QLD pool fence compliance rules.
The complete set of compliance rules an inspector applies to your Gold Coast pool fence. Plain English, every measurement, every common mistake.
Barrier height & gap rules.
- Minimum barrier height: 1200mm above the non-pool ground level.
- Gap below barrier: Maximum 100mm between lowest part of fence and the ground.
- Gap between vertical members: Maximum 100mm.
- Gap between horizontal members: Maximum 10mm (or members must be more than 900mm apart so a child can’t climb).
- Glass panel gaps (frameless): Maximum 100mm between adjacent panels (typically 5mm in modern installs).
Footholds & climbable zone.
Within the “non-climbable zone” (NCZ) — an arc extending 900mm horizontally from the top of the barrier — there must be no:
- Pot plants
- Garden seats / benches
- BBQs
- Bins or storage
- Garden ornaments
- Garden bed walls or retaining walls higher than 100mm
- Lower fences (e.g. veg garden fence)
- Air-conditioner external units
- Pool equipment / pumps
- Anything else that could be climbed
This is the most common compliance failure. Cleanest fix: nothing within 900mm. Period.
Gate rules (the strictest part).
- Self-closing: Gate must self-close from any open position, including a fully open 150mm position.
- Self-latching: Latch must engage on closing without manual operation. Must engage from 150mm open.
- Latch height: 1500mm AFFL minimum if accessible from pool side; 1700mm AFFL if accessible from outside the pool zone.
- Hinge clearance: If hinges are below 1500mm AFFL, no climbable zone within 900mm.
- Gate must open OUTWARD (away from pool zone).
- Compliant latch hardware: MagnaLatch (D&D), Lockwood DG, or similar approved magnetic latch. Mechanical latches must be tested and certified.
- Gate gap underneath: Same 100mm rule as fence.
Doors and windows opening into pool zone.
If a dwelling door or window opens INTO the pool zone (i.e. the pool is contained within the dwelling envelope, common in apartment buildings and some Sanctuary Cove villas):
- Doors must be self-closing and self-latching. Lockable from inside the dwelling.
- Windows must be lockable or restricted (max 100mm opening) or screened with security mesh (NOT flyscreen).
- Pool alarm may be required as backup if continuous direct access exists.
CPR signage.
- Sign visible from anywhere in the pool zone
- Sign must be the 2018 DG-006 version (NOT older 2010 or 1991 versions)
- Minimum size A4
- UV-stable plastic or aluminium
- Replace if faded or damaged
$80–$140 to replace. We include CPR signage in every install.
Free pre-inspection compliance walk-through.
$180 walkthrough — we identify everything an inspector will find. Fix before formal inspection.