A Guide to Passing Your Pool Safety Inspection

Ensuring your pool meets safety standards is not just a legal obligation, it's a matter of protecting your loved ones and guests. Unfortunately, many swimming pools fail safety inspections due to common issues that can easily be addressed. From faulty pool barriers to non-compliant gates, these problems can compromise the safety of your pool area.

In this blog, we'll explore the top reasons swimming pools fail safety inspections and provide practical tips on how to fix them, ensuring your pool is both safe and compliant. Whether you're preparing for a pool inspection or simply want to make sure your pool is up to standard, this guide will help you stay on track.

Keeping Pools and Spas Safe: Understanding Pool Safety Laws in Victoria

In Victoria, laws are in place to ensure the safety of pools and spas. These regulations focus on registration, inspections and compliance to protect users and meet legal standards.

Key Responsibilities for Pool Owners

• Register Your Pool or Spa: Notify your local council to ensure proper registration.
• Inspect Barriers Every 4 Years: Schedule regular inspections to confirm safety compliance.
• Submit a Compliance Certificate: Provide proof of compliance to your local council.

Pools and Spas Covered by the Laws

The rules apply to pools and spas that hold 300 mm (30 cm) or more water, including:

• Permanent and above-ground pools
• Indoor pools and hot tubs
• Wading or bathing pools
• Relocatable pools (excluding small inflatable ones without assembly)

Tips for Renters

If renting a property with a pool or spa:

• Always keep gates closed unless entering or exiting.
• Report any issues with fences, gates, or doors to your rental provider in writing.

For more details, visit the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) website. Following these guidelines helps ensure pools and spas are safe and legally compliant.

Pool Safety Compliance Basics

To ensure your pool meets safety standards:

• Self-Locking Gates: Install self-latching mechanisms at least 1500 mm above the ground.
• Self-Closing Mechanisms: Gates and doors must close automatically.
• Gate Direction: Gates should open outward from the pool area.
• Clear Surroundings: Remove climbable objects near the fence, like furniture or plants.
• Fence Design: Mesh fences should have holes smaller than 13 mm; vertical gaps should be 100 mm or less.
• Ground Clearance: Ensure the gap between the fence and the ground is no more than 100 mm.
• Barrier Strength: The fence must withstand normal forces.

Following these rules will keep your pool area safe and compliant with regulations.

Certificate of Barrier Compliance

When your pool or spa barrier meets safety standards, the swimming pool inspector will issue a Certificate of Barrier Compliance, which you must submit to your local council within 30 days. Contact your council for submission details, noting a fee applies.

What Happens Next?

• The council will record the certificate's lodgement date.
• They’ll notify you of the next compliance certificate due in four years.

Non-Compliant Barriers

If your barrier doesn’t meet safety standards, the inspector will:

• Issue a Certificate of Non-Compliance immediately or provide a written notice detailing:
• What needs to be fixed.
• A timeline (up to 60 days) for repairs.
• A scheduled date for reinspection.
• If the barrier passes reinspection, a compliance certificate is issued, which must be sent to the council.
• If progress is made but issues remain, the inspector may grant seven extra days for fixes. Otherwise, a non-compliance certificate will be issued and sent to the council.

What Happens After Non-Compliance?

The council will notify you, require a fee, and take further action based on the issue:

• For minor problems: A Barrier Improvement Notice specifying repairs and a timeframe.
• For serious issues: A Notice or Order under the Building Act 1993.

Consequences of a Non-Compliant Pool

Immediate Consequences:

• No compliance certificate
• Potential fines from authorities
• Increased liability risks

Long-Term Consequences:

• Legal issues if accidents occur
• Challenges when selling the property
• Higher insurance premiums

Pool Re-Inspection Process

After failing an inspection, you must address the issues and schedule a re-inspection to ensure compliance. A re-inspection check:

• Corrected safety barriers
• Repaired gates and latches
• Full compliance with Victorian pool safety regulations

By resolving issues immediately, you can secure compliance and ensure pool safety.

Correct Construction of Pool Barriers

Properly built safety barriers protect children and save you from fines. Experts in swimming pool inspections near you ensure your pool meets Australian safety standards and provides the required certificate.

Non-compliant pools pose risks and can lead to penalties. Stay informed, follow regulations, and seek professional advice to protect your pool.

Take Away

Ensuring your pool meets safety standards is not just a legal obligation but a crucial step in safeguarding lives. You can create a safe and compliant pool environment by understanding common reasons for inspection failures and addressing them proactively. Whether it's fixing barriers and gates or eliminating climbable objects, taking action now can save time, money, and potential accidents.