The Importance of Pool and Spa Compliance Inspections

Swimming pools and spas need to be properly secured to prevent people from accidentally entering the water. This is why it’s essential to get your pool and spa compliance inspections done regularly. Regularly inspecting your pool and spa is a great way to catch any issues early on, which may save you a lot of money in the long run, as you won’t have to pay for expensive repairs and legal fees.


When performing a pool and spa compliance inspection, there are several things the inspector will look at, including the structure itself, the surface, the depth of water, the safety equipment and much more. The inspector will also check on the chemistry of your pool, such as its pH and total dissolved solids. It’s important to note that the water in your pool can be dangerous if it’s not properly treated.

The inspector will also examine the pool’s decking, coping and walls to make sure they’re intact and in good condition. They’ll look for any cracks or chips in the tiles, as well as ensure that the grouting is covering all areas it should be. If the grout isn’t covering all of the areas, that may indicate a leak which can then cause damage to other areas of your home and lead to mold or mildew.

If your pool has a diving board or slide, the inspector will look at these to make sure they’re in good working order. The inspector will also check for any rust or missing parts of the slide or board. Additionally, the inspector will look at the pool’s lighting and make sure they work correctly. If the lights don’t work, this could create a hazard for swimmers.

When the inspector determines that your pool’s barrier complies with the required standard, they will issue you a certificate of compliance. You’ll then need to lodge this certificate with your council within 30 days. Once lodged, you’ll need to renew your pool and spa compliance inspection every four years.

The City’s team of compliance officers visit private pools and spas on a routine basis to assess the integrity of their barriers. If a pool or spa is found to be non-compliant, the City will notify the owner of the property.

A pool or spa is considered to be a permanent pool if it holds more than 300 mm of water, or any structure that is used primarily for swimming, wading or paddling, including hot tubs and some relocatable pools.

Anybody who owns a pool or spa on their land is required to have it registered and to lodge a certificate of compliance with their local council. This is to help keep the community safe from pool-related accidents and injuries. The City is required to carry out pool and spa barrier inspections to confirm that they meet the minimum standards set out in the Building Act, National Construction Code and Australian Standard 1926. These inspections are charged at a fee, which is included in your property rates each year.