Staying Safe This Summer: What Renters & Rental Providers Need to Know

There is nothing more fun filled than an Australian summer with school holidays, swimming pools and long, relaxing barbeques with friends. However, it is important to remember that this fun can quickly turn to tragedy if appropriate safety measures are not in place.

“The safety of our renters remains our highest priority,” says Michelle Coulter, Team Manager at Jellis Craig Boroondara Property Management. “It’s vital that pool barriers are maintained correctly, gates are self-closing and self-latching, and all other safety requirements are adhered to. Our property management team is highly knowledgeable in pool safety and always available to support you in staying compliant.”

In Victoria, the Victorian Building Authority oversees state-wide regulations for the design, construction, installation and ongoing compliance of swimming pools, spas and their safety barriers under the Building Regulations 2018. These regulations apply to all pools and spas that can hold more than 300 millimetres of water, including above ground pools, in ground pools, indoor pools and spas.

Click here to learn more about the Australian Building Authority’s Swimming pools, spas and their safety barrier regulation.

Key Safety Requirements

• Approved pool and spa barriers must be at least 1.2 metres high.
• Pool gates must be self-closing and self-latching.
• Doors from a dwelling must not open directly into a pool area.
• Vertical gaps in a barrier must not exceed 100 millimetres.
• No climbable objects such as trees, furniture, pots or play equipment may be located within required non climbable zones.
• A current CPR chart should be displayed in a clearly visible location near the pool or spa.

Registration and Compliance in Boroondara

• All pool and spa owners must register their pool or spa with your local Council.
• Safety barriers must be inspected every four years by a registered building surveyor or inspector.
• Lodge a Certificate of Barrier Compliance with Council following each inspection.

If you are a Rental Provider

• Ensure a compliant safety barrier is installed and maintained.
• Arrange the repair as an urgent repair.
• Meet all state and council requirements before and during a tenancy.
• Provide the renter with a copy of the swimming pool barrier compliance (which is provided under the swimming pool registration scheme) on request.

If you are a Renter

• Immediately report any faults with pool or spa fences, doors, or gates.
• Keep climbable objects away from the pool or spa barrier.
• Must have the appropriate approvals before erecting a portable swimming pool.  

Owners Corporations

Owners Corporations responsible for shared pools or spas within Boroondara must ensure that all safety barriers meet Victorian legislative requirements and that inspections and certifications are completed on schedule. This helps protect the safety of residents, renters, and visitors.

Maintenance for a Safe Pool Environment

Regular maintenance is essential for keeping a pool environment safe and healthy.

• Replace broken drain or suction covers.
• Chemically treat water to maintain hygiene and clarity.
• Ensure filtration and cleaning systems are working properly.
• Remove leaves, debris, and flammable materials from surrounding areas.
• Regularly test self-closing gates and latches.

The Jellis Craig Property Management team can coordinate qualified and insured professionals to complete pool safety checks, barrier maintenance, gutter cleaning and rubbish removal. This ensures your property remains safe, compliant, and ready for summer.