Queensland Pool Safety Information

Need a pool safety certificate or help fixing a Form 26 notice? iPoolCert helps Queensland pool owners, landlords and agents understand the process, organise inspections and sort out common barrier issues with less delay and less guesswork.

This page explains what Form 23 and Form 26 mean, the pool barrier problems inspectors commonly find, and what to do next if you need to sell, lease or bring your pool area back into compliance.

The System

Form 23 means compliant. Form 26 means repairs are needed.

Queensland uses one statewide pool safety system. If your pool barrier meets the standard, you receive a Form 23 certificate. If it does not, you receive a Form 26 notice listing the items that must be corrected before re-inspection.

Navigating these requirements can be complex, especially with varying property types. Our team ensures that every repair is carried out to the exact specifications required by the QBCC.

Pool safety inspector checking a fence height in Queensland
Close-up of a compliant self-closing pool gate latch

Form 23 is the Pool Safety Certificate issued by a licensed inspector when a pool complies with safety standards, confirming that barriers, gates, and non-climbable zones meet legal requirements. Once issued, the certificate is valid for 2 years for rental or shared properties and indefinitely for owner-occupied homes (unless the property is sold or leased).

In contrast, Form 26 is a Nonconformity Notice issued when a pool fails inspection, outlining defects and required corrective actions. The notice lists the problems that must be addressed, such as gaps in fencing, faulty gates, or climbable objects near the barrier. The property owner then has 90 days to repair the issues and arrange a re-inspection. If the pool passes the second inspection, the inspector issues the Form 23 certificate, confirming the pool barrier is now compliant and safe.

To obtain a Form 23, a licensed Pool Safety Inspector (registered with the QBCC) must inspect the pool and verify the following: Fencing: Minimum 1.2 metres high from the finished ground level. Non-climbable Zones (NCZ): A 900mm radius around the fence and a 300mm space inside must be clear of potential climbable objects (trees, chairs, shrubs).

Gaps: Gaps under the fence must not exceed 100mm. Gates: Must be self-closing and self-latching from any position, with the latch at least 1.5 metres high. No Direct Access: No doors from the house can open directly into the pool area (unless exemptions apply). Signage: An up-to-date CPR sign must be displayed, visible, and attached near the pool.

Properly installed pool safety barrier showing non-climbable zone
Compliant metal pool fencing in a garden setting

The Issues

  • Clearance from climbable objects
  • Window compliance to pool area
  • Minimum 1.2m barrier height
  • Ground clearance (max 100mm)
  • Shielding for louvres or slats
  • NCZ (Non-climbable zone) 900mm radius
  • CPR sign presence and condition
  • Height of pool fence
  • Boundary fence compliance
  • Gate swing direction
  • Access from house to pool
  • Gate self-latching function
  • Condition of pool barrier
  • Gaps in and under barrier
  • Gate self-closing function
  • Latch and hinge positioning
  • Non-climbable zone compliance
  • Nearby trees and vegetation
  • Climbable objects near fence
  • Overall structural integrity

Contact us now

Call iPoolCert and take the stress out of pool compliance

  1. Don't worry about pool compliance. We handle inspections, repairs and fixes quickly, so you can relax knowing your pool is safe, compliant, and ready to enjoy.
  2. Tell us what you need. Submit your details and add any notes or supporting files.