Pools and Pool Fencing

pools_and_spas_fencing.jpg

Swimming Pools and Spas

What is a pool and what needs approval?

A swimming pool is an area that can be used for swimming, bathing, wading, paddling or other human aquatic activities, and capable of being filled with water to a depth of 300mm or more.

This includes spas and portable or inflatable pools. A pool does not include:

  • Fish ponds
  • Ornamental ponds manufactured to be used for ornamental purposes
  • Dams used for aquaculture, marine research or storage of water
  • Watercourses
  • Spa baths situated in a bathroom which are not continually filled with water
  • Birthing pools used solely for water births.

All pools and spas – existing and new - must be registered with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) on the Pool Safety Register.

Pools also require a Building Approval and need to meet fencing requirements.

Pools and spas

Do I need approval to build a new pool or spa?

All new swimming pools and spas require a Building Approval from a Building Certifier. The Building Certifier who issues the approval must inspect and certify the pool and pool safety barrier/s. Depending on the way the backwash water will be managed;a Plumbing Approval may also be required.

Do I need approval for a portable or inflatable wading pool?

A portable wading pool must meet all of the following criteria or else it requires a building approval and a compliant fence:

  • It must not be capable of being filled with water to a depth of more than 300mm;
  • It must have a volume of no more than 2000 litres; and
  • It must not include a filtration system or pump.

Are there rules about where my pool can be located?

An outdoor pool needs to be located in accordance with the relevant Queensland Development Code requirements, generally:

  • Road boundaries - Setback from a road frontage of 1.5 metres, unless there is a solid wall or fence at least 1.8m high between the water and the road
  • Side/rear boundaries - Setback from a side or rear boundary of 1.5 metres between the water and the boundary, unless there is a solid wall or fence at least 1.8m high

What happens if I’m selling or leasing a home with a pool and/or spa?

When selling or leasing a property that contains a pool, a Pool Safety Certificate (Form 23) is required from a licensed pool safety inspector – fees apply. Council offer this service.

Contact Council on (07) 4970 0700 or info@gladstone.qld.gov.au for further assistance.

Pool fencing

What are the pool fencing rules?

The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) website provides general information regarding pool safety requirements, including the registration, inspection and certification process for pools (Pool Safety Standard(PDF, 5MB))

Please also refer to AS1926.1 (access the Australian Standard online) and Part MP3.4 of the Queensland Development Code.(PDF, 5MB)

What are the fencing requirements for pools?

If you are a pool owner, you must ensure:

  • Your pool is fenced
  • Pool fences or barriers are well maintained
  • Any damage to fences or barriers is fixed immediately.

Does an above-ground swimming pool need a fence?

The walls of an above ground pool may form part of a compliant pool fence as long as they are at least 1.2 metres above natural ground level and as long as the sides of the pool are free of bracing, indents, projections, filtration equipment and climbable objects.

In these cases, a designated swimming pool access point must be provided and enclosed by a compliant barrier, including a compliant self-closing gate.

Does a spa need a fence?

A spa, whether portable or fixed and whether or not it has a lockable lid, must have a compliant barrier.

What happens if I don’t have approval for a pool or pool fence?

The owner of the pool is required to have a development approval for pool, spa and fence.

If the Council becomes aware of an unlawful pool or non-compliant barrier, they may inspect the pool and can issue on the spot fines.

Safety statement

Rules and requirements can be difficult to understand and Council is committed to Pool Safety Requirements. Contact Council to check your pool is safety compliant and ensure your resuscitation sign is up to date and visible to all users.

Contact Council on (07) 4970 0700 or info@gladstone.qld.gov.au for further assistance.

Checklist - Swimming Pools and Spas

Click on the + symbol or the questions below to expand and display each item.

Who will need to be involved?

Do I need Building Approval?

All new swimming pools and spas require a Building Approval from a Building Certifier.

Do I need a Plumbing Approval?

Depending on the method of backwash discharge, a plumbing approval may be required prior to the commencement of any work.

What do I need to submit for a Building Approval Application?

  • Completed DA Applicaiton Form 2
  • Site Plan that has been drawn to scale and with dimensions (measurements) that shows the location, size and attributes of business within the dwelling.
  • Assessment fee as per Council’s Fees and charges.(PDF, 5MB)
  • Pool fencing details
  • Pool pump details (if applicable).

What do I need to submit for a Plumbing Approval?

Submit your application:

Applications can be submitted and paid for using Council’s Online Development Application Portal.

The timeframes for construction of a swimming pool and safety barrier will typically be six months. Your pool must not be filled to a depth of 300 mm or more until a satisfactory inspection is carried out and a Final Inspection Certificate (Form 17)(PDF, 113KB) has been issued by the Certifier.

Get started:

Engage a registered builder to undertake the work and organise inspections as detailed in the conditions of your approval.

For more information please contact Council on (07) 4970 0700 or info@gladstone.qld.gov.au.

To see other Fact Sheets, hover over the image above and click on an aspect (or symbol such as a fence, house etc). This will display another Fact Sheet for you on that subject.

Return to Buying, Building and Renovation Menu