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Last Updated: 26 February 2020

How relaxing are vacations away anyway?

When you own a backyard swimming pool or spa, you can create your own backyard paradise that meets all the requirements of a fun and relaxing vacation. Here’s a list of reasons why a poolside ‘staycation’ can be better than a vacation:

No time spent planning, booking, packing or travelling
We’re all busy and we all have a lot on our plates. The time spent researching vacation destinations, finding hotels or resorts that suit the whole family and trying to fit it into everyone’s hectic schedule can be stressful. Time spent searching for the cheapest flight or planning out your road trip can be better spent relaxing by your pool with a book and glass of wine in hand. Better still, a staycation allows more time to be spent on the important things in life, like quality time with your family. The only things you need to ‘pack’ are sunscreen and sunglasses!

A staycation is peaceful and relaxing
Imagine a staycation where you can relax on a banana lounge poolside with soft, enjoyable music, a chilled cocktail and a good book, along with fresh outdoor air and the beautiful vision of the glistening backyard pool you designed and built. On a vacation, sure you can relax poolside, but you’ll likely have to fight for a space in the water and put up with the sounds of screaming children, or teenagers playing loud music!

Entertainment can come to you
If you prefer to have a more entertaining Easter, a poolside staycation can still be the way to go. Invite friends and family over for pool parties, host a poolside cocktail party or BBQ, install a waterslide or diving board (if your pool is deep enough), set up a water volleyball net or treat the kids to some new pool toys. You’ll be surprised just how entertaining a staycation can be.

It’s More Affordable
Installing a backyard swimming pool or spa is an expense, but it’s also an investment that will pay dividends in the long run. Enjoying poolside staycations makes serious financial sense and will actually save you thousands of dollars each year!

You Can Make It Your Own
One of the wonderful things about buying a backyard pool or spa is that you can make your backyard space uniquely your own. If you like vacations to tropical locations, you can turn your pool area into a tropical paradise with landscaping, flowering plants, decorations, tiki torches, a cabana and hammocks. When you spend your day relaxing by your pool, you’ll feel like you’re in the Caribbean or Fiji–but without the fuss and expense of having to travel there!

It’s Better for the Environment 
Managing our environmental impact is a big issue these days. Everybody is trying to do what they can to reduce their carbon footprint and impact. Air travel is one of the worst offenders of pollution, whereas a staycation has virtually no additional environmental impact.

It’s A Lifestyle Benefit
Investing in your home to create the perfect staycation location can also have long-lasting benefits to your property and lifestyle outside of vacation time. Poolside holidays are a popular choice with the time spent swimming and relaxing in the water being beneficial both physically and mentally.

Take a relaxing dip in your spa or hot tub
If you’re fortunate enough to own either a spa or hut tub, you can get the same relaxing benefits as from any resort or holiday facility. The feeling of relaxation and the ability to meditate in the warm bubbly water can do wonders for your mind and body. The benefits of soaking in a spa or hot tub include lowering your blood pressure, improving your focus and calming your mind through having time to sit still and meditate. And the best thing about it is that you can do it all in your very own backyard.

Enjoy a stress-free staycation this Easter!

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Last Updated: 11 February 2020

The ‘Water Neutral Pool’ program is an initiative of the Swimming Pool & Spa Association of Victoria (SPASVIC) and is supported by the greater metropolitan water retailers.

A Water Neutral Pool is a swimming pool that maintains the volume of water in the pool by minimising water loss and reducing energy and chemical use.

A Water Neutral Pool utilises both water-saving and water-harvesting devices to ensure that it is 'water-wise' by minimising water use.

Owning a Water Neutral Pool not only saves water, but reduces on-going costs through reduced chemical, energy and water use. 

Water Neutral Pools are an environmental and sustainable initiative of SPASAVIC.

CEO of SPASAVIC, Chris Samartzis, says “With water conservation and efficient pool operation both current priorities for pool owners, the Water Neutral Pool has delivered real benefits to pool owners for over ten years. The Water Neutral Pool is the gold standard when thinking about efficient use of water and energy.”

SPASAVIC is keen to be a leader and promote good water management practices as well as to educate consumers on how they can own a pool as well as make real, positive contributions towards water efficiency.

SPASAVIC is proud of its Water Neutral Pool program and is pleased to work with industry and consumers who are keen to play their part and promote sensible water use and water-wise behaviours.

SPASAVIC encourages all pool owners to conserve water by installing a Water Neutral Pool, or retrofit an existing pool, to ensure that it meets this new standard.

A Water Neutral Pool delivers a range of benefits and requires certain features. At a minimum, a water neutral pool requires:

• Water tank, to collect rainfall to top-up the pool as needed
• Pool cover, to conserve 90% of water lost through evaporation
• Backwash minimisation system, to prevent excessive backwashing (e.g. cartridge filter, oversized sand filter, centrifugal / pre-filter device, backwash recycle system, etc)
• Energy Efficient Equipment

SPASAVIC encourages home owners to consider both the environmental cost of not making their pool a Water Neutral Pool as well as the future economic savings to be had by reducing the use of increasingly expensive water and pool chemicals.

