A building consent application is required for swimming pools in most cases; specifically the pool barrier.

When processing your building consent application we will consider a number of building code requirements of the overall swimming pool project.

An application is made by or on behalf of an owner. Whoever applies for the building consent must take responsibility for all aspects of the pool project so that council can inspect to sign off the pool when it is ready to be filled and used.

Consent plans must show that the immediate pool area has a barrier. The barrier must enclose only the pool and its surrounding area. Refer to Your Responsibilities for definition of Immediate pool area.

Fencing to the rest of your property isn’t considered to be pool barrier fencing. A separate fence is needed around the immediate pool area itself.

If part of an existing fence, or any existing building are to be part of the pool barrier these will need to meet the same performance and requirements as the rest of the pool barrier.

Above ground pools

For an above ground pool it may be possible to use the pool sides as a barrier if it is 1200mm high and not able to be climbed.

In this case the barrier and gate may only be required for the steps providing access to the pool. Another consideration to bear in mind is placement of a pump (where one is used). A pump should be either fenced off from the pool, or place away sufficiently from the pool that it can’t be used to climb over the pool side.

The manufacturer will provide guidance on whether the pool sides are considered suitable to be a barrier.

What to provide with your application

You can apply for a building consent via our online building consent application portal.

When applying for consent you must provide

  • sufficient details of all types of barriers so they can be assessed for their structural strength and durability,
  • details of barrier configuration to restrict climbing, and
  • how the barriers are to be installed.

If more than one type of barrier is proposed, details for each must be supplied, including details of how they join together.

Where existing fences or buildings are used as part of the pool barrier you must provide

  • photos of the existing construction that clearly identify height and how they are constructed, and
  • details of junctions between these and the other types of pool barriers that they join onto, and
  • if there are changes in level of the pool barrier, you must show the construction in relation to the surrounding ground levels and paving.

To support your building consent application  you will need to include the following information:

  • Site plan with dimensions, showing location of pool and existing buildings, location of fence, boundaries, existing waterways and pool surround
  • Fence construction, including the height, gates, self-closing device, construction type etc, and how the fence will comply
  • Show how any doors or windows that form part of the fence will comply
  • Size of the pool
  • Brand and model of the pool and the manufacturers installation details
  • Paved areas in association with the pool, including any drainage channels to collect surface water
  • Drainage plan, including the discharge point
  • Filling point for pool (tap) and backflow protection
  • Producer statement for specific engineering design to either pools or barriers (where applicable).