Swimming pools & spas

Building certification is required for swimming pools and associated fencing.

By law, all pool owners in Queensland must construct and maintain a compliant fence around their swimming pool - including spas and portable pools - regardless of when the pool was installed.  The standard for fencing around a swimming pool is contained in the following legislation.

• AS1926.1 -2007 Swimming Pool Safety Part 1: Fencing for swimming pools
• AS1926.2 -1995 Swimming Pool Safety Part 2: Location of fencing for private swimming pools
• Queensland Development Code Mandatory Part 3.4 – Swimming Pool Barriers

These standards 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.  They apply even when a boundary fence or wall of a building on a common boundary forms part of the pool barrier.  If any part of the boundary fence or wall does not meet the requirements of the pool safety standard, you may need to construct a separate barrier inside your property.

• Read more about pool laws, fences and barriers on the Queensland Government website.
• Read more about pool safety compliance and inspections on the QBCC website.

Wading pools

Some inflatable wading pools are also subject to State regulation.  An inflatable wading pool is classified as a "regulated swimming pool":

• if it can be filled with water to a depth of 300mm or more; or
• it holds more than 2,000 litres of water; or
• it has a filtration system.

Council receives dozens of complaints each year about inflatable wading pools and in most cases the owners are ordered to empty and remove the pool.

If you are thinking of purchasing a wading pool and are uncertain of your obligations please contact Council on 1300 69 22 47  for guidance.

Pool Safety Register and safety certificates

All new swimming pools and spas require building approval from a Private Building Certifier. Read more about building approvals, inspections and certifications.

All residential pools and spas in Queensland must be registered with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC). There is no charge to register a pool, however, failure to register a pool can incur a fine. The Pool Safety Register is a state-wide database that keeps a record of all the regulated pools in Queensland.

• Visit the QBCC website to search the Pool Safety Register or to register your pool in the Pool Safety Register.
• For more information, phone the QBCC on 139 333.

The Queensland Government requires you to have a Pool Safety Certificate (referred to as Form 23) when buying, selling or leasing a property with a pool or spa.  These certificates are issued by a licensed pool safety inspector are valid for one year for a shared pool and two years for a non-shared pool.  Once a certificate expires, a new certificate is not required unless the property is sold or leased again.

Pool owners seeking a pool safety certificate need to contact a Licensed Pool Safety Inspector to arrange an inspection. Pool Safety Inspectors can only issue a certificate when they have placed the certificate details onto the state-based Pool Safety Register.

Council no longer has Licensed Pool Safety Inspectors. Visit the QBCC Pool Safety website for more information about swimming pool safety requirements and to search for a licensed Pool Safety Inspector who can issue a Pool Safety Certificate.