Swimming Pools

If you own a pool or spa, it's your responsibility to build and maintain a pool fence that meets current safety standards, no matter when the pool or spa was installed.

Your pool fence must be a strong, permanent structure with a minimum height of 1200mm and a continuous non-climbable zone of 900mm. The gap at the bottom of the barrier should be no more than 100mm, and any gaps in the fence can't exceed 100mm.

Keep objects that could be used as footholds at least 300mm away from the fence or make sure they’re properly shielded. Gates must open outward, away from the pool, and they need to self-close and self-latch from any open position.

Direct access from your house into the pool area isn’t allowed. Approved gates are the only way in. Windows opening into the pool area more than 100mm must have permanent security screens or be fixed shut.

A current resuscitation sign must be clearly displayed in the pool area.

For above-ground pools, the pool walls can count as part of the fence if they’re at least 1200mm high with a 900mm non-climbable zone.

If your property boundary fence is part of the pool fence, it also needs to meet these standards. If it's shared with a neighbour, have a chat with them about using the shared boundary fence as part of the pool fence. For detailed requirements, refer to Part 2A of Chapter 8 in the Building Act 1975 and Chapter 2 in the Neighbourhood Disputes Resolution Act 2011.

Stay safe and compliant while enjoying your pool!

Thinking of buying a swimming pool or spa, including those portable ones you see at shopping centres?  Before you take the plunge, make sure you’re up to date on pool fencing requirements.

Ask yourself:

1. Can the pool be filled with water deeper than 30cm?
2. Can it hold more than 2000 litres of water?
3. Does it come with a filtration system?

If you answered "yes" to any of these, you’ll need a development permit for building works to set up the pool and its fencing. Also, don’t forget—a Form 17 Final Inspection Certificate must be issued before filling your pool with water.

The construction and maintenance of both swimming pools and pool fencing must comply with the Building Act 1975, Queensland Development Code Mandatory Part 3.4(PDF, 5MB) (PDF) and relevant Australian Standards.

The Department of Energy and Public Works website outlines the requirements for pool fences and safety barriers.

Guideline for Pool Owners and Property Agents under the Building Act 1975(PDF, 2MB)

The Queensland Building and Construction Commission has put together some handy tips on how to make your pool safer (PDF, 293.6KB) For further information on swimming pool safety and compliance, visit the Department of Energy and Public Works. Additionally, you can contact a Pool Safety Inspector. 

If you own a property with a pool and rent or lease it out, you’ll need to get a ‘Form 23 Pool Safety Certificate’ from a licensed pool safety inspector.

Selling a property with a pool? You’ll also need this certificate or follow the requirements of Section 246AS(3)(c) of the Building Regulation 2006.

If your pool doesn’t meet safety standards during an inspection, the inspector will issue a ‘Form 26 Nonconformity Notice’ within 48 hours. This notice will explain what’s wrong and how to fix it. You might need to do some work to make your pool compliant.

TIP: Looking for a licensed pool safety inspector? Check out the QBCC website for a handy list!