During construction · QDC MP3.4
Temporary Pool Fence
Building, renovating, or waiting on your permanent barrier? In Queensland, a temporary pool fence must still meet the same safety standards once water is in the pool — here's what that looks like. 🚧
Compliance requirements
What a temporary fence must do
A temporary pool fence is a short-term barrier — but Queensland law treats it the same as a permanent one once the pool contains more than 300mm of water. It must:
- Continuous around the full extent of the water hazard — no gaps, no shortcuts.
- At least 1.2m high, with no climbable footholds or horizontal members within the non-climbable zone.
- Self-closing and self-latching gate that opens away from the pool, with the latch at least 1.5m above ground.
- Of sufficient strength and rigidity to withstand the foreseeable impact of people leaning or falling against it.
- Installed before the pool is filled with more than 300mm of water — including during construction and renovation.
Common scenarios: pool under construction, fence panel damaged or being replaced, landscaping in progress, or a newly built pool awaiting its Form 17 / Form 23. Referencing Queensland Development Code MP3.4.
Not sure if your temporary barrier is compliant? Get it checked by your local QBCC licensed pool safety inspector.
The 3-month rule
How long can a temporary fence stay up?
You can install a temporary fence for up to 3 months, provided it has been inspected and approved by a building certifier or pool safety inspector.
Building certifier
Issues a Form 16 — Inspection certificate / aspect certificate / QBCC licensee aspect certificate.
Pool safety inspector
Issues a Form 26 — Pool safety nonconformity notice.
Need it for more than 3 months? You must contact the certifier or pool safety inspector to inspect your fence again and provide written permission for you to continue to use it.