If you own a pool or spa in Victoria, the law requires a compliant safety barrier and a current Form 23 certificate of pool and spa barrier compliance. Here’s the plain-English version of what that actually means in 2026.
Who needs to comply?
Every Victorian property owner with a pool or spa deeper than 300mm - including portable spas, indoor spas, and inflatable pools that stay set up.
The three-step compliance loop
- Register your pool/spa with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) and your local council. This is a one-off step (~$32).
- Book an inspection with a registered building practitioner (that’s us - BPC registered).
- Lodge your Form 23 with council within 30 days of inspection. The certificate is then valid for 4 years.
What gets checked?
Inspections are carried out against AS 1926.1-2012 and the Victorian Building Regulations 2018. The big ones:
- Barrier height (minimum 1200mm, with no climbable footholds in the non-climbable zone)
- Self-closing, self-latching gates that open outward
- CPR sign clearly displayed
- Compliant boundary fencing where used as part of the barrier
- Window and door restrictions where they open into the pool area
Common reasons pools fail
In our experience across Melbourne suburbs like Frankston, Doncaster and Werribee, the top reasons for failure are:
- Climbable objects in the non-climbable zone (BBQs, planters, pool pumps)
- Gate latches that don’t self-latch reliably
- Faded or missing CPR signs
- Boundary fence gaps above 100mm
Most are easy fixes - and we’ll walk you through them in plain English.
What does it cost?
We charge a flat $220 all-inclusive for inspection + Form 23 certificate. No call-out, no GST surprises, no upselling. Book your inspection or call 0466 576 834.