Swimming Pool Safety
Do I need to register my pool?
All pools (including spa pools and portable pools) in Queensland must be registered with the QBCC. To check if your swimming pool is registered, or to register your swimming pool visit the QBCC Swimming Pool Register.
Pool Safety Guidelines
Information on Pool Safety guidelines, including guidelines for pool owners and property agents can be accessed via the Queensland Building & Construction Commission (QBCC) website.
Swimming Pool Compliance
The pool safety standard covers such things as the height and strength of barriers, mandatory non-climbable zones, gates (and their latching requirements) and preventing direct access from a building into a pool area.
Swimming pools (including spa pools and portable pools) are required to have a fence compliant with the Queensland Development Code ‘MP 3.4 Swimming Pool Barriers’.
To assist in finding out of your pool meets the current pool safety standard, please refer to the following links:
- Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC)
- Pools and Safety – Homeowner’s guide to ensure that your pool is safe
- Pool Safety Compliance Fact Sheet
- MP 3.4 - Swimming Pool Barriers
Penalties for non-compliance
Local governments have the power to investigate compliance with pool safety standards and on-the-spot fines can be issued if you do not comply with the pool safety standards.
If you fail to register your pool, QBCC can issue penalties which includes on-the-spot fines and the court can impose penalties.
Do I need a Pool Safety Certificate?
Obtaining a Pool Safety Certificate is a mandatory requirement when properties are sold or leased. The process for when you need to obtain a pool safety certificate differs depending on whether you are selling or leasing a property, and if your pool is shared or non-shared.
Apply for a Pool Safety Certificate
Pool safety certificates are required when selling or leasing a property with a pool and must be obtained from a licensed Pool Safety Inspector.
A Pool Safety Inspector’s role is to inspect pools to determine whether they comply with the standards. If the pool is compliant, the inspector will issue a pool safety certificate. If the pool does not meet the standard, a nonconformity notice will be issued after the inspection, unless:
- The inspector reinspects the pool within two days after the initial inspection and is satisfied that the pool now complies; or
- The owner and Pool Safety Inspector agree that the inspector will carry out minor repairs within 20 business days of the original inspection.
Information for pool owners, Pool Safety Inspectors and providers is available on the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) website.
To find a Pool Safety Inspector, you can utilise the QBCC Pool Safety Inspector Search tool.