“The rules are a bit different if your pool fence forms part of your boundary fence – in that case, the fence needs to be 1.8m or higher,” he said.
Building consent is needed to construct a pool fence, which will cost $320.
“Paying attention to the condition of pool fencing is also important [...] as drownings can happen because there’s a deteriorating fence or gate, latches that fail, or even gates that are left propped open,” Martin said.
Above-ground pools over 1.2 metres high don’t need a fence, so long as the pool sides are smooth with no protrusions that could be used as footholds, and the ladder or means of getting into the pool can be removed whenever the pool isn’t being used.
Whether the pool needs a fence or not, all pool owners need to make sure there are no climbable objects like trees, pot plants or furniture within 1.2m of the barrier, or pool if a barrier isn’t needed.
Pool owners are responsible for making sure young children are supervised around pools at all times.
To arrange building consent for a pool fence or to ask for advice with your pool, phone the council at 06 349 0001 and ask for Tom Martin, or check out the residential pools section on the council website.