Swimming pool and spa register
Register to ensure safer pools and spas
In 2019 the Victorian Government introduced legislation requiring owners of all swimming pool and spa to register them with Council. As part of the registration process, pool and spa barriers will need to be inspected by a registered private building surveyor or inspector every four years who will issue certificates of compliance (form 23) which owners will need to then lodge with Council, or non-compliance (form 24) which the surveyor will then lodge.
Council does not provide pool & spa inspection services. These are conducted by registered private building surveyors or inspectors. Please note fees for inspections are set by private suppliers and Council is not affiliated with any providers of these services.
After you register your pool, we will send you a confirmation of registration which will contain the following information:
- the date of construction of your pool
- which building standards will apply to your barrier
- the due date by which you must have your pool/spa inspected by a private surveyor or pool inspector and lodge your barrier compliance (form 23) with Council
Council does not recommend nor endorse any private inspectors or surveyors. To find one for your project, search online for 'private building surveyor' or 'pool inspectors' that service the Surf Coast, Geelong and Melbourne Metro. Be sure to seek multiple quotes, as private fees are not regulated and can vary widely.
Useful links
Register your pool/spa
Lodge your pool/spa barrier Compliance Certificate
Lodge your pool/spa barrier Non-Compliance Certificate
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The regulations, which came into effect on 1 December 2019, will aim to improve safety by ensuring that pool and spa barriers meet required standards.
The regulations include:
- Mandatory requirement to register pools and spas with local councils
- Mandatory safety barrier inspection and certification
- A process for dealing with barriers which do not meet safety requirements, and
- Fees for initial registration, and for lodgement of certificates of compliance and non-compliance.
Owners wishing to do their own initial safety assessment prior to engaging a pool inspector can be guided by the following Victorian Building Authority checklists:
Owners having work completed on an existing safety barrier, other than basic maintenance like replacing a hinge, are likely to require a building permit to alter the barrier. Any work to alter an existing barrier will need to comply with the current regulations.
View our Frequently Asked Questions for further information.