Spa pool regulations in New Zealand 2025 (Rules, requirements and more)

Want to know the rules and regulations for installing a spa, swim spa or plunge pool in New Zealand? Wondering if you need spa pool regulations and spa pool fencing requirements in New Zealand, including permits, approvals, fencing, and compliance? This article has the answers.

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When you’re installing a spa pool or swim spa, finding the right information and working out what rules apply to your space can feel a little overwhelming! We understand. That’s why we’ve explained everything you need to know in a clear and simple way.

After reading this article you should have a good understanding of the rules and requirements for installing a spa or swim spa in New Zealand.

What information does this article cover?

This article covers rules and regulations that apply in New Zealand and covers the following topics:

Please note, we recommend that you contact your local council to find out if there are any rules that apply specifically to your area.

Spa pool regulations in New Zealand - your questions answered

Do I need a building permit for my new spa in NZ?

No, you do not need a building permit for your new spa. However, you will need building consent when installing a pool barrier, if a barrier or fence is required.

Does my spa or swim spa need to be registered with a council in New Zealand?

If you have a spa poool that's classified as a small heated pool that meets all of the following requirements, you do not need to register your spa pool:

  • The surface area of water is 5 square metres or less; and
  • The height of the spa is at least 760mm above any adjacent floor (this includes surrounding decks), ground or the surface the spa pool sits on; and
  • The pool has no steps and has a clear zone of 1200mm around the spa; and
  • The pool has a complying lockable safety cover and complying warning signs that are fixed to two opposite sides of the cover. Warning - The spa pool cover must be locked at all times except when there is adult supervision.

A spa pool that does not meet the requirements above will need to be registered with your local council.

I want to build a small deck around my new spa. Do I need a building permit?

No, building consent is not required for decks, platforms, bridges, boardwalks and similar structures if the height you can fall from is less than 1.5 metres.

Can I install a spa or swim spa over an easement on my property?

No spa can be constructed over any pipelines (for example storm water or sewer pipes) that are owned by the council or within a council easement used for services.

It’s also important to note that no structure foundation can be located within a line that extends 45 degrees from a 150mm point below the pipe invert to the ground surface.

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What are the specifications for a spa or swim spa slab?

Spa World™ can provide generic concrete slab designs for both swim spas and portable spas that are suitable for most soil types.

For more information, please head to the learning centre on our website.

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Does my new spa need to be fenced with an approved pool safety barrier?

If you have a small heated pool that meets all of the following requirements, you do not need to build a fence around the spa:

  • The surface area of water is 5 square metres or less; and
  • The height of the spa is at least 760mm above any adjacent floor (this includes surrounding decks), ground or the surface the spa pool sits on; and
  • The pool has no steps and has a clear zone of 1200mm around the spa; and
  • The pool has a complying lockable safety cover and complying warning signs that are fixed to two opposite sides of the cover. Warning - The spa pool cover must be locked at all times except when there is adult supervision.

A spa pool that does not meet the requirements above will need an approved pool safety barrier.

Do I need a registered builder to carry out building works associated with my pool safety barrier?

You do not need a registered building to carry out building works associated with a pool safety barrier in New Zealand.

Can my property boundary fence be part of the required pool safety barrier?

If you plan to use a building or boundary fence to form part of the pool safety barrier, you will need to ensure that all windows and doors that lead to the pool area must comply with the New Zealand Building Code.

Does my new spa need a CPR sign?

CPR signs are not a requirement in New Zealand but SPASA - Swimming Pool and Spa Association of New Zealand, recommends that spa owners display one. A CPR sign can be purchased from any pool shop.

Does Spa World™ have electrical compliance on all its products?*

Yes, all Spa World™ products have the relevant electrical approvals where required by legislation.

Do you require a copy of these certificates? Please send an email to compliance@spaworld.co.nz

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Can you put a spa on a deck?

Yes you can install a spa into a deck. We recommend you read this article about the main points to ask your builder during the early stages of the planning process.

Can you manually carry or lift a spa pool into position?

We do not recommend lifting a spa pool manually because they are heavy. For advice, and handy tips, we recommend that you read our pre-delivery guide.

Do you need a crane to install a swim spa?

Yes, you will need a crane to install a swim spa. Depending on accessibility, a Hiab truck may be able to do the job, otherwise a crane will be necessary.

How do you get a spa into a backyard?

This depends entirely on access to your property and the location of the spa pool or swim spa. We recommend you head to the learning centre to learn about other options to consider.

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Can I install my spa in-ground?

We do not provide in-ground shells but you can install your spa into a pit. We recommend you view the pre-delivery information on our website for further details.

Does my spa need a concrete slab?

We strongly recommend that you use engineered slabs and we can even provide you with a generic engineered design. However if you would like to put your spa on anything other than an engineered slab, you will need to arrange for an engineer to certify the foundation.

For more information visit our learning centre.

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Do I need approvals for my spa pool?

Spa World™ encourages every customer checks with their local council or certifier about what approvals are required to install a spa pool or swim spa on their property.

Does my spa need to be fenced?

Fencing requirement guidelines can vary and this is based on many factors including the product and location. We advise all customers to check with local councils or certifiers before installing a spa.

Does Spa World offer an installation or compliance service?

The Spa World™ team does not install spa pools or swim spas or issue certifications for your installation. Spa World can refer you to a certifier (Surveyor) that can help you with regulations for your installation.

Spa World™ does offer delivery services, for a fee, to customers who live within a particular radius of a Spa World Showroom location. To find out if your spa can be delivered to your property, please contact your local Spa World™ showroom.

Where can I find information on delivery or installation of my spa?

The best place to go for this is the Spa World™ website. You can find all the information you need about pre-delivery & installation ideas through our learning centre.

It’s also important to note that when you make a spa purchase, you will be assigned a Spa World™ concierge who will look after you and make regular contact from the moment you make your purchase through until after delivery.

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Summary

We hope this article has helped answer your questions about the rules, regulations and what you can and can’t do with your new spa or swim spa.

You can also download our Spa Pool Buyer's Guide that will provide you with everything you need to know as you make plans to buy a spa pool, swim spa or sauna.

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