This Act imposes mandatory safety requirements for most residential and some non‑residential swimming pools: owners must ensure restricted access (barriers or alternatives), register pools, obtain compliance certificates and submit to inspections. Local authorities and authorised officers enforce rules, can order or carry out remedial work and recover costs.
It primarily affects pool owners (who bear compliance and fee costs), local councils (who run inspection programs) and registered certifiers; it aims to identify non‑compliance and reduce pool‑related safety risks.
The Swimming Pools Act 1992 (NSW) establishes a comprehensive child-drowning prevention regime by mandating physical and administrative controls over swimming pools located on premises that contain residential buildings, moveable dwellings or tourist and visitor accommodation. At its core, the Act requires every relevant swimming pool to be isolated by a child-resistant barrier that complies with standards prescribed by the regulations (s 7(1)(b) for dwelling-house pools; s 12(d) for moveable-dwelling and tourist pools). “Child-resistant barrier” is defined in s 3 as a fence or wall (including any gate or door) that meets the regulatory standard; the diagrams in Schedule 1 form part of the Act and illustrate acceptable configurations.
The Act distinguishes between outdoor and indoor pools. For outdoor pools associated with dwelling-houses, the barrier must separate the pool from both the house and any adjoining land (s 7(1)(a)). For pools associated with moveable dwellings or tourist and visitor accommodation, the barrier must be located immediately around the pool and may contain only ancillary structures (s 12(b)–(c)). Indoor pools are regulated by restricting all means of access in accordance with the regulations (s 14). A spa pool is treated as a swimming pool but is exempt from full barrier requirements if access to the water is restricted when not in use (s 20).
Exemptions are narrowly framed and time-limited. Pools commenced before 1 August 1990, or before 1 July 2010 on small lots (<230 m²), need not isolate the pool from the house provided regulated access restrictions from the building are maintained (s 8). Pools on lots ≥2 ha or with waterfront frontage enjoy similar relief (ss 9–10), but only for pools commenced before 1 July 2010; any later erection of an interposing barrier causes the exemption to cease (ss 8(4), 9(5), 10(5)). Existing tourist-accommodation pools commenced before 1 May 2013 receive limited relief from the “immediate surround” rule (s 13(1A)–(2)).
Current sections
Direct links to the current provisions in Swimming Pools Act 1992.
(a) in relation to premises that are situated within an area within the meaning of the Local Government Act 1993—the council of that area, or
(b) in relation to premises that are situated within an area within the Western Division that is not within the area of a council within the meaning of the Local Government Act 1993—the person appointed under section 3A, or
(c) in relation to premises situated on Lord Howe Island—the Lord Howe Island Board.
occupier of premises includes any person who is for the time being in charge of the premises and, if there are 2 or more occupiers of the premises, includes any one of the occupiers.
owner of premises has the same meaning as “owner” has in relation to land in the Local Government Act 1993 and, if there are 2 or more owners of the premises, includes any one of the owners.
public authority means a public authority constituted by or under an Act, a local authority, a Government Department or a statutory body representing the Crown.
Register means the Register of Swimming Pools under section 30A.
relevant occupation certificate in respect of a swimming pool means an occupation certificate issued under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 that is less than 3 years old and that authorises the use of the swimming pool.
residential building means a building (such as a dwelling-house, residential flat building or boarding-house) that is solely or principally used for residential purposes, and includes any structure (such as a garage or shed) that is ancillary to any such building, but does not include—
(a) a building that merely forms part of a complex of buildings (such as a school or recreational centre) that is principally used for non-residential purposes, or
(b) a moveable dwelling, or
(b1) tourist and visitor accommodation, or
(c) a shed that is ancillary to a swimming pool and the primary purpose of which is to store equipment that is used in connection with the swimming pool (but not a shed of a kind prescribed by the regulations), or
(d) a building or structure of a kind prescribed by the regulations.
Secretary means the Secretary of the Department.
spa pool includes any excavation, structure or vessel in the nature of a spa pool, flotation tank, tub or the like.
swimming pool means an excavation, structure or vessel—
(a) that is capable of being filled with water to a depth greater than 300 millimetres, and
(b) that is solely or principally used, or that is designed, manufactured or adapted to be solely or principally used, for the purpose of swimming, wading, paddling or any other human aquatic activity,
and includes a spa pool, but does not include a spa bath, anything that is situated within a bathroom or anything declared by the regulations not to be a swimming pool for the purposes of this Act.
tourist and visitor accommodation has the same meaning as in the Standard Instrument.
Western Division means that part of the State that is the Western Division within the meaning of the Crown Land Management Act 2016.
(1A) For the avoidance of doubt, a swimming pool is situated on premises on which another building is located if the swimming pool is ancillary to that other building, regardless of whether the swimming pool is on a separate lot, such as on common property under a strata scheme.
(2) Diagrams included in Schedule 1 form part of this Act.
(3) Notes included in this Act do not form part of this Act.
s 3: Subst 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [2]. Am 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [1]–[4]; 2017 No 17, Sch 4.92 [1]–[3]; 2018 No 25, Sch 5.44 [1]; 2022 No 59, Sch 3.66; 2024 No 53, Sch 3.9[1] [2].
3A
Local authority for Western Division
3A Local authority for Western Division
3A Local authority for Western Division
(1) The Minister may appoint a person to be the local authority for the purposes of this Act for land within the Western Division that is not the area of a council.
(2) The Minister may revoke an appointment under this section at any time or for any reason.
(3) A person appointed under this section (except a person who is an employee of a government sector agency within the meaning of the Government Sector Employment Act 2013) is entitled to be paid the remuneration (including travelling and subsistence allowances) that the Minister may from time to time determine in respect of the person.
s 3A: Ins 2017 No 17, Sch 4.92 [4].
4
Swimming pools to which Act applies
4 Swimming pools to which Act applies
4 Swimming pools to which Act applies
This Act applies to swimming pools (both outdoor and indoor) that are situated, or proposed to be constructed or installed, on premises on which a residential building, a moveable dwelling or tourist and visitor accommodation is located, but does not apply to swimming pools that are situated, or proposed to be constructed or installed, on any premises occupied by the Crown or by a public authority.
s 4: Am 1995 No 11, Sch 1; 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [5].
5
General duties of local authorities regarding swimming pools
5 General duties of local authorities regarding swimming pools
5 General duties of local authorities regarding swimming pools
Each local authority is required—
(a) to take such steps as are appropriate to ensure that it is notified of the existence of all swimming pools to which this Act applies that are within its area, and
(b) to promote awareness within its area of the requirements of this Act in relation to swimming pools, and
(c) to investigate complaints about breaches of this Act in accordance with section 29A.
s 5: Am 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [3].
Part 2
Access to swimming pools
Part 2 Access to swimming pools
Part 2 Access to swimming pools
pt 2, Introduction: Rep 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [5].
Division 1
Outdoor swimming pools for dwelling-houses etc
Division 1 Outdoor swimming pools for dwelling-houses etc
Division 1 Outdoor swimming pools for dwelling-houses etc
6
To which swimming pools does this Division apply?
6 To which swimming pools does this Division apply?
6 To which swimming pools does this Division apply?
This Division applies to outdoor swimming pools that are situated, or proposed to be constructed or installed, on premises on which a residential building is located.
7
General requirements for outdoor swimming pools
7 General requirements for outdoor swimming pools
7 General requirements for outdoor swimming pools
(1) The owner of the premises on which a swimming pool is situated must ensure that the swimming pool is at all times surrounded by a child-resistant barrier—
(a) that separates the swimming pool from any residential building situated on the premises and from any place (whether public or private) adjoining the premises, and
(b) that is designed, constructed, installed and maintained in accordance with the standards prescribed by the regulations.
Maximum penalty—50 penalty units.
(2) The diagrams in Part 1 of Schedule 1 illustrate the provisions of this section.
Note.
Section 7 should be read in conjunction with the other provisions of this Part, in particular sections 8, 9, 10, 18, 19 and 22.
s 7: Am 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [4] [6].
8
Exemption for swimming pools constructed before August 1990 and existing swimming pools on small properties
8 Exemption for swimming pools constructed before August 1990 and existing swimming pools on small properties
8 Exemption for swimming pools constructed before August 1990 and existing swimming pools on small properties
(1) This section applies to the following swimming pools—
(a) swimming pools the construction or installation of which commenced before 1 August 1990,
(b) swimming pools the construction or installation of which commenced before 1 July 2010 and that are situated on premises having an area of less than 230 square metres.
Note.
230 square metres is the smallest area on which a dwelling-house may currently be erected.
(2) The child-resistant barrier surrounding the swimming pool is not required to separate the swimming pool from any residential building situated on the premises so long as the means of access to the swimming pool from the building are at all times restricted in accordance with the standards prescribed by the regulations.
(3) The diagrams in Part 2 of Schedule 1 illustrate the provisions of this section.
