Read up on the latest New Zealand swimming pool regulations…
On January 1st 2017, new swimming pool fencing regulations come into play. The Building (Pools) Amendment Bill 2016 builds on the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 and the new pool safety provisions from the Building Act 2004. There are a few key changes homeowners need to be aware of when it comes to swimming pool fencing changes.
Key changes to swimming pool fencing requirements
Swimming pools must be be inspected and certified every three years. Inspectors will check to make sure the gate closes securely and fences are well maintained.
- Have a minimum height of 1.2 metres
- Have no holes where a child could get through
- No more than a 100mm gap between the bottom of the fence/gate and the ground
- Use gates and doors that open away from the pool
- Gates must be self-shutting and latching from 150mm when opened
- Not have any objects within 1.2 metres from the swimming pool fence boundary, which a young child could use to gain access to the pool area
- Windows that open within the pool fence or wall area and are less than 120mm from the ground, can only open a maximum of 100mm
Spa pool lockable lids
Spa pools smaller than five metres squared and with non-climbable sides of at least 760mm, are no longer required to be fully fenced. A complying lockable and child resistant lid is now acceptable instead.
More flexible fencing rules
The new Building (Pools) Amendment Bill will allow homeowners more flexibility in their pool fencing. As long as a child could not access the pool area, a fully surrounding fence is no longer a necessity. Pools which are on the edge of a cliff, have an infinity pool feature, or a three-sided must be approved by an inspector.
Many of the other requirements for pool areas remain the same. Anything within the pool area that is not specifically related to use of the pool is still prohibited. This includes playground equipment, clotheslines, vehicle or pedestrian access paths, vegetable gardens and children’s sandpits.
Understanding new pool fencing regulations
Find out more information about the new pool fencing requirements on the Legislation New Zealand’s website. Need help checking or correcting your pool fencing to ensure it meets the new standards? Our tradespeople are here to help. Head over to our Cost Estimator to find out how much a new swimming pool fence will cost.
