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Your Complete Pool and Spa Inspection Checklist for Homeowners

Writer's picture: Scott RamsayScott Ramsay

Updated: Feb 2

If you own a pool or spa in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, it is crucial to ensure that your safety barriers comply with the regulations set by the local council. To do so, you will need to obtain a Form 23 - Certificate of Barrier Compliance, which requires a thorough inspection by a VBA qualified Building Inspector. This process can seem daunting, but with the right knowledge and guidance, it can be a smooth experience.


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Secure Pool Inspections - Scott Ramsay Building Inspector (Pool Safety) IN-PS 100024 proud member of the VBA and SPASA.

To assist you in preparing for your pool/spa inspection, we have put together a helpful checklist to ensure that your pool or spa meets all the necessary requirements. By following this checklist, you can increase the likelihood of passing the inspection and obtaining the Form 23 - Certificate of Barrier Compliance. Here is your helpful pool/spa inspection checklist:

  1. Barrier Height: Check that your internal barrier's height is at least 1200mm high from the finished ground level, with no gaps exceeding 100mm from the bottom of the barrier to the finished ground level.


  2. Gate Latch: Ensure that your gate latch is self-closing and self-latching, and that it opens outwards away from the pool/spa.

    **Tip: WD40 can help with any hinges that are stiff.


  3. Non-Climbable Zone (NCZ): Maintain a non-climbable zone of at least 900mm on the outside of the pool barrier, free from any objects that could be used to climb over the fence. (Please refer to your Standard for exact measurements of NCZ)

    **Tip: Regular pruning of vegetation near barriers can avoid any issues at inspection time. Always prune branches flush with the trunk, to avoid potential footholds for a child to climb.


  4. Boundary Fence: If your pool/spa barrier is connected to a boundary fence, make sure it meets the necessary requirements for height, minimum 1800mm, materials, and structural integrity.

    **Tip: Never concrete up to your boundary fence. This can reduce your boundary fence height by 100mm and make it non-compliant.


  5. Pool Gate: Check that your pool gate is 1200mm high, swings freely, closes and latches automatically from any position, gate latch is located minimum 1500mm from finished ground level, and is not propped open in any way.

    **Tip: Don't leave a brick next to the gate to prop it open.


  6. Inspect Barrier: Thoroughly inspect all components of your pool barrier, including fences, gates, walls, and any other structures that form part of the barrier. Remove any objects within the NCZ. If you have windows opening into the pool area, make sure they are restricted to a max opening of 100mm.

    **Tip: Locking a window with a key is not considered as restricting the window. You must have a physical restriction that can't be removed without the use of a tool.


  7. Australian Standards: Familiarize yourself with the Australian Standard for your pool/spa safety barrier, as set out by your local council or shire (Example: AS 1926.1-2012 for pools/spas built after May 1st, 2013) to ensure compliance with all regulations.


  8. Seek Professional Help: If you are unsure about any aspect of your pool barrier or need assistance with making necessary changes, consider seeking help from a professional pool inspector. Secure Pool Inspections are happy to discuss your concerns before an inspection is booked.


By using this checklist as a guide, you can proactively address any potential issues with your pool barrier before the inspection takes place. Remember that safety is paramount when it comes to pools and spas, so ensuring compliance with regulations is essential for the well-being of your family and others. For more information on pool and spa safety barrier compliance inspections, including service details and prices, visit the Secure Pool Inspections website. Scott Ramsay can provide you with the guidance and support you need to pass the inspection successfully.


**Final Tip: While it's not compulsory in Victoria, have a CPR sign near the pool/sap area with clear and concise instructions on how to perform CPR in case of an emergency.


Scott Ramsay: 0478 861 861

Building Inspector (Pool Safety) IN-PS 100024


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Secure Pool Inspections - Available 7 days a week, call to book your inspection.

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