A spa is a luxurious addition to any home, offering a place to relax, unwind, and enjoy time with family and friends, especially during the chilly winter months or during a cool night. The aesthetic appeal and therapeutic benefits of a spa make it a sought-after feature in many households. However, despite its smaller size, a spa still carries the same responsibility as a full pool. Pool safety rules are crucial to ensure the well-being of everyone who uses your spa. In Victoria, these rules are not just recommendations—but legal requirements that must be adhered to rigorously. Understanding the local pool fence regulations is essential for any spa owner. In this article, we will explore the pool fence regulations in Victoria, and general pool safety rules.

Why Do We Have Pool Safety Rules

Pool safety rules are designed to protect individuals, especially children, from accidents and injuries, as pool drownings are among the leading causes of death for young children. Drowning is the most common cause of injury-related death for children under the age of five. That’s why pool regulations are effective at preventing undue harm and death through the use of protective barriers such as a spa pool fence. By sticking to these guidelines, you not only prevent accidents but also ensure you’re legally compliant and protected from potential legal consequences.

Pool Fence Regulations Victoria

In Victoria, any pool or spa with a depth of more than 30cm is required to have a safety barrier. This means that even if you have a spa that’s more suitable for soaking rather than swimming, you’re still required to install a fool fence. Here are some of the key requirements.

• The minimum height of a pool fence is 1.2 metres off the ground.
• Your spa must be surrounded by a safety barrier (i.e. a fence) that is self-closing and has a self-latching gate that opens outward.
• If any of your home boundary fences are taking the role of a safety barrier, it must be 1.8 metres high. 
• For a mesh or perforated fence, the holes can be no greater than 13mm in size. 
• The maximum permissible gap between the bottom of the fence and the ground is 100mm.
• The fence must have no climbeable objects on the outside of the fence, such as seating or plant pots, and must be kept at least 1.2 metres away from the fence.

Common Misinformation About Spa Safety Bariers

Be aware that there is some misinformation to do with safety exemptions for spas. For example, you might hear that if your spa has a lockable cover, it can be exempt from needing a pool fence. This is not true, as legally all pools or spas that can hold more than 30cm of water must be surrounded by a safety barrier. The same applies to portable or relocatable spas. Even if a spa is being used temporarily, it must be surrounded by a suitable barrier. Even if you don’t live with children, these barriers are still vital for protecting animals, pets, or inebriated persons from accidentally entering a spa. Make sure to always be compliant with regulations.

How To Ensure Your Spa Is Compliant with Swimming Pool Safety Laws

Ensuring your spa complies with safety regulations involves several steps. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process to make sure your spa is both safe and legally compliant:

Conduct a Safety Audit

Conducting a safety audit of your spa area will help identify potential hazards or areas of non-compliance. This could include checking the height of the fence, making sure the gates are functioning correctly, and removing any climbable objects. In order to get an accurate assessment, hire a professional pool inspector who can advise you on any improvements you need to make.

Install or Upgrade Your Fence

If your current setup does not meet the standards, you will need to install or upgrade your pool fence. Make sure to hire professional fence builders who can make a fence that is optimised for safety and compliance..

Regular Maintenance

Finally, conducting regular maintenance is key to ensuring the long-term compliance of your spa. Inspect your fence and gate regularly to ensure they remain in good working order and meet the appropriate safety standards. Routine checks will prevent small issues from becoming significant problems down the line, ensuring your fence remains a reliable safety feature.

Precision Glass at the Forefront of Swimming Pool Safety

Owning a spa in Victoria comes with the responsibility of ensuring safety and compliance with local pool fence regulations. By understanding the requirements and taking the necessary steps, you can create a safe and enjoyable environment that is also compliant with local regulations. No matter what kind of body of water you have in your home, it’s your responsibility to make sure it’s safe. 

If you’re in need of a compliant and stylish spa pool fence, you’ve come to the right place. Precision Glass is the best in the business when it comes to building pool fencing for our clients. Whether you want a perforated aluminum fence for privacy, or a stylish and modern glass fence, we can provide you with either option. Thanks to our custom manufacturing, we can create whatever pool fencing you require and bring all of your ideas to life. If you want a free quote on your pool fence, feel free to get in touch with us so we can make the pool fence of your dreams.