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Introduction to Pool Inspections

Owning a pool requires responsibility and that’s where pool safety inspections come in. A pool inspection is essential for identifying potential safety hazards, maintenance issues, and compliance violations. This guide covers everything you need to know about our pool barrier safety inspections, including their importance, costs, what to expect, and what happens after inspections. We will also provide valuable insights for homeowners, real estate agents, and property managers to ensure pool safety and compliance for pools and spas.

Let’s start with the basics!

What Is a Pool Inspection?

A pool inspection is a thorough examination of a swimming pool or spa by a professional inspector to evaluate its safety, condition, and compliance with local regulations and codes.

VIC POOL INSPECTORS provides inspections for several types of swimming pools and spas capable of holding over 30 cm of water. This includes permanent pools, above-ground pools, indoor pools, hot tubs, bathing or wading pools, and some relocatable pools.

Why Are Pool Inspections Important?

Pool inspections are important because they help prevent accidents or injuries and ensure the safety of swimmers. By identifying potential safety hazards early, a pool inspection can prevent accidents from occurring and ensure that the pool meets local safety regulations and codes.

Additionally, a pool inspection can provide valuable information for property owners or managers to make informed decisions about necessary repairs or upgrades to maintain the pool's safety and compliance.

When Should You Get a Pool Inspection?

You should get a pool inspection before purchasing a property with a pool, after installing a new pool, or if you suspect any safety or maintenance issues with an existing pool.

Types of Pool Inspections

Pool inspections can be categorized into three types — pre-purchase pool inspections, pre-listing pool inspections, and routine pool inspections. At VIC POOL INSPECTORS, we also offer a preliminary pool safety barrier consultation, which is a one-of-a-kind service.

Each type of inspection serves a different purpose, but all of them are essential for ensuring the safety and compliance of a pool.

Preliminary Pool Safety Barrier Consultation

A preliminary pool safety barrier consultation is a pre-inspection of your swimming pool or spa area so that you know what needs to be done to become compliant. You will enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you’re building a fun and SAFE space for your family, especially small children.

This service is ideal for those who are getting started with the process of building a pool or spa or those who are looking to renovate. This visit includes our expert advice and a comprehensive list of everything that needs to be done to make your pool barrier compliant the first time!

It’s important to note that this preliminary inspection does not count as the official inspection required for compliance purposes.

Pre-Purchase Pool Inspection

A pre-purchase pool inspection is typically conducted before buying a property with a pool, to identify any safety or maintenance issues that may affect the pool's value or safety. With a pre-purchase pool inspection, you can avoid headaches by finding any major issues with the pool’s structure or equipment, gates & barriers.

Pre-Listing Pool Inspection

A pre-listing pool inspection is conducted before listing a property with a pool, to identify any safety or maintenance issues that may need to be addressed before the property is put on the market.

Routine Pool Inspection

In the state of Victoria, you’re required to lodge a certificate of barrier compliance every four years to your local council. This is where routine pool inspections come in.

A routine pool inspection is conducted periodically to ensure the ongoing safety and compliance of a pool, and to identify any issues that may require maintenance or repairs.

Pool Barrier Inspection Process

What Happens During a Pool Inspection?

When we conduct an inspection, we check your pool barriers for safety and compliance with all relevant standards as dictated by the Victorian government. Our VBA-registered inspectors use their expertise to assess every aspect of the barrier — from construction materials to measurements — to make sure everything is up to code.

This includes an inspection of:

Height of the pool barrier/fence (should be a minimum of 1.2 metres).
Pool barrier location.
Pool barrier gates.
Any gaps in the pool fence, whether vertical or at the bottom.
Self-closing and self-latching mechanisms of the gates.
Other potential hazards such as cracked flooring, loose tiles around the pool, exposed electrical outlets, etc.

The inspector will also check for any potential hazards or safety issues, such as gaps or openings in the fence that could allow access to the pool by young children.

