After more than 26 years working alongside the Swimming Pool and Allied Trades Association (SPATA), Peter Lang is handing over his role as Technical Advisor to Alan Jackson. The transition highlights the central importance of technical expertise, standards and knowledge sharing within the UK association.
The Technical Committee at the heart of SPATA standards
Within SPATA, the Technical Committee plays an essential role in supporting members and maintaining high technical standards. Bringing together experienced industry professionals, it addresses issues relating to the design, construction, operation, maintenance and safety of swimming pools, spas and wellness facilities.
One of its main responsibilities is the ongoing review and development of the SPATA Standards, along with their technical supplements and member factsheets. A new edition of the Standards was published in June 2026 to reflect legislative changes, technological developments and current industry best practice.
Members can also draw on the expertise of Technical Advisors and committee representatives for support on compliance matters and specialist technical issues, while SPATA actively encourages knowledge sharing and collaboration across the industry.
Peter Lang: more than 26 years of technical expertise
As SPATA Technical Advisor for more than a quarter of a century, Peter Lang contributed to several important stages in the Association's technical development.
Among his early priorities were the complete rewrite of the SPATA Standards and the re-establishment of the inspection programme, with an initial target of carrying out 50 inspections in the first year.
Peter Lang
His work also extended beyond the UK. Peter Lang helped establish what would later become the European Union of Swimming Pool and Spa Associations (EUSA) and served as Chair of its Technical Committee. In this role, he helped ensure that the UK industry had a strong voice in the development of European standards, with EUSA's recognition by CEN and its liaison role with CEN TC 402 marking significant milestones.
As he steps down, Peter Lang particularly highlights the importance of professional exchange and the collective work carried out on the Standards, Supplements, Factsheets and other technical resources made available to members.
Alan Jackson takes over the role
SPATA now welcomes Alan Jackson as its new Technical Advisor.
With more than twenty years of experience across the UK and Europe, Alan Jackson has provided consultancy, training and technical support to local authorities, leisure operators, contractors and private resorts since founding Alzach Leisure in 2000.
His expertise covers pool safety, water treatment, filtration systems, chemical dosing and plant room operations. He has also worked on projects ranging from hydrotherapy pools and interactive water features to large leisure developments, supporting clients from design and construction through to compliance and long-term operational management.
Training is another key area of his work. With a background in education, Alan Jackson has delivered Pool Safety Training and worked closely with operational teams to develop confidence, skills and technical understanding across the industry.
Through this handover, SPATA aims to continue strengthening its technical resources and support for professionals, while its Technical Committee remains central to the Association's commitment to professionalism, safety and technical excellence.
