NSW backyard pool laws under review

The laws governing backyard swimming pools in New South Wales may be changed following a review by the state government.

Under the proposal, each of the 340,000 popular DIY garden features in the state may be added to a pool register - recording the address, type of pool, date of construction and the date of any inspection.

A safety certificate may also be issued every two years, providing essential information to potential renters or home buyers.

Similar databases are already in place in other states, including Queensland and Western Australia.

Local government minister Don Page released a discussion paper yesterday (January 15), which is available for submissions from the public until February 24.

"These proposals have been developed over recent months with pool safety experts with the aim of preventing more children in NSW from drowning," he said.

"The government wants to strike a balance between improving pool safety for young children, while avoiding imposing unnecessary red tape on pool owners."

The act - established ten years ago - was introduced to require four-sided child-resistant barriers to a prescribed standard to surround private pools in the state.

If the new legislation is introduced, fines of up to $2,200 could be issued to homeowners who do not comply.