Building work involving residential pools
Building work for residential pools requires a building consent unless it is exempt under Schedule 1 of the Act. Pools below certain thresholds are exempt under clause 23 of Schedule 1.
Even if the building work for a residential pool is exempt, the owner must still obtain a building consent for the barrier. This confirms from the outset that the pool has barriers that restrict the access of young children, and informs the territorial authority of the location of the pool. The subsequent issue of a code compliance certificate sets the anniversary date for periodic inspections to occur.
The installation of a cover for a small heated pool is exempt from requiring a building consent.
The following are available on the Legislation website:
Clause 21A of Schedule 1 of the Act sets out an exemption for covers for small heated pools.
Clause 23 of Schedule 1 of the Act sets out the thresholds for pools to be exempt from requiring a building consent.
Acceptable Solutions for restricting access to residential pools
MBIE has issued two Acceptable Solutions for restricting access to residential pools
- F9/AS1 Residential pool barriers
- F9/AS2 Covers for small heated pools
These Acceptable Solutions replace the Acceptable Solution in Section 450A of the Act, which has been revoked.
Example of a temporary above-ground pool that must comply with the Building Code
Temporary residential pools, such as inflatable pools, are subject to the same Building Code requirements as other residential pools.
The pool’s barrier must comply with all the relevant requirements of the Building Code. For example, any gates in the pool’s barrier must be self-closing, and the barrier must meet the requirements in the Building Code for structure and durability.
Any pool that cannot be filled to a depth of 400mm does not require a barrier.