New safety standards for swimming pools and spas

From 1 December 2019, the Victorian Government introduced new standards to improve pool and spa safety.

The Building Amendment (Swimming Pool and Spa) Regulations 2019 aims to prevent young children drowning in home pools and spas by improving the way safety barriers are maintained.

These new regulations will make the registration, inspection and certification of swimming pools and spas mandatory in Victoria.

Whitehorse Mayor Councillor Sharon Ellis said that one of the most common locations for fatal drownings of young children was backyard swimming pools.

“These new regulations are designed to save the lives of children, and all pool owners must realise they are now responsible for meeting these new safety standards and comply with the new laws,” said Cr Ellis.

What do owners need to do?

Safety barriers surrounding pools and spas are the responsibility of the owner. These requirements are designed to help owners properly maintain these life-saving safety barriers.

Register your pool or spa

Under these new standards, all pool and spa owners in Whitehorse are required to register their pool or spa with Whitehorse City Council by 1 June 2020.

Inspection and certificate of compliance

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