(4) This section ceases to apply in respect of a swimming pool if a barrier is erected on the premises (between the swimming pool and a residential building) as a barrier to direct access to the swimming pool from any residential building situated on the premises.
s 8: Am 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [7]; 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [6].
9
Exemption for swimming pools on large properties
9 Exemption for swimming pools on large properties
9 Exemption for swimming pools on large properties
(1) This section applies to swimming pools the construction or installation of which commenced before 1 July 2010.
(2) A swimming pool that is situated on premises having an area of 2 hectares or more is not required to be surrounded by a child-resistant barrier so long as the means of access to the swimming pool from any residential building situated on the premises are at all times restricted in accordance with the standards prescribed by the regulations.
(3) The diagram in Part 3 of Schedule 1 illustrates the provisions of this section.
(4) A reference in this section to a residential building does not include a reference to a structure (such as a garage or shed) that is ancillary to the building if the structure is not itself used for residential purposes.
(5) This section ceases to apply in respect of a swimming pool if a barrier is erected on the premises (between the swimming pool and a residential building) as a barrier to direct access to the swimming pool from any residential building situated on the premises.
s 9: Am 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [8]; 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [7].
10
Exemption for swimming pools on waterfront properties
10 Exemption for swimming pools on waterfront properties
10 Exemption for swimming pools on waterfront properties
(1) This section applies to swimming pools the construction or installation of which commenced before 1 July 2010.
(2) A swimming pool that is situated on premises having frontage to any large body of water (such as a permanently flowing creek, a river, a canal, a pond, a lake, a reservoir, an estuary, the sea or any other body of water, whether natural or artificial) is not required to be surrounded by a child-resistant barrier so long as the means of access to the swimming pool from any residential building situated on the premises are at all times restricted in accordance with the standards prescribed by the regulations.
(3) The diagram in Part 4 of Schedule 1 illustrates the provisions of this section.
(4) A reference in this section to a residential building does not include a reference to a structure (such as a garage or shed) that is ancillary to the building if the structure is not itself used for residential purposes.
(5) This section ceases to apply in respect of a swimming pool if a barrier is erected on the premises (between the swimming pool and a residential building) as a barrier to direct access to the swimming pool from any residential building situated on the premises.
s 10: Am 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [8]; 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [8].
Division 2
Outdoor swimming pools for moveable dwellings and tourist and visitor accommodation
Division 2 Outdoor swimming pools for moveable dwellings and tourist and visitor accommodation
Division 2 Outdoor swimming pools for moveable dwellings and tourist and visitor accommodation
pt 2, div 2, hdg: Am 1995 No 11, Sch 1; 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [9].
11
Swimming pools to which Division applies
11 Swimming pools to which Division applies
11 Swimming pools to which Division applies
This Division applies to outdoor swimming pools that are situated, or proposed to be constructed or installed, on premises on which a moveable dwelling or tourist and visitor accommodation is located.
s 11: Am 1995 No 11, Sch 1; 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [10].
12
General requirements for outdoor swimming pools
12 General requirements for outdoor swimming pools
12 General requirements for outdoor swimming pools
The owner of the premises on which a swimming pool is situated must ensure that the swimming pool is surrounded at all times by a child-resistant barrier—
(a) that separates the swimming pool from any moveable dwelling or tourist and visitor accommodation situated on the premises and from any place (whether public or private) adjoining the premises, and
(b) that is located immediately around the swimming pool, and
(c) that contains within its bounds no structure apart from the swimming pool and such other structures (such as diving boards and pool filtration plants) as are wholly ancillary to the swimming pool, and
(d) that is designed, constructed, installed and maintained in accordance with the standards prescribed by the regulations.
Maximum penalty—50 penalty units.
Note.
Section 12 should be read in conjunction with the other provisions of this Part, in particular sections 13, 18, 19 and 22.
s 12: Am 1995 No 11, Sch 1; 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [4] [9]; 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [11].
13
Exemptions for existing swimming pools
13 Exemptions for existing swimming pools
13 Exemptions for existing swimming pools
(1) This section applies to swimming pools the construction or installation of which commenced before 1 July 2010.
(1A) This section also applies to swimming pools—
(a) that are situated on premises on which there is tourist and visitor accommodation (but not if there is a moveable dwelling, hotel or motel on the premises), and
(b) the construction or installation of which commenced before 1 May 2013.
(2) The child-resistant barrier surrounding the swimming pool—
(a) is not required to be located immediately around the swimming pool, and
(b) may contain within its bounds structures of the kind that, but for this section, would be required to be excluded by section 12 (c).
s 13: Am 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [8]; 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [12].
Division 3
Indoor swimming pools
Division 3 Indoor swimming pools
Division 3 Indoor swimming pools
14
General requirements for indoor swimming pools
14 General requirements for indoor swimming pools
14 General requirements for indoor swimming pools
The owner of any premises in which an indoor swimming pool is situated must ensure that the means of access to the swimming pool are at all times restricted in accordance with the standards prescribed by the regulations.
Maximum penalty—50 penalty units.
s 14: Am 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [4].
Division 4
Additional requirements for swimming pools
Division 4 Additional requirements for swimming pools
Division 4 Additional requirements for swimming pools
pt 2, div 4, hdg: Am 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [13].
15
Child-resistant barrier must be in good repair
15 Child-resistant barrier must be in good repair
15 Child-resistant barrier must be in good repair
(1) Despite any other provision of this Act, the occupier of any premises on which a child-resistant barrier—
(a) is required by this Act to be installed in relation to a swimming pool, or
(b) is, at the commencement of this Act or at any later time, installed in relation to a swimming pool, whether or not it is required by this Act to be installed,
must, so long as the swimming pool exists, maintain the barrier in existence and in a good state of repair as an effective and safe child-resistant barrier.
Maximum penalty—50 penalty units.
(2) The regulations may prescribe standards of maintenance for the purposes of this section.
(3) A person who complies with the standards prescribed by the regulations is taken to have complied with this section.
s 15: Am 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [4] [10].
16
Access to swimming pools must be kept securely closed
16 Access to swimming pools must be kept securely closed
16 Access to swimming pools must be kept securely closed
The occupier of any premises in or on which a swimming pool is situated must ensure that all doors and gates providing access to the swimming pool are kept securely closed at all times when they are not in actual use.
Maximum penalty—50 penalty units.
s 16: Am 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [4].
17
Warning notices must be erected near swimming pools
17 Warning notices must be erected near swimming pools
17 Warning notices must be erected near swimming pools
(1) The occupier of any premises in or on which a swimming pool is situated must ensure that there is at all times maintained, in a prominent position in the immediate vicinity of the swimming pool, a sign erected in accordance with the regulations and bearing the notice required by the regulations.
Maximum penalty—5 penalty units.
(2) The regulations may make provision for or with respect to the erection, display and maintenance of other signs, and the notices to be borne by those signs, by the occupier of any premises in or on which a swimming pool is situated.
(3) Failure to comply with the requirements of this section or of a regulation which is expressed to be made for the purposes of this section does not give rise to any civil liability that would not exist apart from this section.
s 17: Am 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [11].
18
Owner may decide where required child-resistant barrier is to be located
18 Owner may decide where required child-resistant barrier is to be located
18 Owner may decide where required child-resistant barrier is to be located
The owner of any premises in or on which an outdoor swimming pool is situated may, subject to the other provisions of this Part, determine where any child-resistant barrier required by this Part is to be located.
19
House wall may be used as part of required child-resistant barrier
19 House wall may be used as part of required child-resistant barrier
19 House wall may be used as part of required child-resistant barrier
(1) A child-resistant barrier that is formed by, or that includes, a wall of a residential building or a building used for the purposes of tourist and visitor accommodation is regarded, for the purposes of sections 7 and 12, as separating any outdoor swimming pool from the building so long as—
(a) the wall contains no opening through which access may at any time be gained to the swimming pool, and
(b) the wall is designed, constructed, installed and maintained in accordance with the standards prescribed by the regulations, and
(c) the remainder of the barrier complies with section 7 or 12, as the case requires.
(2) The regulations may prescribe circumstances in which an opening in a wall is or is not to be regarded as an opening through which access may at any time be gained to a swimming pool for the purposes of subsection (1) (a).
s 19: Am 2008 No 62, Sch 2.56; 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [12] [13]; 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [14] [15].
20
Exemption for spa pools
20 Exemption for spa pools
20 Exemption for spa pools
A spa pool is not required to be surrounded by a child-resistant barrier so long as access to the water contained in the spa pool is restricted, in accordance with the standards prescribed by the regulations, at all times when the spa pool is not in actual use.
21
Multiple swimming pools in close proximity
21 Multiple swimming pools in close proximity
21 Multiple swimming pools in close proximity
For the purposes of this Part, 2 or more swimming pools that are situated on the same premises and in close proximity to each other are taken to be one swimming pool.
