Fibreglass swimming pools standards now available for public comment
Two previously joint standards, recently updated in Australia, have been reviewed by a New Zealand committee and are open for public and industry feedback. Once adopted, these will play a vital role in promoting best-practice manufacturing and installation techniques for fibreglass swimming pools.
The current recognised industry good practice, soon to be superseded by the adoptions, come via AS/NZS 1838:1994 Swimming pools – Premoulded fibre-reinforced plastics – Design and fabrication and AS/NZS 1839:1994 Swimming pools – Premoulded fibre-reinforced plastics – Installation.
The latest versions will allow for decades of good practice and industry knowledge to underpin pool choice and installation for those looking to replace or instal new pools. After all, with 30,000 pools in residential properties in Auckland alone, and costs from $40,000 (for a fibreglass model) it makes sense to ensure New Zealand is following the latest good advice and consumers receive the best quality and most appropriate products.
Why adoptions?
In 2021 the joint standards were revised with New Zealand opting out, leading to a ‘dejointed’ Australian-only standard progressing in Australia. However, the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of both Australia and New Zealand (SPASA), through its New Zealand subsidiary Pool and Spa Association Ltd, recognised the need to bring current good practice to the New Zealand market, subsequently commissioning the adoption with modification of both AS 1838:2021 and AS 1839:2021. The resultant standards will supersede AS/NZS 1838 and AS/NZS 1839 as ‘NZS AS 1838’ and ‘NZS AS 1839’.
To be adopted ‘with modification’ means a committee representing New Zealand interests has considered if updated material in the recent Australian Standards is suitable for the New Zealand swimming pool and spa industry and, if not, develop appropriate modifications. The standards do contain some modifications to the Australian version, including definitions and references to stormwater drainage and earthquakes.
Aligning industry practice with Australia
SPASA and other industry leaders have recognised that New Zealand manufacturers, installers and consumers would benefit from newer, improved technologies and materials and updated design and installation practices being detailed in a more modern standard. Also, the improvements will result in improved and longer lasting pool structures that reflect current best practice.
A committee of New Zealand and Australian industry experts representing material experts, engineering, equipment installers, manufacturers and installers, along with independent consultants, has provided a balanced view to assess and inform the modifications.
While the outcome will not be a joint Australian/New Zealand standard it will represent consistent good industry practice used across the Tasman and ensure New Zealand users have pools that are fit for purpose and reflect modern needs.
Next steps – have your say
Before the committee votes on the final draft, you can provide feedback on the work so far. The committee will consider all feedback that may shape any final published version.
It’s important not to ever refer to draft standards in practice, as they are subject to change.
The draft is available to view on Standards New Zealand’s Consultation hub and public consultation is open until 30 June 2025.
View the draft on Standards New Zealand’s Consultation hub(external link)