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Pool Net vs Pool Fence: Which One Is Better? An Honest Review

pool fencing laws South Australia

What makes a pool safety net different from a pool safety fence? We will go through all the benefits and drawbacks of each, as well as provide you with an accurate cost estimate if you are planning to get one across South Australia.

Parents, schools, and communities all around the world rely on swimming pool fences and pool covers. Most drowning prevention groups as well as the government instated pool inspection and fencing laws encourage implementing numerous layers of protection, but the barricade you choose to keep your children safe should be the one you feel 100% reliant upon. Here are some factors to consider when deciding between a pool safety fence and a pool safety net.

What are the Pros and Cons of The Pool Safety Net?

The pool nets are designed primarily to act as a barrier between children and open water. The net appears exactly like an oversized tennis racket and is extended across the pool and secured to deck-flush mounted bolts.

Pros:

  • The proven safety record for 100% prevention of drowning
  • You can have complete peace of mind that you are covered from all kinds of dangers
  • Amazing aesthetic appeal to maximise yard space while keeping a clear view of the water
  • Is available in various ambient colours to go with your backyard
  • Comes with an optional leaf cover to prevent seasonal debris accumulation
  • It is one of the least invasive safety installation processes
  • A flexible option that can be accommodated to nearly all water features

Cons:

  • Pool covering requires a manual effort that might take around 8 minutes to replace and 5 minutes to remove
  • Needs to meet ASTM F1346-91building code standards

 

What are the Pros and Cons of the Pool Safety Fence?

Pool fencing is available in a wide variety of styles and options that provides a vertical layer of security around your pool. A pool fence allows you to get to your pool quickly and easily. The mesh pool panel options are resilient against moulds, abrasion, and extreme heat. So, they won’t shred, shrink, or fade, and children will not be able to push through them.

Pros:

  • Highly attractive and are available in natural colours
  • Can be integrated into your existing structures thus reducing costs
  • Allows swift and convenient entrance to your pool

Cons:

  • Invasive installation process
  • Less flexibility when it comes to routing options
  • If the fence Is infiltrated, there are no more additional barriers left between the child and the water
  • ASTM F2286-16 compliance is required to comply with the pool fencing laws in South Australia

Pricing

A pool safety net will usually cost a quarter of the price of an isolation fence (A fence that encircles the pool entirely). A pool safety net might cost around $1500.00 to $2200.00 for a standard pool, including all parts, tax, and installation. Due to various configurations, colour and height options, pool fencing prices can be a bit complicated.

Pool Safety Fence vs. Pool Safety Net

Putting all that aside, all water safety experts will agree that the best way to keep your children safe in swimming pools is to have an adult supervise them at all times and to implement multiple layers of security. So, whether you choose to surround your pool with a pool fencing system or cover it with a pool net, or both, make sure your barrier is kept in good working order at all times, with covers securely replaced and pool gates closed and key-locked after each swim.

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6 Things to Consider for Your Pool Safety in Adelaide, SA

pool safety Adelaide

According to pool fencing laws in Adelaide, SA, safety fence is a must-have if you have a swimming pool and small children at home. Swimming pool fencing, on the other hand, does not have to be hideous or utilitarian in appearance. Instead, consider the swimming pool fencing ideas below for fences that are both functional and appealing.

  • If possible, plan the pool based on the style and type of fencing

If you schedule the location of your pool and your safety fence at the same time, you will get better results. This will allow you to choose a fence that complements your landscaping, pool, and other features of your home. The end result would be a more appealing and coherent appearance.

  • Add plants and decorations to make the fencing look attractive

Even if you are putting in a fence around an existing pool, you can soften the look of the fence and make it blend into your yard with plants and other landscaping features.

  • Add extra safety features to make the pool extra safe

Look for extra pool safety with features, such as self-latching gates or alarms, when shopping for fencing. This will give your pool an extra layer of protection.

  • Removable pool fence is an excellent idea

A removable wrought iron swimming pool fence can suit your needs if you don’t need or want to install a permanent pool fence. A removable wrought iron fence provides the necessary protection and security around a swimming pool while also allowing it to be easily removed when no longer needed, ensuring that it does not permanently alter the appearance of your backyard.