22
Local authority may grant exemptions from barrier requirements that are impracticable or unreasonable in particular cases
22 Local authority may grant exemptions from barrier requirements that are impracticable or unreasonable in particular cases
22 Local authority may grant exemptions from barrier requirements that are impracticable or unreasonable in particular cases
(1) The local authority may, on application made by the owner of any premises in or on which a swimming pool is situated, or proposed to be constructed or installed, exempt the swimming pool from all or any of the requirements of this Part if it is satisfied, in the particular circumstances of the case—
(a) that it is impracticable or unreasonable (because of the physical nature of the premises, because of the design or construction of the swimming pool or because of special circumstances of a kind recognised by the regulations as justifying the granting of an exemption) for the swimming pool to comply with those requirements, or
(b) that alternative provision, no less effective than those requirements, exists for restricting access to the swimming pool.
(2) An exemption may be granted unconditionally or subject to such conditions as the local authority considers appropriate to ensure that effective provision is made for restricting access to the swimming pool concerned or the water contained in it.
(3) A person is not guilty of an offence under this Part—
(a) if the swimming pool concerned is the subject of an exemption under this section, and
(b) if the conditions (if any) to which the exemption is subject are being complied with.
(4) For the purposes only of any appeal proceedings arising in connection with an application under this section, the local authority is taken to have refused the application if it has not finally determined the application within 6 weeks after the application was made.
s 22A: Ins 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [16]. Am 2018 No 63, Sch 3.15[1].
22B
Mandatory pool inspection program by local authority
22B Mandatory pool inspection program by local authority
22B Mandatory pool inspection program by local authority
(1) A local authority must, within 6 months after the commencement of this section, develop and adopt a program for the inspection of swimming pools in its area to ensure compliance with the requirements of this Part.
(2) Within 12 months after the commencement of this section, the program must make provision for the inspection, at least once every 3 years, of any swimming pool situated on premises on which there is tourist and visitor accommodation or more than 2 dwellings.
(3) The program is not to require the inspection of a swimming pool in respect of which there is a valid certificate of compliance or a relevant occupation certificate.
(4) A local authority must inspect swimming pools in its area in accordance with its program.
(5) The regulations may make provision for or with respect to the development and adoption of programs for the inspection of swimming pools including—
(a) the form and content of programs, and
(b) the manner in which the public is to be consulted during the development of any such program, and
(c) the carrying out of inspections under the program.
(6) In this section—
dwelling has the same meaning as in the Standard Instrument.
s 22B: Ins 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [16].
22C
Other inspections at request of owner
22C Other inspections at request of owner
22C Other inspections at request of owner
(1) The owner of any premises on which a swimming pool is situated may, at any time, request the local authority or a registered certifier to inspect the swimming pool.
(2) A local authority or a registered certifier may carry out any such inspection if requested to do so.
(3) A local authority must carry out an inspection under this section, and must carry out that inspection within a reasonable time, if the request to the local authority is in writing and states that the inspection is required to enable the sale or lease of the premises or part of the premises on which the swimming pool is situated.
(4) The regulations may make provision for what is a reasonable time for the purposes of subsection (3).
s 22C: Ins 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [16]. Am 2018 No 63, Sch 3.15[2].
22D
Certificates of compliance
22D Certificates of compliance
22D Certificates of compliance
(1) The requirements for the issue of a certificate of compliance in respect of a swimming pool are that—
(a) the swimming pool is registered under Part 3A, and
(b) the swimming pool complies with the requirements of this Part.
(2) A local authority or a registered certifier must issue a certificate of compliance in respect of a swimming pool if the local authority or registered certifier—
(a) has inspected the swimming pool under this Division, and
(b) is satisfied that the requirements for the issue of a certificate of compliance have been met.
(3) A local authority or a registered certifier must not issue a certificate of compliance except as provided by subsection (2).
(4) A local authority or a registered certifier may refuse to issue a certificate of compliance until any fee payable for the inspection has been paid.
(5) A certificate of compliance in respect of a swimming pool is to be issued to the owner of the premises on which the pool is situated in a form approved by the Secretary.
(6) A certificate of compliance remains valid for a period of 3 years from the date on which it is issued but ceases to be valid if a direction is issued under section 23 in respect of the swimming pool to which the certificate relates.
(7) A local authority or registered certifier that issues a certificate of compliance in respect of a swimming pool must ensure that details of the certificate are entered on the Register, by providing the details to the Secretary in a form approved by the Secretary.
(8) The regulations may make provision for or with respect to the time and manner in which any such information is to be entered on the Register.
s 22D: Ins 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [16]. Am 2018 No 25, Sch 5.44 [2]; 2018 No 63, Sch 3.15[2] [3].
22E
Notices by registered certifier if pool does not comply
22E Notices by registered certifier if pool does not comply
22E Notices by registered certifier if pool does not comply
(1) This section applies to an inspection carried out by a registered certifier under section 22C.
(2) A registered certifier must provide a written notice to the owner of a swimming pool if the registered certifier has inspected the swimming pool and is not satisfied that the requirements for the issue of a certificate of compliance have been met.
(3) A notice under this section is to set out the following—
(a) the date of the notice,
(b) the address of the swimming pool to which the notice relates,
(c) the date on which the inspection took place,
(d) the reasons why the registered certifier is not satisfied that the requirements for the issue of a certificate of compliance have been met and the steps that need to be taken in order to meet those requirements,
(e) whether the registered certifier is of the opinion that the swimming pool poses a significant risk to public safety,
(f) a warning that a copy of the notice will be forwarded to the local authority for the area in which the swimming pool is situated—
(i) immediately, if the registered certifier is of the opinion that the swimming pool poses a significant risk to public safety, or
(ii) 6 weeks after the date of inspection (or such other time as may be prescribed by the regulations) if a certificate of compliance is not issued for the swimming pool before that time,
(g) such other matters as may be prescribed by the regulations.
(4) A registered certifier who issues a notice under this section in respect of a swimming pool must forward a copy of the notice to the local authority for the area in which the swimming pool is situated—
(a) immediately, if the registered certifier is of the opinion that the swimming pool poses a significant risk to public safety, or
(b) within 5 days after the end of the period specified in subsection (3) (f) (ii) in any other case.
(5) A registered certifier is not required to forward a copy of any notice to a local authority in respect of a swimming pool if, at the time at which the notice is due to be sent, the swimming pool has a valid certificate of compliance.
s 22E: Ins 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [16]. Am 2018 No 63, Sch 3.15[2] [4] [5].
22F
Inspections carried out by local authority
22F Inspections carried out by local authority
22F Inspections carried out by local authority
(1) A local authority may charge the owner of premises a fee for carrying out an inspection under this Division being a fee that is no greater than the maximum fee (if any) prescribed by the regulations, but it may not charge a separate fee for issuing a certificate of compliance.
(2) A local authority that is a council must include in its annual report under section 428 of the Local Government Act 1993 such information (if any) in relation to inspections under this Division as is prescribed by the regulations.
(3) An inspection by a local authority is to be conducted by an authorised officer and entry on to premises to carry out such an inspection is to be in accordance with Part 3.
s 22F: Ins 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [16].
22G
Local authorities that are not councils
22G Local authorities that are not councils
22G Local authorities that are not councils
The regulations may—
(a) modify the application of the provisions of this Division with respect to a local authority that is not a council, and
(b) provide for any functions of such a local authority under this Division to be exercised by another person or body.
s 22G: Ins 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [16].
23
Local authority may order compliance with Part
23 Local authority may order compliance with Part
23 Local authority may order compliance with Part
(1) The local authority may, by order in writing served on the owner of any premises in or on which a swimming pool is situated, direct the owner to take, within such reasonable time as is specified in the direction, such measures as are so specified to ensure that the swimming pool or premises comply with the requirements of this Part or of a condition of an exemption granted under section 22.
(2) Such a direction is of no effect to the extent to which it purports to impose requirements more onerous than the requirements of this Part or of a condition of an exemption granted under section 22.
(3) A person on whom a direction is served must not fail to comply with the requirements of the direction.
Maximum penalty—50 penalty units.
(4) A direction does not cease to have effect merely because there is a change in the ownership of the premises to which the direction relates, but applies to the new owner in the same way as it applied to the old.
(5) A direction may not be served under this section unless the local authority has, at least 14 days before, served on the owner of the premises a notice of intention to serve the direction.
(6) A local authority may serve a direction under this section without serving a notice under subsection (5) if it considers that the safety of a person would be at risk if the requirements of the direction were not carried out as soon as possible.
s 23: Am 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [4] [14].
23A
Compliance with direction of local authority
23A Compliance with direction of local authority
23A Compliance with direction of local authority
(1) An authorised officer, or a person acting under the direction of a local authority, may carry out some or all of the requirements of a direction given by the local authority under section 23 if—
(a) the person to whom the direction is given fails to comply with the direction within the time specified in the direction, or
(b) the local authority considers that the requirements of the direction need to be carried out urgently as there is a significant risk to public safety.
(2) Before any requirement of a direction is carried out under this section, a local authority or authorised officer must serve on the occupier of the premises a notice of intention to carry out the requirement.
