Keeping pools and spas safe

There are laws about swimming pool and spa safety in Victoria, including registration, inspection and certification requirements for property owners.

The owner of the property must:

• register the pool with the local council
• have the pool safety barrier inspected every 4 years
• lodge a certificate with the council, confirming compliance of the pool or spa barrier.

The laws apply to swimming pools and spas that can hold 300 mm (30 cm) of water or more. This includes:

• permanent pools
• above ground pools
• indoor pools
• hot tubs (spas)
• bathing or wading pools,
• and some relocatable pools.

Relocatable pools that:

• do not consist of multiple components, and
• do not require any assembly

are not subject to the barrier requirements. For example, a small inflatable pool that requires no assembly other than inflation.

The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) has more information on laws about swimming pools and spas.

If you are renting, you should:

• ensure all gates to the swimming pool or spa area are closed at all times, except when you’re entering or leaving
• immediately notify the rental provider in writing of any faults with pool or spa fences, doors or gates.

General pool and spa safety advice

All doors and gates that provide access to a pool or spa must have self-closing and self-latching devices. If you’re renting a property that has a pool or outdoor spa, check that the fence or safety barrier is secure for you and others who live at or visit the property (especially children).

The VBA recommends checking that:

• self-closing and self-latching devices on pool and spa doors and gates work properly
• gates are not propped open
• there isn’t anything that that can be climbed on, such as a tree branch, pool pump or pot plant, near the safety barrier or fence
• fences (especially boundary timber paling fences) are in good repair and cannot be climbed.