What Happens If You Fail a Pool Inspection?
If your pool doesn’t pass a safety inspection, you receive a Non-Compliance Notice (NCN) — not a fine. This document details exactly what needs to be fixed before your pool can be certified. Failing an inspection is common, and most issues are straightforward to rectify.
Here’s exactly what happens, step by step.
Step 1: You Receive a Non-Compliance Notice
Within 2 business days of the inspection, the inspector must issue a Non-Compliance Notice if the pool barrier doesn’t meet the standard. The NCN includes:
- A clear description of each non-compliance
- Photos of problem areas
- The specific requirement that isn’t being met (with reference to the relevant Australian Standard or legislation)
- Practical guidance on how to fix each issue
The NCN is registered with the Pool Safety Council, but it is not a fine — it’s simply a formal record that your pool currently doesn’t comply.
Step 2: Make the Required Repairs
Once you have the NCN, you can arrange repairs at your own pace. Our inspectors at Budget Pool Safety Inspections are happy to explain findings in detail and suggest cost-effective ways to fix non-compliances.
Common Reasons for Failing
The most frequent issues we find during Brisbane South Side and Logan inspections include:
- Gates that don’t self-close or self-latch — the most common failure point
- Fence height below 1200mm — particularly on older properties
- Non-climbable zone (NCZ) violations — items too close to the outside of the fence
- Gap under barrier or gate exceeds 100mm
- Hinge climbability — hinges wider than 10mm without safety caps
- Missing or non-compliant CPR sign
- Windows opening into pool area without security screens
Most of these are inexpensive to fix. Gate latch issues, for example, can often be resolved for under $50.
Step 3: Book a Re-Inspection
Once repairs are complete, contact us to book a re-inspection. The re-inspection fee is $99.
The re-inspection specifically checks the items that failed in the original assessment. If everything passes, the inspector issues the pool safety certificate (Form 23) within 2 business days.
From the 3rd inspection onward (if additional re-inspections are needed), the fee remains $99 per visit.
How Long Do You Have to Fix Issues?
There’s no strict legal deadline for fixing non-compliances on a private pool you’re not selling or leasing. However, if you’re in the middle of a property transaction, you’ll need the certificate before settlement — so acting quickly matters.
If you’re selling, get the inspection done early to give yourself time for repairs if needed.
If you’re leasing, the certificate must be obtained before the tenancy starts.
What If You Don’t Fix the Issues?
If your pool is a shared pool (in an apartment complex or body corporate), there are ongoing obligations and timelines. Local government pool safety officers can also issue compliance notices.
For private residential pools, the most common consequence of not fixing issues is that you can’t obtain a pool safety certificate — which means you can’t legally sell or lease without one.
Book Your Inspection Today
Whether it’s a first inspection or a re-inspection, contact Budget Pool Safety Inspections for fast, professional service across Brisbane South and Logan. We’ll get you compliant as quickly as possible.