New safety laws for owners of pools and spas to be introduced 1st December 2019.
New laws introduced by the Victorian Government require:
- Mandatory registration of swimming pools and spas
- A new compliance regime to improve swimming pool and spa safety
What will be required
Registration
From 1 December 2019, property owners, including landlords will be required to register
their pool or spa with Council by 14 April 2020.
Council will maintain the register of swimming pools and spas within the municipality
through owner registrations, existing Council records and aerial photography to ensure the data base is up-to-date.
Certification
Property owners will also be required to have their swimming pool and spa barriers inspected and certified by a registered building surveyor or a registered building inspector every 4 years. This will state whether the barrier of a swimming pool or spa complies with the applicable requirements.
These requirements vary, depending on when the pool or spa was installed.
The owner must then provide a copy of the certificate of compliance to Council by the following dates;
- For pools and spas constructed 30 June 1994 or earlier: 30 October 2020.
- For pools and spas constructed between 1 July 1994 and 1 May 2010: 30 April 2021.
- For pools and spas constructed from 1 May 2010: 29 October 2021.
As the legislation is the draft phase, the above dates are subject to change. Please visit this web page regularly as it will be updated when the final regulations are passed.
