Pool and Spa Victoria
Decommissioning and Registration Guide
Ensure compliance with Victorian pool and spa regulations with professional services from Orb Excavations. From decommissioning old pools to helping you with registration and safety barrier compliance, our expertise ensures smooth handling of all projects. We provide detailed support for permanent and relocatable pools, working closely with councils and engineers to meet legal obligations and avoid penalties.
Why Pool and Spa Compliance is Essential in Victoria
As of December 1, 2019, the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) mandates all landowners to register pools and spas that can hold more than 300mm (30 cm) of water. These laws apply to:
- Permanent pools and spas
- Above-ground pools and hot tubs
- Indoor pools, wading pools, or plunge pools
- Relocatable pools with assembly required
Proper decommissioning of old pools and registering existing ones ensures compliance with the Building Act 1993 and helps maintain a safe and lawful environment.
Registration of Pools and Spas: Process and Deadlines
Every pool or spa in Victoria must be registered with the relevant council. Owners need to follow a structured process for both permanent and relocatable pools. Below is a breakdown of the requirements.
Permanent Pools or Spas
- Construction completed before November 1, 2020:
- Register by November 1, 2020, or within 30 days after receiving the occupancy permit.
- Construction completed after November 1, 2020:
- Register within 30 days of receiving the occupancy permit.
At the time of registration, the pool or spa must meet barrier compliance standards, and the Certificate of Pool and Spa Barrier Compliance (CBC) must be lodged with the application.
Relocatable Pools or Spas
- Relocatable pool erected before November 1, 2020:
- Register by November 4, 2020, if it was in place for more than three days.
- Relocatable pool erected after November 1, 2020:
- Register on the fourth day after assembly if it remains in place.
Tip: Even if your relocatable pool is only in use temporarily, it must comply with registration rules if it remains erected for more than three consecutive days.
Fees and Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to meet pool registration deadlines or barrier standards can result in heavy fines. Below is an overview of fees and penalties:
Item | Amount |
|---|---|
Pool or spa registration fee | $32.87 |
Information search fee (for pre-2020 pools) | $48.78 |
Failure to register within the timeframe | Up to $1,849.20 |
Note: Fees may vary slightly by council. Visit your local council’s website for specific information.
How to Decommission Your Pool Professionally
If you wish to remove or disable a pool, Orb Excavations offers end-to-end decommissioning services. Proper decommissioning ensures the pool is removed from the municipal register and no longer requires compliance with pool safety laws.
Pool Decommissioning Process
Relocatable Pools and Above-Ground Spas
- Complete Dismantling: Disassemble all parts, including the liner, frame, and filtration system.
- Alternative Spa Decommissioning: Drill 4-6 holes (50mm diameter) to prevent water retention.
- Council Notification: Submit documentation to the council for inspection and removal from the register.
Permanent In-Ground Pools
Option 1: Complete Removal
- Demolition Permit: Required if the pool is within 2 metres of a boundary or structure.
- Backfilling Process: Use engineer-approved soil and compact it in 300mm layers to avoid ground shifting.
- Inspection and Removal from Register: Provide evidence of removal to the council to finalize decommissioning.
Option 2: In-Situ Burial
- Drill Two 500mm x 500mm Holes at the deep end for drainage.
- Remove all Equipment: Including filtration systems and access ladders.
- Backfill with Soil: Compact layers of soil to ensure stability.
- Future Development Considerations: Note that buried pools may restrict future property use and require permits for excavation.
Pool Safety Barriers: Meeting Compliance Standards
The VBA requires every registered pool to have compliant safety barriers. Below are key points to keep in mind:
- Installation of Barriers: Must prevent unsupervised access to the pool or spa.
- Barrier Compliance Certificates: Must be renewed every four years unless the pool is decommissioned.
- Barrier Non-Compliance Notices (CBNCs): Issued if the pool fails inspection, with specific deadlines for rectification.
How Orb Excavations Can Help You Stay Compliant
- Full-Service Pool Registration and Documentation: We handle everything from council communication to barrier inspections.
- Decommissioning Expertise: We offer professional removal or in-situ burial services, ensuring your pool meets all regulatory standards.
- Compliance Support: We collaborate with structural engineers to ensure proper backfilling and site stability.
- Waste Management: All debris is disposed of safely and according to council regulations.
What Happens if You Don’t Register or Decommission Your Pool?
Failure to register or decommission your pool can result in:
- Fines up to $1,849.20 for non-compliance.
- Issuance of Barrier Improvement Notices or CBNCs.
- Additional costs for emergency inspections and legal enforcement by the VBA.
Frequently Asked Questions
The landowner is responsible for registering the pool with the council and ensuring compliance with barrier standards.
Yes. Tenants must notify the landlord and council if they install a relocatable pool that remains erected for more than three days.
Submit proof of decommissioning (photos, reports, and inspection certificates) to your local council. Once approved, the pool will be removed from the register.
VBA Registration Requirements
The Victorian Building Authority plays a crucial role in ensuring pool safety by maintaining high compliance standards. Registration ensures that pools are regularly inspected and meet the safety requirements necessary to protect families, children, and visitors.
For more information on compliance, visit the VBA website or contact your local council.
Professional Pool Management
At Orb Excavations, we are committed to helping pool owners stay compliant with Victorian regulations. Whether you need assistance with registration, barrier installation, or decommissioning, we offer comprehensive services tailored to meet your needs. Our expertise ensures that every project is handled professionally, efficiently, and in full compliance with local laws.
Contact Orb Excavations Today!
If you need help with pool registration, safety barrier compliance, or decommissioning, Orb Excavations is here to assist. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us handle the process from start to finish.