Responsibilities

You must have a barrier around any pool, under the Building (Pools) Amendment Act 2016, to protect children under five from drowning in pools. Pools must be inspected every three years, either by Council or by an independently qualified pool inspector (IQPI).

This page outlines your responsibilities regarding a private pool or spa, depending on your role. 

Councils

Territorial authorities (councils) must take all reasonable steps to make sure pools in their district comply with the Act. We’re required to do this by:

• approving and inspecting building consents for new pools and pool barriers
• keeping a register of pools, spa pools, and hot tubs in our area
• ensuring regular audits are carried out to make sure pool barriers continue to comply.

Pool owners

Property and pool owners must:

• let Council know about any pool, spa pool, or hot tub, including if it was installed before the Act came into effect
• get a building consent before installing or constructing a pool or pool barrier
• follow any conditions of their building consent
• ensure the pool and immediate pool area has a barrier that complies with the Act (this includes making sure all parts of the barrier and gates are maintained effectively).

Tenants

Tenants, and anyone with control of a pool, are also required to make sure the pool barrier complies with the Act.

Make sure you check Tenancy Services' Pools – tenant and landlord responsibilities.