The Building Act 2004 and the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987, requires most swimming and spa pools to be fenced. This also includes children's paddling pools (permanent or temporary) with a depth of 400 millimetres or more.
The Christchurch City Council provides information regarding these guidelines and application packs for inspections and consents to proceed with the fencing and building of swimming pools.
Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987
The Building Act 2004 and the The Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 requires all domestic swimming and spa pools in New Zealand to be fenced. This also includes children’s paddling pools (permanent or temporary) with a depth of 400mm or more.
Under the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987, it is the responsibility of homeowners to ensure fences are installed and maintained to the standards. If a new fence is to be installed, a building consent permit must be obtained.
Since the introduction of the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act in 1987, the number of children who drown in domestic pools has declined by 60 per cent.
Help protect the lives of your children and the children of family, friends and neighbours by fencing your swimming or spa pool. More accidents could be prevented by ensuring a safe swimming environment:
- Do not leave gates, doors or ranch sliders unlatched or propped open.
- Always supervise children in or near a pool.
- Ensure the area around your pool is covered with a non-slip surface.
- Check there are no objects near the pool fence which a child could use to climb over the fence.
Can a property be sold with an unfenced pool?
A property can be sold without the pool or spa being fenced, however the purchaser will be made aware that there is a requirement for the pool to comply. Ideally you should avoid any complications by installing a compliant pool fence before you put your property on the market. For full details of pool and spa fencing requirements please phone (03) 941 8999 or visit one of our local service centres.
What are the pool fence legal requirements?
The minimum height of a swimming or spa pool fence is 1.2m above ground level. Gates or hinged doors must comply with regulations and be fitted with a self-closing device capable of closing and operating the latching device from an opening distance as small as 150mm.
Where the latch is on the pool side of the fence it must be accessible only from over the top of the fence or through a hole at least 1.2m above the ground. If outside the pool area, it must be at least 1.5m above the ground and the gate must always open away from the pool.
