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Standards
Before the Fencing of Swimming
Pools Act 1987 was passed, toddler drownings alone averaged 12
per year. Despite this, pool safety remains a contentious area,
with concerns over inconsistent requirements and difficult
regulations. Among groups with an interest in this issue are
water safety organisations, child safety representatives,
Plunket, spa pool and pool manufacturers, councils, architects,
the Department of Building and Housing (DBH) and ACC. The aims of the new standard are to:
Work on the Standard was jointly funded by the Department of Building and Housing and Water Safety New Zealand. The Department of Building and Housing has taken over responsibility for the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act. The Department is already responsible for the construction of new pools and fencing as this work is covered by the building consents process. The Standard for Pool Safety provides a means of compliance with the Building Code. A new Standard NZS 8500:2006, released late 2006, helps to prevent children from drowning in swimming pools, spas and hot tubs. It is a guidance document for pool owners and councils to be used under the present Special Exemption process. The Standard, “Safety barriers for young children around swimming pools, spas and hot tubs” provides clear guidance for the design and construction of safety barriers to restrict young children’s access to swimming pools. It sets out the layers of protective barriers such as fences, retaining walls and doors which will help to keep children safe. It addresses the lack of clarity and other outstanding issues in the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987, to give greater understanding around construction of safety barriers. The fencing of swimming pools is addressed in both the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act and the Building Code. The national Standard gives clearer directions to pool owners, pool builders and retailers to ensure the safety of children. The pool Standard was jointly funded by the Department of Building and Housing, Water Safety New Zealand and the Accident Compensation Corporation. The committee that developed the Standard included representatives from: water safety and child safety organisations, Plunket, pool and spa manufacturers, councils, architects, designers, BRANZ (Building Research Association NZ) Limited and the Department of Building and Housing. Click here to obtain a copy of the Pool Safety Standards |
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