For more information visit SPASAVIC’s Water Neutral Pool webpage HERE

SPASAVIC Media Release – Water Neutral Pools – The Gold Standard In Responsible Pool Ownership - 11 February 2020

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Last Updated: 05 February 2020

With the weather perfectly hot in the lead-up, SPASAVIC’s Pool & Spa Expo + Outdoor Living again took Melbourne by storm!

Record dollars spent on TV, radio, billboards, digital, social and print ensured that everyone in Victoria knew this event was on.

Consumer engagement was the focus and this expo delivered in spades. Exhibitors were kept busy by consumers who were hungry for everything on offer. Exhibitors were wowed by the quality consumer leads received this year.

The feature show garden, expertly designed and built by Urban Horticultural Solutions, was a spectacle to behold and demonstrated a very clever design idea with optimum use of space.

Consumer shows such as SPASAVIC’s Pool & Spa + Outdoor Living expo enhances our industry by allowing consumers to see innovative new products and speak in person with industry professionals, which increases the integrity of the industry in the minds of the public.

We were fortunate to have some exceptional stands built by our members and this made the consumer experience much more engaging. It is easy to see the correlation between a beautifully designed and presented exhibitor stand and the number of consumers milling around and engaging with the exhibitor.

Now the focus has turned to preparations for SPASAVIC’s Spa & Pool + Backyard & Garden Show on Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 August 2020.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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Last Updated: 16 December 2019

When Rose decided she wanted to build a family-sized swimming pool in her Albert Park backyard, there was just one problem: space.

“We wanted to make sure the pool was large enough to have a decent swim and play, given the limited space we had to work with,” Rose said.

Having completed an extensive renovation of her two-storey Victorian terrace house, she was also keen the pool complemented the finished home, which she shares with her husband and 10-year-old son.

“We didn’t want the pool to seem like an afterthought, but instead look as if it was done at the same time as the renovation,” she explained.

Taking the plunge

James Lascelles, senior landscape architect and designer at Out From The Blue, was the man tasked with bringing the family’s dreams to reality.

Mr Lascelles said the tight L10m x W6.5m site sat between the house and stables that had been converted into a garage and gym.

The hardwood timber decking also forms a path between the house and the gym/garage and spreads out into a larger covered deck next to the house.

Let there be light

When it came to selecting materials, Mr Lascelles took some of his cues from the colour palette and timber battens used by architect Matt Gibson, of Matt Gibson Architecture + Design, who renovated the former stables.

“We were very much about complementing what was there, rather than throwing a lot of new materials at it and making it busy and different,” Mr Lascelles explained.

The striking wall of timber battens features a number of LED light boxes, which won a gold award for Best Lighting Feature at the 2019 Swimming Pool & Spa Association of Victoria’s Awards of Excellence. (The project also scooped the Best Residential Concrete Pool under $100,000 award.)

“We didn’t want a plain, vertical wall behind the pool as it can look a bit boring, so putting something geometric and three-dimensional there adds interest,” Mr Lascelles said.

The lights are maintenance-free LED panels instead of globes. “This was important to the client because getting to the light boxes is near impossible,” he added.

Into the blue

The bluestone tiles around the pool’s edge were chosen because they would be more robust than timber in that position.

“They are also Melbourne’s signature stone, and link in with the cobblestones in the laneway at the back of the garage,” Mr Lascelles said.

The vibrant ceramic pool tiles were selected because they make the pool look brilliant blue even without sunlight. And even on cooler days, the pool is the perfect temperature, thanks to solar and electric heating. With the project finished, Rose said the pool delivered everything they asked for.

“We love it. It’s been a great addition to our home,” she said. “It’s perfect for our family summers, it keeps us active and is great for entertaining. And we love that it’s so low maintenance, with everything from cleaning to lighting to filters being automated.”

Top tips

Thinking of putting in a pool? Here is some advice from Mr Lascelles on pool design:

• Bigger is not necessarily better – get the pool size right and work in proportion with the rest of the garden.

• Leave enough space between the pool and the fencing to ensure you can easily walk around the edges or sit and relax.

• Install gas or electric heating in addition to solar so you can use the pool for more months of the year.

• Think about the position of your pool, not only so you can see it from the house but also where the sun will hit it in the afternoon.

• Don’t try and cut costs by leaving out timesaving features like in-floor cleaning.

• Consider adding a spa to extend the use of the pool year round.

Read this article by Joanne Hawkins on realestate.com.au

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Last Updated: 26 May 2020

On 1 December 2019, new laws to improve swimming pool and spa safety came into effect in Victoria.

As of 1 December 2019, it is mandatory for owners of land where a swimming pool or spa is located, to register their pool or spa with their relevant council. In addition, owners are now required to obtain and lodge a compliance certificate for the safety of their pool or spa barrier every four years.

Owners will need to engage a registered building surveyor or building inspector to carry out an inspection and issue the compliance certificate.

