What Is a Form 23 Certificate and When Do I Need One?

If you own a swimming pool or spa in Victoria, you may be legally required to obtain a Form 23 – Certificate of Barrier Compliance. This certificate confirms that your pool or spa barrier meets Victorian safety regulations and has passed a formal inspection by a registered inspector.

Many homeowners are unaware of Form 23 requirements until they receive a letter from council — often with strict deadlines attached.

What Is a Form 23 Certificate?

A Form 23 Certificate of Barrier Compliance is an official document issued after a successful pool barrier inspection. It confirms that your pool or spa barrier complies with the Victorian Building Regulations at the time of inspection.

The certificate includes:

Details of the property and barrier
Confirmation of compliance
Inspector registration details
Issue date for council records

When Do I Need a Form 23 Certificate?

You will need a Form 23 Certificate if:

Your 4-year pool barrier inspection is due
You have received a letter or notice from council
You own a pool or spa that has not been inspected before
Your previous certificate has expired
You are required to bring your pool into compliance
You want to sell a property with a pool or spa and it is not currently registered with council

This applies to all pools and spas, including:

In-ground pools
Above-ground pools
Spas and swim spas
Pools that are rarely or never used

Who Can Issue a Form 23 Certificate in Victoria?

Only a VBA-registered pool inspector can legally inspect your barrier and issue a Form 23 Certificate.

Using a registered local inspector ensures:

Your certificate is valid
It is accepted by council
You receive accurate, up-to-date compliance advice

You can check current registration status of all VBA Registered licenced professionals here:

What Happens If My Pool Barrier Does Not Comply?

If your pool barrier does not meet safety standards:

You will receive a non-compliance report outlining what needs to be fixed
You will be given 60 days to complete the required works
A re-inspection can be arranged once issues are resolved

Most compliance issues are minor and easily fixed when identified early. Often this can happen whilst the initial inspection is taking place e.g. tighten hinge springs.

Do I Have to Lodge the Form 23 Certificate With Council?

Yes. Once issued, your Form 23 Certificate must be lodged by the Owner with your local council within 30 days. Pool Inspectors are not permitted to issue the certificate to council on your behalf.

Failure to lodge the certificate may result in:

Follow-up notices
Fines or enforcement action
Delays in property transactions
A reinspection so a new Form 23 Certificate of Compliance can be issued

Councils across Ballarat, Daylesford, Ararat and Western Victoria actively track compliance.

How Often Do I Need to Renew a Form 23 Certificate?

Form 23 Certificates are valid for four years from the date of issue. After this period, a new pool barrier inspection is required, even if nothing has changed.