Like any building consent, safety is central to the legal requirements for new above ground or in ground pools, spas and/or associated fencing.
For a new pool and/or pool fence you will need to apply for a building consent.
A law change means the requirements for fencing of swimming pools are covered by the Building Act 2004.
Here's some information about fencing of pools:
The Council is not required to periodically inspect small heated pools or spa pools providing the following criteria are met:
The details around what is required for compliance are available on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) website(external link), under building code clause F9.
For more information, see the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website(external link).
The minimum height for a pool barrier is 1.2m above ground level.
No space under the bottom of the gate or fence can be greater than 100mm from the ground, and there should be no other holes or gaps through which a child could access the pool area.
If a window in a wall forming part of the fence is less than 1000mm from the floor, it cannot open more than 100mm. 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.
The immediate (fenced) pool area must not contain:
There must not be any objects within 1.2m of the fence (or otherwise accessible) which could help a young child climb the fence.
If you are unsure whether your fence complies, or are thinking about installing a swimming pool or spa, please contact us on 03 941 8999.
Your swimming or spa pool fence must remain compliant at all times for the safety of young children.
Council pool inspectors will inspect existing pools at least once every three years, within six months (before or after) the pool's anniversary date, to ensure they have adequate barriers and follow the Building (Pools) Amendment Act 2016.
An inspection fee of $166.80 will be charged for each inspection. This fee means ratepayers are not burdened with the full cost of inspecting pools.
To book an inspection or enquire about a booked inspection for an existing pool, please contact us on 03 941 8727.
Refer to the Building Consents Fee Schedule.
Please note: fixed fees and minimum application fees do not always cover all of the consent related costs of an application.
Contact a Duty Building Consent Officer.