Living Here
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.
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).
Please also refer to AS1926.1 (access the Australian Standard online) and Part MP3.4 of the Queensland Development Code.
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.
