Pool Fencing - FAQ
Remember if you are building a new swimming or spa pool you will require a building consent and possibly a resource consent. This includes the construction of the surrounding fence. Waitaki District Council recommends that, where possible, pools should be fenced independently from any building or boundary fence.
Placement of the fence
The fence must only surround the immediate pool area. In general, permitted activities within the immediate pool area include:
•pool changing rooms or bathroom facilities
•lounging, seating and sunbathing areas associated with the pool
•diving boards and other pool equipment
•pool furniture
•pumps and other pool maintenance equipment.
Activities that would generally be excluded from the immediate pool area include:
•clotheslines
•vegetable gardens
•vehicle or pedestrian access to or from one part of the property to another, or from the street to the property
•children's playground equipment, such as swings, slides and trampolines.
Beware of including a boundary fence as part of the pool fence. Your neighbours may put trellis or a stack of wood on their side, which would enable a child to climb over the fence. In such cases the fence would not comply with the Act.
It is the responsibility of the pool owner to maintain the boundary fencing where used as the pool fence, in a manner which complies with the pool fencing requirements. Alternatively, a separate fence to the pool enclosure could be provided.
House forms part of the pool fence
The walls of a house (or another building on the property) can form part of a pool fence providing it meets certain conditions. Access to the pool from all doors and windows of a building is not allowed. Check the details of standards for doors and windows for more information or contact us.