Council pool inspections in WA
In Western Australia, every private pool and spa that can hold more than 300 mm of water must have a barrier that stops young children getting in. This includes portable and inflatable pools. Your local council must inspect every pool barrier at least once every four years, and the owner must keep it compliant at all times. Penalties for a non-compliant barrier can be up to $5,000.
Do pool fences need a permit?
Since June 2024, most pool fences in WA no longer need their own building permit. You still need one if the fence is masonry over 0.75 m high, non-masonry over 1.8 m high, also acts as a balcony balustrade, or is in a high wind (cyclone) region.
Common barrier problems we see
- Gates that do not self-close and self-latch every time
- Climbable objects (pot plants, BBQs, furniture) within the 900 mm non-climbable zone
- Dividing (boundary) fences less than 1.8 m high on the pool side
- Gaps under or between fence panels that are too big
- Doors or windows from the house opening straight into the pool area
- Garden beds or retaining walls that reduce the fence height
What we do
- Pre-inspection of your barrier before council comes out
- A clear list of any fixes needed
- Building permits for new or replacement pool fences if needed
- Help if you have received a non-compliance notice from council
