Swimming pool compliance pays off

Monday, 18 April 2016

The State Government confirmed that from 29 April 2016 properties sold or leased with a pool or spa must have a Certificate of Compliance.

Penrith Council is encouraging swimming pool and spa owners to act early in obtaining Certificates of Compliance to ensure any sale or lease of property is not held up.

The Penrith Local Government Area contains over 20,000 properties with pools and spas, making water safety a serious issue affecting the whole community.  All residents, regardless of selling or leasing can apply for Certificates of Compliance to ensure swimming pools or spas are safe.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown said it's important to remain aware of pool safety leading into the cooler months.

"Drowning continues to be a leading cause of accidental deaths for young children in NSW," Cr McKeown said.

"The most effective home pool and spa safety measure is proper adult supervision at all times, a well maintained and safe child-resistant pool or spa barrier is also key to preventing small children entering backyard swimming pools and spas."

A Certificate of Compliance is valid for three years and can be obtained from Council by lodging an application form.  Inspection fees of $250 apply at the time of the lodgement. This amount includes $100 for a second inspection. If a second inspection is not required this amount will be refunded.  Once Council has received an application, a Council Officer will be in contact to arrange a suitable time to inspect the swimming pool or spa barrier.

Assessment checklists are available to assist pool and spa owners ensure their barriers comply and to help maintain them.  

For more information contact Council's Swimming Pool Administration Officer Nicole Meyers on 4732 7897, or visit our Pool and spa safety page.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Monday, 18 April 2016.