A spa pool or swim spa can be a great way for families to relax and spend time together, but warm water and small children are a mix that needs extra care.

To keep your spa a safe, stress-free space for everyone, we’ve put together a guide to the key rules and practical habits that help protect kids in and around spas.

Spa Safety Rules You Must Follow Under NSW Law

Set up a child-safe barrier or lockable cover

The simplest way to keep things kid-friendly is to make sure the spa is securely closed off when it’s not in use. A secure cover or barrier stops little ones climbing in the spa unnoticed and gives you a vital layer of protection between swims.

Make sure you use a lockable, child-resistant spa cover that one person can secure. If you don’t have a lockable cover, you’ll need to install a compliant safety fence around the spa.

For full legal details on safety fencing requirements, see our Sydney spa regulations guide.

Supervise your child at all times

Active supervision is essential around any spa, swim spa, or pool. Keep young children within arm’s reach and never leave them unattended, even for a moment.

Keep CPR instructions visible for everyone

In an emergency, clear CPR steps can save a life. Having a CPR sign displayed near your spa means any adult (family, friends, babysitters) can follow the right process straight away.

Check that the sign is easy to spot and still readable, and take a minute to make sure everyone in your household knows where it is and what to do.

Additional Tips for Child Safety Around Spas

Don’t rely on floaties for safety

Although there’s no specific legislation around your children wearing floaties in the spa pool or swim spa, you should never rely on these as a safety measure. If your child is under five years old, it’s still best for you to be in the spa pool with them. If they are over five and you are supervising them from outside, make sure to constantly monitor them, as a floatation divide isn’t always reliable.

Make sure your child stays hydrated

As well as supervising your child in the water, it’s also essential to keep them hydrated, especially if the water is heated. Your child must drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. The same applies to adults, so bear this in mind, (especially if you’re having a beer!).

Schedule regular breaks

Warm water can tire kids out faster than you realise, so pay attention to how long your child stays in the spa or swim spa. Safe swim time varies with their age and the water temperature, but as a general guide, we recommend a break after about 20 minutes.

Featured Guide: Why Swim Spas are Great for Kids

Keep the water clean & safe to swim in

Keep your spa water properly treated and tested. Poor water quality can cause skin and eye irritation and increase infection risk, especially for kids.

Check out our spa maintenance guide for information on how to balance your spa water properly.

Enjoy Your Spa with Peace of Mind

With the right cover or barrier, active supervision, and simple habits like hydration and breaks, your spa can be a safe space for the whole family.

If you’re buying a new spa or want to check that your current setup is child-safe and compliant, talk to the team at mySpa Sydney. We’ll help you choose the safest option for your home and handle the compliance details so you can relax and enjoy your spa worry-free.