Drowning is the leading cause of preventable death in children aged under five. Every pool and spa on a residential property in Mandurah must have a safety barrier installed and maintained - this is a legal requirement, not optional.
This page explains what approvals you need, what your barrier must do, how inspections work, and what to do if you're removing a pool.
A safety barrier is whatever separates your pool from the rest of the property - this can include fences, gates, walls, windows or the sides of a building. Its job is to stop young children (0–5 years) from getting to the water without an adult.
All swimming pools and spas (including portable pools) that are capable of holding water more than 30cm deep must have a safety barrier to help prevent young children from drowning. This is a legal requirement under the Building Regulations 2012.
Your safety barrier must restrict access to the pool from the street, adjoining properties and all habitable buildings.
Never prop a gate open. This is one of the most common ways young children access pool areas.
If you are unsure which rules apply to your pool based on when it was approved, contact the City's Building Services via [email protected] or (08) 9550 3749.
Portable pools, above-ground pools and inflatable spas are treated the same as permanent pools under WA law. If they hold more than 30cm of water, they require a building permit and a compliant safety barrier.
This includes small pop-up paddling pools and backyard blow-up pools. If you are unsure whether your portable pool is covered, contact a building surveyor.
After installation: Once your pool and safety barrier are complete, the person listed as the builder on the building permit must notify the City within 7 days by submitting a Notice of Completion (BA7 form). The City must then inspect your barrier within 30 days of completion.
Ongoing inspections: After the initial inspection, your safety barrier will be inspected at least once every four years. The inspection fee is divided across four years and included in your annual rates notice.
Non-compliance: If your barrier is found to be non-compliant, it must be fixed and re-inspected within 60 days. Penalties include a $1,000 fine or potential $50,000 penalty if the matter is taken to prosecution.
If you no longer want your pool, you have two options.
Option 1 — Remove the pool completely: The pool shell must be removed and the ground backfilled. A compaction certificate is required for below-ground pools. Contact a structural engineer before starting to make sure the removal will not affect nearby structures.
Option 2 — Decommission the pool: If full removal is not possible, the pool must be permanently altered so it can no longer hold water. Cut a minimum of 2 x 500mm x 500mm squares in the base of the pool (deep end) and remove all the fibreglass or concrete from the pool. Disconnect the filtration system and any access ladders.
In both cases, you must notify the City in writing with the property address and, where possible, before and after photos. The City may inspect the property. Once removal or decommissioning is confirmed, the pool will be removed from the four-yearly inspection schedule and the fee removed from future rates notices.
The City of Mandurah Online portal is the main way to lodge, track and pay for applications.
Information on building permits, lodgements, and approval requirements.
Information on fencing requirements, approvals, and boundary responsibilities.
