Time is fast running out to register your pool or spa
Published on 14 May 2020
Time is quickly running out for landowners to register their pool or spa under new safety laws introduced by the Victorian Government.
Campaspe Shire Council’s General Manager Regulatory & Community Services, Mr Paul McKenzie, said all swimming pools and spas needs to be registered with Council before 1 June 2020 to avoid potential fines.
“The new legislation focuses on child safety and reducing the incidents of young children drowning,” Mr McKenzie said.
“We have some 2,000 swimming pools and spas in Campaspe Shire, but only a third have registered to date.”
Registration is mandatory for all pools and spas with a depth of water of at least 300mm, which includes relocatable or temporary pools and spas. Failure to register by 1 June 2020 could result in fines up to $1,652.20.
“Residents are encouraged not to risk being caught out by delaying the registration process. Council has a number of tools available to them to check for pools and spas, including, but not limited to, recent high quality aerial photographic mapping of the shire,” Mr McKenzie said.
“Registration is quick and can be done online via Council’s website. Once registered, we will respond confirming the construction date, provide the relevant safety barrier standard for the fence, and will advise when the compliance certificate is required.”
Landowners then have between one to three years to complete certification, a date dependent on the age of the pool or spa.
“This certificate is issued by a building surveyor or building inspector, following an inspection,” he said.
“The Certificate of Barrier Compliance, is then lodged with Council and a similar inspection process is required every four years.”
Some landowners may have constructed a swimming pool or spa without a Building Permit.
“In this instance, owners are encouraged to make contact with our Building Unit to discuss how the pool or spa and fence can be made compliant,” Mr McKenzie said.
Further information about the registration process is available on Council’s website.