Selling in Canberra: ACT Pool Compliance Guide for Property Sellers
You’ve found a buyer, your agent’s thrilled, and settlement is weeks away. But there’s one thing that can derail it all: your pool certificate.
In the ACT, pool compliance isn’t optional — and failing to get the paperwork sorted can delay contracts, scare off buyers, or even collapse the deal entirely.
What ACT Law Requires for Sellers
As of May 2024, under the Building (Swimming Pool Safety) Legislation Amendment Act 2023, all regulated pools and spas must:
Meet AS 1926.1 safety barrier standards
Be inspected by an authorised person
Have a compliance certificate lodged within 30 days of issue
If you’re selling a property with a pool:
You must disclose the certificate status to the buyer
The certificate must be current and valid at the time of exchange
How Long Does It Take?
Inspections can usually be scheduled within a week. But:
If you fail, you get 30–60 days to fix the issues
You’ll need a reinspection, which adds time
Some fixes require contractors (e.g., gate latches, fence height adjustments)
Plan for at least 2–3 weeks, even if things go smoothly.
Common Fail Points to Watch For
Pool gates that don’t latch automatically
Climbable objects near fences
Missing or outdated CPR signage
Gaps under or between fence slats
What Happens if You Don’t Have It?
If you sign a contract without disclosing a valid certificate:
The buyer can delay or cancel settlement
You may be forced to obtain one post-contract (risking failure and legal tension)
It can hurt your negotiation position
Don’t Let Compliance Be the Reason a Sale Falls Over
Inspections are fast and straightforward when booked early. At Davidson Trade, we handle:
Pre-inspection walkthroughs
Authorised ACT compliance inspections
Fast turnaround on rebookings
✅ Selling soon?
Don’t risk a failed settlement.
🔗 Book your ACT pool inspection now
External Authority: ACT Government Swimming Pool Safety Requirements
