Form 23 Explained
A Form 23 is the official Queensland Pool Safety Certificate issued by a licensed Pool Safety Inspector when a pool barrier complies with Queensland pool safety requirements.
Many homeowners, buyers, sellers, landlords, property managers and body corporates refer to a Form 23 simply as a “Pool Safety Certificate”. In practice, they are usually referring to the same document.
Quick Answer
A Form 23 is issued when a licensed Pool Safety Inspector has inspected a swimming pool or spa barrier and found it compliant. The certificate is commonly required when selling a property, leasing a property, operating a shared pool, or proving pool barrier compliance.
What Is a Form 23?
Form 23 is the official Queensland Pool Safety Certificate. It confirms that the pool barrier complied with applicable pool safety requirements at the time of inspection.
The certificate is issued by a licensed Queensland Pool Safety Inspector after a compliant inspection has been completed.
Who Can Issue a Form 23?
Only a licensed Queensland Pool Safety Inspector can issue a Form 23.
Inspectors are licensed through the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) and are authorised to inspect pool barriers and issue pool safety certificates when compliance requirements are met.
How Do I Check If I Have a Current Pool Safety Certificate?
You can check whether a pool has a current pool safety certificate by searching the Queensland pool safety register.
Search the QBCC Pool Register →
When Is a Form 23 Required?
Common situations include:
- Selling a property with a pool or spa.
- Leasing a property with a pool or spa.
- Renting out part of a property with pool access.
- Airbnb or short-stay accommodation.
- Shared pools used by body corporates.
- Apartment complexes, townhouse developments, hotels and resorts.
- Certain council compliance matters.
How Long Does a Form 23 Last?
Most residential pool safety certificates remain current for two years.
Shared pool certificates generally remain current for one year.
A new inspection is required once the certificate expires if the property is being sold, leased, rented, used for short-stay accommodation, used as a shared pool, or otherwise requires a current pool safety certificate.
What Does the Inspector Check?
During a pool safety inspection the inspector may assess:
- Pool fencing.
- Pool gates and hinges.
- Latches and locking mechanisms.
- Boundary fences.
- Windows forming part of the barrier.
- Direct access from buildings.
- Vegetation near barriers.
- Climbable objects.
- CPR signage.
- Pool barrier heights and gaps.
Can I Get a Form 23 If the Pool Fails?
No. If the barrier does not comply, a Form 23 cannot be issued.
Instead, the inspector must issue a Form 26 Nonconformity Notice within 2 business days, identifying the items requiring correction.
Read the full article: Form 26 Explained →
What If I Am Selling a Property?
Many sellers obtain a Form 23 before listing or before settlement to simplify the sale process.
If a current certificate is not available, Queensland property sale documents may require disclosure that there is no current pool safety certificate. The detailed sale-process rules are covered in our dedicated selling guide.
Read the full article: Selling a Property With a Pool →
What If I Am Buying a Property?
Buyers should check whether a current pool safety certificate exists before settlement and understand what obligations may transfer after settlement.
Read the full article: Buying a Property With a Pool →
Where Can I Verify Pool Safety Information?
The QBCC provides official information about pool safety laws, pool safety inspectors and pool safety certificates.
Visit the QBCC Swimming Pool Safety Information Page →
Need a Form 23 Pool Safety Certificate?
EasyPoolCert provides licensed pool safety inspections and Form 23 pool safety certificates throughout South East Queensland.
Use our postcode finder to view pricing, check your service area and connect with your local inspector.
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