Why You Should Book Early and What are Rectification Works?
If you’ve received a notification from your local council about a deadline for your pool and spa safety barrier compliance, it’s essential to take action sooner rather than later. The key takeaway? Book early! The clock is ticking, and waiting until the last minute can lead to unnecessary stress and potential non-compliance.
The sooner you book your safety barrier inspection, the more time you have to address any issues that may arise from the inspection. If any problems are found, it’s important to leave ample time to carry out rectification works before the deadline.
In this blog, we’ll explain why early booking is crucial and break down what rectification works might entail. Let's dive in!
What Are Rectification Works?
Rectification works refer to the modifications, repairs, or changes that need to be made to bring your pool or spa barrier up to the required safety standards. These works are designed to fix any deficiencies in the safety barrier that could pose a risk. I can help with minor rectification works during your inspection like moving pots or furniture, or adjusting a gate to ensure it closes. Here are a few common examples of what might be involved in rectification works that may require some time to address:
1. Boundary Fences
If your pool area shares a boundary fence with a neighboring property, it’s important to ensure the fence meets safety requirements. Any issues with the boundary fence, such as low height or climbable gaps, must be addressed. This may involve repairing or reinforcing parts of the boundary fence to meet the required standards.
2. Climbable Trees
Another often overlooked issue is the presence of trees or shrubs near the pool barrier. Trees with low-hanging branches that children could use to climb over the pool fence are considered a safety risk. If you have any trees or bushes near your pool barrier that could be climbed, they may need to be trimmed back or removed altogether to prevent children from gaining access to the pool area. This also applies to trees on the pool side or outside of pool fence.
3. Repairing or Replacing Broken Fencing
A common issue is damaged or broken fencing. If your pool barrier is a fence, it’s essential that it’s in good condition and free of any gaps or breakages. Even a small gap or crack can compromise safety. Rectification may include replacing parts of the fence or repairing any damaged sections.
4. Height and Gaps Compliance
Safety regulations dictate the height of the fence and the maximum size of any gaps. If your barrier is too low, or there are gaps, these will need to be fixed. This could involve raising the height of the barrier or adjusting the fence’s spacing to meet the required standards.
5. Self-Closing Gates
Your pool’s gate must be self-closing and self-latching. If the gate does not automatically close after being opened, it could present a safety risk. Repairing or replacing a malfunctioning gate might be necessary to meet compliance.
6. Locking Mechanisms and Latches
Another common issue is faulty or outdated locking mechanisms. If your pool gate doesn’t have a compliant latch or lock that a child can easily open, you will need to fix this. Rectification works could include replacing the latch or upgrading the locking mechanism to meet the latest safety standards.
7. Climbable Objects Near the Barrier
It’s important that there are no objects near the pool barrier that children could use to climb over. This includes trees, furniture, or equipment. If there are any items like this, they will need to be moved or removed.
Why Early Booking is Critical
Booking your inspection early gives you enough time to identify and address any necessary rectification works. If your inspector uncovers issues, you’ll need time to coordinate repairs or replacements. Sometimes, suppliers and contractors are busy, and waiting until the last minute could result in delays.
Additionally, we may need to come back for a re-inspection to ensure all rectification works have been completed correctly, and you need to leave enough time for that as well.
The Takeaway
Receiving a council notification about your pool or spa barrier compliance deadline can be stressful, but taking action early can save you a lot of hassle. By booking your inspection early, you can ensure you have enough time to complete any rectification works before the deadline hits. This gives you peace of mind knowing that your pool is safe, compliant, and signed off within the deadline.
Have questions about pool and spa safety barrier compliance or need help with a consultation? Get in touch with Jimmy today to schedule your inspection and avoid the rush.