Swimming Pool Fencing

Pool fencing design and construction

Safety Barriers/Fencing
The barrier/fence must surround the immediate pool area and should restrict young children from accessing the pool. The immediate pool area is that area used for activities solely relating to the use of the pool.

Height
The minimum height for a pool barrier/fence is 1.2 metres above ground level. No space under the bottom of the gate or fence can be greater than 100mm from the ground at any point.

Types of materials
Fences can be constructed from any type of material provided it is durable and complies with the Building Code and the requirements of the Standard. Living vegetation or hedges are not acceptable as pool fences. 

  • Perforated materials like netting, mesh or trellis can be used provided:No opening in the perforated material is greater than 10mm (measured diagonally) for a 1200 mm and above fence and no opening is greater than 35mm (measured diagonally) for a 1800 mm and above fence.  For barriers/fences 3000 mm and above in total height, no opening shall be greater than 53mm.

 

Non-compliant pool fence: too low, overgrown and old

 1.2m fence
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1800 mm fence

1.8m fence
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3m fence
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1200 mm fence

Construction

All horizontal rails, bracing etc that could be used for climbing must be at least 900mm apart. If less than 900mm apart, they should be on the inside of the fence or covered by an acceptable, non-climbable material.

Spacing between vertical uprights must not exceed 100mm at any point.

Any permanent structures on the outside of the fence that could be used for climbing must be at least 1.2 metres from the fence.

Examples of fence construction:

a. Horizontal construction provides footholds to assist climbing

b. Vertical construction has no footholds to assist climbing

c. Trellis fence may be easy to climb – a solution would be to attach a non-climbable netting or mesh

d.  Covered Shade cloth eliminates any climbing access on the Trellis fence (SEE c)

 

Above ground pools

The walls of an above ground pool are considered an effective barrier if they are at least 1.2 metres high and provide no climbable holds. If the pool has a ladder, it will need to be appropriately fenced.

Gates and latches

Gates must be hung so that they:

  • swing outwards and away from the pool area

  • are clear of anything that could hold them open

  • cannot be lifted off the hinges

  • cannot be unlatched if pulled down or lifted up

  • self close without assistance when released from 150mm

All gates must be fitted with a latch that operates automatically on closing and prevents the gate from re-opening without manual force. Latches should be 1.5 metres from the ground or any permanent projections and preferably fixed on a raised post. 

If the latch is on the inside of the fence it should only be accessible by reaching over the top of the fence. On gates of open construction a latch shield may be required.
Pool fencing
Pool fencing checklist
Design and construction
Building and installing
Pool inspections
New Zealand standard
Statistics