Do I need a pool safety certificate?
In Queensland you need a pool safety certificate, or a Form 36 notice instead, when you sell, buy or lease a property with a pool. If you're doing none of those, you don't usually need one, but the barrier must comply at all times. Answer three questions to see what applies to you.
The short version
- Selling: give the buyer a copy of the current certificate before the buyer signs the contract, or lodge a Form 36 with QBCC and give them a copy.
- Buying with a Form 36: for a non-shared pool, you must get a certificate within 90 days of settlement. For a shared pool, the pool owner (usually the body corporate) must.
- Leasing a house with its own pool: a certificate must be in effect before the lease is entered into.
- Leasing a unit with a shared pool: give the tenant and pool owner a copy of the certificate, or lodge a Form 36.
Certificates last 2 years for a non-shared pool and 1 year for a shared pool, and only a QBCC-licensed pool safety inspector can issue one. More detail: pool safety certificates in Queensland.
PoolPreCert can't tell you whether your pool complies. The self-check helps you find likely problems before a licensed inspector visits.
Common questions
Do I need a pool safety certificate if I'm not selling or leasing?
Not usually. But the pool barrier must comply with the pool safety standard at all times, and councils can fine owners whose barriers don't comply.
Do I need a new certificate for a lease renewal?
QBCC says a non-shared pool needs a certificate in effect before a lease is entered into. A certificate lasts 2 years for a non-shared pool and 1 year for a shared pool, so check the expiry date before each lease or renewal.