A furnished and beautiful looking pool is dream for many of us. I mean who would not like to have a nice-looking pool in the front or backyard of their property, right? But if you are a resident of Melbourne, Victoria, and having a pool in your backyard, it comes with a genuine responsibility of pool safety inspection in Melbourne alongside the fun and excitement. You need to meet the legal requirements of specific safety standards to obtain a pool safety compliance certificate and register your pool at Victorian Building Authority (VBA). These are mandatory standards which are designed to limit the risk involve with pool and spas around the locality.
So, the question is, how do secure your pool and spa and get the desired compliance certificate? Well, here in this blog, we will be discussing the breakdown of the necessary steps.
- Be Aware Of The Rules Before Your Jump In
Like any other important venture, it all starts with having proper knowledge of the matter. As a Victoria resident and pool owner, you must understand the pool safety regulations beforehand. The VBA has a set of strict guidelines regarding fencing, gates, and overall pool design to maintain its safety. For example, one of the most common rules include that you must have a minimum 1.2-meter-high pool safety fence and self-closing gates. Besides, there should be no climbable objects near the pool area such as trees or furniture.
To know about the rules and guidelines in detail you can consult with a veteran pool and spa inspection service provider in Melbourne. Also, you can read the VBA guidelines from their official website or you can have a personal chat with your local council. This way you can stay proactive and save your precious time and money both.
- Install A Secure Pool Fence
In terms of safety, your pool fence is considered the first priority. Without a doubt, it is the first line of defence against most sorts of accidents and mishaps happen around pool. This is particularly relatable with the young children who are unfortunately, quite often meet with such mishaps. That’s why there is a strict rule that your pool fence needs to be at least 1.2 meters high and there should be no gap larger than 100mm. It makes sure that children can not climb over it or does not get squeeze through.
Also, you need to make sure that the materials used for fencing are sturdy enough – such as metal or hard glass.
Quick check: if you are conducting a pool safety inspection In Melbourne for your pool, don’t forget to look out for any broken or loose parts which might cause headache later on.
- Get your Pool Gates Thoroughly Inspected
Pool gate is another important aspect that needs to be carefully constructed. It should be automatically closed and lock by itself every time it is used. The gate should open away from the pool, and the latch should be at least 1.5 meters above the ground so that little children or pets anyhow cannot open it.
Although it may sound a very simple and easy task to perform, but astonishingly, there are many pool owners who often ignore or overlook the process. A faulty pool gate or a gate that does not close automatically or properly, or a gate with a broken latch can lead to a failed pool safety inspection in Melbourne. And therefore, it is obvious that you will not get that all-important compliance certificate.
- Pool Covers and Alarms: Extra Layers of Protection
This step may not be always mandatory in pool inspection service in Melbourne, but it has its own importance in adding an extra layer of safety and security. Pool covers generally act as a protective barrier when the pool is not being used. If you have small children or pets in your house, then it is very useful for you. Just make sure the cover you use, is a durable one and can support fair bit of weight. You can think it as the ‘secondary defence’ if small children or pets often wander around the pool.
At the same time, installing a motion detecting pool alarm can be useful. It will give you extra bit of security when you are not around the pool for monitoring and small children or pets somehow go near the pool unnoticedly.
Do remember, these two features are not compulsory for the compliance certificate, but obviously can give you more security and peace of mind.
- Regular Pool Maintenance is The Key
Ok, your pool is secured, but for how long. Anything cannot last long if they are not maintained periodically. The same thing happens with your pool too. After a pool and spa inspection service in Melbourne, suppose you found your pool in good condition. But things will not remain the same if you don’t conduct follow-up pool inspections on regular basis. Your pool or spa has to bear all the natural hazards such as heavy rainfall, scorching heat, storms and even snowfall at times. So, it is quite likely that damage to the pool fence, gate or the surrounding of the pool to be occurred after some point of time.
That’s why a regular pool safety inspection in Melbourne is essential for maintaining the overall health of your pool for longer period of time.
- Mark Your Pool Area
One thing that is very often neglected by many pool owners but is very important – the marking of pool space correctly. For safety’s sake, there is a need for depth markers, and clear indication of steps or ledges in your pool. This means that any visitor would understand where they are walking into, especially if they are not familiar with your pool.
- Schedule A Pool Safety Inspection
After you have done all this, it is time to get the pool assessed by a professional building and pool inspector in Melbourne. Pool safety inspection is mandatory to obtain your compliance certificate. As part of the inspection, a certified pool inspector will examine the safety features of your pool which would include fence, gate, pool area, and any other safety features such as alarms or covers.
If everything is in proper and intact order, the inspector will issue your compliance certificate, and you will be all set to register your pool. But if something doesn’t meet the required standards, you will be given a list of things to fix before your pool can be certified.
Getting A Compliance Certificate: Pool inspection Service by CBPI
Do you need help with the pool safety inspection service in Melbourne or unsure if your pool is up for a registration? Pool inspection services from professionals like Certified Building and Pool Inspection are the perfect way to ensure everything is in order.
Don’t wait for a mishap to happen—schedule an inspection today on 0430 285 513 and enjoy your pool safely for years to come.