SPN (Swimming Pool News) April 2017

SPN incorporating Pool & Spa Industry is the official trade magazine for the UK wet leisure markets and is the only trade publication that invests in the industry it serves.

Editor and Co Publisher: Jon Wadeson

Features: Karen Witney

Features & Subeditor: Andrea Hartshorne

Co Publisher and Sales Director: Tony Weston

Production: Cathy Varley

Accounts: Sam Bartholomew

For editorial enquiries contact Jon on: T: +44 (0)20 8306 8150

E: jon@aqua-publishing.co.uk

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E: tony@aqua-publishing.co.uk

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E: cathy@aqua-publishing.co.uk

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E: accounts@aqua-publishing.co.uk

Design: Colin Halliday

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SPN is published by

W: www.aqua-publishing.co.uk

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Aqua Publishing Ltd accepts no liability for any insert, display or classified advertisement included in Swimming Pool News. While every reasonable care is taken to ensure that all advertisers are reliable and reputable, Swimming Pool News can give no assurance they will fulfil their obligations under all circumstances. The views expressed in the articles in Swimming Pool News are the contributors’ own. All rights reserved. Copyright for all materials published in SPN remains with the publishers. Material contained in this publication is not to be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior permission of Aqua Publishing Ltd.

–www.rivierapool.com

It’s been another busy start to the year, in fact I can’t actually believe where the last three months have gone! It seems there really isn’t any quieter periods anymore. It’s either busy or extremely busy – and SPATEX at the end of January confirmed what I already knew – that it wasn’t just us here at SPN that had been rushed of our feet. The wet leisure industry had picked up from where it left off last year and business for many was booming.

As an exhibitor and having spoken to numerous people at the show, there was a real feeling of positivity for the year ahead, and that’s despite the dreaded ‘B’ word which seems to have now become part of our daily lives. With an unsteady pound after the Brexit vote, there were many who feared what was in store for an industry that relies heavily on imported products, but so far it seems to have made little material difference – and long may it continue.

Having touched on SPATEX already, SPN were pleased to be among over 100 companies who exhibited at the annual three-day event which again saw a great effort all round and plenty of products on display. There was a question mark over the show running midweek but I’m pleased to say that any fears proved unfounded as visitors arrived in similar quantities to the previous record-breaking event. If you’ve not been to a SPATEX at the Ricoh Arena, you might be surprised at just how good a show it actually is. I would definitely

recommend a visit. There is plenty on offer in Coventry and hopefully you can get an idea of the quality of the event from the images in this edition’s review.

Also held during SPATEX are the annual British Pool & Hot Tub Awards hosted by BISHTA and SPATA – an evening which celebrates some of the best swimming pool, hot tub and swim spa projects from across our industry – and we’ve coverage on all the winners from this year’s event along with a write-up on the night itself.

Winners from the British Pool & Hot Tub Awards go on to become entries in the EUSA (European Union of Swimming Pool and Spa Associations) Awards for 2016, which were announced at Italy’s Forum Piscine exhibition in Bologna. There were British successes again in the Awards and we’ve coverage of all the winners in this issue.

We also explore what’s new in the one-piece and fibreglass pools market, a sector that’s taking the hassle out of installations for both pool builders and owners alike and on the subject of convenience, we’ve an in depth look at the latest automatic cover systems too. High-end swim spas also have the spotlight on them this issue plus we’ve also a feature on the very latest in pool liners and systems.

As if that wasn’t enough to keep you going over Easter, Golden Coast’s Jamie Adams takes a trip down the memory swimming lane while the STA have the first of a two part look at the Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterium.

There’s also useful information from the BSPF, SPATA and BISHTA plus we’ve also got our round up of all the latest industry, product, people and eco news from both here in the UK and abroad too.

So with this issue covered, all that leaves me to say is I hope you enjoy reading this issue of SPN.

Jon Wadeson – Editor

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Cover image courtesy of RivieraPool

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Next Issue

• Above-ground and wooden pools

• Hot tubs – in the commercial sector

• Heat pumps

• Tiling and mosaics

• Shows round up – what’s on in the next 12 months Plus much, much more!

Certikin Rewards Excellence At 2017 Industry Awards

Horsham pool retailers, Home Counties Pools and Hot Tubs, scooped the prestigious Peter Geekie Award for Retail Excellence, sponsored by Certikin International, at the recently held British Pool & Hot Tub Awards Ceremony hosted by SPATA and BISHTA at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena.

The award attracts a £500 cash prize, which Home Counties’ Managing Director Craig Trusson and his wife, Jill, donated to the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund charity in memory of a well-loved family member. Craig said: “My wife lost her mother to pancreatic cancer. The awards were the most significant things to us and we thought the charity could use the money better than us.”

Established in 1983, Home Counties is based in Hillier Garden Centre just outside of Horsham, West Sussex. They have a dedicated hot tub showroom that is a shining example of how to display wet leisure at its best. As official dealers for Endless Pools and Cascade Pools along with Elite and Beachcomber hot tubs (as well as Zodiac Pool products) they supply and install quality driven pools, hot tubs and accessories for all budgets and tastes.

Presenting the award, Certikin’s Neil Murray said: “Peter Geekie was a pioneer in the residential pool trade and the award is made to the business the association recognises as giving the best all round retail customer experience in the UK.

Home Counties are deserved winners of

this award, with a reputation, built on over 30 years’ experience in swimming pools, hot tubs, water leisure and wellness.”

Home Counties won a further Gold Award in the ‘In-ground Residential Spas’ category and both Award winning entries are featured later in this edition of SPN.

New Play Features For Leisure World Colchester

Hippo Leisure have been busy in Essex recently having transformed the leisure pool at the council run Leisure World Colchester into a highly interactive play area.

A range of new, bright and colourful water play features are aimed at increasing water confidence by encouraging learning through play for children of all ages and abilities.

A pirate themed water factory has been installed in the beach area. It includes a waterball centrepiece with a variety of low level water jets including fill and spill buckets, handwheels and cannons. These features will be enjoyed by toddlers and children who are less water confident.

The waterball has a mast with four interative arms, one of which is joined by a span pipe to two further masts which feature a large tipping bucket and splash board, shark showers, water wheels, small tipping buckets and pelican squirts. These features will be enjoyed by fun seeking children and even adults.

Toddlers will have fun learning through play with a variety of splash

toys including a squirt station and interactive water channels. A pirate themed toddler slide with a porthole mirror and spinning treasures, as well as interactive wall panels featuring Treasure Island, Sea Serpent and Whirlpool themed games will provide tactile, visual and auditory stimulation.

The upper pool has also been rejuvenated with a Pirate themed barrel falls platform now installed on its island along with an extra large tipping bucket. The platform also features three short masts, each holding one of the following features: large tipping bucket, waterwheel and shark shower.

Chris Ling, Pools Manager at Leisure World commented: “The new water play features are already proving extremely popular with families and contribute to enhancing kid appeal and overall visitor experience at Leisure World. We are delighted with the flexibility of Hippo’s play features, meaning that we can update and expand them in the future.”

Home Counties’ Jill and Craig Trusson are pictured receiving their well-deserved award from Certikin Managing Director Neil Murray and BSPF President Alex Kemsley

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WESTMINSTER’S FIRST NEW SWIMMING POOL IN 35 YEARS

A major milestone was passed in February in the delivery of the £28m redevelopment of Moberly Sports Centre, with the successful water tank testing of two brand new swimming pools. The Centre features the first newly built swimming pools in Westminster since the Queen Mother Sport Centre opened in 1981.

The testing marked the completion of phase one of the Active Queen’s Park redevelopment, as the swimming pools get ready to open in Spring 2018.

The new swimming pools form part of the new state-of-the-art leisure centre for Queen’s Park. Facilities at the new Moberly Sports Centre will include a sixlane 25-metre swimming pool, dedicated learner pool with movable floor, a spa and sauna plus various other leisure facilities.

Cllr David Harvey, Head of sports at Westminster City Council, said: “This is fantastic news for local residents, from children stepping into the water for the first time to seasoned competitive swimmers.

“It’s clear this redevelopment is bringing a much-needed improvement of sport facilities to Queen’s Park.”

RHYL WATERPARK GETS APPROVED

Plans for a £15m waterpark in Rhyl, Wales, have been given the go-ahead by local councillors.

Following a vote on two planned options, Denbighshire County Council decided to reject an option which included a 25m eight-lane swimming pool, and instead chose a proposal featuring indoor and outdoor waterslides, a children’s water play area plus dry facilities, including a climbing wall, activity zone and function rooms.

The 1,200m2 waterpark will also include a water space with beach-style entry and interactive play areas, plus a dedicated area for young children. Slides will include a free-fall, family tube ride and four-lane multi slide.

Second Elevate Builds On Its Wet Leisure Offering

Adds Taking place 10-11 May at London’s ExCeL, Elevate is the UK’s largest cross-sector event bringing together the physical activity sector, academia, healthcare, policy makers, local authorities and performance experts to focus on an increasingly important and complex societal challenge – tackling physical inactivity.

At the event, the ‘Active Aquatic’ area will present the latest in pool and open water swimming, equipment, research, monitoring and performance. In addition, there will also be a number of wet leisure related companies exhibiting including Aquamat, Hippo Leisure, Mermaids UK, Poolview, Royal Life Saving Society UK, Swimming Teachers’ Association and Swimtag.

This year, Elevate will introduce ‘The Business of Physical Activity’ stream to the already existing seminar programme which includes ‘Physical Activity For Health And Wellbeing’, ‘Inclusivity: Creating An Active Nation’ and ‘Future Performance’. This stream will feature a session focusing on ‘Maximising Aquatics Revenues –Increasing Usage And Managing Costs’. This seminar will explore how to successfully implement and market innovative aquatics programming for a range of users and provides a great experience for swimmers, while examining maintenance strategies and cost savings.

Chairing the session, and discussing ‘Using Insights

To Understand What Customers Want’, will be Damian Stevenson, Insight Director at the ASA. Nicole O’Callaghan, Business Development Director at JC Leisure will be talking about “Effective Maintenance Strategies – Planned Maintenance, Energy Management And Staff Training’.” Martin Symcox, Chief Executive for IQL at Royal Life Saving Society will be discussing ‘Drown Prevention Strategies And The Latest Technologies’ alongside Robin McGloughlin, Director at Poolview, and Helen Meckiffe, Contract Manager at Places for People. Alyson Zell, Aquatic Business Manager at Freedom Leisure will focus her talk on “Optimising Pool Usage Across 42 Pools – Innovative Programming, Marketing And Customer Experience’.

To see further details of the event and register for your free pass, visit the Elevate website.

Elevate 01737 855000

www.elevatearena.com

REL Adds Romford Leisure Scheme To Expanding Project List

Building on its expertise in the leisure sector, REL Building Services has been awarded a contract to deliver the electrical works at a £25m leisure development.

Located in Romford, the scheme is being built by Willmott Dixon for Havering Council. It includes an eight-lane competition swimming pool, training pool, 56m x 26m ice rink and associated leisure facilities within the heart of the town centre.

Appointed by Kershaw Mechanical Services, REL is responsible for the £2m electrical element of the project, which is scheduled to take 12 months.

REL’s Managing Director, Toby Buckley said: “We’re looking forward to working in partnership with Kershaw to help deliver the Romford Leisure development, which is set to regenerate the area and secure competition-level iceskating and swimming.

“The electrical design is complex so we’ve been working closely with Wilmott Dixon’s design team to develop and

coordinate the design.

“Leisure sector projects can be challenging because of the specialist fittings and fixtures required for the swimming pool areas but this job has additional complexities. For example, we need to install lighting rigs as well as electrical infrastructure above the ice rink which is located two levels above the swimming pool.

“We have also had to programme our schedule carefully to ensure timed deliveries as the leisure development is located in a densely-populated shopping area.”

The Romford Leisure Development adds to a growing number of leisure projects for REL. Within the last 12 months, the team has also helped to deliver leisure complexes in Waltham Forest in London, High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire and Flitwick in Bedfordshire. REL

Mark Foster was just one of many speakers at Elevate 2016

NEW OLYMPIC-SIZED POOL A POSSIBILITY PLANNED FOR SMETHWICK

Plans for a new leisure centre in Smethwick, which would feature an Olympic-sized swimming pool, have been revealed by Sandwell Council after local authority bosses said investment was badly needed in leisure facilities in the town.

New leisure centres have been built across the West Midlands borough in recent years, but Smethwick has missed out on investment.

A public consultation has been launched on the plans and the council has held tentative discussions with Sport England over funding the project.

Costs for the new centre are not yet known but leisure facilities in the south of the borough were criticised in an independent report last year and the new centre would provide a much-needed boost.

DERBY POOL REPLACEMENT COULD COST MORE THAN £20M

A replacement for one of Derby’s council-run pools could cost more than the £20m the local authority has set aside.

In a bid to save about £350,000 a year, Moorways was closed to the general public in 2016 with swimming clubs using it until the end of January.

Council leader Ranjit Banwait said that whatever the cost of a new swimming pool, it was important to get it right.

Built more than 40 years ago, Moorways had struggled with maintenance and health and safety issues.

Derby’s only other large swimming pool is located at the Queen’s Leisure Centre, however it is currently closed due to structural problems.

