We Australians have a special affinity for the ocean. When accounting for our offshore islands, our total coastline extends more than 66,000km, which makes us one of the luckiest nations in the world when it comes to maritime access. On top of that, 87% of all Aussie residents live less than 50km from the coast, and 75% of our country’s population has at least some degree of swimming ability, which is unusual in this part of the world. In Indonesia, for example, only around 30% of adults can swim, and in Vietnam, that percentage is even lower, at around 25%.
For many of us, swimming and relaxing in the sun are the requirements for a nice summer day and relaxing in the water represents and activity that can help us forget about the stress of everyday living. But there is a problem. Not all of us have the ability to visit the beach whenever we feel like lounging on the sand or strolling between the waves. We are busy, our schedule is hectic, and oftentimes we even lack the free time to handle our most basic necessities.
Do you want to enjoy the warm summer months specific to Australia, and go swimming in the comfort of your backyard? In that case, like almost 14% of our co-nationals, you are probably considering investing in a pool. However, a pool, while great for your property’s value and for social activities, will also come with responsibilities that you cannot exactly ignore. From safety issues to adhering to local regulations, pools can represent a challenge. So, if you want to keep things safe and convenient, the best thing you can do is call a fencing company that offers services in your local area.
Think of Your Children’s Security
There is no real way around it. Australia, thanks to its unique geographical features, is (during the summer months) one of the hottest countries in the world, and for this reason, no less than 14% of our country’s population currently lives in properties with access to either public or private pools. But, this affinity to swimming also comes with dangers, as the number of people who drown every year in our country has remained constant.
Swimming pools are great for us, adults who know how to swim properly. But they represent a risk for small children or for pets, who lack the necessary emergency response skills in order to properly get out of a pool once they fall in. Swimming pools are one of the leading causes of accidents for children under five years old, and even a momentary lapse in supervision can tragically lead to serious situations that could’ve easily been avoidable if only for a high-quality pool fence in Sydney.
A high-quality barrier designed by a reputable fencing company will not only look great and reduce the number of contaminants getting into your pool, but also significantly reduce the risks of accidents that might end up in civil cases. Plus, you need to think about the regulations active for Sydney-based properties. In NSW, the installation of pool barriers is required under the Swimming Pools Act of 1992, and since 2016, all properties with pools situated on residential premises with multiple tenants must be registered with the state’s government Swimming Pool Register.
A Way to Protect Yourself from Legal Issues
In NSW, all swimming pools installed on premises with a residential building, must feature a child-resistant pool fence, with a height of at least 1.2 meters, that complies with Australian standards and can self-close from any position. On top of that, all swimming pools built after 1st of May, 2010, cannot have a direct entry to the pool area via a door from the property. So, for example, it is not legally permitted to enter a swimming pool in Australia directly from your living room. Are you in breach of these regulations? In that case, the penalties could be significant.
For a small violation, like a pool fence that is not properly maintained, the city’s local council can issue fines up to $550. However, for more serious issues, like not having a pool barrier in the first place, the fine could be ten times larger. The council could issue an official Direction that will force you to bring the pool’s barrier into compliance, and if you don’t follow this directive, you could end up with legal issues, and you will have trouble if you decide to sell your property. Sounds like a headache, doesn’t it? Well, this is why you should seek the work of a fencing company.
It Will Be a Shame to Lose Your Financial Benefits
Swimming pools are not only a way to relax after a hard day at work but also a way to spend memorable times in the company of friends and family. For many Australians, however, they are also a fantastic investment that could significantly enhance the market value of their property and make it easier to find potential buyers.
Even in the most conservative statistics, a newly-built swimming pool should add at least 7% to the total value of your dwelling. And when considering that the average house value in Sydney is around $1.5 million, the benefits of a legally-compliant swimming pool become apparent. Swimming pools, however, can only be a positive for your house as long as they are protected by a high-quality barrier designed and created by a reputable fencing company.
A compliant pool fence in Sydney could reduce your insurance premiums, make you less likely to be found liable for unwanted accidents and are required in order to list your swimming-pool property on the market. Plus, a quality barrier will also make it so your family can enjoy the great Aussie weather without fearing potential intrusions from the local wildlife. The temperatures in Australia are rising, and with them, our swimming pools are starting to look like real-life oasis for the majority of animals living in our country. You do not want to wrestle a kangaroo out of your pool? Then, the services of a fencing company should represent one of your top priorities.
