Easy online registration for pools and spas now available

Ararat Rural City Council residents can now register their pools and spas with an easy online form.

CEO Dr Tim Harrison said under new State Government legislation, all residents with a pool or spa must register them with Council by 1 June 2020.

Dr Harrison said the new regulations cover privately-owned permanent pools and spas (indoor, above-ground and outdoor), hot tubs, and some relocatable pools capable of holding water of more than 30cm depth. Small inflatable wading pools that do not require assembly do not have to be registered.

The legislation has been introduced by the State Government to reduce child drownings, with the majority of drowning deaths of children under five happening in home swimming pools.

In Victoria, there have been 27 fatal drownings in private swimming pools and spas over the past 19 years. The Victorian Coroner finding that in at least 20 of these cases, the safety barrier was non-compliant and was likely to have played a role in the deaths.

“These new laws really focus on ensuring children are safe around backyard pools and spas – it’s vital to ensure barriers are safe, secure and maintained to do the job,” Dr Harrison said.

“Council has developed an online form that makes it easy for residents to register their pools and spas, available on our website - click here. Once the form has been lodged, Council officers will be in touch to arrange an inspection and payment.” The costs for registering your pool or spa are:

Dr Harrison said residents with questions can phone the Council’s Building Officer Mandy Tucker on 5355 0227.

For more information about the new pool regulations, visit

https://www.vba.vic.gov.au/consumers/swimming-pools/registration-requirements