The Building (Pools) Amendment Act 2016 came into effect 1 January 2017. It repeals the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 and includes new provisions in the Building Act 2004 relating to residential pools.

The new legislation was introduced to help keep children safe around swimming pools and clearly sets out the types of fencing you need to have around your pool.

Key changes:

• a new requirement for mandatory three-yearly inspections of swimming pools.
• allowing safety covers to be used as barriers for spa pools and hot tubs.
• additional enforcement tools for territorial authorities, including notices to fix.

Spa pools will only comply with the new law if they meet the following criteria:

• access is restricted to young children by having a complying lockable child resistant cover.
• 760mm climbable sides.
• Water surface area of 5 square metres or less.

For more information visit the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website.