Are you dreaming of a swimming pool in your Auckland home? It’s a fantastic way to relax, entertain, and stay fit. However, building a pool is more than just picking a spot in your backyard. You need to know the regulations, safety requirements, and steps involved. We are here to guide you through the process, making it smooth and compliant.
Understanding Swimming Pool Regulations
Since 1 January 2017, the Building Act 2004 governs pool safety in Auckland. It replaced the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987. This law applies to all residential and small heated pools deeper than 400mm. Its main goal is to keep children under 5 years old safe from unsupervised access to pools. So, any filled or partly filled pool must have barriers to restrict access.
When designing your new swimming pool area, it’s crucial to have pool fencing. In New Zealand, all swimming pools must have a suitable barrier to prevent accidental drowning, particularly of unsupervised children. As a pool owner, ensuring your pool area is safe and secure is your responsibility.
The regulations for swimming pool fencing are outlined in the NZ building code under clause F9. According to F9, residential pools with a water depth of 400 mm or more must have measures to restrict access, preventing unsupervised entry by children under 5 years old.
In essence, this means that your pool area must be fully enclosed. Understanding what constitutes an immediate pool area is key. Essentially, this area should be dedicated solely to the pool and related activities, such as sunbathing or outdoor dining.
F9 defines an immediate pool area as “the land on which the pool is located and the surrounding area used for activities related to or involving the pool.” This implies that unrelated items or activities, like a clothesline or vegetable garden, should not be located in the immediate pool area. Additionally, the pool area should not be used as a pathway to other unrelated areas.
Pool Barrier Regulations
Pool barriers, including fences and gates, must meet specific criteria to comply with the Building Code Clause F9 – Restricting access to residential pools:
- Height: Barriers must be at least 1.2m high above the ground and any nearby objects.
- Climbable Features: There should be no climbable features on the outside unless they are 900mm apart.
- Gaps: Barriers must not have gaps larger than 100mm.
- Trellis or Mesh Fencing: For fences higher than 1.8m, openings must be 35mm or less. For fences between 1.2m and 1.8m, openings must be 10mm or less.
- Trees: Ensure no trees near the fence can help children climb over.
- Distance: The ideal distance between the pool and the fence is at least 36 inches. This ensures that pool users have enough space to walk around the pool and that a child or pet who climbs the fence will not fall directly into the pool.
Boundary Fence Requirements
- If a boundary fence is part of your pool area, ensure it is designed to prevent access from the neighbor’s side.
- Special precautions are necessary as you cannot control your neighbor’s actions on their side of the fence.
- Additional requirements apply beyond the standard fencing rules mentioned earlier:
- Boundary fences should be 1800mm high on the pool side.
- They must have a 900mm high non-climbable zone on the pool side, starting no more than 150mm from the top.
- Fences should be positioned at least 1000mm away from the water’s edge to prevent a child from falling into the pool.
Swimming Pool Gate Regulations
Gates leading into the pool area must:
- Open away from the pool area.
- Be self-closing and self-latching from any distance.
- Follow the rules for fences.
- The latch must be at least 1.5m high if accessible from the outside. If on the inside, it must be out of reach from the outside.
What if another building is part of the pool fence/barrier?
That’s acceptable, but it’s important to ensure that access from those buildings to the pool enclosure is restricted. Here are some considerations: Please make sure that all windows opening into the pool area have stays that limit their opening to no more than 100mm, preventing children from climbing through them. Ensure that any doors opening into the immediate pool area:
- are single-leaf doors (not bifold or French doors),
- are no wider than 1000mm,
- are either self-closing or equipped with an audible alarm that sounds while the door is open,
- have a self-latching device that requires manual release to reopen, with the release positioned at least 1500mm above the floor level inside,
- have appropriate signage next to the door handle indicating that there is a swimming pool and “Close the door.”
Inspections and Compliance
When installing a new pool, you’ll need a compliance check for your pool barrier. This is part of your building consent requirements. You can do this after installing the barrier or during the final pool inspection. Always ensure your pool is secure and maintain fences and gates regularly.
Registering Your Pool
You must register all residential swimming pools with the Auckland Council. This includes some small heated and temporary pools. Failing to register can lead to fines and legal issues.
Safety Checklist for Swimming Pool Areas
To prevent drownings and injuries:
- Restrict access to the pool for unsupervised children under five.
- Don’t leave ladders against the pool or gates open.
- Empty small portable pools after use if they don’t have a barrier.
- Keep barriers, fences, gates, and latches in good working condition.
Non-Swimming Pool Related Items
Avoid placing non-pool items like clotheslines, play equipment, or storage areas inside the pool area. If your pool is recorded as empty, contact the council for an inspection before refilling it.
Exemptions and Modifications
While you can no longer get exemptions for pool fencing, you can apply for a waiver or modification during your building consent process. This is useful if you have unique challenges in meeting standard regulations.
Building a swimming pool in Auckland is exciting and can enhance your home. By following regulations and safety requirements, you can ensure a smooth construction process. Remember to register your pool, maintain regular inspections, and prioritize safety. With these guidelines, you’re on your way to enjoying your backyard oasis in Auckland!
Got questions about pool barrier compliance? We’re here to help! Feel free to reach out to Royal Glass at info@royalglass.co.nz or give us a call at 0800 769 254. Our team is ready to assist you with all your pool safety needs.
