Does my pool need a barrier?
Yes, it’s the law. Any pool or structure that can hold more than 400mm of water must have a physical barrier to comply with the rules designed to keep Kiwi kids safe around water.
Portable pools need to have the same standard of fencing that permanent swimming pools do. That means even your portable pool that comes out of the garage every summer, it needs to have a compliant barrier, unless it meets the exemption criteria below.
What are the legal requirements for a pool barrier?
- Barriers must be the right height (no less than 1.2m high), rigidity and strength to prevent any child under 5 years old from climbing over, under, or through it from the outside
- Pool barriers must have no permanent projections or additions that could assist climbing
- Gates should be self-closing and open away from the pool area
- Doors must be self-closing or emit an audible warning when open
- The latch must not be readily accessible by children under five years
- Any windows must not be able to open wider than 100mm
More information provided by MBIE:
Are any pools exempt from having a barrier?
Above-ground pools are exempt if the walls are 1.2 metres or higher, however any ladder or other means of providing access to the pool must have an enclosing barrier and gate (F9 AS1 2.3.1).
Small heated pools and spa pools can be exempt as long as they meet the criteria listed under spa pools below
If you are unsure, please check with us by emailing pools@ncc.govt.nz.
Ladder fencing around pop-up pools
Council is making it easier for residents to enjoy summer safely. We're happy to confirm that you do not need a building consent to install fencing around ladders for temporary or pop-up pools with side walls 1200mm or higher.
This exemption applies to simple barriers designed to restrict access via the ladder or steps, helping keep children safe without adding unnecessary paperwork and cost. However, all pool owners must still comply with the Building Code and pool safety requirements under the Building Act, including registering the pool and having it inspected periodically as required.
Safety Requirements:
Above-ground pools must have walls measuring at least 1.2m in height and be free from features (trees, landscaping, garden furniture, etc.) within 1200mm of the pool that could assist a child in climbing in. Ladders, steps, and pumps must be located within the barrier, as these provide access to the pool and are climbable objects.
Need Help?
Please email pools@ncc.govt.nz for free fencing guidance before installing your barrier to check it complies with Clause F9 of the Building Code and to register your swimming pool for free.
Small heated pools and spas
Some small, heated pools and spas are exempt from having a barrier, because their lid or safety cover can act as an adequate barrier. To be exempt, small, heated pools and spas must meet all of the following criteria:
- The water surface is 5m² or less
- The side walls of the pool are at least 760mm high and cannot be climbed
- Must have covers that are held in place with straps fitted with lockable snap fasteners, and these must be well maintained.
The cover itself must:
- Restrict entry of children under 5 years old when closed
- Have no external objects on all sides, and not be climbable, including by steps
- Have a hard, lockable lid, capable of supporting a 20kg load
If a safety cover meets all these requirements, then you don’t need to get your spa or small heated pools inspected.
Please note: any spa pools that are sunken into decks or have climbable objects beside them are required to have a pool barrier and will be placed on the register for three-yearly inspections. If you are unsure, please email pools.ncc.govt.nz to check.
Downloadable self-audit checksheets
Council has developed the following check sheets which enable you to complete a self-audit to check the compliance of your pool barrier.
Filling your pool
When filling your pool, it's really important you don't contaminate our water supply.
Contamination from backflow is one of the biggest risks to our public water supply and can seriously affect the quality and safety of our drinking water. Backflow is when water flows backward into the water supply network. This can happen when water pressure drops in the distribution system causing water to flow in the opposite direction, from residential or commercial premises, back into the public water supply network.
As a property owner or occupier, you are legally responsible for making sure you don’t contaminate the public water supply.
Swimming and spa pools are considered contamination hazards under the New Zealand Building Code.
The hazards normally associated with swimming pools are cross-connections between the public water supply and:
- Hoses left running and dropped into spas or pools.
- Direct connections at chlorination equipment.
To prevent water contamination from your spa or pool:
- Install a hose-tap vacuum breaker in the hose that feeds the pool.
or
- Install a backflow prevention device at the property’s boundary, where the water meter is located.
Emptying your pool
Water emptied from a pool must be discharged into the Council sewage system via a gully trap. Never empty your water into stormwater drains.
Frequently asked questions