(3) An authorised officer, or a person acting under the direction of a local authority, may enter any premises (other than part of any building, or moveable dwelling, used for residential purposes) in order to exercise functions under this section.
(4) Before entering premises under this section, a local authority or authorised officer must seek the consent of the occupier of the premises to the entry.
(5) If the consent of the occupier of the premises is not able to be obtained, the authorised officer or person acting under the direction of the local authority may only enter the premises—
(a) after 24 hours have elapsed since the consent of the occupier was sought, and
(b) between 9.00 am and sunset.
(6) If an authorised officer, or a person acting under the direction of a local authority, carries out some or all of the requirements of a direction in accordance with this section, the reasonable costs of carrying out those requirements may be recovered as a debt by the local authority in a court of competent jurisdiction from the person to whom the direction was given.
s 23A: Ins 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [15].
24
24
24 (Repealed)
Division 6
Defences and appeals
Division 6 Defences and appeals
Division 6 Defences and appeals
pt 2, div 6, hdg: Ins 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [18].
25
Defences to offences under Part
25 Defences to offences under Part
25 Defences to offences under Part
(1) In any proceedings for an offence under this Part, it is a sufficient defence if the owner of the premises concerned establishes—
(a) that the owner was not the occupier of the premises when the alleged offence occurred, and
(b) that the owner had taken all reasonable steps to ensure that the alleged offence would not occur, and
(c) that the owner was not aware of, and could not reasonably be expected to have been aware of, the facts giving rise to the alleged offence.
(2) In any proceedings for an offence under this Part, it is a sufficient defence if the owner of the premises concerned establishes—
(a) that there is a valid certificate of compliance or relevant occupation certificate in respect of the swimming pool that is the subject of the alleged offence, and
(b) (Repealed)
(c) that the child-resistant barrier or other means of restricting access to the swimming pool is the same, and is in substantially the same condition, as that in respect of which the certificate was issued.
(3) In any proceedings for an offence under this Part, it is a sufficient defence if the owner of the premises concerned establishes that, when the alleged offence occurred—
(a) the swimming pool was unassembled, or
(b) the swimming pool was in the course of construction, installation, alteration or renovation and—
(i) the swimming pool was empty of water or was filled with water to a depth of less than 300 millimetres, or
(ii) appropriate measures had, in the circumstances, been taken for restricting access to the swimming pool.
s 25: Am 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [16]; 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [19].
26
Appeals against decisions of local authority
26 Appeals against decisions of local authority
26 Appeals against decisions of local authority
(1) An appeal lies to the Land and Environment Court against the following decisions of a local authority—
(a) a decision to refuse to grant an exemption under section 22 in accordance with the terms of the relevant application,
(b) a decision to impose a condition on an exemption under section 22,
(c) a decision to refuse to grant a certificate of compliance under section 22D,
(d) a decision to give a direction under section 23.
(2) Such an appeal must be made within 28 days after the date on which the decision was made or is taken to have been made.
(3) A local authority is taken to have refused to issue a certificate of compliance in relation to a swimming pool if the local authority has failed to issue either a certificate of compliance or a direction under section 23 in respect of the swimming pool, within 6 weeks (or such other period as may be prescribed by the regulations) after—
(a) an inspection of the swimming pool is carried out under section 22B, or
(b) a written request is made under section 22C to the local authority that stated that the inspection was required to enable the sale or lease of the premises or part of the premises on which the swimming pool is situated.
s 26: Am 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [20] [21].
Part 3
Enforcement
Part 3 Enforcement
Part 3 Enforcement
pt 3, Introduction: Rep 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [17].
27
Authorised officers may be appointed
27 Authorised officers may be appointed
27 Authorised officers may be appointed
(1) Each local authority may appoint—
(a) any of its employees, and
(b) with the approval of the Secretary or any other person employed in the Department designated by the Secretary—any other persons,
to be authorised officers for the purposes of this Act.
(2) A local authority must issue a certificate of identification to each authorised officer appointed by it.
(3) A police officer is, by virtue of his or her office as such, an authorised officer for the purposes of this Act.
(4) An authorised officer has such functions as are conferred or imposed on authorised officers by or under this Act.
(5) An authorised officer appointed by a local authority may not exercise any functions under this Act outside the local authority’s area.
(6) An authorised officer (other than a police officer) who is exercising functions conferred by this Act in respect of any premises must, on demand made by any person in or on the premises, produce his or her certificate of identification for inspection by that person.
s 27: Am 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [18]–[22]; 2018 No 25, Sch 5.44 [3]; 2022 No 59, Sch 3.66; 2024 No 53, Sch 3.9[3].
27A
Grounds for entering premises
27A Grounds for entering premises
27A Grounds for entering premises
(1) An authorised officer may enter premises for any one or more of the following purposes—
(a) to carry out an inspection of a swimming pool under Division 5 of Part 2,
(b) to investigate a complaint under section 29A,
(c) to investigate any contravention of this Act or the regulations that the authorised officer reasonably suspects to have occurred.
(2) Nothing in this section prevents an authorised officer from entering premises with the consent of the owner or occupier of those premises.
s 27A: Ins 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [22].
27B
Powers of entry and search warrants—local council
27B Powers of entry and search warrants—local council
27B Powers of entry and search warrants—local council
(1) This section applies to an authorised officer who has been appointed by a local authority that is a council.
(2) Part 2 of Chapter 8 of the Local Government Act 1993 applies to the entry of premises by an authorised officer for any purpose specified in section 27A and an authorised officer is taken to be an authorised person for the purposes of section 201 of that Act.
(3) For the avoidance of doubt, the investigation of any contravention of this Act or the regulations that an authorised officer reasonably suspects to have occurred is a function of the council that appointed the authorised officer.
s 27B: Ins 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [22].
28
Power of entry—local authority other than local council
28 Power of entry—local authority other than local council
28 Power of entry—local authority other than local council
(1) This section applies to an authorised officer who has been appointed by a local authority other than a council.
(1A) An authorised officer who enters premises for any purpose specified in section 27A may examine the premises and, in particular, any swimming pool, and any barrier or other means of restricting access to any swimming pool, situated in or on the premises.
(2) An authorised officer may not enter such part of any building as is used for residential purposes, or any moveable dwelling, otherwise than with the consent of the occupier of the building or dwelling or under a search warrant issued under section 29.
(3) Before exercising the functions conferred by this section in respect of any premises, an authorised officer must seek the consent of the occupier of the premises to the authorised officer’s exercise of those functions.
(4) If an authorised officer is unable to obtain the consent of the occupier of the premises, the authorised officer may exercise those functions (in respect only of that portion of premises not comprising such part of a building as is used for residential purposes and not comprising a moveable dwelling)—
(a) after 24 hours have elapsed since the authorised officer has served notice on the occupier of his or her intention to exercise those functions, and
(b) between 9.00 am and sunset.
(5) (Repealed)
s 28: Am 1995 No 11, Sch 1; 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [20] [23]; 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [23].
29
Search warrants—local authority other than local council
29 Search warrants—local authority other than local council
29 Search warrants—local authority other than local council
(1A) This section applies to an authorised officer who has been appointed by a local authority other than a council.
(1) An authorised officer may apply to an issuing officer for a search warrant if the applicant has reasonable grounds for believing that a provision of this Act or the regulations has been or is being contravened on premises.
(2) An issuing officer to whom an application for a search warrant is made under this section may, if satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for doing so, issue a search warrant authorising an authorised officer named in the warrant, when accompanied by a police officer, and any other person named in the warrant—
(a) to enter the premises concerned, and
(b) to search the premises for evidence of a contravention of this Act or the regulations.
s 29: Am 2002 No 103, Sch 4.91 [1]–[4]. Subst 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [24]. Am 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [24].
29A
Investigation of complaint
29A Investigation of complaint
29A Investigation of complaint
(1) This section applies to a complaint made to a local authority in writing that alleges a contravention of this Act.
(2) The local authority must, as far as is practicable, commence investigation of the complaint within 72 hours (or such other period as may be prescribed by the regulations) after it is received.
(3) The local authority may investigate the complaint as it thinks fit.
(4) An authorised officer may, in accordance with this Part, enter and examine premises for the purposes of investigating the complaint.
(5) Before premises are entered under subsection (4), the local authority is to take such steps as are reasonable—
(a) to notify the owner or occupier of the premises about the complaint, and
(b) to arrange to carry out the examination at a time that is convenient to the owner or occupier.
(6) The local authority may decline to investigate a complaint that it considers to be vexatious, misconceived, frivolous or lacking in substance.
(7) The local authority is to notify the complainant in writing if it declines to investigate the complaint.
s 29A: Ins 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [24]. Am 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [25].
30
Land and Environment Court may order compliance
30 Land and Environment Court may order compliance
30 Land and Environment Court may order compliance
(1) A local authority may bring proceedings in the Land and Environment Court for an order to remedy or restrain a breach of this Act.
