Swimming Pools

The Building Act 1975 defines a swimming pool as an excavation or structure:

  • capable of being filled with water to a depth of 300 millimetres or more
  • capable of being used for swimming, bathing, wading, paddling or other human aquatic activities
  • used, designed, manufactured or adapted for the purpose mentioned above, despite its current use

This includes spas and wading pools (other than portable wading pools).

It does not include a:

  • fish pond
  • ornamental pond, manufactured to be used for ornamental purposes
  • dam used for aquaculture, marine research or storage of water
  • watercourse
  • spa bath situated in a bathroom which is not continually filled with water
  • birthing pool used solely for water births
  • portable wading pool.

A portable wading pool is defined as:

  • capable of being filled with water to a depth of less than 300 millimetres
  • having a volume of no more than 2000 litres
  • having no filtration or pumping system.

Building Approval

You will need a building approval for your swimming pool and pool fence. The construction and maintenance of swimming pools and pool fencing must comply with:

  • the Building Act 1975;
  • Building Regulation 2021; and
  • relevant Australian Standards.

It is the responsibility of property owners to ensure the pool and barriers are compliant at all times. For more information, check the swimming pool safety regulations.

To assist with your application, follow these steps:

  • Complete the following Class 10 b swimming pool checklist to ensure you have met all the required documentation to submit with your application.

    Swimming Pool Checklist 

  • You may choose to lodge your application with a private certifier or council.

    If you choose council, submit your application to council either:

    In person at:
    Community Sustainability office 
    Gympie Regional Council
    29 Channon Street
    Gympie Qld 4570

    By post to:
    Gympie Regional Council
    PO Box 155
    Gympie Qld 4570

    By Email:
    building@gympie.qld.gov.au

    Payment is required along with submission.

  • When your building application has been approved, you will receive a development application decision notice with approved plans.

    No building work can begin until you have received the decision notice.

    The permit number is located at the top of the decision notice and we will require this number when booking inspections.

    A minimum of 24 hours notice is required. Allow a one-hour variation to inspection time, and one hour for the inspection to be completed.

    To book an inspection email building@gympie.qld.gov.au  or call 5481 0490.

  • Refer to your building permit to ensure that:

    • Mandatory inspections are completed
    • All conditions have been satisfied
    • All certificates have been submitted

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