Updated pool warning notices required from 29 September 2026

On 28 March 2025, the Building (Pool Manufacturers and Retailers) Notice 2017 was updated to improve the effectiveness of the warning notices in communicating residential pool barrier requirements. An 18-month transition period allowed manufacturers and retailers to display either the 2017 or the 2025 warning notices while preparing for the change.

The transition period has now ended, and manufacturers and retailers must display the 2025 warning notices.

The warning notice requirements apply to pools that can be filled to a depth of 40cm or more, including temporary, portable and spa pools.

The notices are designed to improve safety around residential pools, particularly for children under five. They:

• alert people to pool barrier requirements
• warn about the risk of drowning and why barriers are important
• direct people to information to help them use the pool legally and safely.

The 2025 warning notices were introduced to make the requirements clearer, better communicate drowning risks for young children, and require warning notices to be displayed on webpages where the pool is advertised, sold, or shipped within Aotearoa New Zealand.

For more information visit Manufacturer and retailer notices