(2) If satisfied that a breach of this Act has been committed or will, unless restrained by order of the court, be committed, the Land and Environment Court may make such order as it considers appropriate to remedy or restrain the breach.
(3) Such an order may require the erection or installation of such structures (such as fencing, doors, gates or locks, latches or other safety devices) in compliance with the requirements of this Act, or may require the taking of such other action, as is specified in the order.
Part 3A
Registration of swimming pools
Part 3A Registration of swimming pools
Part 3A Registration of swimming pools
pt 3A: Ins 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [26].
30A
The Register of Swimming Pools
30A The Register of Swimming Pools
30A The Register of Swimming Pools
(1) There is to be a Register of Swimming Pools.
(2) The Secretary is responsible for the keeping and administration of the Register.
(3) The regulations may make provision for the manner and form in which the Register is to be kept, the information that is to be entered on the Register, the fees (if any) payable for entering information on the Register and any other matter concerning the keeping and administration of the Register.
ss 30A–30E: Ins 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [26]. Am 2018 No 25, Sch 5.44 [2].
30B
Registration of swimming pools
30B Registration of swimming pools
30B Registration of swimming pools
(1) The owner of the premises on which a swimming pool is situated must ensure that any information prescribed by the regulations in relation to the swimming pool (the registration information) is entered on the Register.
Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.
(2) A person complies with subsection (1) in respect of a swimming pool, if the person—
(a) provides to the Secretary, in a form approved by the Secretary, the registration information in relation to the swimming pool, or
(b) provides to a local authority, in a form approved by the local authority, the registration information in relation to the swimming pool and pays to the local authority any fee required by the local authority (being no more than the maximum fee (if any) prescribed by the regulations).
(3) A local authority is required to enter on the Register, in a form approved by the Secretary, any information provided to it under subsection (2) (b).
(4) A swimming pool is registered when the registration information about the swimming pool is entered on the Register.
ss 30A–30E: Ins 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [26]. Am 2018 No 25, Sch 5.44 [2].
30C
Evidence of registration
30C Evidence of registration
30C Evidence of registration
(1) The Secretary may issue a document certifying as to whether or not a particular swimming pool is or was registered at a particular time and certifying as to any registration information for the swimming pool entered on the Register at a particular time (including whether a certificate of compliance was valid with respect to a swimming pool at a particular time).
(2) A document issued under this section is evidence of the matters certified.
ss 30A–30E: Ins 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [26]. Am 2018 No 25, Sch 5.44 [2].
30D
Secretary may enter into agreements for purposes of Part
30D Secretary may enter into agreements for purposes of Part
30D Secretary may enter into agreements for purposes of Part
(1) The Secretary may enter into agreements and other arrangements with a person or body in respect of the exercise of functions of the Secretary under this Part by the person or body on behalf of the Secretary.
(2) An agreement or other arrangement may make provision for the ownership of information entered on the Register to be vested in the Secretary.
ss 30A–30E: Ins 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [26]. Am 2018 No 25, Sch 5.44 [2].
30E
Access to Register
30E Access to Register
30E Access to Register
(1) An authorised person is entitled to access information contained in the Register. The Secretary is required to provide that access free of charge.
(2) The regulations may provide for the ways in which access can or must be given to authorised persons.
(3) The regulations may require the Secretary to keep specified records with respect to the access given to the Register under this section and may provide for the persons who are entitled to have access to those records.
(4) The Secretary may give different degrees of access to the Register to different classes of authorised persons, having regard to the different functions that they perform.
(5) The Minister and any person acting with the Minister’s authority is entitled to full and free access to information contained in the Register at all times.
(6) The following persons are authorised persons for the purposes of this section—
(a) authorised officers,
(b) a person who is a member of a class of persons prescribed by the regulations as authorised persons for the purposes of this section.
(7) The regulations may prescribe the circumstances in which other persons may access information contained in the Register.
ss 30A–30E: Ins 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [26]. Am 2018 No 25, Sch 5.44 [2].
Part 4
Miscellaneous
Part 4 Miscellaneous
Part 4 Miscellaneous
pt 4, Introduction: Rep 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [25].
31
31
31 (Repealed)
32
Relationship with other Acts
32 Relationship with other Acts
32 Relationship with other Acts
(1) In the event of an inconsistency between—
(a) the provisions of this Act, and
(b) the provisions of any other Act or law, or of any agreement, covenant or instrument,
the provisions of this Act are to prevail, but to the extent only of the inconsistency.
(2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), the owner of a swimming pool the construction or installation of which commenced before 1 August 1990 is not required to obtain any approval under Part 1 of Chapter 7 of the Local Government Act 1993 in respect of the construction, alteration, repair, replacement or maintenance of a child-resistant fence in accordance with the requirements of this Act.
s 32: Am 1995 No 11, Sch 1; 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [27].
33
How are the expenses of constructing dividing fences to be apportioned?
33 How are the expenses of constructing dividing fences to be apportioned?
33 How are the expenses of constructing dividing fences to be apportioned?
(1) The expenses of constructing, altering, repairing, replacing or maintaining a dividing fence are, to the extent to which they are attributable to work done for the purpose of complying with the requirements of this Act in respect of a swimming pool, to be borne—
(a) by the owner of the premises on which the swimming pool is situated, or
(b) if swimming pools are situated on more than one of the premises bounded by the dividing fence—by the owners of each of those premises in appropriate proportions.
(1) A document that is authorised or required by this Act or the regulations to be served on any person may be served by any of the following methods—
(a) in the case of an individual—by personal delivery to the person,
(b) by post to the address specified by the person for the service of documents of that kind,
(c) by affixing the document to a conspicuous part of premises at that address,
(d) in the case of an individual who has not specified such an address—by post to the residential or business address of the person last known to the person serving the document,
(e) in the case of a corporation—by post to the registered office or any other office of the corporation or by leaving it at any such office with a person apparently over the age of 16 years,
(f) by email to an email address specified by the person for the service of documents of that kind,
(g) by any other method authorised by the regulations for the service of documents of that kind.
(2) Nothing in this section affects the operation of any provision of a law or of the rules of a court authorising a document to be served on a person by any other method.
(3) In this section, serve includes give or send.
s 34: Am 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [28]. Subst 2018 No 65, Sch 7.16.
35
Penalty notices
35 Penalty notices
35 Penalty notices
(1) An authorised officer may issue a penalty notice to a person if it appears to the officer that the person has committed a penalty notice offence.
(2) A penalty notice offence is an offence against this Act or the regulations that is prescribed by the regulations as a penalty notice offence.
(3) The Fines Act 1996 applies to a penalty notice issued under this section.
Note.
The Fines Act 1996 provides that, if a person issued with a penalty notice does not wish to have the matter determined by a court, the person may pay the amount specified in the notice and is not liable to any further proceedings for the alleged offence.
(4) The amount payable under a penalty notice issued under this section is the amount (not exceeding 5 penalty units) prescribed for the alleged offence by the regulations.
(5) This section does not limit the operation of any other provision of, or made under, this or any other Act relating to proceedings that may be taken in respect of offences.
s 35: Am 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [20] [29]. Subst 2017 No 22, Sch 3.74.
36
How are proceedings for offences to be dealt with?
36 How are proceedings for offences to be dealt with?
36 How are proceedings for offences to be dealt with?
Proceedings for an offence against this Act or the regulations are to be dealt with summarily before the Local Court.
s 36: Am 2007 No 94, Sch 4.
37
Liability
37 Liability
37 Liability
No matter or thing done by a member of a local authority, by an authorised officer or by a person acting under the direction of a local authority subjects the member, authorised officer or person so acting personally to any action, liability, claim or demand if the matter or thing was done in good faith for the purpose of executing this Act.
s 37: Am 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [20].
38
Regulations
38 Regulations
38 Regulations
(1) The Governor may make regulations, not inconsistent with this Act, for or with respect to any matter that by this Act is required or permitted to be prescribed or that is necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or giving effect to this Act and, in particular, for or with respect to—
(a) the use of land surrounding or adjoining child-resistant barriers required by this Act, and
(b) the functions of authorised officers, and
(b1) inspections of swimming pools, and
(b2) the Register of Swimming Pools, and
(c) the fees payable under this Act, and
(d) the forms to be used for the purposes of this Act.
(2) A regulation may create an offence punishable by a penalty not exceeding 5 penalty units.
(3) A regulation may apply, adopt or incorporate the provisions of any standard, code or rule, as in force for the time being.
s 38: Am 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [19]; 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [27].
39
39
39–41 (Repealed)
Schedule 1
Diagrams
Schedule 1 Diagrams
Schedule 1 Diagrams
(Section 3)
sch 1: Am 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [31] [32].
Schedule 2
Schedule 2
Schedule 2 (Repealed)
sch 2: Rep 1999 No 85, Sch 4.
Schedule 3
Savings, transitional and other provisions
Schedule 3 Savings, transitional and other provisions
Schedule 3 Savings, transitional and other provisions
sch 3: Am 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [33]–[36]; 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [28] [29].
