PoolSafe Scheme

There are currently 214 public pools in New Zealand and 137 of those are members of the PoolSafe scheme.

The New Zealand Recreation Association and Water Safety New Zealand have proactively developed many industry standards over the past few years to increase the professionalism of pool operation and management.

The PoolSafe Quality Management Scheme is an independent assessment of a pools management and operation in accordance with these industry standards.

Any facility wanting to find out more about PoolSafe or to join the scheme should contact the Aquatics Project Manger tracey@nzrecreation.org.nz .  NZRA will help facilities joining the scheme, to meet the PoolSafe criteria by way of providing advice, guidance, resources and templates.

PoolSafe Membership Fees

A new structure has been put in place for 2011-2012 onwards as follows:

Level One
Meets all standards at the first audit and no further follow up is required by the Assessor.

Cost $500.00+GST membership fee

Level Two
Meets most standards at the audit but fails in a number of areas. The facility does not have PoolSafe accreditation until all requirements are met (PENDING).  As a result of the failure a follow up is required by the assessor/NZRA to ensure compliance and change has been undertaken based upon the assessor feedback and recommendations. OR significant follow up is required by the Aquatics Project Manager (not necessarily a second audit).

Additional cost $250+GST penalty

Removed from PoolSafe Scheme
Fails consistently at the audit and follow up audits and does not provide evidence that the standards have been achieved nor that the feedback from the assessor has been actioned. Formal letter written to property owner advising of the non-compliance and partners advised of non-compliant facilities. If after two non-compliant visits the organisation / facility will be exited from the scheme and a letter will be written to the DoL, WSNZ and facility owner about the repeated non-compliance.

A facility can apply to be part of the PoolSafe scheme the following year at a cost of $500 + GST.  The expectation will be that all requirements will be met at the first audit.