Pool Fencing Compliance on the Sunshine Coast
A plain-English guide to Queensland pool safety regulations for glass pool fencing on the Sunshine Coast — heights, gaps, gates, Form 15 and Form 23 explained.
Get Instant PricingQueensland pool safety standards, in plain English
Every pool in Queensland must be surrounded by a compliant barrier under the Queensland Development Code MP 3.4 and AS 1926.1. These are the rules that decide whether a glass pool fence passes inspection.
Minimum barrier height: 1200mm
Every point of the pool barrier must be at least 1200mm high, measured from the finished ground level on the outside of the fence.
Maximum gap under the panel: 100mm
The gap between the bottom of a glass panel and the ground (or the top of a spigot base) can be no more than 100mm.
Maximum gap between panels: 100mm
Vertical gaps between adjoining glass panels must not exceed 100mm anywhere along the barrier.
The 900mm non-climbable zone
Measured from the top of the barrier inwards and downwards, a 900mm arc must be free of anything a child could climb — taps, pumps, pot plants, retaining walls, BBQs and furniture included.
The 300mm outside zone
On the outside of the barrier, the area 300mm below the top rail must be clear of horizontal climbable surfaces.
Gates must self-close and self-latch
Gates must swing outwards away from the pool, self-close from any open position, and self-latch. The release must sit at least 1500mm above ground or be shielded.
Glass must be certified safety glass
Panels must be toughened safety glass to AS/NZS 2208, typically 12mm for frameless fencing, with hardware rated for the wind and load conditions of the site.
Boundary and building walls
Where a wall forms part of the barrier, windows and doors opening into the pool area have their own restrictions. Speak to a pool safety inspector before relying on a wall.
Form 15 and Form 23 explained
These two forms cause more confusion than anything else in the process. Here is what each one actually does.
Certificate of Compliance for Building Design or Specification
Form 15 is issued by a competent person for the design and materials used in the barrier — for glass fencing this typically covers the glass, spigots and fixings, confirming they meet the relevant Australian Standards. Your builder or certifier will ask for it when the fence forms part of a wider building approval.
Pool Safety Certificate
Form 23 is the pool safety certificate issued by a licensed QLD pool safety inspector after they inspect the completed barrier and find it compliant. It is valid for two years for a non-shared pool and one year for a shared pool, and it is required when you sell or lease a property with a pool.
Your pre-inspection checklist
Walk the barrier with this list before an inspector arrives. If every line ticks, you are in good shape.
- Barrier is at least 1200mm high at every point
- No gap under the panels larger than 100mm
- No gap between panels larger than 100mm
- Nothing climbable within the 900mm non-climbable zone
- Gate swings outwards, self-closes and self-latches from any position
- Latch release at least 1500mm above ground level
- Glass is certified toughened safety glass to AS/NZS 2208
- Spigots and fixings are correctly installed into adequate substrate
- CPR sign is displayed and readable from within the pool area
- Pool is registered on the QLD Pool Safety Register
This guide is general information only. Compliance is confirmed by a licensed Queensland pool safety inspector for your specific pool.
Frequently asked questions
Does glass pool fencing meet Queensland pool safety standards?
Yes. Frameless and semi-frameless glass pool fencing is fully compliant when it is installed to the same rules as any other barrier — 1200mm minimum height, 100mm maximum gaps, a clear 900mm non-climbable zone, and compliant self-closing, self-latching gates.
Do I need a Form 23 pool safety certificate?
You need a current Form 23 pool safety certificate when you sell or lease a property with a pool. Many owners also request one after a new fence is installed for peace of mind.
Who issues the pool safety certificate on the Sunshine Coast?
A licensed QLD pool safety inspector inspects the completed barrier and issues the Form 23. Glass Safe installs to the standard so the inspection is a formality, but the certificate itself must come from a licensed inspector.
How much clearance do I need around the fence?
Keep the 900mm arc inside the barrier free of anything climbable, and keep the 300mm band below the top of the barrier clear on the outside. That includes pot plants, pumps, retaining walls and outdoor furniture.
Want a fence that passes first time?
Glass Safe installs frameless glass pool fencing across the Sunshine Coast to the Queensland standard, backed by a lifetime workmanship guarantee.