Swimming Pool Construction Requirements
For Spa or Swimming Pool Construction projects, please be aware there are strict guidelines under the Building Regulations 2006. An important legal obligation for pool and spa owners is to maintain their safety barriers at all times. It is vital that any home owner, whether it be as an owner-builder or whether they engage the appropriately registered contractor, they become familiar with the Regulations.
Swimming Pools and Spas are wonderful architectural additions to any home, besides the fantastic recreational facility you’ll provide for you and your family. Their safety and that of your friends increases greatly by complying with the Regulations. The worse case scenario of a fatality is too great a risk for anyone. As a parent, I am only too aware of this.
One such little-known requirement is that all swimming pools and spas with a depth of more than 30cm must have a safety fence or barrier that meets the Australian Standard. This also applies to inflatable or relocatable pools and spas – those sold in large stores leading up to Summer.
Building practitioners appropriately qualified to complete the construction of a swimming pool, spa or barrier under a major domestic building contract must be registered as either a Domestic Builder – Unlimited (DB-U) or a Domestic Builder Limited Swimming Pools (DB-L S) and it’s worthwhile checking their status as part of your selection process – it’s something we consider when selecting a contractor for your project.
For further information, see the website of the Victorian Building Commission at http://www.vba.vic.gov.au/
Michael Caleo
