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Showing posts from February, 2025

Key Checklist for Ensuring Pool Barrier Compliance in Victoria

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  Owning a pool in Victoria comes with the responsibility of ensuring its safety and compliance with Victorian Building Authority (VBA) regulations. Regular swimming pool inspections help prevent accidents and ensure your barrier meets legal requirements. Here’s a key checklist to help you stay compliant before an official inspection. 1. Pool Barrier Height & Strength The barrier must be at least 1.2 meters high from the ground. Fences should be structurally sound, without weak or broken panels. If using a boundary fence as part of the barrier, it must be at least 1.8 meters high . 2. Gate Self-Closing & Latching Mechanism Gates must self-close and self-latch from any open position. The latch should be at least 1.5 meters above ground level to prevent children from reaching it. The gate must open outward from the pool area , reducing the risk of unauthorised entry. 3. Non-Climbable Zone Maintenance A 900mm non-climbable zone must be maintained around the pool barrier. ...

Common Reasons Pools in Melbourne Fail Their Initial Safety Inspection

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A pool safety inspection is essential to ensure your swimming pool meets Victorian safety regulations. However, many pools fail their initial inspection due to common safety issues. Identifying and fixing these problems beforehand can save you time, money, and the hassle of re-inspections. Here are the most common reasons pools in Melbourne fail their first safety inspection : 1. Non-Compliant Pool Barriers The most frequent reason for failure is barriers that do not meet safety standards. Issues may include: - Barriers that are too low (must be at least 1.2 meters high). - Gaps or holes larger than 100mm, allowing small children to squeeze through. - Damaged or loose fence panels compromising the structure’s integrity. 2. Faulty Gates and Latches A pool gate that does not self-close or self-latch properly is a major compliance failure. Common issues include: - Gates that do not swing shut automatically from any open position. - Latches that are positioned below the required 1.5-meter ...