Swimming pools and spas

Why pool and spa safety matters

Every year, young children are seriously injured or lose their lives in incidents involving home swimming pools and spas. Pool and spa safety laws help reduce the risk of drowning by ensuring barriers are properly installed and maintained.

Your responsibilities as a pool or spa owner

Victorian State Government introduced legislation back in 2019 to ensure that pools and spas are as safe as possible for everyone.  

If you own a pool or spa capable of holding more than 300 mm of water, you are responsible for:

  • Registering your pool or spa with Council
  • Maintaining a compliant safety barrier
  • Arranging barrier inspections when required
  • Lodging Certificates of Barrier Compliance by the required due date

Which pools and spas need to be registered?

The laws apply to swimming pools and spas capable of containing water deeper than 300 mm, including:

  • In-ground pools
  • Above-ground pools
  • Indoor pools
  • Hot tubs and spas
  • Some relocatable pools

Small inflatable pools that require no assembly other than inflation are generally not subject to barrier requirements.

For more information visit the Building and Plumbing Commission website (formerly known as the Victorian Building Authority).

 

Building a new pool or spa

A building permit is required for the construction or installation of a swimming pool or spa capable of holding more than 300mm of water.

Register your pool or spa

All existing pools and spas are required to be registered. If you have missed the deadline, register your pool or spa as soon as possible.

Pool and spa barrier inspections

Pool and spa barriers must be inspected every four years. Find a registered inspector and learn what to do next.

Lodge your barrier compliance

After your pool or spa has been registered and inspected, you will receive a certificate of barrier compliance. We need a copy.

New Owners of a Property with a Pool or Spa

Check if the pool or spa is registered, update ownership details and learn about ongoing compliance.

Request a copy of the pool/spa registration letter

Request a copy of the original letter sent to you regarding your pool and/or spa registration.

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