From 1st December 2019, local councils will register all backyard pools and spas in their area, with property owners being required to submit a current certificate of compliance for their pool or spa safety barrier fence.
SPASA Victoria CEO Chris Samartzis, applauded the Victorian Government for bringing in this new legislation that will ensure the safety of all Victorians.
“Backyard pool and spa owners can now relax and enjoy the fantastic lifestyle that comes with pool and spa ownership, knowing that their wonderful asset will now be safer than ever,” said Chris Samartzis.
Local councils will take charge of this mandatory registration scheme from December 2019, with all pool owners required to contact their council by April 14 2020 and pay the small $37 registration fee.
Inspection certificates for all pools built before 1994 must be lodged by 30th October 2020. For pools built between 1994 and 2010, owners will have until the 30th April 2021, with all pools built after 2010 required to be certified by 29th October 2021.
Councils will charge pool and spa owners a maximum of $20 to lodge their inspection compliance certificates, a process they will be required to undertake just once every three years.
Households will have 20 days to bring their pools into compliance if an inspector identifies any safety concerns.
The state government introduced this new scheme after numerous coronial investigations found that un-maintained and non-compliant pool fences or gates had contributed to the deaths of children in backyard pools.
The Victorian Coroner recommended strengthened pool safety laws after investigating several drowning cases.
“SPASA Victoria is delighted that these new safety measures will increase the enjoyment of pool and spa ownership for all Victorians,” said Chris Samartzis.
This article was first published in The Fence magazine.