Drowning is a major cause of the accidental death of young children in New Zealand. Many drownings happen in private homes; in unfenced or inadequately fenced swimming and spa pools. It is estimated that with the adequate fencing of pools, as least half of such deaths would have been prevented.
Making your Pool Safe
The Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 requires that every private swimming and spa pool be properly fenced. It places the responsibility with councils to ensure this happens.
The Council's booklet Pool Fencing: Guidelines for the Fencing of Swimming Pools and Spa Pools (6 pages, 603kb) provides you with some guidelines to ensure your swimming pool complies with regulations. You can also contact the Council for a hard copy.
Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987
Section 5.9 of the Supply of Water Bylaw (16 pages, 40kb).
To make sure your fencing plans will comply, contact the Kapiti Coast District Council’s General Inspector before you begin fencing.
Example of a Kapiti pool that meets all legal fencing requirements
Exemptions
Section 6 of the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 allows for exemptions to its requirements in certain cases. Contact the Swimming Pool Safety Inspector at the Council to talk through your options.
Application Form for Special Exemption to the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act
(2 pages, 248kb)
The Council is now considering exemptions for owners of portable spa pools, provided the spa pool meets certain conditions. These are outlined on the exemption application form:
Application Form for Special Exemption for Portable Spa Pool (2 pages, 53kb)
In support of your application you may seek a Building Industry Authority decision. The Authority's contact details are 0800 242 243 39 or bia@bia.govt.nz