If you own a pool in Melbourne, Victoria, it’s important to ensure it meets safety and regulatory standards as per state laws. Professional and licensed pool inspectors ensure your pool fully complies with all safety requirements.
What are the Pool Compliance Regulations in Melbourne, Victoria?
Melbourne has strict pool safety regulations to protect users. Following these rules is a legal requirement and necessary for all Melbourne pool owners to keep everyone safe.
Local authorities enforce pool construction, maintenance and safety regulations to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries in and around pools. The role of pool safety consultants in compliance with these state laws is for the safety of those accessing the pool and its nearby areas.
Pool Construction Regulations
Below are some of the pool construction regulations to be followed as per Victorian state law.
- The pool fence must be at least 1.2 meters high.
- Gates should be self-closing and self-latching.
- Use strong, climb-resistant materials for fencing.
Pool Fencing Requirements
To meet safety standards, pool fencing must:
- Be at least 1200mm high from the ground level on the poolside.
- Have no climbable objects within 900mm of the fence top.
- Have gaps no larger than 100mm.
- Include a self-closing, self-latching gate with the latch at least 1500mm above ground level.
Pool fences should be made of durable, non-climbable materials resistant to corrosion and termites, like aluminum, glass and timber, to ensure long-lasting safety.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
In Melbourne, not following the swimming pool and spa regulations set by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) can lead to serious consequences.
Some of these include:
- Fines: Non-compliant pool and spa owners may face fines and penalties.
- Legal liability: Owners could be held legally responsible for accidents or injuries due to non-compliance.
- Loss of insurance: Failure to meet VBA standards might result in losing insurance coverage, leaving owners to cover damages or costs themselves.
- Pool or spa closure: In severe cases, non-compliant pools or spas may be shut down until safety measures are met.
Roles and responsibilities of a (licensed) pool inspector
A person registered in this class is responsible for carrying out the following tasks professionally on pool barriers (excluding newly built ones):
Schedule the inspection:
- Get information from the owner or council about the applicable barrier standard.
- Identify and gather necessary documents, such as council records, previous inspection reports, and the relevant standards.
- Review and understand plans and drawings, including performance solutions if needed.
- Check for any conflicts of interest that might prevent the inspection.
- Confirm that the required insurance coverage is still in place.
Inspecting a pool or spa barrier:
- Show identification/registration card: Before starting the inspection, present your VBA registration card to the property owner or occupant.
- Inspect the barriers: Pool safety barrier inspection to ensure no climbable objects are nearby.
Important aspects that form a part of the checks include:
- Barrier height
- Gap sizes
- Hinges, gates, and latch mechanisms
- Non-climbable zones
- Impact load and load rating
- Construction materials
- Structures within the barrier
- Minimum window height if part of the barrier
- Doors
- Professional conduct: Perform the swimming pool inspections professionally, following occupational health and safety guidelines.
- Use proper tools: Use the right tools, such as measuring devices, checklists, and any tools needed for tests (e.g., strength tests), as well as a smartphone or tablet for documentation.
- Address non-compliance: If the barrier is non-compliant, determine if it can be made compliant on the spot with minor adjustments, like moving climbable objects or making small fixes.
- Document the inspection: Create a thorough inspection record, including checklists, photos and videos and keep these records for up to 10 years.
Conduct a re-inspection
If a re-inspection is needed:
- Review documentation: Go over all previous inspection documents.
- Re-inspect the barrier: Check if the issues identified in the original inspection have been fixed.
- Determine compliance: Decide if the barrier:
- Is now compliant with the standards.
- Is still non-compliant but shows progress. If so, you may give up to seven more days for further re-inspection or issue a certificate of non-compliance.
- Is still non-compliant with no progress. In this case, issue a certificate of non-compliance.
- Document the inspection: Record the re-inspection details, including checklists, photos and videos and keep these records for up to 10 years.
Determination of compliance
If the barrier is found to be compliant:
- Issue certificate: Fill out and issue the Certificate of Barrier Compliance (Form 23) and give it to the pool owner as soon as possible.
- Inform the pool owner: Explain their responsibility to lodge the compliance certificate with the appropriate authorities.
- Future inspections: Let the landowner know that they will need to have the barrier re-inspected in about four years, and the council will inform them of the exact date for the next certificate.
- Provide documentation: Be ready to provide any supporting documents to the council or VBA if requested.
Work not covered under this class:
- Certifying newly constructed pool barriers.
- Checking for slip, trip, or fire hazards around the pool, house, land, or backyard.
- Testing the chemical balance of the pool water.
- Inspecting chemical storage.
- Inspecting pool and spa mechanical parts like filters, pumps and jets.
- Inspecting structures not part of the pool or spa barrier, such as the pool, spa, veranda, patio or house.
- Addressing any non-compliance issues unrelated to the pool or spa barrier being inspected.
Tips for finding a reliable pool compliance consultant/inspector in Melbourne, Victoria
Hiring a reliable pool compliance consultant has its own benefits and is necessary to ensure your pool’s safety. Some of the factors you must consider as pool owners before hiring a pool compliance or inspection consultant are stated below:
- Check qualifications and experience: Make sure the consultant is certified and has a strong track record in the industry. Experienced consultants are more knowledgeable about regulations and can offer better advice.
- Consider customer reviews: Look for reviews and testimonials from past clients. Positive feedback indicates that the consultant is trustworthy and provides good service.
- Verify registration: Ensure the consultant is registered with relevant authorities in Melbourne. This guarantees they meet government standards and have the necessary licenses.
- Assess communication and professionalism: Choose a consultant who communicates clearly and professionally. They should be responsive and able to explain regulations in simple terms.
- Evaluate pricing and services: Compare prices and services offered by different consultants. Find someone who offers good value without sacrificing quality.
By following these tips, you can find a reliable pool compliance consultant in Melbourne to help ensure your pool is safe and compliant.
Why should you choose Bayside Peninsula Pool Compliance for your next pool inspection and pool safety consultation needs?
As a certified pool inspector, Leigh understands the legal requirements and helps you with adhering to them in case if your pool is non-compliant. When you choose us, you choose:
- Flexible appointment option
- Affordable pricing
- Flat Rate Price which includes re-inspection (without any additional costs)
- Guidance during pool construction to ensure it companies with state standards
- Friendly approach
- Full Digital Reports within 24 hours of inspection
To schedule an appointment with Leigh, call on 0403 577 254.