Regulations

According to the Victorian Building Authority, new mandatory regulations state that every swimming pool or spa must have a compliant safety barrier if it is capable of containing a depth of water more than 30cm (300mm). This is required to restrict access to the pool area by young children under the age of 5yrs and prevent accidental drownings.

As a property owner you have a legal obligation in making sure the barrier is in good working order, maintained and repaired if necessary. This applies to in ground and above ground pools/spas whether they are indoors or outdoors, including relocatable pools/spas if they are capable of holding more than 30cm of water.

There are different regulations you must abide by dependant on the year your pool/spa was built. The VBA have provided checklists for you to access so you can conduct your own self-assessment of your barrier. These checklists are a guide in understanding what is required and are recommended as they can help you prepare for your barrier inspection. Your pool/spa must be inspected by a qualified Barrier Safety Inspector who can give you a Certificate of Compliance to lodge to your council once your barrier is deemed safe and compliant. This is required to be fulfilled every four years. 

To download the VBA checklists, click on the appropriate link below: