Residents urged to register their pools

Published on 05 December 2019

Gannawarra Shire Council residents are urged to register private pools and spas on their property by 1 June 2020 after new State Government regulations came into effect at the start of the month.

As part of efforts to reduce the number of fatal drownings in private swimming pools and spas, the State Government has put in place new mandatory safety regulations for private pools and spas.

The new regulations require residents to register their private pool and spas with their local council. This includes all permanent pools and spas, and most relocatable pools capable of holding water to a depth greater than 30 centimetres.

“Gannawarra residents love to relax by the water during the warmer months, whether it is by our rivers and lakes, at our outdoor swimming pools or in private pools and spas,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.

“Unfortunately 27 Victorians have died as a result of drowning in private swimming pools and spas in the past 19 years.

“Any regulation that can reduce this number is of a benefit to all residents.”

The new regulations also mean residents will be required to engage a registered building surveyor or inspector to inspect and certify that their pool or spa safety barrier is compliant within a specified time period.

“As per the new regulations, Council will inform owners of the date by which they must organise their first inspection and certification of their barrier which will be determined by the age of the pool or spa, with older ones to be inspected first,” Mayor Learmonth said.

“If the inspection finds the barrier is non-compliant, the owner of the pool or spa will have to bring the barrier into compliance. Serious cases of non-compliance will be referred directly to council for follow up actions.”

For more information on the new regulations, visit www.vba.vic.gov.au/consumers/swimming-pools or contact Council’s Building Department on (03) 5450 9333.