Pool Safety Inspections Checklist

POOL GATES
Opens outwards away from the pool	☐	☐	☐	☐
Gate latches from any position	☐	☐	☐	☐
Stays latched when pulled	☐	☐	☐	☐
Latch a minimum of 1500mm above finished ground level or shielded	☐	☐	☐	☐
Gap between the gate and fence less than 10mm if latch is shielded	☐	☐	☐	☐
Bottom of gate is less than 100mm above ground level	☐	☐	☐	☐
Gate is at least 1200mm high	☐	☐	☐	☐
Hinges exceeding 10mm in diameter and less than 900mm apart have non-climbable cap fitted	☐	☐	☐	☐
There are no items to prop the gate open	☐	☐	☐	☐

POOL BARRIER - FENCES
Fence is at least 1200mm high	☐
Bottom of fence is less than 100mm above the finished ground level	☐
Garden beds do not impinge into the non-climbable zone	☐
Gaps in vertical bars are less than 100mm	☐
Horizontal members more than 900mm apart; or Gap between palings less than 10mm and horizontal members on the inside of the fence	☐
Screws, nails and fixings secure	☐
1800mm high or Non-Climbable Zone is on the outside of the fence	☐
At least 900mm between horizontal members	☐
All fence panels are in place	☐

NON-CLIMBABLE ZONE
Fences less than 1800mm high-arc of 900mm clear from the top of the fence	☐
1200mm in the bottom quadrant–(rising ground, retaining walls)	☐
Protrusions and indentations less than 10mm	☐
No climbable trees lower than 900mm and no overhanging climbable objects within the upper quadrant SEE FIGURE 9 below	☐
No pot plants, retraining walls etc within the non-climbable zone SEE FIGURE 4 below	☐
No plastic or light weight furniture outside the pool area	☐
No furniture inside the area within 300mm clear area	☐

STRENGTH AND RIGIDITY
Squeeze test– using your non-dominant hand and squeezing the vertical bars of the fence and gate you cannot create a gap of more than 100mm between the bars	☐
Push over test– pushing on the fence does not cause it to fall over or permanently deform	☐
Rust, timber rot, lose or missing fixings	☐

WINDOWS
Do not open more than 100mm or have security barriers fitted	☐

DOORS
No doors which give access from a building to the pool area	☐
There is a compliant fence between all buildings and the pool	☐

RESUSCITATION SIGN
300mm x 300mm minimum size	☐
Durable and weather proof	☐
Visible from within the whole pool area	☐
Mentions 2 breaths / 30 compressions	☐
DRABCD / not check for pulse	☐
Mentions dial 000, call an ambulance	☐

For a printable version of our inspection checklist downloadable

Pool Safety Inspections Checklist: A Comprehensive Guide for Queensland Pool Owners

Owning a pool in Queensland comes with legal responsibilities to ensure the safety of everyone, especially children. This pool safety inspection checklist is designed to help you comply with the state's pool safety regulations.

Pool Gates:

Opens outwards away from the pool: Ensure your gate swings outward to prevent accidental entry.
Gate latches from any position: The gate should latch securely even if not fully closed.
Stays latched when pulled: Test the latch's strength by pulling on the gate; it should remain closed.
Latch a minimum of 1500mm above the finished ground level or shielded: Prevent children from reaching the latch.
Gap between the gate and fence less than 10mm if latch is shielded: A small gap prevents fingers from getting caught.
Bottom of the gate is less than 100mm above ground level: Minimize the space a child could crawl under.
Gate is at least 1200mm high: A standard height to deter climbing.
Hinges exceeding 10mm in diameter and less than 900mm apart have a non-climbable cap fitted: Prevent using hinges as footholds.
There are no items to prop the gate open: Never leave the gate open or propped open, even for a short time.

Pool Barrier - Fences:

Fence is at least 1200mm high: The standard fence height requirement.
Bottom of the fence is less than 100mm above the finished ground level: Minimize gaps for children to crawl under.
Garden beds do not impinge into the non-climbable zone: Keep the area around the fence clear of potential climbing aids.
Gaps in vertical bars are less than 100mm: Prevent children from squeezing through.
Horizontal members more than 900mm apart; or Gap between palings less than 10mm and horizontal members on the inside of the fence: Prevent climbing.
Screws, nails, and fixings secure: Regularly check for loose or damaged fixings.
1800mm high or Non-Climbable Zone is on the outside of the fence: Ensure the non-climbable zone is on the correct side.
At least 900mm between horizontal members: Prevent using them as steps.
All fence panels are in place: No missing or damaged sections.

Non-Climbable Zone:

Fences less than 1800mm high-arc of 900mm clear from the top of the fence: Ensure a clear zone for fences under 1800mm.
1200mm in the bottom quadrant–(rising ground, retaining walls): Check for potential climbing points in this zone.
Protrusions and indentations less than 10mm: Smooth surfaces prevent footholds.
No climbable trees lower than 900mm and no overhanging climbable objects within the upper quadrant: Remove potential climbing aids.
No pot plants, retaining walls, etc., within the non-climbable zone: Keep this zone clear.
No plastic or lightweight furniture outside the pool area: These could be used to climb the fence.
No furniture inside the area within 300mm clear area: Maintain a safe distance from the pool barrier.

Strength and Rigidity:

Squeeze test: Ensure the vertical bars cannot be squeezed apart more than 100mm.
Push over test: The fence should not fall over or deform when pushed.
Rust, timber rot, loose or missing fixings: Regularly inspect and maintain the fence.

Windows:

Do not open more than 100mm or have security barriers fitted: Restrict access to the pool area through windows.

Doors:

No doors which give access from a building to the pool area: Direct access should be through a compliant gate.
There is a compliant fence between all buildings and the pool: Ensure all access points are secure.

Resuscitation Sign:

300mm x 300mm minimum size: Ensure visibility.
Durable and weatherproof: It should withstand outdoor conditions.
Visible from within the whole pool area: Place it strategically.
Mentions 2 breaths / 30 compressions: Include correct CPR instructions.
DRABCD / not check for pulse: Follow the latest guidelines.
Mentions dial 000, call an ambulance: Provide emergency contact information.

By following this checklist and conducting regular maintenance, you can create a safe and enjoyable pool environment for everyone.

Pool Safety Inspections Checklist

Our pool safety inspection checklist should only be used as a guide, this is only a sample of common faults and in no way replaces a professional pool inspector. Pool owners should consider getting a professional pool inspector to assess their pool’s compliance.

Pool Safety Inspections Checklist: A Comprehensive Guide for Queensland Pool Owners

SERVICES

COMMUNITY

Pool Safety Inspections Checklist

Our pool safety inspection checklist should only be used as a guide, this is only a sample of common faults and in no way replaces a profe​ssional pool inspector. Pool owners shou​ld consider getting a professional pool ​inspector to assess their pool’s compliance.

Pool Safety Inspections Checklist: A Comprehensive Guide for Queensland Pool Owners

SERVICES

COMMUNITY

Our pool safety inspection checklist should only be used as a guide, this is only a sample of common faults and in no way replaces a professional pool inspector. Pool owners should consider getting a professional pool inspector to assess their pool’s compliance.