New Victoria Australian Standards: Pool Fencing Compliance Rules

All pools in Australia must abide by fencing compliance rules. Each state has its own. Read more to find out the Victoria pool fencing regulations.

Having a pool is a great way to have fun and stay fit, but keeping your family safe around water is of the utmost importance. Victoria pool fencing regulations have been put in place so everyone can enjoy it with no worries.

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Barrier Requirements as Outlined by the Victorian Building Authority

Swimming pools and spas that can contain water to a depth greater than 30cm (300mm) 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 include portable and inflatable pools that can hold more than 30cm (300mm) depth of water and require assembly on site.
  • Indoor pools and spas.
  • Bathing and wading pools capable of containing more than 30cm (300mm) depth of water.

Barriers are not required for:

  • Small inflatable pools that don’t consist of multiple components and don’t require assembly. An example would be a small inflatable pool that requires no assembly except inflation.
  • Inflatable swimming pools, like toddler or wading pools, cannot contain water of a depth greater than 30cm (300mm).
  • Pool or spas that cannot contain water at a depth greater than 30cm (300mm).
  • Baths and Spas inside a building (e.g. In a bathroom) used for personal hygiene and emptied after each use.
  • Fountains
  • Fishponds
  • Bird baths
  • Dams
Custom designed Plunge Pool Torquay
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If You Plan on Getting a Pool or Spa

In Victoria, the design, construction and installation of swimming pools, spas and safety barriers are subject to strict requirements under Building Regulations 2018.

You must comply with several requirements including:

  • Being constructed by a builder registered in an appropriate category or class, or an owner-builder with an owner-builder certificate of consent.
    Have self-latching or self-closing gates.
  • Barriers must comply with AS1926.1-2012.
  • Property owners and occupants are responsible for ensuring barriers are maintained, repaired and in working order. New outdoor pool and spa areas must not be directly accessible via a building.

If You Already Have a Pool or Spa

Pool and spa owners are obliged to maintain operation of pool or spa barrier to prevent access.

Checklists to help assess the safety can be found at https://www.vba.vic.gov.au/.

Celebrate pools, safely,

every day

Pools and spas should be both fun and safe for everyone, especially children.

Sunsetter Pools are leaders in the construction, safety and maintenance of innovative pools.

Contact the team to get started on your home pool today.