Recent amendments to the Swimming Pools Act 1992 provide that all properties with a backyard swimming pool or spa that are sold or leased will need to have a valid swimming pool Compliance Certificate attached to the Contract. Changes were due to come into effect this month, however the NSW Office of Local Government has just announced that the deadline for compliance with the new laws has been extended by 12 months, to 29th April 2015. Failure to attach the Compliance Certificate will mean that the purchaser can rescind the Contract at any time within 14 days of the date of the Contract.
For information on what to look out for when checking your pool, please refer to the checklist on the swimming pool register which can be found here: http://www.swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au/checklists. You can organise an inspection for your backyard swimming pool or spa by contacting your local council or accredited certifier. Once a compliance certificate has been issued it is valid for three years.
