Pools, Spas and Safety Barriers

Learn about building permits, safety barrier requirements, and pool inspection processes in the City of Kwinana. Find out how to install, maintain, or decommission your pool or spa, and ensure compliance with local regulations for a safe and enjoyable environment.

Pools, spas and safety barriers

In accordance with the Building Act 2011, A, 
a building permit is required for all swimming pools, outdoor spas where they contain water to depth greater than 300mm. This includes temporary, inflatable and/or portable above-ground pools.

For more information, see Are you installing a swimming pool or outside spa?

Pool Inspection Program

The City of Kwinana requires a mandatory inspection before approving a swimming pool or spa barrier application. This ensures the barrier meets safety regulations and is suitable for its location.

Approval Process

  1. After you submit a swimming pool and barrier application the City will contact you to arrange an inspection.
  2. If the barrier is approved, you must notify the City once installation is complete.
  3. The City will conduct a final inspection to check compliance and issue a notice of compliance if it meets safety requirements.

For full compliance details, view below.

Rules for Pools

Ongoing Inspections

Under State Government regulations, private pool and spa barriers must be inspected every four years. The City will contact property owners to schedule inspections.

  • No additional cost – The inspection fee is covered by your rates.
  • Dog owners – Please secure your pet before the inspection.

For questions or to schedule an inspection, contact Building Services at 08 9439 0472 or email building@kwinana.wa.gov.au.

Had enough of your pool? Here are some handy hints to follow:

  • Totally remove your pool if it’s above ground; or
  • Totally remove your pool and backfill if below ground. You need to obtain a compaction certificate for the backfill; or
  • Leave pool in but make two holes (minimum size of 1m x 1m each) one in the deep end and another in the shallow end of the pool. 

Once you have done one of the above options, contact the City's Building Department on 9439 0472 to arrange an inspection.

Decommissioning a Swimming Pool or Spa

If you no longer want your swimming pool or spa, you may need to remove or modify it to ensure it no longer holds water or functions as a pool.

What is Decommissioning?

Decommissioning means removing or altering a pool so it cannot be used for swimming or wading. This usually involves:

  • Removing the entire structure (deflating, dismantling, excavating, or demolishing).
  • Filling the area with compacted soil after removal.
  • Modifying the pool to prevent it from holding more than 300mm of water, such as breaking the base and walls or removing access and filtration systems.

Removing or Decommissioning Your Pool

If you no longer want your swimming pool, you have a few options:

  1. Remove an above-ground pool completely.
  2. Remove an in-ground pool and backfill the area. You must get a compaction certificate for the backfill.
  3. Keep the pool in place but make two large holes (at least 1m x 1m each)—one in the deep end and one in the shallow end.

After completing one of these steps, contact the City's Building Department on 9439 0472 to arrange an inspection.

Why is Proper Removal Important?

Leaving a pool buried underground can create future issues for land development or construction. Proper decommissioning ensures the site remains safe and stable.

Types of Pools and How to Decommission Them

Each type of pool requires a different method of removal or modification. Follow the correct process to ensure compliance.

For more information or to arrange an inspection, contact the City’s Building Services at 9439 0472.

    • Inflatable: deflate and remove.
    • Solid sided: Remove liner, ladder, and any filtration system.  Ideally complete dismantling and removal.
  • Minimum requirements, retaining walls and steel frame still in place:

    • Remove liner, ladder, and any filtration system.  Ideally complete dismantling and removal.
    • Remove all the above-ground pool structure and filtration system.
    • Break down the retaining walls to a minimum of 500mm below natural ground level.
    • Remove the demolished material to an approved disposal site.
    • The excavation filled with soil endemic to the site and compacted in layers.

    Minimum requirements - bury the retaining walls.Total removal

    As per 1) above but the total demolition of the pool structure including the walls and any footings.

    Filling the excavation with clean fill endemic to the site and compacted in layers

  • Minimum requirements:

    Cut a minimum of 2 x 500mm x 500mm squares (or 1 x 1000mm x 1000mm square) in the base of the pool (deep end) and remove all the fibreglass or concrete from the pool. Disconnect the filtration system and any access ladders.

    • Cut a minimum of 2 x 500mm x 500mm squares (or 1 x 1000mm x 1000mm square) in the base of the pool (deep end) and remove all the fibreglass or concrete from the pool.  Disconnect the filtration system and any access ladders.
    • Cut down the walls of the pool at least 500mm from the top. 
    • Remove the demolished material to an approved disposal site.
    • The excavation filled with soil endemic to the site and compacted in layers.
    • If the pool is in excess of 40m2 in area an Application for a Demolition Permit may be required.
    • Excavate and lift out fibreglass pools whenever possible.
    • Demolish and remove the demolished material from the excavation to an approved disposal site.
    • The excavation filled with soil endemic to the site and compacted in layers.

Application process

To apply for a pool, spa or pool barrier building permit, please see Building and Development.

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