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Pools and spas

Development approval is required for a new swimming pool, spa pool and safety fencing. Criteria for inspections will consist of:

the details and location of safety barriers;
the safety of the pump; and,
the adequacy of structural support for the swimming pool or spa pool.

It is important that fencing must be installed before a new pool is filled with water

Above-ground or inflatable pools and 'portable' spa pools

If the swimming pool, inflatable pool, or spa pool has a filtration system you must:

lodge development application on PlanSA for it to be placed and/or constructed on your land;
swimming pool safety barrier fence(s) to be 1200mm high;
boundary fences to be 1800mm high;
a safety gate to open outwards from pool enclosure, with self-closing hinges and magna latch at 1.5m high above paving level;
the secondary pump inlet to be 600mm distance from skimmer inlet; and,
CPR signage is required to be visible in pool area.

The sides of an above-ground pool can be a suitable safety barrier if:

they are non-climbable and are at least 1.2 metres high;
a barrier is placed around the ladder (even if it is removable); and,
a barrier is placed around anything else that can be climbed on such as pool pump, fittings and pipework.

Inspecting public swimming pools and spa pools

The council’s environmental health team conducts routine inspections, and complaint investigations against public swimming and spa pools to ensure their compliance with the South Australian Public Act 2011.

Complete the notification form for a new public swimming pool, spa, or therapy pool:

Public swimming pools and spa notification.

Private swimming and spa pools

It is the responsibility of the owner of the pool or spa to ensure it is properly maintained. If a pool is not properly looked after, it may become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and other organisms that may cause serious illness.

The correct use of appropriate chemicals and good management of disinfection, filtration and recirculation will keep the pool water clean, safe and in a hygienic condition.

Mosquitoes breeding in or around your pool?

We recommend the following to control mosquito breeding, but please check with your pool company first:

cover the water surface with domestic kerosene or paraffin oil
drain the pool completely
regularly clean, refill and maintain the pool.

SA Health have fact sheets to help control mosquito breeding in or around your pool or spa.

Discharging pool water

Swimming pool water can contain chemicals, as well as other foreign substances that can contaminate the stormwater system. Thus, negatively impacting aquatic life.

Under the Environment Protection Act 1993, and the Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy 2015, it is an offence to discharge pool water into the street or stormwater system.

The EPA states that swimming pool water (including back wash water), is to be disposed into the sewer. This practice applies to areas connected to Community Wastewater Management Scheme (CWMS) and septic tanks.