The Moorways closure was opposed by high-profile swimmers including Ross Davenport and Olympic Gold Medalist Adam Peaty, who now trains outside the city.

The new Olympic-sized pool is expected to be built by 2020.

Personalised

Service From Fairlocks

For the first time in ten years, Fairlocks Pool Products have invested in their own delivery van to bring customers a more personalised delivery service of their Covrex® covers. When you order a Covrex® cover from Fairlocks, it will now arrive in their very own branded vehicle and a more personalised unloading service to make sure everything is present when the cover arrives on site.

For Fairlocks’ customers, that means enhanced piece of mind knowing that there is exceptional care and attention paid to the delivery of the cover, a more considered approach to the unloading and ensuring all parts are included in the delivery, plus it gives customers a direct point of contact as the driver, Dan Kostov, is part of the Fairlocks team and will be on hand to answer any questions and ensure the customer has exactly they need.

This personalised delivery service investment sparks a year of innovation and development for the company but the team recognise that there is always room for further development and are continuing to strive for exceptional customer service. Now in its 11th year of business,

Fairlocks are still providing swimming pool products to customers who bought from the Oxfordshire based company within its first months of trading over a decade ago. The Fairlocks team are proud of the latest development in the business and to find out more about ordering a Covrex® swimming pool cover and receiving a delivery direct from manufacturer to your door, contact them today.

Fairlocks Pool Products

01865 988346

www.fairlocks.co.uk

ISPE Launch Voluntary CPD Scheme

SPATEX 2017 saw the successful launch of the ISPE ‘Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Scheme’. The voluntary scheme is free-to-join and those who sign up receive a branded ring binder which contains an Activity Log where the individual may record their training activity. The idea is to provide a folder in which attendance certificates and evidence the training activity of the participant may be stored, all together in one place. Individuals can identify their training requirement or targets and set out to achieve them, recording their progress as they go.

The ISPE CPD scheme is open to all and will be free for around 18 months, after which time there will be a nominal annual registration fee (which will be reduced for ISPE and SPATA members).

For more information or to enrol onto the scheme and receive your free CPD activity folder, please email ross@ ispe.co.uk for a registration form.

Needless to say, with the Institute handing out free CPD folders, staff were very busy for the whole of the three days of SPATEX. In addition, the ISPE Workshops held at the Coventry based show were once again a great success with nearly 500 delegates in attendance over the three days. The ISPE would like

to thank all the speakers sincerely who gave up their time to participate in the 2017 programme. For details of the ISPE and their activities, including membership, the Home Study Course, publications, ISPE-endorsed training, seminars, workshops and the new CPD scheme, please see the ISPE website.

Dan Kostov

Knauf AMF Helps Create Facilities Fit For Future Olympic Athletes

When Olympic Gold medalist, Adam Peaty, opened the £9m Holly Hill Leisure Centre late last year, the acoustics at the new facility would have largely gone unnoticed by the excited residents of Fareham.

Swimming pools are often very noisy places. The sound reverberates off the hard surfaces back into the humid air. High humidity amplifies sound making the noise level seem even higher. Philip Lyons at Space & Place architects specified Heradesign wall absorbers for the swimming pool hall to reduce and manage the noise level, creating a comfortable sound environment.

“As a practice, we have specified Heradesign for many different projects and have always been pleased with the results. Knauf AMF offer a solution for every interior which is why they are often our first port of call. We have a very good working relationship with the company, their specifications are clear, with good details, and we are familiar with their products which are cost effective,” said Lyons.

Heradesign is fitted along the upper portion of the main wall in the pool hall to provide maximum sound absorption (Class A). The product controls the ambient sound level, reduces reverberation and improves speech intelligibility.

High humidity also posed a challenge when selecting a suitable sound absorbent material but Heradesign is 90% humidity resistant which ensures the acoustic panels remain dimensionally stable making it ideal for wet areas. For additional protection from mould and bacteria, Heradesign is manufactured with a specialist resistant coating.

The aesthetics of the pool interior are also important. Philip Lyons was attracted to how well Heradesign could integrate with the pool hall’s interior design and said: “We know Heradesign appeals to many architects because of the colour options available and its woven texture. But for this project we wanted the panels to blend in and harmonise with the interior. It is great that Heradesign offers this versatility.”

Knauf AMF Ceilings Ltd

0191 5188600

www.amfceilings.co.uk

The Titanic Of Pool Liners

One of the largest liners that Certikin North has made was recently shipped out to southern Italy for a pool built by Edge Construction. Measuring 14m by 7m and a whopping 3m deep, this pool was fully compliant to EU standards and a challenge being over 1,300 miles from their offices in High Wycombe.

‘The Italian job’ was carried out by utilising Edge Construction’s expertise giving the client a pool with the wow factor, a high-grade filtration system and sustainable heating for a longer summer. The client’s local builder built the shell using drawings and technical assistance from the team at Edge.

Certikin North

01993 777200

www.certikin.co.uk

Historic Pools Of Britain Visit Wales In April

Historic Pools of Britain have announced that their next event will be held at the Grade II listed Lido Ponty in Pontypridd on Thursday 27 April.

This is a project that has been hugely praised, with the

re-opening of the lido taking place in 2015 following a £6.3m restoration by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council along with the financial support of the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government,

Heritage Lottery Fund and Cadw.

Guests will enjoy the chance to have a behind the scenes look at the project which brought back to life the original 1927 lido which had been closed since 1991. They will hear from Dr Daryl Leeworthy who has been responsible for the heritage and outreach aspects of the lido’s work and be given an access all areas tour of the building and site.

Owen Smith MP, who spoke at the re-opening of Lido Ponty, and has a strong connection to it’s past as well as its future, will give his perspective on the restoration project’s success. He will also discuss

how projects that celebrate their heritage and create public leisure facilities can inspire communities and put destinations on the map.

Later in the day Jimmy Lamb from the Pollet Pool Group together with Keith Norris from Sandford Parks Lido will share details of the project that saved Sandford Parks Lido in the region of £8,000 last season on pool water treatment products.

This event is open to members and non members of Historic Pools of Britain and fees to attend apply.

Historic Pools of Britain

0161 832 3588

www.historicpools.org.uk

Hi-tech Features Strongly At Clydebank’s New Leisure Centre

At the time of going to press, finishing touches are taking place at the new Clydebank Leisure Centre, ready for its opening to the public. The new leisure centre – which will be operated by West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust – includes three swimming pools, changing facilities, a café, and a host other sports facilities. It will also play host to Scotland’s first interactive flume ride.

The entire first floor of the centre is made up of a unique interactive activity zone and fitness area for children. It provides state-of-the-art adaptable facilities for young people to encourage active lifestyles.

But as a first for the region, it’s the hi-tech Aqua Smash Experience flume which is grabbing the headlines. The ride includes an interactive game which allows swimmers to gain points as they slide round and even have their photo taken at the end.

In-house technology allows images to be immediately emailed or uploaded to social media sites.

Some tourism experts are predicting that the cutting-edge attraction could see an extra half a million visitors each year.

Ronnie Dinnie, the Council’s Strategic Lead for Environment & Neighbourhood, said: “We are very proud of what we have achieved with this wonderful new facility. It truly is a state-of-the-art leisure centre that offers so much to the people of Clydebank and West Dunbartonshire.

“The health of our residents is of course a priority for the Council and the £23.8m investment in this centre shows just how important that is to us. And the addition of things like the interactive flume and high-tech activity and party rooms shows how keen we are to get people active from a young age.”

Located on the banks of the Clyde, Belfast architects Kennedy FitzGerald designed the new centre with construction firm BAM delivering the facility for West Dunbartonshire Council as a key part of the regeneration strategy for the area.

Italian Job 2017 Is A Fundraising Adventure For Jon

This October, Jon Spriggs of Pool Supplies Ltd and JetStream UK Ltd will be jumping in his Mini and heading off with his friend Liz and up to 100 other likeminded Mini loving souls as they embark on the 2017 Italian Job run to Italy.

Despite Jon’s 6ft5 stature, and Liz’s bad back, they have a long standing love affair with the Mini and they are now fundraising for Variety, The Children’s Charity. The tiny wheels of Jon’s Mini will spin over 3,000 miles to raise enough money to help buy a Sunshine Coach and set those much larger wheels spinning. Donations and pledges are being collected online at their dedicated JustGiving.com page – justgiving.com/fundraising/IJTeam69.

They have a target to reach of £2,500 and they’re aiming to smash it!

The annual Italian Job is one of the most fun events on the social motoring calendar and began in 1990. Since then it has raised over £2.5m for children’s charities across the UK and beyond.

The Italian Job Minis will not out perform police cars through crowded Italian city centre streets though. Instead, they will take part in a navigational rally, which is designed to take them well and truly off the beaten track. Between them, Jon and Liz will be expected to find their way along a pre-determined route using no GPS or maps, but following a set of hand drawn instructions called Tulip Designs laid out in a road book.

The pair are looking forward to this Italian adventure and are keen to ensure that Jon’s Mini performs as well as possible during the navigational rally. More importantly though, they want to ensure the success of the fundraising part of the event.

Donations can be made via the JustGiving link above, or to discuss sponsorship including advertising on the car, please contact Jon at jon@poolsuppliesltd.com.

The Italian Job is fundraising in aid of

Jobbers

EXPANDED RANGE FROM PROCOPI UK IN 2017

Procopi UK has announced that for 2017, its trade customers will benefit from three times more products dedicated to the UK market with a whole range of products available for domestic and commercial pools and spas. A new logistics system will ensure efficient delivery of all products in its expanded range.

In addition, and in order to ensure the best possible service for its customers, the company will also set up new sales offices in Southend-onSea, Essex. The new facilities will include meeting rooms plus a training centre.

The professional range of Procopi UK’s products is unavailable online and is exclusively reserved for pool and spa installers, while the Proswell range of products will be accessible via the company’s websites.

STA APPOINT IAN PROSSER TO NEW LIFESAVING ROLE

STA is delighted confirm the appointment of Ian Prosser to the role of Technical Manager for Lifesaving.

Ian, who joins the Association from IQL UK (Royal Life Saving Society) where he was a Technical Officer, brings more than 20 years sports and leisure sector experience to STA’s Technical Manager role.

Specialising in health and safety in swimming pools, including advising leisure operators of industry best practice and legal requirements, Ian’s role will be to use his extensive knowledge to manage and further develop STA’s own lifesaving qualifications, revalidation training and ongoing CPD courses.

This will include managing relationships with STA’s customers and key partners, including CIMSPA, to ensure new and current qualifications are not only developed in line with the needs of employers, but are delivered to the highest standards for the benefit of the industry.

School For Deaf Children Celebrates Pool Opening

On 8 March, following a long fundraising appeal, the Mary Hare School in Newbury, Berkshire celebrated the opening of their refurbished swimming pool.

Pupils, staff and supporters gathered in the town’s Arlington Arts Centre for lunch and presentations before heading down to the swimming pool for its official opening.

Guests included former Olympic swimming champion, Duncan Goodhew MBE who gave an inspiring talk about his swimming career and why it is so important for young people to learn to swim. Martha Ryan, a Year 11 student who is a competitive swimmer, also spoke to guests and said: “I have really missed my swimming while the work was being done on the pool. I can’t wait to get back in the water! On behalf of all the students of Mary Hare, thank you to all who donated and made this possible.”

Duncan then dived into the pool with a group of pupils and offered some tips and advice and showed them some fun pool games!

The school are very grateful to all those who

donated and made this possible.

A number of charitable trusts, foundations, companies and dedicated supporters of the school took part in numerous events to raise a total of £423,000 for the project.

One of the new features of the swimming pool is a Poolpod – the multi-award winning swimming pool lift which helps individuals with reduced mobility to get in and out of the pool with ease. The Poolpod will be a great advantage to some of the Mare Hare students as well as other community users of the facilities.

Ribby Hall Village To Open New Wet Leisure Facilities In April

Five-star Ribby Hall Village in Lancashire has announced it’s new wet leisure facilities will open this April. Guests can enjoy a new tropical island themed family pool, complete with interactive water features, themed children’s splash zone, unique water slides, huge palm trees plus there’s even a real thatched feature Tiki Hut! In addition, there is a new adult only heat experience area which will include a large new sauna, steam room and feature showers

all of which will be open in time for Easter.

The main contractor for the project was World Leisure with IMD & Associates overseeing the overall design concept which has brought about the complete transformation which also includes improvements to the shower facilities and refurbished disabled changing facilities alongside the introduction of a poolside hoist making access easier for all.

All of the pool plant has been replaced with a state-of-

the-art air and water heating system being installed as well as advanced filtration equipment and a UV system to ensure guests can enjoy perfect water quality.

The new pool is just the latest in a series of installations at Ribby Hall Village to improve the holiday experience.

Mark Partington, Managing Director of Ribby Hall Village said: “The new family pool is an exciting new addition to our facilities and the largest pool redevelopment in Ribby Hall Village history. Swimming is a popular activity for families staying on The Village and we felt it was time to redevelop our existing family swimming pool. The new pool is bright, fresh and fun and certainly offers an exciting swimming experience for the whole family. The pool redevelopment has cost in excess of £1.5m. We continue to reinvest and everything we do is about improving the holiday experience.”

