Should I Leave the Pool Cover On? Safety vs Slipping Risk
Are Pool Covers Always Safer?
A covered pool looks secure. But in practice, covers introduce just as many risks as they solve — especially when misunderstood.
In ACT, inspectors don’t treat covers as compliant barriers. And some families actually increase their injury risk by relying too heavily on them.
When Covers Help: Drowning Prevention & Debris Control
A tight, lockable cover can stop small children from entering the water when the pool’s unattended — particularly in winter.
It also keeps out leaves, dirt, and pets — reducing cleaning costs and chemical imbalance.
Covers are most helpful when:
Used consistently and clipped in place
Fully dry and not sagging
Fitted to rigid frames or retractable reels
When Covers Hurt: Slip Hazards & False Security
Wet covers are slippery. Soft covers sag. Loose covers trap water or become tripping hazards.
Many ACT injuries involve:
Guests slipping while walking poolside with cover partially on
Children thinking the cover is “walkable”
Covers hiding damaged edges or fence entry points
The false sense of security is more dangerous than an uncovered but monitored pool.
Child Confusion: “Can I Step on It?”
Kids don’t differentiate between a rigid safety cover and a soft bubble wrap.
If it looks solid — they may try to stand or crawl across it. That’s when accidents happen.
Teach children that a covered pool is still a pool — not a platform. And never rely on a cover as your only safety feature.
What Inspectors Think About Pool Covers
ACT pool inspectors do not count covers as compliant barriers.
That means:
Your Form 23 must still be issued based on fence, gate, and clearance standards
Covers are treated as accessories — not protections
Don’t delay repDo Pool Covers Create a Safety Risk — or Just Look Safer?
Updated July 2025 | By Tom
Pool covers often look like a safe solution. But are they actually helping — or creating new risks? This guide breaks down what ACT homeowners need to know about the safety, limits, and legal role of pool covers. This is a pool safety article — not a compliance checklist — but it’s important to understand how covers relate to broader inspection rules.
Are Pool Covers Compliant in the ACT?
No. In the ACT, pool covers are not considered compliant safety barriers. You still need:
A compliant pool fence
Self-closing, self-latching gates
Adequate clearance zones
Your certificate of compliance (Form 23) is issued based on physical barrier compliance — not cover use.
Don’t assume a cover “buys time” or offsets a broken latch.
📍 Call us for a free consultation
When Pool Covers Help
Used correctly, a rigid, lockable pool cover can reduce drowning risk during off-season or unattended periods. Covers can also:
Prevent children or pets from falling into unused pools
Keep leaves, debris, and rainwater out
Help maintain water chemistry and reduce maintenance costs
✅ Covers are most effective when:
Locked or clipped into place
Fully dry (not sagging or waterlogged)
Fitted to rigid frames or retractable reels
When Pool Covers Hurt Safety
Improper cover use can increase risk, especially when:
Covers are wet or slippery
Soft covers sag, forming sinkholes
Guests walk near or on partially covered pools
Children believe the cover is “solid” and try to crawl across it
Common ACT injury reports include:
Falls from slippery cover edges
Trips on loose corners
Delayed rescue due to hidden water hazards
Covers create a false sense of security. They should never replace supervision or barrier compliance.
Kids & Covers: Risk of Misunderstanding
Children don’t differentiate between a bubble cover and a rigid safety platform. If it looks solid, they may try to step on it.
Teach your kids:
A covered pool is still a pool
You should never stand or walk on any cover
Covers are for adults to manage, not to play on
Inspector Advice: Use Covers As a Backup, Not a Barrier
ACT pool inspectors treat covers as accessories only. That means:
You cannot lease or certify a property based on a cover
Covers won’t “buy time” for fixing fences or gates
Damage under a cover still counts as non-compliant
If you’re unsure about barrier status, don’t guess. While this article focuses on safety, ACT compliance rules still apply
Understand your compliance obligations in the ACT
Learn more about pool inspections in Canberra
When to Use a Cover — and When to Remove It
✅ Use your pool cover:
In winter or when the pool is inactive for days
During holidays when the home is empty
❌ Remove the cover:
Before gatherings or parties
When kids are playing nearby
After rain (to prevent slips and water sagging)
☑️ Always dry the cover before reusing, and lock it in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are pool covers considered compliant in ACT?
No. Pool covers are not compliant safety barriers under ACT law. Certification depends on fence, gate, and signage standards.
Q: Can I rely on a pool cover to pass inspection?
No. Even if the cover is lockable or expensive, it doesn’t count toward compliance in ACT inspections.
Q: What’s the safest way to use a pool cover?
Use rigid, lockable covers only. Dry them before re-covering. Remove them during parties or when kids are nearby.
