Frequently asked questions

In most cases yes. In NSW you must attach a certificate of compliance, a certificate of non-compliance, or a relevant occupation certificate to the contract of sale, plus proof the pool is registered. In QLD you provide a pool safety certificate (Form 23), or for a non-shared pool give the buyer a prescribed notice and let them certify within 90 days of settlement.

Source: NSW Government owner obligations; Queensland Government and QBCC pool safety.

They are the same idea with different names. NSW calls it a certificate of compliance; Queensland calls it a pool safety certificate, or Form 23. The issuer, the register, and the expiry period also differ by state, so always follow the rules for the state the pool is in.

In NSW a certificate of compliance is valid for three years. In QLD a pool safety certificate lasts two years for a non-shared pool and one year for a shared pool. If you change the barrier during that time, a new inspection may be needed.

Source: NSW Government Swimming Pool Register; QBCC pool safety.

In NSW, a local council officer or a private certifier accredited by NSW Fair Trading (an E1 certifier). In QLD, only a pool safety inspector licensed by the QBCC. Check the person's accreditation on the relevant official register before you book.

In NSW, yes, provided a certificate of non-compliance is attached to the contract; the buyer then has 90 days after settlement to fix the listed defects. The exception is a pool that is a risk to public safety, which must be fixed before sale. In QLD, a non-shared pool can be sold without a current certificate if the buyer is given the prescribed notice before settlement.

Source: NSW Government owner obligations; QBCC pool safety.

The barrier. Fence height of at least 1.2m, no gaps over 100mm under or through the fence, gates that self-close and self-latch and open away from the pool, a clear non-climbable zone with nothing to give a child a foothold, and a current CPR sign.

Source: NSW Government pool safety; QBCC guide to pool safety for homeowners.

Gate hardware that does not self-close or latch reliably, gaps under or through the fence, and climbable objects such as pot plants, furniture, or the pool pump left inside the non-climbable zone. Most fails are small and cheap to fix before a reinspection.

Yes in the states covered here. In NSW you self-register on the NSW Swimming Pool Register, and evidence of registration must be attached to a contract of sale. In QLD, certified pools are recorded on the pool safety register through the QBCC. Registration is free or low cost and is best done well before a sale.

Source: NSW Government Swimming Pool Register; QBCC pool register.

A first inspection commonly runs between about $150 and $300, and a reinspection often between about $80 and $150, varying by state, council, inspector, and travel. Treat these as typical ranges and get a written quote for your property.

Yes. Requesting a quote is free and there is no obligation. Your details are only used to connect you with an accredited inspector or certifier serving your area.