Safety fencing the target for compliance

It is not quite the weather for taking a dip in the backyard pool, but it is now, if you have a swimming pool, time to make sure it complies with upcoming new legislation.
From 1 December 2019, local councils will register all backyard pools and spas in their area, with property owners being required to submit a current certificate of compliance for their pool or spa safety barrier.
Chris Samartzis CEO SPASA Vic said the new legislation will ensure the safety of all Victorians.
“Backyard pool and spa owners can now relax and enjoy the fantastic lifestyle that comes with pool and spa ownership, knowing that their wonderful asset will now be safer than ever.”
Local councils will take charge of this mandatory registration scheme, with all pool owners required to contact their council by 14 April 2020 and pay the small $37 registration fee.
Inspection certificates for all pools built before 1994 must be lodged by 30 October 2020. For pools built between 1994 and 2010, owners will have until 30 April 2021, with all pools built after 2010 requiring to be certified by 29 October 2021.
Councils will charge pool and spa owners a maximum of $20 to lodge their inspection compliance certificates, a process they will be required to undertake just once every three years. Households will have 20 days to bring their pools into compliance if an inspector identifies any safety concerns.
The State government introduced this new scheme after numerous coronial investigations found that un-maintained and non-compliant pool barriers had contributed to the deaths of children in backyard pools.
The Victorian Coroner recommended strengthened pool safety laws after investigating several drowning cases.