Swimming Pools and Spas
All new swimming pools and spas require building approval from a Building Certifier.
The Queensland Government has introduced pool safety laws to reduce drowning and serious immersion injuries in swimming pools and spas. There is now also one pool safety standard for Queensland, the Queensland Development Code Mandatory Part 3.4, which is to be read in conjunction with AS1926.1
Some inflatable wading pools are also subject to regulation.
An inflatable wading pool is classified as a regulated swimming pool if:
Council receives dozens of complaints each year about inflatable wading pools and in most cases, the owners are ordered to empty and remove the pool.
If you are thinking of purchasing a wading pool and are uncertain of your obligations please contact Council for guidance.
All pools and spas in Queensland must be registered with the Queensland Government. Fines apply if your pool or spa is not registered.
The Queensland Government requires you to have a pool safety certificate when selling or leasing a property with a pool or spa. Pool owners seeking a pool safety certificate need to contact a licensed Swimming Pool Safety inspector to arrange an inspection. Pool safety inspectors can only issue a certificate when they have placed the certificate details onto the state-based Pool Safety register.
Council does not have a licensed Pool Safety Inspector however you can engage a private Pool Safety Inspector.
Visit the Queensland Government Pool Safety website for more information about swimming pool safety requirements and to search for a licensed Pool Safety Inspector.
The standard for fencing around a swimming pool is contained in the following legislation.
Pool owners are responsible for ensuring pool barriers are maintained and that damaged fencing is fixed immediately.
For more information about swimming pool fences and safety barriers, visit the Queensland Government website.