Who signs off a new pool in Queensland?
For a new pool in Queensland, QBCC says the building certifier who approved your pool application certifies the new pool and its fence. A pool safety inspector issues pool safety certificates, and a council's role, as QBCC describes it, is to enforce pool safety. Ask your builder or your certifier which paperwork applies to your pool.
The three roles
| Who | What they do |
|---|---|
| Building certifier | Approves the pool application, inspects the pool fence, and issues the certificate for the new pool (Form 17, or Form 11 for a building with a regulated pool). Must send QBCC a copy. |
| Pool safety inspector | Issues pool safety certificates, for example when a property with a pool is sold or leased. QBCC says an inspector can check a fence that did not need development approval. |
| Council | Enforces pool safety. QBCC says councils can enter properties to inspect pools, fine owners, cancel pool safety certificates and consider exemptions. |
What a building certifier does
QBCC says a building certifier carries out building assessment work, inspects building work and issues certificates. Certifiers hold a Level 1, 2 or 3 licence, and a private certifier also holds an endorsement for private certification. QBCC's page on licence types does not say which level may certify a pool, so ask your certifier to confirm their licence suits your project.
Before the pool is filled
QBCC says the certifier must inspect and certify the pool fence before the pool is filled to a depth of 300 mm or more. A temporary fence may be used for up to three months, but only if the certifier has inspected and approved it on a Form 16.
Form 17 and Form 11
QBCC describes Form 17 as the final inspection certificate for pools and pool barriers, and Form 11 as the certificate of occupancy for a building with a regulated pool. QBCC says that for a new pool, or a new or altered fence that a building certifier inspected, the certifier's Form 17 or Form 11 can be used instead of a pool safety certificate.
QBCC's pages on building a pool and on inspecting a pool were last reviewed in August 2021, and its page on certifier licence types in February 2024. Rules can change, so ask your certifier and check QBCC's website.
When you still need a pool safety inspector
- A fence that did not need development approval can be checked by a pool safety inspector instead of a certifier, as QBCC describes it.
- Selling or leasing a property with a pool is a different matter: see do I need a pool safety certificate?
How to check a building certifier
QBCC runs a building certifier register (opens in a new tab), a search on its own website for a certifier's licence and history. It is the place to look before you contract anyone. PoolPreCert also has a short page of building certifiers who registered with us. A listing there is not an endorsement, and many certifiers are not on it.
Are you a building certifier? See how to be listed.
Already have a pool? Check the barrier yourself
The self-check walks you through the fence and gate and shows what looks OK, what needs attention and what you couldn't check.
Common questions
Can a pool safety inspector sign off a new pool?
QBCC says the building certifier who approved your pool application certifies the new pool and its fence. A pool safety inspector issues pool safety certificates, and QBCC says one can check a fence that did not need development approval.
What is a Form 17?
QBCC describes Form 17 as the final inspection certificate for pools and pool barriers, issued by the building certifier. Form 11 is the certificate of occupancy for a building with a regulated pool.
Does a Form 17 replace a pool safety certificate?
QBCC says that for a new pool, or a new or altered fence a building certifier inspected, the certifier's Form 17 or Form 11 can be used instead of a pool safety certificate. Your certifier can tell you which one applies to your pool.
How do I check a building certifier's licence?
Use QBCC's building certifier register, which is a search on QBCC's own website. It is the place to look up a certifier's licence and history before you contract them.
Does PoolPreCert recommend building certifiers?
No. We list building certifiers who registered themselves and show the date a person checked each licence number on QBCC's public search. A listing is not an endorsement.