Victorian pool and spa safety regulations come into effect

The Victorian swimming pool and spa safety regulations changed on December 1, 2019 and property owners are now required to register their pools or spas with their local council by June 1, 2020.

In addition, owners are now required to obtain and lodge a compliance certificate for the safety of their pool or spa barrier every four years. They will need to engage a registered building surveyor or building inspector to carry out an inspection and issue the compliance certificate.

• For pools and spas constructed on or before 30 June 1994, a certificate of barrier compliance must be lodged by June 1, 2021.

• For pools and spas constructed between July 1, 1994 and May 1, 2010, a certificate of barrier compliance must be lodged by June 1, 2022.

• For pools and spas constructed between May 1, 2010 and May 31, 2020, a certificate of barrier compliance must be lodged by June 1, 2023.

The first step for Victorian property owners is to register their pools or spas with their local council by June 1, 2020

For pools and spas constructed on or after June 1, 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. The fee for lodging a certificate of pool and spa barrier compliance will be up to a maximum of $20.50, with certificates of compliance being required to be lodged once every four years.

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

New inspector class

The new regulations introduce a new class of registered building inspector: Building Inspector (Pool Safety). This new class will be limited to carrying out inspections and associated functions for the purposes of the new regulations only.

The eligibility requirements for registration in this new class are:

• The successful completion of a course in swimming pool and spa safety barrier inspection delivered by a Registered Training Organisation and approved by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), and

• At least six months of practical experience.

The VBA will provide further information once courses become available, which is expected to be early next year.

Find out more about registration requirements visit the VBA building practitioner registrations.