Making a splash in your backyard swimming pool is great summer fun, but pool owners are reminded of their pool fencing safety obligations.

Home-based pools are a popular way to cool down. However, unfenced pools can be dangerous for young children, and a barrier around your pool can mean the difference between life and death.

Wairoa District Council’s Building team is reminding pool owners of the importance of meeting the national safety requirements including that pools that are 40cm or more in depth need a physical barrier restricting access to unsupervised children and be placed on the Council register.

Wairoa District Council Chief Executive Kitea Tipuna said it is important people understand the requirements for residential pool fencing so they can make informed decisions when purchasing and installing a pool.

“Any residential pool, including permanent, temporary, portable, paddling and spa pools, poses a serious drowning risk and must have barriers that restrict unsupervised access by young children.

“The rules around pool fencing were put in place by the government in 2017, providing consistent guidelines for the whole country and aimed at reducing the number of children drowning in pools.

“The requirements around pool fencing are in place to help prevent a tragedy. The Council encourages pool owners to ensure they are familiar with the legislation, which will likely include building consent for the pool fence and a three-yearly inspection to ensure the pool barrier is compliant.”

Councils keep a record of all pools in the district. Pool owners can choose to have the pool fence inspection carried out by a local council inspector or an independently qualified pool inspector.

The Council inspection cost is $180 plus mileage and time.

For more information or to book an inspection, call into the Council office and talk to the Building Consents team or head to https://www.wairoadc.govt.nz/assets/Document-Library/Publications/Building-Control/Information-Sheet-6-Pool-fencing.pdf

5 February 2025

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