On 1 December 2019, new laws to improve swimming pool and spa safety came into effect in Victoria. If you missed the introduction, now is your opportunity to ensure you are up-to-date with the registration, inspection and certification requirements for property owners.
In Victoria, the construction and installation of swimming pools, spas and safety barriers and barrier maintenance are all subject to the requirements of the Building Regulations 2018 (the Regulations). Swimming pool and spa owners have a legal obligation to ensure that they maintain the effective operation of swimming pool and spa safety barriers. Relocatable pools that do not consist of multiple components and do not require any assembly are not subject to the barrier requirements. An example of such a product is a small inflatable pool that requires no assembly other than inflation.
As part of the changes, owners are required to register their pool and spa with their local council and have their safety barrier inspected once every four years. If you were previously registered under the voluntary scheme, you will be required to re-register.Registration is completed by either the owner or the Agent. The Renter may inspect the council’s register for information relating to the pool or spa on the property, including whether the pool or spa is registered, and whether the barrier has a current compliance certificate.
Below are links to more detailed information including the deadlines for registration, sourced from www.vba.vic.gov.au. This information will help you better understand the legal obligations for the installation of swimming pools, spas and safety barriers, as well as the registration, inspection and certification requirements.
Find out more about:
- new pool and spa registration requirements
- pool and spa inspection and compliance
- pool safety barriers
- installing a new pool or spa
For more information on keeping children safe around pools and spas, visit Life Saving Victoria and Kidsafe Victoria.
