MPBAA Media Centre

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Last Updated: 06 April 2020

The Swimming Pool & Spa Association of Victoria (SPASAVIC) has continued to advocate that the pool and spa industry in Victoria is an essential service which is delivering important health and safety benefits to the community. All of industry is playing its part in the control and prevention of the spread of COVID-19 by stricly adhering to Government requirements such as social distancing, strict hygienic processes and contact-free construction, retail and service.

• Pool and spa businesses are a vital service that manage the service, maintenance and construction of swimming pools and spas, to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases and maintain community health

• Pool and spa businesses are necessary to public safety as we undertake safety assessments to keep children and the public protected in a compliant pool and spa environment

• Pool and spa businesses are viewed as professional, responsible and trusted to work unsupervised in backyards. We adhere to Government requirements, such as social distancing, strict hygienic processes and contact-free construction, retail and service

SPASAVIC encourages members and stakeholders to continue to complete and forward this Advocacy Letter to your local Member of Parliament to ensure our industry remains at the forefront of decision-makers minds to protect our community.

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Last Updated: 30 March 2020

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently informed the public that there is no evidence that Coronavirus (COVID-19) is transmittable in water, the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Victoria (SPASAVIC) recommends that both commercial and residential swimming pool and spa owners should maintain proper pool and spa functionality at all times.

Chris Samartzis, CEO of SPASAVIC, advises that “although there is no indication that COVID-19 can be spread to humans by using pools and spas, proper operation, maintenance and disinfection of pools and spas - such as using chlorine and bromine - should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.

Swimming pools and spas are required to have balanced water so that pathogens such as e-coli and other known bacteria are killed via the chemical process. The swimming pool and spa industry are leaders in ensuring that the health and wellbeing of the community is always at the forefront of actions taken by industry professionals. Properly sanitised pools and spas ensure a healthy environment for people to swim in”, says Mr Samartzis.

As an additional precaution in light of COVID-19 efforts, SPASAVIC has issued an alert to its members - as well as swimming pool and spa owners - to remind them that regular maintenance is required to preserve the proper chemical balance of pool water and prevent waterborne diseases and illnesses such as the West Nile virus, legionella, cryptosporidium, giardia and other recreational water illnesses.

“It is critical that swimming pools and spas operated by hotels, motels, resorts, water parks, schools and fitness facilities continue to be properly serviced and maintained, especially during times of closure or reduction in staff. The same is true for the weekly servicing of residential pools," SPASAVIC CEO, Chris Samartzis says.

SPASAVIC has strongly advocated to State Government that the swimming pool and spa industry in Victoria offers essential services that are necessary to maintain pool and spa water sanitation, including the maintenance and operation of residential and commercial pools and spas, while adhering to social distancing protocols mandated by the government.

Find a SPASAVIC member for all of your pools and spa needs HERE

Information on Water Transmission and COVID-19 is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website

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Last Updated: 30 March 2020

Australia's Prime Minister and State Premiers have announced enhanced measures to limit the impact of the Coronavirus COVID-19 on Australia’s healthcare system, including the closure of entertainment venues.

While restrictions will be reviewed each month, Australians have been advised to expect these measures to last at least six months.

It is with regret that SPASAVIC and IEC Group announce that the Spa & Pool Show 2020 is cancelled. The Summer Pool & Spa Expo + Outdoor Living will go ahead as planned on Friday 5 – Sunday 7 February 2021 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and the 2021 Winter Spa & Pool Show will run on Saturday 17 – Sunday 18 July 2021 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“The health and wellbeing of our community must come first. We have a duty to others and ourselves to stop the spread of this virus, and for many of us that means limiting physical contact and delaying events. The 2020 February Show was a great success and we look forward to welcoming our partners and exhibitors to move their bookings to our next Show in Feb 2021” said Chris Samartzis, CEO of SPASAVIC.

Read the Media Release 'Cancellation of the SPASAVIC Spa & Pool Show 8 – 9 August 2020' HERE

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Last Updated: 30 March 2020

Australia's Prime Minister and State Premiers have announced enhanced measures to limit the impact of the Coronavirus COVID-19 on Australia’s healthcare system, including the closure of entertainment venues.

While restrictions will be reviewed each month, Australians have been advised to expect these measures to last at least six months.

It is with regret that SPASAVIC and IEC Group announce that the Spa & Pool Show 2020 is cancelled. The Summer Pool & Spa Expo + Outdoor Living will go ahead as planned on Friday 5 – Sunday 7 February 2021 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and the 2021 Winter Spa & Pool Show will run on Saturday 17 – Sunday 18 July 2021 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“The health and wellbeing of our community must come first. We have a duty to others and ourselves to stop the spread of this virus, and for many of us that means limiting physical contact and delaying events. The 2020 February Show was a great success and we look forward to welcoming our partners and exhibitors to move their bookings to our next Show in Feb 2021” said Chris Samartzis, CEO of SPASAVIC.

See the Media Release 'Cancellation of the SPASAVIC Spa & Pool Show 8 – 9 August 2020' HERE

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Last Updated: 27 March 2020

SPASA Victoria has advocated that the pool and  spa industry is an essential service that is delivering important health benefits to the community and reinforces that all of industry is playing its part in the control and prevention of the spread of COVID-19.

• Pool and spa businesses are an essential service that manage the service, maintenance and construction of swimming pools and spas, to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases and maintain community health

• Pool and spa businesses are essential to public safety as we undertake safety assessments to keep children and the public protected in a compliant pool and spa environment

• Pool and spa businesses are viewed as professional, responsible and trusted to work unsupervised in backyards. We adhere to Government requirements, such as social distancing, strict hygienic processes and contact-free construction, retail and service

SPASAVIC encourages members and stakeholders to complete and forward the Advocacy Letter to your local members, to ensure our industry remains at the forefront of decision-makers minds to protect the community.

Government resources for businesses

The Australian Federal Government and State and Territory Governments are providing information and support for businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak, including information on business restrictions. Please see the links below for relevant Federal, State and Territory information:

Clarification of current measures and new measures

The National Cabinet has confirmed and clarified advice regarding the requirements of previously announced measures, in particular those related to non-essential gatherings and outdoor gatherings.  A full list can be found here.

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Last Updated: 26 March 2020

SPASAVIC continues to receive queries regarding the safety of swimming pools and whether COVID-19 can be transmitted through swimming pool water.

Chris Samartzis, SPASAVIC CEO advises that “Australian Standard AS 3633-1989: Private swimming pools water quality provides clear direction for the sanitisation of water. Products that contribute to the sanitisation of water are regulated through the APVMA and adhere to world best practice.

Swimming Pools and Spas are required to have balanced water so that pathogens such as e-coli and other known bacteria are killed via the chemical process. The swimming pool and spa industry are leaders in ensuring that the health and wellbeing of the community is always at the forefront of actions taken by industry professionals. Properly sanitised pools and spas are a healthy environment for people to swim in”, said Mr Samartzis.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that there is no evidence this virus can survive in a properly chlorinated and filtered pool. “There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of pools and hot tubs. Proper operation, maintenance and disinfection (eg with chlorine and bromine) of pools and hot tubs should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.” (Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/water.html)

Large aquatic centres have had to cease operations due to social gathering guidelines which are prohibited under stage 2 bans as a result of the Federal Government’s restrictions on social gatherings.

SPASAVIC advises anyone who is not feeling well - or is concerned about potential infection - to practice the recommended social distancing guidelines from Government Department of Health and seek assistance from your health professional.