According to the law in Queensland, a swimming pool is anything that:
- Can hold water to a depth of 30 cm or more.
- Is mainly used for activities like swimming, wading, paddling, and so on.
This also includes inflatable pools and spas.
What Isn’t a Pool?
Anything that holds water with a depth that is less than 30 cm. But also …
Fishponds
Fishponds are not classified as pools even if they hold water with a depth of 30 cm or more – with one exception. Pools that people convert into fishponds are still classified as swimming pools.
Implications for You as a Pool Owner
Whether you are surprised to be a pool owner or have known all along, there are impacts on what you must do.
You must:
- Have a pool fence that meets legal safety requirements.
- Maintain your pool fence so it continues to meet requirements.
- Keep your pool gate shut when not being used to enter or leave the pool area.
- Keep the surrounding area clear of things children could climb or use to enter the pool area without supervision.
- Get a pool safety certificate if you sell or rent your property.
What if You Rent a Property with a Pool?
Sadly, too many people drown in rental properties with a pool.
As a tenant, you must:
- Keep you pool gate shut when not being used to enter or leave the pool area.
- Keep the surrounding area clear of things children could climb or use to enter the pool area without supervision.
- Let your landlord or agent know if notice any issues.