New pool inspection laws come into effect

LAWS have been introduced in Victoria that will make registration and inspections of all pools and spas mandatory.

The new regulations have been introduced following coronial investigations showing that non-compliant barriers had contributed to the deaths of at least 20 young children since 2000.

All pool owners in the Surf Coast Shire will now be required to register pool or spa with the council by June 1 next year.

They will then need to have an independent inspector certify the safety barriers by dates that vary depending on the pool or spas age, with June 1, 2021 the earliest date any owner will need this done by.

After this, an independent inspection will have to be carried out once every four years.

Minister for Planning Richard Wynne said he had no doubt the extra steps to ensure safety are worthwhile.

“The number of children drowning in non-compliant backyard pools is tragic and unacceptable – that’s why these new regulations are necessary.

“We owe it to our children to do everything we can to make sure our pools and spas are safe.”

The council’s report on the regulations stated there were likely many pools in the shire that do not comply with law.

“It is likely that there will be a number of illegal pools or spa in the shire that will be identified through this new registration and certification process.”

The council’s records suggest that there are up to 1,700 pools or spas in the shire.

In line with state government’s guidance, the fee for registering a pool in the shire will be $31.85.

An information search fee will be $47.25, while lodgement of a certificate of compliance will cost $20.45 and lodgement of a certificate of non-compliance $385.10.

Failure to meet the new regulations in anyway will result in a $330.44 fine.

The fees are calculated to try to offset the costs the council is likely to incur through the staff and technology needed to administer these laws.

For more information on these new laws, head to engage.vic.gov.au/new-safety-standards-private-swimming-pools-and-spas.