Guests at the opening included former Olympic swimming champion, Duncan Goodhew MBE

Certikin Moves To Consolidate Its Sales And Technical Support

The sales and technical support functions of Certikin North (the manufacturing hub for the company’s liners and covers) have been transferred from Leeds to Certikin’s head office in Witney, Oxfordshire.

“In centralising all these functions in the south we can combine resources to improve the service and backup that we offer our customers,” said Managing Director, Neil Murray. “The manufacturing side of Certikin North’s business remains unchanged in Leeds.”

To accommodate the move, a

new Liners and Covers division specialising in the Certikin

North product range is now fully operational in Witney. This is headed up by Product Manager, Craig Williamson, who brings many years of experience, both in Certikin’s Water Treatment and Commercial Divisions, to this new challenge.

In respect of on site lining, the sales and technical aspects are now handled by the new Liners and Covers team, whilst the management of the site lining engineers is fulfilled by Ann Westwood who is part of

Amanda Takes Up The Reins At Aquatrac

Aquatrac, one of the leading automatic safety cover manufacturers, are delighted to announce the appointment of Amanda Jackson to the position of Managing Director.

With a successful background in the hugely competitive retail clothing sector, Amanda joined Aquatrac back in 2008 and brought her exceptional sales and purchasing skills to the Essex based operation along with a general rounded business approach.

She has had effective control of the company for the past couple of years and this has enabled a seamless transition with James Witham, the outgoing Managing Director who had been running the company

since its acquisition in 1992.

Amanda is already well known to Aquatrac’s substantial trade customer base who have become used to the efficient and reliable service that the company provides. With Amanda’s role confirmed, James is looking forward to concentrating on technical developments, in particular the exciting new insulated swim spa range which will see the removal of the traditional bulky covers which often negate the benefits of having a compact wet exercise area. James will also focus on further product developments and other changes within the wider group of companies.

This follows the recent merger of Aquatrac and Ryam Steels – the 30 year-old Stainless Steel fabricating arm of the business – which has already provided new opportunities and substantial improvements in purchasing and sales under Amanda’s guidance.

With the changes announced, both Amanda and James are looking forward to a new and exciting stage in the Aquatrac story!

Aquatrac 01268 571515

www.aquatrac.co.uk

Certikin’s existing Service team. Scott Cowan, their original on-site lining engineer has been promoted to Site Lining Team Leader.

Certikin North’s focus is factory production and this is headed up by Operations Manager, Adam Butler. Adam started at Certikin North 12 years ago as Production Manager before taking control of day-today operations and logistics as Operations Manager two years ago. He now takes responsibility for the whole of the Certikin North operation. Helen McManus remains as Office Supervisor, liaising with the Witney Liners and Covers Division and working on CAD for the liners and winter covers.

Telephone calls to Certikin North in Leeds are currently routed to Witney however, the future number will become 01993 777200.

Certikin North General Manager Neil Stephenson has taken up a new position as Product Development Manager, with his time split between the Certikin North and Witney sites. Neil has 18 years of experience at Certikin, 14 of those at Certikin North. He possesses in-depth knowledge and a broad overview of the company’s extensive product portfolio so is ably equipped for his new role which focuses on the sourcing and development of new products and services, from their conception through to launch onto the market. Neil also oversees the company’s marketing team, thus supporting the natural synergies between product development and marketing requirements and initiatives.

To complete the current changes in the Technical Office, Daniel Green has been promoted to Team Leader for Automatic Covers. Dan has been with Certikin for three years and developed a good understanding of both the Roldeck and Coverstar covers. Joe Hatt has joined Certikin’s Automatic Covers Technical Sales, providing customer quotes and technical

support. Joe has spent three summers working in the Certikin warehouse transport department while studying Exercise Physiology at Southampton University.

Certikin International 01993 778855

www.certikin.co.uk

Adam Butler

Craig Williamson

Neil Stephenson

James Witham congratulates new Aquatrac Managing Director Amanda Jackson

Leave The Washing Up To Pleatco FilterWash™

Introducing new Pleatco FilterWash™, a fast acting fizz cleaning tablet specially formulated to penetrate deeply into any reusable filter cartridge and remove the accumulated materials such as suntan lotion and oils, body oil, grease, dirt, soap scum and other organics.

The tablets work by loosening debris from the filtration fabric simply and effectively while being safe and easy on the cartridge. This thorough cleaning allows cartridges to return to a high level of original performance without harming the filter and unlike other cleaning agents, Pleatco FilterWash™ comes in individual formulas – one for pools and one for spas – and is scientifically engineered for each environment.

There’s no measuring and no messy chemicals, and each Pleatco FilterWash™ tablet is 100% environmentally friendly and will clean up two filter cartridges.

The Pleatco FilterWash™ really is the mighty little tablet that does the work for you!

Pleatco

+1 800 886 5160

www.pleatcofilterwash.com

East Midlands Spas And Pools In Partnership With Mountfield Pools

Following a recent visit to the Czech Republic and successful negotiations with Mountfield CZ, Derbyshire based East Midlands Spas and Pools are proud to announce that they are working as the UK partner for the Mountfield CZ and will be supplying their swimming Pools, pool enclosures and pool related products.

Mountfield have been manufacturing fibreglass and composite in-ground and traditional above-ground pools for more than 18 years and have become one of the leading manufacturers in Europe. Production is sourced exclusively from Mountfield owned factories all based within the Czech Republic. Recent innovations from the company include the design and manufacture of ‘Ceramic’ in-ground pools. The Mountfield products have become synonymous with design, quality, reliability and affordability. The company’s enclosure system is a tried and well-proven system manufactured to the highest standards

with tens of thousands of installations across Europe.

David Joyce Owner of East Midlands Spas and Pools said: “We are really excited to be able to work with our new partner Mountfield and together to be introducing such a fantastic product to the UK, we are aiming to be able to offer a complete pool to the end user with some very competitive pricing for standard pools and complete packages, accompanied by the added facility to offer customers and dealer partners a bespoke design and manufactured pool with a large portfolio of options to very precise end user requirements.

“Mountfield are a huge concern, with a very proactive strategy, it’s such an accolade for them to have chosen us as their UK partner, we look forward to the challenge and exciting times ahead.”

East Midlands Spas and Pools

0800 410 2122

www.eastmidsspas.com

Lovibond® MD 100 Range Of Hand-Held Photometers Now Extended

The new MD 110 from The Tintometer® Group introduces data management and Bluetooth® functionality to the highly proven and popular MD 100 series of photometers. Now, results can be quickly and easily transferred to smartphones, tablets and PCs.

The system is further enhanced by the free Lovibond® App, AquaLX®, enabling the immediate review, process and evaluation of measured results directly on site. Data trends can be monitored with easy-toview graphical displays with set minimum and maximum values. Any fluctuation to expected results is immediately visible and instant action can be taken. Furthermore,

additional personalised information, such as the name of the pool and the pool engineer can be recorded, providing a complete information record of the measurement.

Records can be transferred at the touch of a button by email either as a graphic or database record, simplifying the transfer, management and sharing of results with customers and colleagues, facilitating cooperation over long distances.

AquaLX®complements the Langelier Index App, PoolM8, which negates the need for complex calculations for balanced water. By simply entering the results of the parameters (pH; total alkalinity; calcium hardness; total dissolved solid;

temperature), the App automatically determines and displays the results which can then be saved to create a history and again, shared via email.

Both Lovibond® Apps are available for Android and iOS and are free to download from the respective stores.

Lovibond Tintometer 01980 664800 www.lovibondwater.com

Bowman EC Heat Exchangers To Get Universal Fit End Covers

Bowman EC swimming pool heat exchangers have proved to be extremely popular due to their excellent heat transfer performance, operational reliability, plus easy installation into the pools pipework, facilitated by composite end covers with solvent weld connectors.

PoolMat – The Simplest Way To Customise A Pool

Available exclusively from Certikin, PoolMat is a high quality motif manufactured on heavy-duty vinyl with UV and chemical resistant inks which simply sits on the pool floor. The beauty of it is that no adhesives, no suction and no specialist fixing is required. It has to be the easiest way to decorate a swimming pool.

The PoolMat is held down by its own weight and the pool water. All you need to do is slide the mat into the water, position it where you want it and ensure there is no air or water trapped underneath. It can literally be installed in seconds into a full or partially full pool and is suitable for all smooth-surface pool types (not tiled) on a level surface.

If you want a change, simply lift the PoolMat and move it around the pool, or alternate with other PoolMats. Available in a range of pre-manufactured designs in a standard 59” (4’ 11” / 1.5m) diameter or custom made on

provision of artwork, to almost any size. PoolMat can be manufactured in a multitude of designs and colour combinations. Monograms, company logos, names and even photographic images can be incorporated.

Certikin International 01993 778855

www.certikin.co.uk

Currently, these heat exchangers are supplied with two alternative diameter connectors, enabling the unit to be installed into either imperial 1.5” nominal pipe size (48mm O/D) or metric 50mm O/D pool pipework. This has meant that one of the connector sizes is always surplus to requirements, resulting in two composite components –per heat exchanger – invariably being thrown away.

As part of Bowman’s continual product improvement programme, the end cover assembly for its EC models has now developed to feature a new ‘Universal Fit’ design, which eliminates the need for separate connectors, as it covers both pipe diameters in a single unit. By combining both diameters in a single unit, installation time is reduced and waste material eliminated.

The heat exchanger is installed into the pool’s pipework in exactly the same way as the current model, using solvent weld to secure the pipes inside the ‘socket union’ connector. Universal Fit end covers will not alter any external dimensions of the heat exchangers, but may require slightly longer pool supply pipework.

The innovation will be introduced on a roll out basis for EC heat exchangers during 2017.

E J Bowman 0121 359 5401

www.ejbowman.co.uk

Save 95% Energy With LumiPlus DC PAR56 Lighting

AstralPool has launched a new generation of LED lighting that maximises energy efficiency. The new LED LumiPlus DC PAR56 lighting range has been developed to obtain top lighting performance underwater and unbeatable lighting efficiency.

LumiPlus DC PAR56 comes with the most advanced LED lighting technology and is equipped with a state-of-the-art circuit board that keeps energy consumption down to as low as 14W. The energy saving is further enhanced thanks to the introduction of a power pack that consumes 3W as

a substitute for the 16W transformer normally used.

LumiPlus DC PAR56 delivers a 95% energy saving in comparison with conventional or halogen lighting and up to half in comparison with any other LED luminaire in the market.

differentiating feature.

The new LumiPlus DC range runs on direct current (DC) from the power pack. To convert to the 24V DC that feeds the new LumiPlus range, only an AstralPool power pack may be installed.

The lamp and spotlight have white light. LumiPlus DC PAR56 V1 has a lighting performance of 1,485 lm with a consumption of 14W, whilst LumiPlus DC PAR56 V2 has a lighting performance of 4,320 lm and a consumption of 32W.

shadows or light spots, a

LumiPlus DC PAR56 is fitted with top quality lighting (TQL) thanks to the new design of the lenses, which improves the quality and distribution of light – it does not cast shadows or light spots, and gives a sensation of a unique pool, thus making it a

AstralPool UK Ltd 01329 514000

www.astralpool.co.uk

No Pain, Only Gain As Dantherm Slashes Energy Costs

A ground-breaking project, undertaken by Dantherm five years ago has produced breathtaking results thanks to the installation of a new air-handling unit at a popular fitness centre.

In 2012, David Lloyd Leisure in Bristol sought the help of Dantherm after an old ventilation system being used in their popular swimming pool hall began to run ineffectively.

With energy consumptions through the roof and savings needed to be made, Dantherm’s DanX XKS system was seen as the perfect

replacement to help cut costs.

With its highly efficient cross flow heat exchanger, the DanX XKS perfectly controls the humidity and indoor temperature whilst offering energy recovery of up to 80%.

Since the installation, Dantherm have monitored the difference between the old unit and their own system and the reduction of energy consumption is clear to see with a huge drop of over 60% in the average gas consumption.

As well as seeing a cost reduction, David Lloyd have enjoyed improved pool conditions for their customers as well as a protection from dampness to their building structure.

What made this project so unique was that it was implemented without the need for expenditure from David Lloyd Leisure, with funding provided by investment vehicle Decarbon – an independent specialist investment manager that specialise in energy and

Total average energy consumption vs ambient air temperature

resource efficiency initiatives.

Dantherm once again delivered this project ahead of schedule, with a particular focus on keeping the facility safely open to the public whilst the work was carried out.

Dantherm’s Pool Ventilation Sales Manager, Jamie Herdman said: “We continue to measure the actual energy consumed by the DanX XKS at David Lloyd and it clearly demonstrates that the equipment is performing just as efficiently as when it was installed five years ago.

“It was clear that something needed to be done for this particular swimming pool hall, and I think our customer is currently enjoying so many benefits that they haven’t looked back since its installation.”

Dantherm

01275 876851

www.dantherm.com

Prices Held As Heatstar’s Success Continues Choose Clever-Pool For Smart Energy Savings

Heatstar are pleased to report that, during the last year, sales of their pool climate control units have continued to grow. Also, in addition to buoyant sales, Heatstar is still proud to remain a British, privately owned company with accounts in British pounds and all assembly and manufacture taking place uniquely in the UK. This significantly avoids much of the currency exchange costs incurred through utilising lower quality imports which can often be the case with other manufacturers.