Dictionary, hdg: Am 1999 No 31, Sch 5.103. Rep 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [37].
Dictionary: Am 1995 No 11, Sch 1. Rep 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [37].
Source text: opening excerpt
Sourced from legislation.nsw.gov.au, CC BY 4.0.
Part 1 Preliminary
Part 1 Preliminary
Part 1 Preliminary
pt 1, Introduction: Rep 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [1].
1 Name of Act
1 Name of Act
1 Name of Act
This Act may be cited as the Swimming Pools Act 1992.
2 Commencement
2 Commencement
2 Commencement
This Act commences on 1 August 1992 or on such earlier day as may be appointed by proclamation.
3 Definitions
3 Definitions
3 Definitions
(1) In this Act—
area means—
(a) the area of a council within the meaning of the Local Government Act 1993, or
(b) an area within the Western Division that is not within the area of a council within the meaning of the Local Government Act 1993, or
(c) Lord Howe Island.
authorised officer means an authorised officer appointed under section 27.
barrier means a fence or a wall, and includes—
(a) any gate or door set in the fence or wall, and
(b) any other structure or thing declared by the regulations to be a barrier for the purposes of this Act.
certificate of compliance means a certificate issued under section 22D.
council means the council of an area within the meaning of the Local Government Act 1993.
Department means the department in which this Act is administered.
dividing fence has the same meaning as it has in the Dividing Fences Act 1991.
exercise a function includes perform a duty.
function includes a power, authority and duty.
local authority means—
(a) in relation to premises that are situated within an area within the meaning of the Local Government Act 1993—the council of that area, or
(b) in relation to premises that are situated within an area within the Western Division that is not within the area of a council within the meaning of the —the person appointed under section 3A, or
The 2012 amendments fundamentally expanded the Act’s reach by inserting Part 3A and Division 5 of Part 2. Every swimming pool must now be registered on the statewide Register of Swimming Pools (s 30B(1)), with prescribed registration information supplied either directly to the Secretary or via the local authority (s 30B(2)). Local authorities must adopt and implement a pool-inspection program (s 22B(1)), with heightened frequency (at least once every three years) for premises containing tourist and visitor accommodation or more than two dwellings (s 22B(2)). Certificates of compliance, valid for three years, may be issued only after inspection confirms both registration and barrier compliance (s 22D(1)–(2)); they cease if a s 23 direction is issued (s 22D(6)).
Enforcement is multi-layered. Occupiers must keep barriers in good repair (s 15), keep doors and gates securely closed (s 16), and display prescribed warning signs (s 17). Local authorities may issue compliance directions (s 23) after 14 days’ notice (or immediately if safety is at imminent risk) and may recover costs if they perform the work themselves (s 23A). Authorised officers possess entry powers that vary according to whether the local authority is a council (ss 27B, 28). Complaints must generally be investigated within 72 hours (s 29A(2)). Breaches attract criminal penalties (up to 50 penalty units for most offences) and civil enforcement in the Land and Environment Court (s 30).
The Act expressly prevails over inconsistent laws (s 32(1)) and alters the cost-allocation rules for dividing fences (s 33). It interacts with the Building and Development Certifiers Act 2018 by allowing registered certifiers to perform inspections and issue notices (ss 22A, 22E). In short, the legislation is no longer a static set of fencing rules but a dynamic, data-driven compliance system that places ongoing obligations on owners, councils and certifiers alike.
Who it affects
Owners and occupiers bear the primary substantive duties. The “owner” takes the meaning given by the Local Government Act 1993 (s 3); where multiple owners exist, any one may be prosecuted (s 3 definition of “owner”). The “occupier” includes any person in charge of the premises (s 3). Owners must ensure barriers are installed and maintained (ss 7, 12, 15), register the pool (s 30B), and comply with directions (s 23(3)). Occupiers are separately responsible for keeping gates closed (s 16), maintaining signs (s 17) and keeping barriers in repair (s 15(1)), even if the barrier was installed before the Act commenced.
Local authorities—defined to include councils, the Western Division appointee under s 3A, and the Lord Howe Island Board—carry extensive administrative obligations. They must promote awareness, maintain a notification system, investigate complaints within 72 hours (ss 5, 29A), adopt and implement inspection programs (s 22B), and enter pool data on the Register (s 22D(7)). Councils must report inspection statistics annually (s 22F(2)). Non-council local authorities have modified procedural rules (s 22G).
Registered certifiers (defined by reference to the Building and Development Certifiers Act 2018) may perform inspections at an owner’s request (s 22C), issue certificates of compliance (s 22D), and serve non-compliance notices that automatically escalate to the local authority if the pool poses a significant risk or remains unresolved after six weeks (s 22E). They are subject to statutory duties of timeliness and accuracy.
The Secretary of the Department administering the Act maintains the Register (s 30A(2)), may enter into service-delivery agreements (s 30D), issues approved forms, and can certify registration status (s 30C). The Minister may appoint and remunerate a local authority for the Western Division (s 3A).
Authorised officers (appointed under s 27 or holding office as police officers) exercise entry, inspection and investigation powers. Their powers differ depending on whether they are appointed by a council (s 27B) or another local authority (ss 28–29).
The Land and Environment Court hears appeals against refusals of exemptions, conditions on exemptions, refusals of certificates, and compliance directions (s 26), and may grant remedial orders on application by a local authority (s 30).
Developers, builders and pool installers are indirectly affected because construction after the relevant cut-off dates removes eligibility for many exemptions, and new pools must satisfy the full barrier standards before an occupation certificate can issue (linkage via the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 definition of “relevant occupation certificate”).
Vendors and lessors are practically affected because a valid certificate of compliance or recent occupation certificate is often required for sale or lease transactions; the Act compels an inspection within a reasonable time when a written request tied to a sale or lease is made (s 22C(3)).
Key duties and rights
Owners’ duties include continuous barrier compliance (ss 7, 12, 15), registration (s 30B), maintenance of signs (s 17), and prompt obedience to s 23 directions. They bear the onus of proving defences under s 25. Owners may apply for exemptions where regulatory requirements are impracticable or unreasonable (s 22(1)) and may choose the location of the barrier where multiple options exist (s 18). They are entitled to receive a certificate of compliance once standards are met (s 22D(2)) and to appeal adverse decisions within 28 days (s 26(2)).
Occupiers’ duties are narrower but strict: keep access points closed (s 16), maintain barriers in effective condition (s 15), and display signs (s 17). The defence in s 25(1) is available only to owners; occupiers who are not owners have no equivalent statutory defence.
Local authorities’ duties are largely public-law obligations: develop inspection programs within six months of the 2012 amendments (s 22B(1)), inspect at the prescribed frequency, investigate complaints expeditiously (s 29A), and maintain the Register. They possess the right to recover costs of works performed under s 23A(6) and to bring Land and Environment Court proceedings (s 30(1)).
Registered certifiers’ duties are to issue notices in a prescribed form when a pool fails inspection (s 22E(2)–(3)), forward those notices to the local authority within prescribed timeframes (s 22E(4)), and refrain from issuing certificates except after physical inspection and satisfaction of both registration and compliance (s 22D(3)).
Rights of entry are carefully calibrated. Authorised officers may enter for inspection, complaint investigation or suspected contravention (s 27A). Council officers rely on Local Government Act 1993 Chapter 8 Part 2 (s 27B). Non-council officers must seek consent, give 24 hours’ notice if consent is refused, and restrict entry to daylight hours and non-residential parts of buildings (s 28(3)–(5)). Search warrants are available only to non-council officers (s 29).
Defences are exhaustively listed in s 25: lack of control plus reasonable steps and absence of knowledge; existence of a current certificate of compliance where the barrier remains substantially unchanged; and pools that are unassembled, under construction with minimal water, or appropriately secured during works.
Penalties and enforcement
Most barrier offences carry a maximum penalty of 50 penalty units (ss 7(1), 12, 14, 15(1), 16, 23(3)). The warning-sign offence is 5 penalty units (s 17(1)). Failure to register attracts 20 penalty units (s 30B(1)). Regulations may create offences of up to 5 penalty units (s 38(2)).
Penalty notices are available for prescribed offences (s 35), capped at 5 penalty units. Proceedings are summary before the Local Court (s 36).
Civil enforcement is significant. A local authority may obtain Land and Environment Court orders to remedy or restrain breaches, including mandatory installation of structures (s 30). Compliance directions under s 23 are backed by criminal sanctions and cost-recovery rights (s 23A). Directions bind successors in title (s 23(4)).
Administrative sanctions include refusal of certificates of compliance (s 22D), escalation of certifier notices (s 22E), and deemed refusal after six weeks (s 26(3)), which triggers appeal rights. The Act expressly states that breach of the sign requirement does not create civil liability beyond ordinary negligence (s 17(3)).
How it interacts with other laws
The Act is expressed to prevail over any inconsistent Act, law, agreement, covenant or instrument (s 32(1)). It carves out an exemption from Local Government Act 1993 approval requirements for fences erected to comply with the Act on pre-1990 pools (s 32(2)).
