Swimming Pools & Spas
The Building Act 1993 and the Building Regulations 2006 require the owner of every swimming pool or spa, that is capable of containing a depth of water of greater than 300mm, to provide safety barriers that restrict access to their swimming pool and/or spa.
New swimming pool spa regulations
For new swimming pool and spa installation (pools approved after the 1 May 2010) fences and barrier must comply Australian Standards AS1926.1 - 2007, AS1926.2 - 2007& AS 1926.3 - 2007.
Please note that these latest amendments to the Building Code of Australia now prohibit child resistant door sets that allow access to a swimming pool or spa area.
The Building Commission has developed a new practice note that details the latest requirements for Swimming Pool and Spa Barriers
Swimming pools and spas built before 8 April 1991
Swimming pools and spas constructed prior to 8 April 1994 must comply with Building Regulations contained in Division 1 of Part 7 of the Building Regulations 2006 – Existing Swimming Pools and Spas.
You can access these regulations (701 to 705) via the following Building Regulations 2006
Swimming pools and spas built after 8 April 1991 but prior to 1 May 2010
Swimming pools and spas constructed after 8 April 1994 but prior to 1 May 2010 must comply with the Australian Standards applicable at the time of construction being AS1926.1 – 1993 & AS 1926.2 - 1993.
Maintenance and operation of safety barriers
Division 2 of Part 12 of the Building Regulations 2006 - Swimming Pool and Spa Maintenance and Operation, details the responsibilities of occupiers of an allotment and the responsibilities of a person entering and leaving a swimming pool or spa area.
You can access these regulations (1219 & 1220) via the following Building Regulation 2006
Inspections
The City of Bayside Building Surveying Department offers a service of inspection and enforcement of any existing swimming pool or spa barrier installation, which has not already been inspected and approved by a private building surveyor who issued the building permit for the pool or spa.
To access this service or for further information please contact Council’s Building Surveying Department on (03) 9599 4444.
Page last updated: 06 Feb 2012