Swimming pool inspections to begin
Published on 04 December 2017
Whanganui District Council’s Building Control team is encouraging swimming and spa pool owners to keep everyone, especially children, safe as warmer weather begins.
Council Environmental Standards Team Leader Greg Hoobin says all those participating in water-based activities need to be mindful of the dangers that exist, even with something as innocent as an inflatable paddling pool.
“Revised swimming pool regulations are designed to protect young children from the danger of drowning in unfenced pools. It is concerning that we are seeing so many of the smaller pop-up pools being sold to consumers who are choosing not to follow the rules,” Mr Hoobin says.
“If a pool is capable of holding water to a depth of 400mm or more, it requires a building consent that includes the requirements for pool fencing. This also applies to inflatable, temporary kit-set and spa pools without lockable lids.”
The building consent process enables the Council to add these pools to its swimming pools register and means the pools and fences can be audited to ensure they comply. Council staff can advise owners about the best way to deal with this seasonal scenario and still remain compliant.
“Council staff will begin notifying individual pool owners about their legal obligations and we will start an inspection process of all registered swimming pools following that notification. In the meantime, if you have a swimming or spa pool that has not been added to our register or if you have concerns about pool fencing, we encourage you to contact us on 349 0001.”
Mr Hoobin says the result of not complying with the new swimming pool laws could be fatal at worst and owners may face instant fines or prosecution through the Courts. Poorly-maintained pool fencing and gates also increase this danger and allow much easier access to pool areas. Most children who drown in home swimming pools do so when they are able to access pools that don’t comply with the Building Act 2004.
“This is often due to the deterioration of pool fences, failing gates and gate latches, modifications to pool fences and gates being propped open. Maintenance of these features and supervision of children around swimming pools is essential and there must be an ongoing obligation from pool owners to ensure that this occurs. Pool fences must be compliant at all times to ensure the safety of young children,” says Mr Hoobin.
More information is available online at www.whanganui.govt.nz/building and through pamphlets available at the Municipal Building in Guyton Street.