Swimming pools or spas
Select a topic below to learn about pool approvals, safety requirements and compliance.
Pool owner responsibilitiesBuilding a swimming pool or spaPool fencing requirementsSelling or leasing a property with a poolRemoving or decommissioning a poolPool compliance and inspections
Pool owners are required by law to ensure their pool is fenced and meets the Queensland pool safety standard.
If you own a property with a swimming pool or spa you must:
- register your pool with the QBCC Pool Safety Register
- have and maintain a compliant pool fence
- keep pool gates closed
- display a CPR sign
- keep the pool area clear of objects children could use to enter the pool
- obtain a pool safety certificate if selling or leasing the property.
Learn more about pool owner responsibilities on the QBCC website.
Check if your pool is compliant:
To check whether your pool meets safety requirements:
- Contact Council to check records for any existing development approvals.
- Review the Queensland pool safety standard (QDC MP3.4).
- Use the QBCC self-assessment checklist.
- Engage a licensed pool safety inspector if required.
Do I need approval for a pool or spa?
Building approval is required for all swimming pools and spas that can hold 300 mm of water or more.
You will need approval if you are:
- installing a new swimming pool or spa
- installing an above-ground pool or spa
- altering or relocating an existing pool.
Building approval must be issued by a Private Building Certifier.
Portable wading pools do not require approval if they:
- cannot hold more than 300 mm of water
- hold no more than 2000 litres
- do not have a filtration system.
A swimming pool includes any structure capable of holding water 300 mm deep or more that is used for swimming, bathing or similar activities. This includes in-ground pools, above-ground pools and spas.
New swimming pools and spas
All swimming pools and spas require building approval from a Private Building Certifier before construction or installation.
The certifier must inspect and certify the pool safety barrier. A pool must not be filled to a depth of 300 mm or more until:
- the safety barrier has been inspected
- a Final Inspection Certificate (Form 17) has been issued.
All pools and spas in Queensland must also be registered with the QBCC Pool Safety Register.
Before purchasing a pool (including portable or inflatable pools), ensure you understand the fencing requirements.
Queensland has one pool safety standard under the Queensland Development Code (QDC MP 3.4).
Key requirements include:
- pool fences must be at least 1200 mm high
- gaps under and within the fence must not exceed 100 mm
- fences must not contain climbable footholds
- gates must be self-closing and self-latching
- gates must open away from the pool.
If you are unsure whether your fence complies, you can engage a licensed pool safety inspector.
Pool fencing exemptions
Under the Building Act 1975, pool owners may apply for an exemption from part of the pool safety standard due to disability or impracticality.
Council will assess each application to ensure other safety measures are in place to reduce drowning risk.
If granted, owners must comply with all conditions of the exemption and any remaining safety requirements.
When selling or leasing a property with a pool, you must obtain a Pool Safety Certificate (Form 23) from a licensed pool safety inspector.
A certificate is not required if the property is not being sold or leased.
For recently constructed pools, a Final Inspection Certificate (Form 17) issued by the building certifier may be used as a pool safety certificate for:
- two years for private pools
- one year for shared pools, such as apartment complexes.
Demolition, removal or conversion of a regulated pool requires approval from a Private Building Certifier.
This includes converting a pool to a fishpond or ornamental water feature.
After the work is completed, a Notification of the Decommissioning/Removal/Conversion of a Regulated Pool(PDF, 239KB) must be submitted to Council.
Once Council confirms the pool has been properly removed or converted, you can request the QBCC remove it from the Pool Safety Register.
How a pool must be decommissioned
To decommission a regulated swimming pool, the structure must be altered so it can no longer hold water to a depth of 300 mm or more.
The method used will depend on the type of pool, construction materials and installation method.
For in-ground pools constructed of fibreglass, concrete, masonry or similar materials, decommissioning may involve:
- demolishing part of the pool wall or floor
- punching drainage holes through the pool base
- removing sections of the structure
- removing filtration system
This allows water to drain and prevents the structure from retaining water.
Above-ground pools and spas must also comply with pool barrier requirements.
The sides of an above-ground pool may form part of the barrier if they are:
- at least 1200 mm high
- non-climbable on the outside.
Access points such as ladders must be surrounded by a compliant fence and gate.
Backfilling the pool
Once the pool structure has been modified, the pool void must be filled with clean, non-toxic fill material, such as:
- sand
- gravel
- similar approved fill.
The fill must be properly compacted to prevent future ground movement.
Engineering certification
A registered engineer may be required to inspect the works and confirm the pool has been safely decommissioned.
This may include issuing a compaction certificate confirming the filled area is structurally suitable and will not create future issues if the land is built on.
A copy of this certificate may need to be provided to Council.
Site restoration
The site where the pool was located must be restored to match the surrounding ground level and ensure the works do not create drainage issues or impose loads on:
- nearby buildings
- neighbouring properties
- Council infrastructure.
Pool owners are responsible for ensuring their pool complies with the Queensland pool safety standard.
If you are unsure whether your pool meets the requirements, you can take the following steps.
Check Council records
Contact Council to confirm whether there are existing development approvals for the pool.
Review the pool safety standard
Refer to the Queensland Development Code (QDC MP 3.4) for pool barrier requirements.
Complete a self-assessment
Use the QBCC pool safety checklist to assess your pool.
Engage a licensed pool safety inspector
A licensed inspector can assess your pool and provide advice on compliance.
A list of licensed pool safety inspectors is available on the QBCC website.
Contact us
For further information contact Council:
Visit a Council Customer Service Centre
Phone: 1300 79 49 29
Email: enquiry@frasercoast.qld.gov.au