Swimming pool and spa owners take note of new registration rules

Published on 14 January 2021

More than 1150 swimming pools and spas have been registered in Baw Baw Shire since the introduction of State Government regulations in December 2019.

The regulations required property owners to register private pools and spas that are capable of holding water to a depth greater than 30cm with Council by 1 November 2020.

Property owners who haven’t registered their swimming pools and spas will soon receive a letter from Council reminding them to register to avoid a non-registration infringement of $330.44.

Owners are also required to have a registered building surveyor or inspector certify that their pool or spa safety barrier is compliant every four years.

Pool and spa owners in Baw Baw Shire are encouraged to visit the Council website for more information, including the safety barrier inspection process, certificate requirements, guidelines and the registration form.

The one-off registration fee for pools or spas constructed before 1 November 2020 is $79, which is payable at the time of registration.

New pools and spas constructed after 1 November 2020 also need to be registered at time of completion, further details can be found on the Council website.

Quotes attributable to Mayor Cr Danny Goss

“Thanks to the 1150 property owners who have already registered their swimming pool or spa. If you haven’t registered your pool or spa yet, it’s not too late.

“These regulations are in place to keep young children safe from drowning and need to be taken seriously. Since 2000, 27 young children have drowned in private swimming pools and spas. In at least 20 of those cases, the coroner found that non-compliance of the safety barrier was a contributing factor. We have to do all that we can to avoid this happening.”