Brisbane Pool House Buying Guide

If you're thinking of buying a pool house structure in Brisbane, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, almost 20% of Brisbane residents have a pool, so you'll be in good company. It's important to be aware of the local regulations and requirements for pool houses, which are considered to be an excavation or structure [...] capable of being filled with water to a depth of 300 millimetres or more. You'll need to obtain a building approval for your pool and pool fence, and ensure that it complies with the relevant safety standards and regulations. It's also a good idea to get a pre-purchase swimming pool inspection to save you from any costly repairs down the line. This will include checking the pool surface, filtration, pumps, lighting, water/chemical balance, and underground plumbing. Finally, don't forget to register your pool on the Government's pool safety register to avoid any fines.

Pool safety certificates and inspections

Pool safety is a serious issue in Australia, with many drowning deaths occurring in backyard swimming pools. To combat this, pool safety certificates and inspections are required when buying, selling, or leasing a property with a pool. These inspections ensure that the pool fencing complies with current safety legislation and standards, helping to prevent children from drowning or being seriously injured.

When buying a property with a pool, it is essential to obtain a pool safety certificate within 90 days of settlement if one is not already in place. This certificate confirms that the pool complies with the necessary safety standards. To obtain the certificate, a licensed pool safety inspector will inspect, measure, test, and take photos of the pool gates, fences, and surrounding structures. If any non-compliant issues are found, the inspector will work with the property owner to resolve them, and a re-inspection will be conducted to ensure compliance.

When selling a property with a pool, it is the seller's responsibility to provide the buyer with a copy of the current pool safety certificate before the settlement date. If a valid certificate is not available, the seller must provide the buyer with Form 36, including the settlement date. This form informs the buyer that there is no current pool safety certificate, allowing them to make an informed decision about the purchase.

Leasing a property with a pool requires a valid pool safety certificate before the lease is signed. For non-shared pools, the owner of the property must ensure compliance, while for shared pools, the owner or body corporate is responsible for obtaining the certificate. Displaying the current pool safety certificate near the main entrance or accessing the gate/door is mandatory for shared pools, with local councils imposing fines for non-compliance.

Overall, ensuring pool safety compliance is crucial when buying, selling, or leasing a property with a pool in Brisbane. Working with licensed inspectors and following the necessary standards helps create a safe environment for children and prevents accidents.

Pool proximity to the house

When deciding on the placement of a pool, it is important to consider the local regulations, the size of the yard, ground and soil conditions, sun exposure, utility lines, and privacy.

In Queensland, the pool must be at least 1 metre away from the property boundary and 3 metres away from the house walls. This is to protect electrical wiring inside the home from water exposure. Additionally, each builder has a different tolerance measurement, known as the "zone of influence", which is stated in their building approval and engineering.

It is also important to consider the height of the pool. Taller pools that are closer to the house can cause a greater risk of debris and water damage. Therefore, it is recommended to place the pool at least 10 feet away from any structure, including the house, to allow room for maintenance and repairs.

Furthermore, the size of the pool will affect how close it can be to the house. Larger pools require more space, and local building codes may dictate specific distances from the home based on the pool size.

When deciding on the placement of a pool, it is crucial to consult with local authorities and consider safety, privacy, and potential water damage to comply with regulations and ensure a pleasant swimming experience.

Pool fencing requirements

Pool fencing is a crucial aspect of pool safety and is required by law in Australia. The specific regulations regarding pool fencing vary from state to state and are subject to frequent updates. Therefore, it is essential to consult the relevant state authorities or a licensed builder or pool fence installer to ensure compliance with the most current standards. Here is a summary of the key requirements for pool fencing in Brisbane, Queensland:

