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Transcript for the legal barrier requirements for above-ground pools video

 

[video: Music plays. Title of the video - Above-ground pool safety video. Auckland Council logo (pōhutukawa flower over water). Animated video of an unfenced in-ground swimming pool with two children playing in it. An adult supervises on a pool-side chair.]

Voice: Swimming pools at home are a great place to teach young children how to swim and how to be safe in and around water.

[video: Distracted adult not watching as small child reaches for toy duck floating in pool. A dog is nearby.]

Voice: But pools are also dangerous places for young children, so they need constant adult supervision.

[video: Safety-compliant fencing appears around the animated pool.]

Voice: Pool fences and covers are also important for keeping them safe. This video provides guidance on how to make pools safe and compliant with fencing regulations.

[video: Animated small paddling pool gradually increasing in size.]

Voice: Regardless of your pool type, if can hold more than 40cm of water you will need to install a physical barrier that will restrict access to the pool by unsupervised children.

[video: Animated image of a man floating on a inflatable lilo in an above-ground pool.]

Voice: For an above-ground pool, the pool itself can sometimes be the fence, but you will need a fence if any of the following apply:

  • the top of the pool is less than 1.2m above the adjacent the ground or less than 1.2m above any object that is within 1.2m of the pool
  • or the pool wall can be climbed
  • or a ladder or other means of access can't easily be removed.

[video: Pictures and captions of three different types of pool; in-ground, above-ground, and a small heated pool.]

Voice: All in-ground and above-ground pools and small heated pools must be inspected for compliance every three years.

[video: Animated white car with Auckland Council logo on it arrives outside a suburban home.]

Voice: Inspections must be done by either your local council or an independently qualified pool inspector.

[video: Animated pool inspector stands outside a pool fence with a clipboard in hand.]

If you fail to meet compliance you could be fined up to $5000 or you might be required to drain the pool and keep it empty.

[video: Shot of map view of pool and surrounding area, including the house.]

Voice: Finally, always be mindful of the area immediately surrounding the fence as things can change. People might leave climbable objects lying around or overhanging tree branches can grow.

[video: Animated children play in pool supervised by adults and surrounded by a safety-compliant pool fence.]

Voice: It might seem like a lot of rules and effort, but we do it for safety. Let's be kid-cool around the pool and make our pools fun and safe for all.

[video: Music plays. Auckland Council logo. Text: Contact us on: 09 301 0101 or www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/poolsandspas]