How To Meet Pool Safety Regulations In Queensland

29 Feb, 2024

We all look forward to a hot summer’s day by the pool. With Queensland earning the highest number of child drownings out of all Australian states and territories in 2015, ensuring your pool complies with safety regulations is crucial. Pool safety compliance is aimed at safeguarding lives, especially those of young children, and promoting awareness of pool safety among pool owners. Complying with pool safety regulations ensures that you fulfil your legal obligations and creates a safe environment for your friends and family to enjoy your swimming
pool.

As responsible pool owners, check out the pool compliance checklist we’ve prepared to help ensure your swimming pool remains safe and fun for everyone.

Queensland Pool Compliance Regulations

Drowning is a real and viable concern for both kids and adults. Even when saved on time, drowning incidents can cause lifelong damage to the survivors. The Queensland Government established strict pool safety regulations to curb the safety risk to children and other pool users. Some of the key legislation governing pool safety in Queensland include:

Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) laws
Queensland Development Code (QDC)
Pool Safety Standards (QDC MP 3.4)

The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) laws on swimming pools ensure that pool structures and installations are safe and compliant within the state. These laws govern various aspects of pool construction, maintenance, and safety standards to prevent accidents and mitigate risks.
QBCC regulations cover signage, non-climbable zones, gate mechanisms, and pool barrier specifications. They aim to guarantee that pool owners adhere to stipulated safety standards outlined by Pool Safety Standards (QDC MP 3.4) and Queensland Development Code (QDC).

Pool Barrier Requirements

The Queensland Development Code stipulates that a swimming pool must be surrounded by a safety barrier that’s compliant and restricts access by young children. The fence must be at least 1.2 meters tall, with gaps no larger than 100mm.

It is also essential to incorporate non-climbable zones on and around the fence during construction. According to pool safety standards, fences must have continuous 900mm non-climbable zones. These areas must be impossible for a small child to climb.

The gates to the pool must be self-closing and self-latching and should open outward from the
pool area. Ensure that the latch on the gates is 1.5 meters above ground level or higher.

CPR Signage and Safety Equipment

If you don’t already know, CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. As a pool owner, you are required by Queensland legislation to display a CPR sign near the pool area. This sign should provide essential instructions for performing CPR in an emergency. The CPR sign must be visible and legible from any point in the swimming pool area.

Pool Fencing Regulations

Regular maintenance of pool gates & barriers is crucial to ensure continuous efficiency. Check latches, hinges, and locks regularly to ensure they are in good working order. If you notice any defects or damages, have them repaired immediately to prevent unauthorised access to your pool area.

Water Clarity and Pool Maintenance

Maintaining optimal water quality in your pool is vital to ensuring a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for everyone. Since Queensland experiences a warm climate, regularly monitoring filtration systems and chemical balance is crucial. Varying weather conditions, such as intense sunlight and heavy rainfall, can affect water quality, hence the need for frequent testing. Proper chemical balance reduces the risk of waterborne diseases by preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and algae.

Pool Surroundings

Queensland legislation emphasises removing all objects that could facilitate climbing over the pool fence. These include tables, chairs, and toys. Trim nearby vegetation to maintain clear visibility for safety and supervision. You should also secure pool covers properly when not in use to mitigate the risk of accidental drowning. Maintain non-slip surfaces around the pool instead of tiles to reduce the risk of slips and falls.

Pool Access and Supervision

The pool area must be restricted when not in use, especially when young kids are present. Never leave children unsupervised, even for a moment. Appointing a pool watcher during pool parties and gatherings can help ensure everything is clear. Consider installing pool alarms to alert you of unauthorised access to the pool area, especially in households with young children.

Emergency Preparedness

Always ensure you have a well-stocked first aid kit in your pool area. Also, ensure that reaching poles, lifebuoys, and other rescue equipment are easily accessible.

How Pool Compliance Regulations Apply To Pool Owners

The Queensland Development Code (QDC) outlines regulations on swimming pools that directly
apply to Queensland pool owners. Take a look at how these regulations apply:

Legal Compliance – The law requires pool owners to adhere to the standards stipulated in the QDC. Failure to comply can attract fines, penalties, and legal action.
Safety of Pool Users – QDC regulations intend to protect the safety of anyone who gains access to the pool, especially children. This includes implementing proper gate mechanisms, pool barriers, and non-climbable zones to prevent unauthorised access and potential drowning incidents.
Maintenance – As a pool owner, you are responsible for maintaining your pool areas according to QDC standards. This includes ensuring that pool barriers are properly maintained, gates are in working order, and safety equipment, such as CPR signage, is up to date and visible.
Inspection and Certification – It is vital for pool owners to schedule regular inspections with certified pool safety inspectors to ensure QDC compliance. Upon passing inspection, pool owners usually receive a pool safety certificate to demonstrate that their pool meets the required standards. They must display this certificate prominently within the pool area.
Liability – The pool owner is responsible for any injuries or accidents on their property due to QDC non-compliance. As such, pool owners must ensure compliance to protect pool users and mitigate potential liability issues.

Familiarising yourself with the QBCC Act and the Queensland Development Code, among other relevant legislation, is the best way to guarantee ongoing compliance. Follow this pool compliance guide to ensure your pool meets all safety requirements. But remember to contact your local pool inspector for a pool safety certificate. As they say, “Better safe than sorry”.

Sources

https://www.qfcc.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-06/Child%20drownings%20factsheet.pdf

https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/your-property/swimming-pools/pool-safety-standard

https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/buying-owning-home/pool-safety

https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/your-property/swimming-pools/swimming-pool-safety-laws