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Keep your pool safe and compliant with professional pool and spa barrier inspections across Victoria. Clear reports, practical advice and compliance certification, all in one service.
Compliance Certificates
Key Facts About Victorian Pool Inspections & Compliance
Four-Year Inspection Cycle
Under Victorian regulations, pool and spa safety barriers must be inspected and a Certificate of Barrier Compliance (Form 23) lodged with the relevant local council every four years.
Council Reminders
Your local council may send a reminder as your certificate approaches its expiry date. However, it remains the property owner’s responsibility to keep track of the four-year deadline and arrange the required inspection and certification.
Lodgement Deadline
Once a registered pool and spa safety inspector has inspected and approved your barrier and issued a Form 23 Certificate of Barrier Compliance, the certificate must be lodged with your local council within 30 days.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
Failure to obtain or lodge the required certificate within the prescribed timeframe may result in council compliance action, infringement notices and applicable penalties.
Don’t Rely Solely on a Reminder
It is important to remember that not receiving a reminder does not remove the property owner’s legal responsibility to meet the required deadline. Your compliance date is recorded against the property, so it is important to keep your own records and arrange your inspection well before the due date.
Check Your Compliance Date
If you are unsure when your pool or spa barrier certificate is due, or you believe you may have missed a council reminder, contact your local council to confirm the compliance date recorded for your property.
Selling Your Property
If you are planning to sell your property, pool and spa barrier compliance documentation may be required as part of the sale process. It is important to ensure your certification is current and that any required documentation is available for your conveyancer or solicitor.
Stay ahead of your compliance deadline. Arrange your pool barrier inspection early to allow time for any required repairs or re-inspection.
Common Reasons Pool Barriers Fail
Pool barriers can fail to meet safety requirements for a number of reasons. Common issues identified during inspections include:
- Boundary fencing below the required height
- Climbable objects located too close to the pool barrier
- Gaps or openings that exceed the permitted limits for the type of barrier
- Damaged, loose or deteriorated fencing and barrier components
- Gates that do not self-close correctly after opening
- Gates that fail to latch securely without assistance
- Gate hardware or hinges that are damaged, incorrectly adjusted or not operating as required
Regular maintenance and prompt attention to these issues can help ensure your pool barrier remains safe and compliant.