The duration of a pool barrier inspection can vary depending on the size and complexity of the pool area. Typically, a pool barrier inspection can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete.

Once we have completed our inspection, we will issue a report within 24 hours. If you are compliant, we will issue a Certificate of Compliance for you to submit to your council within 30 days of its issuance. If we find any problems, then we provide a detailed report including photographs of your barrier and its issues so that you know exactly what needs to be fixed to become compliant.

The report will list what’s required to make the barrier compliant with the correct Australian Standard for your barrier, so it’s easy to see what work needs to be done to pass the next inspection. VIC POOL INSPECTORS will not leave you alone to fend for yourself after that. You can rest assured that we will work with you till you have full compliance!

Certificate of Compliance

Once all recommended alterations or repairs have been completed on the barriers, simply give us a call and we will come back out for a re-inspection of the pool barrier and issue a Certificate of Compliance if everything passes our rigorous tests and inspections. This certificate can then be lodged with your local council as proof that you are compliant with all relevant regulations pertaining to pool safety barriers in Victoria.

Furthermore, once issued, our team will also send out an annual reminder before the 4th anniversary of when the certificate was issued so that customers always remain informed and up-to-date on their pool safety requirements!

Pool Barrier Inspection Costs

Pricing at VIC POOL INSPECTORS

Initial inspections – $360 including GST

*Prices are shown in AUD.*

At VIC POOL INSPECTORS, we will work with you after your initial inspection at no additional cost till you have full compliance!

Ways to Save on Pool Inspection Costs

Keep your pool clean and well-maintained: Regular pool maintenance can reduce the likelihood of issues during inspections and save money in the long run.

Choosing a Reputable Inspector

We understand that choosing the right pool inspection service can be daunting. There are so many companies out there claiming to be the best, but how can you know who is the right fit?

At VIC POOL INSPECTORS, we want to make things as easy as possible for our customers. That’s why our inspectors use their expertise combined with reliable reporting tools for customers to easily understand where improvements need to be done for them to pass inspection and receive their Certificate Of Compliance from us! With helpful tips from our team at VIC POOL INSPECTORS, customers can have a well-rounded idea about how they can get their property certified!

As a plus, our pool inspectors are certified by the Victoria Building Authority and the Swimming Pool & Spa Association of Victoria.

Importance of Pool Inspections for Buyers and Sellers

When it comes to buying or selling a property with a pool, a pool barrier safety inspection is crucial for both parties involved. Here's why:

Why Buyers Should Get a Pool Inspection

As a buyer, a pool inspection can uncover potential issues with the pool, issues with the barrier/fencing, or other safety hazards that may not be visible during a general home inspection. By getting a pool barrier inspection, buyers can make an informed decision about the property and negotiate repairs or price reductions if needed.

Why Sellers Should Get a Pool Inspection

For sellers, a pool inspection can help identify any issues that need to be addressed before listing the property. Fixing any problems in advance can help the property sell faster and potentially at a higher price. Moreover, providing a pool inspection report can give buyers peace of mind that the pool is in good condition.

In summary, getting a pool inspection is crucial for both buyers and sellers as it can help ensure the safety and compliance of the pool, ultimately making the buying or selling process smoother.

Frequently Ask Questions About Pool Inspections

In Victoria, it is a legal requirement to have your pool inspected and certified every four years by a registered pool safety inspector. However, it is recommended to have your pool inspected more often, especially if you notice any changes or issues with the pool area, have had any damage to the area due to natural causes, or have remodelled.
If a pool safety barrier or fence is non-compliant, the owner must make the necessary upgrades to meet compliance. Any issues should be addressed promptly to ensure the safety of anyone that would use the pool and to avoid fines.

