Swimming Pool Inspections
Swimming pool inspections are mandatory every four years in Victoria. These rules also apply to spas.
In addition, all swimming pools and spas must be registered with the relevant Local Council. If you fail to do this you face a hefty fine of up to $1,652.20. As part of this process, the Local Council will advise you the date of the construction of the swimming pool or spa as well as the applicable barrier standard that applies.
As Licensed Inspectors with the Victoria Building Authority we will inspect your swimming pool to determine if your safety barrier is compliant. We then issue you with a Compliance Certificate or advise you or what needs to be done to ensure your safety barrier is compliant.
Our rates start from $385 (inc GST).
Swimming Pools and Spas Affected by the Safety Barrier Requirements
Swimming pools that can hold more than 30cm of water must have a compliant safety barrier. The new rules apply irrespective of when the swimming pool was built.
Types of pools include:
- All in-ground pools
- Any above-ground pools as long as they can hold more than 30cm of water
- All indoor pools
- Any other bathing and wading pools than can hold more than 30cm of water
- There are a few exceptions to the rules including small inflatable pools, bird baths, fish ponds and spas in private bathrooms
- As Licensed Inspectors we inspect all types of swimming pools
- Our rates start from $385 (inc GST).
Our Swimming Pool Checklist Includes:
The checklist we use to inspect your swimming pool depends on it’s age. There are separate rules for pools installed before 8 April 1991. There is a second set of rules for pools installed between 8 April 1991 to 30 April 2010. Finally, there is another set of rules for all remaining pools built from 1 May 2010.
However, the following is an indication of what we check when inspecting a safety barrier:
- Gates have a self locking or self latching device with opening mechanism above a certain height
- Area outside of fence is clear of climbing objects
- Gates have self closing device that does not require manual force
- Any windows that form part of a barrier do not allow access to the pool
- Access can’t be gained by climbing under a barrier fence
- Any retaining walls must restrict access to the pool
- Ladders, pumps and filters for above ground pools must not be able to be used as climbing devices
- Safety barriers must be of sufficient strength and rigidity
Self Assessment Checklists for your Pool or Spa
The VBA has developed Pool and Spa Safety Barriers self assessment checklists. These checklists provide lots of detailed information about the exact requirements that your swimming pool or spa will need to comply with. There are three checklists and the one that you choose depends on the age of pool or spa.
Click on the links below to download the relevant checklist:
Certificate of Barrier Compliance
When we issue you with a certificate of barrier compliance, you will need to lodge it within 30 days to your Local Council. In addition, you will need to lodge subsequent certificates every four years.
Why Trust Us for Swimming Pool Inspections
Fully insured
Completely independent swimming pool inspectors
Reports & Compliance Certificates within 24 hrs
Over 30 years experience
Qualified Victoria Building Authority Member
Up to date with all Swimming pool and spa Codes and Regulations
Cert IV – Occupational Health & Safety