Looking to Owner build a new swimming pool, renovate the interior, upgrade your filtration system, or what about a D.I.Y. project? Here are some industry tips to get you on the right track.

Council Approval

Approval is required for any structure that can be filled with water, for bathing or wading, to a depth of 300 millimetres or more. This includes above ground pools as well as outdoor spa tubs or spa pools. You can arrange for approval through a building certifier (certifiers are listed in the Yellow Pages under 'Building Surveyors'). Approval is not required for fish ponds and portable wading pools less than 2,000 litres in volume with no filtration or pumping system and a depth of less than 450 millimetres. Please check with your local council for the finer details BEFORE starting any plans.

Pool Construction

An in ground pool needs Council and Engineer approval so do some home work first, get some quotes and weigh up the best way to go about it. If you want to owner build it to save a heap of money there are some good internet services that have owner builder packages to make it even easier to work out an equipment package to suit your pool.

Fencing

All pools need fencing. These specific regulations apply as of 20/02/06: Pools built before 1991 Any windows that open into the pool area must be protected so that there are no openings more that 100mm. Examples of material to use for protection are security screens or grills.


Any doors from the house to the pool area must be self-closing and self-latching. Pools built after 1991 Require isolation fencing around the pool (and between the pool and the house). Building a new fence The following rules apply if you are building a new fence: the fence must be built to today's standards the fence will need building approval a temporary fence must be erected during construction For full information about pool fencing requirements, refer to the Australian Standards 1926. Exemptions A pool fencing exemption may be granted in some circumstances, for example, if a resident has a disability. Please check with your local council for the finer details BEFORE starting any plans.