If you are thinking of taking the dive and buying a pool, please have a chat with Council first to ensure you are aware of your pool fencing safety obligations so we can keep kids safe this summer.

Cooling down and making a splash in a backyard swimming pool is great summer fun, but there are pool fencing rules to help keep our whānau safe – and it pays to check first.

Unfenced pools can be dangerous for young children, and a barrier around your pool can mean the difference between life and death.

Wairoa District Council’s Building team is reminding pool owners and potential owners of the importance of meeting the national safety requirements, including that pools 40cm or more in depth require a physical barrier to restrict access by unsupervised children.

Wairoa District Council Chief Executive Matt Lawson said it is important people understand the requirements for residential pool fencing so they can make informed decisions when purchasing and installing a pool.

“Any residential pool, including permanent, temporary, portable, paddling and spa pools, poses a serious drowning risk and must have barriers that restrict unsupervised access by young children.

“The rules around pool fencing were put in place by the government in 2017, providing consistent guidelines for the whole country and aimed at reducing the number of children drowning in pools.

“The council encourages pool owners to ensure they are familiar with the legislation, which will likely include building consent for the pool fence and a three-yearly inspection to ensure the pool barrier is compliant. I encourage anyone looking to buy a pool to please have a chat with Council staff first. Let us know which pool you are looking to purchase so we can assist to ensure the safety obligations are met.”

Councils keep a record of all pools in the district. Pool owners can choose to have the pool fence inspection carried out by a local council inspector or an independently qualified pool inspector.

The Council inspection cost is $180 plus mileage and time. 

For more information or to book an inspection, call into the Council office and talk to the Building Consents team or head to https://www.wairoadc.govt.nz/assets/Document-Library/Publications/Building-Control/Information-Sheet-6-Pool-fencing.pdf

Key safety requirements:

• All pools 40cm or deeper must have a compliance barrier
• Building consent is required for installing a pool fence – even if you build it yourself
• Barriers must be inspected by your local Council every three years
• Spa pools under 5m2 may use an approved safety cover instead of a fence, but it must meet strict criteria.
• Empty paddling pools when not in use, including overnight, and store them safely.

8 December 2025

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