Portable Swimming Pools

Portable swimming pools take several forms and include inflatable pools, pools incorporating a canvas or flexible plastic liner attached to a frame and hard plastic pools, such as wading pools. Depths vary from less than 150mm to over one metre. These type of pools are often purchased through department stores.

Any swimming pool where the depth is greater than 30cm must be fenced by law. 

All pools with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more of water require approval by an accredited certifier. Approvals can be issued by Council or a private certifier.

These pools are typically the plastic clam shells and inflatable pools with a slip 'n' slide. They are defined as:

• water height/depth less than 300mm (30cm),
• volume of no more than 2,000L, and
• no filtration or pumping system.

Reference: Swimming Pool Act 1992

Large portable or inflatable pools

These pools are often purchased in lieu of a fibre glass or concrete swimming pool and can be purchased through various retails stores. They are defined as:

• water height/depth 300mm (30cm) or greater,
• can be filled with a capacity greater than 2,000L, and
• must have a child-resistant fence/barrier constructed to Australian Standards*.

Reference: Swimming Pool Act 1992

* Penalties ranging from $500-$1500 apply for a breach of the Swimming Pool Act 1992.

Pools with a filtration system

If your pool or spa has a filtration system you will need to:

• obtain approval from Council, and
• provide a fence/barrier that complies with the requirements of the Swimming Pool Act 1992.

Pools or spas on a deck or near a retaining wall

Check with Council if you are installing a pool or spa in the following areas as you may need engineering advice to determine if the structure can safely take the weight of the pool or spa.

• on a deck
• on a balcony
• on a suspended floor
• near a retaining wall