Swimming and Spa Pools
We want everyone to have fun around swimming pools and that includes staying safe.
Preventing children from drowning is the reason why safety standards are in place and making sure correct barriers/fences are in place is one way of doing this.
New rules
In January 2017 a new set of rules were introduced to New Zealand with specific responsibilities being placed on pool owners and councils.
Since September 2017, manufacturers and retailers must supply notices with pools informing customers that the pool must have barriers that restrict access by young children.
Safety
We can all take a few simple steps to make sure we minimise the risk to our children. For example, if you have a paddling pool at home, please make sure you empty it after use. If you have a more permanent pool at home (spa, hot tub or a swimming pool which can hold 400mm or more of water), you must make sure it has an appropriate barrier to stop a child entering it unsupervised.
What is an appropriate barrier?
New pool safety legislation came into effect on 1 January 2017.
The Building (Pools) Amendment Act 2016 repeals the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 and includes new provisions in the Building Act 2004 relating to residential pools.
Building Consent
A building consent is required to erect a swimming pool fence. The fence, once constructed, will be entered into Council's Swimming Pool Fence Register and will be inspected every three years.
A building consent may be required to construct a swimming pool, this is dependent on how the pool is constructed, for example if it is in ground or above ground. Please contact the Waimate District Council Building Consent Authority for clarification on this.
A spa pool (small, heated pool) will require a pool fence to be erected if the spa pool does not meet the criteria for safety covers for small, heated pools. See the link below for more information.
