In Victoria, most permanent and relocatable pools and spas capable of holding more than 300 mm of water must be registered with the local council. Owners must arrange barrier inspections and lodge a certificate of barrier compliance by the due date shown on the council notice. A new certificate is generally required every four years.

Which pools and spas are covered?

The registration and barrier regime generally covers in-ground and above-ground pools, spas, hot tubs, swim spas, and relocatable pools that can hold more than 300 mm of water. Limited exclusions can apply, including certain small inflatable pools that do not need assembly. Confirm the status with the council when unsure.

Step 1: register with the local council

Registration is handled by the council where the property is located. The owner provides information about the pool or spa and pays the applicable fee. The council then supplies written confirmation that identifies the construction date it has determined, the barrier standard likely to apply, and the deadline for lodging the first certificate.

Step 2: arrange a barrier inspection

The inspection must be completed by a registered building surveyor, registered building inspector, or municipal building surveyor authorised for this work. Check the practitioner's current registration before booking.

The inspection commonly considers:

• Barrier height, condition, and openings
• Gate direction, self-closing action, and latch operation
• Non-climbable zones and nearby objects
• Boundary fences, walls, doors, and windows used as barriers
• Whether the barrier matches the standard determined for its construction date

Step 3: lodge the certificate

When the barrier complies, the inspector issues a certificate of pool and spa barrier compliance, commonly known as Form 23. The owner must lodge it with the council within 30 days of issue and pay the council lodgement fee. Keep a copy with the property records.

What happens after a failed inspection?

The inspector provides written details of the non-compliant items and a period for rectification under the Victorian process. A further inspection is needed after repairs. If defects are not addressed within the permitted process, the inspector may be required to issue a certificate of barrier non-compliance to the council.

Ongoing owner responsibilities

A certificate does not remove the duty to keep the barrier working. Test the gate regularly, never prop it open, keep climbable objects away, and trim vegetation. Watch for soil, paving, or landscaping changes that reduce fence height. Arrange the next inspection in time to lodge a new certificate by the four-year due date.