Council pool inspections and fines

QBCC says Queensland councils enforce the pool safety standard locally: they can enter properties to inspect pools, and fine and prosecute owners of pools that don't meet the standard, even if the pool has a current certificate. Anyone can report an unsafe pool to their council at any time.

What councils do

• Enter properties to inspect pools and enforce the pool safety standard.
• Fine and prosecute owners of pools that don't meet the standard.
• Consider exemptions for impractical fences or disability.
• Cancel pool safety certificates for pools that don't meet the standard.
• Respond to reports. QBCC says an unsafe pool can be reported to the local council at any time.

A certificate isn't a shield

A pool safety certificate shows the barrier met the standard on the day it was inspected. Owners must keep it meeting the standard at all times. If a gate stops latching or furniture ends up against the fence, the council can fine the owner even with a current certificate, or after a Form 36 has been lodged.

When the council is told about your pool

If an inspector issues a nonconformity notice and the pool isn't re-inspected by the same inspector within 3 months, the inspector must notify the council, which can then fine you. What to do after a failed inspection.

Shared pools

For a shared pool, the certificate must be displayed near the main entrance or at the pool gate, and councils can fine owners who don't display it.

Avoiding a fine

1. Make sure the pool is on the QBCC register. How to check.
2. Check the barrier regularly, especially gates and anything near the fence. The main rules.
3. Fix problems straight away. Some small repairs don't need building approval but still have to meet the standard: ask your inspector.

Fine amounts are set by regulation and change each year, so we don't list them here. Your council or QBCC can confirm current amounts.