{"id":2466,"date":"2026-07-28T10:50:36","date_gmt":"2026-07-28T10:50:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ramsshukla.com\/project\/pool\/?p=2466"},"modified":"2026-08-17T05:37:25","modified_gmt":"2026-08-17T05:37:25","slug":"what-is-a-form-23-certificate-and-why-do-you-need-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ramsshukla.com\/project\/pool\/what-is-a-form-23-certificate-and-why-do-you-need-one\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is a Form 23 Certificate and Why Do You Need One?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you\u2019ve received a reminder from your local council about your swimming pool or spa, you\u2019ve probably come across the term\u00a0Form 23 Certificate<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

For many Victorian pool owners, it\u2019s one of the most confusing parts of the compliance process.<\/p>\n

What is it?<\/p>\n

Who issues it?<\/p>\n

Do you need one?<\/p>\n

And what happens if you don\u2019t submit it?<\/p>\n

This guide explains everything you need to know about the\u00a0Form 23 Certificate in Victoria<\/strong>\u00a0in clear, straightforward language.<\/p>\n

What Is a Form 23 Certificate?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

A\u00a0Form 23 Certificate<\/strong>, officially known as the\u00a0Certificate of Barrier Compliance<\/strong>, is a document issued by a\u00a0registered Building Inspector \u2013 Pool Safety<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0after your swimming pool or spa barrier has been inspected and found to comply with the applicable Australian Standard.<\/p>\n

Once issued, this certificate confirms that your safety barrier meets the required compliance standard at the time of inspection. Your obligation is to provide it to council within 30 days of it being issued to you.<\/p>\n

Why Is a Form 23 Certificate Required?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The Victorian Government introduced mandatory pool and spa barrier inspections to improve safety and reduce the risk of accidental drownings.<\/p>\n

If you own a property with a swimming pool or spa, you\u2019re responsible for ensuring the safety barrier remains compliant and for lodging a valid\u00a0Certificate of Barrier Compliance<\/strong>\u00a0with your local council every four years.<\/p>\n

The certificate demonstrates that your barrier has been professionally inspected and meets the current legislative requirements.<\/p>\n

Who Can Issue a Form 23 Certificate?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

A\u00a0Form 23 Certificate<\/strong>\u00a0can only be issued by a\u00a0registered Building Inspector \u2013 Pool Safety, Building Inspector or Surveyor <\/strong>who are authorised to inspect pool and spa safety barriers in Victoria.<\/p>\n

Working with a registered inspector ensures your inspection is carried out in accordance with the applicable Australian Standard. You can check the current registration status of a building practitioner here\u00a0 Practitioner Search<\/a><\/p>\n

When Do You Receive the Certificate?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

You\u2019ll receive your Form 23 Certificate\u00a0after your pool barrier has successfully passed the inspection<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

If your barrier already complies during the initial inspection, the certificate can be issued on that day once the inspection has been completed his paperwork.<\/p>\n

What If Your Pool Barrier Doesn\u2019t Pass?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

It\u2019s common for inspections to identify maintenance or compliance issues.<\/p>\n

This doesn\u2019t necessarily mean major repairs are required.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll receive a detailed inspection report outlining the items that need attention. You will then be provided up to 60 days to rectify those issues. Once the required rectification work has been completed the barrier can be re inspected. When it meets the applicable standard, your Form 23 Certificate will be issued.<\/p>\n

Do You Need to Submit the Certificate?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Yes.<\/p>\n

Part 9A Building Regulations 2018 stipulates that a Form 23 is to be issued to the landowner as soon as practical after the inspection on re inspection and the landowner must submit it to council. All councils have their own online process for landowners to upload the Form 23.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0Certificate of Barrier Compliance<\/strong>\u00a0must be lodged with the relevant local council within 30 days of it being issued to the landowner, which is the required timeframe to complete your legal obligations as a pool or spa owner.<\/p>\n

In some circumstances council will accept submission on behalf of the landowner.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re unsure of your due date for the Form 23, it\u2019s always a good idea to check directly with your local council.<\/p>\n

How Long Is the Certificate Valid?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Pool and spa barriers in Victoria must be inspected\u00a0every four years<\/strong>. It is valid for four years from the date of issue by the Pool Inspector.<\/p>\n

How Can You Prepare Before Your Inspection?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Before your appointment, it\u2019s worth checking a few common items around your barrier.<\/p>\n