New safety standards for private pools and spas
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Tuesday, 27 August, 2019
Swimming pool and spa owners can now provide input on proposed new requirements relating to private pools and spas.
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) has prepared draft regulations that aim to reduce incidences of young children drowning in private swimming pools and spas through improving compliance with safety barrier requirements.
The Building Amendment (Swimming Pool and Spa) Regulations 2019 will introduce mandatory requirements for owners of private swimming pools or spas to register their pool or spa with their local council. In addition, owners will be required to engage a registered building surveyor or building inspector to inspect and certify the compliance of their safety barrier every three years.
The new regulations will commence on 1 December 2019.
The proposed implementation period will require owners of existing swimming pools and spas to take action by 14 April 2020.
Ultimately, councils will be responsible for enforcing the new regulations when they come into effect.
The public consultation period is an opportunity for anyone interested to have their say on the proposed regulations before they are finalised.
The consultation period closes at 5pm on Friday 6 September 2019.
Click here for more information and to provide feedback