All swimming pool owners are required to register their pool on the state-wide online.

To register a pool, owners will need to provide:

• Address of the pool
• The type of property such as a private residence, multi-occupancy (units etc) or tourist and visitor accommodation
• If the property is on a waterfront, land greater than 2 hectares or less than 230 square metres
• When the pool was built (3 choices of date range apply)
• If the pool barrier has been substantially modified or rebuilt and when that took place (3 choices of date range apply)

Camden Council has developed a Swimming Pool Inspection Program in consultation with the community.

Before Council Officers inspect swimming pools, owners must complete the application form for a Swimming Pool Certificate of Compliance.

You are also encouraged to complete a Self-Assessment Checklist before Council inspects your pool, to ensure non-compliances are rectified and avoid paying for re-inspections.

Which self-assessment Checklist?

If you have an older pool, you may be eligible to comply with the existing standard when your pool was built.

On inspection, if your barrier is not in compliance with the older standard or has been modified, it must be upgraded to the current standard.

Many factors can cause a barrier to be upgraded;

• Not complying with the existing/prior standard
• The old barrier was replaced due to rust or damage
• Updated old tubular fence to glass
• Yard works such as installation of pergolas and decks

Therefore, over time all barriers will require an upgrade to the current standard.

It is suggested for greater safety that all pool barriers are self-assessed against the current standard

Note: Should you require more than one inspection, a further $100 fee shall be paid before a re-inspection.

For further information click here. 

Any portable pool or spa with more than 2000 litre capacity requires prior formal approval.

All portable pools and spas are required to have a compliant child-resistant barrier and be registered on www.swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au

Where a spa is designed for relaxation and only has seating, it may be exempt from requiring a child-resistant barrier surrounding the spa pool.

Spa pools that are eligible for the exemption must be secured by a lockable lid that complies with the Swimming Pool Regulations 2018.

Regardless of various names, swim spas, plunge spas, plunge spa pools – the inclusion of the word spa does not grant the exemption to enable a lockable lid. It is about the activity that may be undertaken within the pool. If in doubt it is always best to check with Council before purchase and installation.

The lockable lid must always be kept on the spa pool when not in use. A current warning sign including resuscitation (CPR) techniques must also be displayed and easily readable within a 3-metre distance.

Spa Pools must be registered here. 

If the spa pool contains an area for swimming &/or aquatic play in addition to seating, the spa pool may be used in a similar manner to an above-ground swimming pool. Therefore, spa pools that are designed for swimming and/or aquatic play must be surrounded by a child-resistant barrier (pool fence).

Regardless of various names, swim spas, plunge spas and plunge spa pools – the inclusion of the word spa does not grant the exemption to enable a lockable lid. It is about the activity that may be undertaken within the pool. If in doubt it is always best to check with Council before purchase and installation.

When purchasing a swim spa:

1. Get approval 
   
2. Register 
   
3. Know your requirements under Council's Swimming Pool Inspection Program 

All swim spas must be surrounded by a child-resistant barrier that fully complies with the Australian Standard - safety barriers for swimming pools.

A current warning sign including resuscitation (CPR) techniques must also be displayed and easily readable within a 3-metre distance.