Pool owners are required to have their pools in the pool safety register under the new pool safety laws. The deadline for this was 4 November 2011 after which the pool owners may be penalised up to $2,356.
Basically, the pool register refers to a database that documents all regulated pools within the state of Queensland. The aim of this register is to give pool safety inspectors, local governments, pool owners, property agents, the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) as well as the general public a central information source about pools, pool safety inspectors and pool safety certificates.
Local governments, the QBCC and pool safety inspectors are the only authorities that are permitted to access and enter data into the pool register. By accessing the register, the QBCC can approve licence applications by pool safety inspectors, enter disciplinary action records as well as any tribunal order issued against safety inspectors.
To the public, the pool register information is beneficial in that it helps them find pool safety inspectors who are licensed, obtain information concerning disciplinary actions taken against these inspectors and check whether a given property has a valid pool safety certificate. Where the register indicates that a pool has a safety certificate in effect, a copy of the same will be available electronically.
Pool owners must confirm whether their pool is registered or not and this can be done easily through a property search on the register. There is a dedicated pool register website which can be found at register your pool.
The website has a user friendly interface where you can search for a pool certificate for a certain property by entering its details. The register will then validate the property address and display results showing whether the pool is registered and the existence of a valid pool safety certificate.
Where the pool is registered and its details captured correctly in the pool safety register, the pool owner doesn’t have to do anything unless they are planning to lease or sell their properties. For pools that have a pool safety certificate, the same will be attached to the property entry on the register. Similarly, in the event a Form 36 is issued, it will also be attached to the property record on the register.
However, for the pool certificate and the Form 36 to appear on the register, it must have been supplied to the QBCC in the first place. The public cannot view Form 36s on the register.
In the event the pool is not registered, you can register it by selecting the link provided when the words “no pools are recorded on this property” appear. Thereafter, add the details which include the number of pools or spas, contact information, and shared pool status. To complete the registration, hit the send button.
When your pool is registered, it doesn’t mean it is compliant but it simply indicates that it is recognised among the pools in the Queensland state.
When registering your pool, you will be required to provide your name, contact details, address, as well as the type of pool. There is also a self-assessment checklist concerning your pool that you can complete.
A property can either have a shared or non-shared pool. A shared pool refers to a swimming pool where the occupants of more than one building or dwelling have right of access to the pool. Mainly, pools located on land that is associated with a motel, hotel, or backpacker hostel are generally regarded as shared pools.
Non-shared pools on the other hand are those that are used only by the occupants of one dwelling such as a spa located on a unit balcony or a private house pool.
In conducting a self-assessment, you should use a checklist to determine whether your pool fence meets the appropriate pool standards. If you get the self-assessment wrong, you could be fined.
As a pool owner, you have to ensure that your swimming pool complies with all the current provisions under the pool safety standard irrespective of whether a safety certificate is needed or not.
Do not be left out of the pool safety register, contact us today for advice and assistance on how to register your pool.
