Swimming Pools Safety

Close-up of a swimming pool edge with handrails

What counts as a Swimming Pool?

Under the Swimming Pools Act 1992 (NSW) a swimming pool is any structure (including spas and temporary pools) that:

  • Can be filled with water deeper than 30cm
  • Is used for swimming, wading, paddling, or other water activities

This applies to both private and public pools.

Register Your Pool

All pool owners must register their pool with the NSW Swimming Pool Register.

Pool Fence Rules

Your pool must have a child-resistant barrier that:

  • Separates the pool from your home and any public/private areas
  • Designed, constructed, installed and maintained in accordance with the standards prescribed by the regulations.

The specific requirements for child resistant barriers are detailed in the Swimming Pools Regulation 2008 and Building Code of Australia.

Pool Safety Basics

To keep everyone—especially children—safe, follow these tips:

  • Always supervise children around water
  • Keep pool gates closed and working properly
  • Remove climbable objects near the fence (like chairs or toys)
  • Trim trees and plants near the barrier
  • Cover skimmer boxes and store chemicals safely
  • Learn CPR and teach kids to swim early

Compliance Certificates

Inspections and Enforcement

Inspections happen if:

  • You apply for a Compliance or Occupation Certificate
  • A complaint is made
  • Your pool is part of a tourist or multi-dwelling property

During the inspection, an officer will require access to all areas on the premises that form part of the child resistant barrier. This may include parts of a house, garage or other dwelling. Measurements of barrier dimensions will be taken and the strength of gates, doors and other openings will be tested.

If your pool isn’t compliant, Council may issue a direction to comply. Council will generally provide notice to the pool owner prior to issuing a direction, unless there are circumstances under which Council considers that the safety of a person would be at risk.

Download and complete a Self-Assessment Checklist form.

Selling or Leasing a Property?

You must include either:

  • A Certificate of Compliance, or
  • A Certificate of Non-Compliance (the buyer then has 90 days to fix issues)

This applies to homes with 2 or fewer dwellings and can be obtained from the NSW Swimming Pool Register. Properties with more than 2 dwellings are exempt from the requirement to provide a compliant pool barrier on sale or lease as they are already regulated by mandatory 3 year inspection programs.

More information

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