Pool Fencing Laws

Changes to Victoria’s Pool and Spa Barrier Laws

On Friday 6th April 2018 the State Government announced a number of proposed changes to Victoria’s pool and spa barrier laws. As part of the proposed regulatory changes

A mandatory register will be established including all household pools and spas across the state.
A mandatory inspection regime will be implemented, seeing all pools and spas inspected as frequently as once every three years.
A certificate of compliance will be required at point of sale or lease of a property.

The new regulations are expected to be introduced into Parliament in June 2018.

For more information on the proposed changes, please view the State Government’s media release and Kidsafe Victoria’s media release.

Current laws

All swimming pools and spas on residential properties in Victoria with a depth greater than 30cm (300mm) are required to be surrounded by a safety barrier (e.g. a pool fence). There are currently 3 sets of requirements for pool/spa barriers in Victoria – these are based on when your pool or spa was constructed:

Before 8th April 1991
Between 8th April 1991 – 30th April 2010, and;
After 30th April 2010

Below are some important points to help explain the current requirements for pool barriers. Please note that the information below is not exhaustive and is a guide only.

Pool Fencing Laws

If a Victorian residential pool or spa has a depth of 30cm or more (300mm), it is required to be surrounded by safety barrier. This includes inflatable pools.
All pools and spas built after 2010 require a four sided barrier (isolation fence), with no direct access from the house or any other building to the pool or spa.
Safety barriers must be a minimum of 1.2 metres high.
Barrier gates must be self-closing and self-latching.
It is illegal to leave a pool or spa gate propped open.
Climbable objects such as pot plants, eskies, pool pumps and chairs must be moved away from the barrier.

Permits

A building permit is required before installing a new pool, spa, or barrier.
This permit needs to be issued by a registered building surveyor.
Building work must start within 12 months of the date that the building permit was issued.
During construction, if a new pool is filled with more than 30cm of water it must have a temporary safety barrier put around it.

Remember that safety barriers such as pool fencing are no substitute for active adult supervision of children around water.