Inspection Checklist for Canberra Homeowners: What You Must Pass
Thinking about getting your pool barrier certified in Canberra? You’re not alone. With pool safety compliance now mandatory across the ACT, it’s never been more important to understand exactly what needs to be done — and done right.
Whether you’re a homeowner preparing for your first inspection or a landlord ensuring your rental property is compliant, this checklist will save you time, stress, and potentially thousands in non-compliance fines.
1. Pool Gates
Must open away from the pool and be self-closing and self-latching.
Latch release must be either:
At least 1500mm above ground, or
On the inside of the fence, 150mm down from the top and shielded.
Gate must close and latch from any open position — no slamming or manual pushing allowed.
No climbable objects within 300mm on the inside of the gate or fence area.
Tip: Test your gate from a 45° angle. If it doesn’t close and latch on its own — it’s a fail.
2. Fence Height and Integrity
Minimum height: 1200mm from ground level.
Any gaps under the fence must be less than 100mm.
No horizontal rails or climbable elements between 100–1200mm from the ground.
Ensure fence is rigid and in good repair — no loose panels, rust, or leaning sections.
Quick check: Measure from the finished surface (not garden beds or raised pavers).
3. Windows Facing the Pool
Must be:
Permanently sealed, or
Restricted to open no more than 100mm, or
Fitted with a compliant security screen.
Note: Flyscreens don’t count. You’ll need fixed or lockable restrictors.
4. Doors (If Applicable)
External doors opening directly into the pool area are not compliant under ACT regulations.
Replace with fencing and a compliant gate if needed.
5. Non-Climbable Zones (NCZs)
900mm clear zone must be maintained above the barrier on the outside.
300mm clear zone required from the top of the barrier inward.
No climbable features (rails, lattice, branches, furniture) within these zones.
Warning: Tree branches and overhanging shrubs are one of the most common fail points — trim them back.
6. Boundary Barriers
If your boundary fence forms part of your pool barrier, it must be at least 1800mm high.
Climbable features on either side can cause a fail.
Internal barriers may be required if external fences can’t be adjusted.
Final Step: Book a Pre-Inspection or Compliance Inspection
You can do your own check — but having a local ACT-registered inspector complete a pre-inspection walkthrough can save you from costly surprises on the day.
At Pool Barrier Certification, we’ve helped over 5,000 homeowners get compliant — and we’ve just expanded into Canberra. We know what inspectors look for, and we get it right the first time.
