ALBURY Council is asking pool owners to take advantage of a 12-month extension on compliance certificates to get their pool up to scratch.
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It is the second deadline extension after a similar announcement was made in March last year by the NSW government.
From April 29 next year, all properties with a swimming pool or spa that are sold must have a valid swimming pool certificate of compliance.
Albury Council building surveying team leader Warren Jenkinson said the new deadline gave people plenty of time to get their pool up to scratch.
“We want people to take advantage of this time and contact us with any concerns,” he said.
In 2013, the state government imposed changes on local councils across NSW, owners had to register their pools online and obtain a certificate stating the pool is safe.
Mr Jenkinson said the failure rate in the city stood at 70 per cent.
“While this number is high, most of the issues we are coming across are easily fixed,” he said.
“Some have included things like a gate not closing properly or a resuscitation chart that has deteriorated to the point where it is unreadable.
“We have also been in backyards where there are larger gaps under the fence than there should be.”
The council has its own pool safety inspection program in which the city’s 2000 backyard pools are inspected at least once every six years.
There was a failure rate of more than 90 per cent before the policy was introduced.
Mr Jenkinson said council had been aiming for 20 pool inspections a month.
“Those who want to sell or lease their property need to have this certificate and it’s valid for three years,” he said.
The council charges up to $150 for the first inspection and $100 for further inspections.
Pensioners will be charged $50 for subsequent pool inspections.
There are penalties of up to $5500 for non-compliance with safety requirements and on-the-spot fines of $550.