If you own a pool or spa in Victoria, the law requires it to be registered with your local council and its safety barrier to be inspected and certified on a recurring cycle. Here's what that means in practice.
The basics
Your barrier — fences, gates, latches and any doors or windows that form part of it — must meet the Australian Standard that applies to when your pool was built. Gates must self-close and self-latch, and the area around the fence must be free of climbable objects.
When you need an inspection
Councils require a certificate of barrier compliance (Form 23) to be lodged periodically. If your certificate is coming due, or you've never lodged one, book an inspection — most barriers can be checked and certified in a single visit.