Form 26 Explained
A Form 26 is a Queensland Pool Safety Nonconformity Notice issued when a pool or spa barrier does not comply and a Form 23 pool safety certificate cannot be issued.
If your pool fails a pool safety inspection, the Form 26 outlines the compliance issues that need to be corrected before a pool safety certificate can be issued.
Quick Answer
A Form 26 is issued after a failed pool safety inspection. It lists the non-compliant items that must be fixed. In most cases, the owner has up to 3 months to have the issues rectified and reinspected before the matter may need to be referred to council.
What Is a Form 26?
A Form 26 is a Nonconformity Notice. It is issued by a licensed Queensland Pool Safety Inspector when the inspector has inspected a pool barrier and found that it does not comply with the pool safety requirements.
A Form 26 does not mean the pool can never pass. It simply means the pool barrier needs rectification before a Form 23 pool safety certificate can be issued.
When Is a Form 26 Issued?
A Form 26 is issued when a pool safety inspector cannot issue a pool safety certificate because the pool barrier is not compliant.
Common examples include:
- Pool gates not self-closing or self-latching correctly.
- Gate latches not operating properly.
- Objects or vegetation within climbable zones.
- Missing, damaged or outdated CPR signage.
- Fence gaps or ground gaps that are too large.
- Boundary fence problems.
- Windows or doors creating access issues.
- Direct access from a building into the pool area.
- Damaged, loose or unstable barrier components.
How Long Do I Have to Fix the Issues?
In many cases, the reinspection period is up to 3 months from the date of the Form 26.
That period is important. If the pool barrier issues are not rectified and reinspected within the required timeframe, the pool safety inspector may be required to notify the local council. In some cases, if there is a serious safety concern, such as a missing barrier panel or open access to the pool area, the matter may be referred to council more urgently.
What Happens After a Form 26 Is Issued?
The usual process is:
- The pool safety inspector identifies the non-compliant items.
- A Form 26 Nonconformity Notice is issued.
- The owner rectifies the issues.
- The inspector completes a reinspection.
- If compliant, a Form 23 pool safety certificate can be issued.
Can EasyPoolCert Help With Repairs?
Yes. Our inspectors are licensed to perform minor repairs. In many cases, minor pool barrier repairs can be handled quickly, depending on the type and extent of the issue.
Common minor rectification items may include gate adjustments, latch issues, hinge adjustments, CPR signage, small barrier fixes, removing climbable objects, barrier height adjustments, acrylic installations, replacing posts, and gate repairs.
If more significant work is required, we can help you understand what needs to be done before the reinspection.
Will Council Be Notified?
If the required rectification and reinspection are not completed within the required timeframe, the pool safety inspector may be required to notify the local council.
This is why it is important to act promptly after receiving a Form 26.
Can I Sell or Lease a Property With a Form 26?
A Form 26 is not a pool safety certificate. It does not confirm compliance.
If you are selling, buying, leasing or managing a property with a pool, you should obtain advice about the specific process and timing that applies to your situation.
Read the full article: Selling a Property With a Pool →
Related Articles
Read the full article: Form 23 Explained →
Read the full article: Pool Safety Certificates Explained →
Read the full article: How to Assess Whether Your Pool Gate Is Compliant →
Received a Form 26?
EasyPoolCert can help you understand the nonconformity notice, complete a reinspection, and provide practical pool barrier compliance advice.
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