Doors, windows and balconies next to a pool

QBCC says no door may open directly onto an outdoor pool or spa area, and a window that opens onto the pool area must not open more than 100 mm unless it meets set height tests. A window lock does not count. A balcony over, or within 900 mm of, the pool fence must meet the fence standard.

Doors

• No door may open directly onto your outdoor pool or spa area.
• A child-resistant door set can be used only for an indoor pool or spa, never an outdoor one. QBCC says it must have a handle at least 1500 mm high, open away from the pool, be self-closing and self-latching, and have nothing climbable in the non-climbable zone.

Windows

QBCC says a window can form part of the pool fence if either:

• its sill is at least 1800 mm above the pool area, or
• it is at least 1200 mm high on the inside, with no climbable objects within 900 mm.

A window that opens onto the pool area and doesn't meet those tests must not open more than 100 mm. You can do that with a permanent security screen, or by permanently fixing screws or similar to the top or bottom of the part that opens. QBCC says window locks are not acceptable because they can be left unlocked or opened with the key. If the bottom of a window is 900 mm to 1200 mm above the inside floor, a permanent fixed security flyscreen is an option.

Louvres

• Gaps between louvres no more than 100 mm.
• Fixed so they can't be removed without a tool.
• Glass strong and rigid.

Balconies, patios and decks

• A balcony over, or within 900 mm of, the pool fence needs a balustrade that meets the pool fence standard.
• Check for climbable items near the fence: barbecues, outdoor furniture, pot plants, play or gym equipment.
• If a patio, deck, pergola or similar forms part of the fence or sits inside the pool area, one complete side must stay permanently open. Blinds, insect screens and shade cloth can't cover that side, so adults can supervise children in the pool area.

This summarises QBCC's guidance. Houses differ, and a licensed pool safety inspector decides whether a window, door or balcony in your barrier meets the standard.

What to do next

1. Walk the pool area and list every door, window, louvre and balcony that faces it.
2. For each window, check how far it opens. If it opens more than 100 mm, ask a licensed inspector which of the options above suits it.
3. Move climbable items away from the fence: the non-climbable zone guide has the distances.