Pool Fencing Northland

Northland Fences builds pool fences and gates for homes across Whangarei and Kaipara, designed to meet New Zealand’s pool safety requirements.

Private swimming pools are one of the biggest drowning risks for pre-school children. Most drownings involve the children of pool owners and their visitors, rather than children who have wandered in from elsewhere.

Under the Building Act 2004 and Building Code Clause F9, any residential pool deeper than 400mm, including spas and portable pools, must have a barrier that stops young children climbing over, crawling under or getting through. Pool owners need a building consent to build or alter a pool fence, and residential pool barriers must be inspected at least every three years.

Pool fences must be at least 1.2m high and built from durable materials. Pool gates must open away from the pool and close and latch on their own.

If you’re using a boundary fence as part of your pool barrier, it must be at least 1m from the water’s edge, and you’ll need to check regularly that nothing on your neighbour’s side could help a child climb over.
For the full requirements, see the Whangarei District Council pool barriers page or the pool safety guidance on building.govt.nz.