As the weather starts to warm up in Victoria, we’re dreaming of a summer spent outdoors enjoying the sunshine. And nothing makes the warmer weather more enjoyable than your very own pool! A pool is the perfect way to cool off, play with the kids and enjoy the company of friends and family in a relaxed setting.
But before you get stuck into choosing your dream sun loungers and the perfect tile colour, you’ll need to be aware of the regulations that surround this type of building project.
Do I need a building permit?
To construct a new pool on your property in Victoria, you will absolutely need a building permit. This can be obtained through your local council, or by working with a registered building surveyor who can organise and issue the permit.
Registering your pool
In 2019, Victoria changed the laws around swimming pools and spas at home in order to improve safety. It is now mandatory to register your swimming pool and spa with your local council.
This applies to swimming pools and spas that can hold more than 300mm of water, and includes above ground pools, permanent pools, hot tubs, indoor pools, bathing and wading pools. This means once construction of your new pool has been complete, you’ll need to register it with your local council online or in person.
Safety barriers
For safety reasons, all home swimming pools and spas must have a compliant safety barrier installed to stop young children accessing the area unsupervised. Pools installed prior to 2019 must be upgraded to have compliant safety barriers installed.
If you’re building one of the below types of pools, a compliance certificate also needs to be lodged with your local council:
- In-ground pools and spas
- Above-ground pools and spas, including relocatable and inflatable pools that require set up on site, with capacity for 300mm of water or more
- Indoor pools and spas
- Bathing and wading pools with capacity for 300mm of water or more
What happens if I don’t register my pool?
If you don’t register your pool or spa with the local council and they find out, you’ll receive an on-the-spot fine of $330 or a penalty of up to $1,652. To avoid being caught out, you need to register your pool with the council within 30 days of your final inspection, or occupancy certificate being issued.
Need help? Our team are here
At CADOX, we offer a multifaceted drafting, design and construction service, which means we can guide you through the design and build of your pool, while also helping you receive all the necessary building permits and registrations with the local council.
Get in touch with the friendly team today and let’s chat about getting your home summer-ready!
