Pool safety checklist QLD: know where your pool stands before the inspection

A pool safety checklist for QLD covers five areas: the pool fence, the gate, the non-climbable zone, doors and windows, and the CPR sign. Work through each one before your inspection. You will know exactly where your pool stands, and you can sort the small things first.

This checklist follows the Queensland pool safety standard, as set out by the QBCC. Rob Blackbeard, our QBCC licensed pool safety inspector, checks 100+ safety points on every pool. These are the ones that matter most. Other states have different rules.

Why use a pool safety checklist before your inspection?

A checklist lets you fix simple faults before the inspector arrives. Trimming a branch, moving a pot plant or oiling a gate hinge takes minutes. Sorting these first gives your pool the strongest chance on the day. You go into the inspection knowing what Rob will look at, and why.

The rules exist to stop young children getting into the pool area unsupervised. Every point below serves that one purpose.

Checklist 1: is your pool fence compliant?

Your pool fence must be at least 1200mm high at every point, with no gap bigger than 100mm. It must be rigid, fixed with screws or permanent fittings, and stand on solid ground. Nothing can be broken, loose or missing. Check the full length, including where the fence meets stairs, walls and boundary fences.

• Fence is at least 1200mm high from finished ground level, at every point.
• Height is measured at a right angle to the ground, including on slopes and stairs.
• Gap under the fence is 100mm or less.
• Gaps between vertical bars, slats or palings are 100mm or less.
• Ground under the fence is solid. Sand or mulch can be dug away.
• At least one gap of 900mm between horizontal rails (top of rail to top of rail).
• No ledge, protrusion or indentation on the outside bigger than 10mm.
• Posts are firm. Glass panels do not move when you shake them.
• All panels are in place, with no cracks in glass.
• Any balcony over or within 900mm of the fence has a compliant balustrade.

Checklist 2: does your pool gate close and latch every time?

Your pool gate must open away from the pool and self-close and self-latch from any open position. Open it a little, then halfway, then all the way, and let go each time. It should shut and latch on its own, every time. Then try to push, pull or jiggle it open. It should hold.

• Gate opens away from the pool area.
• Gate self-closes and self-latches from every open position.
• Latch cannot be pushed, pulled or jiggled open.
• Latch is out of a child’s reach (the right position depends on your gate).
• Hinges are at least 900mm apart, or the lower hinge has a 60-degree safety cap.
• Gate is never propped open.

If the gate drags or closes slowly, oil the hinges and latch first. If it still isn’t latching, Rob can often adjust it on the day.

Checklist 3: is the 900mm non-climbable zone clear?

Nothing a child could climb can sit within 900mm of the outside of your pool fence. For fences under 1800mm high, keep climbable objects at least 300mm from the inside too. Look for furniture, pot plants, BBQs, garden beds, taps, air-conditioning units and overhanging branches. Move them, trim them or shield them.

• No furniture, BBQs or toys within 900mm of the outside of the fence.
• No pot plants, rockeries or raised garden beds within 900mm.
• No branches, shrubs or vines within 900mm, including from next door.
• No taps, pipes or air-conditioning units giving a foothold.
• Nothing climbable within 300mm of the inside of the fence.

Branches grow back quickly, so check this one often. Our list of non-climbable pool plants helps you plant near the fence without creating a problem.

Checklist 4: can a door or window open into the pool area?

No door can open directly into an outdoor pool area. Windows that open into the pool area must be restricted to open less than 100mm, or be fitted with a permanently fixed security screen. A window lock on its own does not comply, because it can be left unlocked.

• No door opens directly into the outdoor pool area.
• Windows into the pool area open less than 100mm, or have a fixed security screen.
• Louvres have gaps less than 100mm and cannot be removed without a tool.
• Any patio, deck or pergola inside the pool area has one side permanently open.

Checklist 5: is your CPR sign compliant?

You must display a CPR sign that shows how to perform CPR, starting with 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths. It must be at least 300mm by 300mm, weatherproof, and easy to see from the pool. It must also explain what to do in an emergency. Old and faded signs need replacing.

• CPR sign is attached to the fence or displayed near the pool.
• Sign is easy to see from the pool area.
• Sign is at least 300mm by 300mm and weatherproof.
• Sign shows 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths.

Poolinspec supplies a compliant CPR sign for $35 + GST. See our guide to a compliant CPR sign.

Is your pool registered with the QBCC?

Every regulated pool in Queensland must be on the QBCC pool register. You can search the register by address. If your pool is not listed, Rob registers it at no extra cost as part of your inspection.

Does a checklist replace a pool safety inspection?

No. A checklist is a guide only. Only a QBCC licensed pool safety inspector can issue a pool safety certificate (Form 23). You need one when you sell, buy or lease a property with a pool. Certificates last 2 years for non-shared pools and 1 year for shared pools.

For the detail behind each rule, read our plain-English guide to pool fence regulations in QLD. Short on time? Start with the 5-point pool fence compliance check.

What happens if the inspection finds a fault?

If a formal inspection finds a fault, you get a non-conformity notice (Form 26). You then have 3 months to have the same inspector re-inspect. Rob can make minor repairs, like adjusting a gate or replacing a latch. Bigger work is quoted upfront. A re-inspection is from $79 + GST, only if needed. Every fee is on our pool inspection prices page.

Book your pool safety inspection with Rob

Worked through the checklist? Rob will take it from here. He usually inspects within 24 hours of your call, checks 100+ safety points, and walks you through every finding. If your pool complies, your certificate is delivered the same day.

Book a pool safety inspection or call Rob on 0457 445 197. Need a certificate to sell or lease? See our pool safety certificates on the Gold Coast.