Pool fencing requirements: Qld

Please note that the information in this article was based on trends from 2015 and may now be outdated. 

A swimming pool can increase the value of your property and provide a fun, relaxing, and healthy pastime for your family. However, owning a pool means that you’re responsible for keeping it safe and properly fenced. In Queensland, there are specific pool fencing regulations that need to be taken into account. Take note of these requirements so that you can ensure a compliant pool fence.

1. A pool fence should be at least 1200mm high (height is measured from ground level).
2. The distance between the vertical members of the fence (such as palings, wires, and rods) must be less than 100mm.
3. The distance between the bottom of the ground and the pool barrier must be less than 100mm.
4. The gate of your pool fence must not open inwards towards the pool area. It must also self-close and self-latch, as it’s important to keep the gate or door securely closed at all times. Additionally, gate latch releases must be placed at least 1500mm above the ground and at least 1400mm above the highest lower rail on the fence.
5. There should be a 900mm “non-climbable zone” around the pool barrier. This is to prevent children from climbing the fence or using objects near the barrier to access the swimming pool.

Inspection and approvals

Qld now has a pool safety register, which consists of a list of all the pools in the state, copies of pool safety certificates, and a list of licensed pool safety inspectors.

If you own a pool in Qld, you need to register it or else you can be fined up to $2,000. You’ll have to get a licensed pool safety inspector to check if your fence meets the Qld pool fencing regulations. If you have a compliant pool fence, the inspector will issue a pool safety certificate.

Nevertheless, if you’re still in the process of building a swimming pool, you would have to secure a building development approval. You’re allowed to use temporary fencing for three months while your pool is being built, and after this three-month period, you should have a permanent pool fence installed.

Ready to secure your pool with proper fencing? The local pool fencing contractors on Service Seeking would be happy to build a compliant pool fence for you.