Pool fence rules in New Zealand

A pool fence has one job: keeping children under five out of the pool when nobody is watching.

The rules are strict because the stakes are high.

Here is what they mean for your pool, in plain English.

Does my pool need a fence?

Any residential pool that is 400mm deep or more needs a compliant barrier. That includes permanent, temporary, portable and spa pools.

Small heated pools can meet the rules with a compliant safety cover instead.

You need a building consent

A building consent is required for any new pool barrier, even if you build it yourself.

Christchurch City Council says the same for any fence used to restrict access to a residential pool.

The fence itself

• At least 1200mm high, measured from the ground on the outside of the fence.
• No gaps larger than 100mm. A 100mm ball must not fit through anywhere.
• Nothing climbable within 1200mm of the outside of the fence.
• Horizontal or diagonal rails, battens or anything sticking out more than 10mm on the outside must be at least 900mm apart, so they cannot be used as a ladder.
• Strong and rigid. Anything broken or missing has to be fixed as soon as possible.

If the pool fence is also a boundary fence

A pool barrier on a property boundary has to stop children climbing down the inside, so it must be at least 1800mm high, measured from the ground on the pool side.

On cost, the Fencing Act says any work needed only because of the pool rules is the pool owner's responsibility. Your neighbour does not pay more than they would for an ordinary boundary fence.

The gate

• It opens away from the pool.
• It closes and latches by itself, without anyone helping it.
• A latch that can be reached from outside must be at least 1500mm off the ground.

Inspections

Councils keep a record of residential pools and inspect the barrier every three years. You can use the council or an independently qualified pool inspector.

Councils can issue a notice to fix a pool that does not comply. Fines can reach $20,000 for individuals and $60,000 for body corporates.

How we build pool fencing

Our pool fencing uses vertical metal bars at 100mm spacing.

Every pool is different, so confirm what yours needs with the council before you build, and we will build to it.