Over the years, Houspect has always aimed to keep our customers and readers informed on all aspects of pool certification and safety requirements. As a home or business owner in the Northern Territory, you are responsible for the safety of those who spend time in and around your pool.
Safety standards are a minimum requirement which we will get to in a moment. Peace-of-mind is an entirely separate notion. If you have small children or own a business with a pool, you may want to go that extra mile to ensure the safety of everyone who enjoys the facilities. That could mean family, friends or paying customers who are placing a huge amount of trust in you.
Pool Installation and Safety Barriers
Safety barriers around a pool are perhaps the most important feature when it comes to standards and certification. The rules can be confusing and are subject to change as new laws and regulations are introduced. It is therefore important to always turn to official and current Northern Territory guidelines when it comes to ensuring you are up to code. The NT.Gov website provides a comprehensive guide on all the required certifications and standards for pools in the Territory. Take note that the size of your property and when it was built are important factors when installing poolside barriers and fences.
Adult Supervision
For residential pools, adult supervision is a must when young children are using the pool. There are so many potential hazards including slips, falls or accidental drowning to worry about. It only takes a few minutes of unsupervised pool use for children to get into trouble. If you have a family and decide to install a pool, always think safety first. Choosing the right building materials is the first line of defense against accidents. Obviously, materials such as concrete, pavers, and stone are non-slip but you also have to consider that these materials could cause significant injury in a fall. To maximize safety, you may want to consider choosing a softer material or installing slip mats if you have small children.
In many cases, adults end up in the pool after a summer party or barbeque – both of which are likely to involve the consumption of alcohol. As the host, it is your responsibility to make sure that things don’t get too out of hand. Supervising the pool while the party is ongoing is one thing but it is also important to restrict access to the pool whenever things begin to wind down. It may sound like you’re going to be labelled a buzzkill but discussing pool etiquette from the outset can help avoid any accidents. As the homeowner, use your best judgement when to call it a day on using the pool so that you are in full control of the area at all times.
Pool Maintenance
Assuming that your pool is new and this is your first time taking care of maintenance, it is important to familiarise yourself with the process. Many of the chemicals used in pool maintenance, including chlorine, are toxic when used incorrectly. Houspect NT has a comprehensive guide on using pool maintenance chemicals which will keep you on the right track. Get into the habit of carrying out pool maintenance that is season appropriate and you shouldn’t have any issues.
