Remote Pool Safety Inspections QLD
Can't get a pool inspector to your property? If your pool is in a declared remote area of Queensland, a remote inspection using video technology may be an option under the Building Act 1975. 📹
What Is a Remote Pool Inspection? 🤔
Under the Building Act 1975, a pool safety inspector must normally physically inspect a pool before deciding if it complies with the Queensland pool safety standard.
However, Queensland legislation recognises that some properties in regional and outback areas are simply too far from a licensed pool safety inspector's business premises. Travelling hundreds of kilometres for a single inspection is often impractical and costly.
To address this, certain remote local governments listed in Schedule 3 of the Building Regulation 2021 can declare parts of their area as "remote". The inspector can then assess the pool barrier using live-streamed video footage under Section 246ACA of the Building Act 1975.
No Travel Required
Inspector assesses your pool via live video call from anywhere in QLD
Same Form 23 Certificate
Identical pool safety certificate as an on-site inspection
Full Compliance Standard
QDC MP 3.4 and AS 1926.1-2007 and AS 1926.2-2007 apply in full
How Does a Remote Pool Inspection Work? 🛠️
1. Confirm Eligibility
Contact your local council to confirm your pool is in a declared remote area under Section 246ACA of the Building Act 1975. Not all eligible councils have made this declaration — you must check with yours first.
2. Live Video Inspection
You connect with a licensed pool safety inspector via a live video call. They'll direct you through what to show — self-closing gates, fence height, latches, non-climbable zone clearances, CPR signage, gaps, and all other compliance points.
3. Certificate or Notice
If the inspector is reasonably satisfied your pool complies with the pool safety standard, they issue a Form 23 pool safety certificate within two business days — registered on the QLD Pool Safety Register. If not, you'll receive a nonconformity notice detailing what needs fixing.
What Does the Inspector Check Remotely? 🔍
A remote pool inspection covers the same compliance points as an on-site visit. During the video call, the inspector will ask you to show:
Important Things to Know About Remote Inspections
- Not automatic — local governments listed in Schedule 3 can declare areas as remote, but they are not obligated to do so.
- Same compliance standard — your pool must fully comply with QDC MP 3.4 and AS 1926.1-2007 and AS 1926.2-2007.
- Inspector must be "reasonably satisfied" — the same level of confidence as an on-site inspection using the video footage you provide.
- Brisbane & SEQ are not eligible — remote inspections are designed for regional and outback Queensland only.
- Certificate validity is the same — 2 years (non-shared pools) or 1 year (shared pools).
Is My Pool Eligible for a Remote Inspection? 🗺️
Remote pool inspections are only available if both of these conditions are met:
- Your local government is listed in Schedule 3 of the Building Regulation 2021 (see the full list below).
- Your local government has passed a resolution declaring your specific area as remote from the business premises of persons performing pool safety inspection functions.
The easiest way to confirm eligibility is to contact your local council directly and ask whether your property is in a declared remote area for pool safety inspections under Section 246ACA of the Building Act 1975.
Schedule 3 — Prescribed Local Governments (Building Regulation 2021)
The following 47 local governments are listed in Schedule 3 and may declare areas within their boundaries as remote for pool safety inspections. Being listed here does not guarantee remote inspections are available — the council must pass a resolution first.
Source: Building Regulation 2021 (Qld), Schedule 3 — Prescribed local governments. Section 26 of the BR; Section 246ACA of the BA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not in a remote area? Book a standard on-site pool inspection in Brisbane instead.
Need a Pool Safety Inspection? Let's Chat! 📞
Whether you're in a remote area or right here in Brisbane, I can help you figure out the best path to getting your pool certified and compliant.
Book Now