Property owners in Golden Plains Shire now have until 1 June 2022 to ensure pool and spa safety barriers have been installed, inspected and certified.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Victorian Government has announced the extension of the certification deadline, to ensure compliance under its new swimming pool and spa safety laws.
Pool and spa owners who have an existing spa or pool that is not currently registered are strongly encouraged to register as soon as possible to avoid being fined. Failure to register a pool or spa with Council is a breach of the Victorian Government’s Building Regulations 2018 and can incur infringements of up to $363.
In 2019, the Victorian Government introduced the reform which requires all property owners to register their pool or spa with their local municipality. The primary objective of the new regulations is to reduce incidences of young children drowning in private swimming pools and spas through improving compliance with safety barrier requirements across the state.
Registration can be completed online at Council’s website and includes a $32.30 registration fee to cover Council’s costs administrating this Victorian Government requirement.
If a pool or spa has been removed from a property, owners are asked to advise Council as soon as possible. A site inspection may be required to confirm.
Once registered and the construction date of the pool or spa has been determined, Council will advise owners when they are required to lodge a Certificate of Pool Barrier Compliance issued by a qualified practitioner. These dates have now been extended by seven months.
Owners will then be required to engage a registered building surveyor or building inspector to inspect and certify the compliance of their safety barrier every four years.
Pool and spa owners can access the online registration link and more information on the Victorian Government’s regulations on the Swimming Pools and Spas page or call Council at 5220 7111.
For more information on the Victorian Government’s pool safety reforms, visit the Victorian Building Authority's website.