The Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA) has issued a comprehensive Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) Information Sheet aimed at clarifying the documentation requirements for builders upon the completion of swimming pool and spa construction projects.
The DBI Information Sheet is being widely circulated among insurance brokers, councils, surveyors, and other professionals in the industry to ensure clear and consistent understanding of the necessary procedures.
The guidance primarily highlights the key documents builders must submit when completing works related to swimming pools or spas. These include:
Key Documentation Required:
Plumbing compliance
Electrical compliance certificates; and a
Certificate of swimming pool barrier compliance
Plumbing and Electrical Work:
For plumbing works, A plumbing compliance certificate will not be required for a swimming pool recirculation filtration system unless it includes actual plumbing works which total $750 or more.
Similarly, electrical compliance certificates are required when electrical work is involved in the project. However, if the electrical installation does not require a licensed electrician—such as in the case of a pool lit by low-voltage plug-and-play systems that do not involve a permanent electrical connection—a certificate of compliance is not necessary for submission to the VMIA.
SPASA's Collaborative Efforts:
The Swimming Pool & Spa Association of Australia (SPASA) has been actively involved in collaborating with the VMIA to address issues raised by Victorian pool builders, many of whom are Master Pool Builders about the challenges in obtaining plumbing and electrical certificates.
These concerns were significant, as builders faced difficulties in navigating the paperwork and procedural steps required to secure the necessary compliance certificates. In response, SPASA worked closely with the VMIA and the Master Pool Builder Chairman to improve communication and clarity around the documentation process, ensuring that pool builders could meet the regulatory requirements without unnecessary delays or confusion.
Wider Distribution of the DBI Information Sheet:
To ensure the DBI Information Sheet reaches all relevant stakeholders, it is being widely distributed to insurance brokers, councils, surveyors, and other industry professionals. The aim is to provide a unified understanding of the requirements and streamline the documentation process for everyone involved.
This initiative reflects SPASA's commitment to supporting the Victorian pool building industry, particularly in overcoming operational hurdles. The DBI Information Sheet ensures that builders are better equipped with the knowledge they need to meet legal requirements, submit the correct documentation, and ensure that their projects are completed smoothly and in compliance with Victorian regulations.
Pool builders should carefully review the DBI Information Sheet to fully understand its contents and be prepared to provide a copy to insurance brokers, councils, surveyors, and other industry professionals if requested or needed.
For more information
Spiros Dassakis
Chief Policy Officer
E: spiros@spasa.com.au