The Victorian Government has introduced mandatory laws to improve swimming pool and spa safety. If you own a private pool or spa, it is now compulsory to register it and have the pool safety barriers inspected. The deadline for mandatory registration was November 1, 2020, but ongoing compliance remains essential.
Under these laws, pool and spa owners must ensure their safety barriers meet the required standards. A compliance certificate must be lodged with the local council, and if the barrier is non-compliant, it is the owner’s responsibility to address the issue.
These regulations apply to permanent pools, including above-ground, in-ground, indoor, hot tubs/spas, and some relocatable pools. For relocatable pools erected for three or more consecutive days, registration and compliance requirements also apply, except for small, fully inflatable pools requiring no assembly.
For assistance with pool registration or barrier compliance, Bayside Peninsula Pool Compliance is here to help you navigate the process and ensure your pool meets the standards. Contact your local council for portal access, or let us assist you in achieving safety compliance.
Understanding Pool Inspections
Pool inspections in Melbourne are essential for ensuring your pool’s safety and compliance with local regulations. These checks assess key safety features like barriers, gates, latches, non-climbable zones and more.
By knowing what these inspections involve, homeowners can fix potential hazards early and keep their pool safe and compliant with the law.
Legal Requirements and Compliance
Melbourne enforces strict pool safety laws to reduce drowning risks and ensure user safety. Regular pool compliance inspections are mandatory to ensure that safety measures meet the required standards.
Homeowners must follow these regulations to create a safe swimming environment and avoid risks or liabilities linked to pool ownership.
Types of Pool Inspections
In Melbourne, there are two main types of pool inspections:
- Pool Compliance Inspections: Check the overall safety of the pool area, including barriers, gates, and surroundings, to meet regulations.
- Pool Fence Inspections: Focus on the strength and effectiveness of fences and gates to prevent accidents or unauthorised access.
How to Prepare for a Swimming Pool Inspection?
To prepare for an inspection:
- Check your pool area for any safety issues or non-compliance.
- Gather documents like permits, past inspection reports, maintenance records, and warranties to help inspectors understand the pool’s history.
Common Problems Found in Pool Inspections
Inspectors often find issues like:
- Non-compliant barriers.
- Broken gates or latches.
- Missing or inadequate signage.
- Unsafe pool depths or equipment placement.
Fix these problems quickly to ensure your pool is safe and meets regulations.
Comprehensive Guide to Pool Inspections
When scheduling a pool inspection, here’s what to expect:
- Focus on Safety Barriers: Inspectors check fences and gates to ensure they meet Victorian safety standards, including proper height, strength, and no climbable objects nearby. Gaps larger than 100mm and improper gate operation are common issues.
- Gate and Latch Checks: Gates must be self-closing and self-latching from all positions. Gates that don’t work correctly will fail the inspection.
- General Area Inspection: Surroundings are inspected for risks like climbable trees or structures near the pool. The area must be free of items that could help children climb over barriers.
- Compliance and Certificate: A compliance certificate is issued if the pool meets safety standards. If not, repairs must be made to pass.
The purpose is to ensure your pool complies with regulations and provides a safe environment.
After the Inspection: Your Report
After the inspection, you’ll get a detailed report showing the findings and recommendations for fixing any issues. Review it carefully to understand the problems and how to resolve them.
Following the recommendations helps ensure your pool is safe and meets compliance standards, creating a secure environment for everyone.
What Happens in the Case of Non-Compliant Barriers?
If your pool barrier is non-compliant, the inspector may:
- Issue a Non-Compliance Certificate immediately.
- Give a Written Notice with:
- Details of the issues to fix.
- A deadline (up to 60 days) for compliance.
- A date for reinspection.
After reinspection:
- If the barrier is compliant, a Compliance Certificate is issued, which must be lodged with the council.
- If still non-compliant but progress is shown, you may get 7 extra days to fix it. Otherwise, a Non-Compliance Certificate is issued and sent to the council, with a copy for you. You’ll also need to pay a fee.
Next Steps
When the council gets a Non-Compliance Certificate, they may:
- Issue a Barrier Improvement Notice for minor issues, detailing what to fix and the deadline.
- Issue a notice or order under the Building Act 1993 for serious non-compliance.
Why Trust Leigh, a Licensed Pool Safety Inspector in Melbourne?
Leigh is a qualified pool inspector with expert knowledge of Victoria’s safety standards. He provides fast digital compliance reports and certificates within 24 hours. If your pool is non-compliant, he offers a FREE re-inspection after you make the necessary changes.
For expiring compliance certificates or pool safety advice, contact Leigh today!