Swimming Pool Safety Barriers and Registration

Pools and spa pools capable of holding water deeper than 300mm must be registered with Council. Pool owners must lodge with Council a certificate of barrier compliance (Form 23) issued by a Building Inspector or Surveyor.

The Form 23 certifies that compliant pool safety barriers are installed and must be updated and submitted to Council every four years.

Registration Process

Step 1.Submit your Registration Form

You can register your pool with Council online or by submitting this PDF application form(PDF, 177KB).

Register Your Pool Online

Read registration instructions(PDF, 461KB)

Step 2.We give you a due date

Council will write to you to confirm the registration of your pool or spa, and of the due date for your Certificate of Barrier Compliance to be submitted. Council will also advise you of the rules applying to your pool or spa.

  • Pools constructed between 1 May 2010 and 11 November 2020, your compliance certificate (Form 23) must be submitted by 1 June 2024.
  • For new pools, the certificate must be submitted within 30 days of being issued to be valid. 

Step 3.Arrange Your Inspection

You will need to arrange for a registered building surveyor or a building inspector to visit your property and certify that your pool safety barrier meets the safety regulations. You can find a qualified surveyor on the Victorian Building Authority website. 

Step 4.Lodge your Certificate of Barrier Compliance

Once your inspection has been completed and your pool area made compliant, you will need to submit your Form 23 compliance certificate by the due date provided to you.

Submit Certificate of Barrier Compliance

Registration Fees

Building Permits Required

A building permit must be issued by a Building Surveyor before commencing any building work on swimming pools, spas or safety barriers. This includes temporary pools or spas.  If you are having a new pool or spa constructed, a building permit is required to be issued.  When the building work is completed, your Building Surveyor will issue you with a Certificate of Final Inspection (Form 17) and a Form 23.  

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The following penalties can apply for non-compliance with the Victorian Government’s pool safety laws:

  • Failure to register your pool or spa – $1923.10 (10 penalty units) 
  • Failure to lodge a Certificate of barrier compliance with Council – $1923.10 (10 penalty units) 
  • Failure to lodge a Certificate of Barrier Non-Compliance with Council – $1923.10 (10 penalty units) 
  • Failure to maintain the safety barrier, and while in use – $9615.15 (50 Penalty Units) 

The value of a penalty unit is set each year by the Victorian State Government. 

Related Information

Back to top