Swimming Pool and Spas

New pool, spa and/or safety barrier
A building permit is required to install a new swimming pool, spa and/or safety barrier, as well as to conduct alterations to a safety barrier. Building permits can be obtained through a private building surveyor.

Additionally, any new pool, spa or barrier must be registered with Council (see below). On occasion, a planning permit may also be required to construct a fence, depending on the overlays affecting your property.  If you are uncertain, please contact our Planning team.

Registration of existing pools
If you have a permanent/relocatable swimming pool or spa you are required to register it with Council. Permanent safety barriers are required for all permanent/relocatable pools and spas capable of containing water to a depth greater than 30 centimetres.

Compliance
After registration, Council will advise:

• The requirements your barrier must satisfy.
• The date by which you must submit a Certificate of Compliance for your pool/spa barrier.

Owners must engage a registered building surveyor/inspector to certify the compliance of their safety barrier and issue a Certificate of Compliance for the barrier.  The first Certificate of Compliance must be lodged with Council before the due date, then every four years after that. Certificates of Compliance need to be lodged with Council within 30 days of issue.

While the exact due date for the lodgement of your pool/spa barrier compliance certificate is specified in the Registration Confirmation Letter sent to you by Council upon registration of your pool, the due date can generally be  determined from the construction date of your pool/spa, as detailed below. If you are uncertain, please contact Council’s Building team on 5662 9200 for clarification.