Checklist·Queensland

Pool fence self-check before your inspection

Run through this checklist before your inspector arrives. Most failed inspections come down to a handful of easily fixable issues — catching them yourself saves you the cost and delay of a re-inspection.

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Items marked critical are the most common fail points
Gate self-closing, self-latching, and climbable objects within 900mm of the fence account for the majority of failed inspections in Queensland. Fix these first.
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Gates

Gate self-closes from any positionCritical

Open the gate fully, halfway, and just slightly — it must swing shut and latch every single time without help.

Gate self-latches without being pushedCritical

The latch must engage automatically as the gate closes. If you have to lift or push to latch it, it will fail.

Latch is on the pool side of the gateCritical

The release mechanism must be on the inside (pool side) and at least 1.5m from the ground, or shielded so a child cannot reach it from outside.

No gap larger than 100mm under the gate

Run your hand along the bottom — if you can fit a 100mm gap, a small child can too.

Gate opens outward away from the pool

Gates must swing away from the pool area, not into it.

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Fence panels

No gap wider than 100mm between vertical bars

Use a 100mm object to check every gap. Pay attention to corners and joins where panels meet.

No gap larger than 100mm under any panel

Check the entire perimeter — ground level changes, tree roots and settling can create gaps over time.

Fence is at least 1200mm high

Measure from finished ground level on the outside of the fence to the top of the barrier.

No horizontal rails that could be used as footholds

Horizontal rails on the outside of the fence that a child could use to climb are an automatic fail.

No damage, bent bars or loose panels

Walk the entire perimeter and check for any structural issues. Push each panel — nothing should flex or move significantly.

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Climbable objects

No furniture within 900mm of the outside of the fenceCritical

Chairs, tables, pot plants, and bins within 900mm of the fence are climbable and will fail. Move them well before the inspector arrives.

No trees or plants providing a foothold

Overhanging branches or shrubs growing close to the fence that could help a child climb will be noted.

No pool equipment within 900mm of the fence

Pumps, filter boxes and similar equipment on the outside of the fence must be at least 900mm away.

No BBQ or outdoor kitchen adjacent to the fence

Permanent fixtures close to the fence line are a common fail — check all sides.

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CPR sign

CPR sign is clearly visible at the poolCritical

A current CPR sign must be displayed in a visible location at the pool — not inside the house.

CPR sign is current and undamaged

Faded, torn or out-of-date CPR signs will fail. Replacement signs are available from most pool shops for a few dollars.

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Non-pool building as part of the barrier

No direct access from house to pool area via an unprotected door

If your house forms part of the pool barrier, any door opening directly into the pool area must be self-closing and self-latching — the same standard as a pool gate.

Windows opening into the pool area are restricted

Any window that opens into the pool area must have a child-resistant opening restrictor — windows must not open more than 100mm.

What if the inspector finds something?

If your pool doesn't pass first time, the inspector will issue a non-compliance notice listing exactly what needs to be fixed. You'll have a set period to make the repairs before a re-inspection is required.

Most fixes are straightforward — a new gate spring, moving a piece of furniture, or replacing a CPR sign. The re-inspection fee is usually lower than the initial inspection, but it's still an avoidable cost and delay — especially if you're selling.

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