Constructing a New Pool or Spa
Does my new swimming pool or spa need to have a Compliance Certificate?
Yes. All new pools and spas must meet the modified Australian Standard for pool enclosures. If your swimming pool or spa will be constructed on a small residential premises (less than 1.8 hectares), you must obtain a Compliance Certificate.
What is a Compliance Certificate?
A Compliance Certificate is issued by the Water Safety Branch certifying that your pool barrier meets either the modified Australian Standard or the Non-standard Safety Provision.
The modified Australian Standard is the set of rules for swimming pool or spa barriers under the Swimming Pool Safety Act 2004. The Australian Standards may:
A swimming pool that does not comply with the modified Australian Standard may be certified as meeting the Non-standard Safety Provision. This may include pools on a property with water frontage (eg ocean) and access to the pool from the building is in accordance with the modified Australian Standard. Lockable solid spa lids used to cover spa pools may also be considered under the Non-standard Safety Provision.
What do I need to know prior to constructing a new pool?
Before construction you will need to apply for an Interim Compliance Certificate. If you are applying for a Non-standard Safety Provision Interim Compliance Certificate you must have a Pool Safety Adviser visit the proposed location of your pool/spa. The contractor building your pool will need to see a copy of your Interim Compliance Certificate before commencing work.
You can apply for an Interim Compliance Certificate through the Water Safety Branch.
What does my contractor need to know/do?
Your contractor needs to notify the Water Safety Branch of the construction commencement date. Your contractor also needs to ensure that your pool is constructed in accordance with the conditions and particulars on your Interim Compliance Certificate.
What happens after construction?
After construction you must apply for a Compliance Certificate within seven days after completion and before the pool is filled deeper than 300mm. A Pool Safety Adviser will inspect your pool and pool barrier. If the pool complies you will receive a Compliance Certificate.
What if I am installing an above ground pool?
Above ground swimming pools or spas located on small residential premises also need follow the same process outlined above.
What are the guidelines for rural dwellings?
Owners of swimming pools and spas located on properties of 1.8 hectares or larger are encouraged to fence their swimming pools or spas but are not required to hold a Compliance Certificate.
Where can I get more advice?
Free advice and assistance is available from a Pool Safety Adviser on 1300 301 059 or by email to watersafety@nt.gov.au.
Yes. All new pools and spas must meet the modified Australian Standard for pool enclosures. If your swimming pool or spa will be constructed on a small residential premises (less than 1.8 hectares), you must obtain a Compliance Certificate.
What is a Compliance Certificate?
A Compliance Certificate is issued by the Water Safety Branch certifying that your pool barrier meets either the modified Australian Standard or the Non-standard Safety Provision.
The modified Australian Standard is the set of rules for swimming pool or spa barriers under the Swimming Pool Safety Act 2004. The Australian Standards may:
- Be purchased from the Territory Construction Association, cnr Winnellie Road and Hickman Street, phone 8922 9666;
- Viewed at Darwin City Council Libraries; or
- Viewed at a Water Safety Branch office.
A swimming pool that does not comply with the modified Australian Standard may be certified as meeting the Non-standard Safety Provision. This may include pools on a property with water frontage (eg ocean) and access to the pool from the building is in accordance with the modified Australian Standard. Lockable solid spa lids used to cover spa pools may also be considered under the Non-standard Safety Provision.
What do I need to know prior to constructing a new pool?
Before construction you will need to apply for an Interim Compliance Certificate. If you are applying for a Non-standard Safety Provision Interim Compliance Certificate you must have a Pool Safety Adviser visit the proposed location of your pool/spa. The contractor building your pool will need to see a copy of your Interim Compliance Certificate before commencing work.
You can apply for an Interim Compliance Certificate through the Water Safety Branch.
What does my contractor need to know/do?
Your contractor needs to notify the Water Safety Branch of the construction commencement date. Your contractor also needs to ensure that your pool is constructed in accordance with the conditions and particulars on your Interim Compliance Certificate.
What happens after construction?
After construction you must apply for a Compliance Certificate within seven days after completion and before the pool is filled deeper than 300mm. A Pool Safety Adviser will inspect your pool and pool barrier. If the pool complies you will receive a Compliance Certificate.
What if I am installing an above ground pool?
Above ground swimming pools or spas located on small residential premises also need follow the same process outlined above.
What are the guidelines for rural dwellings?
Owners of swimming pools and spas located on properties of 1.8 hectares or larger are encouraged to fence their swimming pools or spas but are not required to hold a Compliance Certificate.
Where can I get more advice?
Free advice and assistance is available from a Pool Safety Adviser on 1300 301 059 or by email to watersafety@nt.gov.au.