Pool Safety
As well as offering speedy building permit
services for the installation or alterations to
pools, spas and pool barriers we can also provide
onsite consulting advice on existing pools or spa
barriers.
Many people are simply not aware of the many
compliance issues that can arise over time that
require continual maintenance or can be caused by
minor changes to landscaping to the pool area or
neighbouring properties.
By conducting an inspection existing pool
barriers you can be sure you have a compliant
barrier in place and keep your family and friends
safe.
Contact us for an
inspection of your pool barrier for peace of mind.
Statistics
Statistically Victoria’s legislation has shown a
large improvement of pool related drowning over the
past 20 years however this still remains to be a
risk that must continually managed. 19.4% of all
deaths of children aged between 0-14 years died due
to accidental drowning between 1999-2003 published
by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. 80% of those
were under the age of 5 years of which 78% drowned
by falling into the pool, not while swimming.
Victoria’s Improvements
Victoria's number of backyard pool fatalities has
dropped considerably due to improved safety
standards and much tighter laws and regulations,
such as installing and maintaining proper fencing
and self-closing/latching gates (Building
Regulations 2006).
Pools built before 1991
The safety laws apply to pool and spa owners
covering the entire enclosure area no matter when
they were built. If you own a property where a pool
or spa exists and it was built/installed before 8
April 1991, a safety fence/barrier is required to be
provided.
Permits
A Building Permit must be obtained for a pool
(above-ground and indoor) or spa exceeding 300mm in
depth and must include details of its type,
location, barriers etc. A safety fence/barrier is
required before filling the pool with water.
Fines and breaches
Non-compliance attracts fines up to $5,000, and
local councils can issue on the spot fines of $200.
In addition, penalties of up to $10,000 are
prescribed under the Building Act 1993 for building
regulation breaches.
Pool Barrier Maintenance
It is the occupiers responsibility to ensure that
the pool barrier is maintained in an approved manner.
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