Pool Safety Compliance
In 2009, the Queensland Government introduced new pool safety laws aimed at further reducing the incidences of drowning and serious immersion injuries of young children in swimming pools. These laws affect new and existing pools.
Pool owners had until 30 November 2015 to comply with the new pool safety laws, or earlier if they sold or leased their property before this time. From 1 December 2015 fines from approx. $800 will apply to all non-compliant pools.
Whilst it is not mandatory to obtain a Pool Safety Certificate unless selling or leasing, an on-site full safety audit can be conducted by Council’s three QBCC Licensed Pool Safety Inspectors with the view to receive a Form 23. This offers peace of mind and can be requested at any time by contacting Council's Customer Service Centre.
What is Classed as a Swimming Pool?
A swimming pool is defined as an above or below ground structure principally used for swimming or bathing, including some models of portable pools and spas.
If your portable pool or spa can hold more than 300 millimetres of water then the laws may apply to you. The pool laws do not apply to fish ponds, however, if you have a swimming pool that is now being used for another purpose e.g. as a fish pond, it is still considered a pool and must have a compliant barrier.
Pool Safety Register
All pools (and spas) in Queensland must be fenced and registered with QBCC.
The pool safety register includes a record of pools and spas in Queensland, pool safety certificates issued and a list of all licensed pool safety inspectors.
If your pool isn’t registered you can be fined up to $2,356.
To check if your pool or spa are registered or to register a new pool or spa click here.
Recently Installed Pools or Spas
For recently installed pools or spas, a Final Inspection Certificate (Form 17) that has been issued by the building certifier is equivalent to a Form 23 Pool Safety Certificate and is valid for the same timeframes (2 years for a non-shared pool and 1 year for a shared pool).