With over 300,000 backyard swimming pools in NSW, swimming pool safety is an important issue. If you have a pool, make sure you are complying with the relevant rules and regulations.

Register your pool or spa

If you have a backyard swimming pool or spa, it needs to be on the NSW Swimming Pool register. This includes in ground, portable or inflatable pool with a depth of 30 centimetres or more.

Registering your pool is easy and free. If you don't register your pool, you could face a $220 fine.

REGISTER YOUR POOL

Fence your pool or spa

It's important to fence your pool or spa with a self-closing and latching gate. It's the best way to stop toddlers wandering into danger. Spas can be fitted with a child-resistant lockable lid. This includes inflatable and portable pools that can be filled with 30 centimetres or more of water. Self-assessment checklists are available on the NSW Swimming Pool register to assist with compliance. Fines of $550 apply if a pool is not completely surrounded by a compliant pool fence.

Swim spa

A swim spa has to be fenced because it is defined as a swimming pool under the relevant legislation. The swim spa still needs to be fenced off if it has lockable covers or lids.

Development consent

You need to obtain development consent from Council in order to install a pool or spa that holds 2,000 litres or more water. Installing a pool without development consent can incur a fine of $1500, including portable and inflatable pools. Demolition of an existing pool also requires planning approval, this can be arranged through the NSW Planning Portal.

For more information, call our Customer Service Centre on 9707 9000 and request to speak to one of our Pool Compliance officers.

Pool and spa compliance

Our Swimming Pool and Spa Barrier Inspection Program was developed in consultation with the community. It was adopted in 2013 as a response to changes to state legislation and was designed to prevent drownings. It applies to all pools and spas which hold more than 30 centimetres of water, including those that are portable and inflatable.

Our officers are contacting pool and spa owners to organise inspections to ensure compliance. Fees apply for inspections. It is $150 for the first inspection and $100 if a second inspection is required. If a pool or spa complies, a Certificate of Compliance will be issued which is valid for three years.

You can also use the checklists available on the Swimming Pool register to carry out a self-assessment of your swimming pool or spa barrier before a Council compliance inspection. Royal Life Saving also has a Home Pool Safety Checklist.

We are also conducting mandatory inspections of all tourist, visitor and multi-occupancy developments.

Leasing a property with a swimming pool, spa or swim spa

The owner of a swimming pool, spa or swim spa must obtain a Certificate of Compliance before leasing the property. The Certificate of Compliance certifies that the swimming pool or spa barrier complies with the relevant standard and is valid for three years.

An Occupation Certificate issued within the past three years may act as a Certificate of Compliance.

Selling a property with a swimming pool, spa or swim spa

The owner of a swimming pool, spa or swim spa must obtain a Certificate of Compliance before they can sell their property. The Certificate of Compliance certifies that the swimming pool, spa or swim spa barrier complies with the relevant standard and is valid for three years. A Certificate of Non-Compliance may also be issued. If contracts for sale are exchanged using a Certificate of Non-Compliance, the purchaser has 90 days after settlement to bring the barrier into compliance.

An Occupation Certificate issued within the past three years may act as a Certificate of Compliance.

Obtaining a Certificate of Compliance

A Certificate of Compliance can be obtained from us using the form below. Please note there is a $150 fee payable at the time the application is lodged. Once we have received your application, a Council officer will contact you to arrange a suitable time to inspect your swimming pool, spa or swim spa barrier. Should a second inspection be required a further $100 may be charged.