Safety barriers for pools & spas

Drowning is the biggest single cause of accidental death among children under five years of age. It causes three out of four fatalities in Australia in this age group, and these occur mainly in private swimming pools. In 1992, the State Government established compulsory standards for pool security, which requires local governments to inspect all private swimming pools when they are installed. Inspections are then repeated at least once every four years.

Safety barriers are required to restrict children from unsupervised access to a pool or spa from both off the property and from inside buildings on the property.

On 1 May 2016, changes to the rules for pools and spas came into effect. From 1 May 2016, pools will be required to comply with the Regulations and Building Code of Australia (BCA), which references Australian Standard AS 1926.1-2012 and Australian Standard AS 1926.2-2007 (incorporating Amendments numbers 1 and 2).

Prior to 1 May 2016, pools and spas will be required to have barriers which comply with Regulations and Australian Standard AS 1926.1-1993 (incorporating Amendment number 1 only) as the minimum standard for swimming and spa pool fencing (existing requirements - no change).

For further information, follow the link to the Building Commission website by clicking here

What is a swimming pool?

Swimming pool means any excavation or structure containing water more than 300mm deep and principally used, or designed, manufactured or adapted to be principally used for swimming, wading, paddling, or the like, including a bathing or wading pool, or spa.

New pools and spas

You are required to obtain a building permit from the Shire of Manjimup for the installation of a swimming pool or spa which is a class 10b structure along with a safety barrier. A certified or uncertified application may be made. The approval must be obtained prior to installing or constructing the swimming pool or spa and the safety barrier must be inspected by the Shire prior to the pool or spa being filled.

Existing pools and spas

Each owner and occupier of premises on which there is a private swimming pool or spa installed must ensure that there is an appropriate and compliant safety barrier around the pool. Maintenance of the safety barrier must be undertaken to ensure it is compliant upon inspection by the Shire. Inspections must be conducted once every four years or inspectors can visit if there is a suspected breach

Owners and occupiers face a maximum penalty of $5,000.00 for non compliance.