New swimming pool and spa safety barrier requirements
To improve child safety in and around pools and spas, Victoria’s Building Regulations will change on 1 December 2019, introducing new registration, inspection, maintenance and compliance requirements for property owners.
From Sunday, 1 December 2019:
- Compulsory registration of swimming pools and spas commences. Property owners must register their pools and spas with their local council by 1 June 2020.
- Pool and spa owners must obtain and lodge a certificate demonstrating the safety compliance of their pool and spa barrier every four years. An appropriately qualified building surveyor or building inspector must carry out an inspection and provide a compliance certificate.
A new class of building inspector, limited to pool safety, will also be introduced. The eligibility requirements for registration in this new class are:
- the successful completion of a course in swimming pool and spa safety barrier inspection delivered by a Registered Training Organisation and approved by the Victorian Building Authority; and
- at least six months of practical experience.
The Victorian Building Authority will provide further information once courses become available, which is expected to be early next year.