NCC 2016 Volume Two
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Part 3.9.3 Swimming Pools

Part 3.9.3 Swimming Pools

Appropriate Performance Requirements

Appropriate Performance Requirements:

  1. Where an alternative swimming pool safety barrier is proposed as a Performance Solution to that described in Part 3.9.3, that proposal must comply with—
    1. Performance RequirementP2.5.3; and
    2. the relevant Performance Requirements determined in accordance with 1.0.7.
  2. Where an alternative swimming pool water recirculation system is proposed as an Performance Solution to that described in Part 3.9.3, that proposal must comply with—
    1. Performance RequirementP2.5.4; and
    2. the relevant Performance Requirements determined in accordance with 1.0.7.

Explanatory information

Explanatory information:

Part 3.12.5 contains requirements for swimming pool and spa pool heating and pumping. In specific circumstances, 3.12.5 requires a swimming or spa pool to have a cover to reduce evaporation and subsequent heat loss, and time switches to control the operation of the heater.

Explanatory information

Explanatory information:

In addition to the requirements of this Part, a swimming pool must comply with the structural requirements of the Housing Provisions. The structural requirements refer to the swimming pool being designed and constructed to withstand any combinations of loads and other actions to which it may reasonably be subjected and the structural resistance of the materials and forms of construction used in the swimming pool.

Acceptable construction manuals

3.9.3.0

(a)

P2.5.3 is satisfied for a swimming pool with a depth of water more than 300 mm and which is associated with a Class 1 building, if it has safety barriers installed in accordance with AS 1926 Parts 1 and 2.

(b)

P2.5.4 is satisfied for a water recirculation system of a swimming pool with a depth of water more than 300 mm, if it complies with AS 1926.3.

Explanatory information

Explanatory information:

The BCA definition of swimming pool is specific in including a bathing or wading pool and a spa. The requirements of AS 1926.3 apply to all types of pools defined as swimming pools under the BCA, irrespective of the definition in the Standard.

The swimming pool water recirculation system requirements seek to minimise the risk of entrapment or injury of people using the swimming pool and provide for the safe operation of skimmer boxes and outlet systems.

STATE AND TERRITORY VARIATIONS

STATE AND TERRITORY VARIATIONS

1. Part 3.9.3.0(a) applies in New South Wales to the technical construction requirements for barriers to restrict access to swimming pools, subject to out-of-ground pool walls and the walls of above ground pools, including inflatable pools, not being considered to be effective barriers.

Note: The Swimming Pools Act 1992 and the Swimming Pools Regulation 2008, applicable to swimming pools with a depth of water of more than 300 mm, regulate the circumstances in which a barrier is required and prevail in the case of any inconsistency.

2. Part 3.9.3.0(a) does not apply in Queensland.

Note: Restriction of access to swimming pools in Queensland is regulated under the Building Act 1975.

3. Part 3.9.3.0(a) does not apply in the Northern Territory.

4. In South Australia delete Part 3.9.3.0(a) and Part 3.9.3.0(b) and add SA 3.9.3.0(a) and SA 3.9.3.0(b) as follows:

(a)

P2.5.3 is satisfied for a swimming pool with a depth of water more than 300 mm and which is associated with a Class 1 building, if it has safety barriers installed in accordance with AS 1926 Parts 1 and 2.

(i)

This requirement also applies to any habitable room or a building with a habitable room within the pool area.

(ii)

If a building or structure could allow access by young children from outside the pool area to inside the pool area, a barrier must be installed in accordance with AS 1926.1 Parts 1 and 2 to restrict access from the building or structure to the pool area.

(b)

P2.5.4 is satisfied for a water recirculation system of a swimming pool with a depth of water more than 300 mm, if it complies with AS 1926.3. For the purpose of clause 6.1.1 of AS 1926.3, a skimmer box is an outlet and must have a means of releasing the vacuum pressure should the suction become blocked.

Explanatory information

Explanatory information: Cross-volume considerations

Part C2 of NCC Volume Three sets out the requirements for pumped discharge from swimming pools.