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Pool fencing

Installing swimming and spa pools | Spa pools | Pool fencing rules | Fencing checklist | Pool inspections | Improving the safety of your pool | Complaints about private pools and spas | Emptying a swimming or spa pool

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Of the 'Your pool, Your responsibility' brochure

Installing swimming and spa pools

Pools are defined as any excavation, structure or product which can hold more than 400mm of water, that is used or is capable of being used for swimming, wading, paddling or bathing. This includes spa pools.

If you are planning to install a swimming pool or spa pool you may need a building consent. The building consent drawings should depict the immediate pool area. The immediate pool area is defined as "the land in or on which the pool is situated and so much of the surrounding area as is used for the activities or purposes carried on in conjunction with the use of the pool."

As a general rule, the further away from the house the pool is located, the more likely it is it to require full fencing.

You will also need to make sure that your plans meet council requirements relating to maximum paved impermeable surfaces for your property. The rules depend on the zone of your property and other factors covered in Part Part 7.8.1.6 of the District Plan. Contact us for information about your property.

Pools must remain empty until they have an approved complying fence installed.

Pool fencing is the responsibility of homeowners who must meet and maintain the fencing to the standards required by the Act. Council's role is to see that this is achieved, and as a result we have established an extensive database of pools which we monitor every two years and provide advice to the owners.

You are breaking the law if you do not ensure that your swimming or spa pool fences comply with the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act. We will take action to prosecute the owners of homes with non-complying pools.
 

Planning to install a pool, spa or hot tub?

The Fencing of Swimming Pools Act says that you need to notify us of your intention to do so.
Please complete the online form below or download and fax a notification form.

Notification of swimming or spa pool

* indicates compulsory fields

* Name of occupant:

Phone:

* Site address:

* Type of pool

Swimming pool Spa pool Hot tub

* Where on the property is it going? (deck, lawn, etc)

Who is installing the pool?

Your email address, if you would like to receive a copy of this notification

 

Download and fax a form

Notification of existence and installation of swimming pool, spa pool, hot tub (44k PDF)

This can be faxed to (09) 353 9361.

To view PDFs download Acrobat Reader from the Adobe website. Further help on how to view PDFs.

 

Reviewed July 2008