Te whakatū taiapa i ngā puna kaukau me ngā puna waiwera
Pool and spa fencing

If your property has a pool

Whether you own or rent a property with a pool, it’s your responsibility to make sure it has a barrier around it that complies with the Building (Pools) Amendment Act 2017.

All pools in Wellington City should be on our pools register, and swimming pools must be inspected through a pool audit every 3 years. Small heated pools, like hot tubs and spas, do not need to be inspected if they meet the requirements. 

You can choose to have a pool audit carried out by the Council or an independently qualified pool inspector.

Pool audits

Check if your pool is on our register

We keep a register of all pools in Wellington City so they can be inspected.

Phone the Building Compliance team on 04 801 4311 if you want to:

• check if a pool, hot tub or spa is on the register
• report a non-compliant pool
• find out if a pool has been removed from the register.

How to make sure your pool barrier is compliant

All pools more than 40cm deep must have a physical barrier that:

• is at least 120cm high
• surrounds the pool and part or all of the area around it
• has nothing on the outside that a child could use to climb over it.

For small heated pools – like a spa or hot tub – the barrier may cover the pool itself.

Gates must:

• open away from the pool
• not be able to be easily opened by children
• close automatically after use.

If you're building a new pool

You'll need to get a building consent first. This is because installing a pool fence is considered building work under the Building Act 2004.

Building consents

Emptying your pool

If you need to empty the water from your pool or spa, it must not drain into the stormwater system.

Emptying pool water safely and responsibly

Need help?

Our Building Compliance team is available Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

Phone: 04 499 4444
Email:  bccpoolaudits@wcc.govt.nz