Pools & Spas Constructed After 1 January 2003
Swimming pools and spas constructed after 1 January 2003 and located on small residential properties (less than 1.8 hectares) must comply with the modified Australian Standards for pool barriers.
Does my swimming pool or spa need to have a Compliance Certificate?
Yes. If your swimming pool or spa was installed on small residential premises after 1 January 2003, you must hold 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:
The standard has been modified in the Territory so that a neighbouring property will not affect a pool or spa's compliance. The modified Australian Standard also allows for 1.7m chainmesh fencing.
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.
How do I obtain a Compliance Certificate?
If your pool has already been installed and you have not applied for a Compliance Certificate, please contact the Water Safety Branch immediately. A Pool Safety Adviser will inspect your pool and pool barrier, and if your pool enclosure complies with either the modified Australian Standard or non-standard safety provision you will receive a Compliance Certificate.
What if I have an above ground pool?
Above ground swimming pools or spas located on small residential premises also need to have a Compliance Certificate.
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.
Am I responsible for maintaining the pool barrier to the standard?
A well designed pool or spa fence can only remain effective if it is well maintained. If the gate is left open or a latch on the gate is defective, the whole pool fence becomes ineffective. You are responsible for ensuring that pool gates remain closed at all times and fences are maintained to the certified standard.
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.
Does my swimming pool or spa need to have a Compliance Certificate?
Yes. If your swimming pool or spa was installed on small residential premises after 1 January 2003, you must hold 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.
The standard has been modified in the Territory so that a neighbouring property will not affect a pool or spa's compliance. The modified Australian Standard also allows for 1.7m chainmesh fencing.
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.
How do I obtain a Compliance Certificate?
If your pool has already been installed and you have not applied for a Compliance Certificate, please contact the Water Safety Branch immediately. A Pool Safety Adviser will inspect your pool and pool barrier, and if your pool enclosure complies with either the modified Australian Standard or non-standard safety provision you will receive a Compliance Certificate.
What if I have an above ground pool?
Above ground swimming pools or spas located on small residential premises also need to have a Compliance Certificate.
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.
Am I responsible for maintaining the pool barrier to the standard?
A well designed pool or spa fence can only remain effective if it is well maintained. If the gate is left open or a latch on the gate is defective, the whole pool fence becomes ineffective. You are responsible for ensuring that pool gates remain closed at all times and fences are maintained to the certified standard.
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.