Swimming Pool Safety
Inspections

A swimming pool safety inspection is a thorough assessment of your pool and its surrounding barriers to ensure compliance with Australian pool safety standards and regulations.

Pool inspections are mandated before rental or sale of a property with a swimming pool to ensure compliance with applicable laws. Qualified inspectors issue compliance certificates confirming pools meet all safety standards.

Certificate validity varies by state: NSW (3 years), QLD (2 years for non-shared pools), and VIC (certificates do not have a fixed expiry but must reflect current compliance at the time of sale or lease). Check your local council requirements for specific details.

Owner Inspections operates across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory.

Our inspection covers pool fencing height and gaps, gate latches and self-closing mechanisms, CPR signage, window and door access, climbable objects near the fence, and overall barrier compliance.

If your pool fails inspection, we provide a detailed report of required repairs or modifications. Once rectified, we can conduct a re-inspection to issue your compliance certificate.

Costs vary depending on your location and property type. Contact us for a tailored quote based on your specific requirements.

We aim to schedule pool inspections within a few days of your request. Contact us to arrange a convenient time.

Yes, our pool inspectors are qualified and accredited to conduct pool safety inspections and issue compliance certificates across multiple Australian states.

In most Australian states, you cannot legally sell or rent a property with a pool without a valid compliance certificate. Non-compliance can result in significant fines.

The minimum pool fence height is 1.2 metres above ground level in all Australian states. The fence must not have any gaps, holes, or openings that a young child could climb through or pass through. Specific gap requirements vary between states, but generally no gap wider than 100mm is permitted.

Yes, indoor pools are subject to the same barrier and safety requirements as outdoor pools. The room containing the pool must be separated from the rest of the dwelling by compliant barriers, including self-closing and self-latching doors. Windows providing access to the pool area must also comply with safety requirements.

A non-compliance notice is issued when a pool inspection identifies safety barriers or features that do not meet the required standards. The notice details each item that needs rectification. Property owners must address all non-compliant items before a compliance certificate can be issued.

Yes, spas and hot tubs that hold water to a depth of 300mm or more are classified as swimming pools under Australian regulations and must comply with the same barrier and safety requirements. A compliance certificate is required before selling or renting a property with a spa.

The most common failure points include gates that do not self-close or self-latch properly, fence gaps wider than 100mm, climbable objects within 900mm of the barrier, fence height below 1.2 metres, missing or incorrect CPR signage, and non-compliant window or door access to the pool area.

Yes, in most states the regulations apply to all swimming pools regardless of whether they contain water or are in use. An empty pool is still classified as a swimming pool and must have compliant barriers. Some councils may allow exemptions if the pool is permanently filled in and decommissioned.

Penalties vary by state. In NSW, fines can exceed $5,500 for individuals and $22,000 for corporations. In Queensland, fines can reach $2,875 per offence. These penalties apply when selling or renting a property without a valid compliance certificate. Ongoing non-compliance may result in additional penalties.

Yes, property owners or their representatives are welcome to attend the pool safety inspection. This allows you to see any issues firsthand and discuss rectification options with the inspector. However, your attendance is not mandatory for the inspection to proceed.

Yes, above-ground pools must comply with the same safety barrier requirements as in-ground pools. The pool wall may be counted as part of the barrier if it meets height and non-climbable surface requirements. Our inspectors assess all pool types including above-ground, in-ground, and semi-recessed pools.

A pool safety certificate confirms that your pool barriers meet the required safety standards for child protection. A pool condition report assesses the physical condition of the pool itself, including the shell, equipment, plumbing, and surfaces. Our pool inspection focuses on safety compliance and barrier assessment.