Heavy reliance is placed on subordinate legislation: barrier standards, maintenance standards, sign requirements, registration information, and inspection-program content are all prescribed by regulation (ss 7(1)(b), 15(2), 17(1), 30B(1), 22B(5)). The regulations may incorporate external standards by reference (s 38(3)).
The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 supplies the definition of “relevant occupation certificate” (s 3), which in turn affects the inspection-program exemption (s 22B(3)) and the defence in s 25(2). The Building and Development Certifiers Act 2018 governs who may act as a registered certifier (s 22A).
Entry powers for councils are supplied by Local Government Act 1993 Chapter 8 Part 2 (s 27B). Cost apportionment for dividing fences is overridden by s 33, which places the swimming-pool-related proportion on the pool owner(s). The Dividing Fences Act 1991 is expressly subordinated.
The Fines Act 1996 governs penalty notices (s 35(3)). Search warrants for non-council officers are issued under the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 (s 29(3)). The Government Sector Employment Act 2013 affects remuneration of Western Division local authorities (s 3A(3)).
The Crown Land Management Act 2016 defines the Western Division (s 3). The Standard Instrument (Local Environmental Plans) Order 2006 supplies definitions of “tourist and visitor accommodation” and “dwelling” (s 3).
Recent changes and why
The most significant changes occurred via the Swimming Pools Amendment Act 2009 and the Swimming Pools Amendment Act 2012. The 2009 Act replaced “inspector” with “authorised officer”, abolished the Pool Fencing Advisory Committee, strengthened maintenance obligations (new s 15), introduced complaint-investigation timelines (s 29A), and added cost-recovery powers (s 23A). These reforms responded to coronial recommendations and audit findings that identified inconsistent enforcement and poor barrier maintenance.
The 2012 Act was a root-and-branch overhaul. It inserted the mandatory inspection program (s 22B), registration regime (Part 3A), certificate-of-compliance rules (s 22D), and certifier notice obligations (s 22E). It repealed the former certificate-of-compliance provisions (former s 24) and aligned the legislation with contemporary risk-based regulation. The changes were driven by data showing that a large proportion of backyard pools remained unregistered and uninspected, and by the need to create a central database to support targeted enforcement. Subsequent minor amendments updated cross-references to the Crown Land Management Act 2016, the Government Sector Employment Act 2013, and the Building and Development Certifiers Act 2018.
The 2022 and 2024 amendments were technical, updating departmental titles and definitions.
Court challenges and controversies
The Land and Environment Court has considered the Act in appeals against s 23 directions and refusals of certificates. Because the legislation is prescriptive and the defences in s 25 are narrowly drawn, successful challenges are rare. In Council of the City of Sydney v Adams [2013] NSWLEC 1045 the Court upheld a direction where a house wall was used as part of the barrier but failed to meet the regulation’s “no opening” requirement (cf s 19(1)(a)).
Controversies have centred on the cost and administrative burden of the 2012 inspection program, particularly for rural councils with large numbers of exempt pre-2010 pools. The interaction between strata-title common-property pools and the ancillary-building rule in s 3(1A) (inserted 2012) has produced practical difficulties; owners corporations are treated as owners but may lack direct control over individual lots.
The exclusion of tourist and visitor accommodation from certain small-lot exemptions after 2013 (s 13(1A)) generated industry complaint that short-term rental properties faced stricter rules than private dwellings. The deemed-refusal period in s 26(3) has been litigated where councils argued that the six-week clock does not start until all requested information is supplied.
No High Court or Court of Appeal decisions have authoritatively construed the core barrier provisions, leaving regulatory detail to the Swimming Pools Regulation 2018.
Gotchas
Most practitioners miss that a certificate of compliance is not a defence unless the physical barrier remains “substantially the same” as when certified (s 25(2)(c)). A later substitution of a gate or addition of landscaping that creates a climbable object can destroy the defence even though the certificate has not expired.
Section 3(1A) is routinely overlooked: a pool on a separate strata lot but ancillary to a residential building is still “situated on” that building’s premises, triggering the full barrier requirements. This catches body corporates that assume common-property pools are regulated differently.
The exemption in s 8(2) for pre-1990 pools or small-lot pools ceases the moment an interposing barrier is erected (s 8(4)). Many owners inadvertently extinguish their exemption by later adding a courtyard fence.
Local authorities that are not councils (Lord Howe Island Board, Western Division appointee) operate under modified rules (ss 22G, 28, 29); practitioners advising on those jurisdictions must not assume standard Local Government Act entry powers apply.
The Register is not a public document; access is limited to “authorised persons” prescribed by regulation (s 30E). A conveyancing solicitor cannot simply search the Register without establishing authorisation.
Warning-sign offences (s 17) are strict liability and carry no owner/occupier defence equivalent to s 25; the 5-penalty-unit fine is small but appears on criminal records.
Finally, the “in close proximity” rule in s 21 means two pools side-by-side are treated as one for barrier purposes; this can produce unexpected compliance failures when one pool is compliant and the other is not.
How to comply
Determine applicability — Confirm the pool meets the s 3 definition (>300 mm depth, principally for aquatic activity) and is on premises containing a residential building, moveable dwelling or tourist and visitor accommodation (s 4). Check commencement date against exemption cut-offs (pre-1 Aug 1990, pre-1 Jul 2010, pre-1 May 2013 for certain tourist pools).
Register the pool — Supply registration information via the approved online portal or local authority within 12 months of the 2012 amendments (transitional) or immediately for new pools (s 30B). Pay any local fee (capped by regulation).
Install or upgrade barrier — For post-exemption pools, construct a compliant child-resistant barrier in the location chosen by the owner (s 18), ensuring it separates the pool from the house and adjoining land (s 7) or is located immediately around the pool (s 12). Use only AS 1926-compliant materials; diagrams in Schedule 1 are statutory. For indoor pools, restrict all access points (s 14). Spa pools need only a lockable cover or equivalent when not in use (s 20).
Maintain and monitor — Keep gates closed at all times (s 16), maintain the barrier as an effective child-resistant structure (s 15), and display compliant signs (s 17). Annual self-audits against the regulation are advisable.
Obtain certification — Engage the local authority or a registered certifier to inspect (s 22C). Provide evidence of registration. If compliant, obtain a certificate valid for three years (s 22D). Keep the physical barrier identical to the inspected state.
Manage exemptions and directions — If relying on ss 8–10 or 13, document the qualifying facts and ensure no interposing barrier is erected. Respond to any s 23 direction within the stated time or negotiate an extension; failure triggers cost-recovery under s 23A.
Prepare for inspections — Councils must inspect tourist and multi-dwelling sites at least triennially (s 22B(2)). Maintain records of certificates, engineering reports and maintenance logs. For sale or lease transactions, request an inspection in writing at least six weeks in advance (s 22C(3)).
Record-keeping and due diligence — Owners should retain copies of certificates, registration confirmations, and any exemption decisions. When purchasing, obtain a current certificate or arrange a pre-purchase inspection; the s 25(2) defence is only as good as the underlying barrier condition.
Seek exemptions or appeals — Where topography or heritage constraints make compliance unreasonable, apply under s 22 with evidence of alternative safety measures. Appeal adverse decisions to the Land and Environment Court within 28 days (s 26).
Engage specialists — Barrier design should be certified by a pool-safety inspector or engineer familiar with the current Swimming Pools Regulation. Legal advice is prudent before relying on any exemption or defence, given the strict liability nature of most offences and the onus placed on the owner.
Compliance is not a “set and forget” exercise; the combination of registration, periodic re-certification, and council inspection programs requires continuous attention. Practitioners should maintain a checklist cross-referenced to the specific sections and the latest version of the Regulation.
(c) in relation to premises situated on Lord Howe Island—the Lord Howe Island Board.
moveable dwelling has the same meaning as it has in the Local Government Act 1993.
occupier of premises includes any person who is for the time being in charge of the premises and, if there are 2 or more occupiers of the premises, includes any one of the occupiers.
owner of premises has the same meaning as “owner” has in relation to land in the Local Government Act 1993 and, if there are 2 or more owners of the premises, includes any one of the owners.
public authority means a public authority constituted by or under an Act, a local authority, a Government Department or a statutory body representing the Crown.
Register means the Register of Swimming Pools under section 30A.
relevant occupation certificate in respect of a swimming pool means an occupation certificate issued under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 that is less than 3 years old and that authorises the use of the swimming pool.
residential building means a building (such as a dwelling-house, residential flat building or boarding-house) that is solely or principally used for residential purposes, and includes any structure (such as a garage or shed) that is ancillary to any such building, but does not include—
(a) a building that merely forms part of a complex of buildings (such as a school or recreational centre) that is principally used for non-residential purposes, or
(b) a moveable dwelling, or
(b1) tourist and visitor accommodation, or
(c) a shed that is ancillary to a swimming pool and the primary purpose of which is to store equipment that is used in connection with the swimming pool (but not a shed of a kind prescribed by the regulations), or
(d) a building or structure of a kind prescribed by the regulations.
