Pool Fence Compliance and Certificates on the Sunshine Coast

What pool fence compliance and certificates on the Sunshine Coast actually involves

QBCC's pool fences page says the fence must be at least 1200mm high, with a maximum gap of 100mm from finished ground level to the bottom of the barrier, and at least one gap of 900mm or more between rails. The local council is authorised to check a pool complies and can fine an owner whose pool does not.

Repairs that need no approval

A building approval is not required for some fence repairs and maintenance, but they must still comply with the standard: repairing or adjusting a maximum of 2.4m of the fence or 2 posts, or repairing, replacing or adjusting a gate so it self-closes and self-latches every time. A bigger job, with more fence, more posts or a new layout, is outside that allowance. If sections of the fence come out during a repair, a temporary fence must be installed for the duration.

Register, certificate and inspection

Every regulated pool must be on the QBCC pool register, or the owner may face a fine. A pool safety certificate is issued only by a pool safety inspector licensed by QBCC, and is valid for 2 years for a non-shared pool and 1 year for a shared pool. A seller who cannot get one must lodge a Form 36, and a buyer who settles without one has 90 days to obtain one. An inspector may repair a maximum of 5 metres and no more than 6 posts of a barrier, but cannot perform works valued at more than A$3,300 without an appropriate licence and contract, and QBCC says there is no set charge for a full inspection. The fee article sets out the council's lines.

Which council a pool is in decides who inspects it and what it costs. Sunshine Coast Council lists A$590 for an inspection and certificate, and Noosa Shire Council's own licensed pool safety inspectors do the inspections in its area.

Pool Fence Compliance and Certificates on the Sunshine Coast — common questions

Do I need a certificate just because I am renovating?

Not on its own. A certificate is required when you sell or lease the property, not because work was done. If the renovation touches the fence, check with a pool safety inspector that it still meets the standard.

Does the fence have to stay up while the work is happening?

Yes. If sections come out during a repair or replacement, QBCC says a temporary fence must be installed for the duration.

What does a council fence inspection cost?

Sunshine Coast Council's own fee is A$590 for an inspection and certificate and A$260 for a re-inspection. QBCC itself sets no fixed charge for an inspection.