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Pool safety barriers

Information for owners

If your swimming pool or spa holds a depth of water of 300mm (30cm) or more you must install a pool safety barrier. This requirement applies to pools and spas installed from 1994 onwards.

A pool or spa/hot-tub cover is not a compliant barrier

Pools and spas which MUST have a barrier

The requirement to install pool safety barriers applies to:

  • Pools which are:
    • in-ground
    • indoor (excluding bathroom spa-baths)
    • above ground
    • inflatable and relocatable
  • Wading pools holding 300mm (30cm) of water
  • Hot tubs/spas

Who can install pool safety barriers?

In Tasmania, installation of pool safety barriers must be:

  • performed by a licensed builder and
  • overseen by a licensed building surveyor

Pools and spas which don't require a barrier

  • Pools and spas (including inflatable) which hold less than 300mm (30cm) of water
  • Indoor spa-baths (bathroom spas which are emptied after each use)
  • Domestic baths emptied after each use
  • Bird baths
  • Fountains
  • Water supply and storage tanks
  • Fish ponds
  • Dams

Inflatable and relocatable pools

Inflatable and relocatable pools which hold a depth of water of 300mm (30cm) or more must be enclosed by a compliant barrier. An owner may install the pool only after a safety barrier is installed and checked by a licensed building surveyor.

Who has to maintain a pool safety barrier?

Maintaining a pool safety barrier is the owner's responsibility. Owners should check:

  • gates are self-closing correctly and not propped open
  • latches on gates work correctly
  • items/furniture are not placed against the barrier to enable climbing (including on neighbouring property)
  • landscaping does not allow climbing
  • openings in the barrier have not increased due to movement of the ground or barrier
  • the barrier remains structurally sound

If you are unsure if your pool safety barrier is compliant, contact a building surveyor

Pools installed before 1994. Do they require a pool safety barrier?

It is recommended that owners of pools built before 1994 install and maintain a pool safety barrier to protect themselves and the community.

Information for builders - Codes, Standards and Legislation

All new domestic pool and spa safety barriers must comply with Part 3.9.3 of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) Volume 2 'Swimming Pool Access'. The BCA is part of the National Construction Code (NCC).

Building Code of Australia - P2.7.1 Swimming pool access

A barrier must constructed around a swimming pool and must:

  • extend continuously for the full length of the pool; and
  • be strong and rigid enough to withstand impacts from people; and
  • restrict young children accessing the pool and immediate surrounds; and
  • have gates and doors:
    • with latching devices which young children can't operate and
    • which close and latch automatically

To get a copy of the Building Code of Australia go to www.abcb.gov.au

Australian pool safety Standards

  • AS 1926.1—2012 Swimming pool safety - Safety barriers for swimming pools
  • AS 1926.2—2007 Swimming pool safety - Location of safety barriers for swimming pools
    • This Standard sets the construction requirements for pool fences and gates as well as doors and windows associated with pool safety barriers

Copies of these Standards are available at SAI Global Store

Legislation - Building Act 2016

Under the Tasmanian Building Act 2016, you can install some pools and spas without a building permit or oversight by a building surveyor so long as a compliant pool safety barrier is in place.

Related information

Last updated: 08 Dec 2023

This page has been produced and published by the Consumer Building and Occupational Services Division of the Department of Justice. Although every care has been taken in production, no responsibility is accepted for the accuracy, completeness, or relevance to the user's purpose of the information. Those using it for whatever purpose are advised to verify it with the relevant government department, local government body or other source and to obtain any appropriate professional advice. The Crown, its officers, employees and agents do not accept liability however arising, including liability for negligence, for any loss resulting from the use of or reliance upon the information and/or reliance on its availability at any time.