Swimming pools and fencingNgā puna kaukau me ngā taiapa

Residential pools established before 1 January 2017 do not have to make upgrades to meet the requirements of the Building Code – clause F9.  They only need to continue to comply with the requirements of clause F4 and/or the Schedule of the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987.

Some existing pools may require upgrades to ensure they continue to comply with the requirements of pool fencing that were in place when the pool was established.

Pools established pre January 2017

Yes, a boundary fence can be used for pool fencing. However, this can create problems as the pool owner cannot always determine what is on the other side of the boundary fence.  A neighbour may have trees or other climbable structures on their side of the fence that could make the fence non-compliant.  It is the pool owner’s responsibility to ensure compliance is achieved.

Pools established after January 2017

The Building Code clause F9 has different regulations regarding a boundary fence which focuses more on making the pool side of the fence safe.

Having pool fencing that is not a boundary fence, eliminates any potential issues caused by neighbouring properties.

It is a legislative requirement under the Building Act 2004, for all residential pools to be inspected at least once every three years.

Components of pool fencing, such as self-closing and self-latching devices, can deteriorate over time and stop operating as required. The inspections will ensure these components continue to operate to the required level of compliance.

Napier City Council is currently working on a three-yearly inspection regime determined by geographical locations. A letter is sent to property owners prior to the inspection to notify them of the upcoming inspection. 

An inspection of the pool will also be completed if Council receives a complaint in relation to the pool.

It will be necessary for you to be present if any of the following apply:

• access to the pool is restricted
• the Building Compliance Officer needs to gain access inside buildings that form part of the pool barrier to enable doors and windows to be inspected
• you have a dog 
• you wish to learn more about pool fencing from the Building Compliance Officer during the inspection.  

Please call +64 6 835 7579 to schedule an inspection time when you can be present.

In all other situations you are not required to be home for the inspection, however it is beneficial as the Building Compliance Officer can discuss any issues that may arise.

If your pool fails the initial inspection for any reason, instructions will be provided to you detailing what work is required to gain compliance. A follow-up inspection will be required to ensure the work has been completed and compliance has been met.

The pools status will remain as non-compliant on the pools register until the Building Compliance Officer is satisfied compliance has been met. This can lead to potential issues should the property owner decide to sell the property.

Napier City Council covers the cost of the inspection and associated administration through a targeted rate of $65 per annum.

Independently Qualified Pool Inspectors will set their own inspection fees.

Yes, pool fencing does require a building consent. Information about the building consent process can be found on the Napier City Council website.

If you install a pool fence without a building consent, it may not meet the requirements of the Act and you may be instructed to make the necessary alterations. You will be required to apply for a Certificate of Acceptance with any non-compliant work requiring a building consent to rectify it. A building consent ensures it is done right the first time.

Fencing is not required for spa pools and other small heated pools if the following criteria are met:

1. Surface water area of not more than 5m², and
2. Has sides at least 760mm above the ground/decking level, and
3. The sides are non-climbable, and
4. The spa pool has a cover that:

(a) Restricts entry of children when closed, and
(b) Has lockable strap fasteners, and
(c) Is able to withstand a reasonably foreseeable load, and
(d) Is able to be readily returned to the closed position, and
(e) Has signage indicating its child safety features.

Persons responsible for ensuring compliance are listed under section 162C (4) of the Building Act 2004 as listed below:

1. The owner of the pool.
2. The pool operator (a person who operates and maintains a pool on a day-to-day basis).
3. The owner of the land on which the pool is situated.
4. The occupier of the property in or on which the pool is situated.
5. If the pool is subject to a hire purchase agreement – the purchaser of the pool.
6. The lessee of the pool or the premises if a lease is in place.

Failure to comply with the pool safety requirements of the Building Act 2004 may result in a notice to fix and/or an infringement notice being issued to ensure compliance is met.

Napier City Council will work with pool owners to ensure compliance is met. A notice to fix and/or infringement notice will only be issued where the persons responsible refuse to take any steps to make their pool compliant or there is a clear pattern of continuous non-compliance or no effort made to ensure compliance.

Further information on notices to fix can be found in sections 163-168 of the Building Act 2004.

If you require further information regarding pool safety requirements, contact the Building Compliance Officer by ringing the Napier City Council Customer Service Centre on +64 6 835 7579.