If you’re planning to sell, lease, or upgrade a property with a pool, understanding the inspection process is required. With many pools failing the initial assessment, being well-prepared can reduce the risk of costly re-inspections and ensure quicker compliance. The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) enforces strict rules, making regular pool barrier inspections mandatory for properties. These inspections help ensure your pool area meets the standards required to keep children and the community safe.
Before you book your next check-up, here are five essential pool barrier inspection tips that can help you prepare and pass your pool compliance inspections with confidence.
What Are the Pool Barrier Regulations?
Here are things to check before applying for your swimming pool inspection in Victoria:
1. Understand the Victorian Pool Barrier Regulations
The first step toward a successful pool barrier inspection is understanding what’s required under Victorian law. According to the VBA, any pool or spa capable of holding more than 30cm of water must be registered with your local council. Once registered, your pool must undergo periodic pool compliance inspections to verify that safety barriers meet the applicable Australian standards.
The rules vary based on when the pool or spa was constructed. For instance:
- Pools built before 1 May 2010 must meet the 1991 Australian Standard (AS 1926.1).
- Pools built between 1 May 2010 and 30 April 2013 must comply with AS 1926.1-2007.
- Pools built after 1 May 2013 must follow AS 1926.1-2012.
Failing to comply with these standards can lead to fines and a notice of non-compliance, so familiarise yourself with the relevant requirements before the inspector arrives.
2. Check for Common Barrier Issues
Before scheduling your pool barrier inspections in Melbourne or elsewhere, conduct a pre-check to identify and address common issues. Small issues are often the reason barriers fail during compliance assessments.
Here’s what to look for:
- Gates must be self-closing and self-latching from all positions. Ensure they’re not propped open or sluggish in returning to a closed state.
- Barrier height should be at least 1.2 metres from the finished ground level.
- No climbable objects within 900mm of the outside of the barrier. This includes garden pots, chairs, or even trees.
- Gaps under the barrier should not exceed 100mm.
- Vertical bars should be spaced no more than 100mm apart to prevent children from squeezing through.
Doing a self-assessment before contacting a pool safety inspector near you can save time and the cost of a re-inspection.
3. Keep the Inspection Area Clear
Inspectors must have clear and unobstructed access to assess the barrier, gate, and surrounding area. Before your scheduled inspection:
- Trim vegetation around the barrier that may interfere with the inspector’s view.
- Remove outdoor furniture, toys, or equipment that may be considered climbable or block access.
- Ensure gate hardware and latches are accessible and functioning as intended.
These small actions can streamline your inspection and prevent delays in receiving your certificate of compliance.
4. Hire a Registered Pool Safety Inspector
Choosing a qualified and registered professional is essential for accurate pool barrier inspections. In Victoria, inspectors must be registered with the VBA. A registered pool safety inspector near you will understand the nuances of local requirements and will provide a detailed report highlighting any areas of non-compliance and the timeframe for fixing them.
Look for someone who:
- Is fully registered with the VBA
- Has experience in your local council area
- Provides pre-inspection checklists or advice
Offers follow-up inspections if needed
5. Understand the Inspection Outcome & Next Steps
After your pool compliance inspection, the inspector will issue one of the following outcomes:
- Certificate of Barrier Compliance (Form 23): This means your pool barrier complies, and you must lodge the certificate with your local council within 30 days.
- Non-Compliance Notice (Form 24): If issues are found, you’ll receive a list of required fixes. You typically have 60 days to rectify and schedule a re-inspection.
Understanding the outcome is critical, as failing to act within the given timeline can result in council enforcement, fines, or mandatory pool closure.
To avoid rework, clarify any part of the report you don’t understand.
Takeaway
Regular pool barrier inspections in Melbourne and across Victoria are more than just a regulatory requirement; they’re a key part of keeping swimming environments safe, especially for children. By taking the time to understand compliance standards and addressing any issues early, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of failed inspections and repeat visits.
From ensuring gates self-close properly to removing climbable objects near the barrier, each preparation step helps create a safer space and smoother inspection experience. Hiring a qualified and experienced inspector is also essential, as they bring clarity, efficiency, and expert guidance to the process.
If you’re unsure where to start, Bayside Peninsula Pool Compliance provides licensed, VBA-accredited inspections across Melbourne suburbs including Dingley Village, Bayside, Mentone, Parkdale, and the Mornington Peninsula. With flat-rate pricing, no surprise fees for re-inspections, and digital reports issued within 24 hours, their service makes compliance easier and more transparent. Don’t delay your next inspection. Reach out to our trusted pool safety inspector, Leigh and take the next step toward full compliance.