The inspection, item by item
Inspectors work through the barrier methodically. The standard behind all of it is AS 1926.1, applied with each state's local variations — but the core checks are the same everywhere:
The fence
- At least 1200mm high at every point, measured from the ground on the outside
- No gap greater than 100mm — under the fence, between panels, anywhere
- Vertical bars no more than 100mm apart; horizontal rails at least 900mm apart or shielded
- Panels firmly fixed — loose or leaning sections fail
The gate
- Opens outward, away from the pool
- Self-closes from any open position — including barely ajar
- Self-latches, with the latch release at least 1500mm above ground
- Never propped open (inspectors look for wear marks and props)
The surroundings
- Non-climbable zone: a 900mm arc from the top of the fence, inside and out, clear of anything a child could climb — pot plants, BBQs, retaining walls, tree branches, pool pumps
- Climbable objects moved or shielded; horizontal footholds eliminated
- Windows and doors opening into the pool area restricted or self-closing where the building forms part of the barrier
Signage
- A compliant CPR sign, visible from the pool, in good condition
The items that fail most pools
Ask any inspector: the same handful of items fail most pools. Gates that have dropped and no longer self-latch. A pot plant or chair inside the non-climbable zone. A gap scraped out under the fence by a dog or a whipper snipper. A faded CPR sign from 2009. All are cheap to fix before the inspection — and all cost you a re-inspection fee after it.
Our DIY pre-inspection checklist turns this page into a printable 20-minute walk-around. Most owners find at least two items.
How long the inspection takes
For a standard backyard pool: 30–60 minutes on site. If everything passes, many inspectors issue the certificate on the spot and lodge it electronically the same day. If something fails, you'll get a written list and a window to fix it — see what happens when a pool fails.