It is time to register your swimming pool or spa with Council

Published on 26 August 2020

To prevent backyard drownings, the State Government now requires home owners to register their pools and spas with Council by November 1 2020.

Frankston City Mayor, Sandra Mayer, said due to the impacts of COVID-19 on the community, the deadline was extended by five months in June.

“With everything that is happening, it is understandable if this has slipped your mind but registering is easy on Council’s website.”

Following registration, pool and spa owners are required to engage an independent building surveyor or inspector to check their barriers meet safety standards.

The Mayor reassured residents they would not be penalised because they couldn’t have an inspector to their home due to stage four restrictions.

“You can still register now and have the pool or spa inspected at a later date when restrictions are lifted, there is no need to worry.”

Pools or spas, even temporary ones, need to be registered with Council if they are capable of holding more than 30 centimetres of water.

A registration fee of $79 applies and was set by the State Government. Once registered, the pool or spa will need to be inspected every four years and the owner will need to lodge a compliance certificate with Council.

“Registering and maintaining your pool or spa is a small price to pay to ensure it is safe, especially with many families spending extra time at home,” Cr Mayer said.

“Backyard drownings are preventable through making sure your pool, spa and safety fence are up to standard and climbable objects aren’t left close to barriers. We appreciate your cooperation in registering before November 1.”

For more information, to register your pool or spa, or to decommission and remove it from Council’s Swimming Pool and Spa Register please visit: www.frankston.vic.gov.au/poolandsparegistration