2 December 2019
New safety standards have been introduced by the state government to improve pool and spa barrier safety.
To ensure you have a safe and compliant pool or spa barrier, there are four easy steps you'll need to undertake:
Step 1: register your pool or spa
Step 2: get your pool or spa barrier checked by a qualified surveyor
Step 3: undertake required works to make pool or spa barrier compliant
Step 4: have your pool or spa barrier certified
Step One – register your pool or spa – is now open.
All owners of existing swimming pools and spas must register their swimming pool or spa with Mornington Peninsula Shire by 1 June 2020.
A one-off registration fee will be required. The fees, as set by the Victorian Government, are as follows:
- Pools/Spas built before 1 December 2019: $79.00
- Pools/Spas built after 1 December 2019: $31.80
After you've registered your pool, you'll receive a letter from the Shire confirming the next step: getting your pool or spa barrier checked by a qualified surveyor.
The letter will also include details of when your pool or spa was constructed and the due date for lodgement of the compliance certificate.
Owners will then be required to engage a registered building surveyor or building inspector to inspect and certify the compliance of their safety barrier every four years. The fee to lodge the Certificate of Compliance is $20.40.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Councillor Sam Hearn said drowning is one of the major causes of accidental deaths for Australian children (0–4 years).
"Swimming pool and spa owners have a legal obligation to ensure they maintain the effective operation of swimming pool and spa safety barriers.
"These new requirements introduced by the state government, are designed to save the lives of young children through improving compliance with safety barrier requirements".
The Shire is tasked with ensuring all affected property owners comply with the new requirements with penalties for non-compliance.
Failing to register a swimming pool and/or spa with the Shire is an offence under the Building Regulations 2018 and carries a penalty (this fine amount is currently $330.44).
To register and learn more visit: mornpen.vic.gov.au/poolregister
