Safety Laws for Owners of Pools & Spas

New laws introduced by the Victorian Government in December 2019 require that any swimming pool or spa that can hold water to depth greater than 30cm must be registered with your local council , and your swimming pool or spa barrier must be inspected and certified every four years.

The following checklists are designed to enable you to assess the safety of your barrier. The checklists are based on the relevant barrier standard associated with the date your swimming pool or spa was installed.

Barrier requirements

All swimming pools and spas capable of containing water to a depth greater than 30cm must have a compliant safety barrier to restrict access by young children (under the age of five).

These rules apply regardless of whether young children live at the property or visit the property.

Barriers are required for:

  • in-ground pools and spas

  • above-ground pools and spas, including relocatable and inflatable pools that are capable of holding more than 30cm depth of water and require assembly on site

  • indoor pools and spas

  • bathing and wading pools capable of containing more than 30cm depth of water.

Barriers are not required for:

  • inflatable swimming pools (typically toddler or wading pools) that cannot contain a water depth greater than 30cm

  • bird baths

  • fountains

  • water supply/storage tanks

  • fish ponds

  • dams

  • baths used for personal hygiene and emptied after each use

  • indoor spa baths used for personal hygiene and emptied after each use

  • pools or spas that cannot contain a water depth of more than 30cm.

Registration and inspection requirements

All pool or spa owners must:

  1. Register the pool or spa with council. Your local council website will have information on how to do this.

  2. Arrange for a registered swimming pool inspector, building inspector or building surveyor to inspect the pool barrier for compliance. If required, rectify any issues identified by the inspection. THAT IS US! CLICK HERE TO BOOK

  3. Submit the barrier compliance certificate issued by the inspector to council within 30 days of receipt.

  4. Get the pool inspected every four years to obtain a new barrier compliance certificate and lodge it with council.

References & Links:

- Building Regulations 2018 - This provides the legal framework for pool safety regulations in Victoria.
- Victorian Building Authority (VBA) - The VBA website offers comprehensive guidelines, checklists, and resources for pool owners.
- Royal Life Saving Society – Australia - For statistics on pool-related incidents and general water safety guidelines.
- Consumer Affairs Victoria - Provides information on pool and spa safety, including compliance and registration details.
- Pool Safety Council Guidelines - A detailed guide on pool safety measures, including fencing requirements - search your local council website for more information