QLD Pool Safety Certificate (Form 23) - What You Need to Know
In Queensland, a pool safety certificate is not just a piece of paper - it is a legal requirement for selling, buying, or leasing a property with a pool. Known as Form 23, this certificate confirms that a pool met the Queensland pool safety standard at the time of inspection. This guide explains how the process works, what happens if your pool fails, and where to find a licensed inspector.
What is a pool safety certificate in Queensland?
Queensland's pool safety laws require that any pool or spa capable of holding more than 300mm of water must meet the Queensland pool safety standard. A Form 23 pool safety certificate is the document that proves it does - at least at the time of the inspection.
The certificate is issued by a licensed pool safety inspector and lodged on the QBCC (Queensland Building and Construction Commission) pool safety register. Anyone can check the register to see whether a property has a current, valid certificate.
Who can issue a pool safety certificate in QLD?
Only a pool safety inspector licensed by the QBCC can issue a Form 23. This is not something a general builder, tradesperson, or council officer can do - the inspector must hold the specific pool safety inspector licence category.
Before booking, you can verify any inspector's licence status through the QBCC website. This is worth doing - only a licensed inspector's Form 23 is legally valid.
How long is a Form 23 valid?
- Non-shared pools (a standard residential pool used only by the household): valid for 2 years
- Shared pools (serving apartment buildings, resorts, holiday parks, or other multi-tenancy settings): valid for 1 year
When do you need a pool safety certificate?
A current Form 23 is required in these situations:
- Selling a property with a pool: The certificate must be provided to the buyer before or at settlement. If no current certificate exists, the buyer has 90 days from settlement to obtain one at their own expense.
- Leasing a property with a pool: The landlord or property manager must provide a current certificate to the tenant before the tenancy begins.
- Buying a property: If there is no certificate in place at the time of purchase, the buyer takes on the obligation (and cost) of obtaining one within 90 days of settlement.
Step-by-step: how to get a Form 23
- Search the QBCC pool safety inspector register to find licensed inspectors in your area.
- Contact two or three inspectors to compare availability and pricing - there is no government-set fee, so quotes will vary.
- Book an inspection at a time that works for you. Inspectors will check your pool against the Queensland pool safety standard.
- If the pool passes: the inspector issues Form 23 and lodges it on the QBCC register. The certificate is valid from that date.
- If the pool fails: the inspector issues Form 26 (non-conformity notice) listing every item that does not comply. Arrange the necessary repairs, then book a re-inspection.
What if the pool fails? Understanding Form 26
A Form 26 non-conformity notice is not the end of the road - it is simply a list of what needs to be fixed. The document will specify exactly which aspects of the pool do not meet the standard, giving you a clear scope of work.
Once repairs are complete, contact the inspector again to arrange a re-inspection. If everything is in order, Form 23 is issued at that point.
Checking an existing certificate
If you are buying a property, or if you have lost track of your own certificate, you can search the QBCC pool safety register by property address. The register shows whether a current Form 23 exists and when it expires. If a certificate is on record, you can download a copy directly from the register at no cost.
How much does it cost?
There is no government-set fee for pool safety inspections in Queensland. Prices vary by inspector and location. Getting two or three quotes is straightforward and worthwhile - the QBCC register lists all licensed inspectors, so you can search your area and compare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Form 23 is Queensland's official pool safety certificate. It is issued by a QBCC-licensed pool safety inspector after a successful inspection and confirms that the pool met the Queensland pool safety standard at the time of the visit.
Two years for non-shared pools (standard residential pools). One year for shared pools - such as those serving apartment buildings, holiday parks, or resorts.
Yes. You must provide a valid pool safety certificate to the buyer. If no valid certificate exists at the time of sale, the buyer has 90 days from settlement to arrange and pay for the inspection themselves.
Form 26 is a non-conformity notice issued when a pool does not pass the safety inspection. It lists the specific defects that need to be fixed. Once repairs are made, the pool can be re-inspected and, if it passes, Form 23 is issued.
There is no government-set fee. Individual inspectors set their own prices, so it pays to get a few quotes. All licensed inspectors can be verified and searched through the QBCC pool safety inspector register.
Yes. Search the QBCC pool safety register by property address to see whether a valid Form 23 is on record. You can also download a copy of the certificate from the register at no cost if one has already been issued.
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