A pool is a valuable addition to any home but it needs to be properly fenced in order to be safe.  In Queensland, specific pool fencing regulations must be met, and we’ve outlined some key components here. For pool fencing regulations in other states, see our article Pool Fencing Regulations in Australia.

New Pool Safety Standards in Queensland

Queensland is now introducing a pool safety register.  The register will hold a list of all of the pools in Queensland, copies of any and all pool safety certificates that have been issued, and a list of licensed pool safety inspectors (the people qualified to judge if pool fences meet regulations).  If you have a pool, you will need to register it by the 4 November 2011 or face fines of up to $2,000.

From 1 December 2010, any home that is being sold or rented must come with a pool safety certificate.  This certificate proves that the fencing and other components of the pool meet all safety regulations, and that they are safe to use.  The pool safety certificate can only be issued by a licensed pool safety inspector and they are valid for two years if it is a non-shared pool (which most residential pools are).

The new standards that have been introduced by the Queensland government must be met by the 31 December 2015 or when selling or leasing your property, whichever applies first.

Outline of Key Pool Safety Standards

Queensland pool safety standards apply to indoor and outdoor pools that are deeper than 300mm (30cm) when filled with water.  This includes portable pools and spas that hold more than 300mm (30cm) of water, that has a volume of more than 2,000 litres or that has a filtration system.  The pool fencing must be approved and found to be compliant before the pool is filled with water.  If any part of your home is within your existing pool fence perimeter (allowing you to directly access the pool from your home), you must erect a new section of fencing so that you cannot access the pool directly.  If you have an indoor pool, you must use approved child safety doors to access the pool.  Of course, standard regulations apply to your pool fencing, stating that it must be in good condition, have minimum clearances from the ground and in between palings, that it must be of a minimum height (usually 1.2m) and that the gate opens outwards and is self closing.

Building New Swimming Pools

Any new swimming pool that is being built will require building development approvals.  Temporary fencing can be used for three months while the pool is being built, but after three months, a permanent pool fence must be installed.  The pool must be found to be compliant before it is filled with water.  This can be done at the final inspection but if a final inspection has not yet been done, mandatory follow up inspections apply.  The pool must be inspected within six months of the approval being granted or within two years if the pool is being built at the same time as another building.

If you need any more info about Queensland's pool fencing regulations, your local pool fencing professional will be happy to help.