Pool barrier requirements

Pool barriers save lives. They are a critical safety feature that helps prevent unsupervised access to pool areas, significantly reducing the risk of drowning for children under 5.

If you own or rent out a property with a pool, it is your legal responsibility to ensure that the pool has a compliant physical barrier.

This barrier must:

• restrict access to children under 5 years of age
• surround the pool and part or all the immediate pool area
• be designed so it cannot be climbed from the outside.

These requirements apply whether the pool is in-ground, above-ground, temporary or portable. Importantly, a building consent is required for any new pool barrier, even if you plan to build it yourself.

Landlords are responsible for ensuring that pool barriers meet legal standards and are maintained in good condition. Tenants should also report any damage or safety concerns to their landlord promptly.

Your responsibilities for pool safety and maintenance of the pool.

Pools

Pool barrier inspection checklist for homeowners

To help homeowners stay compliant and keep young children safe, Building Performance have developed a pool barrier inspection checklist for homeowners. This checklist is a starting point to help you assess the safety and compliance of your residential pool barrier. It is most useful for:

• homeowners with existing pools and barriers that were previously compliant, who want to check for changes or maintenance issues before their next council inspection.
• homeowners with small, heated pools and compliant safety covers.
• homeowners unsure if their setup meets requirements.

Download the checklist to ensure your pool area is secure and your summer is safe.

Pool barrier inspection checklist for homeowners — Building Performance(external link)

Guidance on fencing your pool — Building Performance(external link)

General information on water safety — Water Safety New Zealand(external link)

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