Residential Swimming Pools

Barriers and Fences

Councils are required to inspect the barriers and fences around swimming pools every three years to ensure the safety of young children. Barriers and fences must be maintained to such a state that children under five cannot easy climb them, and gain access to the pool.

This provision is intended to reduce the chances of young children dying from accidental drowning.

We do take a strict interpretation of the Building Act and Code provisions as we are keen to provide as much protection to vulnerable children as the law provides.

Pool Audits

Council undertakes pool audits to arrange an inspection of their pool to establish that the barriers are suitable.

If we have not inspected your pool since the relevant Code Compliance Certificate was issued, then the first inspection will be free.

If we have already inspected your pool to check for ongoing compliance, then a fee of $175 applies to each and every subsequent inspection.

Check Your Barriers

Want to avoid a reinspection fee?

There are a number of things you can do to avoid requiring a re-inspection.

• Check the pool barrier (fence) does not have any damage that could allow children to easily access the pool.
• Check any gaps in the barrier (fence) do not exceed 100mm and that a 100mm sphere cannot pass through the gaps.
• Check that the gate(s) close when opened 150mm and that it self-latches.
• Young children cannot operate latches and other components easily;
• The barrier/fence is no less than 1200mm in height;
• Check the barrier (fence) to make sure it is not climbable.
• Check around the outside of the barrier (fence) to make sure there is nothing that has been built against or leaning against the barrier that a child could use as a climbing point.
• Where windows and doors give access to the pool and form part of the barrier, make sure that catches/restrictors are on, any alarms are active and will operate, and where required signage is installed.
• No rabbit hutches, clothesline, vegetable gardens, etc within the immediate pool area;
• The pool barrier is also a boundary fence, and the fence rails are suitably spaced apart.

Portable and inflatable pools

It is important to also note that the likes of portable and inflatable pools that can hold a depth of greater than 400mm require a fence/barrier.

It will need building consent approval. The pool should not be filled until the fence is finished.

There is provision in law that homeowners can engage an Independently qualified Pool Inspector to inspect the pool and barriers instead of Council. These people issue a notice to council confirming compliance.

Independent inspectors

There is provision in law that homeowners can engage an Independently qualified Pool Inspector to inspect the pool and barriers instead of Council.

These people issue a notice to council confirming compliance.

Small heated pools

There is a provision in the law relating to small heated pools [such as spa pools].

Although Council is not required to inspect these, owners must ensure that the pool lid is locked when not in use, and there are no climbing points around the small heated pool edge.