SPASA is aware that in South Australia, different councils have different positions regarding the classification and treatment of pool water heaters, also known as ‘heat pumps’. Some councils are asking for Planning Consent or requiring the same locational criteria as pool water pumps, insisting they be placed either 12m from the nearest habitable room on neighbouring property, or 5m if enclosed in a solid acoustic structure.
Councils’ inconsistent and contradictory positions cause frustration, confusion for members and their clients, and in the case of requiring a water heater to be enclosed in a solid acoustic structure, can potentially be dangerous.
SPASA’s Position
SPASA’s position is that electric water heaters should be clearly exempted from potentially damaging acoustic enclosure requirements, and be treated the same as air-conditioners and domestic hot water heaters, which are not subjected to the same locational or noise restrictions as pool water pumps.
Strategic Direction
Since the start of 2025, SPASA has been working on a strategic project related to electric water heaters, proactively engaging with the South Australian state government and increasing our contact with local government.
SPASA’s goal is to update the relevant wording in the Planning and Design Code (PDC) which relates to pool pumps, water heaters, and air handling units, to provide greater clarity and reflect the intention of the direction. This will in-turn provide councils with clearer instructions and lead to consistency throughout the state.
State Government Advocacy
Responding to the State Planning Commission’s Assessment Improvements Code Amendment consultation earlier this year, which was focused on improvements to the PDC, SPASA made a submission which addressed key points regarding acoustic treatments and enclosures of pool pumps, as well as soft landscaping requirements.
In subsequent discussions we raised the issue of the treatment and definition of ‘heat pumps’ within the PDC, providing further context around their installation requirements, and drawing comparisons with air conditioners and other domestic water heating systems.
Recent Positive Developments
Two recent situations have highlighted the positive steps that are being taken is this area.
SPASA member Peter Xerri, from BRC Private Certifiers has been working to assist members with one council who were requiring a development application for the installation of an electric water heater. Council had taken this position after receiving certain legal advice, however after months of discussion, they have sought further advice and advised that they have revised their position.
“… a pool heat pump is considered to be more similar to an air-conditioning unit than a traditional [water] pump… and typically needs to be placed in an open area or a well-ventilated structure.”
Council did note that the water heater should still be indicated on plans to ensure compliance of the pool fencing has not been breached.
“A heat pump, as part of the pool heating system, can be considered a “swimming pool safety feature” under the PDI Act and Regulations. Its inclusion does not prevent a pool from being classified as [an] accepted development, provided the filtration system meets its locational criteria.”
In another situation, SPASA has been working to assist members with a different council who had obtained legal advice which suggested that because the heat pump is connected to the pool water pump and filtration system, it forms part of the ‘fixed pool plant and equipment’ referenced in the Planning and Design Code, and therefore must either meet distance requirements or be placed within an acoustic enclosure.
While Council has held to its position, they have agreed to a performance solution which allows the water heater to be placed in the ideal position, without an acoustic enclosure, subject to an acoustic report. While this isn’t the perfect outcome it is a clear step in a positive direction and acknowledges the flexibility which is necessary moving forward.
Ongoing Council Relations
These two situations are clearly a big step in the right direction and provide some precedent and weight to future discussions.
SPASA is engaging with councils across the state and is able to provide advice and broader context in addressing these inconsistencies. If you have a situation with council, SPASA recommends that you arrange a phone call, or ideally a short face-to-face meeting to discuss the situation. Email can be used to provide documentation and reports; however, a conversation goes a long way to resolving misunderstandings which come from lengthy email threads.
If you continue to have an issue with a council, and would like some support, please contact SPASA via members@spasa.com.au or 1300 021 482. If you’re not a SPASA member, become a member today.