Spiros Dassakis recognised by Standards Australia for his valuable contributions

SPASA chief policy officer Spiros Dassakis has been recognised by Standards Australia for his 15-year contribution in developing Australian and New Zealand Standards on behalf of SPASA Australia and SPASA New Zealand.

Dassakis is well known for working tirelessly in committees and working groups to advocate for the swimming pool and spa industry’s interests. He has contributed to dozens of standards used by members of the industry. See below for a list of these standards.

He says he is very grateful for the recognition from Standards Australia.

“The best part of representing industry on Australian and New Zealand Standards is that in some small way, I have played a role in shaping and upholding the quality and safety benchmarks that protect and underpin the swimming pool and spa industry,” he says.

“In receiving this recognition, I would like to thank Standards Australia committee members as well as acknowledge the work and knowledge of my industry peers, members and mentors who have assisted me in future-proofing an industry that provides so much pleasure to so many Australians and New Zealanders.”

Dassakis says that SPASA takes it role as the peak industry body seriously.

“Without SPASA involvement, each time an Australian or New Zealand Standard is reviewed or developed, industry is exposed to the potential of inflexible prescribed requirements that may negatively impact safety and consumer choice, add to costs and increase red tape.”

He says that, along with protecting consumers and reducing unnecessary industry stringency, the value of SPASA participating in Australian and New Zealand Standards can be measured in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

He gives two standards as examples: The Pool Barrier (AS1926.1) and Water Recirculation (AS1926.3) Standards.

“These are just two examples where the need for a balanced approach that deals with safety, innovation, buildability and compliance creates a challenging environment for committee members to consider, debate and ultimately agree on.

“Whether you’re a pool builder, service technician/retailer, manufacturer/supplier or barrier inspector, SPASA’s proactive engagement in Australian or New Zealand Standards is a significant and lengthy investment that serves to protect, promote and grow the whole of industry within a framework of compliance.”

Long list of standards

Dassakis has been involved in modifying existing and developing new Australian and New Zealand Standards both as a committee member and on working groups on the following standards:

• AS/NZS 1838 Swimming Pools – Premoulded fibre-reinforced plastics – Design and Fabrication

• AS/NZS 1839 Swimming pools – Premoulded fibre-reinforced plastics – Installation

• AS 1900 Flotation aids for water familiarisation & swimming tuition

• AS1926.1 Swimming pool safety – Safety barriers

• AS1926.2 Swimming pool safety – Location of safety barriers

• AS1926.3 Swimming pool safety – Water recirculation systems

• AS/NZS 2416.1 Water safety signs and beach safety flags

• AS/NZS 2416.2 Water safety signs and beach safety flags

• AS/NZS 2416.3 Water safety signs and beach safety flags

• AS2610.1 Spa pools – Public spas

• AS2610.2 Spa pools – Private spas

• AS2818 Guide to swimming pool safety

• AS2369.1 Materials for solar collectors for swimming pools

• AS2369.2 Materials for solar collectors for swimming pools

• AS2783 Use of reinforced concrete for small swimming pools

• AS3633 Private swimming pools – Water quality

• AS3634 Solar heating systems for swimming pools

• AS 3958 Installation of ceramic and stone tiles

• AS/NZS4276.13 Water microbiology

• AS4687.4 Temporary fencing and hoardings – Temporary swimming pool fencing

• AS/NZS4755 Demand response capabilities – DRED

• AS5348 Pool covers

• AS5352 Heat pump systems for swimming pools

• AS/NZS 5102 .1 Performance of household electrical appliances – Swimming pool pump units

• AS/NZS 5102 .2 Performance of household electrical appliances – Swimming pool pump units

• AS5125.1 Heat Pump water heaters – Performance assessment Part 1: Air sourced

• AS60598.2.18:2019 Luminaires particular requirements – Luminaires for swimming pools and similar applications.

IMAGE: Spiros Dassakis at the recognition ceremony