As summer gets closer, pool and spa owners in Victoria will begin the process of getting their pools and spas ready for summer activities. Sometimes, the important obligation of compliance with pool and spa barriers may be overlooked.
Barriers provide an essential level of protection for children and guests, and according to Victorian law, all pools and spas must have adequately compliant barriers and a barrier maintenance program. If you are a property manager or owner, in this article, we will help you understand how maintaining pool and spa barrier compliance can reduce the chances of an accident and ensure your safety obligations are being met.
Why Pool and Spa Barrier Compliance Is Important
Annually, pool and spa accidents occur due to barriers that are either inadequate or not compliant. To combat this, the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) has mandated enforceable and strict safety measures to reduce incidents surrounding pool and spa access. The aim is relatively simple: restrict unsupervised access to pools or spas, especially by young children.
When you install a compliant swimming pool barrier, you are acting legally and making the area safer for everyone. A compliant barrier is more than just a fence; it is a safety measure intended to stop drowning by preventing access to the pool. The consequence of not having a compliant barrier in place may include fines and enforcement action or the pool being rendered unusable until compliance is achieved.
Why It’s Important To Understand The Swimming Pool Barrier Requirements
Victorian homeowners must follow specific swimming pool barrier requirements to ensure full compliance. These requirements apply to all permanent and temporary pools and spas capable of holding water deeper than 300 mm.
Below are the main requirements that every property owner should know:
- Continuous Enclosure: The barrier must completely surround the pool or spa, preventing direct access from the house or other buildings unless an approved door or gate system is installed.
- Gate Standards: Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, opening outward from the water area. They should automatically close from any open position and latch securely.
- Barrier Height: The minimum height for pool and spa barriers is 1.2 metres. Ensure the ground beneath the fence is stable and does not create gaps that could reduce the effective height.
- Climbable Objects: No climbable structures, such as trees, chairs, ladders, pots, or garden furniture, should be located within 900 mm of the barrier on the outside.
- Gaps and Openings: Any openings or gaps in the barrier must not exceed 100 mm to prevent small children from squeezing through.
By ensuring these points are met, your pool area will align with the Victorian pool and spa safety barrier regulations.
Swimming Pool Compliance Checklist (Victoria)
Before calling for an inspection, use this swimming pool compliance checklist in Victoria to make sure your pool meets all standards.
- Inspect the entire barrier. Check for loose or damaged panels, unstable posts, or corroded hinges.
- Test the gate mechanism. The gate should automatically close and latch without assistance.
- Check for climbable objects. Remove any furniture, toys, or plants within 900 mm of the fence.
- Measure the barrier height. Confirm the fence stands at least 1.2 metres tall from the ground level.
- Review gaps and spaces. Ensure no opening is wider than 100 mm.
- Examine nearby doors and windows. They should not provide direct access to the pool area.
- Maintain locks and latches. Replace worn or broken parts immediately.
- Keep maintenance records. Document all repairs and checks to present during inspections.
- Renew compliance certificates. In Victoria, compliance certificates must be renewed every four years.
Going through this checklist prepared you for your professional inspection and minimised this risk of non-compliance.
What Includes In Professional Pool and Spa Safety Barrier Inspections
Although homeowners can do initial inspections, a professional swimming pool inspection should be completed for qualification. Registered pool inspectors check all aspects of the barrier and identify areas that require fixes. During an inspection, licensed inspectors review:
- The structure and condition of the barrier.
- The functionality of gates, latches, and hinges.
- Proximity of climbable objects.
- Barrier height and spacing.
- Access points and door compliance.
After your pool or spa passes the inspection, you will receive a Certificate of Barrier Compliance, which will lodge with your local council.
What Is The Average Swimming Pool Inspection Cost
The swimming pool inspection cost generally is between $250 and $400 in Victoria depending on the property size, location and barrier system involved. If your pool fails the first inspection, you will have to pay the re-inspection fee after any repairs have been completed.
Although it’s an additional cost, investing in a professional inspection provides peace of mind, ensures compliance with the law, and helps prevent tragic accidents.
What Are The Common Reasons for Non-Compliance
Even small details can cause a barrier to fail an inspection. Some common reasons include:
- Gates that don’t self-close or self-latch properly.
- Barriers that have been altered or damaged over time.
- Objects placed too close to the fence provide climbing access.
- Gaps or holes caused by wear, weather, or soil movement.
- Incorrect barrier height after landscaping or renovations.
How To Sustain Compliance Throughout the Year?
Regularly inspecting your pool or spa area and keeping records of maintenance can help prevent non-compliance issues during official inspections.
Swimming pool and spa safety isn’t a one-off job. Compliance occurs year round, and keeping your pool or spa safe will rely on regular maintenance. We recommend checking your barriers every few months or after heavy rain or garden maintenance. You will want to replace any worn or damaged parts, and cut any vegetation back from your fences.
In Victoria you’re also required to lodge a new compliance certificate every four years, which you can set under reminders for each inspection to ensure compliance.
What Are The Benefits of Staying Compliant?
In addition to complying with the law, there are overall benefits to keeping your pool and spa barrier compliant:
- Risk reduction: It lowers the chance of accidental drownings and injuries.
- Assurance: It gives you assurance that your pool area meets the relevant safety requirements.
- Enhanced property value: Your property is worth more than it would be with a compliance barrier if your pool area is barrier compliant and well-maintained.
- Avoid costly fines: With compliance, you would avoid fines or lawsuits due to non-compliance.
By providing an affordable investment in contract inspections and services would protect your family and keep the value of your asset.
In Summary: Preparing for a Safe Summer
With hotter weather approaching, it should be at the top of your summer checklist to have your pool or spa fit for safety. First, contact the inspector Leigh at Bayside Peninsula Pool Compliance to inspect your pool’s barrier, arrange a professional inspection, and attend to a repair if necessary.
Compliance is a legal requirement, but also should strive to be a benchmark for safety and responsibility. Proceeding with the swimming pool compliance checklist for Victoria and maintaining your swimming pool safety barrier can guarantee you a worry-free summer, knowing that your pool is safe and compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Pool and spa barrier compliance regulations are important to prevent accidents, particularly drownings, by restricting unsupervised access to pools or spas, especially by young children. Compliance with these regulations helps ensure safety and avoids legal consequences such as fines or the pool being rendered unusable until compliant.
The main requirements include having a continuous enclosure around the pool, gates that are self-closing and self-latching, a minimum barrier height of 1.2 metres, no climbable objects within 900 mm of the barrier, and openings or gaps no wider than 100 mm.
Use the swimming pool compliance checklist, which includes checking the barrier for damage, testing the gate mechanism, ensuring there are no climbable objects nearby, measuring barrier height, reviewing gaps, and maintaining locks and latches . Keeping records of maintenance and renewing compliance certificates every four years is also essential.
A professional inspection involves checking the structure and condition of the barrier, the functionality of gates and latches, the proximity of climbable objects, barrier height and spacing, and access points. A Certificate of Barrier Compliance is issued if the pool or spa meets safety standards.