As temperatures rise in the coming weeks, the idea of cooling off in an inflatable pool will be attractive for tenants. Easily accessible and inexpensive to buy, they may appear to provide harmless fun.  But the reality is that inflatable pools come with a safety risk and tenants, unknowingly, could be in breach of a rental agreement. 

Ignorance is not bliss

While fun for small children, serious hazards are associated with portable swimming pools, including inflatable pools:

• Toddlers can drown silently in very shallow water
• Children can become ill when pool water is left unsanitised for long periods of time
• Electrocution is a very real threat when portable electrical pumps and filter systems are not used properly.

Fencing requirements

Swimming pool owners must make sure their pools comply with fencing laws. Pools that are able to be filled to a depth of 300mm or more must be surrounded by a safety barrier separating the swimming pool from any residential building or place adjoining the premises.   

Statistical evidence shows that the majority of drownings in private swimming pools involves children under the age of 5 years.  Inadequate pool fencing is a major contributing factor to drownings.

Non-climbable zone

To prevent children climbing over fencing into the pool area, the laws require pool owners to make sure they maintain a ‘non-climbable zone’ around the pool.

• any trees, shrubs or any other objects such as a barbeque, pot plants, toys, ladders and chairs must not be within the 90cm non climbable zone.
• this zone is measured in an arc shape from the top of the pool fence arching towards the ground.
• it also includes the space extending 30cm inside the pool area – this space should also be cleared of any potential footholds or handholds.
• any horizontal climbable bars on the pool fence must also be spaced AT LEAST 90cm apart.

Gate closing and latching devices

Check to ensure that your pool gate:

• is never propped open and is always kept shut
• swings outwards (away from the pool area). If it does not swing outwards, the gate must be re-hung so that it does.
• shuts automatically from any open position, without having to forcibly close it.
• automatically locks (self-latches) when it closes.

If the gate does not shut and lock automatically, the pool gate should be permanently fastened until a new lock and closing device can be installed. Self-closing and self-latching devices can be purchased from most pool and hardware shops and can be easily installed.

Electrical hazards

Pools and electricity can be a lethal combination. Take extreme care if you have a swimming pool that has a portable electrical pump and filter system where there is no protective housing.

Mandatory labelling by suppliers

All portable swimming pools, including inflatable pools supplied in Australia must carry warning labels both on the pool and its packaging.

Portable pools 300mm or less in height must include the statement:

WARNING!
   Children have drowned in portable swimming pools.
   Ensure active adult supervision at all times.
   Do not leave children unsupervised in or around the pool - keep them within arms’ reach.
   Empty and store safely after use

Inflatable pools 300mm or more in height must carry this statement:

WARNING!
   Children have drowned in portable swimming pools.
   Ensure active adult supervision at all times.
   Do not leave children unsupervised in or around the pool - keep them within arms’ reach.
   Pool fencing laws apply to this pool. Consult your Local Government Authority for fencing requirements.

The warning must be permanently printed or embossed on the portable swimming pool and legible from a distance of three metres to a person aged over 18 years with normal vision.

Source:  Swimming pools and spas | NSW Fair Trading