Swimming Pools & Barriers

Rules for Pools and Spas - Department of Building & Energy (DMIRS) - NOTE: This brochure lists rules for pools built PRIOR to May 2016 and rules for pools built POST May 2016.

Rules for Portable Pools - DMIRS - Department of Building & Energy

Removal or Decommissioning of a Swimming Pool or Spa

Swimming Pool Inspections 

The Shire of Chittering undertakes 4 yearly inspections of all swimming pools on properties in gazetted Townsites (Bindoon & Muchea). 

Our Building Surveyor inspects the condition of the following:

  • Swimming pool gate
  • Swimming pool fence
  • Objects around the swimming pool fence
  • Skimmer boxes

To do a self assessment you can use the Home Pool Safety Checklist as provided by Royal Life Saving or visit Home Pool Safety for more information.

If you have further questions, you can contact our Building Surveyor on 9576 4600 or email chatter@chittering.wa.gov.au. 

Swimming Pool Barriers

Swimming Pool Barrier Declaration Form

Changes made to the Western Australian Building Regulation concerning swimming pool barriers.

 The Shire of Chittering would like to advise that there has been changes made to the Western Australian Building Regulation concerning swimming pool barriers.

In summary, the following will apply:

  • All domestic swimming pools constructed within the Shire of Chittering require a permanent swimming pool barrier compliant to AS1926.1-2012 and AS1926.2-2007.
  • Within 30 days of the completion of the construction of a swimming pool an officer from the Shire of Chittering will inspect the permanent swimming pool barrier and issue a compliance certificate when compliant.
  • A Building Permit Application is now not required for the construction of a swimming pool barrier. However, any swimming pool barrier that is constructed must comply with AS1926.1-2012 and AS1926.2-2007. Also, the Shire of Chittering must be notified within 30 days of the completion of the construction of a swimming pool barrier. The Shire of Chittering will inspect the permanent swimming pool barrier and issue a compliance certificate when compliant. Fees will apply.
  • Failure to construct or non-compliance of a swimming pool barrier can result in an immediate $1000.00 fine.

When purchasing a swimming pool, you may choose to build your own swimming pool barrier. If this is the case the swimming pool construction company will be asked to provide to the Shire of Chittering a signed declaration from the owner that a compliant swimming pool barrier will be constructed. (Attached)

Construction of a swimming pool barrier that is compliant can sometimes be difficult to achieve. Although a Building Permit Application is now not required it is recommended that a basic site plan and details of the proposed swimming pool barrier be provided to the Shire of Chittering Building Surveyor for comment prior to the purchase of materials and construction. This will reduce the possibly of the swimming pool barrier being non-compliant when it is inspected by an officer of the Shire of Chittering. Non-Compliance could require changes that are costly and time-consuming.

To reduce the risk, a builder may choose to submit a Building Permit Application for a swimming pool barrier. The fees for a Building Permit Application will include the inspection and the issuing of a Compliance Certificate when Compliant.