Glenorchy City Council is reminding all pool and spa owners of their safety responsibilities.
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.
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
In Tasmania, installation of pool safety barriers must be:
- performed by a licensed builder and
- overseen by a licensed building surveyor
The following pools and spas do not 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 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.
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
It is recommended that owners of pools built before 1994 install and maintain a pool safety barrier to protect themselves and the community.
If you are unsure if your pool safety barrier is compliant, contact a building surveyor!
If you would like information about legislation, codes and standards related to pool and spa barriers, see the Consumer, Building and Occupational Services website.