Pool requires resources

Having a pool in the backyard is one of the quintessential great Australian dreams and adding a pool to your property undoubtably increases its value, but owning a pool comes with responsibility and legal obligations.

As we head into the searing Australian summer with water fun top of mind, it is timely for pool and spa owners and potential future owners to find out what they need to know.

Between June 2007 and July 2017, 13 young children died in Victoria in home swimming pools or spas. Children should always be supervised around water to prevent such awful incidents from occurring.

Victorian government legislation making the registration of swimming pools and spas mandatory and the introduction of a new compliance regime to improve swimming pool and spa safety will come into effect on December 1, 2019.

Currently, all swimming pools and spas on residential properties in Victoria with a depth greater than 30cm (300mm) are required to be surrounded by a barrier or fence. There are three sets of requirements for pool and spa barriers in Victoria depending on when it was constructed.

A building permit issued by a registered building surveyor is required before installing a new pool, spa or barrier.

If you are considering installing a pool this summer, or if you have an existing pool, please do your homework to ensure you comply with Victorian laws, rules and regulations. Have a safe and fun summer.