Pool pump sheds and equipment rooms built before 1990 in the Southern Highlands frequently contain asbestos. This is not a theoretical risk, it’s a practical reality for any property where the pool and its infrastructure date from the 1960s through to the mid-1980s. Understanding where asbestos is likely to be found in pool infrastructure, how to identify it, and what must be done before removal starts can save you from unexpected cost blow-outs and ensure workers and your family are protected.
Quick Answer (BLUF)
Asbestos-cement (fibro) sheeting was the standard construction material for small outbuildings, pump sheds, and equipment enclosures in Australia until its use was phased out in the mid-1980s and banned in 2003. Any pool pump shed or equipment room on a Southern Highlands property built before 1990 should be treated as potentially containing asbestos until proven otherwise by a licensed asbestos assessor. Do not demolish any old pump shed or equipment room as part of pool removal works without a prior asbestos inspection.
Why Pool Infrastructure Is Higher Risk Than You’d Expect
The Southern Highlands has a substantial stock of pools installed between the 1960s and early 1990s. The accompanying pump sheds built during that period were overwhelmingly constructed from:
- Fibro (asbestos-cement) sheeting, flat or corrugated asbestos-cement board used for walls and roofs
- Asbestos-cement pipe and fittings, occasionally used in older plumbing systems
- Asbestos-containing sealants and adhesives, used around pipe penetrations and in roof flashing
- Vinyl floor tiles, some older pool surrounds and shed floors used vinyl floor tiles containing chrysotile asbestos
The small, often amateur-built pump shed is a particular risk category, many were constructed by homeowners or local builders using whatever material was cheapest and most available at the time. In the 1970s and early 1980s, fibro sheeting was ubiquitous and cheap.
Identifying Potentially Asbestos-Containing Materials
Before engaging any removal contractor, do a visual assessment of your pump shed and pool surrounds. Indicators that materials may contain asbestos:
| Feature | Potential Asbestos Indicator |
|---|---|
| Flat grey sheeting on walls or roof | Fibro (asbestos-cement) sheeting, very common |
| Corrugated sheeting (grey/silver) | Corrugated fibro, used on many older roofs |
| Pipe lagging or insulation | May contain asbestos thermal insulation |
| Textured paint or textured ceiling | Some textured finishes (particularly “popcorn” ceilings) contain asbestos |
| Old vinyl floor tiles (9” × 9” brown, beige, or black) | Classic size/era associated with asbestos-vinyl |
| Crumbling or friable grey/white material | Potentially friable asbestos, highest risk category |
Visual identification cannot confirm asbestos content, only laboratory testing of a sample can do that. But visual indicators tell you where to focus testing.
The Testing Process
If you suspect asbestos, the process is:
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Engage a licensed asbestos assessor: In NSW, asbestos assessors must hold a SafeWork NSW licence. They will inspect the site, identify suspect materials, and take samples for laboratory analysis.
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Laboratory analysis: Samples are analysed by a NATA-accredited laboratory using polarised light microscopy to determine whether asbestos fibres are present and which type (chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite).
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Assessment report: The assessor provides a written report identifying which materials contain asbestos, the type of asbestos, the condition of the material, and recommendations for management or removal.
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Asbestos register: For properties that are commercial or multi-occupancy, an asbestos register may be required. For residential pool removal, the assessment report serves the practical purpose.
Cost of a residential asbestos assessment in the Southern Highlands: $300 to $800 depending on the scope of inspection.
Asbestos Removal: Who Can Do It?
In NSW, asbestos removal is strictly regulated:
| Asbestos Type | Who Can Remove |
|---|---|
| Non-friable (bonded) asbestos, less than 10m² | Homeowner (with precautions), but professional engagement strongly advised |
| Non-friable (bonded) asbestos, 10m² or more | Licensed asbestos removalist (B-class licence minimum) |
| Friable (loose or crumbling) asbestos | Licensed asbestos removalist (A-class licence mandatory) |
Most pump shed asbestos is non-friable (bonded) fibro sheeting, it holds together and doesn’t release fibres readily unless it’s drilled, cut, or broken. However, weathered or damaged fibro can become friable if it’s been disturbed previously.
