Swimming pools, spas and their safety barriers
In Victoria, the construction and installation of swimming pools, spas and safety barriers and barrier maintenance are subject to the requirements of the Building Regulations 2018.
Information on this website is provided to help practitioners and consumers meet the regulatory requirements for the installation of swimming pools and spas and their safety barriers as well as help swimming pool and spa owners ensure their safety barriers are well maintained and meet the relevant requirements.
Between June 2007 and July 2017, 13 young children have died in Victoria in home swimming pools or spas. The VBA encourages the active supervision of young children in and around swimming pools and spas at all times. Swimming pool and spa owners have a legal obligation to ensure that they maintain the effective operation of swimming pool and spa safety barriers. Gates and doors must remain closed except when entering the pool or spa.
As announced by the Victorian government, legislation was recently passed to make the registration of swimming pools and spas mandatory and introduce a new compliance regime to improve swimming pool and spa safety. This will come into effect on 1 December 2019.
In the interim, to help reduce the risks of drowning incidents, the VBA has developed three self-assessment checklists to help swimming pool and spa owners check the safety of their barriers. We have also established a voluntary swimming pool register.
- Checklist 1 - for pools and spas installed before 8 April 1991
- Checklist 2 - for pools and spas installed between 8 April 1991 and 30 April 2010
- Checklist 3 - for pools and spas installed from 1 May 2010
For further information, select one of the following categories:
