Renovating or adding a pool: what it means for compliance

Renovations are one of the most common ways a compliant pool becomes non-compliant. A new deck, garden bed or retaining wall can quietly change the barrier.

The key rule

If the pool barrier is modified or altered, including during house or yard renovations, the current law and AS 1926.1-2012 apply, and any earlier exemptions end.

Watch for

• Ground level changes next to the fence (decks, paving, garden beds, retaining walls) that reduce its effective 1.2 m height.
• New climbing points in the 90 cm zone outside the fence: built-in seats, planter boxes, barbecues, air-conditioning units.
• New doors or windows opening into the pool area. Doors and windows can no longer form part of the barrier.
• Gate changes: gates must swing outward from the pool, self-close and self-latch.

Building a new pool

New pools have their own approval and certification process. See the NSW Government's building a pool guidance.

Planning changes near the pool? Call Garry first on 0417 277 164. A quick chat can save a failed inspection later.