Search
Close this search box.

Swimming Pools

Do you require a permit to for a swimming pool or spa?

Permits must be obtained from the Devonport City Council for the installation and set-up of pools and spas (as defined below). Before building a swimming pool or spa, inflating a blow-up pool or spa and/or erecting related safety fencing, you need to check with the Council to find out if or what building and/or plumbing approval is required.

A pool or spa/hot-tub cover is not a compliant barrier

Pools and spas which MUST have a barrier :

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 install pool safety barriers?

In Tasmania, installation of pool safety barriers must be: 

  • performed by a licensed builder and 
  • overseen by a licensed building surveyor 

Pools and spas which don't require a barrier:

  • Pools and spas (including inflatable) which hold less than 300mm (30cm) in depth of water 
  • Indoor spa-baths (bathroom spas which are emptied after each use) 
  • Domestic baths emptied after each use 
  • Bird baths 
  • Fountains 
  • Water supply and storage tanks 
  • Fish ponds 
  • Dams 

Inflatable and relocatable pools

Inflatable and relocatable pools which hold a depth of water of 300mm (30cm) or more must be enclosed by a compliant barrier. An owner may install the pool only after a safety barrier is installed and checked by a licensed building surveyor.

Who has to maintain a pool safety barrier?

Maintaining a pool safety barrier is the owner’s responsibility. Owners should check: 

  • gates are self-closing correctly and not propped open 
  • latches on gates work correctly 
  • items/furniture are not placed against the barrier to enable climbing (including on neighbouring property) 
  • landscaping does not allow climbing 
  • openings in the barrier have not increased due to movement of the ground or barrier 
  • the barrier remains structurally sound 
If you are unsure if your pool saftey barrier is compliant, contact a building surveyor.

Pools installed before 1994. Do they require a pool saftey barrier?

It is recommended that owners of pools built before 1994 install and maintain a pool safety barrier to protect themselves and the community.

Information for builders - Codes, Standards and Legislation

All new domestic pool and spa safety barriers must comply with Part 3.9.3 of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) Volume 2 ‘Swimming Pool Access’. The BCA is part of the National Construction Code (NCC).

Building Code of Australia - P2.7.1 Swimming pool access

A barrier must be constructed around a swimming pool and must:

  • extend continuosly for the full length of the pool; and
  • be strong and rigid enough to withstand impacts from people; and
  • restrict young children accessing the pool and immediate surrounds; and
  • have gates and doors:

          – with latching devices which young children can’t operate and

          – which close and latch automatically 

To get a copy of the Building Code of Australia go to www.abcb.gov.au

Australian pool safety Standards

  • AS 1926.1 – 2012 Swimming pool safety – Safety barriers for swimming pools.
  • AS 1926.2 – 2007 Swimming pool safety – Location of safety barriers for swimming pools.

          – This standard sets the construction requirements for pool fences and gates as well as doors and windows associated with pool safety barriers.

Copies of these Standards are available at SAI Global Store

Legislation - Building Act 2016

Under the Tasmanian Building Act 2016, you can install some pools and spas without a building permit or oversight by a building surveyor so long as a compliant pool safety barrier is in place.