That’s the warning Maitland City Council has issued people considering portable and inflatable pools this Christmas.

Strict fines apply for unfenced pools in an attempt to prevent drownings this summer.

“The general public are often unaware of this requirement as inflatable or portable swimming pools are sold at a wide variety of stores which may not sell swimming pool fencing,” council development and environment manager David Simm said. 

“Purchasing and maintaining a swimming pool fence will increase the cost of owning a portable or inflatable pool and should be factored into the overall cost.”

Inflatable swimming pools have become more popular because they are easy to set up and affordable, but they present the same drowning hazard as a permanent pool. 

NSW statistics show that between 2007 to 2011 eight of 11 children who drowned did so in inflatable and portable pools that were not fenced.

Under the Pool Act 2012 any pool capable of being filled to a depth of 30 centimetres or more is required to be fenced.

And all swimming pools, including portable and transportable items, are required by law to be registered on the state swimming pool register.

It is the owner’s responsibility to register their pool online on the NSW Swimming Pool Register by 29 October 2013 at swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au 

Registration forms are also available at the council’s customer service centre. 

Mr Simm said there were other risks associated with portable pools to consider.

If the water in an inflatable or portable pool is not regularly changed or properly treated then there is also an increased risk of infection from contact with or swallowing contaminated water. 

He said portable electrical pumps and filter systems were available but care must be taken to avoid electrical hazards. Pumps and filters should be operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.