Received a Pool Inspection Letter From Council? Here’s What to Do Next

Oct 7

4 min read

Updated: Oct 13

If you have recently received a letter from your local council about your swimming pool or spa, you are certainly not alone.

Across Victoria, councils regularly send reminders to pool and spa owners when a new CBC Certificate of Pool and Spa Barrier Compliance (Form 23) is due.

The good news is that receiving a council letter does not necessarily mean there is a problem with your pool barrier. In many cases, it simply means your four-year inspection is due.

Here is what you need to know and what to do next.

1. Check the due date on your council letter

Your council correspondence should tell you when your next Certificate of Pool and Spa Barrier Compliance needs to be lodged.

Pool and spa barriers generally need to be inspected every four years.

If you have received a reminder, don't put it aside and assume you have plenty of time. It is much easier to arrange an inspection early than to find yourself trying to organise one just before a council deadline.

2. Find out which barrier standard applies to your pool or spa

One of the things that can make Victorian pool compliance confusing is that different barrier standards can apply depending on when your pool or spa was constructed and the circumstances surrounding it.

This is one reason it is important not to rely solely on a generic pool fence checklist you find online.

A registered pool and spa barrier inspector can assess your barrier against the applicable requirements.

3. Arrange your pool or spa barrier inspection

The next step is to arrange an inspection with a registered pool and spa barrier inspector (i.e. us!).

The inspection looks at the safety barrier and associated features to determine whether they comply with the applicable requirements.

This can include things such as:

pool gates
self-closing and self-latching mechanisms
fence height and construction
gaps
climbable objects and areas
boundary fencing where it forms part of the barrier
doors and windows where relevant
the area immediately surrounding the barrier
the condition and operation of the barrier

The exact requirements depend on the applicable standard and the individual pool or spa.

4. What if something isn't compliant?

A pool area does not necessarily have to be perfect to pass an inspection, but it does need to meet the applicable requirements at the time of inspection. I tell clients all the time that pretty doesn't matter, compliant does. So don't stress if you haven't weeded or the pool water is black, we need to consider the fence against the applicable standard, not judging for landscaping awards.

If compliance issues are identified, your inspector will explain what needs to be addressed and what happens next.

Some problems can be relatively straightforward to rectify, such as an adjustment to a gate, a worn component or an item creating a climbable area.

Other issues may require repairs or alterations by an appropriate tradesperson.

Legislation allows 60 days for the owner to rectify non-compliant matters, and a reinspection must occur.

5. What happens when the barrier complies?

If your pool or spa barrier complies with the applicable requirements, your registered inspector can issue a Form 23 Certificate of Pool and Spa Barrier Compliance (CBC).

You then need to make sure the certificate is lodged with your local council within 30 days of receiving it.

Council will then confirm the next certificate due date.

6. What if your council deadline is getting close?

If you have received a council letter and the due date is approaching, the best thing you can do is act now.

Even if you are worried that your barrier may not pass, arranging an inspection gives you a clear understanding of what needs to happen.

Leaving it until the last few days can make the process much more stressful, particularly if repairs or a reinspection are required.

If you have already missed the date in your council letter, don't simply ignore it. Book in your inspection and let the council know you've scheduled an inspector. If requested, we can email them to confirm bookings as well.

7. Don't forget that spas need compliance too

The rules aren't just for traditional swimming pools.

Spas and swim spas can also require registration, a compliant safety barrier and regular inspections.

This includes many above-ground and relocatable pools and spas.

If you are unsure whether your particular pool or spa requires a compliant barrier, it is worth getting advice rather than assuming that its size, height or location means the rules don't apply. Call council's building department for advice.

A quick checklist before your inspection

Before your inspector arrives, it is worth checking the basics:

✓ Does the gate close by itself?

✓ Does it latch securely every time?

✓ Is the gate free from anything preventing it from closing properly?

✓ Is the barrier secure and in good condition?

✓ Have you removed climbable objects from around the barrier?

✓ Is the area around the barrier clear of toys, furniture, pot plants and other items that could affect compliance?

✓ Have you checked the area around any boundary fence that forms part of the pool barrier?

Remember that these are general preparation tips only. Your barrier needs to be assessed against the requirements that apply to your particular pool or spa.

Need a Pool Barrier Inspection in Western Victoria?

If you've received a council reminder about your pool or spa compliance certificate, Country Vic Pool Inspections can help you work through the inspection process.

Denise Fordham is a registered pool and spa barrier inspector providing inspections across Ballarat, Bendigo and regional Western Victoria.

Inspections are available for homeowners, property sellers and landlords.

If your Form 23 is due, don't wait until the last minute.

Book Now

Book your pool or spa barrier inspection with Country Vic Pool Inspections or call Denise on 0431 908 796.

Country Vic Pool Inspections VBA Registration: IN-PS100085