Summer in Victoria is backyard barbecues, family dinners and long afternoons by the pool. But prior to a hot week of sunshine, every pool owner has an essential job, ensuring that their pool is safe, appropriate and ready for use.
Victorian guidelines for pool safety laws are strict in Victoria, and getting your pool set up correctly is a lot more than clean water and new deck chairs. It also concerns making sure your pool barrier complies with laws and that your property is secure and safe for children and visitors.
This all in one summer checklist will guide you in preparing your pool properly, without paying fines, falling foul of inspections or most importantly, avoiding avoidable events.
Why Pool Safety Matters in Summer
As temperatures climb, so do pool related accidents.
Most accidents occur when pools are:
- Used more frequently
- Not properly secured
- Poorly maintained
- Not complying with Victorian pool safety laws
All swimming pools and spas in Victoria need to have compliant pool barriers and be registered with the local council. Ignoring these standards can result in hefty fines and legal troubles, particularly if an incident happens. Getting ready early gives you peace of mind and also makes sure that your pool is legally safe for the entire summer.
Summer Pool Readiness Checklist (Victoria)
This is a step by step checklist for preparing your summer-ready pool.
Look for Your Pool Fence and Barrier
Your pool’s barrier is the most critical protection feature.
Make sure:
- Proper fencing that is sturdy
- No gaps, holes or loose panels
- Barrier height is the Victorian standard
- No objects are climbable on the fence
- The pool is well separated from the house
Wear and tear, changes in landscaping or renovation can make a once compliant fence non-compliant over time.
Test Pool Gates and Latches
The gate to the pool is the number one reason the pools fail inspections.
Make sure your gate:
- Self-closes securely
- Opens away from the pool
- Has a latch that’s at the right height
- Cannot be propped open
If the gate fails to close and latch exactly each time, then it must also be fixed.
Remove Climbable Objects
Even a completely compliant fence can be dangerous if there are climbable items in close vicinity.
Remove or relocate before summer:
- Outdoor furniture
- Pot plants
- BBQs
- Storage boxes
- Trees or branches near the fence
Anything a child could climb onto climb over the fence will make your pool non-compliant.
Check Signage and CPR Charts
Victorian code mandates that:
- A clear, legible CPR sign
- Posted close to the pool location
- In a clean state and not faded
If your sign is outdated, sun-damaged, or missing, replace it before the swimming season starts.
Register Your Pool (If You Haven’t Already)
All pools and spas in Victoria need to be registered with the local council.
If your pool is not yet registered, this is a legal requirement and there may be monetary penalties for non-registration.
You’ll also need to:
- Have a pool safety inspection
- Get a pool compliance certificate
- Lodge it with your council
Book a Pre-Summer Pool Safety Inspection
Before summer, the smartest thing you can do is get a professional pool safety inspection done.
A licensed Victorian pool inspector will verify:
- Barriers
- Gates
- Latches
- Fence heights
- Climbable zones
- Overall compliance
This also allows for a smooth resolution of issues early and in some cases before peak season arrives.
Check Pool Equipment and General Safety
General pool safety also matters, while compliance is essential.
Before summer:
- Check pool covers
- Test pool lights
- Inspect pumps and filters
- Ensure electrical items are safe
- Clean up some tripping hazards around the pool
A safe pool space is more than a fence, after all.
Top 6 Reasons Your Pools Fail in Safety Checks: Victoria
Many Victorian pool owners feel shocked every year when they fail an inspection.
This is the most popular problem:
- Gates without any tendency to close themselves
- Broken or loose fencing panels
- Incorrect latch height
- Climbable objects near the fence
- Gaps under fences
- Incorrect or missing CPR signage
Being prepared to help prevents you these issues and incurring expensive re-inspection fees.
When Do You Begin Preparing?
The perfect time to set your pool up and prepare for spring is very early spring, before summer comes.
Delaying until December will leave you:
- Rushing to carry out repairs
- Struggling to get checked in
- And delaying access to a legally qualified facility
Anticipate and enjoy your relaxing swim season ahead of time.
If you’re still not sure if your pool is up to Victorian safety standards, the quickest way to know for sure is a professional inspection.
As part of North West Pool Inspections, we assist Victorian pool masters to verify that their pools are:
- Fully compliant
- Safe for families
- Ready for summer
- According to the local council’s needs
Book your inspection early and know 100% peace of mind this summer.
For more information check the VBA regarding pool and spa inspections.
Common Questions We Get Asked
Do I have to take a safety check on the pool in Victoria every year?
No. In Victoria, after receiving a Certificate of Compliance, it means your pool would be required to be checked every four years. Regularly upkeep your barrier on a regular basis through inspections is required for you to stay in compliance.
What are the requirements for a pool safety in Victoria?
As well as maintaining the compliance requirement under Victorian law on all pools & spas to be registered with council and have a compliant security system, complying with the Australian Standards. Pools must be inspected and certified by a registered building inspector.
How do I get my pool ready for an inspection?
To prepare for the inspection of the pool:
- Have gates close themselves and lock
- Remove climbable objects
- Repair damaged fencing
- You also need to get the barrier height right
- Display a compliant CPR sign
What is one the biggest pool compliance problems?
Pool gates which do not shut on or self latch properly were the most common complaint. In general, this causes a lot of pools in Victoria to fail safety inspections.
Can I use the pool without a certificate?
You could be violating Victorian law if your pool is not compliant or not registered. Fines from councils apply, and you can be liable if something goes wrong.
In Victoria: What is the price of pool inspection?
The price fluctuates depending on your building and place, but a professional inspection does not cost more than the fines, legal risk, or safety issue.
Is compliance required in inflatable pools?
Yes. In Victoria, inflatable pools and portable pools that have more than 300mm of water would also be subject to the requirements for pool safety barriers.
If my pool takes a failure rating, what happens?
Swimming safety checks are usually done after 30-60 minutes depending on the size and condition of the pool area.
When should I book my pool inspection before the summer?
Schedule your test in early spring, to provide time for any repairs prior to swimming at its maximum peak.
Getting your pool ready for summer in Victoria isn’t only crystal-clear water – it’s also about safety, regulation and responsibility. When you follow this checklist and have a professional visit booked, your pool is safe and legal and as ready for use.
Contact NW Pool Inspections to ensure your pool is up to standard by summer.
