Do I need to register my pool?
Yes, all pools must be registered.
For more information look at our guidance information.
You can apply to have a pool added or removed from the register.
Do I need a fence around my pool?
Yes, all pools with more than 400mm of water must be fenced, including blow-up paddling pools and spas with a lockable lid. More information on requirements for pool fencing is in this downloadable PDF.
Pool fences require a building consent. Find out how to apply for a building consent.
POOL FENCE RULE CHANGES
New and improved laws around swimming pool fencing took effect from 1 January 2017 with the aim to better protect children from drowning in swimming pools while also making the requirements more practical and enforceable.
Here’s what you need to know:
- All pools must still have a complying barrier.
- If your pool barrier complied with the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act, it should continue to comply with the Building Act.
- Your pool barrier will still be checked every three years. This will not apply to spa pools that meet all of the exemption criteria which is:
1. A surface area of 5 metres squared.
2. 760mm unclimbable sides
3. A complying lockable lid.
- It is the owners’ responsibility to make sure fences, self closing gates and latches are maintained and working correctly.
- Blow up pools are popular with families. They’re fun for children and don’t need a fence if the maximum water level is less than 40cm. But children should be watched closely at all times and the pool emptied after use.
- Doors from the inside of a building opening into the pool area must either self-close or have an alarm to comply with the new rules. As noted , the details around what is required for compliance are not yet available.
- The requirement for boundary fences has not changed but the MBIE has proposed other options for higher fences although these are not yet confirmed. Best practice is to isolate and fence the pool independently.
- Exemptions are no longer available but under the Building Act there is provision to apply for a waiver or modification.
For more information click here.
Do I need a resource consent to install a pool?
Maybe.
In-ground pools do not require a resource consent in most cases.
Above ground pools over 2.5m high must meet the same standards as buildings under the District Plan. Check here to see what those standards are by using the Line of Enquiry tool.
Pools that do not meet these standards require a resource consent. Find out how to apply for a resource consent.
Earthworks associated with pools do not require resource consent.
Fences under 2m high do not require resource consent.
Do I need a building consent to install a pool?
Yes, pools with more than 400mm of water require a building consent, including spa pools. Find out how to apply for a building consent; Or, seek an exemption.