The practical advice: for any pump shed with asbestos-containing materials, engage a B-class or A-class licensed asbestos removalist to handle the shed removal before the pool removal contractor begins work. This is not a cost-saving area, the health consequences of asbestos exposure are too serious.
Cost Implications for Pool Removal in the Southern Highlands
Asbestos in a pump shed or pool equipment room adds to the overall pool removal cost:
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Asbestos assessment (inspector visit and report) | $350 to $800 |
| B-class asbestos removal (non-friable, small shed) | $1,500 to $4,000 |
| A-class asbestos removal (friable or large area) | $3,000 to $8,000+ |
| Licensed transport and Class 1 landfill disposal | $500 to $1,500 |
| Air monitoring (sometimes required post-removal) | $500 to $1,500 |
| Total addition to pool removal cost | $2,500 to $10,000+ |
This is why asbestos in a pump shed is classified as a “hidden cost” of pool removal, it isn’t always identified until the site inspection reveals suspect materials, and it can significantly affect the total project cost. See hidden costs of pool removal in the Southern Highlands.
What Contractors Must Do If Asbestos Is Discovered
If asbestos is discovered during pool removal works (not identified in the pre-start inspection), the contractor must:
- Stop work on the affected area immediately
- Notify you as the property owner
- Not proceed until a licensed asbestos assessor has confirmed the material type and condition
- Engage a licensed asbestos removalist for the hazardous material
A reputable contractor will have a protocol for this. An inexperienced or unscrupulous contractor may attempt to continue working around asbestos or handle it informally, which is illegal and dangerous.
Asbestos in the Pool Shell Itself?
The fibreglass or concrete pool shell does not contain asbestos, fibreglass and asbestos are entirely different materials, and pool shells were not made with asbestos. The risk is specifically:
- The pump shed, equipment room, or chemical storage shed
- Old asbestos-cement pipe in the plumbing system (rare but present on some pre-1980s installations)
- Roofing over pool surrounds (some older properties have covered pool areas with asbestos roofing)
- Floor surrounds paved with old asbestos-containing vinyl tiles
The main guide on asbestos in old pool removal covers the full picture of where asbestos is found across the entire pool precinct.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my pump shed has asbestos? You can’t tell from visual inspection alone. If the shed was built before 1990, treat it as potentially containing asbestos until tested. An asbestos assessor can visually identify suspect materials and arrange laboratory testing for confirmation.
Is it safe to work near my pump shed before it’s tested? In good condition, bonded asbestos-cement sheeting poses low risk, it only releases fibres when disturbed (cut, drilled, broken). Avoid disturbing the shed until it’s been assessed. Don’t open walls, cut anything, or clean the shed with pressure or scrubbing until you know what’s in there.
Can my pool removal contractor handle the asbestos removal? Only if they hold an appropriate asbestos removal licence (A-class or B-class). Many pool removal contractors are not licensed asbestos removalists. They should subcontract asbestos removal to a licensed specialist before demolition of the pump shed begins.
Does asbestos in my pump shed affect the time it takes to remove my pool? Yes, asbestos removal must happen before the shed demolition, which adds time before pool removal can proceed. Depending on the asbestos removalist’s schedule, this can add 1-2 weeks to the project timeline.
What happens to removed asbestos-cement material? Asbestos-containing waste in NSW must be transported in appropriate containment (double-bagged) and disposed of at a licensed Class 1 landfill. Only licensed transport carriers with appropriate EPA permits can transport asbestos waste.
If your pump shed or pool area might contain asbestos, don’t delay getting it assessed. Contact Southern Highlands Pool Removals. Testing is carried out by a licensed asbestos assessor, and any confirmed material is removed by a licensed asbestos removalist before demolition proceeds.