The combination of these factors means that Heatstar has flexibility and can avoid cost increases. As a result, the company has announced that prices will be held for the coming year across the entire Heatstar range of pool environmental control systems. In addition, all quotations for Heatstar systems are always honoured for at least one year from the quote date.

Now, by specifying Heatstar, pool installers and their clients can benefit from the best pool energy efficiency at last year’s prices and have peace of mind in knowing they are choosing one of the UK’s leading pool environmental control systems.

Heatstar

01983 521465

www.heatstar.com

Pool pump variable speed technology makes sense, but until now, capital outlay has been expensive. The CleverPool from Plastica changes that and is priced to enable a payback of less than nine months.

Featuring four settings which allow users to select the optimum pump output during a 24 hour cycle, the simple-to-programme pump inverter dramatically reduces pool running costs by up to 60% for single phase pumps up to 2hp and in some cases, savings of up to 80% are possible.

Installation is simple too and takes less than 30 minutes. Just plug the Clever-Pool into a mains supply, connect the main circulation pump to the Clever-Pool and set the required programme.

Swimming pools using the Clever-Pool will also enjoy improved water quality too as the variable speed technology enables pool water to be circulated at reduced flowrates at chosen times of the day resulting in improved efficiency of high rate sand or glass media filters.

Plastica

01424 857802

www.plasticapools.net

Heatstar Environmental Control Systems – distinctive and durable frame and panel construction

The Coast Spas 20th Annual IDM Rocked!

January saw Coast Spas’ 20th Annual IDM (International Dealer Meeting) with dealers from around the world meeting in Vancouver to see the launch of the company’s 2017 product line which included four brand new spa models (read more on page 28) and an array of upgraded and updated standard features. During the meeting Coast Spas’ dealers had the opportunity to network, debate industry challenges and discuss success strategies. In addition, Coast Spas had multiple presentations that encompassed social media, new product information and a large variety of additional information relating to Marketing and Sales.

For their 20th IDM, Coast Spas featured some incredible entertainment and food on both evenings. The first being an awards gala

featuring Polynesian dancers and music showcased in a tropicallytransformed Grand Ballroom at the Sheraton Wall Centre in downtown Vancouver. On the second and final night, Coast Spas secured supergroup Loverboy to perform in front of a huge crowd of excited dealers that ended up dancing the night away.

With regards to upgrades and enhancements announced, 2017 will see all Coast Spas Plug-In Patio Spas upgraded to Coast Spas’ Commercial-Grade Hydro Cyclonic Pressurized Filtration System, which is 83% faster and 20% more efficient than a Skim Filtration System (which was previously offered on this line). The numerous aesthetic improvements include a newly designed Skimmer Filter Grate in both Gunmetal and two-toned Gunmetal and Stainless Steel for high-end models. Coast Spas also redesigned and updated their lit diverter handle to reflect modern styling, showcased a newly engineered equipment-access door that simply clicks into the spa for rapid and simple removal and reattachment, branded their Hydro Cyclonic Filtration access point on the top of the spa and launched a whole

Suntrap Add Two Spa Lifts To Their Range

Suntrap Systems is a long established company with an extensive portfolio of pool access lifts and hoists with a range of models to suit all budgets and applications.

The Birmingham based company have recently added two new models to their current range of lifts and hoists – the Spa Ultra and the Spa Elite – which are aimed at the hot tub, spa and above-ground pool market. Fully automatic, the Spa Elite will raise over a wall up to 172 cm high and has a lifting capacity of over 21 stones,

while the Spa Ultra has a greater lifting capacity of 28.5 stones and will raise over a wall 129 cm high.

These lifts complement the models of pool hoists that Suntrap Systems offer in championing access for all.

All Suntrap’s lifts are CE certified and manufactured of powder coated stainless steel.

Suntrap Systems 0121 428 1155

www.suntrap-systrems.co.uk

new look to their entire line of digital spa controls. Along with these changes, Coast Spas showcased their innovative Lit Waterfall Table that simply clicks into their exclusive Coast Connect Universal Fitting and gave a secret preview of other accessories that can be attached into the same fitting.

Coast Spas Manufacturing Inc. +1 604 514 8111

www.coastspas.com

Two Huge Awards For Aqua Warehouse Group

During a recent world seminar in Mexico hosted by MAAX Spas Corporation, Richard Hart Managing Director of Essex based Aqua Warehouse Group was humbled to received two huge international awards as UK distributor of both the L.A. Spas and Vita Spa brands. Richard was first awarded a Double Platinum Award for the outstanding sales achieved during 2016, this was then royally trumped with the award for ‘Worldwide Dealer of the Year’ – an outstanding achievement and no mean feat considering MAAX are the industry’s third largest hot tub manufacturer.

Aqua Warehouse Group 01245 477 400

www.aquawarehousegroup.co.uk

The new look digital spa controls

Supergroup Loverboy performing at the IDM

The Spa Elite

The Spa Ultra

Looking back on the 21st anniversary of SPATEX, the show was a great success on so many levels. The exhibitors pulled out all the stops to produce some stunning displays and a great variety of exciting products. The education programme from the ISPE and those seminars run in Arena 2 from bodies such as PWTAG were fantastic. Finally, the entertainment options were well supported for both the SPATEX Party and the Industry Gala Evening featuring the British Pool & Hot Tub Awards and the re-presentation of the ISPE Awards. My thanks to Michele Bridle, Helen Mulingani, Penny Studdy, the SPATEX Directors and the rest of the on site team for their fabulous work. I am also very grateful to Jan Hardy, Rebecca Melhuish and Sallie Golding for the excellent organisation of the Industry Gala Evening.

The British Pool & Hot Tub Awards has provided BISHTA and SPATA with another superb image stock of pools, spas and hot tubs to promote our industry. The quality of the awards is very impressive, and we again send congratulations to all of the Award winners. Further details can be found on page 35. I would also like to thank the sponsors, whose logos appear below.

Also in this issue on page 77, there are details of the winners of the European Pool and Spa Awards (hosted by EUSA) at Forum Piscine, in Bologna, Italy. Congratulations to Complete Spas, Welsh Hot Tubs, Euphoria Lifestyle and Rockingham

Swimming Pools for their respective awards. It was a very proud moment for me to attend this awards event and next year’s EUSA Awards are to be hosted at SPATEX, which is a great honour.

Regarding other matters, the European

Sponsored by

Industry Successes And The Months Ahead

standard being developed by TC 402 WG 4 for Domestic Spas and Hot Tubs is due to be available for public consultation. Once any comments have been collated over the summer, the next meeting of this group is due to be held in September in Berlin. Once available (likely to be in 2018) this standard (and many others) will be available to be purchased from BSI and please remember that BISHTA and SPATA members can get a 20% discount if purchasing paper copies through their respective trade associations. Alternatively, SPATA members are currently able to benefit from an online service (British Standards Online − BSOL) for a relatively small extra fee.

The important work of lobbying continues, as there are always many challenges facing the pool industry. The discussions involving swimming pool pump efficiencies continues, and the latest meeting was held in March. There is still no definitive answer as to whether pool pumps will be included in a wider piece of work to save energy with other pumps. The alliance forged with Europump (the European Pump Manufacturers Association) and EUSA to identify suitable ways of increasing efficiencies without severely restricting the options available on the market continues.

Finally, having recently attended the latest Electrical Awareness Workshop held at Wensum Pools in Norfolk, I am hugely impressed with the partnership with NICEIC, in developing a practical handson course that helps staff to understand better the requirements for making the

final connection to a hot tub. The course also provides a certificate for how to isolate electricity safely to protect the workforce. Further courses can be run during the year, subject to there being sufficient numbers.

Further courses are to be run during the year and it is hoped that one will be organised in the South, and one in the Midlands. Contact the BISHTA office if you would like to attend this course, or if you have sufficient numbers to run your own course.

I hope you have had a great start to the year and as spring draws to a close, I wish you a prosperous summer season.

DIARY DATES 2017

4–5 April EUSA Meeting Athens

19 April Swimming Advisory Group Loughborough

2 June BISHTA Committee WebEx

2 June PIP Committee Andover

5 Sep TC 402 Board Helsinki

12–14 Sep TC 402 WG4 Meeting Berlin

11 Oct PIP Committee

Andover

14 Nov SPATA Technical Committee WebEx

A full list of Diary Dates is available on www.spata.co.uk / www.bishta.co.uk

– look under the Trade heading

After a hectic start to the year, BSPF Managing Director Chris Hayes highlights some of the recent industry achievements and takes a look at the months ahead

POOL & SPA INDUSTRY

THIS & RIGHT: Guests enjoying a busy Gala Dinner evening

F

The awards evening is open to the whole industry, giving visitors and exhibitors to SPATEX the opportunity to extend their stay to enjoy the show and attend the gala evening.

The evening was hosted by Rob Malone, supported by Alex Kemsley (BSPF President and BISHTA Chairman) and Richard Carrington (SPATA Chairman) to present the awards along with the awards category sponsors. The awards evening began with the

or the fourth year, the gala awards evening took place at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, alongside SPATEX (celebrating its 21st anniversary), the UK’s leading and largest Wet Leisure and Wellness Exhibition.re-presentation of the 2016 ISPE Awards by the Institute’s President, John Cheek. There was a very special guest appearance from British Paralympian Swimmer, Ellie Simmonds OBE, who presented a number of awards and received a standing ovation from the crowd in recognition of her fantastic achievements as a British Paralympic Gold Medallist and World Record Holder.

A fantastic night started with pre-dinner drinks, with a three-course dinner, followed by entertainment from tribute acts Niqi Brown (Tina Turner) and Rob Lamberti (George Michael). Back by popular demand, the Photo Booth returned to capture candid shots for guests to take away as a memento and the

night continued until late with a disco. The SPATA and BISHTA awards provide a fantastic opportunity for the industry to come together, providing not only a great night, but an opportunity to promote the awards far and wide. In business terms, it’s a chance to network with industry peers, where new contacts and business relationships are begun. Ultimately, the awards are an important platform to showcase the best available hot tubs, spas, swimming pools and wellness products, raising the profile of the wet leisure industry (as a whole) driving awareness to UK consumers. It’s never been a better time to join BISHTA/SPATA, working together to give our industry a stronger voice! SPN

The 2016 ISPE Awards were re-presented by the Institute’s President John Cheek (right) Award Winner Troy Godfrey (left)

April

Just some of the evening’s BISHTA and SPATA Awards along with their proud winners

One of the lucky raffle winners with the evening’s tribute acts

Hosted by BISHTA and SPATA the Industry Gala evening highlights the achievements of the wet leisure industry, by showcasing the best examples of design, construction, installation and innovation from trade association approved companies and the Awards provide a platform to drive press and consumer interest for the UK’s Wet Leisure and Wellness Industry

Grayfox Swimming Pools collected Gold, Silver and Bronze SPATA Awards on the night

Euphoria Lifestyle picked up four BISHTA Awards including a Gold for Best Use Of Digital Media

Nsure’s Keith Bull (left) with Paul Kite Award for the Pool Star of the Year winner, Jason Beirne of London Swimming Pool Company

Portrait Pools were the big winners on the night collecting numerous Awards including The Dick Millward Trophy for the Pool Contractor Of The Year

Tanby Pools received four Awards including a Gold in the Residential Outdoor Pools £75,000 To Under £125,000 category

Origin Leisure won four Awards including a Gold for Residential Indoor Pools Under £100,000 held by Ellie Simmonds OBE

Whitewaters won Gold in the Special Requirement Pool Of The Year category

Ellie Simmonds OBE with XL Pools who picked up Awards in four separate categories

Award Winners 2017 Revealed!

We highlight the winners from the 2017 British Pool & Hot Tub Awards held by BISHTA and SPATA during the industry gala evening at SPATEX

Winners of the 2017 British Pool & Hot Tub Awards were celebrating after their successful projects were revealed at the industry gala evening, held during SPATEX at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry on 31 January 2017. The Awards included a guest appearance from British Paralympian Swimmer, Ellie Simmonds OBE, who presented a number of awards and received a standing ovation from the crowd in recognition of her

fantastic achievements as a British Paralymic Gold Medallist and World Record Holder.

The Industry Gala evening brings together BISHTA and SPATA, the two UK industry trade associations in a joint event to highlight the achievements of the wet leisure industry,

by showcasing the best examples of design, construction, installation and innovation from trade association approved companies. Along with providing a platform to drive press and consumer interest for the UK’s Wet Leisure and Wellness Industry.

Big winners of the night were Cheshirebased Portrait Pools & Enclosures who won eight SPATA awards as well as ‘The Dick Millward Trophy for The Pool Contractor of The Year’ and the ‘Outstanding Pool of The

Year Award’. Also celebrating were Cannings H20 from Devon who picked up two SPATA awards and three BISHTA awards, while Sussex based Home Counties Pools & Hot Tubs were the winners of the Peter Geekie Award for Retail Excellence along with a second Gold Award. Not to be outdone, North Spas from Durham, Hot Tub Suppliers of Leicestershire and Hydropool Devon all came away with two BISHTA Gold Awards apiece.

