Swimming Pool & Spa Information

Swimming Pool - Above Ground   Swimming Pool - Temporary Swimming Pool - Inflatable Swimming Pool - Inground Swimming Pool - Small Inflatable Swimming Pool - Spa

A building permit is required for the construction of all permanent swimming pools and spas. Compliant safety barriers are required for all types of pools and spas capable of holding more than 300mm of water in depth. A building permit is also required if you are installing new or altering any part of an existing permanent safety barrier.

What is a Swimming Pool or Spa?

A swimming pool or spa is any excavation or structure capable of containing a depth of water greater than 300mm and used principally for swimming, wading, paddling, or the like. This includes any inflatable or temporary swimming pools or a spa that has a lockable cover.

Safety barriers are not required for bird baths, fish ponds, fountains, dams and water storage tanks, however the owner has a duty of care to ensure these are safe.

Maintaining your Safety Barrier

As an owner of a swimming pool or spa, you are required to ensure any fence or barrier restricting access to a swimming pool or spa is maintained and operating effectively.  A maintenance checklist (also available as a Mobile app) is available from Royal Life Saving Australia.  Non-compliance, for any reason, can increase the risk of drowning and lead to prosecution.

A list of barrier inspectors can be found here - this list is not exhaustive.

Registering your Swimming Pool or Spa

Visit our registration page, Swimming Pool & Spa Registration, or contact Council's Building Department on 03 5232 9400 to register your pool or spa.