The Victorian Government is extending the deadline for the mandatory registration of private pools and spas due to the impacts of coronavirus.
Private pool and spa owners now have until 1 November 2020 to register their pools with their local council – an extension of five months from the original 1 June deadline.
Swimming Pool & Spa Association of Victoria (SPASAVIC) CEO, Chris Samartzis, says, “With the current Covid-19 environment causing people duress, extending the timelines for people to have their pools and spas registered is a welcomed response. We urge all pool and spa owners to register with their local councils by the 1st of November. It is a simple process that will provide a safe environment to enjoy the backyard pool or spa.”
The new deadline is an acknowledgement of the extra pressure on families and the increased workload on councils due to the pandemic.
Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne says,“We know many people are doing it tough and this gives owners and councils more time to comply with the new regulations ahead of next summer. Pool and spa ownership is a choice and with that choice comes the responsibility of making sure they are safe.”
The Government introduced new regulations in December last year to make swimming pools and spas safer and prevent young children from drowning.
These changes require owners to register their pools and spas with their local council with a one-off fee of up to $79.
Once registration is complete, the council will inform the pool owner of the date by which they must organise their first inspection and certification of their barrier – the deadline for owners to lodge their first barrier certification will also be extended.
In addition, owners must have a registered building surveyor or inspector certify the continuing compliance of their safety barrier every four years.
Owners who fail to register their pool or spa with their council by 1 November 2020 may face an on-the-spot fine of $330.
SPASAVIC Media Release - More Time To Get Your Pool Registered - 26 May 2020
See Media Release from Minister for Planning Richard Wynne HERE
For more information on the Victorian Government’s pool safety reforms, visit vba.vic.gov.au
For further information please contact:
Kathryn Barres – Marketing Communications Co-ordinator
Telephone: 03 8526 7799 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
For Media Comment: Chris Samartzis, CEO SPASA Victoria – 0418 443 758
