If you are selling a property in Victoria that has a pool — or leasing a property with a pool — you legally need a pool safety compliance certificate. Not eventually. Before settlement or before the lease starts.
The certificate is called a Form 23. It is issued by a VBA-registered pool safety inspector after a physical inspection of the pool barrier. Without it, your conveyancer or solicitor will find out. And then the sale stalls.
When Exactly Do You Need It?
In Victoria, you must obtain a pool compliance certificate when:
Selling a property with a pool or spa deeper than 300mm. Leasing a residential property with a pool or spa deeper than 300mm. A new pool or spa is constructed or substantially altered.
How long is it valid?
30 days for a certificate of pool and barrier compliance (Form 23A). One year for a certificate of barrier non-compliance (Form 23B) — when you have outstanding works.
The Two Certificate Types
Certificate of Pool and Barrier Compliance (Form 23A)
Your pool barrier passed the inspection. It complies with AS 1926.1. Valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
Certificate of Barrier Non-Compliance (Form 23B)
The pool barrier failed inspection. It does not comply. Valid for one year. Nobody wants to complete a purchase or sign a lease with this — it is a significant liability. The safest path is to get the pool compliant before selling or leasing.
Average Costs in Geelong 2026
Initial pool compliance inspection: 250-350 dollars. Re-inspection after repairs: 100-150 dollars. Urgent/same-day inspection: 350-450 dollars.
What Makes Geelong Pools Tricky
Reactive clay soil causes ground movement. Fence posts that were correctly positioned five years ago may have shifted, creating gaps under the fence.
Sloping blocks require pool fencing that follows the slope correctly. Stepped barriers are needed where grades exceed certain thresholds.
Ageing pools on properties in Highton, Belmont, and Geelong West often have older barriers that do not meet current standards.
A Geelong inspector who works these suburbs regularly understands these issues.
Do Not Wait Until Settlement Week
The most common problem I see: sellers wait too long to book the inspection. They discover the pool fails, scramble to get repairs done, cannot get a re-inspection appointment fast enough, and the settlement date shifts.
Book the pool inspection when you list the property. Not after you have a buyer.
Book Your Pool Safety Inspection
VBA registered inspector — same-day certificates across Geelong and Victoria.
0402 860 499