Swimming Pool Fencing & Safety Requirements
Have a swimming pool or thinking about getting one? Make sure it's safe and meets the fencing rules.
Whether you've got a permanent swimming pool, spa pool or temporary inflatable pool, you'll need to know which fencing and safety requirements apply.
Pool fences and other approved safety barriers help prevent young children from accessing pools unsupervised. Before you buy, install or fill a pool, make sure you understand what's required.
Does my pool need a fence?
If your pool can hold water 40cm (400mm) deep or more, it must have a compliant safety barrier.
This includes:
Permanent swimming pools
Above-ground pools
Portable and pop-up pools
Inflatable pools
Spa pools and hot tubs
The 40cm rule applies to the depth your pool can hold, not how much water you put in it.
Even if you only partially fill an inflatable pool, or plan to use it for a short time, you'll still need a compliant barrier if it can hold water 40cm deep or more.
What about small paddling pools?
Paddling pools that can't hold water 40cm deep don't require a pool safety barrier.
However, young children should always be actively supervised around water, regardless of its depth.
What are the pool fencing requirements?
Pool barriers must prevent unsupervised children under five from accessing the pool area.
There are several important requirements to check.
Fence height
Standard pool fences must be at least 1.2 metres high, measured from ground level on the outside of the fence.
If a boundary fence forms part of your pool barrier, it generally needs to be at least 1.8 metres high on the pool side and meet additional safety requirements.
The fence must be designed so young children can't easily climb over or through it.
Some types of fencing, including mesh fences, have additional requirements.
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Pool gates
Pool gates must:
Open away from the pool.
Close and latch automatically.
Have latches that young children can't easily operate.
Be kept closed and never propped open.
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Keep climbable objects away
Keep chairs, BBQs, pot plants, outdoor furniture and other climbable objects at least 1.2 metres away from the outside of your pool fence.
Anything that makes it easier for a child to climb over the barrier can create a safety risk.
Check that trees, structures and changes in ground level don't make your fence easier to climb.
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Check for gaps and damage
Make sure:
There are no gaps between fence bars or underneath the fence or gate that a small child could squeeze through.
Fence panels and posts are secure.
Gates and latches are working correctly.
The fence is in good condition and hasn't been damaged or altered.
These are general requirements. Different pool and barrier designs can have specific rules, so check with Council if you're unsure whether your setup complies
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Do I need building consent?
If you're planning to install a pool or build a new pool barrier, check the building consent requirements before starting.
A new pool fence generally requires building consent, including a fence installed for a temporary or inflatable pool.
Some pool installations may be exempt from consent, but they must still meet the relevant safety requirements.
Don't assume a pool is exempt simply because it's portable, above ground or only being used temporarily.
Contact Waitomo District Council's Building Control team before installing your pool or barrier if you're unsure what approvals are needed.
What about spa pools and hot tubs?
Spa pools and hot tubs that can hold water 40cm deep or more also need a compliant safety barrier.
Some small heated pools may use a compliant safety cover instead of a fence, provided they meet specific requirements, including:
A water surface area of no more than 5m².
Pool walls at least 760mm above the surrounding ground or floor.
Walls that can't be easily climbed.
A compliant safety cover that can be securely fastened, supports the required load and is kept closed and locked when the pool isn't in use.
An ordinary pool cover or tarpaulin isn't necessarily a compliant safety barrier.
If you're unsure whether your spa pool cover meets the requirements, contact Council before relying on it as your safety barrier.
Already have a pool? Check your fence
Pool safety isn't just something to think about when installing a new pool. Existing fences and gates need regular checks too.
It's a good idea to check your pool barrier regularly to make sure everything is working as it should.
Here's what to look for:
Fence height: Is your fence the required height?
Gates: Do they open away from the pool and automatically close and latch?
Climbable objects: Are chairs, pot plants and other objects kept at least 1.2 metres away from the outside of the fence?
Fence gaps: Are there any gaps a small child could squeeze through?
Condition: Are the fence, posts, panels and latches secure and in good working order?
Fix any problems promptly to help keep your pool safe and compliant.
Pool inspections
Residential swimming pool barriers must be inspected every three years to check that they continue to meet safety requirements.
Inspections can be carried out by Council or an independently qualified pool inspector.
Compliant small heated pools that use an approved safety cover instead of a fence are generally exempt from the three-yearly inspection requirement.
Pool owners are responsible for maintaining compliant barriers between inspections.
Be water-wise
Filling and topping up swimming pools can use a lot of water, particularly during periods of high demand or dry weather.
Here are a few simple ways to reduce water use:
Cover your pool: Use a pool cover when it's not in use to reduce evaporation.
Check for leaks: Repair any leaks to avoid unnecessary water loss.
Keep the water clean: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and treating pool water so you don't need to empty and refill it unnecessarily.
Check water restrictions: Before filling or topping up your pool, check whether any water restrictions apply.
During periods of high demand or drought, restrictions may limit or prohibit filling pools using Council water supplies.
Using water wisely helps protect our district's water supply.
Enjoy your pool safely
A compliant pool barrier is essential, but it doesn't replace adult supervision.
Always actively supervise young children in and around water.
Make sure pool gates are closed and latched.
Keep toys and climbable objects away from pool fences.
Check that your pool and its barrier are safe before use.
Be mindful of water use and any restrictions.
Know the rules, keep it safe and enjoy your pool!
More information and advice
Not sure whether your pool needs a fence, or whether your existing barrier meets the requirements?
Contact Waitomo District Council's Building Control team on 0800 932 4357.
You can also find more detailed information on the MBIE website HERE.
Video Video courtesy of Hutt City Council