Bacchus Partners inspects swimming pools and spa pools and issues Swimming Pool Compliance Certificates for property owners across NSW, including Nowra, the Shoalhaven, Wollongong, Illawarra, Southern Highlands, Goulburn and surrounding regions.

If you are selling or leasing a property with a pool, you generally need a valid compliance certificate (or Non-Compliance certificate) before the sale or lease can proceed. The team at Bacchus Partners inspects your pool barrier against the relevant standards, tells you clearly where it stands, and issues a Certificate of Compliance once the barrier meets the requirements.

What is a Swimming Pool Compliance Certificate?

A Swimming Pool Compliance Certificate confirms that a pool or spa barrier meets the safety requirements set under the Swimming Pools Act 1992 and the associated regulation. It is issued after an inspection of the pool barrier, fencing and surrounds.

Pool safety in NSW centres on the barrier. The inspection checks that the fencing, gates, latching and the area around the pool meet the required standard, so that young children cannot get to the water unsupervised.

A Certificate of Compliance is valid for three years from the date it is issued, provided the pool continues to meet the requirements.

When do you need a swimming pool compliance certificate?

Since 29 April 2016, a property with a swimming pool or spa pool generally cannot be sold or leased in NSW without one of the following attached to the contract or tenancy agreement:

  • a valid Certificate of Compliance, or
  • a relevant Occupation Certificate less than three years old, together with evidence of pool registration, or
  • a Certificate of Non-Compliance, in the case of a sale

In practice this means a compliance certificate is most often needed when you are:

  • selling a property with a pool or spa
  • leasing a property with a pool or spa
  • confirming your pool meets current safety requirements
  • finalising certification on a newly built pool

For more detail on owner obligations, the NSW Government sets out what pool owners need to do.

What the inspection covers

A pool barrier inspection looks at whether the barrier as a whole keeps young children away from the water. The inspector checks elements such as:

  • the height and condition of the barrier and fencing
  • gate latching, self-closing and self-latching hardware
  • gaps under and between barrier elements
  • the area immediately around the pool, including climbable objects
  • the resuscitation signage required for the pool area

These requirements come from the Swimming Pools Act 1992, the associated regulation and the relevant Australian Standard for pool barriers.

Compliance or non-compliance

After the inspection, one of two certificates is issued:

  • A Certificate of Compliance confirms the barrier meets the requirements. It is valid for three years.
  • A Certificate of Non-Compliance is issued where the barrier does not yet meet the requirements, and sets out what needs to be fixed.

Pool registration and the NSW Swimming Pool Register

All pools and spa pools in NSW must be registered on the NSW Swimming Pool Register. Registration is separate from compliance: the register records that the pool exists, while the compliance certificate confirms the barrier is safe.

When you sell or lease, both pieces usually matter, so it is worth confirming your pool is registered before you arrange an inspection. Bacchus Partners can point you in the right direction if you are not sure of your pool’s status.

How Bacchus Partners can help with your swimming pool compliance certificate

Bacchus Partners helps property owners, sellers, landlords and agents get pool certification sorted without fuss.

The team can:

  • inspect your pool or spa barrier against the relevant standards
  • tell you clearly where the barrier stands and what, if anything, needs attention
  • issue a Certificate of Compliance where the barrier meets the requirements
  • issue a Certificate of Non-Compliance with a clear list of what to fix, where needed
  • advise on registration and the next steps before a sale or lease

For agents and sellers working to a settlement date, getting the pool looked at early is the difference between a smooth exchange and a last-minute scramble.

Local pool certification across the Shoalhaven, Illawarra and Southern Highlands

Bacchus Partners is based in Nowra and Bomaderry and inspects pools across the Shoalhaven, Illawarra, Southern Highlands, Goulburn and surrounding regions.

The team regularly issues pool compliance certificates in areas such as Nowra, Bomaderry, Worrigee, Berry, Ulladulla, Kiama, Wollongong, Shellharbour, Bowral, Mittagong, Moss Vale and Goulburn.

Why choose Bacchus Partners?

Bacchus Partners has provided building certification since 1999. The business is family-owned and based in Nowra, with experience across residential, commercial and industrial projects.

Led by Paul Bacchus, an A2 accredited certifier with more than 25 years of experience, the team brings clear, practical advice and responsive local service to pool owners across the region.

Related building certification services

Bacchus Partners can also assist with:

Frequently asked questions

When do I need a Swimming Pool Compliance Certificate?

You generally need a valid compliance certificate to sell or lease a property with a pool or spa in NSW. It confirms the pool barrier meets the required safety standards.

How long is a compliance certificate valid?

A Certificate of Compliance is valid for three years from the date it is issued, as long as the pool continues to meet the requirements.

What happens if my pool does not pass?

You receive a Certificate of Non-Compliance that sets out what needs to change. Once the work is done, the barrier can be re-inspected and a Certificate of Compliance issued.

Does my pool need to be registered?

Yes. All pools and spa pools in NSW must be registered on the NSW Swimming Pool Register. Registration is separate from the compliance certificate, and both usually matter when you sell or lease.

Can Bacchus Partners inspect my pool?

Yes. Bacchus Partners inspects pool and spa barriers and issues compliance certificates across the Shoalhaven, Illawarra, Southern Highlands and surrounding regions.

Need a pool compliance certificate?

If you are selling or leasing a property with a pool, or simply want to confirm your barrier is up to standard, Bacchus Partners can inspect it and issue your certificate.

Send through your details and the team will arrange an inspection. Contact Bacchus Partners or call 02 4421 3752.