If you’ve received a reminder from your local council about your swimming pool or spa, you’ve probably come across the term Form 23 Certificate.
For many Victorian pool owners, it’s one of the most confusing parts of the compliance process.
What is it?
Who issues it?
Do you need one?
And what happens if you don’t submit it?
This guide explains everything you need to know about the Form 23 Certificate in Victoria in clear, straightforward language.
What Is a Form 23 Certificate?
A Form 23 Certificate, officially known as the Certificate of Barrier Compliance, is a document issued by a registered Building Inspector – Pool Safety after your swimming pool or spa barrier has been inspected and found to comply with the applicable Australian Standard.
Once issued, this certificate confirms that your safety barrier meets the required compliance standard at the time of inspection. Your obligation is to provide it to council within 30 days of it being issued to you.
Why Is a Form 23 Certificate Required?
The Victorian Government introduced mandatory pool and spa barrier inspections to improve safety and reduce the risk of accidental drownings.
If you own a property with a swimming pool or spa, you’re responsible for ensuring the safety barrier remains compliant and for lodging a valid Certificate of Barrier Compliance with your local council every four years.
The certificate demonstrates that your barrier has been professionally inspected and meets the current legislative requirements.
Who Can Issue a Form 23 Certificate?
A Form 23 Certificate can only be issued by a registered Building Inspector – Pool Safety, Building Inspector or Surveyor who are authorised to inspect pool and spa safety barriers in Victoria.
Working with a registered inspector ensures your inspection is carried out in accordance with the applicable Australian Standard. You can check the current registration status of a building practitioner here Practitioner Search
When Do You Receive the Certificate?
You’ll receive your Form 23 Certificate after your pool barrier has successfully passed the inspection.
If your barrier already complies during the initial inspection, the certificate can be issued on that day once the inspection has been completed his paperwork.
What If Your Pool Barrier Doesn’t Pass?
It’s common for inspections to identify maintenance or compliance issues.
This doesn’t necessarily mean major repairs are required.
You’ll receive a detailed inspection report outlining the items that need attention. You will then be provided up to 60 days to rectify those issues. Once the required rectification work has been completed the barrier can be re inspected. When it meets the applicable standard, your Form 23 Certificate will be issued.
Do You Need to Submit the Certificate?
Yes.
Part 9A Building Regulations 2018 stipulates that a Form 23 is to be issued to the landowner as soon as practical after the inspection on re inspection and the landowner must submit it to council. All councils have their own online process for landowners to upload the Form 23.
The Certificate of Barrier Compliance must be lodged with the relevant local council within 30 days of it being issued to the landowner, which is the required timeframe to complete your legal obligations as a pool or spa owner.
In some circumstances council will accept submission on behalf of the landowner.
If you’re unsure of your due date for the Form 23, it’s always a good idea to check directly with your local council.
How Long Is the Certificate Valid?
Pool and spa barriers in Victoria must be inspected every four years. It is valid for four years from the date of issue by the Pool Inspector.
How Can You Prepare Before Your Inspection?
Before your appointment, it’s worth checking a few common items around your barrier.
- Ensure gates self-close and self-latch correctly
- Remove climbable objects positioned near the fence
- Check that fencing and gates are in good condition
- Clear vegetation that may interfere with the barrier or closing of gates
- Make sure access around the pool barrier is unobstructed
These simple checks can help make the inspection process smoother
Why Choosing the Right Inspector Matters
A pool barrier inspection isn’t simply about ticking boxes.
An experienced registered inspector will explain the inspection findings clearly, identify any compliance issues, answer your questions and provide practical guidance throughout the process.
The goal is to help you understand exactly what’s required to be inspected and accessed under the relevant Australian Standard so you can confidently achieve compliance.
Final Thoughts
Obtaining a Form 23 Certificate of Barrier Compliance is an important part of owning a swimming pool or spa in Victoria.
A Form 23 is a prescribed Victorian certificate confirming that a registered practitioner has inspected a pool or spa safety barrier and determined that it complies with the applicable barrier standard. It is a point-in-time assessment—the Building Regulations of 2018 Part A stipulates the owner remains responsible for keeping the gate, fence and entire barrier compliant and operating effectively between four yearly inspections.
Understanding how the certificate fits into the inspection process can make meeting your legal obligations far more straightforward and help ensure your pool area remains safe.
Many landowners had a negative experience in the first four years of these new Building Regulations 2018 being implemented. They experienced ‘over officious Inspectors, unnecessary removal of foliage / tree / shrubs that may not have been ‘climbable’ and during the inspection proves the relevant Australian Standard or Part 9 A Division 2 of the Building Regulations was not accessed correctly due to limited experience or technical knowledge of the Inspector.
Need a Pool Barrier Inspection?
If it’s time for your next inspection or you’re preparing to lodge your Certificate of Barrier Compliance, we’re here to help.
Our inspections include:
- Fixed $250 inspection fee
- No re-inspection fees
- Detailed inspection report
- Practical compliance guidance
- Form 23 Certificate issued once compliant