As of December 1, 2019, Victorian pool and spa owners will have until April 14, 2020, to register their pool and or spa with their council.
It is an attempt to reduce the number of child-related pool deaths that were contributed to by pool barriers no longer up to date with the regulations.
Councils will oversee enforcing the new regulations, with pool and spa owners having to pay a $37 registration fee as well as a $20 fee to lodge their inspection compliance certificate following an inspection every three years.
“Safety barriers surrounding pools and spas in our region are the responsibility of the owner. These requirements are designed to help owners maintain these important barriers,” a council spokesperson said.
To control the wave of registrations, pool inspection deadlines have been broken up into three different categories.
Owners of pools built before 1994 must have lodged their inspection forms by October 30, 2020.
Those with pools built between 1994 and 2010 have until April 30, 2021.
And finally, those who own pools built after 2010 must have their forms lodged by October 29, 2021.
If a pool does not meet the inspection criteria, an owner will have 20 days to fix the issue and be up to par.
Every three years pool and spa owners will be required to have their pools re-inspected to ensure their maintenance is compliant with the regulations.
It is unclear yet whether the inspection will be focused on pool barriers alone, or whether other concerns with regards to pool safety will also be inspected.
“As the peak body of the swimming pool and spa industry in Victoria, SPASA Victoria is delighted these new safety measure will increase the enjoyment of pool and spa ownership for all Victorians,” SPASA Victoria chief executive Chris Samartzis said.
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