Pool safety barriers

Barrier requirements

All swimming pools and spas capable of containing water to a depth greater than 30cm must have a compliant safety barrier to restrict access by young children (under the age of five).

These rules apply regardless of whether young children live at the property or visit the property.

Barriers are required for:

in-ground pools and spas
above-ground pools and spas, including relocatable and inflatable pools that are capable of holding more than 30cm depth of water and require assembly on site
indoor pools and spas
bathing and wading pools capable of containing more than 30cm depth of water.

Barriers are not required for:

inflatable swimming pools (typically toddler or wading pools) that cannot contain a water depth greater than 30cm
bird baths
fountains
fountains
water supply/storage tanks
fish ponds
dams
baths used for personal hygiene and emptied after each use
indoor spa baths used for personal hygiene and emptied after each use
pools or spas that cannot contain a water depth of more than 30cm.

If you already have a pool or spa:

As a pool or spa owner, it is your obligation to maintain the safety barrier to ensure it remains compliant.

The following checklists will help you assess the safety of your barrier. Different standards apply depending on how old your pool or spa is.

Any alterations to an existing pool barrier must comply with regulations and may require a building permit. Check with your local council or building surveyor for advice.

If you are planning to get a pool or spa:

In Victoria, the design, construction and installation of swimming pools, spas and safety barriers are subject to strict requirements under the Building Regulations 2018.

Under the Regulations, swimming pools, spas and safety barriers must be:

Property owners and occupants are responsible for making sure pool barriers are maintained, repaired and kept in working order.

A new outdoor pool or spa area must not be directly accessible via a building.