Guide to Building a Pool in Victoria

Nov 19, 2019

With summer just around the corner, there’s no better time to start thinking about building a swimming pool for your home. At Code HQ, we believe that safety is of the utmost importance when it comes to building any structure, especially a swimming pool. With young children at a risk of drowning due to a potential lack of adult supervision, it is crucial to ensure that all of the necessary regulations and requirements are met prior to anyone jumping in!


In order to reduce these risks and prevent any potentially dangerous situations, there are regulations that every pool owner must adhere to in regards to the swimming pool’s construction and its fencing. Here, we’ve provided the key steps to undertake during the process of building your pool.

Choosing a Pool Builder

Investing in a safe and reliable swimming pool is no cheap feat, where research prior to making your decision on a builder is imperative. There are a number of initial indicators as to whether a builder looks legitimate or not. When choosing a builder for your pool, be sure to look at all aspects including whether or not they have a display centre, as well as their history. While a company changing their business name could be due to various reasons, at times, companies can change their business name if they have not received great reviews in the past. 

Obtaining a Pool Permit

Pool Safety & Security Standards 

Once you’ve decided on a builder for your pool, it’s time to obtain a pool permit. Since the Building Code of Australia 2010 came into effect, new swimming pool regulations have changed the way swimming pools are built and maintained in Victoria, this includes changes to above ground pool regulations as well. These swimming pool regulations placed a higher emphasis on improving the safety of all pools, new and old, and pay specific attention to safety barriers around pools.


Swimming Pool and Spa owners are required by law to meet Government standards regarding swimming pool regulations and are also expected to regularly maintain safety barriers around their swimming pool and spa in accordance with the Australian Standard AS1926.1.

Code HQ can help you comply with these swimming pool regulations by providing a thorough Swimming Pool Safety Barrier assessment to ensure that all new fences and gates comply with AS1926.1

Pool Fencing Requirements

Adding to the point above, prior to the commencement of construction of any swimming pool, there are set requirements and regulations for pool fences that need to be undergone in order to increase functionality and promote safety.


While pool fence regulations vary depending on which state in Australia, Victoria must adhere to the current Australian Standard AS1926.1. That being said though, the standard criteria and requirements for swimming pool fencing generally across Australia consist of:



  • The minimum pool fencing height must be 1200mm
  • A minimum of 900mm must be kept from the top of the fence to climbable objects such as trees, pergolas, plants, furniture, etc.
  • Gaps in the fencing must be no larger than 100mm
  • Pool gates must be self closing and swing away from the pool
  • Pool gate latches must be mounted facing towards the pool

Have some questions that weren't featured in the article?– Get in touch with us today for more information on your specific situation. 


Please submit your contact details and specifics of your project to receive a response from one of our staff. For most quotes, please allow up to 24 hours for a response. Larger projects are typically processed within 48 hours.


If you have not received a response within that time, please do not hesitate to contact us again!

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