Most pools that fail an inspection fail for small things that are easy to fix beforehand. A few minutes walking around your pool can save you a re-inspection.

Check your gates

Open each pool gate to different positions and let go. It should swing shut and latch on its own every time.
Check the latch works and hasn't been propped, tied or taped.

Check your fence

Look for damaged, loose or missing panels, and rust on posts and fittings.
Check garden beds, mulch, pavers or retaining walls haven't built up the ground along the fence. That reduces its effective height.

Clear climbable objects

Move anything a child could climb away from the fence: outdoor furniture, pot plants, toys, ladders, pool equipment and bins. Trim plants growing near or over boundary fences.

Check access from the house

Doors, windows, decks and stairs that open into the pool area are part of the inspection. Make sure nothing gives a child a way in.

Make sure we can get in

Let us know about locked gates, dogs, or tenants who need notice.

The numbers

The NSW Government summary: the fence must be at least 1.2 m high from finished ground level (1.8 m where a boundary fence is part of the barrier), with no gap at the bottom larger than 10 cm and no gaps over 10 cm between vertical bars. Keep a 90 cm zone outside the fence clear, and the 30 cm inside it free of footholds. Gates must swing outward, self-close and self-latch. A CPR sign must be displayed near the pool. More in NSW pool barrier rules.

Not sure?

Call Garry on 0417 277 164. We're happy to answer questions before you book. Then read how the inspection works.

How to prepare for your pool inspection