The mission of the British Pool & Hot Tub Awards is to recognise the achievements of the wet leisure industry, by showcasing the best examples of design, construction, installation and innovation. Entries are received nationwide from members of BISHTA and SPATA who set standards governing the installation, construction and

operation of hot tubs, swim and exercise spas, pools, spas, saunas and steam rooms. Along with establishing a Code of Ethics by which their members abide, the Trade Associations also give a voice to the industry at home and abroad.

With nearly 30 award categories, the British Pool & Hot Tub Awards reflect the types of pools, spas and hot tubs to suit all

kinds of budgets and tastes from the serene to the spectacular!

Entering the British Pool & Hot Tub Awards also opens the door to Europe too! Award-winning companies are eligible to be shortlisted for the European Pool & Spa Awards hosted by EUSA (European Union of Swimming Pool and Spa Associations – see page77 of this edition). Winning these awards shines a spotlight on the UK winners raising their profiles in the UK and across Europe.

Partners and Sponsors of the British Pool & Hot Tub Awards include; AstralPool UK, Bayrol Spa Time, Calorex Heat Pumps, Certikin International, Compass Pools, Complete Pool Controls, Elite Spas, Fi-Clor, Golden Coast, Heatstar, ISPE, Nsure, OASE, Plastica, Pollet Pool Group, Spa Crest Europe, Sprayed Concrete Solutions, ourselves (SPN) and our sister title, What Pool & Hot Tub magazine.

The awards evening is held alongside SPATEX, the UK’s largest Pool, Spa and Wellness Show, an event that sees companies from across the UK and overseas exhibiting their products and services, along with opportunities to network with colleagues. SPATEX is not only the UK’s largest but is also the longest running dedicated swimming pool, spa and wellness exhibition and in 2017, held its 21st anniversary as an annual trade show.

The mission of British Pool & Hot Tub Awards is to recognise the achievements of the wet leisure industry, by showcasing the best examples of design, construction, installation and innovation”

The 2017 SPATA Award Winners:

RESIDENTIAL OUTDOOR POOLS

£20,000 TO UNDER £40,000

Gold: Rockingham Swimming Pools

RESIDENTIAL OUTDOOR POOLS

OVER £40,000 TO UNDER £75,000

Gold: New Dawn Pools

Silver: Asher Swimpool Centre

Joint Bronze: Tanby Pools

Joint Bronze: Mermaid Swimming Pools

Joint Bronze: XL Pools

RESIDENTIAL OUTDOOR POOLS

£75,000 TO UNDER £125,000

Gold: Tanby Pools

Silver: XL Pools

Bronze: Westcountry Leisure Pools

RESIDENTIAL OUTDOOR POOLS OVER £125,000

Gold: Westcountry Leisure

Silver: Gillingham Pools

Bronze: Rio Pool Construction Co

RESIDENTIAL OUTDOOR POOLS WITH AN ENCLOSURE

Gold: New Dawn Pools

RESIDENTIAL

INDOOR POOLS UNDER £100,000

Gold: Origin Leisure

Silver: Grayfox Swimming Pools

Joint Bronze: XL Pools

Joint Bronze: Tanby Pools

RESIDENTIAL INDOOR POOLS £100,000 TO UNDER £150,000

Gold: A19 Pools and Spas

Joint Silver: Portrait Pools & Enclosures

Joint Silver: Portrait Pools & Enclosures

Bronze: Origin Leisure

RESIDENTIAL INDOOR POOLS £150,000 TO UNDER £200,000

Gold: Portrait Pools & Enclosures

Silver: Portrait Pools & Enclosures

Joint

Joint Bronze: Origin

RESIDENTIAL INDOOR POOLS OVER £200,000

Gold: Portrait Pools & Enclosures

Silver: Cheshire Wellness

Joint Bronze: London

Swimming Pool Company

Joint Bronze: Rio Pool Construction Co

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT POOL OF THE YEAR

Gold: Whitewaters

Silver: Oyster Pools & Leisure

Bronze: Cheshire Wellness

COMMERCIAL POOL OF THE YEAR

Gold: Grayfox Swimming Pools

Silver: Portrait Pools &

REFURBISHMENT POOL OF THE

BRITISH POOL & HOT TUB AWARD WINNERS 2017

IN-GROUND RESIDENTIAL SPAS

Gold: Home Counties

Pools and Hot Tubs

IN-GROUND COMMERCIAL SPAS AND WELLNESS

Gold: Centurion Leisure

Silver: Cannings H20

Bronze: Grayfox

Swimming Pools

SUSTAINABILITY

AWARD

Gold: Cannings H20

THE PETER GEEKIE AWARD FOR RETAIL EXCELLENCE

Winner: Home Counties Pools and Hot Tubs

PAUL KITE AWARD FOR POOL STAR OF THE YEAR

Winner: Jason Beirne (London Swimming Pool Company)

THE DICK MILLWARD TROPHY FOR THE POOL CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR

Winner: Portrait Pools & Enclosures

OUTSTANDING POOL OF THE YEAR

Winner: Portrait Pools & Enclosures

Jason

Paul Kite Award For Pool Star of the Year

Beirne (London Swimming Pool Company)

The Peter Geekie Award For Retail Excellence Home Counties Pools and Hot Tubs

The 2017 BISHTA Award Winners:

RESIDENTIAL HOT TUBS BELOW £7,000

Joint Gold: Castle Hot Tubs

Joint Gold: Cannings H20

Silver: A5 Spas

RESIDENTIAL HOT TUBS £7,000 TO £14,000

Gold: North Spas

Silver: Euphoria Lifestyle

Joint Bronze: Falcon Pools

Joint Bronze: Welsh Hot Tubs

RESIDENTIAL HOT TUBS £14,000 AND OVER

Gold: North Spas

Silver: Welsh Hot Tubs

Joint Bronze: Euphoria Lifestyle

Joint Bronze: Hydropool

Devon

SWIM SPAS & EXERCISE POOLS

Gold: Hydropool Devon

Silver: Falcon Pools

Bronze: A5 Spas

HOT TUBS CHANGE

LIVES

Gold: Hot Tub Suppliers

HOT TUBS IN A HOLIDAY SETTING

Gold: Cannings H20

Silver: North Spas

Joint Bronze: Cannings

H20

Joint Bronze: Hot Tub

Suppliers

HOT TUB HAPPINESS

Gold: Hot Tub Suppliers

Silver: A5 Spas

SHOWROOM OF THE YEAR

Gold: Hydropool Devon

Silver: A5 Spas

Bronze: Euphoria

Lifestyle

BEST USE OF DIGITAL

Gold: Euphoria Lifestyle

Silver: North Spas

Bronze: Hot Tub Suppliers

The Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Bacterium

With a record number of UK pool operators experiencing Pseudomonas aeruginosa outbreaks at their facilities, in this, the first of a two-part feature, Robbie Phillips, STA’s Lead Pool Plant Expert, explains more about this prolific bacterium

The essential suite of microbiological tests for pools, spas and interactive play features should include a test for the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa).

P. aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogenic bacterium responsible for both acute and chronic infections; beyond its natural resistance to compromised disinfection systems and its ability to form biofilm. Frighteningly Legionellae bacteria survive within biofilms.

In recent years, pool operators across the UK have been experiencing P. aeruginosa outbreaks at their facilities, and in record numbers too.

P. aeruginosa is a robust bacterium present in the environment. It is passed into the pool water from the human skin and gastrointestinal tract, and frequently through broken pool circulation pipes, or from dirt tracked onto the poolside.

P. aeruginosa is often cultured from warm, moist environments, particularly when turbulent or aerated (balance tanks, spas, features, fountains, showers etc.) because the bacteria grows rapidly under these favourable conditions. Turbulent water is also conducive to the proliferation of Legionella pneumophilia. Because of these facts, many pool operators mistakenly believe that Pseudomonas is only a problem in warm water pools and spas. Unfortunately, Pseudomonas can grow in swimming pool water as well as spa water, on the pool edge and decks, on filter walls, in the filter sand bed, walls and floors of balance tanks, overflow channels, skimmers and inside PVC pipe, racing lanes, inflatables and water hoses etc. – wherever conditions are favourable.

If bacteriological analysis of pool water is not performed on a regular basis, a pool operator will probably be unaware of the

contamination problem until bathers start complaining of infection. Those most likely to experience problems are bathers that spend lengthy amounts of time soaking in a spa or a pool, staff members including swimming teachers who wear wet bathing suits throughout their work shift, and patrons who swim regularly for extended periods of time can also be infected.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The most common sign or symptom of a P. aeruginosa infection is a dermatological problem resulting in a red, bumpy, itchy rash, which looks like measles. On most bathers, the rash appears on the legs, trunk, inside of the arms, lower back, neck and shoulders, or anywhere the skin is broken, or where a swimsuit rubs against and irritates the skin. This can be easily contracted from

kiddies sliding on contaminated, poorly managed, inflatables.

Pool associated folliculitis or skin rashes from Pseudomonas aeruginosa can be prevented by taking a soapy, hot water shower immediately after leaving the pool, and before cooling down and allowing the pores to close over the bacteria.

Other symptoms associated with P. aeruginosa infections include:

• Chest infections (Legionellae pneumophillia)

• Earaches (otitis externa)

• Breast inflammation (mastitis)

• Feeling ill (malaise)

• Inflammation of the eye membrane (conjunctivitis)

• Coughing and sore throat caused by inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx (pharyngitis)

• Fever, lymph gland inflammation (lymphadenopathy)

• Urinary tract infections causing impaired ability to pass urine (dysuria)

• Flu–like symptoms

• Nausea

Immune compromised bathers can develop serious or fatal illness.

PROTECTION

Although it is not uncommon to find Pseudomonas bacteria present in pool water, Pseudomonas aeruginosa outbreaks rarely occur in properly treated and rigorously maintained water based facilities with good hygiene practices. Thus, further highlighting the importance of professional pool plant and spa training to ensure operators are qualified, and armed with the knowledge needed to manage a safe pool facility in accordance with recommended UK standards.

STA

01922 645097

www.sta.co.uk

In Part 2, in the June issue, we will look at recommended practices to prevent the uncontrolled growth of P. aeruginosa. For further information in the meantime on pool plant and spa training, please visit the STA website.

P. aeruginosa is often cultured from warm, moist environments, particularly when turbulent or aerated such as balance tanks and showers

The most common sign or symptom of a P. aeruginosa infection is a dermatological problem which looks like measles

Remembering The Fun

1976 was that glorious summer that everyone who can remember, does remember.

We had a paddling pool in the garden and, if we wanted to get wetter than that, we faced being shipped off to the nearest public baths that were 20 miles away. It surely tells you something about how much we enjoyed swimming that we ever embarked on such a long and dusty journey.

Probably in order to avoid another chorus of, ‘Are we nearly there yet?’ from the three of us, Dad took himself off to the industry pool show and got chatting to a very helpful chap called Peter Geekie, one of the industry’s founding fathers and owner of the successful distributors, Peter Geekie Pools, later to become Certikin. They hit it off and Peter sold Dad a pool kit.

Even today, our industry is a solar powered one and I certainly learnt that lesson young. The first money I made was labouring for my Dad through the long, hot summer and building that first pool.

But it wasn’t the first for long. A friend admired the fruit of our labour and Dad went back to Peter to enquire about setting up a trade account. Golden Coast seemed like a good name.

LIKE A DUCK TO WATER

As a sign of things to come, that first pool had a DIY solar heating system made from black alkathene pipe rolled up like a giant liquorice coil located on the roof of the plant room. But in the true spirit of the 70’s, our favourite pool ‘toy’ was a Space Hopper.

Our first marketing was ‘word of mouth’ and most of those mouths belonged to friends and neighbours who were splashing around in our pool but before long we began running local press ads that offered a 28 foot reinforced concrete and mosaic pool for less than six grand.

That advert featured solar panels – actual real ones – and heat pumps as well. There was no global warming then and energy was cheap. It just made sense, even 38 years ago.

RISK ASSESSMENT

Perhaps what makes a bit less sense were

some of the games that we used to play.

Back in the 80s the industry did seem a lot more social and there were many gatherings for swimming galas and sports days. In the spirit of friendly competition we once played a totally irresponsible game of seeing who could get the most people onto a raft in the middle of a pool. Imagine a floating rugby scrum with people nearly drowning at the bottom.

I don’t think the swimming pool safety notice people had ever thought it would be necessary to ban that. But dive bombing, poolside running and ‘horseplay’, they were all covered. I even seem to remember a ‘No petting’ sign.

For a time in the 80s and 90s I worked with Peter Geekie and then Certikin, learning the ropes from stores to sales desk, from purchasing to operations and while I was there, many a summer lunch break was spent leaping off the roofs of various log chalets onto the floating loungers in the display pools belonging to Oxford Pools; who were actually located on the site next door to us.

It was great fun but there isn’t a health and safety sign big enough to cover everything that was ‘wrong’ about that one.

SCREAM IF YOU WANT TO GO FASTER

By ’98 I was working at Golden Coast. My brother Dominic and I travelled up to Alton Towers to fit our innovative MEE fog system to their newest ride, Oblivion.

