Swimming pools and spas

Swimming pools and spas are one of the leading causes of drowning. You should never take your eyes off children in and around the pool.

If you have a swimming pool or spa you also need to provide a safety barrier to restrict access. The Northern Territory has pool and spa fencing laws that are outlined in the Swimming Pool Safety Act 2004. The Act applies to residential properties smaller than 1.8 hectares with a swimming pool or spa.

Under the Act, a swimming pool is a excavation, structure or vessel (including a spa bath outside a building and a spa pool) that is:

• capable of being filled with water to a depth of 300mm or more at the deepest point
• used, or is designed, manufactured or adapted to be used, solely or principally for swimming, wading, paddling or another human aquatic activity.

New pool owners (installed after 1 January 2003) must be certified as complying with the Modified Australian Standard (MAS) or the Non-Standard Safety Provision (NSSP). 

Existing pool owners (installed before 1 January 2003) can choose between the Modified Australian Standard (MAS) or the Community Safety Standard (CSS) - a simple self declaration process.

Tenants also have a responsibility to ensure pool and spas are kept safe. These responsibilities are outlined in the Pools and Spas on Rental Properties fact sheet  121 KB.

For further information see Pool safety standards, read the Act or contact a pool safety advisor.

Where can I get more information?
Contact the Water Safety unit for free advice and assistance.