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Pool legislation

Changes in legislation

As of 1 January 2017, the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 is no longer in effect.

Legislation relating to pool barriers and pool fencing is now the Building Act 2004. See Building Code Clause F9 - Restricting access to residential pool.

The Act applies to all residential pools and small heated pools with a maximum depth of 400mm or more.

Pools that are filled or partly filled with water must have physical barriers that restrict access to the pool by unsupervised children under 5 years of age.

Residential pools, including indoor swimming pools, require a compliant barrier and an inspection every three years, unless they are small heated pools that comply with F9/AS2 (PDF 703KB)  (see Pool area safety checklist).

If your pool barrier complied with the Schedule of the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987, then it will probably still comply with the new legislation, although there are some exceptions.

 

 

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