Owning a pool in New Zealand is a dream for many, but there’s one thing you can’t ignore—fencing. And not just any fence—there are strict rules about how your pool must be enclosed. These regulations aren’t there to make life difficult; they’re meant to keep children safe. Let’s break it all down so you know exactly what you need to do.

Pool Fence Rules in New Zealand

So, here’s the deal: every residential pool in New Zealand that is deeper than 400mm (that’s just 40cm) must have a compliant fence around it. This isn’t just a suggestion—it’s the law under the Building (Pools) Amendment Act 2016. The goal is to prevent unsupervised access by young children, reducing the risk of drowning.

Your local council is the one who enforces these rules, and they’ll be inspecting your pool barrier every three years to make sure it’s up to standard. Yes, it’s a bit of a hassle, but think of it like getting your car WOF—it’s just something you need to do.

What Your Pool Fence Needs

Not just any fence will do. Here’s what yours must have:

✅ At least 1.2m high – The fence has to be tall enough to stop kids from climbing over.
✅ Gap-free – Any gaps in or under the fence must not exceed 100mm. Small enough so a child can’t squeeze through.
✅ No climbable objects nearby – Trees, furniture, planter boxes—basically, anything that could give a boost over the fence must be kept at least 1.2m away.
✅ Self-closing and self-latching gate – The gate must swing outward (away from the pool) and must close on its own. The latch should be at least 1.5m above ground so little hands can’t reach it.

If your fence doesn’t meet these rules, you’ll need to fix it—or face potential fines.

What About Spa Pools and Hot Tubs?

Good news! If your spa or hot tub has a lockable, child-resistant cover and it’s under 5m², you don’t need a fence. But—and this is important—the cover must be secured when not in use. If not, it’s the same as having an unfenced pool in the eyes of the law.

Regional Differences

Now, here’s where things get a bit tricky. Different councils can have their own rules on top of the national ones. That means what works in Auckland might not fly in Christchurch.

For example:
🟢 Auckland Council (aucklandcouncil.govt.nz) has strict inspection processes and will issue notices if your fence isn’t up to scratch.
🟢 Christchurch City Council (ccc.govt.nz) provides guidelines on pool fencing and emphasises regular maintenance.
🟢 Wellington City Council (wellington.govt.nz) offers a self-assessment checklist so you can check your pool enclosure before an inspection.

It’s worth checking with your local council before building or modifying your pool fence to make sure you’re compliant.

Where to Buy Pool Fencing in NZ

If you need to install or upgrade your pool fence, these retailers are a good place to start:

🏗️ Bunnings NZ (bunnings.co.nz) – Carries DIY-friendly pool fencing kits.
🏗️ Mitre 10 (mitre10.co.nz) – Sells compliant fencing materials and gates.
🏗️ Glass Vice (glassvice.com) – Specialises in frameless glass pool fences (for that sleek, modern look).
🏗️ Fencing New Zealand (fencingnewzealand.co.nz) – Offers fully customisable pool fencing solutions.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, a proper pool fence isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about safety. It might seem like a hassle now, but it’s worth it to avoid accidents (and fines). Make sure your fence is up to code, your gate works properly, and always check with your local council if you’re unsure.

It’s better to sort it now than deal with a compliance headache later.