New South Wales requires an occupation certificate to construct and use swimming pools. An Occupation Certificate is a document provided by the NSW Swimming Pool Register to homeowners who sell or lease properties with spas or pools.
Below are several things you need to know to guarantee compliance for your pool.
Notice for Pools under Construction or Renovation
If your pool isn’t ready for use due to ongoing construction work, it must have a notice alerting people that it isn’t safe. You can only remove the information after receiving a certificate of compliance.
Pier Inspection
For every pool that requires a pier, you must book an inspection during the excavation phase. The inspector must handle the assessment results for the certifying body.
Screw Piles
Your contractor must provide a certificate of adequacy, which you will give to the certifying body if your swimming pool project needs a screw pile. Ask if your pool needs this compliance to allow for adequate preparation.
Steel Inspection
After excavation, the next step usually involves installing steel bars for reinforcement. The certifying body will evaluate the steel to see if it meets the recommended standards. If the steel is standard, they will approve the concrete application.
It is worth noting that most certifiers don’t have engineering knowledge. For this reason, it helps to have an engineer conduct a pre-inspection before the certifiers come.
Earthing the Pool Steel
You must earth any metal surfaces inside your pool to reduce the risk of electrocution. In addition, your electrician must comply with AS 300 electricity wiring rules and issue a relevant certificate.
Filtration Enclosure
Your pool filter must be enclosed in a soundproof compartment. Besides noise reduction, the case protects the filter against algae and other contaminants that reduce efficiency.
Fence Inspection
A pool fence restricts unauthorised entry and protects against potential damages. For these reasons, it must have the following:
- A self-closing gate that opens outwards from the water.
- No gaps – if there are spaces, they shouldn’t exceed 10cm.
- Free for other activities, such as clotheslines, BBQ grilling, dining table, or trampolining.
- At least 1.2 meters high, with no nearby trees, hedges, or other potential climbing points.
- A glazing certificate if it’s a glass fence.
External Areas
Your pool’s surroundings shouldn’t have decks or dividers without the council’s approval.
Basix Compliance
Large swimming pools must comply with Basix regulations. These require you to implement particular water conservation measures. For example, you will need to install a tap within 10 meters of the pool. You might also need to purchase a water tank for rainwater collection.
Final Inspection
A final assessment occurs after your pool has water and is ready for use. To receive the final occupation certificate, you must also provide all the abovementioned documents.
These documents include an occupation certificate application form, electrical wiring compliance, a glazing certificate, and a swimming pool registration certificate.
Specific Requirements
In some cases, you might require special documents. Your council will advise on these special requirements.
Reinspection
If your pool has any issues, reinspection will occur, for which you’ll incur additional costs.
Selling Your Home
Your occupational certificate is vital when selling your home. If you lose it, you’ll pay to get another copy. The reissuing will take longer and delay the selling process. Failing to attach the certificate to the sales contracts allows the buyer to rescind the agreement within 14 days after the transaction, which nobody wants.
Final Words
Swimming is fun, but it can also be hazardous. Before opening your pool for use, ensure it complies with set safety standards.