State Government statutes require Shire officers to undertake at least one inspection within a four year period of all private swimming pools and spas in its area to ensure that suitable restrictive barriers are in place to prevent drowning's.
The Western Australian Government’s new 5 Star Plus standards commenced on 1 September 2007 as a result of these new standards all new swimming pools will require a pool cover to reduce evaporation.
All private backyard swimming pools are required, by law, to be adequately isolated with a barrier, in order to prevent unsupervised entry of children. All gates providing access to such pools are required to be self-closing and self-locking, and the pool fence is to be a minimum height of 1.2 metres, unscaleable barrier. It is the owners responsibly to maintain the barrier so that it is compliant with the regulations at all times. For further information regarding barrier fencing for pools and spas please refer to rules for pools link
Application requirements for new pools and spas
The following is required as part of your application:
- A completed Building Permit Application
- Two copies of a site plan showing where the proposed pool and all existing buildings/structures are located on the property
- Details of the type and location of security barriers*
- Signed engineers details of the structural integrity of the pool
- Manufacturers brochure and specifications for the pool or spa
- Signed Engineers details of the structural integrity of a second hand or concrete/brick pool.
* Please note: a separate approval is required if the security barriers for a pool are not installed by the applicant of the pool approval.
For application forms please refer to Building Commission Website.
For further information, please contact the Shire’s Building Services Department on (08) 9168 4100.