Why do I need a Pool or Spa Safety Barrier Inspection and Certificate of Compliance
On 1 December 2019, new laws to improve swimming pool and spa safety came into effect in Victoria. They introduced new registration, inspection and certification requirements for property owners
It is now mandatory for owners of land where a swimming pool or spa is located, to register their pool or spa with their relevant council and have their safety barriers inspected by a qualified Building Inspector – Pool Safety
All swimming pools and spas containing water greater than 300 mm (30 cm) must have a compliant safety barrier to restrict access to the pool area by young children (under the age of five).
Safety Barriers are required for:
* In-ground pools and spas
* Above-ground pools and spas, including inflatable pools, holding more than 300 mm (30 cm) of water
* Indoor pools and spas
* Bathing and wading pools containing more than 300 mm (30 cm) of water
What is the Registration, Inspection and Certification Requirements for Property Owners?
As a pool or spa owner you need to complete the following:
1: Register your pool with your local council by 1 November 2020
2: Organise an inspection of your safety barrier by a registered Building Inspector – Pool Safety
3: Rectify any issues identified by your swimming pool inspection
4: Submit a Certificate of Barrier Compliance (issued by your Building Inspector – Pool Safety) to your local council by the specified due date, indicating your safety barrier complies with the applicable barrier standard and meets all legal requirements
Owners are required to have their safety barriers inspected every 4 years and lodge a certificate of barrier compliance with their local council. Full details can be found at the Victorian Building Authority Web Site
As a VBA qualified Building Inspector - Pool Safety, I can conduct the necessary inspection of your safety barrier and provide you with a ‘Certificate of Barrier Compliance'
Certificate of Barrier Compliance Deadlines
The new laws stipulate that land owners must lodge a certificate of barrier compliance with your local council by a certain date depending on the pool or spa construction date. These dates apply to pools or spas constructed before 1 November 2020:
Pool Built on or before 30 June 1994 – Lodge certificate by 1 June 2022
Pool Built from 1 July 1994 until 30 April 2010 – Lodge certificate by 1 June 2023
Pool Built from 1 May 2010 until 31 October 2020 – Lodge certificate by 1 June 2024
Any pools or spas constructed after 1 November 2020 must be registered within 30 days of receiving the relevant Occupancy Permit or Certificate of Final Inspection
Pricing and Our Process
One set fee $295 – No more to pay – No hidden costs.
My service is a complete ‘end to end’ process that includes an initial inspection, a detailed inspection report, any re inspections (if required) and a certificate of barrier compliance.
Once your safety barrier is certified as compliant you will be provided with a Certificate of Barrier Compliance to lodge with your local council. At this point you will have completed your legal obligations.
If your Barrier is deemed ‘Non Compliant’ then you will be provided with a detailed report outlining what issues are to be rectified. Legislative timeframes apply and Owners have 60 days to remedy the issues. (Some exceptions may apply subject to Council approval).
When the identified non compliance issue have been rectified I will re-attend (at no cost to you) and then issue the Certificate of Barrier Compliance.’
Contact Pool Inspector Near Me
For more information, advice or guidance in preparation for your safety barrier inspection please call or email to discuss your specific requirements.
