Swimming Pools

Swimming pools are a development that requires approval.

In the Parramatta LEP 2011 a swimming pool is defined as:

‘an excavation, structure or vessel

• that is capable of being filled with water to a depth of 300 millimetres or more, and
• that is solely or principally used, or that is designed, manufactured or adapted to be solely or principally used, for the purpose of swimming, wading, paddling or any other human aquatic activity’

When finalising a proposal for a swimming pool, the amount of cut and fill must be minimised to reduce the impacts on neighbouring properties. The surface of a swimming pool can also be included in landscaped area calculations.

A development application can be lodged on the NSW Planning Portal. A guide to the DA Process can also be found on the NSW Planning Portal.

Pool Fencing

Pool fencing is required under the Swimming Pools Act 1992 and is defined as a child resistant barrier under the act.

This barrier must meet requirements set in the swimming pools regulation 2018 and Australian Standards.

More information about pool fencing can be found on City of Parramatta’s website.

Furthermore, a general guide to pool fencing can be found on NSW fair trading’s website.

Removal of a Swimming Pool

Removal of a swimming pool will also require a Development Application as Council must oversee the removal and subsequent earthworks and landscaping required.

Exempt Swimming Pools

Construction of a portable swimming pool or Spa and associated child-resistant barrier may be considered exempt development if it meets the standards in Subdivision 30 of the SEPP (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008. This is intended for very small pools and anything larger will require a DA.