Do you need approval to build a pool in Queensland?

Yes. Every new swimming pool in Queensland needs building approval before work starts, and that includes spas. The approval comes from a building certifier, either a private certifier or one at your local council. In most cases your pool builder arranges it for you.

Who gives building approval for a pool?

A building certifier checks the plans against the building rules and the pool safety standard, then approves the work. QBCC says you or your builder must:

• get plans and engineering specifications drawn up
• hire a private certifier, who lodges the documents with your council, or use a certifier through your council

Your certifier will tell you if you need anything more, such as an engineer’s report for a difficult site, or extra approvals. Check your contract says who is arranging the approval and who is paying for it.

When do you need extra approvals?

QBCC gives two common examples: building over a sewer line, and building in a special zone that needs town planning approval. Your certifier will check, or you can ask your council what applies to your block.

Can I build a pool over or near a sewer or water main?

Sometimes, but it needs extra checks. Pipes under your yard often belong to your water provider, such as Urban Utilities, Unitywater or your council.

Building work near sewers, water mains and stormwater drains is assessed under a state code called QDC MP 1.4. For a pool, the code generally doesn’t apply if the work is at least 3 metres from the pipe and clear of the ground the pipe depends on (the “zone of influence”).

If your pool is closer than that, the certifier checks it against the code. If it doesn’t meet the code, the application goes to the owner of the pipe, who has 20 business days to assess it and may charge a fee.

Find out where the pipes are before you choose where the pool goes. Your certifier or water provider can help. Moving a pool on the plans costs far less than moving a sewer.

Where does the pool water go?

Pool water has to go somewhere when the filter is backwashed or the pool overflows in a storm. The rules are set by your water provider and council, so they differ around Queensland.

In the Unitywater area (Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Noosa), for example, a licensed plumber can connect backwash to your private sewer drain, but Unitywater generally won’t accept overflow water into the sewer. Overflow has to go to stormwater, a tank for the garden, or a soak area your council accepts. Ask your plumber what your provider allows.

Do above-ground and portable pools need approval?

Yes, if the pool meets any of these:

• it can be filled with more than 300 mm of water
• it holds more than 2,000 litres
• it has a filter

Then it needs building approval, a certificate from a building certifier, a compliant pool fence and registration, just like an in-ground pool. Only a small paddling pool that meets none of those is exempt.

A bathroom spa isn’t treated as a pool unless it stays filled above 300 mm.

Can I build my own pool?

You can, but owner building has its own rules. You need a QBCC owner builder permit for work on your own land worth more than $11,000, and owner-builder work isn’t covered by home warranty insurance. The pool still needs building approval and certification. See owner building in Queensland.

Does a new pool have to be registered?

Yes. Every pool in Queensland must be on QBCC’s pool register. For a new pool, the certifier who signs off the finished pool sends its details to QBCC. You can search the register to check it is listed. QBCC audits properties, and owners of unregistered pools can be fined.

What comes next?

Once you have approval, the pool needs a warning sign and the right fencing while it is built, and a final certificate before you fill it. See pool fence rules while your pool is built.