FAQs

“Building Codes Queensland has released Building and Plumbing Newsflash 524 to advise of a consultation process on the proposal to reduce red tape for pools in Class 2,3 & 4 buildings.  The consultation period will end on 23 August.

The Building Regulation 2006 prescribes minor repairs and other work that can be performed by a PSI or a pool owner as self-assessable work (without a building development approval) and certified by a PSI.  In July 2012, the Regulation was amended to permit certain owners of houses and town-houses (class 1a buildings) with existing, non-shared pools to construct, repair, replace or alter the pool fence without making a building development application, provided they engage a PSI before work starts and ensure a PSI inspects the work within three months.

It is proposed to expand the Regulation amendments to include barriers for existing pools associated with classes 2, 3 and 4 buildings, for example residential unit complexes, motels or hotels.

It is proposed to restrict the work to barriers that serve no structural function other than as a pool barrier.  For example, if a fence’s only function, apart from a barrier restricting access to the pool, is to create a dividing fence between two lots, then work on this fence would be self-assessable.  However, work on a balustrade, where there are additional considerations such as the impact of wind and other forces, would be excluded (and require a building development application).  This recognises that PSI’s receive training in assessing compliance with the pool safety standard and only nominal training in other aspects of the building codes.

Subject to the ‘structural function’ restriction, it is proposed to permit this work to be done without a building development application, provided (similar with the requirements for class 1a building owners):

• a PSI is engaged before work starts
• if the pool is non-compliant before work starts, a nonconformity notice is obtained before work is started, stating what needs to be done to make the fence comply
• the work is inspected by a PSI within three months of the original engagement.”

Adrian Hart, SPASA Q

Pool fences are legal requirements in Queensland

If you are living in Queensland and you have a pool in your backyard, it is a legal requirement to install a fence around it that meets the regulations. It will be your responsibility as a pool owner, to protect people from drowning in your pool. Even if you believe that a fence is unsightly or unnecessary, you are required to have one by law.

Arrange an inspection

Talk to a pool fencing professional about the fence that you are required to have around your pool. A consultation with an industry expert will ensure that you are making the right decision the first time, and that you are actually choosing and installing a fence that meets the legal requirements and that will keep the people who enter your property safe. A pool fencing professional can also advise you about the different fences on the market, and the features and benefits that they can offer your family.

Remember repairs

If you are installing a new fence, remember that at some stage it will need repairs. You may need to inspect it regularly, or employ a professional to do so for you. Repairs will be important to ensure that your fence is functioning correctly as a safety feature around your pool. A damaged fence may not seem like a huge problem, but it will be if it causes a person to drown. Stay on top of your fence inspections, maintenance and repairs.

Everyone knows about the lifestyle benefits of a backyard pool. What isn’t spoken about as often though is the serious side to having a swimming pool, and an owner’s responsibilities for installing and maintaining their backyard pool. While it may not be as exciting as selling the ‘fun in the sun’ benefits of a swimming pool, swimming pool safety is a major concern with drowning in Australia being the major cause of accidental death for children under 5 – most of them occurring in home pools. In today’s article we give our verdict on pool safety devices like pool fencing, gate alarms, floatation devices and other swimming pool safety devices and give some considerations to make when developing a safety strategy for your backyard pool.

Pool fences are by far the most effective safety device around pools since if installed and maintained, they completely restrict access to the pool area to prevent unsupervised use. For pool fencing to be effective it must be a reasonable height, and in good condition. It should also be clear from surrounding objects that could act as leverage to climb into the pool area. Pool fencing is a minimum legal requirement that has been implemented to promote safety around backyard pools.

In a word:  Yes.  All different pool safety devices serve different purposes and can be used to take a multi-layered approach to pool safety. In most cases however they shouldn’t be used in isolation, but when combined with other safety practices provide a holistic safety approach to safety. Floatation devices, wrist bands, pool covers and gate alarms are all popular pool safety devices that provide protection, but it’s important to keep in mind each devices limitation such as flat batteries, and that they should never be used as a substitute for active supervision.

To be blunt, No. Accidental drowning’s still can occur in wading and inflatable pools due to less supervision because of a perceived lack of risk due to the shallower water. Any body of water should be treated with caution around young children and the same principles of active supervision and access restriction should still apply no matter the type of pool.  Wading pools should always be drained when not in use and those that exceed 300mm in depth should also be fenced like any other pool.

The latest annual Royal Life Saving National Report doesn’t paint a pretty picture with drowning incidents relating to backyard pools remaining alarmingly high, indicating the need for many household to reconsider their approach to pool safety.  Safety devices and smart practices around pool have been proven to save lives and – so don’t become another statistic – make safeguarding you’re pool a priority today with the help of Robson’s Pool Safety Inspections. We can bring your pool up to safety compliance and provide safe, effective and aesthetic pool fencing solutions for your Ipswich and Brisbane home. Call us today on (07) 3823 5520.

