Pools, spas and fencing

Swimming pools of all types pose a risk to the well-being of children in your neighbourhood. Under the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987, the Building Act 2004 and the council bylaws, all swimming pools and spa pools must be fenced. 

Consents required

Before you install a pool you must apply for and be granted a building consent. To apply, please download and complete the building consent application forms from our forms page or from the See Also box on this page. 

General pool fencing requirements

The following checklist is a broad guide for meeting the general pool fencing requirements. It does not, however, cover every situation and further advice should be sought from us.

The minimum height for a pool fence is 1.2 metres above ground level.

No space under the bottom of the gate or fence can be greater than 100mm from the ground at any point.

Fences can be constructed from any type of material provided it is durable and complies with the building code. Living vegetation or hedges alone are not acceptable as pool fencing.

Gates and existing doors must open away from the pool and automatically close and latch when released from a distance of 150mm from the open position.

Any windows in walls forming part of the pool fence that are less than 1200mm from the floor must not open more than 100mm.

• The immediate (fenced) pool area does not contain vehicle or pedestrian access ways, a vegetable garden, clothesline, child’s sandpit, slide, swing or objects not normally regarded as being carried on in conjunction with the pool 
• Horizontal support rails are at least 900mm apart 
• The are no holes or gaps in the fence that may provide a child access to the pool area 
• There are no objects close to the pool fence or otherwise accessible that could assist young children climbing the fence 

When installing a pool fence, use a reputable fencing contractor who knows the New Zealand pool fencing requirements.

If you are unsure whether your pool fence complies, or are thinking about installing a swimming pool or spa, please contact us.

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