Lismore City Council
Safety requirements for all swimming pools
Swimming pool safety is extremely important. The death or injury of a child in a backyard swimming pool or spa is a tragedy that should never happen.
The owner of a swimming pool has the responsibility to ensure that the pool is at all times surrounded by a complying child resistant pool safety barrier.
Under the Swimming Pools Act 1992, a swimming pool is defined as any excavation, structure or vessel that can be filled with water to a depth greater than 300 millimetres and is designed for swimming, wading, paddling and the like. This includes a spa pool, but does not include a spa bath or anything within a bathroom. Please note, small portable or inflatable pools need to be approved and fenced like any other pool.
Swimming pool owners are encouraged to undertake a self-assessment of their swimming pool barrier fencing to ensure compliance. You can view a self-assessment checklist at the NSW Government's Swimming Pool Register.
Selling or leasing a property with a swimming pool
From 29 April 2016, a swimming pool owner must obtain a Swimming Pool Compliance Certificate before they can sell or lease their property. The Swimming Pool Compliance Certificate ensures all swimming pool barrier fencing complies with the relevant standard. The Swimming Pool Compliance Certificate is valid for three years.
To obtain a Swimming Pool Compliance Certificate you will need to fill out the Swimming Pool Inspections Contract (this doubles as the application form) and pay a fee. Please read our fact sheet below for full details.
Fact Sheet – Obtaining a Swimming Pool Compliance Certificate
Other useful links:
Lismore City Council Swimming Pool Barrier Inspection Program
Swimming Pools Regulation 2018
