Portable pools and spas can pose a serious safety risk to young children. A number of child drownings in recent years have occurred in portable pools and spas. It is therefore important to consider the safety of young children around these pools.

Portable pools and spas excluded from the new laws

Queensland's pool safety laws do not apply to portable pools or spas that:

• cannot be filled with more than 300 mm of water
• have a maximum volume of 2000 litres
• have no filtration system.

All three criteria above must be met to be excluded. Many models of portable pools sold at department stores and pool shops meet these criteria, but you should check before buying.

Portable pools and spas covered by the new laws

If your portable pool or spa can hold more than 300 mm of water, has a volume of more than 2000 litres or has a filtration system, the new laws apply to you. You will need to:

• obtain a certificate from a licensed building certifier stating that your pool complies with the pool safety standard, before filling the pool or spa with more than 300mm of water
• obtain a building approval
• register your pool or spa by 4 November 2011.

If you are selling, buying or leasing your property a pool on or after 1 December 2010, a safety certificate is required from a licensed pool safety inspector. Alternatively, the portable pool or spa can be removed.

If your portable pool is disassembled and does not hold more than 300 mm of water, it does not need to comply with the pool safety standard until it is assembled and filled with more than 300 mm of water.