Since December 1, 2019, new laws have been introduced in Victoria to improve pool and spa safety. If you own a pool or spa with more than 300 mm (30 cm) of water, including permanent, above-ground, or indoor pools, you must register it with your local council. Also, you are required to have your pool’s safety barriers inspected and submit a compliance certificate to the council. If your safety barrier doesn’t meet the standards, you must fix it. However, small inflatable pools that require no assembly are exempt from these requirements of pool inspections Melbourne. It’s important to stay compliant with these laws to ensure the safety of everyone using your pool.
Keeping Pools and Spas Safe: Understanding Pool Safety Laws in Victoria
In Victoria, specific laws ensure the safety of swimming pools and spas. These regulations include requirements for registration, inspection, and certification that every property owner must follow to protect users and comply with safety standards.
Key Responsibilities for Property Owners
As a pool or spa owner, you are required to:
- Register Your Pool or Spa: Notify your local council and ensure your pool or spa is properly registered.
- Inspect Safety Barriers Every 4 Years: Arrange periodic inspections to confirm the pool or spa barriers meet safety standards.
- Lodge a Compliance Certificate: Submit a certificate confirming compliance with your local council.
Pools and Spas Covered by the Laws
The laws apply to swimming pools and spas capable of holding 300 mm (30 cm) or more of water. This includes:
- Permanent pools
- Above-ground pools
- Indoor pools
- Hot tubs or spas
- Bathing or wading pools
- Certain relocatable pools
However, relocatable pools that do not require assembly or consist of multiple components—like small inflatable pools that only need inflation—are exempt from barrier requirements.
Additional Guidance for Renters
If you’re renting a property with a pool or spa:
- Always ensure gates to the pool or spa area are securely closed unless entering or exiting.
- Notify the rental provider in writing if you discover any faults with pool or spa fences, doors, or gates.
For detailed information about pool safety regulations, you can visit the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) website. Staying informed helps ensure that pools and spas remain safe and compliant with the law.
Common Pool Compliance Issues Found During Inspections
Pool compliance issues arise when a pool or spa fails to meet Victorian safety standards. Some of the most common problems include:
- Non-Compliant Barriers: Barriers that are too low, have gaps larger than 100mm, or include climbable objects in the non-climbable zone.
- Gate Issues: Pool gates that are left propped open have faulty self-latching mechanisms or damaged hinges.
Ensuring these elements meet safety standards is essential to pass inspections and keep your pool area safe.
What happens if a pool fails the inspection?
In Victoria, a pool fails inspection if it doesn’t meet state safety standards. This means there’s a safety issue that needs fixing to comply with regulations.
Common reasons for failure include:
- Barriers that are too low or weak
- Faulty gate latches or self-closing systems
- Climbable objects near the barrier
Corrections must be made to ensure the pool is safe and compliant.
What happens if your pool is non-compliant?
A non-compliant pool can lead to:
Immediate Consequences:
- No compliance certificate was issued
- Possible fines from local authorities
- Higher liability risks for pool owners
Long-Term Consequences:
- Legal trouble if accidents happen
- Problems when selling the property
- Increased insurance costs
If your pool fails an inspection, you must fix the issues and schedule a re-inspection to meet safety standards.
What is the pool re-inspection process?
A pool re-inspection is a follow-up check done after a pool fails the initial inspection. The goal is to ensure all safety issues have been fixed and the pool meets the required standards.
Common reasons for re-inspection:
- Fixing problems with safety barriers
- Repairing gate and latch issues
- Ensuring full compliance with Victorian safety regulations
What happens if a pool passes inspection?
If your pool passes the inspection, you’ll receive a compliance certificate (Form 23 – Certificate of Pool and Spa Barrier Compliance). This certificate includes a unique ID and the inspection date.
The swimming pool compliance certificate is valid for four years and confirms that your pool meets all safety and legal standards in Victoria at the time of the inspection.
How often should you inspect your pool in Victoria?
In Victoria, pool and spa safety barriers must be inspected and certified every four years as required by the Building Regulations 2018.
These regular inspections ensure your pool stays safe by identifying issues like wear and tear or changes in the barriers. After each four-year cycle, a re-inspection is needed to maintain compliance with safety regulations. Staying on top of these inspections helps prevent accidents and keeps your pool up to standard.
With Bayside Peninsula Pool Compliance, you can ensure your pool stays safe and enjoyable for years to come. Understanding common inspection issues and choosing the right inspector helps you address problems early and avoid future hassles.
Trust us to make pool inspections near you easy and stress-free!