What you need to know
If your swimming pool or spa holds a depth of water of 300mm (30cm) or more you must install a pool safety barrier. This requirement applies to pools and spas installed from 1994 onwards.
A pool or spa/hot-tub cover is not a compliant barrier & Inflatable and relocatable pools are not exempt from these regulations.
The requirement to install pool safety barriers applies to:
- Pools which are:
- in-ground
- indoor (excluding bathroom spa-baths)
- above ground
- inflatable and relocatable
- Wading pools holding 300mm (30cm) of water
- Hot tubs/spas
Who can help me?
The fencing needs to comply with the Australian Standards, National Construction Code & Building Act 2016. The meet these requirements, it is important to engage:
- draftsman/architect
- building surveyor
- licensed builder
If you are unsure if your pool safety barrier is compliant, contact a building surveyor!
If you would like information about legislation, codes and standards related to pool and spa barriers, see the Consumer, Building and Occupational Services website.
Plumbing Approval requirements
Approvals must be obtained from the council for the installation and set-up of pools and spas (in accordance with Part 8, Section 81 of the Building Regulations 2016). This relates to both Building and Plumbing Applications.
The following information is required to be submitted to support a Plumbing Application:
- Form 3 Application for Plumbing Approval
- Form 35 Certificate of Responsible Designer
- Drainage Plan to show where the swimming pool/spa will be discharged to when emptied e.g. stormwater, sewer
- detail regarding what type of filtration system is being installed in the swimming pool/spa e.g. sand filter, cartridge filter.
All applications for lodgement can be submitted to buildingandplumbing@ccc.tas.gov.au
For more on pool safety and installing pool safety barriers see this fact sheet.