Fibreglass swimming pools standards now available for public comment
Bringing 30 Years of Expertise to New Zealand
For over three decades, the Swimming Pool and Spa Association (SPASA) has been a trusted authority in the pool and spa industry. Today, its dedication is once again evident as it leads a major initiative to update New Zealand’s fibreglass pool standards, bringing the country in line with modern best practices already established in Australia.
New Zealand’s current fibreglass pool standards—AS/NZS 1838:1994 (design and fabrication) and AS/NZS 1839:1994 (installation) have served the industry for years but are now outdated. When these standards were revised in Australia in 2021, New Zealand chose not to participate, resulting in a gap between the two markets.
Recognising the risks of falling behind, SPASA took swift action through its New Zealand SPASA division. Determined to ensure Kiwi consumers and industry professionals benefit from the latest technologies, materials, and installation practices, SPASA commissioned a local review of the updated Australian standards.
This initiative is more than just a technical update, it’s a proactive step to elevate quality and safety standards in New Zealand, aligning industry practices across the Tasman and strengthening the professionalism of the local pool industry.
The standards review was led by a dedicated committee of experts from both New Zealand and Australia. Their goal: to ensure that the new standards are tailored for local conditions while reflecting the best of international practice. This includes modifications to address New Zealand-specific needs such as stormwater drainage and earthquake resilience.
Although the outcome will not be a joint standard, the revised documents will mirror the high-quality benchmarks established in Australia, ensuring consistency, safety, and durability for pool owners and installers alike.
The draft New Zealand versions of NZS AS 1838 and NZS AS 1839 are now complete and available for public consultation. Feedback is being sought from both the public and industry professionals to help shape the final versions.
Once adopted, these standards will replace the current AS/NZS 1838:1994 and AS/NZS 1839:1994, marking a significant step forward in promoting best-practice manufacturing and installation techniques. The changes promise not only improved outcomes for consumers but also enhanced durability and safety across all new fibreglass pool installations.
This is your chance to have a say in the future of New Zealand’s pool industry.
Public consultation is open until 30 June 2025, and the draft standards can be viewed on Standards New Zealand’s consultation platform.
With SPASA’s leadership and the expertise of both local and international stakeholders, New Zealand is set to enter a new era of excellence in pool design and construction—backed by decades of industry knowledge and a commitment to quality that spans borders.
Ben Makepeace
Policy Manager
ben@spasa.com.au