On the second day, the Dutch technicians

installing the ride controls invited us to come back later that night to have a go on the ride in the dark while they were testing the systems. As the carriage climbed up to the cliffhanging descent we decided it would be a laugh to call our brother Shaun to tell him where we were and let him share the experience. Right at the point the brakes were released the phone was answered and we screamed like a pair of excited teenagers as we plunged down into Oblivion. As the carriage hit the buffers Dominic asked Shaun if he had enjoyed that only to hear a strange voice say, “I’m sorry. I think you have the wrong number.”

And sitting here I can remember 100 other tales and stories of fun and foolishness. Perhaps not all of them ‘fit for publication’.

WE DID IT FOR A LAUGH

So our business is 40 years old this year. It was that anniversary that sparked off this trip down the memory swimming lane.

The business, and the industry, has been good to me. It’s been good to my family, those three brothers who were so fond of swimming all those years ago.

And no, we didn’t just ‘do it for a laugh’, but we have certainly had a lot of laughs along the way and I think that’s no bad thing to keep in mind.

Years ago when my father asked the question about whether people had come to buy a pool, a spa or a sauna for their health and wellbeing or fun and entertainment, the vast majority replied, ‘a mixture of both’.

And that’s how it should be. After all, as you walk along the side of a crystal clear pool, being careful not to run, and you look into that warm and silky water, which one of us can honestly say that they don’t have just a tiny little desire… to do a dive bomb.

“40 years ago my Dad and I built the pool that built the Golden Coast business. We built it for a laugh. We built it because my brothers and I loved swimming. We built it so that we could lark about and have fun. And 40 years later, in the world of wellbeing, innovative technology and energy efficiency it’s probably a good idea to remember some of those laughs,” says Jamie Adams, Managing Director of Golden Coast

Jamie Adams is Managing Director of Golden Coast, the current Chairman of Pool Industry Promotions (PIP) and a board member of the British Swimming Pool Federation (BSPF).

Introducing our New Hot Tub and Swim Spa Water Hygiene Management Training Course

Complete Pool Controls are the UK’s leading independent specialist in recreational water treatment chemicals and related dosing equipment for swimming pools and hot tubs/swim spas.

who is the course for?

• People who sell hot tubs/swim spas – gain confidence when discussing maintenance procedures and water treatment products.

• People who look after hot tubs/swim spas on display – learn the correct maintenance regime to keep it safe.

• People who deliver and commission new hot tubs/swim spas – learn the safest start-up routine and pass on advice to the new hot tub owner.

• People who service hot tubs/swim spas – learn know how to troubleshoot water treatment issues.

• People who maintain hot tubs/swim spas in “business settings” – learn the legal requirements when looking after a hot tub/swim spa in a rental (holiday let) situation.

• People who own a hot tub/swim spas company – gives the peace of mind that your staff are aware of the risks and are fully trained in a professional manner.

For more information please call the training team on 01242 662700.

Customer comments from our recent training day…

The training made a serious, complicated subject understandable

Excellent course, food and venue very informative

Very good over all, learnt a lot

SPATEX Comes Of Age In Style!

Well known throughout Europe and increasingly further afield as the go-to show for water leisure in the UK, SPATEX attracts all involved in the provision or operation of water leisure facilities including leisure operators, local authorities, leisure centres, hoteliers, health clubs, spa owners, architects, animal hydrotherapists, schools and many more.

“SPATEX has been the UK’s leading annual wet leisure show for 21 years so this year’s show was a celebration of a milestone,” said

SPATEX Organiser, Michele Bridle, who has herself been part of exhibition’s success story for 17 years.

The show has traditionally been held from Sunday to Tuesday but in a new departure, the three-day show opened this year on a Tuesday. It was a move that was warmly welcomed by exhibitors and one that was well received with visitors, who arrived in their droves each day. It is a format that looks likely to stay with mid-week dates for 2018 already announced for Tuesday 30 January to Thursday 1 February.

By Jon Wadeson

Michele added: “A mid-week slot brings the Show into line with our fellow European partners. It gave the exhibition a whole new professional feel and with visitor figures pretty much level pegging with last year’s record breaker, when we saw a 28% increase on 2015, it appears to be a formula that works for everyone.”

Cath Saunders, Marketing Manager of Certikin International commented: “We had a very successful show from start to finish with lots of new leads to follow up. We are already looking forward to next year.”

SPATEX 2017 featured in excess of a hundred top quality exhibitors drawn from the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers

Plastica celebrated 45 years with a stand which was packed full of products

Alpha Industries were one of a number of companies who were exhibiting saunas and wellness products

The water leisure community from the UK and further afield recently converged on the UK’s Ricoh Arena in Coventry for a bumper 21st anniversary edition of SPATEX. With an action packed three day Show, including a lively networking ‘coming of age’ party, it proved to be a trip well worth taking

Another happy exhibitor, Paul Webb of Fairlocks Pool Products said: “To be honest I felt this year’s show was the best for a while, and certainly the best since the move to Coventry. We actually made sales from the stand this year (several Nemo underwater drills) which was great.

“As I suspected the move to midweek was much better and I thought it worked really well making the whole event seem even better and professional. I was also impressed by the whole atmosphere which was so positive.”

SPATEX 2017 featured in excess of a hundred top quality exhibitors drawn from the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers. With a host of new products on

Despite some concerns over changing the show to a mid-week event, visitor figures were

display covering every sector that makes up the wider wet leisure market, and with a professional look which has come on leaps and bounds since the show’s relocation from Brighton, SPATEX is increasingly looking and feeling like some of its larger continental cousins, albeit on a smaller scale. Echoing that sentiment, visitor Dan Johnson of southwest based Cannings H20 said: “It’s the first time in years I didn’t get round in an afternoon and had to come back the following morning. Furthermore the show felt big, airy and spacious yet, crammed full of well represented manufacturers and wholesalers. There seemed to be an excited buzz, about the place too!”

It’s impossible to list each and every

product that caught the eye at this year’s three-day event – you really should have attended for yourself! But to give you just an idea of what was on offer, some of the highlights included: The eyecatching Underflow pool from NIVEKO with its unique Apollo steps and Rollo bench; Lighthouse Pools’ Zodiac FloPro range of pumps along with the new entry level Tornax electric cleaners; GMT Spas International showcasing an infinity edge spa with built-in channels that act as the balance tank plus two beautiful new round spas from Ezarri’s Zen range; Waterco’s new Hydrostar Plus commercial pump along with their new UltraVac portable filtration cart; Speck Pumpen’s BADU Profi-MK

Regular exhibitors Complete Pool Controls had a busy stand at the 2017 event

SPATEX attracts exhibitors covering every sector of the wider wet leisure market

Spa Crest Europe’s launched their Queen S100 and Tuff Spas TT350 models at SPATEX 2017

Bowman’s heat exchangers offering included a solution for domestic and commercial hot tubs

The eye-catching Underflow pool from NIVEKO with its unique Apollo steps and Rollo bench

on a par with 2016’s record breaking event

Eco VS, the first seal-less pool pump with magnetic coupling instead of a mechanical seal plus a variable PM motor and Certikin International’s introduction of the stunning nine-person Caldera Utopia spa. Still on spas, there was the new look Ecstatic Spa from Dutch manufacturer Passion Spas which featured an exciting new levitation bed and romantic wave seat; the new 7 foot Element and 8 foot Apex Lounger models from Canadian manufacturer Coast Spas and last but by no means least, Spa Crest Europe’s new six-seater Queen S100 and Tuff Spas TT350 models and, well, many more fantastic products besides these.

In addition to the wide variety of exhibitors, SPATEX 2017 featured the show’s best

double seminar and workshop programme to date, offering free education and training that is unmatched anywhere in the world. This is, in large, part thanks to the redoubtable services of the Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers (ISPE), who each year stage three

full days of highly informative workshops offering CPD points and certificates of attendance for all delegates.

All the traditional subjects were comprehensively covered, such as how to stop swimming pools leaking, the latest

SPATEX is increasingly looking and feeling like some of its larger continental cousins, albeit on a smaller scale

Wellis demonstrated one of their latest swim spa model at the three-day event

With a number of new products on display, Fairlocks Pool Products actually made sales directly from their stand

SPATEX 2017 featured the Show’s best double seminar and Workshop programme to date

SPATEX attracts new and old exhibitors from both the UK and further afield

Passion Spas had a number of models on display including their new look Ecstatic Spa

The Show has traditionally been held from Sunday to Tuesday but in a new departure, the three-day Show opened this year on a Tuesday. It was a move that was warmly welcomed by exhibitors and one that was well received with visitors”

guidance on water testing and tackling difficult heating and ventilation problems. A new topic that proved highly popular was a talk given by International Personal Injury lawyer, Simon O’Loughlin representing legal firm Irwin Mitchell, giving advice on what to do when things go legal, including pursuing a civil case, proving negligence etc.

ISPE General Secretary, Ross Alcock, reported an outstanding attendance for this year’s workshop programme. With just under 500 delegates over the three days, attendance was over 6% up on 2016 and, an amazing 42% up on the very respectable attendance figures from 2012.  All sessions of this year’s very varied programme were well-attended and, once again, the evidence shows how the increasing thirst for knowledge and training has helped to make the ISPE workshop programme an integral

part of the SPATEX success story.

Keith Moody of La Paloma Contracts, Spain voices the opinion of many when he says: “Each year I come over from Spain to attend SPATEX, not just for the exhibition and display of new products but also for the seminars and workshops. Living and working as I do in Spain, it is important to keep up to date with all the industry training, education and Standards and SPATEX is an unparalleled free source.”

For the third year running, a parallel seminar programme covered a diverse range of subjects. New for 2017 was the subject of swimming ponds and natural swimming pools. They are growing in popularity both in this country and in Europe but this talk was designed to counteract some of the confusion surrounding them. SPATEX invited board member of the British Association of

Natural Swimming Pools, Tim Evans, to give an introductory talk on the subject. The audience was treated to an i nformative seminar and a slide show of stunning swimming ponds demonstrating their versatility, ease of maintenance and beauty.

With the world’s water leisure experts gathered under one roof and SPATEX’s 21st anniversary to celebrate, no excuse was needed to throw a SPATEX networking party. Held in the Ricoh Arena’s Club House, all delegates were given free cowboy hats, bandanas, free drinks and food and the event was a great way to relax after a hectic and successful day at the show.

SPATEX

01264 358558

www.spatex.co.uk

Lovibond Tintometer were one of a number of water testing companies exhibiting at SPATEX

Having re-branded from Catalina Spas and with new models on offer, Aqua Design & Leisure were at the show

The SCP stand always receives attention at SPATEX

Lighthouse Pools had a wide range of Zodiac products on display

The impressive Designworks Tiles stand featured ‘Nessie’ and their new ZEN collection

With a 21st anniversary to celebrate, no excuse was needed to throw a SPATEX networking party

Our range continues to grow

The Canadian Spa Company is a global brand, we manufacture our Hot Tubs in North America, Asia and Europe and distribute around the world. We have been recognised as an industry leader since our first spa was sold over 30 years ago.

Our products are manufactured using only the finest quality components and supported by our award winning aftercare and service.

20ft

See our current range of spa products at national retailers.

Swim Spas For The Serious User

As a product that offers all the benefits of both a swimming pool and hot tub combined, high-end swim spas have flourished over the last ten years or so. Add to their multi-use nature some extremely competitive pricing and ownership convenience and it’s no wonder their appeal has never been stronger for families looking for a premium product that offers a number of advantages over a separate spa and swimming pool. And it’s not just families that are taking notice of the swim spa solutions on offer. Many keep fit fanatics and athletes are being tempted by the thorough exercise and complete relaxation options that are provided by today’s high-end models. So what’s expected in 2017 for the upper end of the swim spa market? Well, with a variety of new models and a number

of great innovations introduced, it seems manufacturers are clearly expecting another strong year for high-end swim spas and this issue we take a look at some of the options that are competing at the premium end of the swim spa sector.

TIDALFIT POWERPLUS EP16 – THE PRO SWIMMERS’ CHOICE

Artesian Spas released its first TidalFit swim spa model back in 2008 and the company have a number of models now in their offering.

Sitting at the top of the TidalFit range is the PowerPlus EP16 – a great choice for the professional swimmer. It features the extremely powerful Hydraulic Propeller system with Variable Current Swim Technology capable of generating a massive

By Jon Wadeson

swim current of 3,300 GPM (over 9x the flow rate of an average traditional swim spa) but because the current is variable, the strength can be adjusted to suit all swimmers from the beginner to the professional.

Dual 9” waterfalls along with an Advanced Digital Control System come as standard. Multicolour LED and DynaBrite LED Lighting are available as optional features but it’s the exercise aspect that will really appeal to many that are looking at this model and the exercise element doesn’t end with the powerful swim current. There are choices of Aquatic Training Systems to select from including a stationary Resistant Swim Tether and/or Rowing Bars plus Resistant Cords, all helping to provide the ultimate in-spa workout.

