Four-Yearly Pool Barrier Inspections and Form 23 Certificates in Melbourne

Who needs a certificate, and how often

If you own land with a pool that can hold more than 30cm of water, you need a current certificate of barrier compliance lodged with your council. It doesn’t matter whether children live at the property, whether the yard is secure or how often the pool is used.

Your council sets the timing. After you register, council writes to confirm the date of construction, the applicable barrier standard and when your first or next certificate is due. From then on, a new certificate is due every four years.

• Owners of homes with in-ground or above-ground pools
• Owners of relocatable pools set up for three or more consecutive days
• Landlords with pools at rental properties
• Owners corporations with shared pools on common property

The standard your pool is measured against

Victoria applies the barrier standard in force when your pool was built, so an older pool isn’t measured against today’s rules. Council determines your date of construction using permit records, real estate listings or aerial photos, and you can appeal to the Building Appeals Board within 30 days.

Pools with barrier permits issued from 1 May 2013 are assessed against AS 1926.1-2012. We confirm your standard before we arrive.

Our checks on inspection day

Cameron calls ahead to confirm the details. On the day, he arrives at the agreed time and works methodically around the barrier with a tape measure in hand.

• Fence height along the full length, including where garden beds have built up
• The gap at the bottom of the fence, which is generally no more than 100mm in most standards
• Spacing between palings, balusters and other vertical members
• Gates that swing away from the pool, close and latch automatically
• Latch release heights, generally at least 1500mm above ground or shielded from the outside
• Furniture, pot plants, barbecues and trees near the barrier

Once the walk is complete, you get a clear answer and a clear explanation, whatever the result, plus practical next steps if anything needs attention.

When a barrier falls short

A fail is common and usually fixable. If the barrier can be made compliant, the inspector may give you a written notice listing the fixes, a deadline of up to 60 days and a re-inspection date. Good progress may earn a further seven days.

Some issues mean a certificate of barrier non-compliance must be issued straight away, such as a significant and immediate risk to life, a gate that can’t fully close or a barrier below its required height. The certificate is lodged with council, which will follow up.

Either way, we explain what needs to change and how to do it cost-effectively, because our job is to help you get compliant. Many fixes are simple, such as adjusting a gate closer or moving a pot plant.

Our building and pool construction experience helps you choose the most sensible and affordable option for your barrier.

What it costs

There is no set fee for a barrier inspection in Victoria, and the BPC recommends getting quotes. Our pricing is competitive, and we match or beat most prices.

• 10% off emergency services and healthcare workers
• 15% off group bookings of three or more properties within 5km of each other

Council fees for registration, information searches and lodging your certificate are separate. They are paid directly to your council, not to us, and vary between councils.