If you own a pool or spa in Queensland, you’re legally required to have a compliant and well-maintained pool fence or safety barrier that meets the Queensland Development Code MP3.4 – Swimming Pool Barriers. At Buildable Approvals, we help anyone building a pool ensure their pool barriers meet Queensland Pool Safety Regulations, protecting children and avoiding costly penalties. Once the pool is built it is the owners responsibility to ensure the pool fence meets these standards ongoing and in this instance you need a pool fence inspector not a Building Certifier.
What Is A Pool Fence Compliance Inspection?
A pool fence compliance inspection checks that your pool barrier meets Queensland’s safety standards. It ensures gates self close and latch, the fence height is correct and there are no climbable objections nearby.
These inspections are essential whether you’re:
- Selling or leasing a property with a pool, or
- Completing a new pool as part of building works.
What’s The Difference Between Form 17 and Form 23?
| Certificate Type | Who Issues It | When It’s Used | Purpose |
| Form 17, Final Inspection Certificate | Buildable Approvals (Building Certifier) | When a new pool or pool barrier is build or replaced as part of a building approval. | Confirms the pool fence complies with all building approval and pool safety standards. |
| Form 23, Pool Safety Certificate | Licensed Pool Safety Inspector | When selling, leasing or transferring a property with an existing pool. | Confirms the pool fence meets current pool safety laws, but doesn’t relate to any building approval. |
Who Is Responsible For Pool Fence Compliance?
- Property owners are legally responsible for ensuring the pool barrier is always compliant.
- Tenants must keep gates closed and remove climbable items near the fence.
- Body corporates (for shared pools) must ensure ongoing compliance and arrange re-inspections when required.
What Are The Most Common Reasons Pool Fences Fail Inspections?
- Gates not self-closing or self latching
- Fences under 1200mm high often due to soil build-up
- Boundary fences with climbable rails
- Windows opening into the pool area by more than 100mm
- Climbable objects or vegetation within 900mm of the fence line
How Can I Make Sure My Pool Fence Is Compliant?
- Keep you gate self-closing and self latching.
- Maintain a clear 900mm ‘non climbable zone’ around the fence.
- Trim trees and remove climable objects near the barrier.
- Check fence height regularly, especially after landscaping.
- Arrange an inspection if you are unsure.
How Often Should I Get My Pool Fence Inspected?
- New Pools: at completion (Form 17)
- Existing Pools: every 2 years
- Shared Pools: every 12 months
Need Help With Pool Fence Compliance in Queensland?
Whether you’re building a new pool, repairing a barrier or finalising a property approval, Buildable Approvals can issue the correct certification to ensure compliance with Queensland Pool Safety Laws. Contact our friendly team for guidance on obtaining a Form 17.
CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION
Useful Links:
- Queensland Development Code MP 3.4—Swimming pool barriers (PDF, 6 MB). This code calls up and modifies the Australian Standard AS1926.2007.
- Further Reading Queensland Government Legislation
What Can You Do If Your Pool Has Been Built Without A Building Approval Or Final Certificate?
Don’t despair Approvable Retrospective Approvals specialise in providing Building Approvals after the fact.
Disclaimer:
The information in this document is provided as a guide only and is of a general nature. Specific advice will vary depending on the individual construction circumstances. It may be necessary to check with relevant qualified persons when interpreting these requirements, or engage Buildable Approvals for a full assessment.