Pool fence requirements in Queensland
In Queensland, a pool barrier must be at least 1200 mm high, with gaps no wider than 100 mm, a 900 mm non-climbable zone on the outside, gates that open outwards and self-close and self-latch from any position, no doors opening straight into the pool area, and a current CPR sign.
These are the main checks, in plain English. The full pool safety standard has more detail and some exceptions, so a licensed inspector has the final say.
Fence height and gaps
| Check | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Height | At least 1200 mm, measured from finished ground level, at every point (on slopes and steps too) |
| Gap under the barrier | No more than 100 mm from the ground |
| Gaps between bars, palings or glass panels | No more than 100 mm where the outside rails are at least 900 mm apart. No hole or gap over 100 mm in any direction |
| Condition | Rigid and in good repair, with no broken, loose or missing parts |
Non-climbable zone
- On the outside there should be at least one gap of 900 mm or more between horizontal rails, measured from the top of one rail to the top of the rail below. If the rails are closer, QBCC describes fixes such as a timber wedge of at least 60 degrees, vertical palings less than 10 mm apart, or a fence over 1800 mm high with the zone on the inside.
- Keep anything a child could climb at least 900 mm from the outside of the barrier: furniture, pot plants, barbecues, trees, retaining walls.
- Trim plants so they don't grow through, over or close enough to the fence to help a child climb.
Gates, latches and hinges
- Every pool gate opens outwards, away from the pool.
- It swings shut by itself from any open position, including when only slightly open.
- It latches by itself every time it closes, without being pushed.
- Nothing props it open or stops it closing.
- The latch release on the outside is at least 1500 mm above the ground and at least 1400 mm above the highest lower horizontal rail.
- If the latch is on the pool side, it's at least 150 mm below the top of the gate and protected by a shield with a 450 mm radius and no gaps over 10 mm.
Doors, windows and balconies
- No door from the house or another building opens directly into the outdoor pool area.
- A window that opens onto the pool area and doesn't meet QBCC's sill and height tests must not open more than 100 mm, using a fixed security screen or a permanent fixing. A window lock alone doesn't count.
- A balcony over, or within 900 mm of, the barrier must meet the barrier rules and be clear of climbable items.
CPR sign
- Displayed where it's easy to see from near the pool.
- At least 300 mm by 300 mm, weatherproof and legible.
- Shows current CPR instructions, including 30 compressions to 2 breaths, and emergency steps.
Common reasons to look twice
Gate closers lose tension over time, pot plants and outdoor furniture creep towards the fence, ground levels drop under panels, and CPR signs fade. These are the kinds of things worth checking yourself before an inspection.
Go through these checks on your phone
The PoolPreCert app walks you through each rule, records photos and tells you what to fix.
Common questions
How high does a pool fence need to be in Queensland?
At least 1200 mm, all the way around the pool.
Which way should a pool gate open?
Outwards, away from the pool. It must swing shut and latch by itself from any open position.
What is the non-climbable zone?
A 900 mm area on the outside of the barrier that must be free of anything a child could use to climb over, such as furniture, pots, barbecues, trees or retaining walls.