Pool Safety Useful Guides

Yes. In Victoria, any pool or spa that can hold more than 300mm of water requires a Building Permit before installation begins. This applies to both in-ground and above-ground pools, plunge pools, container pools, and outdoor spas.

Once all required documentation is prepared and submitted, most Building Permits are issued in around 1–2 weeks. Timing can vary depending on council requirements, property constraints (easements, overlays, setbacks), and the completeness of the plans.

A Planning Permit relates to how the land can be used or developed — for example, overlays, neighbourhood character, and siting rules.

A Building Permit focuses on safety and technical compliance — structural design, barrier compliance, setbacks, excavation safety, etc.
Not all properties need a Planning Permit.

However, if a Planning Permit is required, it must be issued before the Building Permit can be granted.

An easement is an area of land on your title that another authority (e.g., council or water authority) has the right to access to maintain services such as stormwater, sewer, or power.
If your building project is positioned near or over an easement, you may require Build Over Easement consent from the relevant authority. Whether approval is granted depends on what infrastructure is located underneath and the impact of your works.

Some fees — such as application fees, authority consent fees, and land information searches — are not fixed statewide. Councils and water authorities set their own fee structures, so costs can vary based on location and which services are affected by your proposed works.

An Asset Protection Permit is required by many councils before construction begins to ensure public assets such as footpaths, kerbs, drains, trees and nature strips are not damaged during works.

If damage occurs, the council may require repairs. This permit is commonly needed for pool projects where machinery or materials cross the council road reserve.

For Pools and Spas

Your pool or spa can only be used after:

1. All inspections have been completed, and
2. The pool barrier inspection certificate has been issued, and
3. The Certificate of Final inspection has been issued

For decks, shed, verandahs

1. After all inspections have been completed
2. Once you have received Certificate of Final IInspection

For SSDs

1. After all inspections have been completed
2. Once you have received Certificate of Occupancy

Yes! We assist with pools, spas, decks, sheds, small second dwellings, verandahs and pergolas. Click the Contact Us button find out more.