Pools and Spas

Swimming pools and spas are a cherished part of the Western Australian lifestyle, offering relaxation, recreation, and relief from the heat. However, they also pose serious risks—particularly for young children. If you are thinking about installing a pool or spa, it's essential to understand your permit requirements, legal obligations, and safety responsibilities.

Planning to Install a Pool or Spa? Start Here

If you are considering installing a pool or spa, please take a moment to review these essential resources:

Do I Need a Building Permit?

✅ A permit is required for:

All private swimming and spa pools
Some safety barriers, depending on their structure or location

From 21 June 2024, most barriers will not require a building permit unless they:

Act as a balustrade (fall over 1 metre)
Are located in Wind Regions C or D
Are masonry and over 750mm high
Retain earth over 500mm
Are non-masonry and exceed 1800mm high

💡 Tip: Always confirm actual fees with the Shire before proceeding.

Building Application Requirements

To apply for a pool or spa permit, you’ll need:

✅ Completed form (BA1 or BA2)
✅ Applicable fees (see Schedule of Fees & Charges)
✅ Certificate of Design Compliance (if submitting a certified application)
✅ Site plan (minimum scale 1:200) showing:
- Pool location
- Setbacks and buildings
- Barrier placement
✅ Engineering and structural documentation
✅ Floodplain advice (for high water table areas)
✅ Electrical bonding compliance (AS/NZS 3000:2018)
✅ Confirmation that no easements are affected

Your Responsibilities

👤 Property Owners and Occupiers Must:

Install and maintain a compliant barrier at all times
Notify the Shire before filling the pool with water
Permit Shire inspections at least every 4 years
Advise the Shire if the pool is removed or decommissioned

👷 Builders Must:

Build in accordance with the approved permit
Maintain a safe site under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020
Submit a Notice of Completion (BA7) within 7 days of finishing the job
Submit BA7 Form

Shire of Narrogin’s Role

The Shire is responsible for:

Issuing building permits for pools, spas, and barriers
Maintaining a register of private pools and spas
Conducting safety inspections, including a mandatory inspection within 30 days of completion (from 21 June 2024)

🧾 Inspection Fee: payable upon permit application

Helpful Resources and Checklists

📋 Download the Swimming Pool and Spa Safety Checklist
📘 View the "Rules for Pools and Spas" Brochure
📄 WA Government: Building Permits for Pools and Spas

Hard copies are available at the Shire Administration Building (89 Earl Street, Narrogin), or request one by calling (08) 9890 0900.

Legal Requirements for Pool and Spa Barriers

In Western Australia, all private swimming and spa pools capable of holding water deeper than 300mm (30cm) must have a compliant safety barrier.

This includes:

In-ground and above-ground swimming pools
Portable and inflatable pools
Spa pools (excluding spa baths emptied after each use)
Bathing and wading pools

Some remote areas of the State may be exempt from these requirements.

⚠️ Failure to install or maintain a compliant barrier:

Puts lives at risk
Can result in significant fines and legal action

Why Pool and Spa Safety Matters

Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death in children under five years of age. The majority of these incidents occur in home swimming pools.

🚨 Supervision First

The most effective way to prevent drowning is active adult supervision. Compliant safety barriers serve as a secondary layer of protection, not a replacement.

Important: Pool and spa barriers are child-resistant, not child-proof. They are designed to restrict access, not prevent it entirely.

✅ Barrier Requirements Have Made a Difference

Over time, drowning incidents have decreased significantly due to the introduction of mandatory safety barrier laws and community education initiatives.

Common Dangers – Don’t Prop Open the Gate

Pool gates are the most common access point for children involved in drowning incidents.

Most incidents occur because:

Gates were left or propped open
Faulty latches or hinges failed to secure the gate
Gates didn’t self-close properly

✅ Always keep gates shut
✅ Never prop a gate open
✅ Regularly maintain latches and hinges

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why am I charged a pool fee on my rates notice?
A: This covers mandatory four-yearly inspections by the Shire.

Q: I’ve removed my pool. How do I stop being charged?
A: Notify the Shire. A site inspection or statutory declaration may be required.

Q: I don’t have kids – do I still need a fence?
A: Yes. The rules apply to protect all children.

Q: I bought a second-hand spa. Do I need a fence and a permit?
A: Yes. All pools/spas deeper than 300mm must comply.

Q: Can I use a lock to secure a gate or door?
A: No. Deadlocks and padlocks are non-compliant.

Q: What if I’m concerned about a neighbour’s unsafe pool?
A: Contact the Shire immediately so it can be investigated.

Need Help or Have Questions?

We’re here to assist!

📞 Telephone: (08) 9890 0900
📧 Email: enquiries@narrogin.wa.gov.au