Learn about pool fence regulations, and safety standards for pools and spas in Brisbane.
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All pools need to comply with pool fencing regulations and safety standards to keep children, families and animals safe.
Pools that must meet these regulations and standards include:
If you own a pool or live at a property that has a pool, it’s important to understand the rules and regulations detailed below.
Property owners must:
Tenants must:
Swimming pools must be enclosed by an approved barrier to reduce the risk of children accessing the area unsupervised.
Barriers include:
The barrier must meet Queensland Government pool safety legislation under Chapter 8 of the Building Act 1975.
Council conducts pool safety inspections at random to ensure pool barriers don’t pose a safety risk.
If your pool isn't compliant, you may be fined and given a timeframe to make the necessary changes to your pool.
Licensed pool safety inspectors check pools to ensure they comply with the pool safety standard.
You may need to contact a private pool safety inspector if you buy, sell or lease a property with a pool.
Find a licensed pool safety inspector to conduct your pool inspection.
If you’re building a pool, make sure you understand the relevant legislation and building approvals.
If you’re leasing, selling or buying a property with a pool, you need a safety certificate.
A pool safety certificate is issued by a licensed pool safety inspector. It confirms that a pool is safe and complies with the relevant requirements and standards.
Safety certificates are valid for:
You may need to get a certificate if you’re leasing, selling or buying a property with a pool.
You can access a copy of the certificate on the QBCC pool register.
Before a lease is signed, the landlord or body corporate must obtain a pool safety certificate.
The certificate covers any leases or renewals that occur within that period.
You can sell a property with or without a pool safety certificate.
If you’re selling with a certificate, you must give the buyer a copy before settlement.
If you’re selling without a certificate, you must provide a Form 36 - Notice of No Pool Safety Certificate to the:
If you buy a property without a pool safety certificate, you must get a certificate within 90 days of settlement.
If you're building a pool, you must have approval and ensure it complies with the relevant legislation and standards.
Contact a building certifier to arrange building approval for your pool.
To find out more about pool safety regulations, read the:
You may be able to apply for a disability or impracticality exemption from pool fencing.
You can apply for an exemption if a person with disability lives at your property.
Your application must include:
You can apply for an exemption if you’re carrying out certain building works, including:
Your application must include:
You can apply for a pool fencing exemption using the online form.
Pay the $528.45 fee using Visa or Mastercard.
You generally need a building approval to remove, demolish or fill an unwanted pool.
The Building Act 1975 defines a swimming pool as an excavation or structure that can be:
This includes spas and non-portable wading pools.
Structures that don’t meet the criteria for pools include:
Yes, spas and wading pools (other than portable wading pools) are classified as swimming pools. This means they must comply with the same fencing regulations and safety standards as swimming pools.
Learn more about pool safety regulations.
A portable wading pool is a shallow above-ground pool that can be assembled and disassembled.
Portable wading pools:
If you own a portable wading pool, you must maintain it and keep the water clean.
