Swimming pool compliance

Swimming pools and spas

A swimming pool or spa can be a great addition to a property. It’s important to note that inground and above ground pools, spas, portable and inflatable pools all require building approval by a private building certifier prior to construction or installation.  

If you own a property with a swimming pool or spa you must:

Pool fencing

Pool owners are required by law to ensure their pool is fenced and meets the swimming pool safety standard.

There is now one pool safety standard for Queensland, the Queensland Development Code for swimming pool barriers.

If you are not sure whether your fencing complies with the code, you may wish to contact a licensed Pool Safety Inspector to assess your pool and provide guidance.

Here are some of the basics to help you navigate through the requirements for pool barriers:

  • All pool fences, including those for inflatable and paddling pools capable of holding 300mm of water, must be at least 120cm tall
  • The gap between the bottom of the fence and the ground must be no more than 100mm and no gaps wide enough for a toddler to pass through
  • The fence must not have footholds for climbing, must be strong enough to stop a child forcing a gap in the bars or mesh, and must be sturdy enough to withstand a heavy knock
  • Gates must also adhere to strict guidelines. They must be self-closing and self-latching, with the latching device at least 150cm from the ground, and must not open towards the pool, but away from it.

You can learn more about your legal requirements as a pool owner on the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) website.

Pool owners are required by law under the Building Act 1975 to meet the safety standards relating to the development and maintenance of swimming pools in Queensland.

New swimming pools

When considering a new swimming pool, it is important that you:

  • Spend time planning your pool requirements
  • Choose a reputable and licensed pool builder
  • Ensure you receive approval for your works
  • Obtain and erect the required signage
  • Follow safety guidelines
  • Build a pool fence that meets the legal requirements
  • Get a final inspection to certify your pool
  • Register your pool with the QBCC

Download the Swimming Pools Development Guidance Factsheet

IMPORTANT - The Private Building Certifier who issues the building approval must inspect and certify the pool safety barrier, and the pool must not be filled to a depth of 300mm or more until a satisfactory inspection is carried out and a Final Inspection Certificate (Form 17). For more information refer to the QBCC website. 

 

Existing swimming pools

If you are buying, selling or leasing a property with a pool you must obtain a pool safety certificate (Form 23) from a licensed pool safety inspector.

For recently built pools, a Final Inspection Certificate (Form 17) issued by the Building Certifier can be used as a pool safety certificate for two years (one year for shared pools, such as in a multi-unit accommodation building).

We recommend you engage a licensed pool safety inspector to inspect your pool and confirm it is compliant. You can search the QBCC directory 

For more information regarding buying, selling or leasing property with a pool, refer to the QBCC website.

If you are intending to demolish, decommission, remove or convert an existing regulated swimming pool (including the conversion of a swimming pool to a fish pond or ornamental feature), you will need to contact a licensed Private Building Certifier to discuss all relevant requirements for these works, including any development approvals. A development approval must be obtained prior to carrying out any works, where required.

Above ground pools

Above ground pools are required by law to obtain building approval before any work commences and to be aware of the pool fencing requirements as set out on the QBCC website.

Inflatable pools

Any inflatable structure that has the capacity to hold more than 2000 litres or the ability to be filled to a depth of 300mm is classified as a pool and therefore must meet the safety standards and obtain building approval as per the QBCC website.

Spas

Spas are subject to the same safety standard as all pools due to their ability to be filled to a depth greater than 300mm and must obtain building approval as per the QBCC website.

Back to top