Decommission a Swimming Pool or Spa

If you have decided that you want to decommission your pool or spa, there are various ways that this can be achieved.

Once you have completed the decommissioning or removal of the pool/spa, Council will inspect and can then remove the pool/spa from Council's register. 

Step 1. Decommission the Pool/Spa

Depending on the type of pool/spa the decommissioning can be achieved in a number of ways as listed below, noting that advice from an engineer may be required.

The objective of the decommissioning should be that the structure cannot hold water to a depth of more than 300mm. Once council is satisfied that this is the case, then the pool can be removed from councils register.

Remove an Above-Ground Swimming Pool

Above-ground pools should be completely dismantled. At minimum the removal of the swimming pool liner, access ladder and filtration system, and ensuring the remaining components cannot hold water to a depth of more than 300mm.

In-Ground Swimming Pools 

In-ground swimming pools can either be left in-situ and buried or made incapable of holding water to a depth of more than 300mm. The process can include the following steps: 1. Cut at least two holes at least 500mm x 500mm in the deep end of the swimming pool (or as determined by an engineer taking site conditions into account). 2. Remove debris from cut outs. 3. Remove filtration system and access ladders. 4. Fill the swimming pool excavation with appropriate fill material (compacted in layers), with a maximum depth of 300mm (or as determined by an engineer taking site conditions into account).

Total Removal of an In-Ground Swimming Pool

A Demolition Permit may be required for the complete removal of an in-ground pool. Consideration needs to be given to the setback from the boundary and whether the demolition will have an adverse effect on the adjoining property. The excavation will need to be filled with appropriate soil for the site and compacted in layers with a maximum depth of 300mm (or as determined by an engineer taking site conditions into account).

Step 2. Inspection and Removal from Council's Register

Once the pool or spa has been decommissioned/removed an inspection must be arranged with Council so that the decommissioning works can be inspected to determine whether the pool or spa can then be removed from the register:

Request Council to inspect your decommissioned pool

More information

Building Department
Phone: 03 8470 8899
Email: swimmingpools@darebin.vic.gov.au