1. PURPOSE
The Climate Care Certified Program (the Program) is an initiative of the Swimming Pool & Spa Association of Australia Ltd (SPASA) that recognises and promotes products, systems, and pool install packages that demonstrate environmentally responsible design, operation, and performance.
Participation provides members with an opportunity to differentiate their products, services, and pool install packages in the market through credible, independent certification.
2. PROGRAM PARTICIPATION
Participation in the Program is voluntary and is available exclusively to current financial members of SPASA Australia.
By applying for certification, members agree to comply with these Terms and Conditions and any related SPASA policies, codes, or procedures that apply to the Program.
3. Definitions
In these Terms and Conditions the following definitions apply:
“pool install package”
A pool install package includes a wide range of nominated products and system(s), along with considerations such as the pool or spa location, overhang treatment, and other factors which can contribute to any of the Climate Care Certified program focus areas.
“product”
A product is a singular item which is used in a pools system or environment. This category includes products like a water pump, pool filter, pool cover, plumbing elements, and robot cleaners.
“system”
A system is a number of products which work together. The application identifies each of the products together in the system and the certification is given to that specific group of products. A common example of a system is the combination of pool pump, pool filtration, and sanitisation.
4. REGISTRATION PROCESS
All products, systems, or pool install packages submitted for certification will undergo a claims verification process conducted by a SPASA-appointed expert or experts.
The Program registration form is available at www.spasa.com.au.
SPASA may request supporting documentation, test results, or other evidence to verify claims. Members must ensure all information provided is true, accurate, and complete to the best of their knowledge.
5. MULTIPLE BRANDING AND VARIATIONS
SPASA acknowledges that some products, systems, or pool install packages may be distributed under multiple brands or packaging variations that share identical or substantially similar attributes.
Subject to SPASA approval, one application may cover such variations where attributes are materially identical. Additional administration fees may apply.
The rebranding of an existing Climate Care Certified product, pool install package, or system by another entity requires a new application.
Each application is considered on its own merit by the Expert Panel.
6. CERTIFICATION TERM
Certification is valid for two (2) years from the date of approval.
Certification must be renewed every two years to remain valid. Members are responsible for commencing renewal within two months of expiry.
7. MAINTAINING CERTIFICATION
To maintain Climate Care Certification, members must:
Demonstrate continued compliance with the Program criteria.
Notify SPASA in writing of any change to a product, system, or installation that may affect its certification.
Cooperate with SPASA in any review or audit process.
SPASA may, in its absolute discretion, conduct random or targeted audits to verify compliance.
If SPASA determines that a product, system, or pool install package no longer meets certification criteria, certification may be suspended or revoked.
Where a product, system or pool install package changes in a way that may affect its Climate Care Certified status and SPASA was not notified, certification may be cancelled immediately.
8. RENEWAL
Renewal occurs every two years and requires evidence of ongoing compliance.
SPASA may request confirmation of inclusions, specifications, or supporting documentation for re-assessment to ensure continued compliance with Climate Care Certified standards.
9. USE OF PROGRAM LOGOS
SPASA members with current certification are eligible to receive the Climate Care Certified logo(s) for use in advertising and marketing materials directly related to their certified products, systems, or pool install packages.
All SPASA and related logos are the exclusive property of SPASA.
Marketing resources and logos may only be used by the registered member for the certified product, system, or pool install package approved by SPASA.
Members must not:
Use the logo or related marks for uncertified products or services.
Share logos with third parties without prior written approval.
Imply SPASA endorsement of their company or brand beyond the certified items.
If certification is cancelled, suspended, or revoked, the member must immediately cease all use of the logo(s) and related marketing claims.
SPASA reserves the right to direct members to correct or withdraw any misleading representations or materials.
10. LICENSING FEES (Excl. GST)
Product or System
1–5 employees: $890 per product every two years
More than 5 employees: $1,980 per product every two years
Related products forming a product family may be assessed under one certification, with fees adjusted accordingly.
Installation / Retrofit / Construction
$1,980 flat fee every two years (covers all verifiable pools and spas built, renovated, or retrofitted within that period).
Refunds
Applications not approved will receive a refund less a $250 administration fee. Refunds will be processed within 30 days of notification.
If certification is cancelled by the member, or cancelled, suspended or revoked by SPASA due to non-compliance, no refund will be provided.
11. SPASA AUDITS AND VERIFICATION
SPASA reserves the right to:
Request supporting evidence of compliance at any time.
Conduct audits or site inspections.
Require updated data, test results, or documentation.
Suspend or revoke certification if information is not provided within a reasonable timeframe.
Members must cooperate fully with any audit and ensure access to relevant information or sites if requested.
12. CANCELLATION OR SUSPENSION
SPASA may cancel or suspend Climate Care Certification if:
The member ceases to be a financial member of SPASA.
The product, system, or pool install package fails to meet certification criteria.
The member cannot substantiate claims made during the certification term.
The member makes false or misleading marketing claims.
The member brings SPASA into disrepute.
The member fails to comply with the SPASA Constitution or Code of Conduct.
The member fails to notify SPASA of material product or specification changes.
SPASA reserves the right to publish the cancellation of certification in any manner it deems appropriate.
13. DATA ACCURACY AND MEMBER WARRANTIES
Members warrant that all information supplied to SPASA is true, accurate, and complete to the best of their knowledge.
SPASA relies on the accuracy of information provided by members and is not responsible for verifying claims beyond reasonable diligence.
14. CONFIDENTIALITY
SPASA will treat submitted materials and data as confidential and will use them solely for certification and verification purposes, except where disclosure is required by law or necessary for public verification of certification status.
SPASA may publicly disclose the names and details of certified products, systems, or pool install packages for promotional and verification purposes.
15. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY
Certification does not constitute a guarantee of performance, efficiency, compliance with regulations, or suitability for any specific purpose.
SPASA makes no express or implied warranties regarding any certified item or its performance.
16. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNITY
To the fullest extent permitted by law:
SPASA excludes all liability for any loss, damage, cost, or expense arising from participation in the Program or reliance on certification.
Members indemnify SPASA against all claims, losses, or costs arising from their participation, including third-party claims relating to certified products, systems or pool install packages.
SPASA’s total aggregate liability in connection with the Program shall not exceed the amount of the certification or renewal fee paid by the member.
17. REVIEW AND APPEALS
SPASA will assess all applications and renewals based on the information provided and its professional judgment.
If an application or renewal is not approved, SPASA will provide written notice outlining the general reasons for non-approval.
Applicants may request a decision review within 14 days of receiving the decision if they believe there has been a factual or procedural error (for example, missing documentation or misinterpretation of evidence).
The review will be conducted by SPASA management or another independent expert not involved in the original decision.
The outcome of the review will be final and binding.
SPASA is under no obligation to reconsider applications based on new or altered information after the initial decision. A new application may be submitted in such cases, subject to standard fees.
18. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia. The parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New South Wales.
19. VARIATION
SPASA reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time by providing 30 days’ notice to members via the SPASA website or direct communication.
Continued participation in the Program after such notice constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms and Conditions.
Last updated: November 2025