What to Do After a Failed Pool Inspection: The Re-Inspection Path

Reviewed by Ryan Gaw, VBA-registered Pool Safety Inspector (Licence IN-PS 100055), Local Pool Inspections.

If your pool barrier just failed Form 23 inspection in Victoria, you’re in the majority — about 60% of Victorian pool barriers fail their first inspection. The Form 24 non-conformance report you received tells you exactly what to fix, and the re-inspection process is straightforward. Here’s the step-by-step path from fail to compliance, including who fixes what, typical timelines, and how the re-inspection works under our $250 all-inclusive model.

Step 1: Read the Form 24 Carefully

The Form 24 is the formal non-conformance report (the counterpart to the passing Form 23 certificate). It lists every issue the inspector found, the AS 1926.1-2012 clause being breached, and (usually) the recommended remediation. With Local Pool Inspections, every non-conformance also includes a photograph for clarity.

Common Form 24 issues, ranked by frequency:

1. Gate self-close failure from cracked-open positions (~35% of fails)
2. NCZ breach (plants, pumps, retaining walls within 900 mm) (~25%)
3. Horizontal rails on outside of older steel-tube fencing (~15%)
4. Latch height under 1500 mm (~10%)
5. Gap under fence over 100 mm (~10%)
6. Other (height, vertical rail spacing, hardware) (~5%)

Step 2: Determine Who Does the Fix

Simpler fixes

Some items are low-risk for a capable homeowner to address — but because they affect a child-safety barrier, anything you do must be confirmed compliant at the free re-inspection. If you’re unsure, use a licensed installer or ask your inspector. The gate self-close mechanism in particular is a safety-critical component — we recommend a qualified person fits or replaces it.

• Trimming or removing plants in the non-climbable zone ($0 for hand pruning, $200–$500 if you need an arborist)
• Moving pool pumps and equipment out of the non-climbable zone ($0)
• Removing built-up paving outside the gate that has reduced the latch height ($50–$200 in materials)
• Gate self-close spring replacement — a $30–$80 part, but it governs whether the gate closes on a child, so have it fitted by a qualified installer and verified at re-inspection
• Under-fence gaps — a fencer should close these correctly; ad-hoc fills can shift and re-open, and the gap is re-checked at inspection

Tradesperson fixes (fencer or hardware specialist)

• Latch relocation or magnetic latch upgrade ($150–$280)
• Hinge replacement or service ($80–$220)
• Fence panel replacement (horizontal-rail issues) — full fencer job, $90–$150 per linear metre
• Gate post realignment if sagging ($200–$400)
• Window/door access compliance (additional barrier installation) — varies widely, often $500–$2,000

Specialist fixes (arborist, builder)

• Mature tree removal in NCZ — $500–$2,000 depending on tree size
• Fence height extension on sloped sites — $40–$80 per linear metre installed

Step 3: Plan the Remediation Timeline

Most Form 24 issues remediate in 1–2 weeks if you act promptly. Common timelines:

• Hardware-only fixes: 1–4 days (parts available at Bunnings, fence specialist; install in an afternoon)
• NCZ vegetation work: 1–2 weeks (arborist scheduling; major plant removal can take longer)
• Fence panel replacement: 2–4 weeks (fencer scheduling, panel manufacture or stock)
• Window/door barrier install: 3–6 weeks (separate trade, sometimes builder)

If you’re selling and have settlement pressure, prioritise the easiest fixes first. Hardware and NCZ issues are usually fastest.

Step 4: Book the Re-Inspection

Once you believe everything’s been remediated, book the re-inspection. With Local Pool Inspections, the re-inspection is included in your original $250 fee — no second invoice. Other Victorian inspectors typically charge $150–$220 for re-inspections.

The re-inspection visit is focused on the previously-failed items plus a brief walk-through to confirm nothing else has changed. Typically 20–30 minutes on-site. If everything passes, the Form 23 is signed and lodged with council the same day.

What If the Re-Inspection Also Fails?

Less common but does happen — usually when remediation didn’t fully address a Form 24 item, or a different category of fail emerges. Common scenarios:

• Self-close still failing from 5° open — new spring installed but tension still insufficient; needs upgraded spring or hydraulic self-closer
• NCZ trim insufficient — plant trimmed but trunk/main branches still in 900 mm zone; full removal or relocation needed
• New issue uncovered — fixing one issue exposed a related one (e.g., latch upgrade revealed misaligned strike plate)

The second re-inspection (if needed) is also included in our $250 fee for related items. We don’t charge per-attempt — the inspection process continues until your barrier passes or you elect to stop.

Documenting Your Remediation

Take dated photos of each remediation as you complete it. Useful for:

• Showing the inspector at re-inspection what you’ve changed
• Insurance claim documentation if hardware was replaced after a recent damage event
• Selling — buyer’s conveyancer may ask for evidence of recent remediation work

If You’re Selling on a Tight Timeline

If your re-inspection won’t fit before settlement (see our selling-with-a-pool timeline guide), options:

• Negotiate settlement extension — buyer’s conveyancer can usually extend by 7–14 days for a documented compliance issue
• Negotiate price reduction — some buyers accept a remediation-cost-equivalent price reduction in lieu of compliance pre-settlement
• Walk away — last resort; a serious compliance issue may justify pulling out of contract under specific circumstances. Get legal advice.

Avoiding First-Inspection Fail Next Time

For your 4-year renewal, the pre-inspection checklist catches 80% of common fails. The 4-year re-inspection cycle means this situation recurs — staying on top of hardware between renewals reduces first-fail rates. Run through it the day before your booking and address obvious issues before the inspector arrives.

Common failed-inspection questions

What is a Form 24?

The formal non-conformance report issued when a pool barrier fails inspection. It lists every issue found, the AS 1926.1-2012 clause being breached and the recommended remediation — with Local Pool Inspections, each item is photographed for clarity.

What are the most common reasons barriers fail?

Gate self-close failure from cracked-open positions (~35% of fails), non-climbable-zone breaches (~25%), horizontal rails on older steel-tube fencing (~15%), latch height under 1500 mm (~10%) and gaps under the fence over 100 mm (~10%).

Can I do the repairs myself?

Some items — trimming plants in the non-climbable zone, moving pool pumps, clearing built-up paving — are reasonable for a capable homeowner. Safety-critical components like the gate self-close mechanism should be fitted by a qualified installer. Everything is confirmed compliant at the re-inspection.

Do I pay again for the re-inspection?

Not with Local Pool Inspections — the re-inspection after remediation is included in the original $250 all-inclusive fee.