Swimming pool and spas

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• Who needs to register?

  If you own a property with a permanent or portable pool or spa, you need to register.

  If you rent a property with a pool or spa, your landlord needs to register. If you have a temporary pool or spa, ask your landlord to register it.

  Where a pool or spa is on common property managed by an owner’s corporation, the owner’s corporation must register the pool with Council.

  Property agents need to get in contact with property owners to make sure they register.

• How do I arrange an inspection?

  Once you’ve registered and Council advises you of the construction date and which barrier standard applies, an inspection is required to check that your barrier complies with the applicable standard.

  Only certain registered and qualified persons can inspect your barrier.

  When arranging an inspection, you can organise a private inspector or building surveyor. You can search for a registered building practitioner authorised to carry out inspections on the VBA website.

  There is no set fee for a safety barrier inspection. You should obtain quotes for this work from at least two practitioners before you proceed with the inspection.

  Please note: Council does not provide recommendations of inspectors or provide this service.

• What is classified as a pool or spa?

  The following are classified as a pool or spa and need to be registered:

  • in-ground pool or spa with or without barriers
  • above-ground pool or spa, including inflatable pools that can hold more than 30 cm of water
  • indoor pools/spas
  • bathing and wading pools with more than 30 cm of water.

  You don't need to register:

  • fountains and fish ponds
  • spas and baths in your bathroom.

• I have a pool and a spa - do I register twice?

  The new law aims to make pool and spa barriers safe. So, if your pool and spa are:

  • within the same safety barrier, you only need to register once
  • in separate barriers, you need to register each barrier.

• What about small inflatable children’s pools?

  When setting-up a small inflatable children’s pool in your backyard, you must register it with Council if:

  • the pool can contain water to a depth of greater than 30 cm
  • is in place for more than three consecutive days.

• What happens after the inspection?

  After the inspection, if the pool and/or spa barrier complies with the applicable barrier standard, the inspector will issue you with a Certificate of Barrier Compliance.

  This certificate can be lodged via your Online Services account, and a lodgement fee is payable.

  If you need help making a lodgement, you can contact the building team:

  Email: helpbuilding@portphillip.vic.gov.au
  Mail: Private Bag 3, St Kilda Victoria 3182