Information on pool fence certificates
Pool barrier compliance certificate due dates
| Construction date | Due date |
|---|---|
| Prior to 30 June 1994 | 1 June 2022* |
| From 1 July 1994 to 30 April 2010 | 1 June 2023* |
| From 1 May 2010 to 31 October 2020 | 1 June 2024* |
| From 1 November 2020 – new pool or spa | Within 30 days of completion* |
You’ll need to lodge a new certificate every four years. Your Council will remind you when it’s time.
*Individual Councils may change dates and requirements at any time. Please check with your local Council about pool safety compliance and registrations in your area.
Pool barrier requirements
All swimming pools and spas capable of containing water to a depth greater than 30 cm must have a compliant safety barrier. Compliant safety barriers restrict access to the pool area by children under the age of five.
Barriers are required for:
- in-ground pools and spas
- above-ground pools and spas, including relocatable and inflatable pools that are capable of holding more than 30 cm depth of water and require assembly on site
- indoor pools and spas
- bathing and wading pools capable of containing more than 30 cm depth of water
Barriers aren’t required for:
- inflatable swimming pools (typically toddler or wading pools) that cannot contain a water depth greater than 30 cm
- small inflatable pools that do not consist of multiple components and do not require any assembly
- bird baths
- fountains
- water supply/storage tanks
- fish ponds
- dams
- baths used for personal hygiene and emptied after each use
- spas inside a building used for personal hygiene and emptied after each use
- pools or spas that cannot contain a water depth of more than 30 cm
Pool barrier safety checklists
As a pool and/or spa owner, you must maintain the operation of your swimming pool or spa barrier to prevent access.
The following checklists will help you assess the safety of your barrier:
- Checklist 1 – for pools and spas installed before 8 April 1991
- Checklist 2 – for pools and spas installed between 8 April 1991 and 30 April 2010
- Checklist 3 – for pools and spas installed from 1 May 2010
Helpful resources
We have put together a selection of resources to provide more information about pool safety.
Visit Kidsafe for their Safe Barriers Save Lives campaign.
