Pool Compliance

Free Pool Inspections

During December 2025, January 2026 and February 2026, residents can make sure their pool is compliant by contacting Council and booking a free inspection, with fees waived for domestic pool safety inspections and building applications for new domestic pools.

Swimming pools include any above or below ground structure principally used for swimming or bathing and capable of being filled with water to a depth of 300mm or more, including some types of portable pools and spas. Council encourages residents to take advantage of this program to ensure that their pool is compliant with Queensland’s pool safety laws. 

Maximum on the spot fines of $2,875 can be administered should pools be found noncompliant. Please note pool owners will not be fined if their pool is found to be non-compliant through the free inspection process. Residents also must make certain that if required, their pool is registered with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission.

For extra support, please review the pool safety checklist:

  • Fences are at least 1200mm in height 
  • For fences less than 1800mm high an area of 900mm on the outside of the fence is free from climbable objects (called a non-climbable zone)
  • Ensure no gaps greater than 100mm below the barrier
  • No gaps of greater than 100mm between vertical components (i.e. posts and palings)
  • Windows that open into the pool area must be protected by bars or metal screens if the sill is located 900mm or less from the floor. Alternatively, a window may be permanently fixed so that it doesn’t open more than 100mm.
  • The gate must self-close and self-latch when released from any open position without the application of force and open away from the pool area
  • The gate latch must measure at least 1500mm from the finished and stable ground level and be located 1400mm from the top of the lowest horizontal rail
  • A compliant CPR sign must be displayed either attached to the pool fence or displayed near the pool, so that the sign is easily visible to anyone near the pool
  • No direct access from a building into an outdoor pool area i.e. door from a building into the pool area

Please complete an Application for Swimming Pool and Fence Inspection / Re- inspection(PDF, 329KB) form for swimming pool inspections and reinspections.

For more information, visit the Queensland Building and Construction Commission website. 

Fees and Charges

A list of applicable fees for building and plumbing applications, can be found in Council's Fees and Charges Schedule.

If you require assistance in lodging your building application or have any queries please do not hesitate to contact Council's Planning Team on 1300 007 662.

Pool Safety

Residents who own a pool are required to register it with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC).

What classes as a swimming pool?

A swimming pool is defined as an above or below ground structure principally used for swimming or bathing, including some models of portable pools and spas.

If your portable pool or spa can hold water at a depth of more than 300 millimetres, then the new laws apply to you. Pool laws don't apply to fish ponds.

How do I make my pool compliant?

  • Get advice from a pool safety inspector about what to do to make your pool comply.
  • Get a pool safety inspector to do a formal inspection with a view of getting a certificate.
  • Contact Council's Building Certification Team on 1300 007 662 for advice and more information.
  • Visit the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) for more information and tips.

Please click here(PDF, 478KB) to view frequently asked questions about pool safety.

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