Pool and spa safety barriers

New laws for pool and spa owners

The Victorian Government has introduced new laws to improve pool and spa safety-external site. 

In Victoria, more than 80% of pool and spa barriers aren't meeting safety standards. On average, 4 children die in pools and spas every year.

If you own a property with a pool or spa, you will need to:

1. Register your pool or spa with us.
2. Have your safety barrier inspected and certified every 4 years by a registered building surveyor or inspector.
3. Lodge a Certificate of barrier compliance with us to show that your barrier meets legal requirements.

The new, state-wide regulations aim to make pools and spas safer for everyone, particularly young children.

For more information, visit How to register a pool or spa.

Council pool and spa safety barrier inspection service

Council offers a service to inspect an existing pool or spa safety barrier against the applicable barrier standard. If there are issues causing non-compliance, you will need to fix the barrier within a set timeframe. 

You can then request a certificate of barrier compliance (Form 23) if:

• your pool is compliant
• you fix any issues causing non-compliance after the inspection. 

Costs apply to Council's inspection of your pool and the request for a certificate of barrier compliance (Form 23). 

If you would like to use this service, complete the online application form below and send it to [email protected].

Keeping your pool or spa safe

Here are some simple things you can check yourself to keep your pool or spa safe:

• Gates must be self-closing and self-latching.
• Barriers must be rigid and secure.
• Climbable objects like pot plants, garden furniture and toys should be moved 1.2 m away from the barrier.

For more tips on inspecting your barrier, use the Victorian Building Authority's pool and spa safety barrier self-assessment checklist-external site.