Swimming pools and spas
Do you have an existing pool, or are you considering installing a pool or spa at your property? Find out what you need to do, from inspections to registrations and compliance.
Pay for swimming pool or spa invoices
Swimming pool and spa safety
On December 1st, 2019, the State Government introduced a mandatory pool/spa registration and safety barrier compliance process for all pool/spa owners in Victoria. The aim is to prevent accidental drownings in residential pools/spas by ensuring safety barriers are regularly maintained.
All pools and spas capable of holding water to a depth of more than 30cm must register with Council and have a compliant safety barrier.
This includes pools and spas that are:
- permanent
- in-ground
- above-ground
- inflatable
- relocatable
- temporary
- wading pools
New swimming pool or spa
If you are considering building a new pools or spa, you will need the following:
- A building permit before construction starts
- Once completed, the pool or spa must be registered through the City of Darebin website. The online registration includes the submission of the Compliance Certificate (also known as a Form 23). The Compliance Certificate ensures that the pool/spa meets current safety and compliance standards and is issued after your pool inspector/building surveyor has inspected the safety barriers.
Existing swimming pools or spas
If you have an existing swimming pool or spa, ensuring that it is safe and has compliant barriers is your responsibility as the homeowner. A new Certificate of Compliance (Form 23) needs to be submitted online every four years as part of the renewal process.
5 steps to a compliant pool or spa
1. Arrange an inspection of your new pool barriers
All new swimming pools or spas must have their barriers inspected by a private pool inspector or building surveyor.
As part of the inspection process, the property owner will be provided with a Certificate of Barrier Compliance (Form 23), which must be submitted to Council as part of the registration process.
2. Register your new pool or spa
You only need to register your swimming pool or spa once.
As part of the registration process, you will need to lodge a Certificate of Barrier Compliance (Form 23). This Certificate would have been given to you at the time of your barrier inspection - refer Step 1.
If you are unsure whether your pool or spa has already been registered, please contact Council's Building Services team on 03 8470 8899 or email swimmingpools@darebin.vic.gov.au.
3. Receive registration confirmation from Council
Once you have registered, wait to receive a confirmation of registration letter from Council. This will include all your pool/spa registration details including the due date for renewal.
This document can be provided to your pool inspector if they request it.
4. Arrange an inspection for renewal purposes
To maintain continued compliance, the barrier must be reinspected, and a new Form 23 lodged with Council every 4 years. Council will send you a reminder when the next due date is approaching.
You will need to arrange an inspection of your pool/spa safety barrier with a registered private swimming pool inspector. Council does not perform these inspections. You must source and engage the inspector yourself and submit the new Form 23 to Council.
5. Renewal – submit your new Compliance Certificate (Form 23)
To maintain continued compliance, the barrier must be reinspected, and a new Form 23 lodged with Council every 4 years. Council will send you a reminder when the next due date is approaching.