Summer-Ready Pools: What You Need to Know

Why pool safety matters

Drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death in young children in Australia. In many incidents, faulty or inadequate barriers are a factor. Victoria’s laws respond to this risk with mandatory registration, inspections and certification. Even if the pool is rarely used, compliance rests with the rental provider.

What compliance involves in Victoria

All private pools and spas that can hold more than 30 cm of water must comply. Key steps include:

• Register the pool or spa with your local council
• Maintain a compliant safety barrier that meets the Australian Standard relevant to the pool’s installation date
• Arrange a qualified inspector to assess the barrier and issue a Certificate of Barrier Compliance
• Lodge the certificate with council by the required deadline
• Renew the certificate every four years

Relocatable or inflatable pools set up for more than three days must also be registered. Local fencing rules can vary, so always reference the applicable standard.

Urgent repairs and safety barriers

Under the Residential Tenancies Act, a faulty or non-compliant pool barrier is classified as an urgent repair. This covers issues such as a broken or non-latching gate, damaged fencing or any defect that compromises barrier integrity. When notified, rental providers must act immediately. If delays occur, renters may be entitled to arrange urgent repairs within set limits and seek reimbursement or escalate via Consumer Affairs Victoria or VCAT.

Penalties for non-compliance

Missing deadlines or allowing unsafe barriers can lead to:

• Fines for failing to lodge a certificate on time
• Further penalties for unregistered pools or unsafe barriers
• Potential legal liability if injury or drowning occurs
  Beyond penalties, non-compliance can harm your reputation and impact leasing outcomes.

Roles and responsibilities

Rental provider obligations:

• Ensure the pool or spa is registered
• Maintain a compliant barrier and conduct repairs promptly
• Arrange inspections and lodge certificates on schedule
• Keep records and monitor renewal dates

Renter responsibilities:

• Do not interfere with the barrier, such as propping gates open
• Report damage or safety concerns promptly
• Seek permission before installing relocatable pools

While renters must respect safety measures, the ultimate legal responsibility sits with the rental provider.

Act now

Summer is close. Use this time to confirm:

• Your pool or spa is registered with council
• Your Certificate of Barrier Compliance is current, or an inspection is booked
• Gates, latches and climbable zones are in safe working order

Proactive management today reduces risk, cost and disruption tomorrow. If you are unsure about your obligations or need help coordinating inspections and records, our Property Management team can guide the process end to end, recommend licensed inspectors and track renewals on your behalf.

Need assistance?

For tailored advice on pool and spa compliance at your property, contact your Marshall White Property Manager. We are here to help you stay compliant and keep residents safe this summer.

Get ahead now. Certification takes time, and councils enforce firm deadlines. Stay compliant, stay safe. Pool safety is a shared responsibility.