Update on Australian and New Zealand standards relevant to the pool and spa industry

AS2783 Use of reinforced concrete for small swimming pools

Standards Australia is calling for feedback on the draft standard AS 2783 Use of reinforced concrete for small swimming pools which has now been released for Public Comment.

The objective of this standard is to set out requirements for the structural design and construction of swimming pools up to 1800 mm deep and constructed with pneumatically applied reinforced concrete, either wholly or partly in ground. The draft standard also The draft also includes requirements and guidance on design and supervision, materials, joints, tolerances, curing, embedment’s in concrete, loads, allowable stresses in reinforcement for crack control, and construction details.

SPASA Australia is a committee member on the CE-022 Australia Standards Committee which is charge with the revision of this standard.

Spiros Dassakis, SPASAs chief policy officer, says the revision of this 32-year-old Australian Standard provides industry with an important opportunity to raise the construction benchmark for the swimming pool and spa industry.

Providing Feedback

The swimming pool and spa industry are encouraged to carefully review the draft standard and provide feedback by following below instructions.

Review, Download & Comment

You can view, download and comment on the above draft standards by:

• Visiting the Standards Australia Public Commenting page here.

• Then enter 2783 in the search area.

• You will be directed to sign in or register (if you’ve never signed in before).

• You will then be able to review the draft and comment online.

Feedback Deadline: 13/11/2024

Australian and New Zealand Joint Fibreglass Standards

The Swimming Pool Fibreglass Manufacturing and Installation Standards for Australia and New Zealand, which are listed below, were in place for at least 27 years before SPASA proposed a review:

• AS/NZS 1838:1994 - Swimming pools: Premoulded fibre-reinforced plastics – Design and fabrication

• AS/NZS 1839:1994 - Swimming pools: Premoulded fibre-reinforced plastics – Installation

In 2020, SPASA submitted a detailed proposal to both Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand to review these standards.

New Zealand’s Position

While Standards Australia agreed to review these standards, Standards New Zealand decided not to join the revision process at that time due to funding and resource limitations.

Consequently, the revision proceeded solely as Australian Standards, which were reviewed and published in 2021 as follows:

• AS 1838:2021 - Swimming pools: Premoulded fibre-reinforced plastics – Design and fabrication

• AS 1839:2021 - Swimming pools: Premoulded fibre-reinforced plastics – Installation

As a result, New Zealand continued to use the outdated 1994 versions of these standards.

SPASA’s efforts to update standards in New Zealand

As a unified industry, SPASA began discussions with Standards New Zealand in early 2022 to explore how to update the Australian Standards for the New Zealand market.

By mid-2024, Standards New Zealand agreed to review the fibreglass standards. A dedicated committee has now been appointed by Standards New Zealand to assess the Australian standards and determine its suitability for New Zealand.

SPASA’s investment in updating the New Zealand industry is substantial, demonstrating our commitment as the peak body for the swimming pool and spa industry in New Zealand.

Once updated, New Zealand manufacturers, installers and consumers will benefit from a modern standard that incorporates the latest technologies, materials, design, and installation practices.

SPASA will provide updates on the Standards as they progress.

For more information:

Spiros Dassakis: SPASA chief policy officer: spiros@spasa.com.au

Michelle Marks: SPASA region manager New Zealand: +64 (0) 21 562 199; michelle@spasa.co.nz