New pool safety legislation came into effect on 1 January 2017 to improve the safety of swimming pools for young children.

The Building Act 2004 requires that residential pools that are filled or partly filled with water must have physical barriers that restrict access by unsupervised children under five years old. This requirement applies to pools that can be filled with water to a depth of 400mm or more.

For more information, visit the Safety guidance for pool owners and F9 Restricting access to residential pools sections of building.govt.nz.

A building consent is required for the installation of a swimming pool and swimming pool fencing.

Swimming pool fence inspections

The Building Act also requires residential pools be inspected every three years, either by a territorial authority (the Council) or by independently qualified pool inspectors, to confirm compliance with Regulation F9.  Some small heated pools are exempt, refer to F9/AS2.

If we know about your pool, you will receive a letter letting you know when your pool (or non-exempt spa pool) will be inspected.  The cost of this inspection is outlined in our Council’s Fees and Charges.

All new pools that require a building consent will have the pool and fencing inspected during construction.  When the code compliance certificate is issued, the pool will be added to our pool fencing register. This pool then becomes part of the three-yearly inspection process.

If you're unsure if your pool is on our register, please contact our team on 07 306 0500 or email techadmin@whakatane.govt.nz