Swimming Pools and Spas

In the Shire of Dardanup there are approximately 1100 registered pools.

Under the Building Act 2011 and associated Building Regulations 2012, it is required that the Shire must ensure that private swimming pools and spas located within the Shire are protected in order to reduce danger risks to unsupervised children.

Drowning of young children is preventable, yet remains one of the leading causes of accidental death for young children, with swimming pools generally being the main water body involved.

While supervision within arm’s reach is the most effective way to prevent these drowning incidents, mandatory pool safety barriers, local government inspections and public education are extremely important in the overall strategy to prevent or reduce these tragedies.

Building Permit Approval

A building permit is required prior to installing a swimming pool or spa that contains water more than 300mm deep and is required to have a compliant safety barrier installed.

This requirement is applicable to all above-ground, below-ground, inflatable and portable pools and spas.

Note: It does not include a temporary pool that is emptied after each use provided it does not exceed 300mm in depth.

Please see the below building permit fact Sheet provided from Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety:

Building permits for private swimming pools and pool fences

To apply for a building permit please go to Building Applications

Swimming Pool Safety Barriers

Rules for Pools and Spas is a guide provided by the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety, that outlines the technical requirements for safety barriers for Pools and Spas in Western Australia.

Dependant on when the private pool/spa was installed or when plans for the installation of the pool were submitted to the permit authority for approval, will determine which rules apply:

Rules for pools and Spas - Latest edition (Pools approved from 1^st July 2024)

Rules for Pools and Spas - May 2016 (Pools approved prior 1st July 2024)

Rules for portable pools - August 2018

Please also refer to the below checklist for residents that provide a basic guide to safety barrier compliance requirements:

Residents simple pool safety checklist

For more information visit Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety website:

Swimming pool and spa safety barrier requirements

Requirements for when construction is complete

When construction of a swimming pool and/or safety barrier has been completed, a BA07 – Notice of completion must be completed and lodged by the Builder within 7 days of the works being completed.

Failure to comply may result in fines or prosecution. A modified penalty of $500 may apply.

To submit a notice of completion please email the completed form to records@dardanup.wa.gov.au

Swimming Pool Inspections

The Shire must inspect the safety barriers of new swimming pools and spas within 30 days of becoming aware that they have been completed, whether the safety barrier is a temporary or long-term installation.

The Shire must then periodically inspect safety barriers to swimming pools and spas to ensure they remain compliant and are being maintained. The inspection period is usually every four years.

During the inspection, the Shire officer will check that your fences, gates and latches are all working properly, there are no climbable objects around the pool fence that children can climb onto and get into the pool or spa, and a number of other things that will help protect your children and their friends.

Penalties may apply for delays in achieving compliance or denying access for the purpose of inspection.

Inspection Fees:

New swimming pools - A once-off inspection fee of $145.00 is applicable for all new swimming pool building permit applications and will apply at time of submission.
Periodic inspections undertaken every 4 years - The inspection fee is divided by 4 and charged annually on Rates Notices. The 2025-26 annual fee is $36.00, as per R 53A.(3)(b) of the Building Regulations 2012.

Decommissioning and/or removal of Swimming Pools and Spas

Please notify the Shire when a swimming pool or spa is removed. A Shire officer must conduct a site visit to confirm that the swimming pool or spa has been correctly removed. Prior inspection can also be considered in some instances.

Once the inspection has been completed and removal has been signed off as compliant, the Shire can remove the swimming pool inspection fee from your yearly rates.

The following link provides some information regarding best practice when decommissioning and/or removing swimming pools or spas.

WALGA pool and spa removal best practice notes