Portable pools can be a popular alternative to below-ground pools; however, there are some hazards associated with using them.
Safety steps
Think safety first and follow these steps to make your portable pool SAFE for your children:
Supervise
Act
Fence
Empty and store safely
Supervise
Kids are curious, attracted to water and may like to climb. Portable pools in the backyard can seem toy-like and remind them of bath time.
Always actively watch children and keep them within arm’s reach. Don’t leave older children in charge.
Act
Learn how to respond in an emergency, including CPR. It’s important to start compressions and breaths as soon as possible when a child is pulled from the water and to phone Triple Zero (000) for help.
If there are 2 people, 1 should make the phone call while the other does CPR.
Fence
In Queensland, if a pool has more than 30cm or 2,000L of water in it, there is a legal requirement to have a compliant safety barrier.
After keeping watch all day, pour out water and put the pool away where children can’t reach. Never leave it where it can refill with rain or sprinkler water.
Pool safety education
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and state and territory consumer protection regulators have joined forces with Royal Life Saving Society—Australia to educate parents and carers about the drowning dangers associated with portable pools, along with tips to keep kids safe.
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Don't duck out—make it safe
Thinking of buying a portable pool this summer?
Young children can drown in just 3 centimeters of water, silently and in as little as 20 seconds, so if you're going to use a portable pool don't duck out
On average 1 young child drowns in a portable pool every year in Australia, so don't duck out of your responsibility as a parent or carer.
Supervise—and if you have to duck out always hand over responsibility to another adult.
Act—learn CPR and be emergency ready. If the worst happens you need to be able to call 000 and administer CPR straight away.
Fence—most local authorities require you to fence pools that are deeper than 30 centimeters. You may be fined or prosecuted if you don't.
Empty—and crucially, store your empty pool away where it can't be filled by rainwater or reticulation.
Don't duck out of your responsibilities—make your portable pool safe.
Safety labelling
A portable swimming pool and its retail packaging must display a warning message that is:
permanent
legible
of a certain height
in contrast to the background colour of the packaging
on the front of the package.
Portable pools 300mm high or less must include the following statement:
WARNING!
Children have drowned in portable swimming pools.
Ensure active adult supervision at all times.
Do not leave children unsupervised in or around the pool—keep them within arm's reach.
Empty and store safely after use.
Portable pools 300mm high or larger must include the following statement:
WARNING!
Children have drowned in portable swimming pools.
Ensure active adult supervision at all times.
Do not leave children unsupervised in or around the pool—keep them within arm's reach.
Pool fencing laws apply to this pool. Consult your local government authority for fencing requirements.
In addition to the warning statement, the following safety sign must be permanently printed or embossed on the portable pool:
