Pool Safety Checklist QLD

Owning a pool in Queensland comes with the responsibility of ensuring it is safe and compliant with local regulations. Adhering to pool safety helps prevent accidents and keeps you within the law, protecting your family and guests.

This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the key safety requirements, focusing on pool fences, gates, non-climbable zones, and more.

By following this pool safety checklist for QLD, you can ensure your pool area is heading on the right track to meet the safety standards to reduce the risk of drowning incidents, especially among young children.

pool safety checklist text on a blue background

Pool Fences

A compliant pool fence is the first line of defence in preventing unsupervised access to your pool area. Your pool fence must meet the following requirements:

  • Height and Strength: Fences must be at least 1200mm high when measured from the finished ground level to the top. Ensure there are no gaps larger than 100mm below the fence.
  • Non-Climbable Zones: Maintain at least a 900mm gap between any horizontal rails to prevent climbing. If the rails are closer than 900mm, you can modify the fence by adding a wedge with a 60-degree angle or increasing the fence height to 1800mm.
  • Glass Panels: If using glass, the panels must be reinforced and free of fractures. Ensure that no ledges are wider than 10mm on the outside of the barrier, which could aid climbing.

Gates, Latches, and Hinges

The gate is a critical component of your pool’s safety barrier. To comply with the pool fence regulations checklist QLD, your pool gate must follow strict rules to ensure it operates effectively:

  • Gate Rules: Gates must open away from the pool, be self-closing, and self-latching from any position. Regularly check that the gate closes and latches securely from all open positions.
  • Latch Placement: Outside latches must be at least 1500mm above the ground, while inside latches should be at least 150mm below the top of the gate and shielded with a 450mm-radius cover to prevent children from releasing the latch.
  • Hinges: Hinges that protrude more than 10mm can serve as climbing aids. To prevent this, hinges must be at least 900mm apart or fitted with a 60-degree safety cap.

Non-Climbable Zones

Creating and maintaining non-climbable zones around your pool is crucial for preventing unauthorised access. These zones should be clear of any objects that can be used for climbing:

  • Zone Requirements: The pool safety standard mandates a continuous 1.2non-climbable zone (NCZ) on the outside of the pool fence., and 300mm clearance on the inside of the pool fence.
  • Climbable Objects: Remove or relocate items such as BBQs, outdoor furniture, trees, shrubs, pot plants, and garden features within 1.2m outside or 300mm inside the fence. If this isn’t possible, you can install polycarbonate sheeting or angled fillets to block access.
  • Intersecting Fences: If your pool fence intersects with another fence, ensure both barriers meet safety standards, especially where horizontal rails join. If necessary, add wedges to these rails to prevent climbing.

Doors, Windows, and Balconies

Doors, windows, and balconies that provide access to the pool area must also meet strict safety standards under the pool safety checklist.

  • Doors: Doors are not allowed to open into a pool area. A corral will need to be built around the door or you can restrict the door from opening. If it has a security door you may screw the security door shut and still use the glass door for air ventilation.
  • Windows: Windows are to be fitted with screwed security screens or restricted from not opening more than 10cm.
  • Balconies: Balconies within 900mm of the pool fence need compliant balustrades. Regularly inspect for climbable objects nearby, such as furniture or potted plants, and ensure they are kept at a safe distance.
a pool safety checklist
a pool safety checklist

Ensuring Pool Safety Compliance

Staying compliant with pool safety standards is not just about meeting legal obligations; it’s about creating a safe environment for everyone. You must regularly inspect your pool area to ensure all barriers, gates, non-climbable zones, and access points are secure and functioning correctly. 

Under Queensland Government legislation, the Council has the authority to issue on-the-spot fines for non-compliance with pool safety standards. Engage with a licensed pool safety inspector to assess your pool and provide guidance on compliance with Queensland’s pool safety standards.