Swimming pools and spas
If you want to install a swimming pool or spa which is capable of holding water more than 300mm deep, including temporary swimming pools such as above-ground inflatable swimming pools, you will need a building permit.
You will also need safety barriers – and a building permit for these safety barriers. Your safety barriers need to comply with the Building Regulations 2012, as amended, and the Australian Standard 1926.1 – 1993 or 2012 where applicable.
The purpose of this State Government legislation is to make sure safety barriers are used and maintained properly to help prevent child injury or drowning in private swimming pools and spas.
Before you can fill your pool or spa with water, your safety barriers must be inspected by one of the City’s Authorised Officers. Once your safety barrier is approved, the City is required to reinspect the barriers at least once every four years for compliance. Your inspection fee will be added to your annual Rate Notice.
When is development approval required?
You will need to apply for development approval if your proposed swimming pool or spa is:
- Located within a Special Development Precinct;
- Located in a heritage area designated under the City’s Local Planning Scheme No. 15;
- Located on a lot less than 260m2 in area;
- Is located on a lot which is within, or joins, the Swan River Trust Development Control Area (DCA), or in the opinion of Council is likely to impact the quality of waters in the DCA (generally properties next to the Swan River).
How to apply for development approval
To apply for development approval, you will need to:
What is the development approval process?
How do I know what has been approved for my property?
You can lodge your application:
- Online using the City’s Planning and Building Online Application portal;
- In person at the City of Belmont, 215 Wright Street, Cloverdale;
- By mail to City of Belmont, Locked Bag 379, Cloverdale WA 6985.
Visit the Planning and Building Online Application portal
When is a building permit required?
You will need to apply for a building permit for all swimming pools and spas capable of holding water more than 300mm deep. You will also need a building permit for the safety barrier. You can apply for these building permits together or as separate applications.
Please note, it is an offence to install a swimming pool, spa and/or safety fencing without a building permit. The only time you will not need a building permit and safety barrier is when the pool is not capable of holding water more than 300mm deep (i.e. small paddle pool). Even in shallow water, remember to directly supervise children at all times.
How to apply for a building permit
To apply for a building permit, you will need to:
- Complete and submit a Form BA1 Application for a Building Permit – Certified* or Form BA2 Application for a Building Permit – Uncertified;
- Submit a Form BA3 Certificate of Design Compliance from a registered building surveying contractor, if you are applying for a certified building permit (Form BA1);
- Provide supporting documentation, including:
- A copy of a receipt of payment for the Construction Training Fund for the Construction Training Industry Fund levy, if the estimated value of the works exceeds $20,000;
- A copy of your site plan (minimum scale 1:200) showing the location of all existing and proposed structures, proposed setbacks, existing and proposed finished ground levels, easements etc.;
- A copy of signed engineers details certifying the structural integrity of the pool (excludes inflatable pools);
- A copy of the manufacturers brochure or specifications for the swimming pool or spa;
- A copy of details of the proposed safety barriers to demonstrate compliance with AS1926.1 – 2012 (or a separate building permit application is to be lodged);
- Pay the Application fee for an uncertified application and Building Services Levy.
Due to the impacts of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) if you are making an application for a Building Permit - Certified during the 2020-2021 financial year, the City is waiving this application fee, but the Building Services Levy is still applicable.
You can lodge your application:
- Online using the City’s Planning and Building Online Application portal;
- In person at the City of Belmont, 215 Wright Street, Cloverdale;
- By mail to City of Belmont, Locked Bag 379, Cloverdale WA 6985.
Visit the Planning and Building Online Application portal
Fencing compliance
Your safety barriers must be compliant with Australian Standard 1926.1 – 1993 or 2012 as applicable.
All swimming pools/spas approved after 1 May 2016 are required to have a safety barrier complying with AS1926.1-2012. Please refer to the
DMIRS (Building and Energy) Rules for Pools & Spas Guide or the
Royal Life Saving website for more information about compliant safety barriers
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about swimming pools or safety fencing, you might find the answer here.
Does a temporary blow-up swimming pool need a building permit and compliant safety fencing?
Yes, if you swimming pool is capable of holding water more than 300mm deep. You will need to comply with the requirements of the Building Regulations 2012 and AS1926.1-2020 as applicable, in the same way you would for any other permanent swimming pool.
When does the safety barrier need to be installed?
You will need a compliant safety barrier before your swimming pool or spa can contain water more than 300mm deep.
If you cannot install the permanent safety barrier immediately (due to compaction, paving, landscaping etc.) you will need to have a temporary barrier installed. Please contact the City’s Building Services team to discuss any proposed swimming pool barrier before you lodge your building permit application.
How often will the safety barrier be inspected?
Once compliant, the City needs to inspect swimming pool/spa safety barriers at least once every four years. It is your responsibility to maintain the safety barrier at all times between inspections.
For a household with no children and no access from the street does a temporary above ground swimming pool still need a compliant safety barrier?
Yes. The risk may appear to be minimal but once a swimming pool contains water more
than 300mm deep, there is no exemption from complying with the requirements of the
Building Regulations 2012 and AS1926.1 – 1993 or 2012 as applicable.
Useful Links
For more information, please email
building@belmont.wa.gov.au or phone the City’s Building Services team on 9477 7425.