Council will be issuing reminder letters to Ararat pool owners during the coming weeks and will be conducting random inspections for compliance.

Owners and occupiers of any property - either domestic or commercial - containing a swimming pool or spa must ensure that the fence or barrier is working properly. They also need to check that any door, gate, lock, latch, catch, bolt or fly screen restricting access to the swimming pool are in perfect working condition.

Municipal building surveyor Neil Povey said pool and spa owners cannot afford to be complacent about pool safety, which can lead to drowning tragedy.

''Invest the time now to check over your swimming areas with a fine tooth comb; check fences, barriers and their mechanisms. Gates should be able to self close and should never be propped open with an object.

''Make sure trees are cut back and that pool furniture and equipment like pumps and skimmer houses are positioned where kids can't climb on them to get to the pool area. It's an investment of time that is priceless when it comes to the safety of your family.

''And it goes without saying that children should never enter the pool area or swim unsupervised - even for a second.''

For residents planning to construct a new pool or spa holding more than 300mm of water you must obtain a building permit from Council first. Likewise, building permits need to be obtained for all safety barriers that provide access to pool areas such as windows, doors, fencing and gates that provide access to the pool area.

Safety barriers must comply with Australian Standard 1926.1. Covers are not considered a safety barrier and do not comply with the law.

For more information, please contact Council's Building Department on 5355 0200.