Be proactive - check safety barriers and fences

The State Government is proposing legislation regarding the introduction of mandatory registration of swimming pools and spas with councils and regular inspections.

Under the proposal there will be a requirement for owners to self-register with Council.

This would include the owner providing a compliance certificate to Council, from a registered building practitioner confirming compliance of their pool safety barriers.

Once the changes are reflected in the Building Act and Building Regulations, Council will be required to maintain a register of all swimming pools and spas belonging to residential properties.

Until then, Council is encouraging swimming pool and spa owners to be proactive and ensure their safety barriers and fences are maintained.

It is the responsibility of property owners to ensure their swimming pools and spas have compliant safety barriers that meet the requirements.

Council will continue to inspect swimming pools and spas in response to complaints and concerns about pool and spa safety.

Council’s compliance officers visit properties and identify issues such as whether fence heights, gaps in the fence and climbing points are compliant.

In the case of non-compliance, Building Orders may be issued which can lead to further action.

• Any swimming pool or spa capable of holding a depth of water more than 30 centimetres must have pool safety barriers and must have a building permit.

• Spas require a pool safety barrier. Lockable lids or tarps are not considered a suitable safety barrier and do not comply with Victorian building regulations.

• You must supervise children when they are in and around the water.

• Pool gates and doors from the house to the pool area must open outwards and be self-closing and self-latching.

• The latch release must be at least 1.5m above the ground or floor level. The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) regulates building and plumbing and is responsible for ensuring safe built environments, including pools, spas and their safety barriers.

For more information, visit vba.vic.gov.au