Plans
A private swimming pool is on the national minor building work list, which allows a council to waive full plans. Johannesburg lists swimming pools as a plan submission category with its own checklist, and Ekurhuleni charges a pool fee of R647.07 per plan (2026/27). Check with Tshwane and the other councils how they handle pools.
The drawing shows the pool's position relative to the boundaries, the house and any servitudes, and the safety barrier.
The safety rule
Regulation D4 makes the owner of a property with a pool responsible for controlling access to it, and not doing so is an offence. SANS 10400-D's deemed-to-satisfy rules:
- a wall or fence so nobody can reach the pool from the street, a public place or a neighbouring property except through a gate or the house
- at least 1.2 m high
- no opening a 100 mm ball can pass through
- a gate that is self-closing, self-latching and lockable
Backwash and pool water may not be discharged into the street without the council's permission.
Sources
- SANS 10400-A:2010, Regulations A1 and A2 (minor building work)
- SANS 10400-D:2011, public safety (swimming pools, balustrades)
- City of Johannesburg CPMS submission checklists (minor works list)
- Ekurhuleni Schedule 7 tariffs 2026/27
- City of Tshwane tariffs 2025/26, Schedule 16
Checked October 2026. Councils change their tariffs every July, so confirm fees before you pay.