculate your budget and compare different quotes from different pool builders before making a decision.