Following the rules for residential pools
Published on 22 December 2021
As we head into warmer weather, Whanganui District Council is encouraging people to do the right thing to keep children safe around residential pools.
The council’s building control manager, Greg Hoobin, says home swimming pools are great for family fun and relaxation, but owning a pool comes with responsibilities.
“Everyone needs to be mindful that dangers exist, even for something as innocent as an inflatable paddling pool.
“If a pool can hold water to a depth of 400mm or more – that’s 40 centimetres – you legally require a barrier, regardless of whether any small children actually live on the property.
“It doesn’t matter whether it’s a permanent pool or a portable, kitset or inflatable pool – the rule still applies.”
Greg Hoobin says a fence is required for all in-ground swimming pools and above-ground swimming pools with sides less than 1.2 metres high. The fence – which needs building consent approval from the council – must be 1.2 metres or higher and meet criteria around type of gate and fencing material.
For above-ground pools over 1.2 metres high, no fence is needed if the sides of the pool can be an effective barrier.
“To qualify as an effective barrier, the sides of a pool need to be smooth so there’s no projections that can be used as footholds.
“Also, the ladder or means of getting into the pool needs to be taken away whenever the pool isn’t in use,” Greg Hoobin says.
The rules also apply to spa pools without lockable lids.
He says pool owners are responsible for making sure children are supervised around pools at all times and also for maintaining pool fencing.
“Most children who drown in residential pools do so because there’s no fence, a deteriorating fence, gates and latches that fail or gates that are left propped open,” Greg Hoobin says.
Owners can face prosecution for unsafe pools.
“Please get in touch with the council now to arrange a building consent so you can have peace of mind this summer and get on with enjoying all of the fun that a home pool brings.”
To arrange a building consent for your pool, phone the council on 06 349 0001.