Pool fence inspection and certification

Current legislation for new swimming pools requires that the building certifier who approved the building approval  must inspect and certify the fence before the pool is filled to a depth of 300 mm or more. A building certifier can be a private building certifier or a local government building certifier.

What’s new for pool fence inspections for residential swimming pools with building approval applications made on and after 1 December 2009

1. Mandatory follow-up inspections
• If the required final inspection has not been done, building certifiers will be required to undertake a mandatory follow-up inspection within a set time frame after giving a building approval for a swimming pool. 
• The time frames will be six months for new pools or two years in cases where building approval is granted for a swimming pool and a new residential building. If the building approval is due to lapse earlier then six months or two years, the final inspection must be done before it lapses.
2. Temporary pool fencing
• Compliant temporary fences will be permitted for a maximum period of three months during the construction of a pool, after which compliant permanent fencing will be required. Both the temporary and permanent fences will need to be inspected and certified by the building certifier who approved the application.

More information on changes to Queensland’s swimming pool safety laws.

Inspection and certification costs

For new pools, check with the building certifier who approved the application to allow the pool and fence to be constructed. The fee may have been incorporated in the building application fees.

For older pools check costs with your local government.

Local council inspection procedure

To arrange an inspection with your local council pool owners need to:

• request advice in writing 
• comply with any advice given by the council inspectors concerning work necessary to bring your fence up to the required standard
• keep a record of the information notice provided by the local government.