Let’s cut to the chase—if you’ve got a pool in New Zealand, fencing it off used to be a total no-brainer, right? That’s because for years, fences were the go-to for meeting council pool safety rules. But lately, there’s been more chat around alternative ways to keep your pool area secure without putting up a big ol’ fence. So, what’s the deal?

Here’s what matters: you still need to meet the safety requirements laid out by the Building (Pools) Amendment Act 2016. That law didn’t get rid of safety obligations—it just gave you a few more options. So, fencing might not be the only way to go, but you definitely can’t just leave your pool wide open to the world.

First things first: what counts as a ‘pool’ under NZ law?

Basically, if it holds more than 400mm of water—yep, that’s less than knee-high—it probably counts. That includes spa pools, some paddling pools, and of course, your average backyard swimming pool. Anything that meets that 400mm depth gets clamped under the same safety rules.

Now, if you’re keen on NOT installing a fence, here’s what you should do:

Get familiar with the alternative safety solutions. For instance, things like lockable covers, retractable enclosures, or even landscape design can sometimes meet the standard—but only if the council or your building inspector approves it.

Let’s say you’ve got a spa pool with a solid, lockable lid. That might actually be enough. According to Auckland Council, if your spa has a rigid, lockable cover that meets NZS 8500:2006 standards—and you keep it locked whenever you’re not using it—you might not need a fence at all (check out their pool guidelines here: aucklandcouncil.govt.nz). Other councils like Wellington and Christchurch say the same sort of thing—the key is that it’s safe, secure, and compliant.

Think of it like this: instead of building a wall around your pool, you’re proving that the pool is safely shut away when not in use. But—and it’s a big but—you can’t just assume your solution is fine. You’ve got to get it signed off. Every council runs inspections, and they’ll check for compliance every three years. So, don’t try to wing it.

Here’s a tip—before you even think about buying a cover or fancy gate system, give your local council a ring. Ask to speak to someone in the pool compliance team. They’ve heard it all before, and they’ll tell you straight up if your idea is worth chasing. Don’t wait until after you’ve dropped a couple of grand on something that doesn’t meet the code.

Oh, and if you’re going the landscape route—like using hedges, retaining walls or garden features as barriers—that can work too. But again, only if they meet the specs. For example, they can’t be climbable, need to be at least 1.2 metres high, and can’t have gaps a small child could squeeze through. It’s kind of like when you use big planters to block off an area in a café—it feels closed off, but if a toddler can toddle through, it doesn’t count.

By the way, there are retailers and brands around NZ who focus on this stuff. Take a look at companies like Coverstar, Freedom Pools, or Spa World—they offer compliant covers and safety options made with NZ standards in mind. Ideal if you’ve got a spa or plunge pool and don’t want the full fence look. And Mitre 10 or Bunnings have more basic safety gear, like pool alarms and safety locks, if you’re going the DIY route.

One thing to keep in mind—if you’re planning something unusual or custom, you might need a building consent. It’s a bit like doing reno work on your house: even if it seems minor, if it impacts safety, you’ve got to check with the council.

Anyway, here’s the bottom line: you can have a secure pool area without a fence, but only if your alternative is just as safe and it’s approved. Don’t assume, don’t cut corners, and keep your compliance inspection dates in check. It’s not just about dodging a fine—it’s about making sure kids and pets stay safe around water.

If in doubt? Call the council. Better to sort it now than try to explain it later when there’s an issue.