New state laws were introduced in 2019 to help prevent drowning accidents by making backyard pools and spas safer.
These laws apply to all pools and spas that can hold more than 300mm of water, including:
- in-ground pools
- above-ground pools
- indoor pools
- spas
- relocatable, temporary or inflatable pools and spas that are set up for more than three consecutive days
Each year, around four young children die in home swimming pools or spas in Victoria, and many more experience near-drowning incidents.
What you need to do
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- 1. Register or update your pool or spa details
All pool and spa owners must register with Council. Once you register, you don’t need to register again.
If you own a rental property, you are responsible for registering any pool or spa on the property. Owners who fail to register may be fined $437.10.
To update your details — for example, if you’ve removed your pool — email poolregistrations@casey.vic.gov.au.
If you have a separately fenced pool and spa, register them separately.
Register or update your details online
After registering, Council will tell you:
- which safety standard applies
- when you must lodge a Certificate of Compliance
Fee:
- $36.10
- 2. Lodge a Certificate of Compliance
You must have your pool or spa safety barriers inspected regularly by a registered inspector.
- Certificates must be renewed every four years.
Fees (as of July 2025): $23.20 per certificate
Lodge your Certificate of Compliance online
- For pools and spas built after 1 November 2020: Lodge your Certificate of Compliance when you register or within 30 days.
- For pools and spas built before 1 November 2020: Arrange an inspection and lodge your certificate once it meets safety standards.
- 3. Existing barrier compliance
You must have compliant safety barriers in place at all times. Inspect your barriers using the VBA’s self-assessment checklists, which reflect the standards for when your pool or spa was built:
- checklist 1: before 8 April 1991
- checklist 2: between 8 April 1991 and 30 April 2010
- checklist 3: from 1 May 2010
- 4. Remove or decommission your pool or spa
If you remove or decommission your pool or spa, email Council with photos at poolregistrations@casey.vic.gov.au. Council may request an inspection to verify removal.
- 5. Request a copy of pool/spa registration or barrier compliance certificate
You can request a copy of your pool or spa registration or barrier compliance certificate. A fee of $71 applies. Certificates can only be issued to property owners.
For more information, visit the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) website.