Portable pools can pose a safety risk, especially for children under the age of five, because they are:
- not usually fenced and
- not completely emptied after use.
Pool fencing laws apply to pools, including portable pools 300mm (30cam) deep or more.
Adults should always actively supervise children from within arm's reach when they are in and around the water.
Make It Safe
The portable pool safety fact sheets have been developed to help consumers be aware of the dangers and enjoy their pools safety:
- Fact sheet 1: Don't duck out make it safe a guide for portable pool buyers
- Fact sheet 2: Portable swimming pool safety considerations and checklist.
Mandatory safety standards
Portable swimming pools are covered by the Consumer Goods (Portable Swimming Pools) Safety Standard 2013.
Labels
Portable pools must have labels alerting consumers to:
- the drowning hazard
- supervision requirements, and
- pool fencing laws.
Definition of a portable pool
Portable pools are items that are intended for personal, domestic or household use, and one of the following:
- An inflatable swimming pool, of any depth
- A soft-sided swimming pool, of any depth
- A rigid-sided swimming pool that is not deeper than 300mm (30cm)
The standard also applies to spas, hot tubs or whirlpool tubs if they meet the description above.
Suppliers of portable pools
Anyone supplying portable swimming pools must comply with this standard, such as:
- manufacturers
- importers
- distributors
- retailers
- hirers
A summary of the mandatory requirements is available on Product Safety Australia's portable swimming pools page. Further information is also outlined in the standard.
If you supply portable swimming pools that do not meet the mandatory standard you may be liable for heavy fines and product recalls.
Pool fences
Pools deeper than 30cm (the size of an average ruler) are required to have safety barriers.
You can find more information about fences and pool safety laws from Building and Energy:
- Swimming and spa pools. webpage
- Rules for pools and spas publications