When Do You Need a Pool Inspection in QLD?
Queensland is a place where swimming pools are a part of everyday life for the average family home on the Sunshine Coast. Home ownership comes with responsibility – particularly to make sure your pool is safe and that it complies with QLD pool safety laws.
Scheduling pool inspections are one critical part of being pool owners, to comply with regulations and to make sure the pool is safe. In this blog we will walk you through when a pool inspection is required, what is covered in the pool inspection, and all you need to know about pool safety laws in Queensland.
Key Situations Requiring a Pool Inspection
Every pool owner should know when to get a pool inspection. Here are the key situations where an inspection is mandatory or highly recommended:
1. Buying or Selling a Property with a Pool
If you’re buying or selling a property with a pool, Queensland law requires the pool to meet current safety standards. Before settlement you must give the buyer either a Pool Safety Certificate or a Form 36 (Notice of No Pool Safety Certificate) as the seller.
If no Pool Safety Certificate is found, it’s important for buyers to obtain a pool inspection because otherwise, you will be mandated to comply within 90 days of purchase.
Download our pool inspection checklist for buying or selling a property with a pool.
2. Leasing a Property with a Pool
Before landlords can lease out their property’s pool, they need to make sure the pool is compliant with safety standards. The lease agreement must include a Pool Safety Certificate that will give tenants peace of mind with regards to the pool’s safety.
3. Renovating a Pool or Pool Area
An inspection is needed, confirming compliance with pool safety standards, for major renovations like installing a new fence, deck or pool barrier. Small changes can change compliance and inspections are important both during and after the renovations.
4. Routine Maintenance and Safety Checks
Regular pool inspections, though not legally required, are a proactive means of making sure your pool’s safe to use. It’s especially useful for families with young children or those who spend a lot of time at the pool.
What Does a Pool Inspection Cover?
A thorough pool inspection examines a comprehensive range of your pool area based on Queensland’s strict safety standards. At i-Inspect Building and Pest Services, we focus on the following areas:
- Pool Barriers: Checking the height, strength, and condition of the fence and gate, to see if they reach the safety minimum requirements.
- Gates and Latches: Confirming gates are self-closing, self-latching, and open away from the pool area.
- Climbable Objects: To look for objects such as furniture or plants near the fence, through which children could climb over.
- Pool Signage: Ensuring the pool area has a compliant CPR sign displayed prominently.
- General Compliance: Ensuring that the overall layout and safety features of the pool area align with current regulations.
For a more detailed overview of what’s included in our inspections, visit our Pool Inspection page.
Understanding QLD Pool Safety Laws
Queensland’s pool safety regulations are some of the strictest in the world and aim to help reduce the risk of drowning including children. Here’s what you need to know:
- Registration: All pools must be registered with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC).
- Compliance Deadlines: Compliance standards must be met by pool owners within certain time frames, depending on the situation. (e.g., property sale or lease).
- Pool Safety Certificates: These certificates are issued following a successful inspection and are valid for two years for non-shared pools (e.g., residential pools) and one year for shared pools (e.g., apartment complexes).
- Fines for Non-Compliance: Owners and companies who fail to meet pool safety standards can be fined up to a maximum of $6,892.50 for individuals, or $34,462.50 for corporations.
For full details, refer to Queensland’s official Pool Safety Standards page.
FAQs About Pool Inspections
1. How much does a pool inspection cost?
The cost of a pool inspection with i-Inspect Building and Pest Services varies from $169 depending on pool size and pool area complexity. Follow up inspections may occur and have additional charges associated with them if the pool fails the initial inspection.
2. How long does a pool inspection take?
A pool inspection takes between 1 to 1.5 hours on average, depending on the size of the pool and what issues are needed to be addressed for compliance.
3. Can I prepare my pool area for inspection?
Yes, you can! Climbable objects need to be removed, gates should self close and latch, and a CPR sign should be displayed to maximise your chances of passing the inspection. Download our pre-pool inspection checklist to increase your chances of obtaining your pool safety certificate.
4. What happens if my pool doesn’t pass the inspection?
If your pool doesn’t pass the inspection, you will get a report of what the non compliance issues are. Afterwards, you will have 90 days to fix these problems and schedule a follow up inspection.
5. Do I need a pool inspection for an inflatable or temporary pool?
If the pool can hold more than 300mm of water, it’s considered a regulated pool and must comply.
If you are buying, selling, leasing or maintaining a property you will have a responsibility to ensure that your pool meets the Queensland safety standards. In addition to helping you stay compliant with the law, pool inspections keep your loved ones safe.
With i-Inspect Building and Pest Services, you can get professional, reliable pool inspections that are suited to Sunshine Coast residents. As experts in the pool inspection industry, you can trust we take your pool’s safety seriously.
Book your pool inspection today and enjoy peace of mind knowing your pool is safe and compliant.
