In the world of pool ownership, safety must always come first. While we often talk about water balance and keeping your pool clean, there’s another side to responsibility—and it’s one that can literally save a life.
Propping open your pool gate, even for a few minutes, might seem harmless. But the truth is, it could lead to tragedy in seconds.
At Atlantis Pools, we’re deeply invested in promoting safe and responsible pool ownership in North Lakes and the wider Moreton Bay region. Whether you’re a new pool owner in Mango Hill or have had a backyard pool for years in Burpengary, this message is critical.
“People often underestimate how quickly a child can get into danger,” says Kylie Rojahn, owner of Atlantis Pools. “It only takes a moment for a toddler to slip through an open gate—and unfortunately, the outcomes are often fatal.”
Drowning: The Leading Cause of Accidental Death in Young Children
According to national data, drowning remains the number one cause of accidental death in children under five in Australia. Most of these tragedies happen in backyard pools—often when a child gains unsupervised access through a gate that was left open, unsecured, or faulty.
Your Pool Fence Is Only As Good As Its Gate
Queensland pool safety laws are among the strictest in the country, and for good reason. Any pool or spa deeper than 30cm must have a compliant safety barrier with a self-closing, self-latching gate that swings away from the pool area.
But even the best barrier can be rendered useless if the gate is propped open—something we’ve unfortunately seen more often than you’d think.
“We’ve heard of people propping open the gate while gardening, cleaning the pool, or hosting a barbecue,” Kylie says. “But no task is worth risking a child’s life. If you need to access the pool area frequently, do so responsibly—never leave the gate open.”
What the Law Says
Under Queensland’s pool safety regulations, all pool owners must maintain a compliant barrier at all times. This includes:
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Ensuring the gate self-closes and latches from any position
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Keeping the gate free of objects that could block its path
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Never propping open the gate, even temporarily
Non-compliance can lead to on-the-spot fines of up to $934.15, and more serious penalties if the issue leads to injury or death.
It’s Not Just About Fi
nes—It’s About Lives
The tragic reality is that children are naturally curious. They don’t understand danger the way adults do. A toddler can drown in just 20 seconds—and in as little as a few centimetres of water.
“Even if you don’t have young children at home, your visitors, neighbours, or grandchildren might,” Kylie adds. “You don’t know who might be nearby, and a moment’s inattention could have devastating consequences.”
Safety Tips for Pool Owners
Here are a few practical tips to ensure your pool area is always safe:
✅ Inspect your gate regularly to ensure it self-closes and latches every time
✅ Keep objects like chairs, bins, or pot plants away from the fence that could be used to climb over
✅ Never, ever wedge the gate open—even for a short time
✅ Supervise children at all times when they are near or in the pool
✅ Schedule regular pool safety inspections if you’re unsure about compliance
Check Out These Safety Resources
Pool Safety Link – QBCC
Shut the pool gate this summer | Queensland Building and Construction Commission
Tips on making your pool safer
Swimming pool safety laws | Queensland Building and Construction Commission
Pool Rules Poster
Keep Watch Safety Checklist
Pool Safety
Pool safety | Homes and housing | Queensland Government
A Shared Responsibility
At Atlantis Pools, we work with families every day who love their backyard pools—but we also know that safety should always come before convenience. We’re proud to support initiatives that raise awareness about pool safety, including gate compliance and responsible pool ownership.
“We want every family in North Lakes and beyond to enjoy their pool safely,” Kylie says. “That means not just clean water, but secure barriers, working gates, and a strong understanding of the risks involved.”
📞 (07) 3491 9700
📧 atlantispoolshop@bigpond.com
🌐 www.atlantispoolshop.com.au
