The extension will give homeowners more time to register their pools and spas, and reduce the workload on councils dealing with the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

In December 2019, new requirements to make backyard swimming pools and spas safer and keep young children from drowning were introduced.

In addition, owners must have a registered building surveyor or inspector certify their safety barrier every four years and lodge a certificate of compliance with their council.

Once a pool or spa is registered, councils must inform the owner of the date by which their first certificate must be lodged.

The deadlines for lodgement of the first certificate of compliance have also been extended by five months.

For more information on the Victorian Government’s pool safety reforms, visit Victorian Building Authority's website.