Pool Safety Certificates Explained

A pool safety certificate is an official document issued by a licensed Queensland pool safety inspector confirming that a swimming pool or spa barrier complies with Queensland pool safety laws.

Pool safety certificates are commonly required when selling a property, leasing a property, operating a shared pool, managing a body corporate pool, or completing certain council and compliance processes.

What Is a Pool Safety Certificate?

A pool safety certificate is sometimes referred to as a Form 23. It confirms that a licensed pool safety inspector has inspected the pool barrier and found it compliant at the time of inspection.

The certificate applies to the pool barrier, gates, latches, fencing, windows, doors, CPR signage and other elements that form part of the pool safety barrier.

Who Can Issue a Pool Safety Certificate?

Only a licensed Queensland Pool Safety Inspector can issue a pool safety certificate.

Inspectors are licensed by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) and must assess the pool barrier against applicable Queensland pool safety requirements.

When Is a Pool Safety Certificate Required?

Common situations include:

• Selling a property with a pool or spa.
• Leasing a property with a pool or spa.
• Shared pools used by body corporates.
• Apartment and townhouse complexes.
• Hotels, resorts and accommodation facilities.
• Certain council compliance matters.

Different rules may apply depending on whether the pool is a shared pool or a non-shared residential pool.

How Long Does a Pool Safety Certificate Last?

For most residential pools, a pool safety certificate is generally valid for two years.

For shared pools, such as pools used by body corporates, apartment complexes and accommodation facilities, certificates are generally valid for one year.

What Happens If My Pool Does Not Pass Inspection?

If a pool barrier does not comply, the inspector will generally issue a Form 26 Nonconformity Notice outlining the issues that must be addressed.

Common reasons pools fail include:

• Pool gates not self-closing.
• Faulty latches.
• Climbable vegetation.
• Missing CPR signage.
• Gaps that exceed allowable limits.
• Non-compliant windows.
• Direct access issues from buildings.
• Boundary fence compliance problems.

After the issues are corrected, the pool can be reinspected.

What Is a Form 23?

A Form 23 is the official document used to record and issue a pool safety certificate. Many people use the terms "Pool Safety Certificate" and "Form 23" interchangeably.

Read the full article: Form 23 Explained →

What Is a Form 26?

A Form 26 is a Nonconformity Notice issued when a pool barrier does not comply with pool safety requirements. It outlines the items that require correction before a certificate can be issued.

Read the full article: Form 26 Explained →

Pool Safety Certificates for Property Sales

Queensland property transactions involving a pool or spa have specific pool safety obligations. Depending on the circumstances, the seller may provide a current pool safety certificate or provide the required notice explaining that a current certificate is not available.

Buyers, sellers and real estate agents should understand these obligations before settlement.

Read the full article: Selling a Property With a Pool →

Pool Safety Certificates for Rental Properties

Landlords and property managers should ensure that pool safety obligations are met before leasing a property. Pool barriers should also be monitored throughout the tenancy to ensure compliance is maintained.

Read the full article: Leasing a Property With a Pool →

Pool Safety Certificates for Shared Pools

Shared pools generally have additional obligations, including certificate display requirements and annual certification requirements.

Read the full article: Shared Pools and Body Corporates →