In this issue of Building & Facilities News, we are pleased to feature the Swimming Pool and Allied Trades Association (SPATA) as our Wet Leisure Company of the Month.
SPATA occupies a uniquely influential position within the UK’s wet leisure sector, serving as the country’s sole trade association dedicated to swimming pools, spas, and wellness facilities. Established in 1961 by six founding companies as the Association of Swimming Pool Contractors, SPATA emerged from a need to formalise standards in a then-developing industry. Its evolution in 1971 into a broader organisation reflected the growing complexity of the sector, encompassing not just pool construction but the wider ecosystem of design, engineering, and supply.
Today, SPATA operates from its headquarters in Andover, Hampshire, coordinating a nationwide and increasingly international membership base. Its central mission is to ensure that all stakeholders involved in pool, spa, and wellness projects are equipped with the knowledge and resources to engage competent, accredited professionals. This objective is underpinned by a rigorous framework of standards, guidance, and independent inspections that define SPATA’s role as both regulator and enabler.
At the heart of SPATA’s offering is its commitment to technical excellence and ethical practice. The association provides comprehensive support to its members, including up-to-date industry training, detailed technical guidance, and robust compliance frameworks. Its register of vetted specialists offers reassurance to a diverse client base, from luxury hotels and commercial leisure operators to architects, contractors, and private homeowners seeking bespoke installations.
What’s more, SPATA’s influence extends beyond its membership. Through collaboration with organisations such as the Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers (ISPE), the Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG), and the Swimming Teachers Association (STA), as well as coming under the umbrella of the British Swimming Pool Federation (BSPF), with its fellow organisation BISHTA (British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association) and SPATEX, the UK’s only wet leisure industry dedicated show. SPATA contributes to shaping both national and international standards, and in doing so, continues to define the benchmark for quality, safety, and professionalism across the industry, reinforcing its status as a trusted authority in wet leisure.
Sallie Leslie-Golding, SPATA PR & Marketing Manager, comments on what gives the company its competitive edge, “SPATA’s real strength lies in the fact that its members are independently vetted and committed to working to strict industry standards and a clear Code of Ethics. They have access to a wide range of British and European Standards, as well as SPATA’s own technical guidance, which helps maintain consistent quality through membership companies. There’s also an ongoing inspection process, so it’s not a one-time check.”
“Over time, that’s built a strong reputation, particularly when it comes to delivering reliable, high-quality commercial pools, spa facilities, and luxury residential projects. What really sets SPATA apart, though, is its transparency and its long-standing role in the industry. For over 60 years, it has supported both its members and the people who rely on them.”
“All of this ultimately gives members the best possible foundation to deliver work that genuinely meets industry standards, whether they’re working with architects, developers, hotel operators, leisure centres, or private homeowners.”
With over six decades of experience, SPATA has consistently led the way in developing and refining industry standards. Rather than allowing guidance to become outdated, SPATA has taken a progressive approach regularly updating its standards and breaking them into manageable sections so they can evolve quickly alongside new construction methods, safety requirements, and emerging technologies.
Another defining achievement of SPATA is its role in celebrating excellence across the sector, in partnership with the British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association (BISHTA). Together, they co-host the prestigious British Pool & Hot Tub Awards that are held during SPATEX at the CBS Arena in Coventry. The ceremony is annually hosted at the Wet Leisure Industry Gala Evening organised by the British Swimming Pool Federation, the event has become a highlight of the industry calendar, recognising innovation and craftsmanship across both commercial and residential projects. SPATA maintains a strong presence at SPATEX, and its ongoing involvement not only showcases the market of the trade association and its members, but also reinforces its role as a central point of guidance, connection, and professional development for the entire industry. The next SPATEX show is 2nd-4th February 2027: www.spatex.co.uk
Furthermore, SPATA’s influence extends well beyond the UK. Through active collaboration with organisations such as the European Union of Swimming Pool and Spa Associations (EUSA) and the World Alliance of Pool and Spa Associations (WAPSA), it contributes to a global exchange of knowledge and best practice. This ensures that UK standards remain aligned with international developments in areas like sustainability, safety, and education.
Looking ahead, SPATA remains committed to strengthening technical standards to support the next generation of commercial and domestic pool, spa and wellness builds whilst expanding educational resources for facilities managers, architects, and pool operators.
“SPATA is also enhancing collaboration across the wet leisure industry to improve safety, sustainability, and water management practices, supporting innovation that improves energy efficiency, operational reliability, and guest experience in wellness and hospitality environments, and expanding our membership so that a greater number of companies and individual operators are consistently working to uphold the highest industry standards, strengthening professionalism across the sector and ensuring the safety, confidence, and protection of end users,” states Sallie.
For more information, please see below:
T 01264 356210
admin@spata.co.uk
www.spata.co.uk