Register your pool or spa

Most pools in Queensland have been registered on the Queensland Government’s pool safety register. Failing to register your pool can result in an on the spot fine of $200 or a maximum penalty of up to $2000 if a complaint is made to your Local Government or the Department of Local Government and Planning.

The pool safety register is just one part of a range of initiatives that will help protect young people from drowning unnecessarily. You can still register your property's pool online or by ringing the Pool Safety Council on 1800 340 634.

The department has been experiencing a high volume of telephone calls, with that said we appreciate your patience at this time. If you could email your details to the Pool Safety Council on PSC@dlgp.qld.gov.au we endeavour to respond as soon as possible.

Register your pool or spa

The pool safety register includes a record of pools in Queensland, copies of pool safety certificates issued and a list of all licensed pool safety inspectors. Local governments are migrating records into the register now. You can check the register to see if your pool is already registered or not.

• Register your pool or spa
• Frequently asked questions on registering your pool or spa
• Search for a property's pool safety certificate

Standard for pool fences

Maintenance of pool fences and safety barriers is essential to reduce the number of drownings and serious immersion injuries of young children in swimming pools. Pool owners are responsible for ensuring pool barriers are maintained and damaged fencing or barriers are fixed immediately. There is now one pool safety standard, which has replaced 11 different standards. Considerations that pool owners need to be aware of are available here.

Selling or leasing a property with a pool or spa

The new pool safety laws apply to pools associated with houses, townhouses, units, hotels, motels, backpacker hostels, homestay accommodation and caravan parks (building classes 1-4 as defined under the Building Code of Australia). Different rules apply depending on whether you are buying, selling or renting a property with a pool. In response to the Queensland floods and Cyclone Yasi, the Queensland Government has announced a proposed delay to the application of the new pool safety laws for rental properties with non-shared pools.

Pools can only be registered by the public by searching for the property and entering the details in the text box provided. Refer to the links below for more information:

• Search for a property's pool safety certificate
• Register your pool or spa
• Guideline for pool owners and property agents ( 1.6 MB)

Pool safety inspections

From 1 December 2010, pool safety certificates are required when selling or leasing a property with a pool. Pool safety certificates must be obtained from a licensed pool safety inspector. Information for pool owners, pool safety inspectors and pool safety inspector course providers is available here.

• Find a licensed swimming pool safety inspector
• Apply to be licensed as a swimming pool safety inspector
• View pool safety forms.

Overview of the pool safety laws

The Queensland Government has introduced new pool safety laws aimed at further reducing the incidences of drowning and serious immersion injuries of young children in swimming pools. These laws affect new and existing pools. Pool owners have until 30 November 2015 to comply with the new pool safety laws, or earlier if they sell or lease their property before this time.

Hotels, motels and resorts and other class 3 buildings

As part of the new pool safety laws hotels, motels, resorts and other buildings providing short term accommodation are required to comply with the new pool safety standard by 1 June 2011 following a six-month phase-in period.

Under the new legislation, hotels, motels, resorts and other class 3 buildings have an option to adopt a pool safety management plan as an alternative to constructing a compliant pool barrier.

Pool safety management plans must be approved by the department. Information to assist pool owners to develop a pool safety management plan and details of how to apply for a plan are contained in the pool safety management plan guidelines.

• Pool safety management plan guideline ( 197 KB)
• Read the newsflash providing brief details of the guideline, including applicable fees
• Pool safety management safety plan application form ( 49 KB).

Requirements for CPR and warning signs

New pool safety laws require the latest cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) sign to be displayed near your pool or spa. Ensure your pool complies with the latest CPR sign requirements and more.

Information for local governments

To promote consistency of pool safety standards, local law making powers and existing local government pool safety laws are affected by the new pool safety legislation. From 1 December 2010, the new laws replace existing local government local laws and all exemptions (apart from disability exemptions) are abolished. Information for local governments is available here.

Child safety and pools

Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children aged 1 to 4 years. All swimming pool drownings are preventable. Find out how to improve your swimming pool safety.