Pool safety certificate in Queensland
If you are buying, selling or leasing a property with a pool, you need a pool safety certificate. Here is how it works, as set out by the QBCC.
When you need one
According to the QBCC, if you are buying, selling or leasing a property with a pool, you must get a pool safety certificate if there is not a current one in place. Certificates are issued by pool safety inspectors.
How long a certificate lasts
| Pool type | Certificate valid for |
|---|---|
| Non-shared pool | 2 years |
| Shared pool | 1 year |
Selling
Give the buyer a copy of the certificate before settlement. If there is no certificate, lodge a Form 36 (notice of no pool safety certificate) with the QBCC and give the buyer a copy before settlement.
The QBCC says a buyer who buys without a certificate must get one within 90 days of settlement. If the property is sold at auction without a current certificate, the owner or agent must give prospective buyers a Form 36 before they enter a contract of sale.
Leasing
For a non-shared pool, the lessor must not enter an accommodation agreement unless a pool safety certificate is in effect.
A Form 36 is not an exemption
The QBCC states that a Form 36 is not an exemption from complying with the requirements of the pool safety standard. Lodging one tells the buyer there is no certificate. It does not make the fence compliant.
What the inspection decides
The inspector checks whether the pool complies with the pool safety standard. If it does, they can issue a certificate. If not, they issue a non-conformity notice. A certificate confirms the pool complied at the time it was checked. See what to do after a Form 26 notice.
If the fence needs replacing before it can pass, glass options are explained here and you can ask for a quote.
Common questions
How long is a Queensland pool safety certificate valid?
The QBCC says certificates are valid for 2 years for non-shared pools and 1 year for shared pools.
What is a Form 36?
A Form 36 is the notice of no pool safety certificate. A seller lodges it with the QBCC and gives a copy to the buyer before settlement when there is no current certificate.
How long does a buyer have to get a pool safety certificate?
The QBCC says a buyer who buys without a certificate must get one within 90 days of settlement.
Can I lease a property with a pool without a certificate?
For a non-shared pool, the QBCC says the lessor must not enter an accommodation agreement unless a pool safety certificate is in effect.
General information only. Rules and forms can change. Confirm the current requirements and the exact process for your sale or lease with the QBCC or a licensed pool safety inspector.