Pool Safety Inspections
What Happens During a Pool Safety Inspection?
A pool safety inspection is a thorough, methodical assessment of your pool barrier against Queensland's legal requirements. Here's exactly what to expect — from the moment we arrive to the certificate in your hand.
The Short Version
A typical residential pool safety inspection takes between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the size and complexity of the pool barrier. We assess every element of the barrier against the Queensland Development Code MP 3.4 and Australian Standard AS 1926.1 — the two key standards that govern pool safety in Queensland.
At the end of the inspection, you'll either receive a Form 23 Pool Safety Certificate on the day (if compliant), or a Form 26 non-conformity notice with a clear written report detailing exactly what needs to be rectified (if not).
30–60 min
Typical inspection duration
Same day
Certificate issued if compliant
Written report
Provided if rectification needed
Preparation
Before We Arrive
A little preparation helps the inspection go smoothly and avoids unnecessary delays.
Clear access to the pool barrier
Make sure the inspector can walk the full perimeter of the pool fence without obstruction. Move any furniture, pot plants, or stored items away from the barrier — these can affect the non-climbable zone assessment.
Ensure gates are accessible
All pool gates must be accessible and operable. If a gate is padlocked or blocked, we can't assess it properly. Have keys ready if any gates are locked.
Check your resuscitation sign
Locate your CPR resuscitation sign before we arrive. It should be displayed near the pool in a prominent, visible position. If you can't find it, let us know — we can advise on what's required.
Note any recent changes
If you've had any landscaping, renovations, or fencing work done recently, let us know. Changes near the pool barrier can affect compliance in ways that aren't always obvious.
The Assessment
What We Check
Every inspection covers the same core elements — the ones Queensland law requires. Here's what we assess, and why each one matters.
Barrier Height
The pool barrier must be at least 1200mm high, measured from the finished ground level on the outside of the fence. We check the height at multiple points around the perimeter, including at gates and corners where height can vary.
QDC MP 3.4 / AS 1926.1Non-Climbable Zone (NCZ)
A 900mm non-climbable zone must be maintained on the outside of the barrier. We check that no objects — furniture, garden beds, horizontal rails, or structures — fall within this zone and could be used to climb over the fence.
QDC MP 3.4 / AS 1926.1Gate Operation
Every gate in the pool barrier must be self-closing and self-latching from any position. We test each gate through its full range of motion, check that the latch engages reliably, and verify the latch is on the pool side at least 1500mm from the ground.
QDC MP 3.4 / AS 1926.1Fence Openings and Gaps
Gaps in the barrier must not allow a 100mm sphere to pass through. We check vertical bar spacing, gaps at the base of the fence, and any openings around posts, gates, and corners.
AS 1926.1Resuscitation Sign
A current CPR resuscitation sign must be displayed in a prominent position near the pool, clearly visible from the water. We check that the sign is present, legible, current, and correctly positioned.
QDC MP 3.4Boundary Fences
Where a boundary fence forms part of the pool barrier, it must meet the same height and NCZ requirements as a dedicated pool fence. We assess any shared boundary sections and check for climbable elements on the neighbouring side.
QDC MP 3.4Structural Integrity
Beyond the dimensional checks, we assess the overall condition of the barrier — looking for loose posts, corroded fixings, damaged panels, or any structural issues that could compromise the fence's effectiveness.
AS 1926.1Surrounding Structures
Trees, pergolas, sheds, and other structures near the pool barrier can create climbable access points. We assess anything in the vicinity that could be used to bypass the barrier.
QDC MP 3.4After the Inspection
What Happens at the End
If Your Pool Is Compliant
- We issue a Form 23 Pool Safety Certificate on the day.
- We lodge the certificate with the Queensland Pool Safety Register.
- You receive a copy of the certificate for your records.
- The certificate is valid for two years for non-shared pools, one year for shared pools.
If Rectification Is Required
- We issue a Form 26 non-conformity notice.
- You receive a detailed written report with photos of each non-compliant item.
- We explain exactly what needs to be fixed and provide practical guidance on how to do it.
- Once rectification is complete, you book a re-inspection. If it passes, we issue the Form 23 on the day.
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We service Brisbane and surrounds. Book online or call us directly — we'll get you sorted quickly.
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