Summer is on the way, and if you want to make the most of the warmer weather without leaving the comfort of your own home, a pool is a perfect solution! Installing a pool is no different to building a new home. You require a budget, design ideas, plans and, most importantly, council approval. Before you sign on the dotted line, you must ensure you can build your dream pool precisely where you want, on your block. Council rules relating to boundary setbacks can impact your choices. Your local Narellan Pools pool builder will help you navigate your council’s rules and regulations and ensure your new pool is in a position where it captures the best light and is protected from the wind.

Planning For A Swimming Pool

There are three main things you need to consider before building a swimming pool at your home. 

1.     Where are you going to put it?

The amount of clear space ultimately determines the pool design you can install. Smaller sized and plunge pools offer many features of large family swimming pools but are compact. The Nirvana by Narellan Pools, for example, features wide steps and a generous splash deck, whilst the long bench seat in the Eden is perfect for relaxing on a hot afternoon.

You will also need to consider fencing and local building codes, including the distance from your property line (which we’ll discuss soon) and distance from other structures.

2.     Choosing a pool builder

You need a reputable and experienced company, but you also want a team of pool builders passionate about what they do. When doing your research, look for a pool builder who knows what they’re talking about and can take the reins to get council approval and meet legal requirements. At Narellan Pools, our local network of pool builders have installed thousands of pools. They’re fluent in council regulations and will ensure your dream pool is designed and installed hassle-free. And because every Narellan Pools fibreglass pool shell is manufactured under international ISO 9001 accreditation, we back our quality and durability with Lifetime Structural Warranty on all inground pool shells.

3.     Make safety a priority

The New Zealand building code, clause F9, states: “Residential pools with a maximum depth of water of 400mm or more that are filled or partly filled with water must have means of restricting access”. So, your pool needs a permanent fence once complete and a temporary fence while construction is underway.

Property Line Rules And Regulations

When installing a pool, you need to make sure it fits within the property line regulations according to your local council. If you’re not sure where the boundary of your property lies,  you’ll need a boundary notice. This notice is a written letter to your neighbour to let them know you’re confirming the boundaries. You’ll then need a registered surveyor to complete the work. Once you have established the property line, you can determine where your pool and fencing can go. 

Generally speaking, if you’re building your pool along the property boundary, the fence needs to be at least 1.8 metres high, with a 900mm high non-climbable zone added to the pool side. The fence should also be at least one metre from the water’s edge. If you can’t do that with a large pool shape and size, there are smaller, more compact pools available. 

If you want the finer details of property lines and regulations, get in touch with your local council, or talk to your local Narellan Pools New Zealand pool builder. You must ensure you have accurate information that’s crucial to your local area. Remember, residential pools in New Zealand are inspected every three years to ensure compliance, so you must get it right!

Choosing A Great Pool

Once you’ve worked out the technical details, it’s time for the fun part – choosing your dream pool! When researching your options, think about why you want a pool and how you and your family will use it. Do you want a place for low-impact exercise or somewhere for family fun? Is relaxation your goal, or have a place at home to teach your kids to swim? When you are clear on the primary purpose of your pool, choosing the perfect design and size is simple. You must also think about the colour. Do you want to replicate the deep blues of the Mediterranean or sparkling whites of Whitehaven Beach? Whether your pool is in the sun or shade can dramatically change the colour of the pool water and the ambience of your whole backyard. For shady spots, opt for lighter colours like Bondi Sand or Aquamarine.Whether you want a big family pool or a plunge pool, spa and splash deck, or an above ground freestanding fibreglass swimming pool, with Narellan Pools New Zealand, the options are abundant. When you buy a pool with Narellan Pools, you can rest assured you’re buying superior quality that’s built to last.