Swimming pools are popular features that can increase the appeal of a home to buyers and renters.

According to realestate.com.au, pools are the most popular feature looked up by buyers when searching for property, ranking higher than a granny flat, duplex, and even a beach or waterfront location.

If you are planning on selling or leasing your home with a pool, there are a few things you need to do before you put it on the market.

First, you should have your pool registered if it isn’t already. You can do this by visiting the NSW Swimming Pool Register’s website where you can receive a certificate of registration instantly.

A swimming pool certificate of compliance can be obtained from either your local council or an accredited certifier under the Building Professional Act.

The next step is to make sure you have a swimming pool certificate of compliance or a relevant occupation certificate that is less than three years old and authorises the use of the pool.

A swimming pool certificate of compliance can be obtained from either your local council or an accredited certifier under the Building Professional Act. An inspection will be carried out and if the swimming pool or spa meets all the safety requirements, a certificate of compliance will be issued. If the pool is deemed non-compliant with safety requirements, you will receive a list of requirements needed to achieve compliance.

You will have then need to undertake those changes and this will be followed by a second inspection.

When you receive your certificate, it is valid for three years from the date of issue. Receiving a certificate of compliance will vary in costs.

If you go through your local council, they can charge up to $150 for the initial inspection and up to $100 for the second inspection. Accredited certifiers will have their own fees.

If you live in a property where there is a shared pool, such as a strata or community title property, you will not need to carry out an individual pool inspection as this is taken care of by the owners corporation.  The process of receiving a certificate of compliance can vary in time, so it is important that you factor in plenty of time before you sell.

If you’re selling your property, both the certificate of compliance and the certificate of registration need to be attached to the contract of sale.

For rental homes, only the certificate of compliance, or an occupation certificate issued in the last three years, need to be provided to tenants.