Pool Safety Questions, Answered

Two years for a non-shared (standard backyard) pool, one year for shared pools such as unit complexes. The clock starts when the certificate is issued, not when you sell or lease.

Yes. Before a new lease starts, a property with a regulated pool or spa needs a current certificate. That includes holiday letting and Airbnb, which catches out plenty of Bargara hosts. Renewing an existing lease with the same tenant is treated differently to signing a new one, so if you're unsure where your situation lands, ask.

You can, by giving the buyer a formal Notice of no pool safety certificate (Form 36) before the contract is signed. The buyer then has 90 days from settlement to obtain one. In practice many sellers just get the certificate. It removes a negotiation lever, a settlement complication and a compliance risk in one hit.

It varies with pool and barrier complexity. A simple fenced backyard pool sits at the lower end, while multi-gate or building-as-barrier setups cost more. You'll get the price upfront when you book, including what a re-inspection costs if something needs fixing first.

Small stuff. A gate that's lost spring tension and no longer self-latches, pot plants or furniture inside the 900 mm non-climbable zone, sun-faded CPR signs, and garden beds built up against the fence reducing its effective height. Nearly all of it is a same-day fix. Here's the full list, or book a pre-check and catch it before the formal inspection.

Every regulated pool in Queensland must be on the state's pool safety register, and unregistered pools attract fines. It takes a minute to check online, or your inspector will check and sort registration as part of the visit.

Spas generally do. Portable and inflatable pools count once they can hold 300 mm or more of water, which is shallower than most people guess. If it holds that much, barrier rules apply.