Domestic swimming pool and spa changes
Published on 02 December 2019
The State Government has introduced legislation requiring all private pools and spas to be registered with their local Council. The legislation requires all pools and spas owners to provide confirmation that they comply with existing safety barrier and fencing regulations around private swimming pools and spas to reduce incidences of young children drowning.
Between January 2000 and May 2019 there were 27 fatal drownings of young children in private swimming pools and spas in Victoria.
The new regulations start from 1 December 2019. Pool and spa owners have until 1 June 2020 to register.
The registration of a pool or spa is mandatory under the new regulations.
Under the regulations, the need for registration would also include relocatable swimming pools and spas erected for more than three consecutive days.
Following registration, owners will be required to engage a registered building surveyor or building inspector to inspect and certify the compliance of their safety barrier every 4 years.
The first round of compliance certificates for older pools is due on the 1 June 2021.
The new regulations now make the owner the primary person responsible for registering a pool or spa, with a requirement to engage a qualified person to perform inspections, and lodge proof of compliance resulting from that inspection with Council within the required timeframe. Periodic mandatory inspections will also be required.
What are the new regulations
All permanent pools and spas and most relocatable ones capable of holding water to a depth greater than 30cm must be registered.
These include:
- inflatable pools
- above ground pools
- indoor pools
- hot tubs
- bathing or wading pools.
The State Government has introduced the new mandatory safety regulations in a bid to reduce the incidence of drownings particularly among young children.
Owners are required to have a registered building surveyor or inspector certify that their pool or spa safety barrier is compliant every four years.
Who has to register
Existing pools and spas must be registered by 1 June 2020.
The registration of a pool or spa is mandatory under the new regulations.
Pools and spas constructed on or after 1 June 2020
For pools and spas constructed after 1 June 2020, registration must be lodged within 30 days of the issue of an occupancy permit or certificate of final inspection.
Start your registration process
Register, book inspection and lodge certificate online - Swimming Pools and Spas
More information
Victorian Building Authority Swimming Pools and Spas regulations
Contact Council on 9518 3555.