On 1st December 2019, New Laws to Improve Swimming Pool and Spa Safety Will Come Into Effect in Victoria

As of 1 December 2019, it will be mandatory for owners of land where a swimming pool or spa is located, to register their pool or spa with their relevant council.

Owners are now also required to have their safety barriers inspected and to lodge a certificate of barrier compliance with their council.

Inspection and lodgement of certificate of barrier compliance for pools and spas:

• For pools and spas constructed on or before 30 June 1994, a certificate of barrier compliance must be lodged by 1 June 2021
• For pools and spas constructed between 1 July 1994 and 1 May 2010, a certificate of barrier compliance must be lodged by 1 June 2022
• For pools and spas constructed between 1 May 2010 and 31 May 2020, a certificate of barrier compliance must be lodged by 1 June 2023

For pools and spas constructed on or after 1 June 2020, a certificate of barrier compliance is due within 30 days of occupancy permit or certificate of final inspection. This certificate must accompany an application for registration. The next certificate of compliance is due four years after registration.

Hefty fines will apply for pool and spa owners who do not register their pool or spa.

Pool owners will have 60 days to bring their pools into compliance if an inspector identifies any non-compliant safety concerns.

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