The state government has been forced into an embarrassing last-minute back down on legislation forbidding the sale of homes with pools until their safety fences have been inspected.

It is understood an advertising campaign alerting consumers to the changes had already been prepared by Royal Lifesaving NSW for the laws which we due to come into effect in April.

Pool fencing compliance has been delayed a year.

"It's been a dog's breakfast," said Robert Guthrie from the Swimming Pool and Spa Alliance, an industry lobby. "This is the second time they have canned it, and the second time they have canned it within six weeks [of the deadline]. They need to get serious".

Concerns that a drastic shortage of inspectors would stop people from legally selling or renting their homes and damage the real estate market are believed to have led local government Minister Paul Toole to announce the deadline would be extended till 2016.