Does my pool need to be fenced?

Yes! The Building (Pools) Amendment Act 2016 repealed the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 and inserted requirements for residential pool safety in the Building Act 2004. All residential swimming pools need to have barriers to prevent access to pools by children under 5-years-of-age and must be inspected every 3 years.

Barriers are required for all residential pools that can be filled to a depth of 400mm or more and contain water, regardless of the amount of water.

Residential and Pool are defined as:

• Residential relates to a place of residence, including hotels, motels and similar accommodation.
• Pool relates to any type of excavation or structure that's used for swimming, paddling or bathing.

A residential pool barrier is not required for garden ponds and similar water hazards, which are not intended to fall within the definition of pool.