Planning, Rules & Payments
New Swimming Pool and Spa Regulations
About the new regulations
On 1 December 2019, the Victorian Government introduced new laws to improve swimming pool and spa safety. As part of the changes, you’ll be required to register your swimming pool and/or spa with Council.
Pool and spa owners have until 1 November 2020 to register with Council. Owners will also be required to lodge a compliance certificate for their pool or spa barrier every four years.
If you own a pool or spa, including portable or relocatable swimming pools, we encourage you to check the compliance of the barrier now by following the Victorian Building Authority's self-assessment checklists.
Barrier requirements
All swimming pools and spas containing water greater than 300mm (30 cm) 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, including inflatable pools, holding more than 300mm (30 cm) of water
- Indoor pools and spas
- Bathing and wading pools containing more than 300mm (30 cm) of water.
As a pool or spa owner, you have an obligation to maintain the operation of your swimming pool or spa barrier to prevent access to the pool or spa.
How to register your pool or spa
To register your pool or spa fill in the form below and return it either in person at one of our customer service centres, by mail to PO Box 55, Tallangatta VIC 3700 or email info@towong.vic.gov.au
A one-off registration fee of $31.80 is payable at the time of registration, which council will cover (up until 1 November 2020). A search fee of $47.25 may be applicable if the date of construction of the swimming pool or spa cannot be easily determined.
More information
For more information and self-assessment checklists on your pool or spa barrier go to:
- Victorian Building Authority - swimming pools and spas
- Victorian Building Authority - pool and spa safety barrier self-assessment checklists
Towong-Application-to-Register-a-Swimming-Pool.docx (DOCX 212 KB)