Swimming Pools 

Building legalisation and guidelines

Private swimming pools and spas are defined as bodies of water used for the purposes of swimming or wading, which the public is not permitted to use.

For the safety of pool owners and the wider community, laws and guidelines around pools and spas are in place.

A Building Permit approval is required for all swimming pools and spas and the associated safety barrier. Either the property owner or the party contracted to construct/install the swimming pool or spa and safety barrier must submit the application.  

Swimming pools, spas, and fencing are all Class 10b structures, and there are no requirements for a registered builder to undertake the works.

Download the Safety Barriers Building Information Sheet   or Swimming Pool Information Sheet to learn more about installing a pool. 

Safety barrier requirements

In Western Australia, private swimming pools and spas with water that is more than 300mm deep must have a compliant barrier installed.

This is intended to help prevent the drowning deaths and injury of young children under the age of five years.  

This requirement applies to: 

• In-ground pools and spas 
• Above-ground pools and spas, including inflatable and portable pools and spas 
• Indoor pools and spas, but not spa baths that are normally emptied after each use 
• Wading pools containing water that is more than 300mm deep. 

The Building Regulations 2012 require all new swimming pools and spas to be provided with a safety barrier complying with Australian Standard – AS1926.1-2012.  

When you submit your application, preliminary inspections are arranged to discuss the proposed location of the pool barrier to identify any issues that may need to be addressed before construction. 

Download the requirements for Building Permits for Private Swimming Pools and Pool Fences

Download the Rules for Pools and Spas Booklet for full details of the barrier requirements for your pool.