VICTORIAN BARRIER LAWS

 

Pool and spa registration and inspection requirements

As a pool or spa owner you need to complete the following:

1. Register your pool with your local council:

   • Pools constructed on or before 30 June 1994 - 1 June 2022

   • Pools constructed from 1 July 1004 to 30 April 2010 - 1 June 2023

   • Pools constructed from 1 May to 31 October 2021 - 1 June 2024

   • Pools constructed from 1 November 2021 - Your first certificate of barrier compliance must be lodged within 30 days of the date of issue of the certificate. This certificate must accompany your application for registration.

2. Organise an inspection of your pool barrier by a registered swimming pool inspector

3. Rectify any issues identified by your pool inspection

4. Submit a certificate of compliance to your council by the due date

Find out more about:

• pool and spa registration requirements

• pool and spa inspection and compliance

• pool safety barriers

• installing a new pool or spa.

Checklists - If you already have a pool or spa

As a pool or spa owner, you have an obligation to maintain the operation of your swimming pool or spa barrier to prevent access to the pool or spa.

The following checklists will help you assess the safety of your barrier. The checklists are based on the relevant barrier standard associated with the date that the pool or spa was installed.

• Checklist 1 (for pools and spas installed before 8 April 1991) 

• Checklist 2 (for pools and spas installed between 8 April 1991 and 30 April 2010) 

• Checklist 3 (for pools and spas installed from 1 May 2010)

If you are having any work done on an existing safety barrier, a permit may need to be issued to alter the barrier. Work to alter an existing barrier will need to comply with the current Regulations. Check with your local council or building surveyor for advice.

If you are planning to get a pool or spa

In Victoria, the design, construction and installation of swimming pools, spas and safety barriers are subject to strict requirements under the Regulations.

Swimming pools, spas and safety barriers must comply with several requirements, including:

• being constructed by a domestic builder registered in the appropriate category or class, or an owner-builder who have an owner-builder certificate of consent

• have self-latching and self-closing pool gates

• safety barriers must comply with AS1926.1-2012.

Property owners and occupants are responsible for making sure pool barriers are maintained, repaired and kept in working order. A new outdoor pool or spa must not have direct access from any building.

For more information

visit www.vba.vic.gov.au/consumers/swimming-pools

Resources

Building Act 1993

Building Regulations 2018

Building Amendment (Swimming Pool and Spa) Regulations 2019