Information

Pool Safety Information and Pool Fence Regulations Victoria

In Victoria, the construction and installation of swimming pools, spas and safety barriers and barrier maintenance are all subject to the requirements of the Building Regulations 2018 and relevant Australian Standards.

Swimming pool owners must meet the compliance requirements for their safety barriers. This may include sections of your home, garage or boundary fence that form part of the pool/spa area.

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Why the change in Victoria?

On average, four young children die in Victoria in home swimming pools or spas each year, and many more are taken to hospital for near-drownings.

The social and economical impacts that are caused by these tragedies extend well beyond those whose lives are immediately impacted.

(More information is available upon request).

These regulations are aimed at protecting young lives.

For your own financial security you should understand that compliance with legislation is an important aspect to public-liability insurance and health/disability insurance.

OWNER OBLIGATIONS

Pool & Spa Owners must ensure they have a compliant safety barrier in accordance with the legislation and relevant Australian Standards

Owners must also ensure their pool and/or spa is registered with their local council.

This applies to permanent and relocatable pools and spas. This also applies to inflatable pools capable of holding a depth of water greater than 300 mm.

The obligations for legislative compliance rests on the pool Owner.

BARRIER REQUIREMENTS

All swimming pools and spas 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)

Barriers are required for:

in-ground pools and spas
above-ground pools and spas, including inflatable pools, holding more than 300 mm (30 cm) of water
indoor pools and spas
bathing and wading pools containing more than 300 mm (30 cm) of water.

OUR SERVICE

We provide a pool safety barrier inspection and consultancy service to ensure you meet your legislative responsibilities.

We will provide you with a ‘certificate of compliance’ or a detailed report explaining what requirements are needed to obtain compliance.

We can also assist you with the council registration process.

COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATES

The ‘Certificate of Barrier Compliance’ is valid for 4 years from the date of issue. This is only issued following a Safety Barrier Inspection.

Whilst the earliest deadline for lodging Certificates is November 2021 pool owners are encouraged to beat the anticiapted rush towards that date.

If you are intending to sell your home some vendors are requesting the Certification is written into the Section 32 Contract. Whilst it is not mandatory now it will be a requirement from November 2021.

WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW?

You must register your pool or spa with your local Council before 1 November 2020.
The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) provides a ‘self assessment’ checklist to guide owners on their compliance status. This is a useful tool to assist owners to obtain compliance prior to any swimming pool inspection.
Once you have your ‘Council registration letter’ contact us to discuss which Inspection suits your needs.

We can provide you with more information and answer any questions.