Having a pool to swim and cool down during summer is a fantastic thing; hot days become the perfect excuse to just relax and enjoy the swimming pool with friends and family. However there are some aspects you need to make sure you have covered, like complying with the new pool fencing regulations. If your pool area doesn’t or you are considering installing a new pool fence, here at Robson’s Pool Safety Inspection, we can take care of the inspection and installation of different types of pool fencing such as glass pool fencing Brisbane, aluminium fencing and timber fencing.

Choosing a swimming pool fence that looks great in your house and also meets the fencing regulations can be a hard sometimes. If you would like to install a fence that gives a great sense of space and looks elegant, then we recommend you choose glass pool fencing.

Glass pool fencing, unlike other type of fences, is exceptionally durable and our range of glass fencing is made from grade A toughened glass, which means they will not only look great but they are safe and long-lasting. Furthermore you can choose if you would like it installed on concrete, paving, decking or in-ground. We also offer our customer the option of semi-frameless or frameless designs.

If you have any specific requirements or have a design in mind, the glass can be cut to suit your needs and even mix glass with aluminium or timber!

We are very passionate about our job and pride ourselves for our quality materials and outstanding services. If you would like us to come to your house and inspect the facilities as well as help you install a fantastic and reliable glass pool fencing Brisbane, then visit our website and make an enquiry or call us at 07 3376 7895!

To continue to maintain a high standard of understanding of the legislation and professional development, I am part of SPASA. SPASA is a vital part of pool safety. Have a look at their web site for more information. http://www.spasa.com.au/index.htm

Yes: The Government has introduced new laws which tighten up the rules for pool compliance. There are different time frames to which you have to have your certificate of compliance by.

• For a private pool, the date is 30th November 2015 to get the pool safety certificate.
• Also if you rent or lease your private property a certificate will have to be in place by 8th July 2011.
• For a shared pool, the date is very close and has to be compliant by the 31st may 2011.
• Registration for a pool has been moved by 6 months from the government to 4th November. (fines up to $2000 can apply)

There are special forms (form 36 or form 37) if these dates can not be met by to provide the new tenants or new owners that there is no pool safety certificate. This should be avoided as there are fines up to $16,500 if the dates are not met. There is a 90 day limit for example a private property been sold without a pool safety certificate to get the pool compliant. I am here to help anyone reach that compliance.

Government pool safety certificates are valid for 2 years for a private pool and 1 year for a shared pool. All pools must be compliant by the 30th November 2015. Certificates are only needed when you are selling or leasing your property - or if you are changing your existing pool fencing.

Please contact us if you have questions or would like to book an inspection now. 

Please note: some travel charges may be applicable pending your location.

Great tips on what to look for before a pool safety inspection, check out our Youtube video below.

Hi, today we are going to show you a couple of things we look over into pool safety inspection on a gate. Here’s the pool with a gate that’s going to be self closing and self latching. Now, once the gate is open, it is going to close by itself.

Another thing we look for is when we open the gate right up, it does not catch on some things like grass, rock or other objects.

Another thing we test for is if a child wants to jump on the gate, it still closes quickly afterwards.
And then we test to make sure that after baring a child’s weight it always clicks to close afterwards. I hope this helps and if you have any questions, let me know.

What we do at Robson’s is try to be a one stop shop. We carry out the pool safety inspections and can do the repairs to any issues we find. We can also do complete new fence installations. We have partnerships with a lot of other trades that we use from Glass work, builders, concreter’s, pool cleaners and pump repairs, building and pest inspections, landscapers etc.  Basically if you choose you won’t have to look far for help, we have it covered.

Our prices start from $150 for an inspection including GST for a swimming pool and we can do it cheaper for some spas.

If you ever have any questions, we are always happy to help.

In 2011/12 there were 21 drowning deaths in Australia for children aged 0 to 4 years of age. The Royal Life Saving Society National Drowning Report reveals that falls into water were the most common cause of drowning deaths in children under the age of 5 years and that 38% of these deaths occurred in swimming pools.

Pool fences are by far the most effective safety device around pools since if installed and maintained, they completely restrict access to the pool area to prevent unsupervised use. For pool fencing to be effective it must be a reasonable height, and in good condition. It should also be clear from surrounding objects that could act as leverage to climb into the pool area. Pool fencing is a minimum legal requirement that has been implemented to promote safety around backyard pools.

Are you considering a pool fence? This is essential for keeping your family safe, and also pets and visitors to your property. Getting in the water is wonderful, especially if it is summer and you have your own pool in your backyard, but remember to keep everything safe.

Pools should be enjoyed, and the installation of a pool fence will allow you to swim and relax while remaining stress free. Talk to us at Robson’s Pool Safety, for all of your pool fencing needs

On the spot repairs at the time of inspection. Quality of service and repairs that we provide means that we can often save you on repeated re-inspection costs. 

Print off PDF checklist, check your site, send photos to get free advice on need for inspections or further repairs

Click Here For Print Friendly Pre-Inspection Checklist

If you would like to email us photos of your pool to receive free advice click here!