Non-complying fence discoveries has council urging owners to check swimming pool fences

The recent discovery of several non-compliant swimming pools fences in the Whangarei District has Council urging pool owners to double check that fencing is childproof.

“Early in March we were contacted by an owner seeking code compliance for their property before it went up for sale,” said Chief Executive Rob Forlong.

“During our inspection we discovered that the property’s pool fence, approved several years ago, was not compliant and that it would be possible for youngsters to get through it and get into the pool area.

“Concern that this may be the case on other properties prompted us to randomly audit (at no cost to the owners) a further 11 pools which had been approved in the past. We found 10 of them were not compliant, a very poor result. We are now starting a review of all of the swimming pool fences in our database and will be contacting owners.

“Do not rely on the fact that you have a certificate for your fence, you must still check. Pool owners have a legal responsibility to ensure their pools meet the requirements of the Building Act, regardless of when they were last inspected and approved.

“An investigation is under way at Council because we believe many pools over the years may have received approval even though they did not comply.

“We need to get this sorted out in the best way possible and we have several people working on that at the moment.

“Fencing rules are entirely about preventing drownings, so we want people to take nothing for granted about their pool fence. Check it now. Look for places where vegetation may have grown up. Look for changes to buildings on the property and the properties next door. Ground level changes, excavation, garden beds, new plantings or sheds or general wear and tear may have made it easier for children to get through or over the fence.

“It is autumn, and many people will not be using their pools at the moment, but they will still be full of water and we all know water is very enticing to children.

“Anyone who has any concerns about their fence is welcome to contact us for advice, and we will be contacting all pool owners on our database.”

More information about pool fencing rules and responsibilities is available on Council’s website and facebook page and people are welcome to call us (094304200) for advice.

Your swimming pool fencing responsibilities

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