The TidalFit has a double hydrotherapy

High-end swim spas have become a popular choice for many in the UK over recent years. As a training aid, they have become a widely accepted alternative to the more traditional pool choices. Many models also offer spa options too, resulting in the complete swim and relax package. Offering the latest in technology and with models including more impressive options than ever before, we take a look at some of the premium choices in the swim spa sector

A Passion Spas swim spa is a great place to rest and several of their models come with Dual Zone Heating

option to soothe muscles after a workout. Featuring a variety of premium jets powered by Artesian’s patented DirectFlow™ technology, users really do get the full water gym experience.

With three shell colours and six cabinet colours to choose from, creating a bespoke swim spa has never been easier. And to finish off, there a deluxe ASTM Safety Cover made from Icynene foam that allows moisture to diffuse and dissipate, whilst protecting and insulating the spa.

RIO GRANDE TOPS THE WELLIS SWIM SPA RANGE

Available through distributor Superior Spas, Wellis’ swim spa range was launched to the UK market in 2016 and sitting at the top-end of the Hungarian manufacturers offering is the Rio Grande swim spa.

Featuring a 5mm fibreglass reinforced acrylic spa shell and constructed with a stainless steel frame, the flagship model also features a UV-C water sanitiser, exclusive chromotherapy lighting and comes with a Thermo cover. Options include a PULSAR™ Massage System, AQUASOUL™ 4.1 Pop-up sound system, VArio pods and a smartphone application.

At 6 metres long and with a depth of 1.5 metres, the Rio Grande is large and incorporates a separate spa seating area that has 58 jets and features seating for three people plus a lounge seat. On the swim side, three River Jets provide a powerful and even flow of water. This combination means that the Rio Grande serves as an exercise pool and after the exhausting swim, users can then relax.

The new Rio Grande Turbine variant, which was introduced in 2017, features a W-Power Turbine instead of the three hydromassage pumps and is capable of spinning 50-160 m3 water per hour. In contrast to the standard swim spa pumps, the turbine delivers twice the amount of water but consumes 75% less power – incredible performance combined with energy efficiency.

Both models are available in a Sterling White shell colour and there’s a choice of two cabinets. Considering the space required for the traditional swimming pools, the Rio Grande or Rio Grande Turbine can be the perfect highlight of a wellness section.

TURBO SWIM JETS ADDED ON PASSION’S SWIM SPA MODELS

Anyone who exercises regularly knows what it’s like to return from a workout feeling all hot and sweaty, but unlike most exercises, swimming also leaves participants feeling cleansed and fresh too. And that’s the kind of experience that a swim spa from Passion Spas provides.

Passion Spas have a number of swim spa models, several of which fall into the highend category. As of this year, all of them will now come with Turbo Swim Jets, which mix air and water to create an especially strong current for a bather to swim against. These large, impressive jets are designed to suck in large amounts of air – and more air means a more powerful current!

The current generated in one of their swim spas isn’t just powerful, it’s also intuitive. Passion Spas’ Current Lift Technology means that the current adjusts to the intensity of the workout. Swimming slower means that the lower jets will generate a stronger stream, which gives the swimmer more buoyancy to keep them afloat. Swimming faster means that the upper jets will, in turn, create a stronger stream, which gives the swimmer something more powerful to swim against.

In addition to an incredible swim, a number of the brand’s swim spas also come with additional fitness options including resistance bands, rowing bars, and even a stationary Aquabike. Passion Spas swim spas are able to provide a complete, engaging fitness package.

And after a complete fitness workout routine, a Passion Spas swim spa is a great place to rest. Several of their models come with Dual Zone Heating, such as the impressive Energy and Energy Deep models, the latter of which is arguably their top of the range model. With a swim section and a separate spa section that are heated independently of each other, after a hardcore workout, the owner can retreat to the spa side and begin the post-workout recovery process.

A swim spa from Passion Spas has something for everyone, making it an excellent choice for anyone who loves aquatic activities.

A GREAT COMBINATION – THE ST. LAWRENCE FROM THE CANADIAN SPA COMPANY

The St. Lawrence line of swim spas from Canadian Spa Company offers the best of both worlds with powerful River and Swim Jets to give owners the ideal swimming experience plus a number of ergonomically designed captain’s chairs for the hydromassage that can be found in one of their hot tubs. The range-topping 20-foot features dual zones for both a hot tub and swim spa experience with each side having independent controls for different temperature settings.

St. Lawrence swim spas allow swimmers to simulate the exercise of doing laps in an Olympic pool and provide an excellent outlet for underwater resistance training. The included fibreglass tether pole is a

Available through distributor Superior Spas, Wellis’ top-end Rio Grande swim spa model

The TidalFit PowerPlus EP16 is a great choice for the professional swimmer

great accessory for static swimming but is not necessary as St. Lawrence’s swim spa River Jets are capable of creating a powerful current to swim against. Users will feel as though they’re swimming against the waves of an ocean as each of the profile-aligning River Jets are attached to a separate 5 horsepower pump.

Canadian Spa Company swim spas are designed with their customers’ needs in mind, with a user-friendly design that allows owners to customise fully every single experience in the spa (without paying a hefty customisation fee). Users can adjust the spa’s jet pressure according to how they want to work out, swim, or relax. All of the 39 to 73 jets are fully adjustable, while multiple Air Control and Water Diverter valves allow users to control precisely how much pressure they are getting out of each section of the swim spa. In addition to this, all of the company’s spas come fully loaded with great features such as pop-up LED speakers, perimeter LED lighting, two cascading waterfalls and an aromatherapy unit. A builtin Ozone Purifier works with the company’s 10-step, 200 square foot filtration process to keep the spa’s water crystal clear with little maintenance required.

THE INFINITY EDGE ULTRA FROM COAST SPAS

Two years ago, Coast Spas unveiled the world’s first and only portable Infinity Edge swim spa. Coast Spas was already leading the pack with their patented 14 foot model but for their anniversary year, they have pulled out all the stops to create a brand new swim spa, packed with all the same amazing features – plus an extra 3 feet of swimming space. That’s right! Coast Spas now manufacture the Infinity Edge Ultra, which

boasts a whopping 17 feet profile.

The infinity edge ultra has all the features owners loved from the standard infinity edge plus some added bonus features. The ‘Levator jets’ help keep the lower half of a swimmer’s body buoyant and ‘Swimline guide lighting’ from the River Jets helps users focus on where they are swimming towards. It also introduces fully variable swim jets, that can be toggled from 0 to 100%, allowing users to fully customise their swim experience.

All that plus it has a lounger and cool down seat for the hydrotherapy benefits associated with a hot tub.

The Infinity Edge Ultra comes in two variants – Performance with 46 jets and Performance Plus with 52 jets. Both come with an anchor tether as well as row bars and

exercise bars so hydro exercise is not just limited to swimming.

Whilst clearly a high-end model, the Infinity Edge Ultra isn’t Coast Spas’ range topper though. That accolade goes to the Wellness IV dual zone swim spa which features a separate hot tub section.

THE ATV™ RANGE FROM MARQUIS® ACCOMMODATES EVERY NEED

Marquis®’ Aquatic Training Vessels™ (ATVs™) were created to elevate the swim spa experience and provide a more convenient option for aquatic training. They are true action vessels for the whole family to enjoy all year-round and allow for a more spacious swim and workout space than comparable rectangular swim spas. Whether they’re used for training, rehabilitating or spending time with loved ones, an ATV will accommodate every need.

Commenting on her experience with her own ATV, one happy owner called Sherin said: “I was in a car accident that impacted my neck rather badly… With swimming in my ATV every other day I have been able to manage my pain. I would strongly recommend it for rehabilitation, strengthening, flexibility, and exercise fun!”

…with a variety of new models and a number of great innovations introduced, it seems manufacturers are clearly expecting another strong year for high-end swim spas”

The 17 foot Infinity Edge Ultra from Coast Spas comes in two variants – Performance with 46 jets and Performance Plus with 52 jets

The range topping 20-foot St. Lawrence from Canadian Spa Company offers the best of both worlds

Canadian Spa Company swim spas feature a user-friendly design that allows owners to fully customise every single experience in the spa

The Marquis ATV line includes four models including with the larger 17 foot ATV-17 Kona and ATV-17 Sport topping the range. The ATV-17 Kona is the ‘big dog’ though. With Marquis’ all new Whitewater 4™ jets, the Kona is 17 feet of pure power. Paired with two new 360 GPM 2-speed pumps, six Whitewater 4 swim end jets deliver 39% more flow than traditional jets of a similar size and cranked all the way up, the Kona will deliver an open water swim experience. Another true Marquis innovation is the positioning of two Buoyancy Jets on each side of the vessel down deep, powered by a MP160 2-speed pump. Kona comes with complete access to the full library of videos and workouts and swim sets reference materials from 6-time IRONMAN® Champion Dave Scott, who consulted on the designs of the ATVs.

NEW 18FT MODEL LAUNCHED FOR L.A. AND VITA SPA BRANDS

At their recent seminar Aqua Warehouse Group were proud to launch a brand new 18ft dual temperature for both the L.A. and Vita Spa brands.

The new LA F8P and Vita VM8 models

have an open barrier free exercise / swim area, ideal for all aspects of exercise, which is further complemented by a comfortable five seater spa end.

The swim spas also incorporate the latest anti-turbulent propulsion system technology, xSteam Force. This new Jet Propulsion System uses proprietary ‘Anti-Turbulence’ technology to boost and smooth out the swim stream for the ultimate swimming / exercise experience. This anti-turbulence technology was created to stop counter-currents where the water tries to bounce back down the swim stream which causes waves and makes it difficult to stay in the ‘swim lane’. The technology is not a stand-alone feature but is part of a holistic design that incorporates several (seemingly small) design elements that work together to produce a faster flowing stream of water.

xStream Force Jet Propulsion has advantages over propeller or paddles when it comes to creating a swim stream. The river jets produce an 80cm wide swim stream which is 50% faster, achieving 2.1 – 3.5 mph in the swim stream ‘pocket’ (triathletes swim at an average of 1.7 mph for training).

The other advantage is that it also utilises current hot tub engineering with no special motors or propeller to maintain or service.

Richard Hart, Managing Director of Aqua Warehouse Group, the distributor of both L.A. and Vita Spa brands in the UK is “very excited to have the new dual temperature models” and said: “Our largest growth in sales over the last few years is in the swim spa sector where I feel we have gained good market share. I only see the introduction of the two new models adding to this growth.” SPN

FOR FURTHER DETAILS:

Aqua Warehouse Group 01245 477400

www.aquawarehousegroup.co.uk

Artesian Spas

01302 730295

www.artesianspas.co.uk

Canadian Spa Company 01293 824094

www.canadianspacompany.co.uk

Catalina Spas

01980 611555

www.catalinaspas.co.uk

Coast Spas Manufacturing Inc.

+1 604 514 8111

www.coastspas.com

Marquis Spas

+1 503 838 0888

www.marquisspas.com

Superior Spas

01246 559071

www.superiorspas.co.uk

Marquis®’ ATVs™ were created to elevate the swim spa experience and provide a more convenient option for aquatic training

The Vita VM8 is a brand new 18ft dual temperature swim spa that is also available as the L.A. Spas LA F8P model

Our latest developments will present themselves as models of StarLine range.

All seats provide immediate relief to the tired neck muscles due to the new pillow with adjustable massage strength.

During the latest range development we built in a completely new, modern diverter and air inlet regulator, which ensures smoother, more precise massage settings.

StarSide thick, slat side panels and the corner element with RGB lighting provides harmony with the interior of the spa. Lighting waterfalls on the edge of the pool make the bathing more enjoyable. A renewed filter house design allows you to enjoy your favorite movies on your tablet, thus enhancing the pleasant recreation.

REFRESHING SWIMMING AND THE RELAXING, EXCITING EXPERIENCE OF A HOT TUB IN A SWIMMING POOL!

Rio Grande swimspa provides a combined experience for its users. Thanks to the unique solutions of the counter current system, it serves as a swimming pool, and aſter the exhausting swimming you can relax in the massage section. As for its dimensions Rio Grande, with its length of 6 meters and a depth of 1,5 meters, is unique to the market. Considering the space required for traditional swimming pools, the Rio Grande can be the perfect highlight of a wellness area.

For more models visit our website.

Fab Liner Finishes And Style Updates

In anticipation of some warm and sunny weather, pool owners across the UK are hoping for a few months of being able to swim, relax and laze by a pool. But for outside pools, after the disuse of the winter months, some pool owners find that the bright, new, spring sunshine reveals a pool that isn’t the pride and joy it once was.

There are countless ways to clean, renovate, repair and transform a swimming pool from an unsightly vision to one that is bang up to date. But one of the simplest, cheapest and easiest product ranges to tempt clients with at this time of year is a new pool liner.

Each season, the quality and sheer range of styles, designs, colours and patterns available increases which means that pool owners who wish to transform and renovate their pride and joy can do so quickly and at a relatively low cost.

“Whether it be a factory made ‘bag’ liner or a heavy-duty site applied liner, it is certainly true that in recent years the range and quality of swimming pool vinyl linings has improved significantly,” said Certikin North General Manager, Neil Stephenson. “The options to create the ‘look’ of the liner have also developed dramatically in recent years. Whilst most of the traditional classics are still available, the introduction of vibrant colours, photographic printing, metallic and

Aquaflex have introduce three new ‘Touch’ patterns to their site lining range with (this) Vanity, Sublime (right) and Prestige (bottom) options

pearlescent finishes to spread light around the pool and engraved finishes that offer a natural stone look and ‘touch’, mean that the finished look to a pool can be unique, classical, dramatic or plain and simple.”

