Penrith alone had more than 17,000 registered pools in 2023, according to its own inspection program. Most are in-ground pools with aluminium fencing, where the gate is the part that most often fails.
Over time, self-closing hinges lose tension, latches drop out of line and gates sag. Test the gate from fully open, half open and just ajar before the inspection; it has to latch from every position.
What each council charges
Council inspection fees are set under the Swimming Pools Regulation 2018, so a council is usually the cheapest way to get a certificate. Private certifiers charge more and set their own booking times. These are the figures each council publishes, with the date of the page they come from.
Penrith City Council
Fee: First inspection $150. Re-inspection $100 per inspection.
Tourist, visitor and multi-occupancy premises, childcare and family day care are inspected at least once every 3 years. Penrith has said it issues on-the-spot fines of $550 for propped-open pool gates.
Source: Penrith City Council pool fence compliance certificate form (V4, undated)
City of Parramatta
Fee: No figure is published on the council's pool page.
The council inspects when a certificate is applied for, after a complaint, and on properties with more than two dwellings as part of its mandatory program.
Source: City of Parramatta swimming pools safety page (undated)
Cumberland City Council
Fee: $150 for the first inspection and $100 per further inspection, on its 2023-2024 form. Ask for the current fee.
No current program page could be read.
Source: Cumberland City Council certificate of compliance form 2023-2024
Blacktown City Council
Fee: Not available online. Ask the council for its current fee.
The council's pool safety page covers the legal requirement for pool isolation fencing.
Source: Blacktown City Council swimming pool safety page (undated)
Compare these with the prices private certifiers publish in the pool inspection cost guide.
Gates that won't latch
A gate that sticks, drags on the pavers or bounces off the latch is the most common fix needed out west. Hinges can often be re-tensioned or replaced in an hour or two, and a latch can be realigned or swapped. See what's involved in pool gate repairs.
Never prop a pool gate open, even for a party or while you're mowing. Penrith Council has said it fines propped-open gates on the spot.
Suburbs covered in Western Sydney
Requests are taken from these suburbs and the streets around them. Include yours in the form.
- Parramatta
- North Parramatta
- Carlingford
- Toongabbie
- Seven Hills
- Blacktown
- Glenwood
- Stanhope Gardens
- Quakers Hill
- St Marys
- Kingswood
- Penrith
- Jamisontown
- Glenmore Park
- Emu Plains
What to send with your request
- The suburb, and whether you're selling, leasing, answering a council notice or just checking.
- The settlement, lease or council date you need to meet.
- The pool type (in-ground, above-ground, spa) and the fence type (glass, aluminium, timber or a boundary fence).
- Any earlier inspection report, so the certifier can re-check the listed items.
Common questions
What does Penrith Council charge for a pool inspection?
Its compliance certificate form lists $150 for the first inspection and $100 per re-inspection.
How do I find Blacktown Council's pool inspection fee?
Blacktown's compliance certificate pages couldn't be read online. Call the council or check its fees and charges for the current year.