  • You can use uncommon materials to create your fences

Pool fencing is commonly made of wrought iron, but it isn’t the only choice. You can choose a distinct material, such as glass block, tempered glass, or a rock wall, to add appeal to your pool area. If you live in an area where pool fencing is needed, make sure the fencing material you select complies with the local regulations. Additional fencing ideas can be found online or in landscape design books.

  • Take all necessary precautions to avoid any damage

Your fence would be exposed to water and contaminants due to its proximity to your pool. This can cause harm to your fencing, so it’s important to take precautions to avoid rust and other issues before they arise. Consider a vinyl fence if you don’t want to worry about rust. Wood fences should be avoided because they are susceptible to rot and may need to be replaced at some stage. If you are going to buy a metal fence, make sure it has a powder coating to keep it from rusting.

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How to Comply with the South Australia Pool Fencing Regulations in 2021

pool fencing regulations South Australia

The most recent swimming pool regulation and associated standard updates in 2018 that applies to swimming pool compliance in South Australia (SA), has left many individuals confused even to these days in 2021. The legislation states that it is highly dangerous to own a pool that is non-compliant with the pool fencing regulations in your South Australian property. You will find yourself self-insured if a child gets into your pool enclosure and there is an incident, and even worse, an accident or death, unless you have told your insurer that you do not possess a compliance certificate as per your duty of care. Whether you are aware of the legislation or not, all pool enclosures must comply with the SA swimming pool compliance requirements.

So, as a pool owner what can you do to escape the possibility of fines resulting from your local council’s spot check and as well as guaranteeing a safe swimming environment for your family?

Leasing or Selling Properties with Pools

There are a few points worth discussing and the liability may have quite an impact if not addressed.

  1. First and foremost, without first organising and obtaining a certificate of compliance, you cannot lease out your property with a pool or spa under the new updated pool safety laws and legislation in South Australia. Land managers ought not to be advertising houses, and having a tenant to live in the property without obtaining a current certificate of compliance within the rental contract.
  2. There are unique laws in SA for properties with swimming pools available for sale or rental purposes. It became mandatory in 2013 for all swimming pools to be included in the SA Swimming Pool Registry. The first move is to arrange registration if your pool or spa is not registered. How do you know if it is registered or not?
  3. Book an inspection with an approved certifier. This is necessary for landlords with expiring compliance certificates and where tenants have given notice. Without a current compliance certificate, tenants should not enter into a new contract. Owners who sell have the option of selling with a non-compliance certificate, but an accredited certifier must be called for pool fencing regulations compliance inspection.

Are You Planning to Purchase a Pool House?

Most buyers tend to purchase a house where the pool has been certified with a Compliance Certificate, since this ensures the buyer can rest assured knowing that the pool enclosure is safe and compliant. We are meeting several new owners who have no idea how to correct the problems because they have not been explained to them. This is where you can help with recommendations unique to your pool enclosure from your Certified Certifier.

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5 Ways Professionals Can Keep Your Pool Safe in South Australia

pool safe South Australia

In order to raise the value of your land, plenty of options are available at your disposal. For instance, you can grow your own lawn, or else, you can invest in your outdoor fixtures to make the property more appealing and calming. Another alternative is constructing a swimming pool. Building a swimming pool is the best option, particularly if you live in a warm location. However, it is important to keep your pool safe in South Australia. You need to create a pool that requires significant investment too. Plus, you need to handle a few pool legal documents, particularly if you are a South Australian local. So, you need an experienced professional to take care of the things for you, without a delay or mishap. There are plenty of other perks of hiring a professional to take care of the work. These are described below. Have a look!

They Come with Immense Knowledge and Experience

Sometimes you can find local experts who claims to build quality backyard pools. For a start, they might be charging low price for their services. In many instances, opting for such low costing services may lead you to dreadful results. Not only do you have a risk of ending up with a poor result, you will also be throwing a significant chunk of your investment away. With that being said, since these experts have extensive knowledge and experience in pool construction, hiring a reputed swimming pool contractor is crucial.

