All swimming pools, no matter when they were constructed, must have safety barriers to restrict unsupervised entry by young children.
When is a building permit required?
A building permit is required for the construction of all swimming pools (including those above ground) and spas.
The building permit documentation must include details of
- The type and location of the safety barriers, including fences, gates, doors, windows, latches, catches, self-closing devices and mesh screens
- Water reticulation and filtration equipment.
A building permit is also required for installing or altering all swimming pool and spa safety barriers.
What is a swimming pool?
A swimming pool or spa is any excavation or structure capable of containing a depth of water exceeding 300 mm and used principally for swimming, wading, paddling or the like. This includes in-ground swimming pools, jacuzzis, indoor swimming pools, above-ground swimming pools, spas, bathing and wading pools and hot tubs.
What are safety barriers?
Safety barriers are designed to restrict unsupervised entry to the swimming pool or spa area by young children. “Safety barrier” refers to a fence, wall, gate or screen, and includes doors, gates, windows, locks, latches, hinges and self-closing devices attached to them.
From 1 May 2010 outdoor pools cannot be accessed directly from a building or adjoining property. This only applies for new building permits issued after 1 May 2010.
Safety barriers must be completed within 6 months of building work commencing on the swimming pool or spa.
Safety barriers are not required for:
- Structures not used principally for swimming, paddling or wading, including bird baths, fish ponds, fountains, dams and water supply/storage tanks
- Swimming pools or spas not capable of containing a depth of water greater than 300 mm
- Inflatable swimming pools (typically toddler or wading pools) not capable of containing a depth of water greater than 300 mm
- Spas inside a building that are used for personal hygiene, such as a spa bath in a bathroom.
Maintenance of safety barriers
It is very important that occupiers and owners of an allotment or building containing a swimming pools and spa undertake a regular program of care and maintenance of safety barriers to ensure a safer swimming pool and/or spa. The building regulations also require that safety barriers are maintained and functional.
Council Policy
The Council Plan 2009 – 2013 requires Building Services to “Continue to implement a residential pool safety audit”. The audit program has been operating successfully for 3 years with approximately 100 swimming pools/spas inspected each year.
More information
For further information, please contact Maroondah City Council Building Services
on 9298 4327.
