New laws to improve swimming pool and spa safety came into effect on 1 December 2019.
It is now mandatory for owners of land where a swimming pool or spa is located registered their pool or spa with their relevant local council.
By 1 June 2020 property owners are required to register their pool and spa with their local council.
Property owners are required to have their pool and spa and inspected by an appropriately qualified building inspector and to lodge a certificate of barrier compliance with their local council.
Fines of up to $1,652.20 will apply for failure to lodge certificates of barrier compliance.
Property owners must have their pool and spa inspected every 4 years.
Addendum:
Since writing this article the Victorian Government has extended the deadlines for lodging certificates of barrier compliance with local councils. The new deadlines are as follows:
| Pool/spa construction date | Compliance certificate lodged by: |
| On or before 30 June 1994 | 1 November 2021 |
| From 1 July 1994 until 30 April 2010 | 1 November 2022 |
| From 1 May 2010 until 31 October 2020 | 1 November 2023 |
| After 1 November 2020 | Within 30 days of issue of the certificate (certificate must accompany application for registration) and then 4 years after registration |
For more information please contact our friendly and professional team at Peter Speakman & Co on 9822 8611.
