Ngā aromatawaitanga ka hiahiatia inā whakauru puna kaukau koe Inspections you need when installing a new pool

As part of your building consent requirements, you will need to have your pool barrier checked for compliance.

You will need to book an inspection to check if your new pool and/or pool barrier complies. This can be done after the barrier has been installed or as part of the final pool inspection for Code Compliance Certificate.

This is the process for inspecting new pools and pool barriers. There is a separate process for inspecting existing pool barriers.

Homeowners, tenants, landlords and property managers carry joint responsibility for pool safety. Make sure the pool is always secure and ensure safety through regular maintenance of fences and gates.

Pool legislation

Legislation for pool barriers and pool fencing is part of the Building Act 2004. The Act applies to all residential pools and small heated pools with a maximum depth of 400mm or more. Visit Building Code Clause F9 - Restricting access to residential pool or F9 Restricting access to residential pools to learn 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) (visit Pool area safety checklist).

Ensure your pool is registered

All residential swimming pools must be registered with us. This includes some small heated and temporary pools. For more information, visit Register a new or existing pool.

You can book online or over the phone.

This depends of the type of pool and pool barrier.

The most common inspections are:

• foundation inspection (IFO) - for excavated land and where the pool located
• concrete (ICB) - for reinforcing steel of the pool wall
• final inspection (IF1) - this will also include the barrier inspection.

We can issue a 'Notice to fix' for a non-complying pool or pool barrier.

You can start using your newly built pool after it passes the final inspection.

Once all work is completed and the pool and pool barrier have passed the final inspection, it is your responsibility to apply for a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC).

If you booked an inspection online, you can check if your new pool passed or failed the inspection, or is waiting on a decision.