New regulations on pools
Here at Barry Plant Gladstone Park we are very conscious of keeping our landlords informed at all times. So we wanted to make sure you were aware of the new rules governing swimming pools and spas that came into effect in December 2019.
The new rules cover all inground and above ground pools, indoor pools, hot tubs and spas that can hold water deeper than 30cm. Pool owners will be required to register their pool with their local council, and to obtain a regular compliance certificate to ensure that their pool fencing meets all safety regulations.
The key point for Victorian backyard pool and spa owners is that you have until 1 June 2020 to register your pool or spa with the local council. The maximum fee that a council can charge for registration is $31.84. Once this is done,
- For pools and spas constructed in or before June 1994, a certificate of barrier compliance must be lodged by 1 June 2021.
- For pools and spas constructed between July 1994 and May 2010, a certificate of barrier compliance must be lodged by 1 June 2022.
- For pools and spas constructed from May 2010 onwards, a certificate of barrier compliance must be lodged by 1 June 2023
If the inspector determines that your safety barrier is not compliant, they can either:
- Immediately issue a certificate of barrier non-compliance; or
- Issue you a written notice specifying:
- The matters which must be addressed to bring the pool barrier into compliance;
- The period in which the barrier must be made compliant (a maximum of 60 days); and
- The date and time they intend to reinspect the barrier.
It is important to note that the potential penalties for failing to register a pool or spa within the relevant time frame, or to comply with a barrier improvement notice by the specified date, can be more than $1650 for each infringement.
Clearly, with potential penalties of this magnitude, landlords who have a pool or spa in their rental property should talk to their Property Manager as soon as possible to discuss what is required to ensure that their property remains compliant.
For full details on all the new regulations, you can go straight to THE VICTORIAN BUILDING AUTHORITY WEBSITE.
If you have any questions or concerns in this area, or you would simply like some advice on the current rental market in general, don’t hesitate to give our award-winning Property Management team a call at any time on 9330 1088, or our Property Management Director, Grace Pugliese, on 0413 139 752.