A guide to building your perfect pool

A pool is a wonderful addition to a home and a perfect spot to spend your summer days. One of the most popular search terms on the residential ‘for sale’ section of realestate.co.nz is often ‘pool’ in the lead up to the summer months, meaning that there are plenty of buyers looking for a pool in their new home. 

Whether you love the idea of adding a pool for yourself or to add value when selling your home, here’s what you need to know about swimming pool rules and some checklists to ensure you’ve ticked everything off.

The Fencing of Swimming Pools Act

The Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 exists to protect young children from the danger of drowning in unfenced swimming pools. It does this by requiring owners to fence their pools.

If your pool has the capability of water depth greater than 400mm (16 inches) then it is required to be fenced in accordance with the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act. 

It’s worth noting that this includes blow up and temporary pools – so if you were thinking of getting an inflatable pool make sure you are aware of the rules. All pools, no matter when they were installed must comply with the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act. 

Do pools require a building consent?

All pool fencing requires building consent, including that around spa pools, and some pools require consent for the construction of the pool itself. Contact your local council if you have any questions about the information needed for a pool related building consent.

Fencing your pool

Your pool fence must only surround the pool and the area immediately around the pool. This area can only include things used in association with the pool, for example, changing sheds. It must not include things that are not relating to the pool for example, clotheslines, vegetable gardens and children’s play equipment.

Buildings may form part of the pool fence provided they comply with the Act, for example, there must be no opening doors out to the area outside that fenced. Boundary fences may form part of the pool fence provided they meet the requirements of the Act.

The Council (only) can grant an exemption from meeting the requirements of the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act. Council will only grant an exemption if it is satisfied that the circumstances will not significantly increase the danger to young children.

This article first appeared in the New Zealand Building Guide. Read more about building your dream home at buildingguide.co.nz.