Swimming pool consents

Learn more about applying for consents related to swimming pools - swimming pools, spa pools, or swimming pool fences.

Swimming pools or spa pools

To protect young children from drowning in private swimming pools the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 requires that all swimming pools, spas and hot tubs holding 400mm of water (or more) must be fenced. 

This consent is for a swimming or spa pool only. An outflow discharge point such as a gully trap (foul water) must be provided for all pools and a backflow prevention device must be fitted to the water supply for the pool. Backwash from swimming pools must also be discharged via a gully trap.

If you have any queries regarding your pool application please come and see our Pool Compliance Officer.

Where to find us

Go to Council contact page for location and hours of service

Download

Download the Swimming Pool Consents application form (215KB PDF)

Swimming pool fences

To protect young children from drowning in private swimming pools the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 requires that all swimming pools, spas and hot tubs holding 400mm of water (or more) must be fenced. 

This consent is for the fencing of a swimming pool, spa pool or hot tub only. An outflow discharge point such as a gully trap (foul water) must be provided for all pools and a backflow prevention device must be fitted to the water supply for the pool. The construction of a swimming pool is outside the scope of this pre-paid consent.

If you have any queries regarding your pool fencing please come and see our Pool Compliance Officer.

Where to find us

Go to Council contact page for location and hours of service

Download

Download the Swimming Pool Fence Consents application form (203KB PDF).

Requesting an inspection of your swimming pool fence

Swimming pool fencing and associated matters will be audited once every three years on a rotating basis.

If an up to date inspection report is required then an inspection may be requested. The form must be completed and the fee paid prior to the inspection taking place. Please note: if the inspection discloses any issues of non-compliance then further fees may be payable in order to remedy compliance issues.

Download

Download the Swimming Pool Fence Inspection application form. (22KB PDF)

Special exemption

In special circumstances Council may grant an exemption from some or all of the requirements of the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987.

Such exemptions go before a committee of Nelson City Councillors which is responsible for making the decision.

Exemptions may only be granted where they will not significantly increase the danger or risk to young children and Council may impose other conditions relating to the property or pool as are reasonable in such circumstances.

Having determined you have good reason for seeking special exemption (see the pool fencing guide below), the application form must be completed and fee paid prior to the exemption going to the committee.

Download the Special Exemption for Swimming Pools form (22KB PDF)

More information

Download the Pool Fencing Guide (216KB PDF)

Download the Swimming Pool Safety Brochure (1.6MB PDF)

Fees

Council has set fees for Swimming Pool Fence Consents. They are based on average processing times and number of inspections.

Please note: if your application requires longer to process or re-inspections are required, you will receive an additional invoice.

Council is required to collect levies for the Department of Building and Housing and BRANZ.  These levies are based on the value of works $20,000 and over and are explained in the Fees and Charges Schedule.

Find out more about Building Consent fees and charges.

Submitting the consent application

Lodging your consent at Council

Minimum documentation requirements must be met before Council Customer Services Officers can accept your application. These can be found as the last page of the downloadable application.

Assessing the consent against the New Zealand Building Code

Although there is a minimum requirement for documentation to be submitted with a building consent application, Council still must assess each application for compliance with the New Zealand Building Code.

Find out more information about the New Zealand Building Code.

Council must also assess each application for compliance with any other relevant legislation or standards, such as the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act.

 

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