Queensland has some of the strictest pool fencing laws in Australia — and for good reason. Drowning is a leading cause of death for children under five. If you own a pool in Brisbane or Gold Coast, here's what you need to know.
Key Requirements
Under the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) rules, all swimming pools and spas that can hold more than 300mm of water must have a compliant barrier.
Height: Minimum 1200mm from finished ground level. Gap restrictions: No gap greater than 100mm at any point. This includes the gap under the fence. Non-climbable zone: A 900mm non-climbable zone on the outside of the fence. No objects (pot plants, furniture, retaining walls) within this zone. Gate requirements: Self-closing and self-latching. The latch must be at least 1500mm from the ground and on the pool side of the gate.
What Materials Are Allowed?
- Frameless glass (12mm toughened safety glass)
- Semi-frameless glass with aluminium posts
- Aluminium tubular fencing
- Steel fencing
- Certain types of timber fencing (with specific spacing requirements)
Important: Wire balustrades are NOT compliant for pool fencing in Queensland.
Inspections
Queensland pool owners must have their pool fencing inspected and certified. If you sell or lease your property, a current pool safety certificate is required. Certificates are valid for 1 year (Form 23 — shared pools) or 2 years (Form 23 — non-shared).
Common Compliance Issues
The most common reasons pool fences fail inspection:
- Objects within the 900mm non-climbable zone
- Gate not self-closing or self-latching properly
- Gaps greater than 100mm (often due to ground erosion)
- Fence height reduced by raised garden beds or retaining walls
- Damaged or cracked glass panels
We Can Help
At Gazy & Co, we install fully compliant pool fencing across Brisbane and Gold Coast. We know the regulations inside and out and guarantee our installations will pass inspection. Call +61 411 672 385 for a free quote.