If you have a pool or spa in Victoria, you must make sure it is registered, inspected and compliant.
In 2019, the Victorian Government introduced new laws to improve swimming pool and spa safety.
These laws came in to stop children from drowning. The coroner found that in 20 out of 27 drownings since 2000, fencing or barriers didn't meet the required safety standards.
Registration and compliance applies to any permanent or relocatable pool or spa that can hold 300 millimetres (30 centimetres) of water or more. It does not apply to bathroom spas or inflatable pools with no additional parts.
Steps for registration, inspection and compliance
Register
If you have a new pool or spa to register, you can complete Step 1 and skip to Step 4 if you have received your Form 23.
You'll need:
- a credit card to pay the;
- registration fee - $32.90
- information search fee (where applicable) - $48.80
- your pool or spa building permit (if you have one) or evidence of the construction date
- photos of your pool or spa barriers.
Register your pool or spa
Wait to hear from us
Once we have processed your registration, we will let you know your due date to lodge a Form 23 - Certificate of pool and spa barrier compliance. This certificate is issued by a private registered pool safety inspector.
Unless your pool or spa is new, don't arrange your inspection until you hear from us.
Arrange your inspection
You must organise for a private registered pool safety inspector to inspect your pool or spa barrier by the due date.
The cost for this inspection varies, so ask for a quote when you arrange your inspection.
If your pool or spa is compliant, you'll receive a Form 23 - Certificate of pool and spa barrier compliance.
You must lodge the certificate straight away as it's only valid for 30 days after issue.
Lodge your compliance certificate
You'll need:
- a credit card to pay the lodgement fee of $20.44
- your pool or spa registration number which is on the letters we've sent you
- your Form 23 - Certificate of pool and spa barrier compliance
Lodge your compliance certificate
Compliance certificate due dates
The date of construction determines the safety standards that apply to your pool or spa. It also determines the due date to submit your compliance certificate.
| Construction date |
Due date |
| Prior to 30 June 1994 |
1 June 2022 |
| From 1 July 1994 - 30 April 2010 |
1 June 2023 |
| From 1 May 2010 - 31 October 2020 |
1 June 2024 |
| From 1 November 2020 - new pool or spa |
within 30 days of completion |
You'll need to lodge a new certificate every four years. We'll remind you when it's time.
New pool or spa
A pool or spa completed after 1 November 2020 must be registered with us within 30 days of completion. Once you have completed your registration you can lodge your Form 23 - Certificate of pool and spa barrier compliance.
Register your pool or spa
Lodge your compliance certificate
Decommissioned pool or spa
If you no longer have a pool or spa, let us know so we can remove it from our register. We will need evidence including photos to support the decommissioning of your pool or spa.
Decommission your pool or spa
Penalties for not complying
You must register your pool or spa as soon as possible - it's the law.
If a private registered pool safety inspector has inspected your pool or spa barrier and finds it is non compliant, they will notify us. This means your pool or spa is not safe and is a risk to young children.
You must take immediate action to fix the barrier around your pool or spa.
We will issue a Form 24 - Certificate of pool and spa non compliance that will explain the reasons for non compliance and next steps. Further inspection fees of $397.55 will apply.
If you do not register your pool or spa with us or meet your improvement notice dates, you may be fined $1849.20.