VBA statement on pool inspections
There are more than 1000 building inspectors and surveyors qualified to inspect and certify swimming pool and spa barriers across Victoria.
The new class of Building Inspector (Pool Safety) was introduced in December 2019, along with new laws making it mandatory for landowners to register their pools and spas.
Background
The Victorian Government announced the extension of the deadline for the mandatory registration of private pools and spas due to the impacts of coronavirus in May this year.
Private pool and spa owners now have until 1 November 2020 to register their pools with their local council.
The changes to the legislation also mean pool and spa owners must have an appropriately registered person certify compliance of their safety barrier every four years.
An appropriate person is a registered building surveyor or municipal building surveyor, a registered building inspector or a Building Inspector (Pool Safety) – in all, around 1070 practitioners across the state.
The roll-out of the training course for the new class of Building Inspector (Pool Safety) has also been impacted by coronavirus.
The unavoidable delay to the course will have no impact on the number of inspections of pools and spas.
Practitioners and those people with relevant knowledge and experience can apply for registration as a Building Inspector (Pool Safety) at any time without having to undertake the course.
The VBA has released its course specifications to Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) so they can prepare to deliver program requirements and assessment. We expect to inform RTOs about the availability of the course later this month.
The VBA continues to work closely with industry and education providers to ensure students get the experience they need to enforce compliance and safety of swimming pool and spa barriers.
As of 1 September 2020, 18 people are registered in the class of Building Inspector (Pool Safety), however the number of people who can inspect pools and spas is 1070.