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Last Updated: 02 October 2019

Pools are a defining part of our national identity.

Evoking deep nostalgia and childhood memories, this two-part documentary takes a look at the Australian identity through the prism of the pool.

Narrated by Richard Roxburgh, this fantastic documentary includes interviews with Christos Tsiolkas, Myf Warhurst, Matthew Mitcham and Hannah and Eliza Reilly and follows the evolution of the swimming pool in Australia demonstrating how pools have been integral in crossing gender, religious and cultural divides that have brought communities together.

Watch both episodes on ABC's iView HERE

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Last Updated: 16 September 2019

A huge congratulations to SPASA Victoria members Melton Pools & Spas for winning Best Retail Business for the City of Melton!

Melton Pools & Spas are now back-to-back champions having won in 2018 and 2019 in this category.

Well done Serana, Tony & team!

www.meltonpoolsandspas.com.au

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Last Updated: 12 September 2019

Have you ever thought about clever ways to improve your time at home? Have you ever thought to invest in a small swimming pool? Have you ever thought what might be the benefits of having one? Well, if so, then this is the place to be as we’re going to explain to you the benefits of having a small pool at your home.

Tons of Fun

The best thing about a pool, regardless of size, is that it offers you tons of fun. We’ve all wanted a pool as kids, and now we can have it. Thinking about it now, I still want the same things I did as a kid, and a pool is definitely one of those things.

Help Get You Into Shape

A small pool might not be ideal for getting you into shape, but it can certainly help you. Your pool can be the place where you do your exercising. Did you know that water exercises such as swimming helps work every muscle in your body? As a matter of fact, swimming is a type of activity that is most recommended if you want to address the issue of muscles. It’s the best activity for stamina, and it’s great for the mind as well. But did you know that you can also do your exercises inside the pool? This beats having to pay for gym fees, and you can dump into the water every time you feel like it.

Smaller Pool Means Less Maintenance

One of the biggest drawbacks to big pools is the fact that they require regular maintenance, which can be so boring and exhausting. The biggest benefit of having a small pool is the fact that it requires less maintenance and less work.

The question of flexibility is oftentimes subjective when it comes to pools. The first thing to note is that most small pools are made out of eighter vinyl or concrete, which are quite flexible materials. But in terms of quantity, larger pools have more options since they can also be made out of fiberglass. However, concrete and vinyl are better than fiberglass, so we have that one to remember.

The other thing to note is that a smaller pool requires less space and fewer materials to produce. This makes it ideal for you to choose different styles and shapes using the flexible materials of your choice. If you want to check more benefits click here.

It Might Be a Small Investment, But It’s an Investment None the Less

It’s definitely worth having a pool around, as it racks up the price of your property. Though it costs money, it definitely adds more to your overall property cost. Smaller pools require cost less money than bigger pools, and they add less value to your property than bigger pools. But the main thing to note here is that it still adds value regardless.

It Helps You Sleep Better

A benefit when it comes to your overall health, swimming pools are great for improving your sleep. If you ever feel stressed and cannot sleep, just hop in for a quick swim and you’ll be sleeping before you know it.

Read this article in full HERE

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Last Updated: 30 October 2019

From 1^st December this year, local councils will register all backyard pools and spas in their area, with property owners being required to submit a current certificate of compliance for their pool or spa safety barrier.

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. Thank you Minister Richard Wynne,” says SPASA Victoria CEO, Chris Samartzis.

It is proposed that local councils will take charge of this mandatory registration scheme from December, with all pool owners required to contact their council by April 14 next year and pay the proposed small $37 registration fee.

Inspection certificates for all pools built before 1994 must be lodged by 30 October 2020. For pools built between 1994 and 2010, it is proposed that owners will have until 30 April 2021, with all pools built after 2010 requiring to be certified by 29 October 2021.

It is also proposed that councils will charge pool and spa owners a $20 fee to lodge their inspection compliance certificates, a process they will be required to undertake just once every three years. Households are also tipped to have 20 days to bring their pools into compliance if an inspector identifies any safety concerns.

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.

Read SPASA Victoria's Media Release HERE

For further information please contact:

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 – 0418 443 758

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Last Updated: 13 July 2019

The magnificent Melbourne Room of the Melbourne Conference and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) was alight on Saturday night as winners of the 2019 SPASA Victoria Awards of Excellence were announced. 

With over 440 industry stakeholders in attendance, the SPASA Victoria Awards of Excellence Gala night is the largest industry event of its kind in Australia and the most anticipated industry event on the Victorian calendar.

A total of 39 Awards of Excellence categories made up the SPASA Victoria Awards of Excellence program, including major awards - Product of the Year, Spa of the Year and Remco Pool of the Year.

The 2019 Remco Pool of the Year was awarded to Laguna Pools, the 2019 Spa of the Year Award was awarded to Out From The Blue and the 2019 Product of the Year went to Sunbather for their CoolPv product.

For the first time ever, SPASA Victoria also recognised ‘Industry Achievement’ milestones, acknowledging organisations that have demonstrated longevity within the Victorian pool and spa industry – Sunbather 45 years, Albatross Swimming Pool (Aust) 50 years and Neptune Swimming Pools 60 years.

Expertly emceed by Australian media personality and former Australian rules football player Sam Kekovich, guests were treated to mid-show entertainment by Marcus ‘Elvis’ Jackson and cover band ‘Unlimited’.

A total of 45 Gold and Highly Commended awards were presented to well deserving SPASA Victoria members.

CEO of SPASA Victoria, Chris Samartzis said, "This year's high number of award entrants again demonstrates excellence across the board and proves that SPASA Victoria members are true leaders within the national industry. Our high award entry numbers show healthy competition amongst our most passionate and talented members.”

“The Victorian pool and spa association represents a very mature industry which has evolved over the past 60 years to become truly world class. The innovation and sheer ‘wow factor’ present in Victorian backyards exceeds much of what is celebrated in Europe and America. There’s never been a better time to invest in a pool or spa,” Mr Samartzis said.

With images of the best pools and spas in Victoria on prominent display around the prestigious Melbourne Room, guests were treated to superb food and entertainment which led to a night enjoyed by all.

A full list of award winners can be viewed HERE

SPASA Victoria Media Release - SPASA Victoria Awards of Excellence 2019 Winners Announced

For more information contact Kathryn on 8526 7799 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Last Updated: 04 July 2019

SPASA Victoria is extremely proud to be announced as a finalist for the Association Achievement of the Year Award!

The Association Achievement of the Year Award is presented to an association that has made an outstanding achievement in a particular project, area of operations, governance, activity or initiative.

“SPASA Victoria is thrilled to be nominated for this important award. For over a decade, SPASA Victoria advocated for mandatory pool and spa barrier inspections in Victoria and we are elated that the decision to implement a mandatory barrier inspection program in Victoria has been made by the Andrews Government,” says SPASA Victoria CEO, Chris Samartzis.

The award is judged by Associations Forum, a body committed to assisting associations and charities in governance, operations, membership and finances.

SPASA Victoria entered this award with a submission on their Pool and Spa Safety campaign, which resulted in legislation change that mandated pool and spa barrier inspections in Victoria.

The Association Awards will be presented at Association Forum’s National Conference Dinner on Monday 15 July 2019.

Read SPASA Victoria's Media Release - 'SPASA Victoria Proud Finalists for Association Achievement of the Year Award - 4 July 2019' HERE

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 –