They Can Help You Attain Pool Legal Documents

It is important that you get the pool legal documents right from the authorities, particularly in South Australia, while planning to create a pool. This is important because to ensure protection in your property and your environment, building pools in certain areas must first be approved by the local council. You can easily deal with these documents with the assistance of a contractor, who can handle things efficiently and eliminate any disadvantages in your project.

Provide You with A Wide Range of Designing Options

In addition to their abundant experience and expertise in pool construction, a reputed professional can also provide you with unique pool designs and models. In terms of enhance your backyard, these are necessary. You will further increase the value of your property as a result.

Get Handed Over with A Safe and Attractive Project

Accidents and mishaps are always associated with this kind of construction process. Fortunately, in order to ensure maximum security and success of the project you need an experienced pool builder that can easily deal with these problems.  In addition to that, contractors can use strategic approaches to prevent such problems.

Present You with Added Amnesties to Boost Your Fun

Finally, besides making your pool safe in your South Australian property, you can also get additional pool amenities that you prefer, such as diving boards, fencing and even filters and drainage systems, from swimming pool contractors. Contractors have all of these to ensure that the pool is secure and durable.

With all these factors in mind, you can easily create a wonderful swimming pool that can help them improve your lifestyle.

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5 Effective Pool Safety Tips to Prevent Poolside Mishaps

pool safety South Australia

Summer means pool parties and fun. It is also the time of the year, when kids get a passage to plunge into the home pool. However, with fun, pool also bears the risk of heartaches from drowning and other injuries. Particularly children are at greater risk. Australia, hosts the highest number of pools per home ownership and also a high record of toddler and child drowning, with Queensland being the state to record the highest number of drowning cases as of now. As a result, legislation is at hand to tighten up the situation with strict nation-wide pool safety rules and regulations.  If you own a pool, you have to follow strict pool safety laws particularly if you are living in South Australia. It is your responsibility to make the changes or else you will encounter repercussions. Let us take a look at some effective child safety tips that you can follow to avoid any summer mishaps and tragedies.

Educate You Child on Pool Safety Laws

Clarify your child about the risks of drowning and train them to swim properly while instructing them with all kinds of water safety rules and regulations. You can get them into swimming classes where they can learn swimming and learn about water safety available from the municipal swimming pool operators.

Pool should be on Sight

Make sure that the pool is constructed in such a way that it can be monitored from a designated family area. It should be constructed with doorway that leads to the yard for quick accessibility. When constructing a home, this should be addressed beforehand. If you have already build a home you should have security cameras installed for careful monitoring for your child safety. The cameras should be installed in the room from where you can get access to the yard.

Pool Fences should not Just be a Compulsory Feature

According to the new pool laws in South Australia, fencing a pool is compulsory. Where it is not required by law, common sense should prevail and pool owners should take the responsibility to have them installed. According to the standard rules, it should be around 4 feet tall and should come with the features to lock them up. You can get them in varieties of styles and shapes to make your yard look appealing in the process too. Ideally, an alarm should also be fitted to alert the others when someone opens the gate. It is your responsibility to keep your pool safe and you are in charge.

Proper Usage of pool Safety Signage

Pool is an attractive feature of any household. From friends, to relatives and particularly kids are all equally psyched to dip in a pool and relax. However, it is you’re your responsibility to implement pool safety steps and let your guests know about the drowning hazards of a pool. It is best to have a sign posted every 15-20 feet away. You also should have one erected at the entrance of the pool.

Maintaining Proper Depth in Your Pool

Just like the municipal swimming pools, you should have a deep and shallow end to your pool too. The pool should have a shallow side for the children to stand with their head well above the water. As an added safety tip, you should add a signage that emphasises on swimmers not dive into the shallow end.

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Pool Fencing Laws South Australia – 6 FAQs That Every Pool Owners Have

pool fencing laws South Australia

If I Want to Purchase an Inflatable Pool, What Do I Have to Do?

If you are buying an above ground pool in South Australia that comes with a filtration system, you will need to gather pool legal documents and approval for the pool as well as ensuring that it has all the safety features in place.

