Swimming pools and spas

In Victoria the design, construction and installation of swimming pools, spas and their safety barriers are subject to strict building requirements under the Building Regulations 2018

 Permanent Safety barriers are required for:

• In ground swimming pools and spas
• Indoor swimming pools and spas
• Above ground pools and spas (including those with a lockable lid)
• Inflatable and relocatable pools capable of holding more than 30cm of water
• Hot tubs and Jacuzzis capable of holding more than 30cm of water.

Bird baths, fish ponds and fountains are not used principally for swimming, paddling or wading and do not require safety barriers.

For more information on pools and barriers visit Victorian Building Authority or view a fact sheet on Pool Regulations here (PDF, 2MB) 

On 1 December 2019, legislation to improve swimming pool and spa safety came into effect in Victoria.

It is now mandatory for owners of land where a swimming pool or spa is located to register their pool or spa with the relevant council.  New pools or spas must be registered within 30 days of your Certificate of Final Inspection being issued.

Unregistered pools and spas can attract penalties in the form of on-the-spot fines or heavier fees may be imposed by the courts. You will not automatically be penalised for self-reporting an unregistered pool or spa, however you must comply with any Council orders once we are aware that there is one on your property.

You are required to have your pool or spa barrier inspected by a qualified practitioner once every four years; you will be informed of your next compliance date on registration.  Council will send you a reminder prior to the compliance date, however it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that the barrier is kept in good order and that the certificate is provided on time. Your chosen inspector will inform you if any rectifications to your barrier are required and give you a timeframe to complete the works.

You must lodge your certificate of barrier compliance within 30 days of receiving it.

More information about swimming pool and spa regulations is available at:  Swimming pools and spas | Building and Plumbing Commission

You will find links to register your pool/spa, lodge a barrier compliance certificate or request a barrier inspection below.

All swimming pools and spas must be registered, regardless of whether or not they were constructed/installed with a permit. The one-off fee payable is $37.17 (2026/27). 

Fees relating to pool and spa registration and the lodgement of compliance certificates are set by the State Government under the Building Regulations 2019.

If you have a new pool or spa you are required to register it with Council within 30 days of the Certificate of Final Inspection being issued.

You can complete the registration form and make an online payment below. Hard copy registration forms are available at all Council service centres.

There are qualified pool barrier inspectors providing services across the region or you can use Council inspectors to conduct your four yearly barrier compliance check.

Please ask for quotes as rates vary, particularly if your barrier requires re-inspection. Council’s 2026/27 inspection fees of $363.80 include up to two inspections and lodgement of the certificate.

If you are using a private inspection service, you will need to provide the date of construction of your pool/spa and the barrier standard. This information was included in your reminder letter. Please remember to lodge your certificate and pay the statutory fee.

You can book using our online form or call Council and ask to be connected to the Building Department if you require more information.

Application - Swimming pool barrier inspection

Having used a private pool inspector to conduct your four yearly pool or spa barrier compliance check, you now need to lodge your Certificate of Pool or Spa Compliance within 30 days of it being issued, and pay the associated fee of $23.80 (2026/27).

To lodge your certificate please complete the application form below.

Lodge certificate of compliance - pool and spa barriers

Before the barrier to your pool or spa is inspected for your Certificate of Pool or Spa Compliance, be sure to use the relevant self-assessment checklist that was provided at the time of your pool registration, or as found below:

• Pool and Spa Safety Barrier Self-Assessment Checklist 1 
• Pool and Spa Safety Barrier Self-Assessment Checklist 2 
• Pool and Spa Safety Barrier Self-Assessment Checklist 3

This will ensure that your pool or spa has the best chance of passing the inspection and having a compliance certificate issued.

Further fees will apply if a pool barrier non-compliance is issued by a pool inspector.

Please note:  Pools built without a permit will be required to meet current barrier standards (Checklist 3)