Image of swimming pool with round floatie on top

Installing a new pool or spa is an exciting time that requires a great deal of planning to ensure the project goes to plan. Before you dive in, do your due diligence.

Consumer and Business Services has a few tips to help ensure that your new pool or spa does not leave you with that sinking feeling.

Contracting and installation of a pool or spa is much like any other building or home renovation job, requiring some simple but important checks, as well as meeting strict safety guidelines stipulated by Australian Standards and regulated by local councils such as pool barriers and skimmer boxes.

Licensed tradespeople are required because pools and spa inevitably involve excavation, water recirculation systems, concreting and barriers, with a likelihood of paving and water features.


Check their licence

Before engaging a pool builder make sure they have a licence for the type of work proposed.

You can check a licence by:

  • asking to see their digital licence on their phone or tablet
  • checking their plastic licence card
  • looking up their licence details on the licensing register
  • phoning Consumer and Business Services (CBS) on 131 882.

Licensed tradespeople such as pool builders need to meet a minimum standard to gain a licence or registration with CBS. This vetting process helps to protect consumers.

Check their reputation

Ask your friends and family if they can recommend a pool builder they used in the past to gauge satisfaction. You can also check with the Swimming Pool & Spa Association or consider researching reviews online.

Get three quotes

Pool and spa prices and approaches may vary due to a number of factors, so before you decide on one particular pool builder, ask for detailed quotes from three different pool building businesses, so you can compare prices.

A building contract will be provided for signing after you have selected your preferred pool builder. Make sure the contract reflects what was agreed in the quote and lists the tasks to be undertaken.

Before you agree to anything:

  • make sure you understand what is in the quote or contract along with what actual products, systems and tasks are to be delivered
  • ensure you sign a fixed price contract
  • understand that the price may change in limited circumstances.

It's important to note that if there are any changes to the quote or subsequent building contract, get it in writing!

Check the insurance

With most pool and spa projects exceeding $12,000 and requiring council approval, the pool builder must take out Building Indemnity Insurance.

You can easily check your building insurance at https://www.qbe.com/au/builders-warranty/certificate-register.

Know your rights

Before you consider building or renovating, make sure you’re aware of your rights.

There are clear rules around pool and spa building projects, which include:


For more information

See more building and renovating tips to stay protected and this comprehensive Building, extending & renovating a home brochure to make sure you're best protected.

Additional information can be found by contacting the Swimming Pool & Spa Association.

If you find that a pool builder does not have a licence, please report them to CBS. The pool builder could be breaking the law by operating unlicensed. Potential penalties of up to $20,000 could apply.