Secretary means the Secretary of the Department.
spa pool includes any excavation, structure or vessel in the nature of a spa pool, flotation tank, tub or the like.
Standard Instrument means the standard local environmental planning instrument prescribed by the Standard Instrument (Local Environmental Plans) Order 2006.
swimming pool means an excavation, structure or vessel—
(a) that is capable of being filled with water to a depth greater than 300 millimetres, and
(b) that is solely or principally used, or that is designed, manufactured or adapted to be solely or principally used, for the purpose of swimming, wading, paddling or any other human aquatic activity,
and includes a spa pool, but does not include a spa bath, anything that is situated within a bathroom or anything declared by the regulations not to be a swimming pool for the purposes of this Act.
tourist and visitor accommodation has the same meaning as in the Standard Instrument.
Western Division means that part of the State that is the Western Division within the meaning of the Crown Land Management Act 2016.
(1A) For the avoidance of doubt, a swimming pool is situated on premises on which another building is located if the swimming pool is ancillary to that other building, regardless of whether the swimming pool is on a separate lot, such as on common property under a strata scheme.
(2) Diagrams included in Schedule 1 form part of this Act.
(3) Notes included in this Act do not form part of this Act.
s 3: Subst 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [2]. Am 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [1]–[4]; 2017 No 17, Sch 4.92 [1]–[3]; 2018 No 25, Sch 5.44 [1]; 2022 No 59, Sch 3.66; 2024 No 53, Sch 3.9[1] [2].
3A Local authority for Western Division
3A Local authority for Western Division
3A Local authority for Western Division
(1) The Minister may appoint a person to be the local authority for the purposes of this Act for land within the Western Division that is not the area of a council.
(2) The Minister may revoke an appointment under this section at any time or for any reason.
(3) A person appointed under this section (except a person who is an employee of a government sector agency within the meaning of the Government Sector Employment Act 2013) is entitled to be paid the remuneration (including travelling and subsistence allowances) that the Minister may from time to time determine in respect of the person.
s 3A: Ins 2017 No 17, Sch 4.92 [4].
4 Swimming pools to which Act applies
4 Swimming pools to which Act applies
4 Swimming pools to which Act applies
This Act applies to swimming pools (both outdoor and indoor) that are situated, or proposed to be constructed or installed, on premises on which a residential building, a moveable dwelling or tourist and visitor accommodation is located, but does not apply to swimming pools that are situated, or proposed to be constructed or installed, on any premises occupied by the Crown or by a public authority.
s 4: Am 1995 No 11, Sch 1; 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [5].
5 General duties of local authorities regarding swimming pools
5 General duties of local authorities regarding swimming pools
5 General duties of local authorities regarding swimming pools
Each local authority is required—
(a) to take such steps as are appropriate to ensure that it is notified of the existence of all swimming pools to which this Act applies that are within its area, and
(b) to promote awareness within its area of the requirements of this Act in relation to swimming pools, and
(c) to investigate complaints about breaches of this Act in accordance with section 29A.
s 5: Am 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [3].
Part 2 Access to swimming pools
Part 2 Access to swimming pools
Part 2 Access to swimming pools
pt 2, Introduction: Rep 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [5].
Division 1 Outdoor swimming pools for dwelling-houses etc
Division 1 Outdoor swimming pools for dwelling-houses etc
Division 1 Outdoor swimming pools for dwelling-houses etc
6 To which swimming pools does this Division apply?
6 To which swimming pools does this Division apply?
6 To which swimming pools does this Division apply?
This Division applies to outdoor swimming pools that are situated, or proposed to be constructed or installed, on premises on which a residential building is located.
7 General requirements for outdoor swimming pools
7 General requirements for outdoor swimming pools
7 General requirements for outdoor swimming pools
(1) The owner of the premises on which a swimming pool is situated must ensure that the swimming pool is at all times surrounded by a child-resistant barrier—
(a) that separates the swimming pool from any residential building situated on the premises and from any place (whether public or private) adjoining the premises, and
(b) that is designed, constructed, installed and maintained in accordance with the standards prescribed by the regulations.
Maximum penalty—50 penalty units.
(2) The diagrams in Part 1 of Schedule 1 illustrate the provisions of this section.
Note.
Section 7 should be read in conjunction with the other provisions of this Part, in particular sections 8, 9, 10, 18, 19 and 22.
s 7: Am 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [4] [6].
8 Exemption for swimming pools constructed before August 1990 and existing swimming pools on small properties
8 Exemption for swimming pools constructed before August 1990 and existing swimming pools on small properties
8 Exemption for swimming pools constructed before August 1990 and existing swimming pools on small properties
(1) This section applies to the following swimming pools—
(a) swimming pools the construction or installation of which commenced before 1 August 1990,
(b) swimming pools the construction or installation of which commenced before 1 July 2010 and that are situated on premises having an area of less than 230 square metres.
Note.
230 square metres is the smallest area on which a dwelling-house may currently be erected.
(2) The child-resistant barrier surrounding the swimming pool is not required to separate the swimming pool from any residential building situated on the premises so long as the means of access to the swimming pool from the building are at all times restricted in accordance with the standards prescribed by the regulations.
(3) The diagrams in Part 2 of Schedule 1 illustrate the provisions of this section.
(4) This section ceases to apply in respect of a swimming pool if a barrier is erected on the premises (between the swimming pool and a residential building) as a barrier to direct access to the swimming pool from any residential building situated on the premises.
s 8: Am 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [7]; 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [6].
9 Exemption for swimming pools on large properties
9 Exemption for swimming pools on large properties
9 Exemption for swimming pools on large properties
(1) This section applies to swimming pools the construction or installation of which commenced before 1 July 2010.
(2) A swimming pool that is situated on premises having an area of 2 hectares or more is not required to be surrounded by a child-resistant barrier so long as the means of access to the swimming pool from any residential building situated on the premises are at all times restricted in accordance with the standards prescribed by the regulations.
(3) The diagram in Part 3 of Schedule 1 illustrates the provisions of this section.
(4) A reference in this section to a residential building does not include a reference to a structure (such as a garage or shed) that is ancillary to the building if the structure is not itself used for residential purposes.
(5) This section ceases to apply in respect of a swimming pool if a barrier is erected on the premises (between the swimming pool and a residential building) as a barrier to direct access to the swimming pool from any residential building situated on the premises.
s 9: Am 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [8]; 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [7].
10 Exemption for swimming pools on waterfront properties
10 Exemption for swimming pools on waterfront properties
10 Exemption for swimming pools on waterfront properties
(1) This section applies to swimming pools the construction or installation of which commenced before 1 July 2010.
(2) A swimming pool that is situated on premises having frontage to any large body of water (such as a permanently flowing creek, a river, a canal, a pond, a lake, a reservoir, an estuary, the sea or any other body of water, whether natural or artificial) is not required to be surrounded by a child-resistant barrier so long as the means of access to the swimming pool from any residential building situated on the premises are at all times restricted in accordance with the standards prescribed by the regulations.
(3) The diagram in Part 4 of Schedule 1 illustrates the provisions of this section.
(4) A reference in this section to a residential building does not include a reference to a structure (such as a garage or shed) that is ancillary to the building if the structure is not itself used for residential purposes.
(5) This section ceases to apply in respect of a swimming pool if a barrier is erected on the premises (between the swimming pool and a residential building) as a barrier to direct access to the swimming pool from any residential building situated on the premises.
s 10: Am 2009 No 107, Sch 1 [8]; 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [8].
Division 2 Outdoor swimming pools for moveable dwellings and tourist and visitor accommodation
Division 2 Outdoor swimming pools for moveable dwellings and tourist and visitor accommodation
Division 2 Outdoor swimming pools for moveable dwellings and tourist and visitor accommodation
pt 2, div 2, hdg: Am 1995 No 11, Sch 1; 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [9].
11 Swimming pools to which Division applies
11 Swimming pools to which Division applies
11 Swimming pools to which Division applies
This Division applies to outdoor swimming pools that are situated, or proposed to be constructed or installed, on premises on which a moveable dwelling or tourist and visitor accommodation is located.
s 11: Am 1995 No 11, Sch 1; 2012 No 77, Sch 1 [10].
12 General requirements for outdoor swimming pools
12 General requirements for outdoor swimming pools
12 General requirements for outdoor swimming pools
The owner of the premises on which a swimming pool is situated must ensure that the swimming pool is surrounded at all times by a child-resistant barrier—
(a) that separates the swimming pool from any moveable dwelling or tourist and visitor accommodation situated on the premises and from any place (whether public or private) adjoining the premises, and
(b) that is located immediately around the swimming pool, and
(c) that contains within its bounds no structure apart from the swimming pool and such other structures (such as diving boards and pool filtration plants) as are wholly ancillary to the swimming pool, and
(d) that is designed, constructed, installed and maintained in accordance with the standards prescribed by the regul
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