Moorabool council blitz on pool safety

The majority of Moorabool private swimming pools are safe, according to an extensive audit by Moorabool Shire council.

The audit was started in mid February and took five months to complete.

About 50 swimming pools and spas were inspected and all but four complied.

“The audit netted a very good result,” Moorabool chief executive Rob Croxford said. An independent building inspector was hired to carry out the audits and has since been working with the owners of non-compliant swimming pools to help ensure their pools also meet safety standards.

Mr Croxford said the pools and spas were checked and re-checked with the community’s full support.

“Pool and spa owners and the general public have called us with their concerns about safety around pools, barriers in states of disrepair or just wanting us to check that they have adhered to safety requirements. It was great to see pool and spa owners and concerned people being proactive about safety and compliance.”

Mr Croxford said inspectors looked for several things as part of the audit, including ensuring gates around pools were maintained and were closed and latched. Barriers also need to be the correct height, with no climbable items such as furniture close to the fence.

To arrange an inspection, call council’s building department on 5366 7100.