FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does an inspection take?

  
  Inspections of swimming pools and spas may vary, but generally inspections take 30-60 minutes. A comprehensive report is emailed outlining any areas that need rectification. Once compliant we issue the certificate same day.
• How long is a certificate of Barrier Compliance valid?

  
  A certificate of barrier compliance is only valid for 30 days after it is issued. It must be lodged with the relevant council within this period. If the certificate is not lodged within the 30 days, a new inspection must be carried out and a new certificate issued and lodged with the relevant council.
• How often do I need to provide council with a Certificate of Barrier Compliance?

  
  Every 4 years
• I have purchased a property with a pool or spa, how can I check if it has been registered?

  
  Contact your council to check if your pool or spa has been registered.
• What are the main reasons for failing an inspection?

  
  These are the primary reasons for pool compliance failures. Many of these have simple solutions that can be addressed prior to inspection, download a self-evaluation checklist:

  • Gate hinges and/or latches are in disrepair or do not self-close properly. Gates must self-close and self-latch from a range of positions, being fully open, to just resting on the latch.
  • Objects that can be climbed, like trees, plant pots, BBQs, and clotheslines, are situated too close to the pool fence.
  • The pool fence is below the required height of 1200mm.
  • The gap between the vertical elements of the fence exceeds 100mm.
  • The space beneath the bottom of the fence is greater than 100mm.
• What defines a Pool or Spa?

  
  According to the VBA Victorian Building Authority and the Australian Standard defines a swimming pool as: Any structure containing water to a depth greater than 300mm and used primarily for swimming, wading and paddling. This also includes a bathing pool, wading pool, or spa pool.
• What happens if I don’t lodge a certificate of Barrier Compliance?

  
  It is an offence to not lodge a certificate of barrier compliance. If you don't lodge a certificate of pool and spa barrier compliance by the due date, you may face an on-the-spot fine by the council of approximately $330 and a penalty of up to $1,652.20.
• What is Pool & Spa inspections and compliance?

  
  Pool and spa owners are now required to have their safety barriers inspected and to lodge a certificate of barrier compliance with your local council. In Victoria, assessments of your pool or spa enclosure and the issuance of pool compliance certificates are carried out by:

  • A registered building surveyor.
  • A registered building inspector specialising (Pool Safety) or
  • A municipal building surveyor
• When are barriers not required?

  
  • Inflatable swimming pools (typically toddler or wading pools) that cannot contain a water depth greater than 300mm (30cm).
  • Small inflatable pools that do not consist of multiple components and do not require any assembly. An example of such a product is a small inflatable pool that requires no assembly other than inflation.
  • Bird baths / fishponds / reflection ponds / fountains / water supply/storage tanks/dams
  • Baths used for personal hygiene and emptied after each use
  • Spas inside a building (e.g. in a bathroom) used for personal hygiene and emptied after each use
  • Pools or spas that cannot contain a water depth of more than 300mm.
• How do I lodge the certificate of barrier compliance with my council?

  
  You should contact the council or check their website about their process for lodging a certificate of barrier compliance.