Yes. It is the owners/occupiers' responsibility to ensure that any structure containing water to a depth greater than 30cm that is used primarily for swimming, wading, paddling or the like, including a bathing or wading pool or spa pool, requires a barrier that complies with AS1926.1.
If the structure contains water to a depth greater than 30cm, installation of a compliant barrier is an immediate requirement. If you cannot install a permanent barrier immediately (due to compaction, concreting, paving etc.) a temporary solution must be provided. Your temporary fence must still meet the minimum requirements of AS1926.1 and will require an inspection by a representative from the City.
Yes. You will need to submit an application for a building permit. The application must contain construction details/engineering drawings where applicable for the proposed pool/spa. Please contact us on 9528 0333 to discuss or to seek advice.
The information provided below is for guidance only.
When removing (decommissioning) an existing swimming pool, the following two options are available:
Option 1 - pool shell is removed completely
- Firstly, advise the City in writing via letter or email that you intend to remove your pool shell completely.
- Once we have acknowledged the removal of the pool shell, the water in your pool will need to be pumped out and disposed of off-site.
- In order to remove the pool shell you will need to engage the services of a structural engineer on how to remove the pool shell. They should provide you with advice on the filling and compaction of the excavation.
- A copy of the compaction test results will need to be sent to the City for our records.
- Contact our swimming pool inspection team on 9528 0333 to organise a time an inspector can attend your property to confirm the pool has been removed.
In most instances the removal of a pool does not require a building permit application, however, if the removal of the shell impacts on adjoining structures such as a dwelling, patios/outbuildings, a building permit application may be required. For further information contact the City's Building Services on 9528 0333.
Option 2 - pool shell remains but is decommissioned
- Firstly, advise the City in writing via letter or email that you intend to decommission the existing pool shell to prevent it from holding any water.
- Once we have acknowledged the decommissioning of the pool shell, the water in your pool will need to be pumped out and disposed of off-site.
- In order to decommission the pool shell you should engage the services of a structural engineer on how to decommission the pool shell, including details to prevent water build-up and to ensure there are no long-term structural issues from the decommissioning. The structural engineer should provide advice on the filling and compaction of the unfilled pool.
- A copy of the compaction test results will need to be sent to the City for our records
- Contact our swimming pool inspection team on 9528 0333 to organise a time an inspector can attend your property to confirm the pool has been decommissioned
- The City's Rates section will be advised that the pool shell has been decommissioned.
In most instances the decommissioning of a pool shell does not require a building permit application, however, if your structural engineer has provided advice and works need to occur to the site, a building permit application may be required. For further information contact the City's Building Services on 9528 0333.