26 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About 
Pool Safety Inspections in Queensland

Compliance with Queensland ​Pool Inspections

1. Are spa and portable pool owners subject to ​Pool Inspections?

Yes, pool safety inspections encompass pools and spas that can hold water to a depth of 300mm, regardless of whether they are permanent or temporary in nature.

2. What are the essential ​pool safety fencing requirements in Queensland?

• 1200mm in height
• For fences below 1800mm in height, there should be a 900mm-wide area outside the fence that remains clear of objects that could be used for climbing, referred to as a "non-climbable zone."
• No openings exceeding 100mm beneath the barrier are allowed.
• There should be no spaces exceeding 100mm between vertical components, such as posts and palings.
• If a window with a sill positioned 900mm or lower from the floor opens into the pool area, it should be safeguarded with bars or metal screens. Alternatively, the window may be permanently secured to prevent it from opening more than 100mm.
• The gate should be designed to self-close and self-latch when released from any open position, without requiring force, and it must swing outward from the pool area.
• The gate latch should be positioned at a minimum height of 1500mm from the ground level, which should be both finished and stable. Additionally, it should be located at a distance of 1400mm from the top of the lowest horizontal rail.
• A CPR sign that meets pool safety compliance standards must be prominently displayed, either affixed to the pool fence or positioned in close proximity to the pool. This ensures the sign is clearly visible to anyone in the vicinity of the pool.
• There should be no direct entry from a building into an outdoor pool area, such as a door leading from a building directly into the pool area.

3. Who is required to adhere to these pool inspection regulations?

If you possess a pool or spa situated within a residential, temporary, or extended lodging establishment, it is your obligation to guarantee its adherence to the Queensland pool safety standards. This encompasses pools within individual residences, condominium complexes, hotels, motels, hostels, and vacation parks.

4. What are the consequences of having a non-compliant pool fence with the pool safety standard after December 1, 2015?

Failure to comply with the pool safety standards could result in penalties, including an on-the-spot fine of $824.60 or a maximum court-imposed penalty of up to $19,437.

5. How long have pool owners had to ensure their compliance?

The current pool safety were enacted in 2010, providing pool owners with a five-year grace period to make their pool fences compliant. The phase-in period concluded on December 1, 2015, making it mandatory for all pools to adhere to the regulations. Initially, since 2010, only those selling or leasing their properties were required to meet the current pool safety standard.

6. What modifications have occurred concerning compliance?

The disparities between the current pool safety fencing standards and those in place since 1991 are relatively minimal. In most cases, if a pool enclosure was compliant when initially constructed and has been adequately maintained, only minor adjustments or improvements are typically necessary. Some potential modifications could encompass preventing direct access from a structure to the pool area, incorporating a compliant CPR sign, repositioning or safeguarding objects that might serve as climbing aids near the barrier, elevating panels to achieve a minimum pool fence height of 1200mm, or rectifying any openings in or under the fence that exceed 100mm in size.

7. Is it necessary to register my pool or spa?

Yes, the requirement applies to all private pools and spas in Queensland.

8. How do I register my pool to get a ​pool safety inspection?

To verify if your pool has been registered in the Pool Safety Register, visit qbcc.qld.gov.au. If your pool isn't already registered, you can easily enter the property details online. For any assistance with the registration process, feel free to call the QBCC 24/7 at 139 333.

9. What are the consequences of failing to register my pool?

If you neglect to register your pool or spa, you may face an on-the-spot fine of $235.60 or a maximum court penalty of $2,356.

10. What's the process for determining if my pool meets pool safety compliance standards?

To verify compliance, you have the option to utilise the free self-assessment checklist available here. If you have any uncertainties regarding pool safety compliance, we recommend reaching out to a licensed ​pool inspection service here, or ring 0438 617 917 for personalised guidance tailored to your property.

11. Who is responsible for ensuring that a pool adheres to Queensland's pool safety standard?

Local government authorities are authorized to perform pool safety compliance inspections and can impose penalties on pool owners if their pools are not compliant. The QBCC is also responsible for verifying that pool owners have registered their pools and may levy fines for non-compliance with registration requirements.

12. Who holds the responsibility for ensuring the pool fence complies if I'm renting a property with a pool?

The primary responsibility for ensuring pool compliance, as well as maintaining barrier integrity, rests with the pool owner. In most cases, this role is assumed by the property owner when the property is rented. However, if the tenant installs a pool on the premises, they become responsible for ensuring its compliance with the pool safety standards.

It is the responsibility of tenants to make sure that no climbable objects are positioned against the pool fence. In the case of a shared pool managed by a body corporate, the primary responsibility for pool safety compliance typically falls on the body corporate.

13. Should I register or fence my wading pool?

The pool safety regulations do not extend to wading pools or inflatable pools that cannot be filled with water beyond a depth of 300mm, have a water capacity of fewer than 2000 litres, and lack a filtration system.

14. ​Is it permissible to use a door between a building and an outdoor pool as a barrier?

