Can I decommission or remove a pool before registration?
Yes. The Victorian Building Authority has provided the following guideline when it comes to decommissioning a pool for its principal purpose of swimming, wading, paddling, bathing and similar.
Relocatable pools
Complete dismantling of pool if above ground. Otherwise at least the removal of the pool liner, access ladder and filtration system and ensure the remaining components cannot hold water to a depth of more than 300 mm.
Total removal of an inground swimming pool
A building permit to demolish is required (if the exemptions in Schedule 3 of the Regulations do not apply). Consideration needs to be given to the setback from the boundary and whether the demolition will have an adverse effect on the adjoining property. The excavation will need to be filled with appropriate soil for the site and compacted in layers with a maximum depth of 300mm (or as determined by an engineer taking site conditions into account).
In-ground pools
In- ground pools can either be left in situ and buried or made incapable of holding water to a depth of more than 300mm. The process can include:
-to cut at least two holes at least 500mm x 500mm in the deep end of the pool (or as determined by an engineer taking site conditions into account);
-to remove debris from cut outs; to remove filtration system and access ladders;
-to fill the pool excavation with appropriate fill material compacted in layers with a maximum depth of 300mm (or as determined by an engineer taking site conditions into account).
-Consideration can also be given to cutting down the side walls.
The Municipal Building Surveyor is the regulator on whether a pool is deemed to be a decommissioned pool. Council maintains a separate register of decommissioned pool/spa, relocatable pool/spa and method of decommissioning.
Council reminds owners of permanent pools that have been decommissioned and remain on site, that although the pool is taken off the permanent pool/spa register and is considered decommissioned, an application for a building permit will be needed to recommission the pool and install the required safety barrier and filtration system.