New rules for Tauranga pool owners

Tauranga pool owners will recieve a letter informing them of 2016 pool fence inspections.

Tauranga pool owners will be able to check the safety of their pool fencing prior to council inspections next year.

At least 2,500 known pool owners will be sent a letter from the Tauranga City Council to advise them the pool fencing inspections will begin in 2016, this will also have a check-list of safety assessments attached.

Manager of environmental monitoring Andrew McMath said the checklist is an easy tool for pool owners.

"Many people probably assume their pool fencing is safe, but there might be a few simple things that need to be addressed," Mr McMath said.

Despite the council's pool inspection programme coinciding with the Building (Pools) Amendment Bill, which would amend the Building Act 2004 and repeal the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 (FOSPA), Mr McMath said people should not be concerned.

"Pool owners will still be required to ensure that their pools are safe, and local councils will still be required to inspect pool fencing. In fact, the requirement for us to inspect will be strengthened under the new bill."

For more information about pool fencing rules got to http://www.tauranga.govt.nz/council-a-z/swimming-pool-fencing.aspx and for pool fence safety tips go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eZ2v3utLMQ