Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to primary navigation Skip to secondary navigation
Building Performance
Site search

Popular searches

  1. Why contracts are valuable
    Consumer protection measures
  2. Use licensed people for restricted building work
    Choosing the right people for your type of building work
  3. Work that doesn't require a building consent
    Schedule 1 guidance
  4. Post-emergency building assessment
  5. Determinations
    Rulings on building work disputes
  6. E2 External moisture
    Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods
 
Menu Search

Fence first, fun follows: keep kids safe around pools this summer

Posted: 11 November 2025

Digital graphic showing a temporary pool surrounded by a black, railing fence and at the side against a blue background is text that says 'Fence first, fun follows' and Building Performance.
Residential pools can be a serious hazard for young children. That’s why the Building Act 2004 requires all pools capable of holding 40cm or more of water to have a physical barrier that restricts access by unsupervised children under 5 years of age. This includes portable and temporary pools, even if they’re only partially filled.

Pool barrier inspection checklist for homeowners

To help homeowners stay compliant and keep young children safe, we’ve developed a pool barrier inspection checklist for homeowners. This checklist is a starting point to help you assess the safety and compliance of your residential pool barrier. It’s most useful for: 

  • homeowners with existing pools and barriers that were previously compliant, who want to check for changes or maintenance issues before their next council inspection
  • homeowners with small heated pools and compliant safety covers
  • homeowners unsure if their setup meets requirements.

Download the checklist to ensure your pool area is secure and your summer is safe.

Pool barrier inspection checklist for homeowners [PDF 675KB]

Key safety requirements

  • All pools 40cm or deeper must have a compliant barrier.
  • Building consent is required for installing a pool fence - even if you build it yourself.
  • Barriers must be inspected every 3 years by your local council.
  • Spa pools under 5m² may use an approved safety cover instead of a fence, but it must meet strict criteria.
  • Empty paddling pools when not in use, including overnight and store them safely.

Supervision saves lives

Even with compliant barriers, active adult supervision is essential. Always keep children within arm’s reach around water and avoid distractions.

More information 

For more guidance on fencing your pool, please visit the safety guidance for pool owner’s page.

Safety guidance for pool owners

For general information on all kinds of water safety, including for pools, rivers and beaches, please visit the Water Safety New Zealand website.

Water Safety New Zealand - watersafetynz.org

Let’s make this summer safe and fun for everyone. Fence first, fun follows.

Tags in this article

Top

This information is published by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Chief Executive. It is a general guide only and, if used, does not relieve any person of the obligation to consider any matter to which the information relates according to the circumstances of the particular case. Expert advice may be required in specific circumstances. Where this information relates to assisting people: