With member support, SPASA has successfully championed New Zealand’s adoption of modernised standards for fibreglass pool design and installation (NZS 1838 and NZS 1839).
This achievement represents a major milestone for the industry. It provides manufacturers, builders, certifiers and consumers, with clear, contemporary guidance to achieve consistent quality and safety outcomes across New Zealand’s fibreglass pool sector.
Next Focus – Concrete Swimming Pool Standard
Building on this success, SPASA’s next strategic priority is the development of a dedicated standard for concrete swimming pools in New Zealand.
It is proposed that this future standard be modelled on Australia’s AS 2783 – Use of Reinforced Concrete for Small Swimming Pools and would aim to:
Align with current engineering principles – protecting end users and ensuring the structural integrity and longevity of pool shells
Recognise modern construction techniques – including advances in shotcrete, reinforcement detailing, curing and waterproofing technologies
Promote national and trans-Tasman consistency – providing a unified framework across Australia and New Zealand, supporting reliable design, inspection and certification processes
The introduction of this concrete pool standard would deliver a clear, enforceable reference point for industry professionals in New Zealand, helping builders to construct safe, durable and compliant pool structures, while giving certifiers and regulators confidence in inspection and approval outcomes.
Member feedback needed
SPASA is committed to developing a standard that reflects real-world industry practice and enjoys broad stakeholder support. To achieve this, we are seeking input from:
Pool Builders and Engineers – to ensure the standard is practical and addresses common construction challenges
Certifiers and Regulators – to confirm it provides clarity, supports consistent compliance decisions, and reduces ambiguity
Suppliers and Material Specialists – to incorporate emerging innovations in concrete, reinforcement, admixtures and waterproofing technology
Your feedback is critical to ensure this new standard is practical, balanced, and workable across all regions and market conditions.
SPASA invites members to submit:
Comments and recommendations on current issues with concrete pool construction
Case studies from New Zealand highlighting defects, compliance challenges, or successful best practices
Technical suggestions on design parameters, materials, or installation methods that address the New Zealand context for construction
How can you help?
Members with experience in concrete pool construction in New Zealand are invited to share your views on what a standard for concrete pool construction should address. SPASA will use this feedback to develop a project proposal and formally submit this to Standards New Zealand.
Please share your feedback with SPASA by emailing any information, case studies, or views by 23 October 2025 to ben@spasa.com.au.
In due course, SPASA will convene a dedicated working group to review all feedback that will assist in shaping SPASA’s formal proposal.
This collaborative process will ensure the final standard reflects the collective expertise of the industry and supports the long-term sustainability of the concrete pool sector in New Zealand.