Swimming Pools and Spas

A building permit is required for a private swimming pool or spa capable of holding more than 300mm of water. This includes any structure or excavation used primarily for swimming, wading, paddling or the like, and includes portable and inflatable pools. Pools and spas must also be secured in accordance with state legislation. 

Safety Barrier Requirements

The Building Regulations 2012 (the Regulations) requires all private swimming and spa pools that contain water that is more than 300mm deep to have a compliant safety barrier installed that restricts access by young children to the pool and its immediate surrounds.

In Western Australia, there are two sets of safety barrier requirements depending on when the private swimming pool was installed or when plans for the installation of the pool were submitted to the permit authority for approval.

Generally:

  • Post 1 May 2016 private swimming pools are required to have safety barriers that comply with the edition of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) currently in effect. The BCA references AS 1926.1:2012 (Safety barriers for swimming pools) and AS 1926.2:2007 (Location of safety barriers for swimming pools) incorporating amendments 1 and 2.
  • Pre 1 May 2016 private swimming pools can continue to comply with their existing requirements under the Regulations or alternatively comply with the new requirements (that is the BCA).

Swimming Pool Inspections

The Town undertakes swimming pool and spa inspections of all affected properties at least once every two years. Swimming pool and spa fence inspection information is as follows:

  • An annual fee is charged via rates notices for standard inspections.
  • The rates notice includes information on when the inspection is due.
  • Letters are sent to owners, advising when the inspection will occur.  A suitable time can be arranged between the property owner and the Town's authorised officer. 
  • Inspections are conducted by the Town's authorised officer, with up to two additional inspections if required to ensure compliance. 
  • Property owners are advised that if additional inspections are required, further charges will apply.

Pool Inspections – Bookings

Please contact the Town on (08) 9377 8000 or [email protected] to organise.