New Zealand fibreglass pool standards now published

By Ben Makepeace

Two 2025 New Zealand fibreglass pool standards are now published and are available to the industry:

• NZS 1838:2025: Swimming pools – Premoulded fibre-reinforced plastics – Design and fabrication;

• NZS 1839:2025: Swimming pools – Premoulded fibre-reinforced plastics – Installation.

New Zealand was previously using AS/NZS 1838:1994 and AS/NZS 1839:1994, which had served the industry well but were outdated after recent updates to the Australian version of the standards.

This important milestone represents a significant step forward for the New Zealand swimming pool and spa industry, delivering long-awaited clarity, consistency, and confidence across both manufacturing and installation practices for fibreglass pools.

SPASA funded the rewriting of these two standards, ensuring local practices in New Zealand are aligned with the contemporary benchmarks established under the updated Australian Standards.

When do these standards apply?

The updated standard was published by Standards New Zealand on 28 August 2025. It is not currently referenced in legislation or the NZ Building Code, however the Standards can be given legal effect when referenced in building plans, specifications or preferably the building contract. While the standard cannot be used retrospectively, members should consider including a reference to the standard in new contracts.

What has changed?

Recognising the risks of falling behind, SPASA initiated a comprehensive review of the updated Australian standards using local industry input. This ensures New Zealand pool owners, builders, and suppliers benefit from the latest global innovations in materials, technology, and installation practices.

This initiative is not simply a technical update. It is a proactive step to strengthen quality, safety, and professionalism across the New Zealand pool industry.

A joint committee of New Zealand and Australian experts reviewed and adapted the standards to reflect local conditions.

While the outcome is not a single joint Australian and New Zealand Standard, the revised New Zealand documents closely align with the Australian benchmarks, ensuring consistency, safety and durability in every new fibreglass pool installation. It is expected that some improved provisions will now be introduced into the Australian Standard as they reflect leading practices.

Key changes

Key changes for NZS AS 1838 include the following sections:

• Chemical-resistance rating

• Water-resistance rating

• Water-resistance

And the following appendixes:

• Test reporting

• Water-resistance rating

Key changes for NZS AS 1839 include the following sections:

• Site investigation

• Hydrostatic valve

• Bond beam

• Other installation requirements in reactive clay soils

SPASA extends its sincere thanks to the Standards New Zealand committee members whose expertise and commitment made this important milestone possible.

Committee chair Anthony Cross says that SPASA’s support has ensured the delivery of robust, fit-for-purpose technical standards tailored to local conditions, while laying the foundation for lifting the quality and safety of fibreglass pool construction throughout New Zealand.

Contacts: www.standards.govt.nz/shop/NZS-AS-18382025; www.standards.govt.nz/shop/NZS-AS-18392025

IMAGE: Award winning fibreglass indoor pool by Ultimate Pools, New Zealand. Image illustrative only