Renovating Your Yard? 5 Things to Know About Temporary Fencing and Your Pool Inspection Gold Coast
- joel61980
- Mar 22
- 5 min read
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of a backyard makeover. Whether you’re putting in a new deck, upgrading your landscaping, or finally getting that outdoor kitchen you’ve been dreaming of, a renovation is a great way to level up your Gold Coast lifestyle.
But here’s the thing, while you’re focused on tile choices and timber stains, it’s easy to forget about the pool fence. If you’re pulling down parts of your permanent fence or changing the layout of your yard, you’re legally required to keep that pool secure. This usually means bringing in temporary fencing.
At Get My Pool Certified, we see a lot of "renovation fails" when we head out for a pool inspection gold coast. Most of the time, homeowners aren't trying to break the rules; they just don't realize that pool fence regulations qld apply to temporary setups just as strictly as they do to permanent ones.
If you’re mid-reno or planning one soon, here are five essential things you need to know to keep your family safe and ensure you pass your next inspection without the stress.
1. The 1200mm Height Rule is Non-Negotiable 📏
It doesn’t matter if your fence is made of glass, aluminum, or temporary mesh panels, the height requirement remains the same. According to pool fence regulations qld, your barrier must be at least 1200mm high all the way around.
When it comes to temporary fencing, this can get tricky. Sometimes the ground is uneven because of excavation work or piles of dirt. If your temp fence is sitting on a mound or in a dip, the height from the finished ground level might change.
We always recommend checking the height from the "outside" (the non-pool side). If a toddler can find a spot where the fence is lower than 1200mm because of the way the panels were installed, it’s a major safety risk and a definite fail for a pool safety inspector gold coast.
2. Watch Those Gaps (The 100mm Rule) 🖐️
The whole point of a pool fence is to keep little ones out. If there’s a gap big enough for a child to squeeze through, the fence isn't doing its job.
The magic number here is 100mm. This applies in two places:
Under the fence: The gap between the bottom of the temporary fence and the ground cannot be more than 100mm.
Between panels: Where the temporary panels join together, or where they meet your house or an existing fence, that gap must also be no more than 100mm.
During renovations, the ground is often shifting. A gap that was fine on Monday might be 150mm by Wednesday because some soil was moved. It’s worth doing a quick walk-around every evening once the tradies have left to make sure those gaps are still tight.
3. Temporary Gates Must Still Be "Smart" 🧠
One of the most common mistakes we see during a pool inspection gold coast is a temporary fence that relies on a chain or a piece of wire to stay shut.
Even if it’s only there for a week, your pool gate must be:
Self-closing: It should swing shut on its own from any position.
Self-latching: It needs to click into place without someone having to manually lock it.
If your temporary fencing hire company didn't provide a proper self-closing gate, you might need to ask for one. Keeping the gate propped open while carrying materials is a huge "no-no." It only takes a second for a tragedy to happen.
If you’re worried about whether your current setup is safe during your build, you can always book a family safety check with us. We’ll come out and give you the peace of mind that your kids are protected while the work continues.
4. The 900mm "Non-Climbable Zone" Still Exists 🪜
This is the one that trips up most homeowners during a renovation. You might have a perfectly compliant temporary fence, but then a tradie leaves a ladder leaning against it, or a pile of bricks is delivered right next to the pool area.
The pool fence regulations qld state that there must be a 900mm non-climbable zone on the outside of the fence. This means no:
Ladders or tools.
Piles of dirt or mulch.
Building materials (bricks, timber, pavers).
Outdoor furniture.
Anything that a child could use as a "step" to get over the fence is a hazard. When you’re living in a construction zone, it’s easy for things to get cluttered. Just remember: if it’s within 900mm of that fence, it needs to be moved.
5. Does Your Renovation Void Your Current Certificate? 📄
This is a question we get a lot at Get My Pool Certified. If you already have a pool safety certificate, does it stay valid while you renovate?
Generally, a certificate for an owner-occupied house is valid for two years. However, you are legally responsible for maintaining the pool’s safety at all times. If you remove your permanent fence and replace it with a temporary one, you must ensure that temporary barrier is compliant.
If you are in the middle of selling your property, having a renovation underway can complicate things. Most buyers will want a valid pool safety certificate gold coast before settlement. If your permanent fence isn't finished, we may need to inspect the temporary setup to issue a Form 23.
Why Keeping It Local Matters 📍
Navigating the rules can feel like a headache, especially when you’re already dealing with builders and budgets. That’s why we keep things simple. We’re local Gold Coast experts who know exactly what the QBCC (Queensland Building and Construction Commission) is looking for.
Whether you’re in Surfers Paradise, Burleigh, or out in Robina, we’re your neighbors. We’re not here to be "pool police": we’re here to be your helpful partners in making sure your backyard is a safe haven for your family.
Simple Steps for a Stress-Free Reno 🛠️
Talk to your hire company: Ensure they understand that the temporary fence must meet pool fence regulations qld.
Daily Walk-throughs: Check the gaps and the gate every single afternoon.
Keep the zone clear: Make sure the tradies know not to leave gear near the fence.
Keep your CPR sign up: Even during a reno, your CPR sign must be visible and in good condition.
Call an expert: If you're unsure, ask a pool safety inspector gold coast to take a look before the job gets too far along.
How We Make It Easy for You 🤝
At Get My Pool Certified, we pride ourselves on being fast, friendly, and jargon-free. We know you’re busy, so we offer services designed to fit your schedule:
Safety Inspections for Sale or Lease: Starting from $129 inc GST.
Express Same-Day Certification: If you’re in a rush to settle, we can often get your certificate to you the same day.
Follow-up Reinspections: If something isn't quite right, we'll give you a clear list of what needs fixing and come back to check it from $59 inc GST.
We’ve helped thousands of Gold Coast families secure their pools, and we’d love to help you too. Don't let a renovation turn into a safety risk or a legal nightmare.
No stress. No jargon. Just simple, practical advice to keep your pool safe.
Ready to get your pool sorted? Whether you need a full inspection or just a quick chat about your temporary fencing, we're here to help.
If you want to learn more about the paperwork side of things, check out our guide on understanding pool safety certificates or read up on the 10 things sellers need to know.
Stay safe out there, and happy renovating!
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