General information only, not legal advice. Always check with the QBCC (Queensland) or the BPC (Victoria) before making any decision.
A pool safety inspector checks whether the barrier around a swimming pool or spa (the fence, gates, latches and anything that forms part of the barrier) meets the safety standard. The aim is simple: to stop young children getting into the pool area unsupervised. If you’re thinking about a career as an inspector, here is what the job actually involves in Queensland and Victoria.
A typical inspection
Most of an inspector’s day is spent on site. On a typical job, an inspector:
- checks the barrier against the applicable standard: fence height, gaps, climbable objects near the fence, and gates that self-close and self-latch
- records what they find, usually with a checklist and photos
- explains any problems to the owner in plain language
- issues the right certificate or notice, and keeps a record of the inspection
Inspectors work across all kinds of properties and barrier types: glass, metal and masonry fences, boundary fences, and barriers that include a wall of the house.
In Queensland: pool safety certificates and nonconformity notices
In Queensland, pool safety inspectors are licensed by the QBCC. A pool safety certificate is needed when a property with a pool is sold, bought or leased. Certificates are valid for 1 year for shared pools and 2 years for non-shared pools.
If the pool complies, the inspector issues a pool safety certificate. If it doesn’t, the inspector issues a Form 26 nonconformity notice explaining what needs to be fixed, unless either:
- the pool is reinspected within 2 days of the first inspection and found compliant, or
- the owner and inspector agree on minor repairs to be done within 20 business days of the original inspection.
After a nonconformity notice, the owner must have the pool reinspected within 3 months by the same inspector. If that doesn’t happen, the inspector must tell the local council.
In Victoria: compliance and non-compliance certificates
In Victoria, pool and spa owners must register their pool or spa with council and have the barrier inspected. Inspections can be done by a registered Building Inspector (pool safety), as well as by building surveyors and building inspectors. Owners must lodge a new certificate of barrier compliance every four years.
If the barrier complies, the inspector issues a certificate of barrier compliance, which the owner must lodge with council within 30 days of the date of issue.
If the barrier doesn’t comply, the inspector can either:
- immediately issue a certificate of barrier non-compliance, or
- give the owner a written notice saying what to fix, a deadline of no more than 60 days, and when they’ll reinspect.
After reinspection, a compliant barrier gets a certificate of barrier compliance. If it is still non-compliant, the inspector issues a certificate of barrier non-compliance, which is lodged with the council. The council’s municipal building surveyor may then issue a barrier improvement notice or take other action.
Skills that make a good inspector
- Attention to detail: a few millimetres can decide whether a gap or height complies.
- Clear communication: owners are often stressed about a sale or a fine, so plain explanations matter.
- Good record-keeping: your notes and photos support every certificate you issue.
- Professional judgement and ethics: both states expect inspectors to act independently and fairly.
Who becomes a pool safety inspector?
Many inspectors run their own business. Others add barrier inspections to an existing building, building-certification, pool or fencing business. It suits people who like working outdoors, meeting people, and doing work that keeps children safe.
How do I become one?
You’ll need the approved course for your state, then a licence (QLD) or registration (VIC):
- Queensland: the 11067NAT course, then a QBCC licence. See How to become a pool safety inspector in Queensland.
- Victoria: the VBAISP2020 course, supervised experience, then BPC registration. See How to become a pool inspector in Victoria.
Not sure which one you need? Read Pool Inspector Course: QLD vs VIC.
Planning your budget? See what it costs to become a pool safety inspector (course, licence fees and insurance).
Ready to start?
- Queensland: Book now for 11067NAT or call 07 3180 3148.
- Victoria: Book now for VBAISP2020 or call 03 7068 7899.