By NATALIE GALLENTI-BREKALO
MELTON City Council will be coming down hard on home owners that have not properly secured their pool and spa.
The council is undertaking a pool and spa audit across the city to identify and investigate private swimming pools that may not have a permit or safety barriers.
All swimming pools and spas that are deeper than 30cm, regardless of when they were installed, are required to have a permit and a legally compliant safety barrier.
If a property is identified as potentially being non-compliant, a letter from the council will be sent to the owner with a proposed date and time for a council officer to visit and ensure the pool and barrier meet the current legislative requirements.
If the pool and barrier are found to be non-compliant, the council will work with the property owner to resolve the issue.
The council may take legal action if the satisfactory outcome is not reached.
Melton City mayor Bob Turner said unfenced or poorly fenced swimming pools posed a significant safety risk and could end in tragedy.
“Every year, there are tragedies, usually involving children, which result from backyard swimming pools not being properly fenced,” Cr Turner said.
“Through this proactive approach, we are determined to reduce the risk, in particular to small children, and provide a safer environment for all.”
