Repairing or replacing a pool fence
QBCC says some small pool fence repairs and maintenance don't need a building approval, but they must still meet the pool safety standard. To replace a whole fence you must engage a pool safety inspector before you start, and the same inspector must check the finished work within 3 months.
Small repairs
- The Queensland Government says approval isn't needed if the barrier meets the pool safety standard and any other building standard that applies, and the height limits below are met.
- Small damage, such as palings, hinges or latches, can be repaired to the same standard as the existing barrier.
- Damaged or missing sections must be replaced, and replacements must meet the current standard.
- Repair damage straight away: the barrier "must be well maintained at all times".
Height limits
For replacement barriers the Queensland Government says no higher than 2 m above ground level (or 2 m above a retaining wall it is built on). If any part is more than 2 m above ground, that part can't be within 1.5 m of a boundary. QBCC says fences over 2 m may need council approval, and that where an existing fence is over 1800 mm the replacement must be the same height unless your neighbour agrees otherwise. Check with your council.
Replacing the whole fence
- Engage a licensed pool safety inspector before you start work.
- They inspect and give a nonconformity notice that sets out what is needed.
- Do the work within the period in the notice.
- The same inspector re-inspects the finished barrier within 3 months.
- Use temporary fencing while sections are removed.
Who can do the work
QBCC says anyone engaged for work worth $3,300 or more (labour and materials) must hold the right contractor's licence. If you do the work yourself and estimate it at more than $11,000 including labour and materials, you need a QBCC owner-builder permit first.
Selling or leasing
The Queensland Government says that on sale or lease the barrier must meet the current standard.
Whether a particular repair needs approval depends on the job. Ask your licensed inspector, building certifier or council before you start.
Sources: QBCC, inspect and certify a pool (opens in a new tab) and Queensland Government, pool fences and barriers (opens in a new tab).
What to do next
- Write down what is wrong: use the main fence rules and the gate guide.
- Get quotes from a licensed inspector and, for the work, a licensed fencing contractor. If you already have a notice, it lists what to fix.
Know what needs fixing before you quote
Walk the fence with the self-check, take photos, and share what needs attention with a fencing contractor for a quote.
Common questions
Do I need building approval to repair a pool fence?
QBCC says some small repairs and maintenance don't need a building approval but must still meet the pool safety standard. The Queensland Government says approval isn't needed if the barrier meets the standard and the height limits are met.
Do I need an inspector before replacing the whole fence?
Yes. QBCC says to engage a licensed pool safety inspector before starting. They give a nonconformity notice setting out what is needed, and the same inspector must check the finished work within 3 months.
How high can a replacement pool fence be?
The Queensland Government says no higher than 2 m above ground level, or 2 m above a retaining wall it is built on, and any part more than 2 m high can't be within 1.5 m of a boundary. Check with your council.
Do I need a licence to fix my own pool fence?
QBCC says anyone engaged for work worth $3,300 or more must hold the right contractor's licence, and if you do the work yourself and estimate it at more than $11,000 you need a QBCC owner-builder permit first.
Do I need a temporary fence?
QBCC says temporary fencing must be installed if you remove sections during a repair or replacement.