Request a Quote

FAQs

Have a question? Check our list of Frequently Asked Questions below, or simply get in touch with us through our Contact Us page.

How long is a Certificate of barrier Compliance valid?

A certificate of Pool Barrier Inspections and Compliance is only valid for 30 days after issuance. You must lodge it with the relevant council within this period.

If you do not lodge the certificate within the 30 days, you must undergo a new inspection. The inspector issues a new certificate which you must lodge anew with the relevant council.

What happens if I don’t lodge a certificate of barrier compliance?

It is an offence not to lodge a certificate of barrier compliance.

If you don’t lodge a certificate of pool and spa barrier compliance by the due date, you may face an on-the-spot fine of approximately $330 and a penalty of up to $1,652.20.

How do I lodge the certificate of barrier compliance with my council?

You should contact your local council or check their website about their process for lodging a certificate of barrier compliance.

What is a certificate of barrier non-compliance?

Pool and spa inspectors can issue a certificate of barrier non-compliance if they determine that the barrier is not compliant.

When is a certificate of barrier non-compliance issued immediately?

An inspector must immediately issue a certificate of barrier non-compliance if:

  • The barrier is not capable of being made compliant, or the owner is unlikely to bring the barrier into compliance with the applicable barrier standard within 60 days
  • The non-compliance of the barrier poses a significant and immediate risk to life or safety
  • The barrier is non-compliant in any of the following ways:
  • A door or gate, when closed, can be opened by a person who is unable to reach the opening mechanism for that door or gate
  • A door or gate forming part of the barrier cannot be completely closed
  • Any part of the barrier is less than 1 metre in height, measured above the ground level from the approach side.
Is there a fee Payable if a certificate of barrier non-compliance is lodged?

Yes. After the inspector lodges the certificate of barrier non-compliance with the council, the council notifies you of the fee and the due date for payment (not less than 28 days).

The maximum fee is $385.10. Please check your local council’s website for the applicable fee in your municipality.

If you do not pay the fee by the due date, you may face an on-the-spot fine of approximately $330 and a penalty of up to $1,652.20.

Who lodges the certificate of barrier non-compliance?

The inspector lodges the certificate with the relevant council and provides you with a copy.

How long do I have to comply with the barrier improvement notice?

The barrier improvement notice specifies a date by which you must rectify the barrier and lodge the certificate of barrier compliance with your local council.

This requirement means that you need to have the barrier re-inspected before the specified date.

What happens if I don’t comply with the barrier improvement notice within the specified period?

If you do not comply with the barrier improvement notice within the time specified, you may face an on-the-spot fine of approximately $330 and a penalty of up to $1,652.20.

Also, the municipal building surveyor may then issue other notices or orders under the Building Act 1993.

What happens if I make alterations/change to a pool barrier after I’ve registered my pool or spa?

After registering your pool or spa, if there is building work carried out on the barrier that requires a building permit, the relevant building surveyor must inspect the barrier and determine if it complies with the applicable barrier standard.

If the relevant building surveyor determines that the barrier complies with the applicable barrier standard, they issue a certificate of barrier compliance and provide the certificate to you. You must then lodge the certificate with your council within 14 days.

If the barrier does not comply with the applicable barrier standard, the building surveyor notifies you to bring it up to standard.

What happens if I don’t lodge a certificate of barrier compliance after an alteration or change?

If you fail to lodge a certificate of barrier compliance within 14 days of receiving the certificate, you may face an on-the-spot fine of approximately $330 and a penalty of up to $1,652.20.

Penalty units are indexed and increase on 1 July each year, per the Monetary Units Act 2004. From 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020, one penalty unit is $165.20.

What happens after I lodge the certificate with the council following alterations or changes?

After receiving the certificate following alterations or changes, your local council registers the applicable barrier standard and give you notice in writing of the following:

  • That they have received the certificate
  • The date of lodgement of the next certificate
  • Confirmation of the update of the applicable barrier standard (if applicable) and the details of the barrier standard that now applies

Request a FREE Quote

Consult with our specialists today to request an obligation free quote.

Request a Quote