NCC 2025 gets sign off
As hoped, Building Ministers have finally signed off on the publication of National Construction Code 2025 (NCC 2025).
The final version of NCC 2025 will be available from 1 February 2026, with a start date of 1 May 2026.
States and Territories will now decide when NCC 2025 takes legal effect. It is likely that some will not adopt the changes on 1 May based on their decision to delay NCC 2022 last cycle.
In approving the new code, Building Ministers agreed to remove some of the proposed changes, particularly those impacting new housing and energy efficiency, to limit the impact on the construction costs for new housing.
Fortunately, the long awaited changes that will support swimming pools have been retained.
Looking forward, the next edition of the NCC will not be published until 2029. The Australian Building Codes Board will be undertaking a review of the Code during the next few years to ensure that it continues to deliver the intended benefits of a truly national code for the Australian building and manufacturing industry, which does include the swimming pool and spa industry.
Read the Building Ministers’ communique here.
What are the NCC 2025 changes for swimming pools?
There are two key changes in NCC 2025 for swimming pools and spas:
The adoption of the 2024 version of AS 1926.1 – Safety barriers for swimming pools, and
The introduction of Clause H2D2(2) – A new sub-clause related to swimming pool drainage stating that Performance Requirement H2P4 is satisfied for swimming pool drainage if the swimming pool’s pumped discharge is discharged to the sanitary drainage system in accordance with AS/NZS 3500.2.
What new in AS 1926.1:2024?
AS 1926.1 is the primary standard for safety barriers around pools and spas. The 2024 amendment is the first major update since 2012. SPASA is a member of the Standards Committee and has worked to improve the standard and address a range of issues raised by industry.
The changes include:
Clearer definitions and diagrams: Updated figures, especially for non-climbable zones (NCZs) to reduce interpretation disputes.
Plants and trees in NCZs (industry first): New section permitting certain plants, trees and shrubs within the non-climbable zone (NCZ) provide clear and enforceable landscaping guidance for areas adjacent to internal and boundary barriers.
500 mm Setback (Clause 2.3.1): 2012 Ruling now adopted into Clause 2.3.1 confirming 500 mm setback does not apply to the boundary barrier.
Re-introduced 1,400 mm latch-release height minimum: Reduces gate latch reach-risk for young children.
Gate hardware reliability: Mandatory marking/identification for latches and hinges, together with higher-cycle durability testing, strengthens reliability and operational integrity.
Practical flexibility: Exemption pathway for combined structures forming a barrier, and a compliant alternative for windows used as barriers to indoor pools.
Glass barriers and testing: New Appendix G introduces alternative test methods for glass panels, complementing existing durability and strength tests.
The adoption of the 2024 edition by the NCC will impact the construction of new swimming pools after 1 May 2026, based on how your state adopts the code and when the building approval is granted.
Details of any state variations, such as the existing NSW variation, are yet to be announced. SPASA is reaching out to the NSW government to seek the adoption of 2024 without variation.
What about existing swimming pools and spas?
SPASA is seeking advice from each state and territory to determine whether and when they may adopt the 2024 edition of AS 1926.1 for existing pools and spas. The change to NCC 2025 does not automatically mean the new standards applies to these pools, as they are controlled through different legislation.
Want to know more?
Keep an eye out for more information in the new year about SPASA forums and guidance material that can help you understand the changes and take a deep dive into the new 2024 edition of AS 1926.1.
Got questions? Contact your SPASA Regional Manager at members@spasa.com.au.
Members can buy a copy of AS 1926.1 at discounted pricing through your SPASA member portal - https://www.spasa.com.au/standards-australia