Alright, let’s talk straight — if you’ve got a pool at home in New Zealand and kids around, safety isn’t optional. It’s essential. Whether you’re setting up a new pool or you’ve had one for years, making that area child-safe matters… big time.

Here’s what matters: Drowning is a real risk for kids, especially under five. You might think, “I’m always keeping an eye on them,” but it only takes a second for something to go wrong. So, putting proper protection around your pool isn’t just smart — it’s the law.

Start with a compliant pool fence

This one’s non-negotiable. Your pool needs to be completely enclosed with a fence that meets New Zealand’s laws. According to the Building (Pools) Amendment Act 2016, pools must have fencing that’s at least 1.2 metres high, with no gaps that a kid could squeeze through — not even your tiny toddler who thinks they’re a ninja climber.

You can check the official rules on the New Zealand Government’s Building Performance website (building.govt.nz). They lay out exactly what’s required.

Thinking of something stylish? Don’t worry — places like PlaceMakers, Mitre 10 and Bunnings here in NZ sell good-looking, compliant pool fencing options. You’re not stuck with some ugly barricade — you can be safe and keep the vibes tidy.

Keep the gate self-closing and self-latching

This is a big one. A pool fence isn’t doing much if the gate stays open because someone forgot to shut it. Your gate should swing shut by itself and latch at a height kids can’t reach — think top corner level. If it doesn’t, fix it. No excuses. You can grab self-closing hinges and latch kits from places like Mitre 10 — they’re usually in the general fencing or gate hardware section.

Think of it like this: it’s kind of like putting a child lock on a cleaning cupboard. You wouldn’t leave bleach under the sink with the door wide open, right?

Clear the “climb zone”

Here’s one that’s easy to miss — don’t leave objects near the pool fence that a child could drag over and climb. Garden furniture, pots, even pool toys. If it’s within a metre of the fence and over 100mm high, it’s a step-up for a little adventurer. So, do a sweep around your pool and shift anything dangerous out of the way.

Secure the cover (if you’ve got one)

If you’ve got a spa or a small pool with a cover, make sure it’s lockable. We’re not talking a flappy bit of plastic tossed over the top — it should be sturdy and able to support a child’s weight without sinking. Spa pool covers with lockable clips are ideal.

By the way, for spa pools under 760mm high with a compliant cover, the fencing rules are slightly different — you’ll want to double-check the exemption info on building.govt.nz or your local council to be sure.

Teach water safety early

Okay, so physical barriers come first — but teaching your kids how to stay safe around water is just as important. Swim lessons are a must. Don’t wait until they’re older. It’s like teaching road safety — the earlier they learn how to handle themselves, the better.

Organisations like Water Safety NZ and SwimSafe NZ have heaps of resources and programs for young kids. Even your local council pool likely runs lessons year-round. Find something close to home and just get them in the water.

Regular checks go a long way

Let’s cut to the chase: things break or wear out. Latches rust. Gates sag. Dogs dig under fences. That perfect fence you installed two summers ago might not be up to scratch anymore. So, give your pool area a check every few weeks — especially after big winds or wild weather.

If you’re not sure what to look for, many councils (like Auckland Council) offer inspection guides on their websites. Some can even send someone out to assess it for you.

Don’t forget the extras

Once the basics are sorted, you can think about extras that add another layer of safety. Pool alarms, security cameras, signage — sometimes these little touches give you peace of mind. Not mandatory, but useful.

For example, Trademe has pool alarms or water disturbance sensors you can set up — it’s kind of like a baby monitor for your pool.

So, bottom line?

If you’ve got a pool and kids at home (or even visiting), the job isn’t done until every point of entry is kid-proof. Keep fences compliant, gates secure, and never assume someone else is watching. Protection isn’t about paranoia — it’s about prevention.

The rules might feel like a pain on paper, but in real life, they save lives. And at the end of the day, nothing beats knowing your pool area is safe and sorted.