Swimming pools and spas
New pool safety laws
From 1 December 2015, all pools need to comply with the pool safety standard, the Queensland Development Code, MP 3.4.
Please note, it is the responsibility of property owners to ensure that their pool fence complies - you do not need to contact Council to arrange an inspection and you do not need a Pool Safety Certificate unless you are selling or leasing the property (refer below).
To find out more information about whether your pool fence complies, visit the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) website
If you are still not sure, you may wish to contact a pool safety inspector. A list of pool safety inspectors can be found on the QBCC website.
New swimming pools and spas
All swimming pools including spas that:
- Can be filled with water to a depth of more than 300mm; or
- Have a volume of 2000 litres or more; or
- Have a filtration system
require building approval by a Private Building Certifier prior to construction or installation.
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 300 mm or more until a satisfactory inspection is carried out and a Final Inspection Certificate (Form 17) has been issued by the Certifier.
Before purchasing a swimming pool, including a portable pool or spa, you should ensure that you are aware of pool fencing requirements.
All pools and spas in Queensland must be registered with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission in the Pool safety register.
Existing swimming pools and spas
When selling or leasing a property that contains a pool, a Pool Safety Certificate (Form 23) is required from a licensed pool safety inspector – fees apply.
Please note that if you are not selling or leasing your house, a pool safety certificate is not required.
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).
Demolition of an existing swimming pool requires building approval from a Private Building Certifier.
Fencing Requirements
There is now one pool safety standard for Queensland, the Queensland Development Code (PDF) Mandatory Part 3.4 (QDC MP3.4).
This Code is to be read in conjunction with Australian Standard 1926.1.
Council can inspect and issue on-the-spot fines to pool owners who do not have adequate pool fencing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Council has compiled some frequently asked questions which may assist you to ensure that your swimming pool or spa complies with current standards.
See Fact sheet - Swimming pools and spas (PDF,418kB)
Contact us
For further information, please contact Council's Customer Service Centre on 1300 79 49 29 or email enquiry@frasercoast.qld.gov.au