Time Running Out To Register Pools

Media Release

Council recently contacted property owners who had yet to register their swimming pool or spa in line with the Victorian Government’s pool and spa barrier safety standards.

In 2019, the Victorian Government introduced new swimming pool and spa safety laws, which included the requirement for all property owners to register their pool or spa with their local Council. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the deadline for registration was extended from 1 June 2020 to 1 June 2022.

To date, Council has received 694 registrations, which is below the number of pools and spas believed to be located on private property in Golden Plains Shire. Last week, Council wrote to 268 property owners who according to Council records have previously been issued with a building permit for a pool or spa but have yet to register.

Pool and spa owners are strongly encouraged to register by 1 August 2021 to avoid a penalty. Failure to register the pool or spa with Council is a breach of the Victorian Government’s Building Regulations 2018 and can incur infringements of up to $363.50 and is a prosecutable offence of up to 10 penalty units ($1,817.40).

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 requested to advise Council. 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. 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.

Residents who received a letter and believe they have already registered and paid the registration fee since December 2019, are also encouraged to contact Council’s Building Services team at 5220 7111 to ensure their registration is up-to-date.

Pool and spa owners can access the online registration link and more information on the Victorian Government’s regulations at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/pool-registration and can contact the Building Services team at 5220 7111.

Click here to register

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