No, this does not adhere to the pool safety standard. 

A barrier must be present between any building and an outdoor pool. In situations where there isn't sufficient space to install a fence between the house and the pool, and it's not feasible to permanently close off the access point to the backyard, you can request an exemption based on impracticality from your local government authority. An alternative option could involve creating a U-shaped fence arrangement around the door or rendering the door permanently inoperable.

15. Can I utilise my boundary fence as a pool fence?

Yes, the boundary fence can serve as a pool barrier, but it must adhere to the pool safety standards.

16. Is it necessary to inform my neighbor about modifications to my pool fence?

It is advisable to have a conversation with your neighbor regarding the fencing work before proceeding with any decisions. In cases where discussing the work with your neighbor is not feasible or you choose not to, it is required that you provide your neighbor with a notice outlining the proposed work at least 14 days in advance of commencing any modifications. You can access and download the Notice of Proposed Fencing Work for a Pool Barrier form on qbcc.qld.gov.au. This form will contain details about the type of fence that is planned and the materials intended for use.

The planned pool barrier should match the current fence in terms of materials and colors, unless this would hinder pool safety compliance with the pool safety standard.  

17. Is there any responsibility for me as a shared fence owner if my neighbor has a pool?

The responsibility for pool fencing lies with the pool owner. They should reach out to you if they have any concerns regarding pool safety compliance.

18. What steps should I take if my pool fence is damaged or requires repairs?

In case a minor portion of the pool safety barrier has deteriorated, such as requiring replacement of palings, hinges, or latches, the pool owner is responsible for repairing the barrier to ensure it complies with the pool safety standard. 

If a complete replacement of the fence is necessary, it may be essential to acquire building development approval from either your local government authority or a ​pool safety inspection service. However, there are situations in which fence replacement can proceed without the need for development approval if it is inspected and approved by a ​pool inspection service.

19. Who is authorised to construct or mend my pool fence?

The extent of repairs, upkeep, and the specific work that can be carried out on a pool barrier depends on the individual responsible for the task. For instance, if the pool owner is handling the repair, they are permitted to fix the barrier as long as it doesn't exceed 2.4 meters in length, including a maximum of 2 posts. In certain situations, the pool owner might even have the option to replace the entire fence. For detailed information regarding the scope of work that can be conducted, it is advisable to get in touch with the QBCC.

It's essential to consider not only the nature of the work that can be done on a fence but also the financial aspect. Anyone can perform work up to the value of $3,300, which includes GST, labor, and materials, for constructing or repairing a fence. However, if the projected cost of the work surpasses $3,300, it is mandatory to enlist the services of a licensed QBCC pool safety contractor. To locate a qualified contractor in your vicinity, you can initiate a search on

20. How much should I trim back climbable trees around the pool area?

Climbable trees should generally be trimmed back to at least 900mm from the pool safety barrier. In some cases, climbable branches within 900mm from the top of the fence might be allowed if a child cannot easily access them.

21. Who is authorized to grant an exemption from the pool safety standard and under what conditions?

Local government authorities can grant exemptions based on two primary reasons: disability or impracticality.

An exemption typically pertains to a specific aspect of the pool safety standard, rather than the entire pool barrier. For instance, an exemption may only address the need for a latch to be situated at 1500mm height because it's inaccessible to a person in a wheelchair.

To seek information or initiate the exemption application process, pool owners should get in touch with the building and compliance section of their local government authority.

22. What is a Pool Safety Management Plan (PSMP)?

A Pool Safety Management Plan might be used for pools associated with class 3 buildings (e.g. hotels, motels, resorts) instead of obtaining a pool safety documentation. A PSMP allows the use of alternative measures (e.g. lifeguard supervision, pool alarms) to provide an equivalent or greater degree of safety as the pool safety standard. PSMPs are approved by the QBCC. For more information, visit qbcc.qld.gov.au.

23. What Recourse Do I Have If I Disagree with a Licensed Pool INSPECTION SERVICES Decision?

If you are dissatisfied with the findings detailed in the licensed ​pool inspection's report (Nonconformity Notice), you have the option to file an appeal with the Building and Development Dispute Resolution Committee. Additional information about these committees can be found on the Queensland Department of Housing and Public Works website.

You must submit your appeal within 20 business days of receiving the notice. Instructions on how to file the appeal can be found on the notice itself.

24. How can I report a pool that doesn't meet safety standards?

If you have concerns about a pool's safety, it's advisable to submit a written complaint to your local council. When a local council receives a pool safety complaint notice, they are obligated by the Building Act 1975 to carry out an inspection.

25. How can I file a complaint regarding a licensed pool safety inspection service?

You can find a complaint form on the QBCC site. After submitting your complaint, it will be reviewed by a QBCC investigator, and you will receive an acknowledgment letter with further details.

26. How far does the pool fence need to be from the waters edge of the pool?

There is no minimum distance, the pool fence can be on the waters edge. However you should contact an electrician to make sure there is no chance on being electrocuted if you have lights in the pool.