Swimming pool fencing

We are all responsible for keeping our children safe around pools.

Refer to Queensland Development Code for pool safety standard QDC MP3.4 Swimming pool barriers.

Property owners

As an owner of a pool or land with a pool you must:

  • ensure your pool fences comply with the law
  • maintain the pool fence
  • remove any objects (such as furniture) that would allow children access to the pool
  • repair any damage to the fence immediately.

Tenants

As a tenant, you must:

  • ensure the pool gate is closed
  • remove any objects (such as furniture) that would allow children access to the pool.

Approvals for pools and spas

All swimming pools and spas need a building approval to build or demolish and must be registered with the Queensland Building Construction Commission (QBCC).

These requirements don't apply to portable wading pools that are:

  • unable to be filled to 300 millimetres or more (ruler height), and
  • less than 2000 litres (about seven bathtubs), and
  • have no filtration system (pump and filter attached)

Where to go for information

Swimming pool regulations involve different parts of the government. The following table will help you find the information you need.

Type of fencing enquiry Resources
Pool safety regulation Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works
Registration of swimming pools
Licences for building and certifying pools as well as pool safety inspection		 Queensland Building Construction Commission
Complaints about fencing or unfenced pools
Compliance notices for repairs and fines		 Report a problem – development compliance
Pool fencing exemptions on the grounds of accessibility or impracticality City of Gold Coast – see application form below
Certification of new swimming pools Private building certifiers
Certification of existing pool fencing and minor repairs Pool safety inspectors

Application for pool safety standard exemption

Use this form to request an exemption from complying with a part of the pool safety standard. Fees apply. See application form for details.

Online

Step 1.Gather your documents

You must submit the following supporting information with your application:

  • Completed State Government Form 28 application for pool safety standard exemption
  • Additional supporting information (e.g. reasons for exemptions, medical evidence of disability, photographs of pool area, drawings, reports, cost estimates, etc.).
  • Fee payment (see application form)

Step 2.Complete and submit our online form

Complete and submit your application

Submit online form

In person

Step 1.Gather your documents

You must submit the following supporting information with your application:

  • Completed State Government Form 28 application for pool safety standard exemption
  • Additional supporting information (e.g. reasons for exemptions, medical evidence of disability, photographs of pool area, drawings, reports, cost estimates, etc.).
  • Fee payment (see application form)

Step 2.Complete the application form

Download, print and complete the Application for pool safety standard exemption(PDF, 468KB)

Step 3.Visit one of our customer service centres

Submit your application and pay at one of our customer service centres Monday to Friday between 8.15am and 4.30pm.

By mail

Step 1.Gather your documents

You must submit the following supporting information with your application:

  • Completed State Government Form 28 application for pool safety standard exemption
  • Additional supporting information (e.g. reasons for exemptions, medical evidence of disability, photographs of pool area, drawings, reports, cost estimates, etc.).
  • Fee payment (see application form)

Step 2.Complete the application form

Download, print and complete the Application for pool safety standard exemption(PDF, 468KB)

Step 3.Send us your completed application form and payment

Post to:

City of Gold Coast
PO Box 5042
GCMC QLD 9726

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