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Pool and spa safety

Strict regulations apply to swimming pools and spas to reduce the risk of drowning, especially for young children. It is the responsibility of the property owner to make sure that any pool or spa that can hold water more than 300mm deep has an approved safety barrier that is well maintained and operable at all times.

Property owners, as well as anyone entering or leaving a swimming pool or spa area, have responsibilities under the Building Regulations 2018 (division 2, part 12). The video below explains how to make sure your new pool or spa meets safety standards, the permit process and your maintenance obligations.

Pool and spa safety video transcript (DOCX, 20.08KB)

Do I need a permit to install a swimming pool or spa?

You will need a building permit to construct a pool or spa, as well as the associated safety barriers. This includes altering any swimming pool and spa safety barriers, and windows and gates that provide access to the pool or spa area.

What about temporary, inflatable or above ground pools?

If they have the capacity to hold water more than 300mm deep, then they require a safety barrier.

What regulations apply?

Australian Standards govern the type of safety barriers required around pools and spas depending on the time of installation.

Approved after 1 May 2010

  • AS1926.1-2012
  • AS1926.2-2012
  • AS1926.3-2012

Built from 8 April 1991 to 1 May 2010

  • AS1926.1-1993
  • AS 926.2-1993

Built before 8 April 1991

More information about pools, spas and their safety barriers can be found on the Victorian Building Authority website.