What is a Pool Safety Certificate and why do I need one?

A Pool Safety Certificate confirms that your pool and spa barriers comply with Australian Standards and State Regulations. It’s required when selling, leasing, or building a property with a pool in QLD, NSW, or VIC.

How long does a pool safety inspection take?

A pool safety inspection typically takes 30–45 minutes. If your pool is compliant, you'll receive your certificate the same day from your licensed pool safety inspector.

What happens if my pool fails the inspection?

If your pool fails inspection, you'll receive a Form 26 Non-Conformity Notice in QLD or a Certificate of Non-Compliance in NSW. You'll be given a set timeframe to fix issues and book a reinspection.

Can I still sell my home if my pool isn’t compliant?

Yes, in Queensland and New South Wales you can sell your home with a Non-Conformity or Non-Compliance Certificate, provided the buyer agrees to obtain a Pool Safety Certificate within 90 days after settlement.

Do Pool Safety Solutions offer repairs or rectification services?

Yes, Pool Safety Solutions can connect you with licensed builders and repairers for pool fence repairs, gate adjustments, and barrier rectifications to help you achieve pool safety compliance quickly.

Free Pool Safety Checklist

Learn how to keep your pool safe this summer with simple checks that reduce risk, protect children, and help prevent pool accidents during the holidays.

Summer in Australia means pool days, Christmas gatherings, and kids spending more time in the water. It is also the time of year when pool accidents are most likely to happen. Most incidents occur quickly and are caused by small, preventable issues. Knowing how to keep your pool safe this summer helps protect your family, guests, and gives you peace of mind throughout the holiday season.

7 Simple Ways to Keep Your Pool Safe This Summer

1. Check your pool fence height and gaps
Walk around your pool and make sure the fence is at least 1200 mm high with no gaps wider than 100 mm. Even small gaps can create serious safety risks.

2. Test that your gate self closes and opens outward
Open the gate fully and let it go. It should close and latch on its own every time without help. If it sticks or needs a push, it needs fixing.

3. Remove climbable items near the fence
Move furniture, pot plants, pool toys, and bins away from the fence line. Anything within reach can help a child climb over.

4. Make sure your CPR sign is visible and readable
Check your CPR sign is installed near the pool and is clean, clear and easy to read. Faded or missing signs reduce safety during emergencies.

5. Check your pool water and equipment
Ensure the water is clear and balanced. Check the skimmer box lid is secure and the pump and filter are working properly.

6. Fix broken tiles and sharp edges straight away
Cracked tiles, sharp edges, or loose coping can cause injuries. Repair these issues as soon as you spot them.

7. Never assume someone else is watching the kids
Always actively supervise children around the pool. During gatherings, distractions increase. Assign a responsible adult and avoid assumptions.

Why Pool Safety Is Critical in Summer

During summer, children are around pools more often and adults are more distracted. Backyard gatherings, parties, and busy households increase the chance of something being missed. Many drownings occur when a gate fails to close properly or when supervision drops for just a moment. Pool safety is not about one big fix. It is about checking the basics and creating multiple layers of protection.

What Pool Safety Really Means

Keeping your pool safe means more than having a fence. It includes ensuring gates self close and latch correctly, removing climbable objects near the fence, keeping signage visible, and making sure water and equipment are in good condition. It also means actively supervising children at all times, especially when guests are present and routines change.

How to Keep Your Pool Safe This Summer

Start by walking around your pool area and checking the fence height and gaps. Make sure gates open outward and self close every time without help. Remove furniture, pot plants, or toys that could help a child climb over the fence. Check that your CPR sign is installed and easy to read. Look at your water clarity, skimmer box lid, pump, and filter to ensure everything is working properly. Repair broken tiles or sharp edges immediately. Most importantly, never assume someone else is watching the children.

What Else Pool Owners Should Do

Share safety responsibility with everyone who uses the pool. Talk to family members and guests about keeping gates closed and supervising children. If you rent out your property or host visitors, provide clear safety expectations. Use the same safety checks every summer so issues are caught early and fixed before they become serious problems.

Download our Free Safe Summer Pool Checklist

To make pool safety easier, we have created a free one page Safe Summer Pool Checklist. It helps you quickly check the most common risk areas and prepare your pool for the holidays.

Double tap the image below and save directly to your phone.

Or hit Download Now to save to your files and use as a real-time fillable checklist.