Register your swimming pool
Make a lodgement with the state government and ensure safety features are maintained.
When you need to do this
Swimming pools in NSW must be registered with the state government’s Swimming Pool Register.
All pools installed in NSW homes after 1 August 1990 are required to have a child-resistant pool fence that is at least 1.2m high or 1.8m if it's a boundary fence. Fences must also comply with all other Australian standards.
Owners of homes with a swimming pool must regularly check and maintain the fence and any other safety features.
What you need to do
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Check the safety checklist
We recommend homeowners, landlords and tenants use the state government’s safety checklist to make sure your swimming pool fence complies with NSW legislation.
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Register your pool online
Register your pool
When to apply for a compliance certificate
A compliance certificate is required, or an occupation certificate that is less than 3 years old, for swimming pools located on residential premises with multiple tenants or tourist/visitor accommodation not on public land.
A compliance certificate is also required for any property which is for sale or lease.
Before you apply for a swimming pool compliance certificate, your pool must be registered.
Get an exemption from council
You can download and complete the following form to either:
- get a certificate from the City of Sydney which confirms that the swimming pool complies with the requirements of part 2 Swimming Pools Act 1992
- seek an exemption from the City of Sydney for all or any of the requirements of part 2 of the act.
After you finish
Maintain your pool
- Regularly check that the gate self-closes and self-latches. Spray hinges and locks regularly with lubricating oil and immediately replace faulty parts.
- Regularly check and adjust the latching device as needed to ensure it is operating correctly and has not been affected by the ground, fence or latch movement.
- Regularly check fencing panels for correct gaps, rust and wear and tear.
- Regularly check all fence bolts, screws and fasteners to make sure they are tight and in good order. Any loose bolts, screws and fasteners should be tightened or replaced.
- Make sure trees, shrubs, barbecues, pot plants, toys, ladders, chairs and other objects are not within the non-climbable zone of the fence and are stored as far away from the fence as possible.
- Always leave your filter covered and chemicals out of reach of children.
- Always supervise children around a pool and teach them to swim from an early age.
- Consider learning CPR in case of an emergency and ensure that a compliant instructional chart is visible from within the pool enclosure.
Mandatory inspections
In line with the requirements under the Swimming Pool Act 1992, we’ve adopted a mandatory inspection program for swimming pool barriers in the City of Sydney local area.
Every 3 years we’ll inspect your property to ensure that your pool is maintained to the required standard. We’ll notify you 3 months before your inspection is due.
