Swimming pools and spas
On average, four young children die in Victoria in home swimming pools or spas each year, and many more are taken to hospital for near-drownings. We encourage the active supervision of young children in and around swimming pools and spas at all times.
In Victoria, the construction and installation of swimming pools, spas and safety barriers and barrier maintenance are all subject to the requirements of the Building Regulations 2018 (the Regulations).
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.
New pool and spa registration and inspection requirements
On 1 December 2019, new laws to improve swimming pool and spa safety came into effect in Victoria. They introduce new registration, inspection and certification requirements for property owners.
As part of the changes, owners are required to register their pool and spa with their local council. They also need to have their safety barrier inspected every four years.
The requirements don't apply to relocatable pools that don't consist of multiple components and don't require assembly. An example is a small paddling pool that only requires inflation.
For more information, including cut-off dates, see Registration requirements, Pool safety barriers and Pool and spa inspections and compliance.
The information provided in these pages will help property owners understand their legal obligations regarding swimming pools, spas and safety barriers. It covers the new registration, inspection and certification requirements. These pages will also help tenants and property agents understand who's responsible for pool and spa safety.
Find out more about:
- new pool and spa registration requirements
- pool and spa inspection and compliance
- pool safety barriers
- installing a new pool or spa.
For more information on keeping children safe around pools and spas, visit Life Saving Victoria and Kidsafe Victoria.
Council and practitioner guide
We have created a Council and Practitioner Guide (PDF, 330.6 KB) detailing the process required to undertake inspections and issue compliance and non-compliance certificates.
This guide clarifies council and practitioner responsibilities under the building legislation in relation to swimming pool safety. It is not a substitute for the relevant legislation.