Ipswich residents are being encouraged to put safety first if considering making a splash in portable pools or spas this summer.
The number of store-bought portable swimming pools and spas increases in summer, but just like permanent pools or spas, it is important that safety comes first.
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Chair Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the same rules applied to portable pools and spas as permanent ones.
“With the weather warming up, it may be tempting to cool down by purchasing an affordable store-bought portable blow up or above-ground pool or spa,” Mayor Harding said.
“However, it is important that residents are aware of the regulations that apply. Pool safety laws apply regardless of whether you have children of your own and if you are a tenant.
“Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in Queensland for children under the age of five. Active adult supervision, swimming lessons, learning basic CPR and compliant pool fencing can save lives.
“An inexpensive blow-up pool or spa may seem like a cheap option for keeping cool, however, when factoring in fencing requirements and approvals it can get costly quite quickly.”
Portable swimming pools or spas that can be filled to a depth of 300mm or more, or have a volume of more than 2,000 litres, or a filtration system require a building approval issued by a licensed Building Certifier and must have a compliant pool fence.
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Deputy Chairperson Councillor Paul Tully said all swimming pools and spas, regardless of whether they are portable or permanent, need permanent compliant pool fencing.
“Swimming pools and spas need to have a building approval and fencing. That building approval must be issued by a Building Certifier and you need to obtain a final inspection certificate before filling the pool and using it,” Cr Tully said.
“You can only remove your pool fencing when you are lawfully decommissioning your swimming pool.”
Penalties apply for not having compliant fencing or for not following pool and spa safety laws, with infringements starting from about $1,000 upwards.
An inexpensive alternative to a portable pool is to take advantage of council’s public pools or access your closest free water park to beat the heat this summer.
Community pools are available at the following locations:
- Bundamba Swim Centre, Brisbane Road, Bundamba (image above);
- Georgie Conway Leichhardt Community Swim Centre, Toongarra Road, Leichhardt;
- Goodna Aquatic Centre, Brisbane Terrace, Goodna;
- Rosewood Aquatic Centre, Mill Street, Rosewood.
Free waterparks are available at Orion Lagoon in Springfield Central, Bob Gamble Park at Riverheart Parklands in Ipswich and Tulmur Place in the Nicholas Street Precinct in Ipswich Central.
More information about local pool regulations is available here.
Ipswich City Council hosts a series of free water safety programs designed to build water confidence and teach lifesaving skills through its SEAL Pool Safety Program.
For more information about the SEAL program and learn to swim classes, visit Ipswich.qld.gov.au/seal
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