Benefits for SPASA Members and their Clients

• SPASA Members agree to abide by the Association's rules, regulations and strict code of Ethics in the conduct of their businesses.
• Only SPASA Members can provide a SPASA Approved contract.
• To protect consumers when building, installing or renovating Swimming pools and spas, members must provide BWI (Building indemnity insurance)
• SPASA Members have access to technical training and educational programmes designed to ensure their construction staff perform with technical excellence.
• Members must perform all work in accordance with Industry and Government Standards, and meet all legal requirements.
• Members have access to the latest technology and trade information sources from Australia and overseas. SPASA's helpful office staff are competent to appropriately refer, or assist consumers, when called upon.
• To be considered for membership, a business must provide evidence of a substantial period of competent trading, acceptable credit, skills assessment and adequate public liability insurance to ensure protection of consumers.
• Prior to acceptance as a SPASA member, a competent committee of peers assesses each applicant's business acumen, professionalism, consumer relations and trade skills.

SPASASA’s aim is to generally to promote the swimming pool and spa industry and associated industries and activities throughout the State of South Australia and further the standards, goodwill, ethics, reputation and development of the industry. And to promote the sale and manufacture and enjoyment of swimming pools and spas and of equipment associated with the construction or installation or enjoyment of swimming pools and spas.

We also publish the "Choosing Your Pool & Spa" Magazine.

This publication is produce annually to showcase the winners of the SA Swimming Pool & Spa Awards and to display the work that the winners have been able to produce. This is a free magazine that can be ordered by contacting our Office or online under the “contact us” tab.

You may also view this online by clicking the link below

                                                         Choosing Your Pool & Spa Magazine 2011 -2012

How to join SPASA

STEP 1: OBTAIN A SPASA CONTRACT

The SPASASA Pool & Spa Construction Contract is based on years of experience across the membership. Only SPASASA Pool Builder members who hold current licences and insurance eligibility can use SPASA Contracts. It’s a detailed contract, but easily understood by the lay person, and it clearly explains any exclusions.

STEP 2: MAKE SURE YOU ARE FULLY INSURED

State law requires that domestic Building Insurance must be issued for all domestic building work over $12,000 in total value (this includes swimming pools and spas). SPASASA recommends that you DO NOT commence any work until you or your builder has a certificate from the insurer.

The purpose of this insurance is to ensure that you end up with a completed pool and / or spa, holding a 5 year structural warranty. Without it, you are totally unprotected and exposed.

STEP 3: ENSURE YOUR BUILDER IS LICENSED

To provide protection for every person having building works done, the SA govt through The Office of Consumer and Business Affairs (OCBA) requires that a person must be licensed as a building works contractor, if they are to carry on the business of performing building work. If you are unsure please ask to see their licence or check with The Office of Consumer and Business Affairs (OCBA) if you are not sure that your builder is licensed.

STEP 4: ASK IF A Council PERMIT IS REQUIRED.

In all cases you will need local council approve to build a swimming pool in the ground or to erect an above ground pool. This will also include meeting all the safety requirements as set out by state government including the requirements of the local council. Approval is also needed to install a spa pool. You should check with your local council if a permit is required for renovations and moving above ground pools.

STEP 5: ASK IF A BUILDING PERMIT HAS BEEN ISSUED

Prior to the commencement of work, a building permit from the Local Council must be issued to the owner with the registered builder’s details. The purpose of this building permit is to ensure that your pool meets all the applicable requirements of your local council, including all structural and safety requirements.

In order to obtain this building permit your builder will need:

• Copy of the Certificate of Title.
• Copy of the block plan showing all existing buildings.
• A letter of authority for the builder to apply for a building permit on your behalf.
• A signed agreement that the pool/spa will comply with the requirements to provide a safety barrier/pool fence before any water is added.

If you need help finding a suitable pool safety barrier installer contact the spasasa office if your builder has not provide the details to you or alternatively see the spasa sa website at www.spasasa.com.au

STEP 6: SAFETY BARRIER S

Pool fencing / safety barriers are required by legislation for any pool or spa with water in excess of 300mm in depth and must be in place prior to filling the pool or spa with water. The key elements of the relevant Australian Standard, A.S.1926-2007 are designed to deny access by unsupervised young children, especially those under 5 years of age, to the swimming pool area. There is an expanded discussion of the fencing regulations on Fact Sheet 4 “Safety Barriers”, but it is worth noting here that fences and gates must have an effective minimum height of 1.2 metres and that all gates must swing outwards from the pool or spa area. Gates must open outward only and return to the closed position, engaging the latch and locking automatically. Although in some instances walls of buildings can be used as swimming pool safety barriers, child resistant doors from the building are no longer permitted for any new pool or spa installation. Windows within external walls of dwellings are permitted to open to the pool enclosure but must be constructed in accordance with the standard. Please refer to A.S.1926.1 for the specific requirements of the safety barrier and window requirements.

Consult with your pool/spa builder for further clarification on this issue.

Please also refer to the PLANNINGSA website for further clarification on existing structures and special circumstances.

STEP 7: WATER

The first thing to do when thinking of investing in a pool or spa is to be up on our Water conservation and the Pool Smart System. Pool and spa owners must consult with their local water authority to establish if prevailing water restrictions apply to their pool or spa.

WATER WISE MEASURES replaced the level 3 Water Restrictions as of 1^st Dec 2010

Swimming pools
New pools can be filled with a permit from SA Water. Before a permit is issued, SA WATER requires proof of purchase of an approved pool cover.

Conditions

New pools can be filled under a permit. Before a permit is issued, SA water require proof of an approved pool cover (see definition Below)

Pool covers

Approval for a permit to fill a new swimming pool will only be approved if a proof of purchase is attached for either a “SMART Approved Watermark” cover which consists of 400 micron and above or a Liquid Pool Blanket.  We also recommend that a description of the purchase also be detailed in the customers invoice; please note quotes are not accepted as we require actual proof of purchase.

Pool permits are then issued and are valid for 30 days for one fill only.  You will need to reapply for a new permit for any subsequent fills.

Your pool builder should verify with SA Water to confirm the current requirements as per http://www.sawater.com.au/SAWater/Environment/WWM/WWM_Overview.htm

STEP 8: COMPLETION

Once the pool construction is complete according to the terms of your contract, your warranty period begins. At that point, your builder must issue you with a Completion certificate at the point of handover. You should then also have the workings of the pool and or spa explained to you including a short rundown of all the equipment. SPASA SA highly recommends that you look for a SPASASA approved service provider to do regular maintenance on your pool & spa to check levels and keep all the equipment in good working order.

This should ensure a long healthy life to your pool and spa and give you many trouble free hours of enjoyment.