Private Swimming Pools
All pools and spas whether temporary, permanent, above ground or below ground in the townsites of Carnamah and Eneabba are required to have building approval and compliant safety barriers. The Building Regulations 2012 (the Regulations) require all private swimming, spa, and portable pools that contain water that is more than 300mm (30cm) deep to have a compliant safety barrier installed that restricts access by young children to the pool and its immediate surrounds. Safety barriers must be compliant with the Building Regulations 2012 as amended and the Australian Standard 1926.1 – 1993. Pools or spas installed on or after 5 November 2001 are required to have an isolation fence. There must be an approved fence and/or gate between any door and the pool or spa area. Pools or spas installed before 5 November 2001 are required to restrict access from the house, neighbours, and road. Doors are permitted to lead directly into the pool area but must be compliant with Australian Standard 1926.1 – 1993.
From 1 September 2007, all new swimming pools and spas are required to be covered by a blanket to reduce water evaporation and accredited with the Smart Approved Watermark as required under the Building Amendment Regulations (No.3) 2007).
Details of the requirements for Safety Barriers for New Private Swimming Pools & Spas is shown on the attached information sheet.
New Private Swimming Pools & Spas Safety Barriers
Other more detailed information is available from the Department of Housing and Works web site and the Royal Life Saving Society website.
Inspections
Under the Building Regulations 2012, the Shire has a legislative obligation to ensure that private swimming pools and spas within the townsites of Carnamah and Eneabba are inspected at least once every four (4) years to confirm continued compliance of the pool safety barriers with applicable building standards. Authorised Pool Inspectors have a legal right of entry onto your property to conduct these inspections with or without notice. Pool Inspections are generally funded by an annual fee added to the Shire rates on properties with pools.
Removal of Pools or Spas
The Shire needs to be advised when pools or spas are removed from properties so that the pools are deleted from the Inspection Program.