Keeping a swimming pool safe and healthy isn’t just about doing a quick skim of the surface every now and then. Whether you’ve got a pool in your backyard or you’re thinking about getting one, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to keep your family (and anyone else who visits) safe.

Water Quality – Keep It Clean

Nobody likes swimming in murky, green water. More importantly, unclean water can lead to infections and skin irritations. The key here is regular maintenance.

• Chlorine & pH Levels – You need to test your pool regularly. Too little chlorine and bacteria will thrive. Too much and it can cause eye and skin irritation. The sweet spot for pH is between 7.2 and 7.8. You can grab a pool testing kit from stores like Mitre 10 or Bunnings to make this easy.
• Filtration System – Your pool pump should be running long enough each day to keep the water circulated and filtered. Generally, aim for around 8 hours a day, but this can vary depending on your pool size.
• Regular Cleaning – Get yourself a good quality pool net and vacuum. Leaves, insects, and other debris can quickly ruin your water quality. You can find pool cleaners and vacuums at Para Rubber.

Pool Fencing & Safety Barriers (It’s The Law!)

Let’s not beat around the bush—having the right pool fencing isn’t optional, it’s the law. New Zealand has strict pool safety regulations to prevent drowning, especially for kids.

• Fencing Requirements – Any pool over 400mm deep must have a fence that’s at least 1.2 metres high. The fence needs to have self-closing and self-latching gates.
• Compliance Checks – Councils across New Zealand carry out inspections to ensure compliance. Check with your local council about their specific rules—you can usually find this info on their website.
• Spa Pools Exemption – If you’ve got a spa pool, you may not need fencing, but it will require a secure, lockable cover that meets safety regulations. Check with Building Performance NZ for more details.

Preventing Accidents – Supervision & Common Sense

Even with fencing, accidents can still happen. The best prevention? Active supervision.

• Always Watch Kids – Children should never be left alone near a pool. If they’re swimming, you’re watching. No exceptions.
• Teach Water Safety – Signing kids up for swimming lessons early on can make a big difference. Organisations like Swim NZ offer swimming programs that focus on water safety.
• No Running, No Diving (Unless It’s Deep Enough) – Running around a wet pool area? That’s a recipe for a bad accident. And diving in shallow water? A neck injury waiting to happen. Set the rules early.

Pool Chemicals – Handle With Care

You wouldn’t store bleach where kids can grab it, and the same goes for pool chemicals.

• Store Properly – Keep them in a locked, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Follow Instructions – Mixing chemicals the wrong way can be dangerous. Always read the label, and if you’re unsure, ask a professional. Pool & Spa Warehouse NZ has plenty of guides on proper chemical use.
• Use The Right Amount – More chlorine doesn’t equal cleaner water. Overuse of chemicals can damage the pool and cause skin and respiratory issues.

Dealing With Emergencies – Be Ready

Hopefully, you’ll never need to deal with a pool-related emergency, but it pays to be prepared.

• Have Rescue Gear Handy – A life ring or pool rescue hook should be easily accessible.
• Learn CPR – Knowing CPR can save a life. Courses are available through St John NZ.
• Emergency Contacts – Have emergency numbers programmed in your phone and make sure family members know what to do in an emergency.

Covering Your Pool – Safety & Energy Savings

A decent pool cover isn’t just about stopping leaves from getting in. It helps keep the pool warm and, most importantly, keeps unsupervised kids out.

• Use A Secure Cover – If it’s loose or flimsy, it’s not doing its job. Solid covers with childproof features are best.
• Reduce Water Evaporation – Pool covers can also save on water and heating costs. Companies like Pool Covers NZ offer a range of options.

Final Thoughts

Owning a swimming pool is great fun, but it comes with serious responsibilities. Staying on top of maintenance, following safety regulations, and keeping an eye on children are non-negotiables. The good news? Once you’ve got a solid routine in place, it’s easy to keep your pool clean, safe, and ready to enjoy all summer long.