In accordance with the Fencing and Swimming Pools Act 1987, structures that can be used for wading, bathing or paddling in, and have a water depth greater than 400mm must be fenced.

Any new swimming pool fence must be constructed in accordance with the provisions of the National Building Code and will require a building consent prior to construction.

• minimum height 1.2 m with nothing outside fence for a distance of 1.2m to climb on – e.g. a tree or woodpile
   
• if there are horizontal rails on the outside of the fence they need to be 900mm apart
   
• spacing no wider than 100mm including the gap at the bottom of the fence
   
• lattice or mesh fencing is acceptable provided the lattice or mesh opening is no more than 50mm across and the fence is no less than 1.8m high

Gates

• gates must swing away from the pool and must have a spring for self-closing. The latch must be on the inside of the gate or 1.5m above ground 

Spas

• Council does not accept lockable lids on spa pools as a means of complying with the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 requirements
   
• a fence, or enclosure within a building, are the only means of complying with the code requirements

This is also as recommended by the Department of Internal Affairs in the fencing of swimming pools guidelines.

General

• if the pool is above ground and at least 1.2 m high, has a removable ladder which can be stored elsewhere, and does not have anything within 1.2m of the pool that can be used for climbing into the pool, then no fence is required
   
• if you are installing a pool and are concerned about fencing - we offer one free on-site inspection to provide advice

For more information please contact the Department of Building and Housing.