For many Brisbane homeowners, a backyard pool is more than just a place to cool off—it’s the centrepiece of outdoor living. But is your pool area really living up to its potential? By adding a patio, you can take your pool to the next level, turning it into a multifunctional space perfect for entertaining, relaxing, and boosting the overall value of your home. Whether you’re thinking of placing a patio next to or even over your pool, there are a few key things to keep in mind to make sure everything is done safely and stylishly.
Can You Build a Patio Next To Your Pool?
You’ve probably come across a poolside patio cover at some point in your life, whether at a fancy hotel or while visiting a friend’s place, so the obvious answer here is yes. However, there are some safety considerations when building a patio next to a pool that you must consider to ensure you meet Australia’s Pool Law Standards and that your pool remains safe for children and adults alike.
The Pool Must Always Be Visible From The Patio
The only restriction that the Queensland Building and Construction Commission applies directly to patios, decks, and pergolas is that they must always have one side facing towards the pool open permanently. This ensures that children playing inside the pool can be supervised without obstruction. It’s not only children that this impacts. If an adult suffers an injury in the pool, an obstructed view of the pool can drastically reduce their chances of being spotted by someone else on the premises. Remember, drownings are often silent, so maximised vision is a must for any poolside patio.
“If you have a patio, verandah, deck, pergola, balcony or the like that either form a fence or are within the pool area, you must have one side permanently open, i.e. one complete side cannot be fitted with blinds, insect screens, shade cloth or the like. This is to ensure you can see and supervise young children in the pool area.” – QBCC
Non-Climbable Areas
pool safety standard, non-climbable zones – Queensland Building and Construction Commission
The QBCC requires pool owners to create a clear zone on the inside and outside of the pool fence to create a non-climbable zone. There must be nothing 900mm from the outside of the fence (towards the patio) and nothing 300mm away from the inside (towards the pool) that a child could climb upon.
Are Patio Posts Climbale?
No, Patio posts are deemed a non-climbable surface for children, so they are able to encroach closer than the 900mm perimeter to the pool fence’s outside perimeter or the 300mm perimeter inside. However, there are exceptions to this rule if the post has certain attributes, which often occur during DIY installation. It is always best to work alongside professional patio builders when erecting a patio beside a body of water to guarantee your new build is compliant with state and national codes.
Because patio posts are non-climbable, they can be positioned within the aforementioned 900mm non-climbable zone. Like this example in Rosemont, patio support posts can combine with pool fencing to make for an integrated style that bridges the two structures into one.
They can also be placed within a certain distance outside the fence, or the patio can cross over the pool fence, and the support beams can be secured within a set distance inside of the fence.
DIY Complications
While the support posts for a patio are considered as ‘non-climbable structures’, variables can change that, which can land DIYers in hot water. Certain accessories or structures can change the Government’s perspective of a non-climbable object to one that could be a climbable risk. Things like a garden lattice, privacy screens, or even posts with too many items that can be considered hand-holds may make your DIY patio non-compliant. When building a patio next to a pool, it is always a safer option to call in the support of a professional team that will ensure your poolside patio is compliant with QBCC standards.
Placement Of Patio Furniture
It is critical that if a homeowner builds a patio beside their pool, they are vigilant about the placement of decor and furniture to ensure nothing climbable, such as potplants, chairs, tables, eskies, or anything similar, is positioned beside the fence or is easily moved closer.
If you cannot make an outside non-climbable, your fence must be at least 1800mm tall and have a non-climbable zone inside the fence.
Having a Patio Over the Pool
You may have a patio built over your pool, so long as your property has a successful non-climbable zone on the outside and inside.
Pool Safety and Compliance in Queensland
Before you start building that perfect patio, it’s crucial to be aware of Queensland’s strict pool safety laws. Whether your patio is next to or over the pool, it must comply with the Queensland Development Code (QDC MP 3.4), which includes rules about safety barriers and fencing. These regulations are designed to prevent accidents, especially in homes with young children.
The safety barrier around your pool must remain intact, meaning that the patio design cannot interfere with it. For instance, the patio shouldn’t provide any surfaces that kids could climb to get over the pool fence. If the patio includes doors or ledges that provide access to the pool area, these must also follow safety guidelines. For example, doors must be self-closing and self-latching.
Building a patio that fully or partially covers the pool might require additional permissions from your local council, especially if it involves significant structural changes. It’s always a good idea to consult with a professional to ensure your project is fully compliant with all the relevant laws and regulations.
Adding Value to Your Home
There’s no doubt that a patio can significantly increase the value of your home, especially in a property market as competitive as Brisbane’s. A well-designed patio not only enhances your outdoor living space but also makes your home more attractive to potential buyers. Outdoor spaces that are functional, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing can be a major selling point, especially when they’re connected to a pool, one of the most desirable features in Australian homes.
Even if you’re not planning to sell anytime soon, adding a patio is a worthwhile investment for your own enjoyment. It allows you to get more use out of your pool and backyard, transforming it into a space that can be enjoyed year-round. A patio is more than just an upgrade—it’s a game-changer.
Elevate Your Pool Area with a Custom Patio from SEQ Patio Group
With the right design and materials, your patio can seamlessly blend with your pool, turning it into an inviting spot for both family and friends. Of course, it’s essential to ensure that all plans comply with Queensland’s pool safety regulations, so your new space not only looks great but is safe for everyone.
At SEQ Patio Group, we’ve built hundreds of poolside patios, so we not only know how to make a stunning outdoor shaded area, but our team of expert builders know all of the relevant regulations and rules to ensure your patio is compliant and most importantly, safe.
If you’re ready to take your pool area to the next level, SEQ Patio Group can help you make it happen. Our team specialises in designing and building custom patios that suit your unique needs, ensuring both safety and style. Reach out to us today for a free consultation and see how we can transform your backyard into a stunning outdoor oasis.
