Welcome to the Home Pool Owner page brought to you by the City of Swan and Royal Life Saving WA.
There are over 7,800 pools in the City of Swan and we want to help you enjoy your pool, safely. Sadly, last year 4 West Australians drowned in home swimming pools and drowning remains the leading cause of preventable death nationally for children aged under 5.
The Royal Life Saving Society has partnered with the City of Swan to help you ensure that your pool is safe for your family & friends.
Owners of home pools are required by law to install and maintain a barrier that restricts access to the pool by young children. If you are unsure about what are the requirements for your barrier please click the link below for a complimentary copy of the WA Rules for Pools and Spas eBook.
Pool Fences
What are the most common faults that our Home Pool Inspectors find with WA pool barriers?
1. Gate performance
A pool gate must self-close and self-latch, without any application of force from any position, including when it is resting on the latch. In many cases when a pool fails in inspection, the gate is found to be faulty. It’s also vitally important that pool owners never prop a pool gate open. On average here in WA, pool gates that are propped open or not correctly closed or latched account for almost 40% of backyard pool drownings in children under the age of 5.
2. Climbable objects and structures
Permanent or moveable structures with a horizontal surface exceeding 10mm in depth are considered climbable. Climbable structures must be more than 1200mm (in a downward arc) away from the top of your pool barrier. These structures can include items like trampolines and other toys placed too close to a pool fence, pot plants, and planter boxes.
3. Window structure
Windows under 1200mm from the ground that lead directly to the pool must be able to open no more than 100mm. Windows must be permanently sealed with fasteners that can only be removed with the use of a tool and what many owner’s don’t realize is that key locking devices are not acceptable.
If you’re unsure whether your pool barrier complies with all relevant WA legislation please download our complete pool compliance checklist below.
Repairing or maintaining your pool
Your backyard pool is a significant investment built to ensure years of enjoyable service, but occasionally things wear or need replacing, or maybe it's time to upgrade the barrier or lighting. Either way, it is important you protect your investment by ensuring that only quality products are used and that you always engage a reputable SPASA accredited tradesperson.
Click below to visit the SPASA trades directory to find a qualified person in your local area.
