Questions and answers
Frequently asked questions
Short answers first. Where a fuller guide exists, the link sits under the answer. These answers are general information, not legal advice.
Who can issue a pool compliance certificate in NSW?
A NSW local authority or a registered certifier acting within their registration may inspect and issue the certificate when the statutory requirements are met. Check the Fair Trading public register before you book anyone.
Does my pool have to be registered?
Yes. The owner must ensure the prescribed pool information is entered on the NSW Swimming Pool Register. Registration is free and is required before a compliance certificate can issue.
Is registration the same as certification?
No. Registration records that the pool exists. Certification follows an inspection and confirms that the requirements for a compliance certificate were met at that time. You generally need both to sell or lease.
How long is a compliance certificate valid?
Generally three years from issue. It can cease earlier if a compliance direction is issued for that pool.
Do I need a pool compliance certificate to sell my house in NSW?
The sale contract generally needs one of the prescribed pool documents: a valid compliance certificate, a relevant occupation certificate with the required registration evidence, or a valid certificate of non-compliance. Your conveyancer can confirm the correct path.
What is a certificate of non-compliance, and when is it used?
If the pool does not meet the requirements for a compliance certificate, the inspecting authority or certifier must issue a certificate of non-compliance instead. It can be used in some sale pathways, but it is not a path for rentals.
Can a non-compliance certificate be used for leasing?
No. A non-compliance certificate is not valid while the premises are subject to a residential tenancy agreement. Landlords need a registered pool plus a valid compliance certificate or relevant occupation certificate before a tenant moves in.
What does a landlord need for a pool?
When the standard residential tenancy agreement is entered into, the pool must be registered and have a valid compliance certificate or relevant occupation certificate, and a copy must be provided to the tenant.
What happens if the pool does not pass the inspection?
You receive clear information about what did not meet the requirements. Most small faults, we can sort out how to put right on the day, rather than turn into a second visit. Anything bigger, I will tell you exactly what is needed and who to call.
What are the most common reasons pools fail inspection?
Gate hardware that no longer self-closes or self-latches, climbable objects inside the 900mm non-climbable zone, gaps under the fence, and faded or missing CPR signs.
How high does a pool fence need to be in NSW?
Under the usual current-standard figures, at least 1.2 metres measured from finished ground level on the outside, with no gap over 100mm, a 900mm non-climbable zone kept clear, and a gate that self-closes, self-latches and opens away from the pool. Which standard applies can depend on the pool history.
Does a spa need a fence in NSW?
By default yes, because a spa that can hold more than 300mm of water is treated as a swimming pool. A qualifying spa pool can use a prescribed lockable child-resistant cover pathway instead. Swim spas are often assessed as pools rather than spa pools for that cover path.
Does an inflatable or portable pool need to comply?
If it can hold more than 300 millimetres of water, yes. Portability does not exempt it from registration and safety requirements.
Is every pool assessed under AS 1926.1-2012?
No. The applicable requirements depend on the pool, property, construction history and later alterations. The current Regulation contains several pathways.
Does AS 1926.1:2024 automatically make my existing pool non-compliant?
No. A new edition of the standard does not by itself make existing compliant pools non-compliant. The 2024 standard and NCC 2025 mainly affect new work as NSW adopts them.
What must a CPR sign contain?
The Regulation prescribes three warning statements, resuscitation information, a statement that formal instruction is essential, and publication details. The sign must be prominent and legible from at least three metres.
Do strata pools have a blanket exemption?
No. The legislation contains specific transaction and certificate exceptions for some schemes with more than two lots, but that is not a blanket exemption from pool safety law.
Can I use a private certifier instead of council?
Yes. The owner may request an inspection from the local authority or a registered certifier. Book, and you get one certifier the whole way through with me: the person who answers is the person who inspects and signs.
How much does an inspection cost?
Call me on 0431 856 855 or send the details through. The price comes down to a couple of details about your pool, and I will come back with the figure and what it is for before you book.
How quickly will you reply?
Give me the address and the reason for the certificate, and I will get back to you within one business day.
What should I ask any certifier before I book them?
Four questions worth asking anyone, with my answers.
- Are you the registered certifier who will actually attend, and what is your number? Yes: Craig O’Connor, BDC05248.
- What happens on the day if the pool does not pass? You get a written list, and if it is minor we work out how to put it right there and then.
- Do you sort small items during the visit, or does everything become a second appointment? Most small faults, we can sort out how to put right on the day.
- Who lodges the certificate on the register? I do.
Not sure which document you need?
Use the short decision guide to route selling, leasing, building, buying or ownership questions to the right next step.
Next step
Still have a question?
Give me the address and the reason for the certificate, and I will get back to you within one business day.