Find out answers to common questions about pool safety and our services related to it.
In 2019, the Victorian Government introduced new regulations for private swimming pools and spas, after numerous coronial investigations found that unmaintained and non-compliant pool barriers had contributed to the deaths of children in backyard pools.
Owners of land where a swimming pool or spa is located were required to register their pool with their local Council by 1 November 2020.
In Victoria, all swimming pools and spas capable of containing water greater than 300 mm (30 cm) must have a compliant safety barrier to restrict access to the pool area by young children (under the age of five).
Yes – it is mandatory for all land owners in Victoria to register any pool or spa on their property.
Of the 27 drownings that have occurred in Victoria since 2000, 12 involved children who were not residents of the property. In one case, the child had entered the pool area without the knowledge of the property owner.
After registering your pool or spa, the relevant Council is required to send you the following written information, confirming as follows:
No. The first thing you need to do as part of the barrier inspection process is contact your local council to register your pool or spa.
You’ll receive a letter from them, and based on the information provided, the Standard applicable to your pool/spa will be clear.
Once you have that information, you can get in contact with us and we’ll arrange your inspection.
For a swimming pool or spa construction on or before 30 June 1994, a compliance certificate must be lodged by 1 June 2022.
For a swimming pool or spa constructed between 1 July 1994 and 30 April 2010, a compliance certificate must be lodged by 1 June 2023.
For a swimming pool or spa constructed between 1 May 2010 and 31 Oct 2020, a compliance certificate must be lodged by 1 June 2024.
There are many reasons, however, perhaps the most common and the simplest and easiest to fix are to ensure the following:
A detailed Checklist (specific to the date of your pool/spa) is available via the VBA website - Pool safety barriers | Victorian Building Authority (vba.vic.gov.au)
If your pool/spa doesn’t comply with the relevant Standard, we’ll provide you with a report letting you know what needs to be done to make the barrier compliant.
You’ll then have up to 60 days to complete the work and have the pool re-inspected. If the barrier is still not compliant, we are required to notify the relevant local Council.
Pool Safety Barrier Inspectors must issue a Form 24 immediately following an inspection if the barrier does not comply with the applicable barrier standard in any of the following ways:
Geelong Pool Safe Inspect Victoria strongly recommends all pool owners check their safety barrier to ensure the above areas of non-compliance are resolved immediately and prior to inspection.
You can access more information about safety barrier standards and the new regulations from the Victorian Building Authority website.
All swimming pools and spas that fall within the requirements of the Building Act must have a compliant safety barrier in place. Broadly, these include all permanent pools and spas and most relocatable pools and relocatable spas that are capable of holding a depth of water greater than 30cm.
Small inflatable pools that do not contain multiple components and do not require any assembly are not subject to the barrier requirements. An example of such a product is a small inflatable pool that requires no assembly other than inflation.
