Decommission a swimming pool or spa

You must inform Council and arrange an inspection if you want to decommission and remove a swimming pool or spa on your property.

We strongly recommend getting written advice from an engineer before starting this process. This will determine how to remove the pool or spa and which filling material to use.

Key information

Removing in-ground swimming pools and spas

If you remove an in-ground pool or spa and you’re not using a builder, you must arrange an inspection before you refill the hole. If you refill the hole before our inspection, it may delay the decommissioning process.

If you’re using a builder to remove an in-ground pool or spa, they must provide a certificate of compliance as a part of their removal works.

When you submit your request, a member of our team will contact to arrange an inspection.

How to apply

Ensure your removal is compliant

When removing your swimming pool or spa, you must ensure that the area can no longer hold more than 300 ml of water at the deep end of the pool.

The recommended methods to achieve this depends on the type of pool or spa you have:

Above-ground:

  • dismantle and remove the pool or spa

In-ground: 

  • complete demolition and removal – this may require a building permit
  • left in place and filled – cut two holes of at least 500 mm by 500 mm in the deep end of the pool or spa and remove ladder and filtration system. Fill with appropriate material after Council inspection.

Prepare your documents

Before submitting your request, make sure you have the following:

  • images of the removal of your pool or spa
  • images of the excavation showing the cut-out holes (for in-ground pool and spa removals)
  • compliance certificate from your builder (if they did the removal work).

Apply online

To apply to decommission your swimming pool or spa, email your documents to swimmingpools@stonnington.vic.gov.au.

We will send you an invoice once we have processed your application.

 

Cost

Application fee: $185