At VIC POOL INSPECTORS, we will provide the reports with all the information you need to meet compliance standards, outlining the necessary repairs or upgrades. If you are a seller, you may need to address the issues before listing the property, while as a buyer, you may want to negotiate repairs or a lower price.
Pool barrier inspections are definitely worth the cost. Not only do they ensure the compliance of your pool area, prevent costly repairs or accidents, and comply with legal requirements but they also help you avoid up to $2,000 in penalties. Moreover, obtaining a pool safety certificate can increase the value of your property and give potential buyers peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, pool barrier inspections are essential for identifying safety hazards, maintenance issues, and compliance violations. As we’ve discussed in this guide, there are many things to take into consideration when it comes to pool safety and compliance. No matter what type of inspection you need, the bottom line is that if you have a pool, it needs to be compliant with the Victorian government’s standards and regulations.

Pool owners should get a pool inspection before purchasing a property with a pool, after installing a new one, or if they suspect any safety or maintenance issues with an existing pool.

Property managers and real estate agents should also consider pool inspections for ensuring safety compliance, which ultimately makes the process of buying or selling a property run smoothly.

If you’re building a pool or about to do renovations to your pool area, we recommend getting ahead and opting for a preliminary pool safety barrier consultation so that you can guarantee compliance when the time comes for inspection.

We know that it’s stressful to deal with government regulations. That’s why VIC POOL INSPECTORS works with you to make the pool barrier inspection process as quick and efficient as possible. Then you can get back to the important things in life like spending quality time with friends and family around your safe pool area.

Pool & Spa registration requirements

On 1 December 2019, new laws to improve swimming pool and spa safety came into effect in Victoria. It is now mandatory for owners of land where a swimming pool or spa is located to register their pool or spa with the relevant council.
The new laws apply to swimming pools and spas that are capable of holding more than 300 mm (30 cm) of water. This includes permanent pools, above ground pools, indoor pools, hot tubs, bathing or wading pools and some relocatable pools.
Relocatable pools that do not consist of multiple components and do not require any assembly are not subject to the barrier requirements. An example of such a product is a small inflatable pool that requires no assembly other than inflation.
Pool and spa owners are now also required to obtain and lodge compliance certificates for their safety barriers.
If you are the owner of land on which a pool or spa is located, you must register your pool and spa with the relevant council. Contact the council or check their website for more information on how to register your pool or spa, including the fees payable. You will be required to complete a registration form and pay the registration fee. For pools and spas constructed or commenced before 1 November 2020, an information search fee will also be payable.
Permanent Pool or Spa
Construction of pool or spa was completed before 1 November 2020
30 days after the date of issue of the occupancy permit or certificate of final inspection, or 1st November 2020
Construction of pool or spa commenced before 1 November 2020 but completed after 1 November 2020
30 days after the date of issue of the occupancy permit or certificate of final inspection
You are required to lodge the certificate of barrier compliance at the same time as your registration application.
Construction of pool or spa commenced and completed after 1 November 2020.
This means that the building permit for the pool or spa was issued:
on or after 1 November 2020, or
before 1 November 2020, but construction of pool or spa did not commence until after this date
30 days after you receive the occupancy permit or certificate of final inspection.
You must lodge the certificate of barrier compliance at the same time as your registration application.
Relocatable Pool or Spa
If the relocatable pool or spa was erected before 1 November 2020 for at least three consecutive days and remains erected on 1 November 2020 - By 4 November 2020.
Erected on or after 1 November 2020 for three consecutive days On the fourth day after the pool is erected.
Maximum fee for lodging a certificate of barrier compliance with council $20.74*^
Maximum fee for lodging a certificate of barrier non-compliance with council $390.78*^
Failure to lodge certificate of barrier compliance by date specified up to $1,817.40^
Failure to lodge certificate of barrier non-compliance by date specified up to $1,817.40^
Failure to comply with barrier improvement notice by date specified up to $1,817.40^

The Victorian Government has extended the deadlines for registering pools and spas with local councils. The new cut-off dates are reflected on this page.