In Australia, pools are required by law to have fencing around them to prevent drowning accidents, particularly among young children. According to the Royal Life Saving Society Australia, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children under the age of five in Australia.
The pool fencing requirements are outlined in the Building Code of Australia and vary based on the state or territory in which the pool is located. Generally, the fence must be at least 1200mm (4 feet) high and have a self-closing and self-latching gate to prevent children’s access to the pool area. The fence must also be designed and constructed to make it difficult for children to climb over or through it.
These fencing requirements aim to create a physical barrier between the pool and the surrounding area to prevent unsupervised access to the pool. By requiring pools to have fences, the government hopes to reduce the number of drowning accidents and keep people safe when using pools.

A pool fence or barrier is a physical barrier installed around a pool to prevent unsupervised access to the pool area. A pool fence or barrier aims to create a safety zone around the pool to prevent accidental drownings, particularly among young children.
Pool fences or barriers can be made from various materials, including wood, vinyl, aluminium, and glass.

Barrier compliance certificates are only valid for 30 days after they are issued. The pool safety certificates must be filed with the relevant Local Council within this timeframe.
Upon receiving the certificate, the Local Council must acknowledge receipt and inform the applicant that their next certificate is due in 4 years.

The registration of swimming pools and spas is not voluntary. According to the Swimming Pools Act 1992, all swimming pools and spas that are capable of holding more than 300mm of water must be registered with the relevant Council. This includes in-ground, above-ground, and portable pools and spas.

Pool safety fences must be installed in Victoria, Australia, for all new and existing swimming pools and spas. The fencing must be installed before the pool or spa is filled with water or used for swimming.
In the case of a new pool or spa, the fencing must be installed as part of the construction process. In the case of pre-existing pools, i.e. those which were constructed or construction commenced prior to 14 April 2020. The proposed Regulations provide a staged approach to providing the first certificate of compliance. The relevant Local Council will divide these pre-existing pools and spas into three groups according to their construction dates.
If you are unsure if your pool or spa meets the required safety standards, you can contact your Local Council or the Victorian Building Authority for further information and guidance.

Several requirements must be met before a swimming pool, spa, or safety pool barrier can be built, including being constructed by a builder registered in an appropriate category or class or by an owner-builder with an owner-builder certificate.

A penalty of up to $1,652.20 may be imposed if you fail to submit a certificate of pool and spa barrier compliance by the due date.
Local councils will fine non-compliant pools. Certification can be time-consuming, and you must ensure you get the deadline. This is especially important if your licensed pool safety inspector has spotted any problems!
If you fail to comply with the new pool safety regulations, you could be fined up to $1817.40 (depending on your Local Council).

If your pool does not conform to the pool safety barrier, we will provide you with a report outlining what needs to be done. A 60-day window will be given to you to complete the work and have the pool inspected again. Should the safety barrier still be non-compliant, we will have to notify your Local Council.

After you have registered your pool or spa, if you make changes to the pool barrier that requires a building permit, a building surveyor will need to assess the barrier to ensure it meets the necessary standards. If the surveyor determines that the barrier meets the required standards, they will issue a certificate of compliance and provide it to you. You must then submit this certificate to your Local Council within 14 days. If the barrier does not meet the necessary standards, the building surveyor will require the necessary changes to bring it into compliance.

Here are some tips for choosing the right pool and safety inspectors:

1. Research and compare different pool and safety inspection companies: Look for companies that have a good reputation and are well-established in the industry. Check their websites and read customer reviews to get a sense of their reliability and quality of service.

2. Consider the inspectors’ qualifications and experience: Ensure the inspectors are licensed and certified to perform pool inspections. It’s also a good idea to choose inspectors who have experience with the specific type of pool you have (e.g., in-ground, above-ground, etc.).

3. Look for a thorough and detail-oriented inspector: A good pool inspector will thoroughly inspect all aspects of the pool, including the structure, equipment, and safety features. They should also provide a detailed report outlining any issues or concerns that need to be addressed.

4. Ensure the inspector is objective: It’s important to choose an objective inspector and not be influenced by any particular company or product. An objective inspector will provide an unbiased assessment of the pool’s condition and make recommendations based on what’s best for you and your family.

5. Consider the cost of the inspection: Keep in mind that pool inspections can vary in cost, depending on the size and complexity of the pool, as well as the level of detail provided in the inspection report. Be sure to compare prices from multiple companies to find the best value.