My Aboveground Pool is 1.2 Metres in Height. So, Do I Still Need to Install Fences?

Some inflatable or aboveground pool side wall heights can be considered in the acceptable height range however, if you chose to rely on such type of pool, ensure that the entrance to it is fenced.

I Want to Develop A Pool. Do I Need Development Approval for It?

Yes. Prior to approval, your local council will inspect: > the subtleties and areas of safety (they should limit the access of little children to the pool) > the security of the pump installed (there are various precautionary measures that are needed to be taken to stop suction related injuries or drowning in pools) > the sufficiency of the supports available for the pool (especially if the pool is to be set on a deck, overhung or almost a holding divider)

I Want to Sell My House and I Have A Swimming Pool. What are My Legal Obligations?

By any chance, if your property contains a pool that was built before 1 July 1993 and you are putting your property available to be purchased you should guarantee that your pool barriers are in accordance with the pertinent prerequisites for pool fencing laws in South Australia. If not, the fencing should be redesigned to meet the security prerequisites. Note: This necessity just applies to pools manufactured or introduced before 1 July 1993. It is the duty of the owner trying to sell the property to guarantee that the pool security is in accordance with the current prerequisites. Note: A certificate of compliance isn’t needed under current enactment.

Can I Use Child-Resistant Doors as Part of the Safety Barriers for My Pool?

Child-resistant safe entryways can’t be utilised for new open air pools – only fencing system that complies with pool safety laws can be utilised. For pools before 1 July 1993 child resistant entryways must be utilised in circumstances permitted by Ministerial Building Standard MBS 004.

For How Long Can a Temporary Fencing Solution Be Used as a Safety Barrier?

According to the pool fencing laws in South Australia, It can be used for a maximum of 2 months from the date of completion of pool. The approved safety barrier should be installed before the expiration of the two months.

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Everything That You Need To Know About Pool Safety Inspections In South Australia

Since 1991 the number of pools in Australia has increased more than double the existing amount. With newer building projects developing across each state every day this figure is sure to rise higher. Luckily, due to the introduction of pool safety inspection laws across South Australia, children drowning cases have reduced to half.

Recent developments in the pool safety inspection laws in South Australia

Since 2010, properties in Australia require safety certificates prior to selling or renting a property that has a pool in it. Only a pool inspector can issue a certificate after which the certificate details can be placed onto the pool safety register. This register includes a list of pools in each state, real estate agents and legal outlets that you will be able to search through the register.

The legislation does not cover or outline the cost that inspectors can charge consumers. This is established by the individual vendors and property owners are encouraged to contact numerous providers and look for the best deal and a provider they are comfortable and confident with. You can also contact your local government representative as they are also required to provide this service to their area. Their cost may be higher or lower for this service.

The roles and responsibilities of the pool inspectors

The main role of the pool inspector is to inspect the specific pools and identify whether they comply with the safety standards or not. During the time of swimming pool inspection in South Australia, the inspector will issue a certificate or a nonconformity document based on their findings and the result of the inspection. The nonconformity document will clearly outline on what basis the pool does not comply with the legislation and the required steps to be taken to rectify the situation. Most of the inspectors will also facilitate a service to rectify the necessary minor repairing needed to have the safety certificate issued. Minor repairing includes removing any objects that could be used to climb over into the pool area or any adjustments required to the gates.

 It is essential to maintain a strong communication with the inspectors

It is important to maintain a strong communication between the pool owner and inspector to avoid any confusion regarding the safety inspection legislation. That way you should be able to obtain a more detailed clarification from the safety inspector from the outset. If required, pool owners may contact the Pool Safety Council for detailed guidance and may even also appeal to the nonconformity documents with the Building and Development Dispute Resolution Committee. The main aim of the pool safety inspection regulation in South Australia is to preventing any drowning by keeping your pool safe in South Australia and swimming environment comfortable for children and adults.

A pool safety certification remains valid for up to a year for shared pools and two years for a non-shared pool. Pool is an incredible source of enjoyment and recreation for any property however; they must be kept safe and should comply with all the relevant laws in your state.