Swimming pools
There are laws that apply to building and fencing pools.
You must have Council approval before constructing, erecting or replacing any swimming pool. Find out development application requirements.
Register your pool
To help reduce backyard pool drownings and keep you informed Newcastle City Council is inviting all swimming pool owners of the Newcastle Local Government Area to join a pool register.
Members of the pool register will be provided with current information about NSW swimming pool legislation to make sure their pool is safe.
Where can I find information about pool fencing requirements?
In NSW, pool fencing and other approved 'child-resistant' barriers must be installed to all swimming pools and spa pools, in accordance with the Swimming Pools Act 1992, the Swimming Pools Regulation 2008, and Australian Standard AS 1926-2007.
These laws apply to all outdoor and indoor pools and penalties for failing to comply with these requirements range from $220 to $1,100. Council officers can also issue a notice to direct a person to comply with these requirements.
What are some of the key requirements for swimming pool fencing?
- Swimming pool fencing must be at least 1.2m high all the way around, measured on the outside of the fencing.
- If a boundary fence is included in the pool enclosure, it must be a minimum of 1.8 metres high and must not provide any footholes for children to be able to access the pool. eg, colorbond fencing is an acceptable solution.
- All swimming pool fencing must be in good condition, i.e. with no holes, broken, or loose palings.
- There must be no objects such as BBQs, furniture, planter boxes, trees, or shrubs within 900mm of the fence, which could allow a child to climb over the fence.
- Gates to the swimming pool area must open outwards and must be fully self-closing and self-latching from any open position.
- An appropriate resuscitation sign must be displayed in the immediate vicinity of the pool area.
Please note this IS NOT a complete list of requirements, and Council advises all pool owners to refer to the detailed legislation and Australian Standard for the complete requirements.
Do portable or inflatable type pool require a fence?
Any pool that is capable of being filled with water to a depth of 300mm (30cm) or more with water requires consent and appropriate pool safety fencing before it can be installed.
Make sure you check if consent and safety fencing is required if you are considering buying a portable or inflatable pool.
How do I know if my existing pool meets all the requirements?
You can apply to Council for a Swimming Pool Compliance Certificate inspection. This will incur a fee of $50.
Useful links
The Royal Life Saving Society of Australia - for information and checklists on swimming pool safety
Safewaters - provides further information on: fencing backyard pools; frequently asked questions; information in community languages; checklists for pool owners.
Department of Arts, Sport and Recreation -Swimsafe - information regarding swimming lessons.
Department of Local Government – for information and updates on backyard swimming pools.
Contact us
Visit the Customer Enquiry Counter, City Administration Building, 282 King Street, Newcastle
Phone: 02 4974 2545
E-mail: mail@ncc.nsw.gov.au
Mail: PO Box 489, Newcastle NSW 2300