• Minimum Height: The pool fence must be at least 1200 mm (1.2 m) high, measured from the finished ground level. This height requirement is crucial to prevent young children from climbing over and gaining unsupervised access to the pool area.
• Gap Restrictions: Any gaps in the fencing must be less than 100 mm to prevent children from squeezing through. Additionally, if the fence has vertical bars, the spacing between them should not exceed 100 mm, while horizontal bars should be at least 900 mm apart to prevent climbing.
• Boundary Fence as Pool Fence: If a boundary fence is used as a pool barrier, it must be at least 1800 mm in height. The vertical members of such a fence should be no more than 100 mm apart, and horizontal members should be spaced at least 900 mm apart.
• Self-Closing and Self-Latching Gates: Pool gates must be self-closing and swing outwards, away from the pool area. This ensures that the gate automatically returns to the closed and latched position, providing an additional layer of safety.
• Gate Latches: The latching mechanism of the gate must be mounted on the pool side and positioned at least 1500 mm off the ground. This height requirement ensures that young children cannot reach and accidentally open the latch.
• Non-Climbable Zone: It is essential to maintain a 'non-climbable zone' around the pool fence. Any objects that could be potential handholds or footholds, such as trees, shrubs, barbecues, toys, or furniture, must be at least 900 mm away from the top of the fence. This zone is measured in an arc shape, extending 300 mm inside the pool area, and should be free of any climbable items.
• Warning Signs: Appropriate and clear warning signs, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) signs, must be displayed near the pool. These signs provide crucial information in case of emergencies and help ensure the safety of pool users.
• Fence Maintenance: Pool fence maintenance is vital to ensure the fence remains in good condition. All fence bolts, screws, and fasteners should be checked regularly and kept tight and in good order. Self-closing gate hinges, locks, and latches should be lubricated with oil or silicone to ensure proper functioning.

Pool builder considerations

There are a few things you should consider when selecting a pool builder. Firstly, it is always good to ask family and friends who have pools for recommendations. Find out if the company they hired was easy to contact, if their crew was clean and courteous, and if there were any surprises or issues. Obtaining three or four bids from comparable companies is also a good idea. During their presentations, take notes, ask questions, and choose the company that makes you feel the most comfortable. It is also important to know your budget and what you are willing to spend, as this will help you select companies that are within your price range.

When choosing a pool builder, it is crucial to find one that understands your lifestyle and can propose the ideal pool design for you. For example, if you have children, you may want a pool with more area in the shallow end and safety features. If you entertain often, you might prefer a larger pool and deck area with features like a large grill and built-in audio. If you like to cook, consider a builder that can incorporate an outdoor grilling area or kitchen.

In addition to lifestyle considerations, you should also think about the aesthetics you want for your pool and backyard space. Do you prefer a rustic, classic, or modern look? Are you interested in the latest technology and innovations? Choose a pool builder that can not only ask you about your preferences but also make your wishes a reality. If you are seeking a custom design, ask potential contractors about their experience with unique projects.

Finally, select a pool builder who will be your long-term partner and stand behind their work. The best pool builders are full-service companies that can repair and replace equipment, expand and remodel pools, and offer maintenance services. They should be there for you throughout the life of your pool, not just during the building process.

Pool maintenance

Understanding Your Pool

Knowing the basic parts of your pool and their functions is crucial for effective maintenance. Familiarise yourself with the key components, such as the water, pool liner, filter system, skimmers, and returns. Understanding how these parts work together will help you keep your pool running smoothly and make troubleshooting easier.

Circulation

Good water circulation is essential for healthy and safe swimming. Keep your pump and filter system running daily to maximise circulation and prevent issues like cloudy water or algae infestation. Aim to run your filter for at least 10 to 12 hours a day, and consider investing in a variable speed pool pump to save energy and money. Don't forget to backwash your filter regularly by reversing the flow of water to remove built-up contaminants.

Cleaning

Establish a regular cleaning routine for your pool. Skim, brush, and vacuum your pool at least once a week to remove debris, scrub away algae and mould, and keep the water sparkling clean. Use a net or leaf rake to remove large debris from the surface, and consider investing in an automatic pool cleaner to reduce manual cleaning time.

Chemistry

Balancing the chemistry of your pool water is crucial for maintaining water quality and preventing issues like cloudy water or bacterial growth. Test your water chemistry 1-2 times per week using a reliable testing kit. Pay close attention to pH levels, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels (chlorine, bromine, etc.). Adjust chemical levels as needed and consider "shocking" your pool by overloading it with sanitizer every week or two, especially after heavy use or inclement weather.

Maintenance Schedule

Create a maintenance schedule to stay organised and ensure important tasks don't slip through the cracks. Write down your maintenance tasks and tape the schedule somewhere visible, such as near your swimming pool. Share the workload with other household members, if possible.

Vacation Pool Maintenance

If you're going on vacation, enlist the help of a neighbour or friend who owns a pool to check on it regularly. Provide them with a simple checklist, including tasks such as emptying the skimmer basket, skimming the surface, checking filter pressure, and testing the water. Alternatively, invest in a pool pump timer to run the pump while you're away.

Frequently asked questions