Questions & Answers
In this section you find the most frequently asked questions, FAQ, with answers.
When do I have to register my pool by?
If you are the owner of land on which a pool or spa is located, you must register your permanent pool and or spa with your council by:
Relevant Date | Final date for lodging application for registration |
If the relocatable pool or spa was erected before 1 November 2020 for at least three consecutive days and remains erected on 1 November 2020 | By 4 November 2020 |
Erected on or after 1 November 2020 for three consecutive days | On the fourth day after the pool is erected |
How long is registration for?
A pool or spa remains registered until it is removed from the register.
What happens after I register my pool or spa?
After registering your pool or spa, the relevant council is required to send you written notification confirming:
- that your pool or spa has been registered
- the date of construction of your pool or spa and the applicable barrier standard
- your right to appeal to the Building Appeals Board (BAB) in relation to the council’s determination of the date of construction of the pool or spa
- the date by which the first or next certificate of barrier compliance must be lodged with the relevant council.
How can I find out the date of construction of my pool or spa?
Upon application for registration of the swimming pool or spa, Council will determine the date of construction and the applicable barrier standard and inform the applicant in writing.
How does the council determine the date of construction of a swimming pool or spa?
To determine the date of construction, the council may consider any relevant information, such as the date of any building permit issued in relation to the swimming pool or spa.
This may include information provided in the registration application, the council’s records (such as building permit data) or other relevant information obtained by the council, including real estate listings and aerial photography.
How often do I need to have my pool inspected and provide a certificate of compliance to Council?
A certificate of compliance needs to be provided to Council within every four years after the first certificate of pool and spa barrier compliance was lodged with Council.
I have recently purchased a property with a pool or spa. How can I check that it has been registered?
Please contact the relevant council to check if your pool or spa has been registered.
When must I lodge my certificate of pool or spa barrier compliance?
- For pools and spas constructed on or before 30 June 1994, a certificate of barrier compliance must be lodged by 1 Nov 2021
- For pools and spas constructed between 1 July 1994 and 1 May 2010, a certificate of barrier compliance must be lodged by 1 Nov 2022
- For pools and spas constructed between 1 May 2010 and 31 May 2020, a certificate of barrier compliance must be lodged by 1 Nov 2023
For pools and spas constructed on or after 1 Nov 2020, a certificate of barrier compliance is due within 30 days of occupancy permit or certificate of final inspection. This certificate must accompany an application for registration. The next certificate of compliance is due four years after registration.
What if I want to have work done to my pool or spa barrier?
If you are carrying out repair works on an existing safety barrier, a building permit may be required to alter the barrier. Work to alter an existing barrier will need to comply with the current regulations.
We don't have any children and our backyard is secure. Do we have to register our pool and obtain a certificate of compliance?
Yes – it is mandatory for all land owners in Victoria to apply to register any pool or spa on their property.
Of the 27 drownings that have occurred in Victoria since 2000, 12 involved children who were not residents of the property. In one case, the child had entered the pool area without the knowledge of the property owner.
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info@localpoolandspainspection.com.au