COUNCIL officers have warned residents to ensure their pools and spas are properly fenced, as the council prepares to randomly inspect properties.

Council’s Municipal Building Surveyor Graeme Geary said random site inspections are being carried out to ensure properties that have a swimming pool or spa complied with regulations.

All swimming pools and spas, regardless of when installed, are required by law to have safety barriers or fences that restrict entry by young children.

Cardinia Shire mayor Bill Pearson urged residents to regularly check the quality of their pool or spa safety barrier.

“Be constantly mindful not to have objects surrounding the pool or spa which children can climb on to gain access to the pool,” he said.

“Children on farms should be provided with a safe play area, fenced, away from water including sump holes, irrigation channels, dams and troughs.”

Mr Geary said council was responsible for enforcing pool regulations, and would do so with random checks or by following up reports.

“The building regulations require all owners of properties with a pool or spa to restrict access by young children to their pool or spa by installing barriers in accordance with the Australian Standard AS1926, and the gate must be fitted with a self-locking or self-latching device at least 1500mm above ground level,” he explained.

Mr Geary said the requirements applied to all pools and spas that were capable of holding 300mm or more of water.

He said building regulations allowed for a $200 on-the-spot building infringement notice to be served for non-compliance. The court fine for non-compliance has also increased from $1000 to $5000.

Swimming pool and spa owners can contact the council’s municipal building surveyor for information to help them decide whether their pool or spa meets the necessary requirements by calling 1300 787 624.