In 2019 the Victorian Government introduced new laws to improve swimming pool and spa safety.
These laws came in to stop children from drowning. The coroner found that in 20 out of 27 drownings since 2000 fencing or barriers didnt meet the required safety standards.
Registration and compliance applies to any permanent or relocatable pool or spa that can hold 300 millimetres (30 centimetres) of water or more. It does not apply to bathroom spas or inflatable pools with no additional parts.
Steps for registration inspection and compliance
Register
If you have a pool or spa to register you can complete Step 1 and skip to Step 4 if you have received your Form 23.
Youll need:
- a credit card to pay the;
- registration fee - $32.90
- information search fee (where applicable) - $48.80
- your pool or spa building permit (if you have one) or evidence of the construction date
- photos of your pool or spa barriers.
Wait to hear from us
Once we have processed your registration we will let you know your due date to lodge a Form 23 - Certificate of pool and spa barrier compliance. This certificate is issued by a private registered pool safety inspector. Unless your pool or spa is new dont arrange your inspection until you hear from us.
Arrange your inspection
You must organise for a private registered pool safety inspector to inspect your pool or spa barrier by the due date.
The cost for this inspection varies so ask for a quote when you arrange your inspection.
If your pool or spa is compliant youll receive a Form 23 - Certificate of pool and spa barrier compliance.
You must lodge the certificate straight away as its only valid for 30 days after issue.
Lodge your compliance certificate
Youll need:
- a credit card to pay the lodgement fee of $20.44
- your pool or spa registration number which is on the letters weve sent you
- your Form 23 - Certificate of pool and spa barrier compliance
Compliance certificate due dates
The date of construction determines the safety standards that apply to your pool or spa. It also determines the due date to submit your compliance certificate.
| Construction date | Due date |
|---|---|
| Prior to 30 June 1994 | 1 June 2022 |
| From 1 July 1994 - 30 April 2010 | 1 June 2023 |
| From 1 May 2010 - 31 October 2020 | 1 June 2024 |
| From 1 November 2020 - new pool or spa | within 30 days of completion |
Youll need to lodge a new certificate every four years. Well remind you when its time.
New pool or spa
A pool or spa completed after 1 November 2020 must be registered with us within 30 days of completion. Once you have completed your registration you can lodge your Form 23 - Certificate of pool and spa barrier compliance.
Lodge your compliance certificate
Decommissioned pool or spa
If you no longer have a pool or spa let us know so we can remove it from our register. We will need evidence including photos to support the decommissioning of your pool or spa.
Penalties for not complying
You must register your pool or spa as soon as possible - its the law.
If a private registered pool safety inspector has inspected your pool or spa barrier and finds it is non compliant they will notify us. This means your pool or spa is not safe and is a risk to young children.
We will issue a Form 24 - Certificate of pool and spa non compliance that will explain the reasons for non compliance and next steps. Further inspection fees of $397.55 will apply.
-
All swimming pools and spas were required to be registered with us by 1 November 2020 however we are giving you the opportunity now to have it registered as soon as possible.
-
Upon application for registration of the swimming pool or spa we will determine the date of construction and the applicable barrier standard and inform the applicant in writing.
-
Existing pools and spas were required to be registered by 1 November 2020 however we are wanting to give everyone the opportunity to register now.
-
No - it needs to be permanent barrier to comply with the Australian Standards.
-
Yes even if the external walls of the pool are at least 1200 millimetres in height and comply as a barrier a permanent barrier is required around the point of access (ladder) to the pool.
-
No you will need to contact a private building surveyor or building inspector. Note: We can't provide recommendations.
-
Yes - all permanent portable or relocatable swimming pools and spas regardless of when they were constructed or erected must be registered with council. All swimming pools and spas capable of containing water greater than 300 millimetres must have a compliant safety barrier to restrict access to the pool area by young children. Barriers are required for: in-ground pools and spas above-ground pools and spas including inflatable pools capable of containing water to a depth of more than 300mm. indoor pools and spas wading pools that may contain more than 300 millimetres of water.
-
No - it is the property owner’s responsibility to register the pool or spa with council and for arranging the inspection and certificate of compliance of the swimming pool or spa barrier. But as an occupier you may inspect our register for information relating to the pool or spa on the property you are renting including whether the pool or spa is registered and whether the barrier has a current compliance certificate. Also as an occupier you have responsibility to take all reasonable steps to ensure that a barrier restricting access to the swimming pool or spa is operating effectively.
-
You are only required to pay one registration fee which will cover the pool and spa if they are enclosed within the same pool and spa safety barrier area. Otherwise two registration applications are required to cover each one.
-
You have received this letter based on our records indicating that at one time there was a permit or an application for a permit for a pool or spa on your property.
-
All pools and spas regardless of when installed or constructed require child safety barriers. Portable or inflatable pools / spas also must have child safety fencing. You will need a building permit if you are planning to build a pool safety barrier or alter an existing one.