From last Friday all properties sold with a pool must have a relevant occupation certificate, a certificate of compliance or a certificate of non-compliance issued from the NSW Swimming Pool Register. If a property is sold with a certificate of non-compliance, the new property owner will have 90 days from settlement to fix any problems and seek a compliance certificate. 

“While there is no substitute for vigilant adult supervision of children, this change will ensure that new pool owners understand what they need to do to make their pools safe,” Minister for Local Government Paul Toole said.

According to Royal Life Saving NSW, 95 per cent of all pools fail their first inspection, and 55 per cent of all five years and under drowning deaths in backyard pools are due to either a faulty gate or a gate being propped open.

Certificates can be issued by the council or through an independent certifier registered with the Buildings Professional Board. Pool barrier checklists, inspection information and pool registration are available at swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au.