A safe pool barrier is an ongoing responsibility

Having a pool or spa barrier inspected and certified is only part of keeping your pool area safe.

Under Part 9A, Division 3 of the Victorian Building Regulations 2018, pool and spa owners have an ongoing responsibility to make sure their safety barrier is properly maintained and continues to work effectively.

A barrier that was compliant when it was installed or last inspected can become unsafe over time due to wear and tear, corrosion, ground movement, damaged components or changes to the area around the pool.

What are your responsibilities?

• Maintain the barrier: Regulation 147F requires the owner to take all reasonable steps to ensure the pool or spa barrier is properly maintained. Penalty: 50 penalty units.

• Keep the barrier operating effectively: Regulation 147G requires the occupier to take all reasonable steps to ensure the barrier continues to operate effectively. Penalty: 50 penalty units.

• Keep gates and doors closed: Regulation 147H requires gates and doors forming part of the pool barrier to remain closed, except when entering or leaving the pool area. They must be closed immediately afterwards. Penalty: 50 penalty units.
  

Regular checks are important

Your four-yearly inspection does not mean your barrier only needs attention every four years.

We recommend regularly checking:

• Does the gate self-close and latch every time?

• Are hinges, latches and fixings secure?

• Is the barrier stable and in good condition?

• Are there any damaged, loose or corroded components?

• Have ground levels or landscaping changed?

• Has anything been placed near the barrier that could provide a climbing aid?

• If a boundary fence forms part of the barrier, is it still secure and effective?

Small changes can create a significant safety risk.

A gate that no longer latches, a fence that has shifted, or an object placed against the barrier can all compromise its ability to prevent unsupervised access to the pool or spa.

Don't wait until your next inspection

A pool safety barrier is designed to restrict young children from gaining unsupervised access to the water.

Regular maintenance and prompt repairs are essential to keeping it effective.

Your inspection is a snapshot in time. Your responsibility to maintain a safe barrier is ongoing.

If you're unsure whether your pool or spa barrier is still safe and effective, Grampians Pool and Spa Inspections can assess your barrier and identify potential issues before they become a bigger problem. Get in touch with us today.