Thinking of installing a swimming pool? There’s no better way to complete your backyard, add value to your home and be the envy of the neighbourhood on those hot summer days. Whilst a pool can be an amazing asset to your property, it can also pose some danger to young children so it’s no surprise that there are some guidelines and regulations that must be followed to ensure your pool is safe. However, don’t be put off, it’s quite a simple process to get all the approvals you need and you will quickly be on your way to installing a fabulous pool that will give your family years of fun. Let’s dive in and have a deeper look at the permits required.

Planning permits & building permits

Swimming pools do not require planning approvals in a residential zone. A building permit, however, is required prior to the construction or installation of any swimming pool or spa that will contain more than 300mm/30cm of water. At Add a Splash Pools, we believe there is nothing more important than ensuring the safety of small children around swimming pools, so we take every precaution to ensure your swimming pool or spa will comply with the relevant legislation.

What is the process for obtaining a building permit?

Before a building permit will be granted by a permit authority (usually the relevant local government) a registered building surveyor is required to confirm that the proposed pool and its safety barrier comply with the applicable building standards. The applicable building standards include the:

  • Structural adequacy of the pool or spa
  • Water recirculation system
  • Energy efficiency for heating and pumping
  • Water efficiency
  • Safety barrier

Applying for a building permit

Anyone can apply for a building permit – the owner, pool builder or barrier installer. The person named as the builder on a building permit for the pool and safety barrier takes on the responsibility for ensuring the work complies with the Regulations. You don’t need to be a registered builder to be named on a building permit as the builder for a pool, spa or safety barrier.

If the pool builder takes responsibility for both the pool and safety barrier, the pool builder may arrange for a separate person to install the safety barrier on his/her behalf. You, the owner, can choose to be the responsible person. This means you can contract out the actual work to your preferred pool builder and preferred pool safety barrier installer.

When do I need to install a safety barrier?

Before any pool is filled with water greater than 300mm in depth, there must be a safety barrier (either temporary or permanent) in place that complies with the barrier regulations. During the construction of some pools, such as a fibreglass pool, the pool builder needs to fill the pool with water. If this is the case, there must be a safety barrier in place during construction before the pool is filled. If a temporary barrier is installed, it must not be removed until a permanent complying barrier is installed.

Do I Need Permission from My Neighbours?

If you meet all of the requirements of a Complying Development Certificate, you do not need to notify your neighbours about your swimming pool installation plans. If your swimming pool construction project requires a Development Application, your neighbours will be notified via council.

With over 30 years’ experience, we have built hundreds of pools across Perth and you can be sure that we follow the strict Building Code of Australia guidelines and will organise all required certificates and approvals with council to ensure a streamlined process. Choose Add A Splash Pools, the best pool builder in Perth and let us transform your backyard into the perfect summer paradise. Call us today on (08) 9452 2422.