Pool Removal in Geelong

The Commission says a pool or spa remains registered until it is removed from the register. The City of Greater Geelong asks you to tell it, so that it can remove the pool from its register, and lists evidence that the pool has been removed, such as photos, among what to provide. Its fee list shows A$167.00 for subsequent visit and decommission inspections.

The City's permits

The City says an Asset Protection Permit is required before beginning any demolition, construction or other building works on a property, and wants the application at least three weeks before works begin. The works its page lists include installing a pool and do not name removing one, so ask the City whether your job needs a permit. The City also says building permits are required for almost all new buildings, alterations, demolition and change of use. Its pages do not say whether filling in or removing a pool is one of them, so ask that too.

Who does the work, and the barrier until then

Consumer Affairs Victoria says a building practitioner must be registered to carry out work worth more than A$10,000, except for work involving only one of a listed set of trades, and that a person using a combination of skills on one job must be registered. The Commission's pool class is limited to constructing pools and spas, and none of its pages read for this site says which class covers removing one. Ask the provider which registration they hold, and for what. The Commission also says every pool capable of containing water deeper than 30 cm must have a compliant safety barrier, so ask what will stand between the first day of work and the day the pool can no longer hold that depth.

Parts of the City sit under flood and coastal inundation overlays, which can bear on digging and filling at an address. The suburb pages say what the sources say for four places, and the costs page lists every rule with its source.

Do I have to tell the council?

In effect, yes. A pool stays on the register until the council is satisfied it no longer exists or can no longer hold water deeper than 30 cm, and the Commission says you must advise your council.

Is there a council fee?

The City of Greater Geelong's fee list shows A$167.00 for subsequent visit and decommission inspections. Ask the City whether an inspection applies to your pool.

Does removing a pool need a permit?

The City's pages do not say. Its Asset Protection Permit page lists installing a pool, not removing one, and its building permit page does not mention filling in or removing a pool. Ask the City.