Pool barrier inspections

All swimming pools and spas which can contain water that is more than 300mm deep must have a compliant safety barrier to restrict access to the pool area by young children (under the age of five). Barriers are required for:

  • in-ground pools and spas
  • above-ground pools and spas, including relocatable and inflatable pools that are capable of holding more than 300 mm depth of water and requiring assembly on site.
  • indoor pools and spas
  • bathing and wading pools capable of containing more than 300 mm depth of water.

For further information on safety barrier requirements please visit Victoria Building Association (VBA).

Part of registration requires pool and spa owners to have their safety barriers inspected by one of the following:

  • a registered building surveyor
  • a registered building inspector
  • a municipal building surveyor

If you pass the inspection, you will receive a Certificate of Barrier Compliance. A new Certificate of Compliance will be required every four years.

If you would like us to inspect your pool, please follow the process below. 

Inspection process

Step 1.Complete the pre-inspection checklist

VBA offer pre-inspection checklists which can help you assess the safety of your barrier. We highly recommend you complete the relevant checklist before your inspection to ensure compliance. Checklists are available from the Victoria Building Association.

Step 2.Gather your documents

You will need to submit a completed Pool Compliance Inspection Form(PDF, 158KB).

If your pool or spa is not yet registered, you will need to complete an application to register it before inspection. 

Step 3.Submit your application

You can submit your application to us via:

Step 4.Inspection

Our building surveyor will contact you to arrange a suitable time for inspection. 

If your pool or spa passes inspection, your Certificate of Barrier Compliance will be issued. This is sent to you along with your next four-year inspection deadline. 

If your pool or spa fails to comply upon inspection, you may be issued with a Certificate of Non-Compliance.