I want to install or replace a pool
A Building Permit is required prior to installing a swimming pool and its associated barrier. When replacing a pool or barrier, please be aware that the rules may have changed since your pool was originally installed, meaning your existing barrier may no longer be compliant.
Swimming pools and its associated barrier require an Uncertified Building Permit Application. Go to How to Apply to find out more.
Please note that all pools must have a compliant barrier prior to being filled with water.
Need Help?
Contact Building Services direct:
Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm
Email – city@busselton.wa.gov.au
In person – 2 Southern Drive, Busselton WA 6280
Phone – 08 9781 1732
My pool is now installed
A compliant barrier must be installed, prior to filling the pool / spa with water.
Under the Building Act 2011, the person listed as the builder on the Building Permit must notify the City within 7 days of the pool and barrier being completed. This is done by submitting a BA7 Notice of Completion form, AND a Request for Inspection form.
Forms must be returned via one of the following:
Email – city@busselton.wa.gov.au
In person – 2 Southern Drive, Busselton WA 6280
Post – Locked Bag 1 Busselton WA 6280
What are the rules?
The rules for private pools can vary based upon when your pool was approved. Rule changes took place on 5 November 2001, 1 May 2016, 21 December 2023 and 21 June 2024.
Check your barrier regularly. Make sure all gates are self-closing and self-latching from all positions, and that no climbable objects are located within any non-climbable zones.
For more information, see the checklists and Rules for Pools booklet in ‘Related Information’ below.
Inspections
Swimming pool barrier inspections are undertaken once a pool barrier is complete. Re-inspection is required at least once every four years thereafter.
If you receive a notice that your pool is due for inspection, it is important to respond to the notice as City Officers are no longer allowed to inspect without your prior consent or an entry warrant.
Settlement inspections may be undertaken upon request. Current owner permission is required prior to settlement. If it is more than 12 months until the next inspection is due, a fee may apply. Please complete the form below and send to City@busselton.wa.gov.au.
Related Information
Checklist for pools approved prior to 1 May 2016
Checklist for pools approved on or after 1 May 2016
Rules for Pools and Spas Booklet
Request for Pool Inspection on Sale of Property Form
My pool has been removed
When a swimming pool is removed, the City requires written notification and evidence of removal.
Notify the City in writing to city@busselton.wa.gov.au and include:
- the property address of where the pool was located;
- approximately when it was removed, wherever possible, ‘before and after’ photos.
The City may choose to do an inspection.
Once the removal has been verified, the pool will be taken off the 4-yearly inspections list and the charge removed from future rates notices.
If you have a concrete pool that cannot be removed for structural reasons, it must be decommissioned to the point where it can no longer hold water.
Extra Information
Pool barrier inspections are undertaken every 4 years. The 4-yearly fee is divided by 4 and charged annually on Rates Notices. The 2024-25 annual fee is $78.00, as per R 53A.(3)(b) of the Building Regulations 2012.
Penalties may apply for delays in achieving compliance or denying access for the purpose of inspection.
Definition of Common Terms
Swimming Pool or Pool
Refers to “any structure containing water to a depth greater than 300mm and used primarily for swimming, wading, paddling or the like” (as per Australian Standard 1926.1 - 2012). It includes above-ground, below-ground, inflatable and portable pools and spas but does not include a pool or spa that is emptied after each use.
Barrier
What prevents a young child from accessing a pool. It is effectively the fence and gate/s but may also include retaining walls, windows, sides of buildings and anything else that separates a pool from the remainder of the yard or house.
Climbable Objects
Anything a young child can use to gain access to a pool area. This may include, but is not limited to, indents and protrusions greater than 10mm, trees, shrubs, furniture, barbecues, retaining walls, raised garden beds, pot plants, pumps, taps, pipework, lattice, pot plants, rocks, water features, ornaments, clotheslines, trampolines, toys, play equipment.
Non-climbable Zone (NCZ)
An area near a barrier that must be free of climbable objects
Young Child
Refers to a person aged between 0 and 5 years.
Useful Documents/ Links
Building Commission
Department of Education - VacSwim
The Royal Life Saving Society - Western Australia