Once a pool or spa is registered, the local council will notify owners of the due date for the first certificate of pool barrier compliance. Owners are required to arrange an inspection and lodge the certificate with their local council by the due date.

SPASA Victoria CEO, Chris Samartzis, applauds the Andrews Government for bringing in this new legislation that will ensure the safety of all Victorians.

“Backyard pool and spa owners can now relax and enjoy the fantastic lifestyle that comes with pool and spa ownership, knowing that their wonderful asset will now be safer than ever. This legislation will help focus attention on a critical component of pools and spas. The regulations allow for a low-cost environment to deal with mandatory barrier inspections and we applaud the state government for a well thought out piece of legislation.” says SPASA Victoria CEO, Chris Samartzis.

Registration of pools and spas

Victorian backyard pool and spa owners have until 1 June 2020 to register their pool or spa with their local council. The fee that a council can charge is $31.84.

For pools and spas constructed prior to 1 June 2020 that have an unknown construction date, an information search fee may be charged, up to $47.24.

Pools and spas constructed after 1 June 2020 must be registered within 30 days after issue of occupancy permit or certificate of final inspection.

Inspection and lodgement of certificate of barrier compliance for pools and spas

• For pools and spas constructed on or before 30 June 1994, a certificate of barrier compliance must be lodged by 1 June 2021
• For pools and spas constructed between 1 July 1994 and 1 May 2010, a certificate of barrier compliance must be lodged by 1 June 2022
• For pools and spas constructed between 1 May 2010 and 31 May 2020, a certificate of barrier compliance must be lodged by 1 June 2023

For pools and spas constructed on or after 1 June 2020, a certificate of barrier compliance is due within 30 days of occupancy permit or certificate of final inspection. This certificate must accompany an application for registration. The next certificate of compliance is due four years after registration.

Hefty fines will apply for pool and spa owners who do not register their pool or spa

The fee for lodging a certificate of pool and spa barrier compliance will be up to a maximum of $20.50, with certificates of compliance being required to be lodged once every four years.

Pool owners will have 60 days to bring their pools into compliance, if an inspector identifies any non-compliant safety concerns.

These new regulations also introduce a new class of registered building inspector: Building Inspector (Pool Safety). This new class of building inspector will be limited to carrying out inspections and associated functions for the purposes of the new regulations only.

The state government introduced this new scheme after numerous coronial investigations found that un-maintained and non-compliant pool barriers had contributed to the deaths of children in backyard pools.

The Victorian Coroner recommended strengthened pool safety laws after investigating several drowning cases.

“As the peak body of the swimming pool and spa industry in Victoria, SPASA Victoria is delighted that these new safety measures will increase the enjoyment of pool and spa ownership for all Victorians”, said SPASA Victoria CEO, Chris Samartzis.

For more information visit www.vba.vic.gov.au/consumers/swimming-pools

SPASA Victoria Media Release - New Laws to Improve Swimming Pool and Spa Safety - 29 November 2019

Victorian Government Media Release - Keeping Kids Safe With New Pool Safety Regulations - 29 November 2019

For further information please contact:
Kathryn Barres – Marketing Communications Co-ordinator

Telephone: 03 8526 7799 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For Media Comment: Chris Samartzis, CEO SPASA Victoria – 0418 443 758

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Last Updated: 26 November 2019

While swimming is most often associated with Summer, it's a physical activity that anyone can participate in at any time of the year.

As soon as the weather heats up, everyone starts looking around for the friend with the pool or swim spa. But how wonderful – and more convenient – would it be to have one of your own in your own backyard!

Swimming isn't just a fun way to cool off during the Summer. Swimming is one of the few activities that doesn't cost a lot of money or require expensive equipment – and it holds no age or ability barrier.

CEO of the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Victoria (SPASA Victoria) Chris Samartzis says, “Swimming pools and spas are wonderful additions to the lifestyle of every Australian home. Exercise - and the social capital provided by a pool or spa - are immeasurable. With the current childhood obesity epidemic, the health and fitness benefits of pool and spa ownership are undeniable.”

Here’s an article featuring 8 incredible health benefits of owning a pool

Swimming provides countless health benefits to pool and spa owners:

Add Value to Your Property

Not only is swimming good for you and fun for the whole family, investing in a home pool or spa can add value to your property. Read the articles below to see why owning a pool or spa makes smart financial sense. So if you’re looking for a cheap, fun and healthy activity over Summer - or thinking about investing in a swimming pool or spa for your home – visit www.spasavic.com.au and remember – always choose a SPASA Victoria Member!

Visit SPASA Victoria’s webpage highlighting all the benefits of Pool & Spa ownership HERE

25 Fantastic Reasons to Own a Pool or Spa

A Swimming Pool - The Number One Way to Boost the Value of Your Home

A Place to Unwind: Understanding the Benefits Of Having A Swimming Pool

The Age & Herald Sun Promote the Value of Pools

Pools Add At Least $140,000 In Value to A House

Buy a Pool & Invest in Your Future

Pools – A Worthy Investment

SPASA Victoria Media Release - The Benefits of Pool & Spa Ownership - 15 October 2019