What is a Form 23? 📋
Your Form 23 is your official Pool Safety Certificate in Queensland. Here's everything you need to know — in plain English.
The Short Answer 💡
A Form 23 is the official Pool Safety Certificate under Queensland's Building Act 1975. It confirms that your pool's barrier (fence, gates, latches, windows, doors) complied with the pool safety standard at the time of inspection.
It's issued by a QBCC-licensed pool safety inspector — not the government, not council, not a builder. The certificate is recorded on the QBCC's regulated pools register and can be looked up or reprinted at any time.
Think of it like a roadworthy for your pool fence. It says "at this point in time, this barrier met the safety standard." It doesn't guarantee future compliance — that's the pool owner's ongoing responsibility.
Certificate Validity ⏰
Non-Shared (Residential) Pool
Valid for 2 Years
A pool at a private residential property — your typical backyard pool. The certificate is valid for 2 years from the date of issue.
Shared Pool
Valid for 1 Year
A pool shared between multiple dwellings — such as townhouses, apartments or units. The certificate is valid for 1 year and must be displayed near the main entrance or pool gate.
When Do You Need a Form 23? 🤔
Pool safety is the law — your barrier must comply at all times. A current Form 23 is required when you sell or lease, and getting one every 2 years is the smartest way to prove your pool is still safe for kids and visitors. 🚸
Selling a Property 🏠
You can sell with or without a certificate. If you sell without one, you must lodge a Form 36 (Notice of No Pool Safety Certificate) and the buyer has 90 days from settlement to obtain one.
Leasing a Property 🔑
A valid pool safety certificate is required before a property with a pool can be leased. Unlike selling, there is no option to lease without one.
Buying a Property 🔎
If you're buying a home with a pool, check whether the property has a current Form 23. If it doesn't, a Form 36 should be on the contract — and you'll have 90 days from settlement to get one.
Common Misconception ❌
Real estate agents sometimes incorrectly state that a valid pool safety certificate is a legal requirement to sell a property. It is not. You can sell without one by lodging a Form 36. However, having a current certificate does make the process smoother and may give buyers more confidence.
What Does the Inspector Check? 🔍
A pool safety inspection assesses your pool's barrier — not the pool water, equipment, or electrics. The inspector checks the fence, gates, windows, doors and surrounds against Queensland's pool safety standard.
Pool fence height — minimum 1,200mm from finished ground level
Gate self-closing and self-latching from any position, every time
Gate opens outward (away from the pool area)
No climbable objects within the 900mm non-climbable zone (NCZ)
No gaps greater than 100mm in or under the barrier
Windows and doors forming part of the barrier are compliant
CPR signage is displayed and meets current standards
No direct access from the house to the pool area without a compliant barrier
Related Pool Safety Forms 📄
The Form 23 doesn't exist in isolation. Here are the other key forms you might encounter in the pool safety process:
How to Get a Form 23 ✅
Book a Licensed Inspector
Only a QBCC-licensed pool safety inspector can issue a Form 23. Get a few quotes — there's no set fee.
Pool Barrier Inspection
The inspector checks your fence, gates, latches, NCZ, windows/doors and CPR signage against the pool safety standard.
Certificate Issued
If compliant, the inspector issues your Form 23 and records it on the QBCC pools register. You're done!
Lost Your Certificate?
You can download and print a replacement from the QBCC Pool Register. Search for your property to access your certificate.
What If My Pool Doesn't Pass? 😬
Don't stress — a non-conformity is not an automatic fail. Queensland has a tiered rectification process:
⚡ Option 1 — 2-Day Quick Fix
Inspector reinspects within 2 business days. If compliant, no Form 26 is issued.
🤝 Option 2 — 20 Business Day Agreement
The inspector undertakes minor repairs within 20 business days. The repairs must be carried out by the inspector.
📋 Option 3 — Form 26 Issued
Only if the pool poses imminent risk or Options 1 and 2 don't apply. You have 3 months to fix and get reinspected.
Need Your Form 23? We Can Help 📞
Book your pool safety inspection today. Same-day inspections available across Brisbane.