A superb solution for renovation projects and refurbishments, a pool lining whether produced in a factory or applied on site provides the capacity to give both new and used pools the chance to impress again. Regardless of size and style, there’s a liner for the job and we take a look at just some of the available options.

AQUAFLEX ADD NEW ‘TOUCH’ PATTERNS FOR 2017

When it comes to negotiating tight corners, complicated shapes and unusual sizes, the Alkorplan pool lining system by Aquaflex offers the ultimate in flexibility.

A lining system is ideal for both commercial and residential pools – and comes into its own particularly on renovation and refurbishment sites.

Alkorplan’s main selling point is its exceptional strength. The material which incorporates a polyester reinforced mesh is either 1.5mm or 2mm thick which enables it to withstand intensive use and severe knocks from even the most enthusiastic swimmers. It also has a special formula that includes a

UV stabilising treatment which can withstand exposure to all extremes of weather, retaining its properties year after year.

Guaranteed for ten years, with a life expectancy nearer 15 to 20 years, Aquaflex’s Alkorplan pool lining system can be used on new or existing constructions including concrete, cement render, brick or block, steel or aluminium, timber or fibreglass builds. Alkorplan is ready for installation in any swimming pool irrespective of shape; rectangle, oval, kidney, circular, trapezoidal, completely irregular, with or without lined step etc.

For 2017 Aquaflex is pleased to introduce three new 2mm ‘Touch’ patterns to their growing site lining range with Vanity, Sublime and Prestige options. This now extends the Touch range to six available embossed patterns with three new patterns joining the original Elegance, Authentic and Relax options, which have all been very popular choices.

With ten site lining teams covering the UK and overseas, Aquaflex are looking forward to another busy year as one of the UK’s leading liner specialists.

CERTIKIN’S NEW LINERS ARE DREAMY!

Inspired by the textures and colours of the world’s most breath-taking beaches, the new range of on-site lining vinyl from Certikin offers the customer something totally new. Not just aesthetically pleasing, they are of premium quality and comply with all anti-slip standards, so can be used on all aspects of the pool.

The popularity of on site lining continues to grow as more and more clients begin to appreciate its many benefits. Certikin’s Infinite on-site lining installations now offer a 15 year, as opposed to a ten year guarantee. Once the domain of commercial pools where just a plain blue or white liner was in demand, the advances in printing and colouring technology have allowed a wide variety of pattern options to flourish. Many of the patterns, which were once

With liner pools still being the most popular type of swimming pool in the UK, there will always be a demand for products associated with them. Whether it be for a new build or a refurbishment, the days of limited choices are well in the past and an ever expanding offering of high quality and durable options are now available. Whether it’s construction materials, liners or borders, we cover the wide range of liner pool products on offer

By Andrea Hartshorne

exclusive to thinner vinyl, are now available in this heavier duty product. This includes printed anti-slip finishes so all-over patterns can be created even on steps and slopes, and the development of the new Island Dreams range takes these innovations to a new and unique frontier.

Certikin North General Manager, Neil Stephenson said: “The versatility of lining at site means that the scale and complexity of pools is almost no longer a concern, so full scale Olympic pools, right down to smaller domestic pools which may have steps, pits, ledges, awkward angles and myriad of other features can be accommodated within this system.”

As opposed to the traditional single ply 0.50mm or 0.75mm vinyl used for factory made liners, site applied linings, such as Certikin’s Infinite range, use a 1.5mm three ply product. This is manufactured from two layers of high quality swimming pool grade vinyl which encapsulate a woven scrim, to offer prolonged strength and durability. This makes it ideal for heavy use commercial environments and also extra long-lasting in a standard domestic environment.

WHATEVER THE POOL TYPE, ON-SITE POOL LININGS HAVE THE SOLUTION

On-Site Pool Linings deal with the UK distribution and installation of delifol liners, a product which is suitable for both indoor and outdoor pools of any purpose. The linings can be installed into a new pool or used for renovation of an old tired shell and can be installed on top of any existing pool finish with the minimum of preparation. delifol features a tough 1.5mm thick PVC membrane which is reinforced with a strong woven webbing set into the material during manufacture, this gives it the stability to resist stretching under the extreme pressure of water. The chemical formulation, constantly checked and monitored gives it the perfect balance to protect it from damage from sunlight, pool chemicals and the extremes of weather and temperature whilst keeping it supple enough to be laid into the most awkward of shapes. The edges of the material are over-lapped, welded and sealed with the very latest hot-air welding tools. The product can only be installed by specialist fitters. The work is quick and

EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR NEXT POOL BUILD… IN A SINGLE DELIVERY

Liner pool kits are becoming increasingly popular – and for good reason too. While the materials are as high-quality as you’d expect for a professional build, the process has been simplified.

Whether you’re looking for a block and liner kit, a quick-and-easy polymer panel kit, or a classic-looking above-ground wooden kit, Golden Coast can arrange for all the materials you need to arrive in a single delivery. It doesn’t get easier than that.

The company’s Swimmer block and liner kits, for example, contain virtually everything you need (liner, walk-in step unit, underwater light, solar cover, winter debris cover and telescopic roller). The only material you’ll need to source locally is concrete blocks.

Construction is simple, too. Jamie Adams, Golden Coast’s Managing Director explains: “Our polymer panel kits are incredibly straightforward to install and our Russian redwood kits can be assembled in a matter of days …

“And while the standard Swimmer kits deliver a luxurious swimming pool to customers, those wanting a little more can benefit from the Mercury and Platinum kits (block and liner or polymer only). These include extras such as purification systems, covers and underwater lights, while remaining fantastic value for money.”

Whatever your requirements and whatever your style, Golden Coast has a kit to suit you.

Golden Coast 01271 378100

www.goldenc.com

MAKE-OVER MAGIC IN THE WEST MIDLANDS CASE STUDY

When it comes to the fast and effective refurbishment of an old pool, on site lining is the preferred option for Staffordshire pool dealer, West Midlands Swimming Pools, as this pool in Edgbaston, Birmingham demonstrates. This old leaking concrete pool with a roman end had definitely seen better days and was in dire need of refurbishment. West Midlands Swimming Pools pressure tested all pipework

before making their assessment that on-site lining was the way forward.

West Midlands’ Kay Cunningham said: “We regularly undertake this type of project, in fact on site lining is becoming a core part of our business as it really does transform an old pool in the easiest and quickest way possible. The whole project took about four weeks and gave stunning results.”

The pool’s happy owner, Peter James said: “I hunted the internet for weeks looking for the right pool lining but there really isn’t that many choices out there. Then, by chance, I started following a company on social media and the lining they were using was exactly what I was looking for so I contacted West Midlands and they got the boys in to do what can only be described as a first class job! It’s soft under my feet and has turned the pool into a real feature. Amazing results.”

Certikin North 0113 393 4545

www.certikin.co.uk

West Midlands Swimming Pools

01543 677476

www.westmids-pools.co.uk

Inspired by the textures and colours of the world’s most breath-taking beaches, the new range of on-site lining vinyl from Certikin

JB Elite Services used

Certikin’s Cyrus Sand liner for this pool

clean and with no ‘curing time’ to wait for so refilling can begin whilst the finishing touches are being made. The pool can be back in action very quickly, making it very economical. delifol is treated to protect against damage from sunlight, pool chemicals and algae growth and meets the highest European physical and chemical standards. It is also guaranteed to remain watertight for a full ten years and is suitable for pools heated up to a maximum of 34°C (94°F).

A relatively new addition to the company’s offering are extremely strong and tear resistant liners for Natural Swimming Pools. No glue is used on these liners as all seams are heat welded together meaning the solution is plant and animal friendly. Six colour options are available along with a grey non-slip option for steps and shallow areas.

SCP ADD STONEFLEX OPTIONS TO THEIR PROFLEX RANGE

Available through SCP UK, Proflex Swimming Pool Liners by Haogenplast are high-quality, durable, 100% watertight vinyl reinforced swimming pool liners that deliver long term performance.

Designed with built-in versatility, they are an optimal solution when constructing new swimming pools or when renovating existing pools. The liner can be installed over almost any type of surface and easily adapts to all pool shapes and configurations.

The advanced manufacturing and design of Proflex pool liners results in a high quality combination of functionality and aesthetics, for an effective pool lining solution that blends harmoniously with the surroundings. In addition, Proflex delivers enhanced protection against mechanical abrasion and wear, plus offers superior performance in watertight sealing, for improved longevity and durability.

Developed and produced according to the specifications of standard (NF 5 54-8032, EN 15836-2-2011), Proflex liners meet strict standards of quality, in a product that is easy to install in swimming pools of any shape, size or type. The versatility, professional installation and exceptional properties of Proflex liners make it one of the industry leaders worldwide.

Proflex liners are available in a range of solid colours and patterns, and a new option for 2017 is the premium design Stoneflex

range. The unique stone-like design is formulated with specialised enhanced lacquering formula – demonstrating exceptional clean-ability properties for their stone design as well as dry, non-plastic and non-slip grip.

Proflex liners are available as rolls only (25m x 1.65m) or SCP UK offer a professional on site installation service.

PLASTICA –YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE MANUFACTURING OF POOL LINERS

Plastica have been an established liner manufacturer since 1976 – no other UK liner producer has their wealth of experience. They individually tailor every liner to a customer's exact dimensions, no matter what shape or size of pool.

Available in 0.50mm, 0.75mm and other thicknesses, they have a huge range of plain and patterned liners available and have added a new for 2017 in the form of the Jellystone. So whether it’s a simple colour, one of the ever-popular Classic Marble and Mosaic liners or a contemporary design such as the Delphos and Ibiza Blue patterns that’s needed, Plastica have the range to ensure the colours and patterns bring out the very best in any pool.

The company’s liners are produced at the UK’s largest swimming pool manufacturing facility and their 10,000 square metre manufacturing plant is equipped with a state-of-the-art CAD system integrated with their computerised Plotter/Cutters and they can also weld bespoke designs.

The quality of their product is hard to match and with a five year guarantee, their liners offer lasting beauty and durability.

Standard Plastica liners are designed for use in all domestic pools with normal bathing loads and a running temperature of a maximum of 29°C. The material

used is impregnated with algaecide and anti-oxidants and patterned materials have a protective lacquer coating, whilst tile bands are triple coated with lacquer to help prevent staining at the water line. Sample books are available on request.

For those looking for a more durable liner, Plastica offer their Extreme Lining solution which they have been providing for the last 20 years. Installed by their own fully trained fitters, the Extreme Lining is perfect for complex shapes and designs, is stain, abrasion and scratch resistant and comes with a guarantee of ten years. For shallow areas and steps, a non-slip option is available and 2mm thick 3D patterns are also options too. SPN

Aquaflex 01722 328873

www.aquaflex.co.uk

Certikin North 01993 777200

www.certikin.co.uk

On-Site Pool Linings Ltd 01709 542128 www.on-sitepoollinings.com

Plastica 01424 857802

www.plasticapools.net

SCP UK 01293 546126

www.scpeurope.com

Extreme Lining with contrasting step.jpg – Plastica’s Extreme Lining solution with contrasting step

Signature Pools used Plastica’s commercial pool liner solution for this project

With their Stoneflex options, SCP have a unique stone-like designs available in Bazelet (left), and Jasper (right)

Effortless Pool Coverups Are No Secret

Increasingly seen as an essential rather than just a luxury, the introduction of a pool cover is an obvious and logical step to help owners save money and make pool ownership ‘greener’. An automatic cover goes a step further by providing a labour saving and stylish solution with the additional benefits of built in safety. With further innovations in the sector, there’s now more choice than ever and we take a closer look at what’s on offer

By Karen Witney

Automatic pool covers are a must if budget allows. There are a good many to choose from and they are equally desirable for installation in home or commercial pools. Not only do they make uncovering the pool for use simple with little to no manual effort necessary but they also look good when over the pool and completely disappear into their respective housing when the family, visitors or paying customers are swimming. Available in a range of colours and materials the covers blend attractively into any pool surroundings.

As well as aesthetics and ease of use there are other practical considerations such as cost savings on water treatment, heating and maintenance. There are automatic covers that are designed specifically with safety as the priority but other designs can also double up as safety covers if certain modifications are carried out in the pool.

T&A – PARTNERS FOR AUTOMATIC SWIMMING POOL COVERS

Founded in 1995, Technics & Applications (T&A) is now one of the leading pool cover manufacturers in Europe. Their AquaTop

solution has become a wellknown brand and the reason why is quite obvious – it has become unthinkable and even unreasonable having a pool without a cover.

AquaTop offers safety, cuts 80% of heating costs and minimises the use of chemicals when the pool is covered. AquaTop is an automatic slatted cover with profiles made out of PVC or polycarbonate. The new ‘premium clean profile’ is one of the most insulating profiles on the market with a U-value of 3,8 W/m²K. It’s a 4-chamber extruded profile manufactured from PC with a very high resistance to hailstones; optimised UV resistance and increased buoyancy making the pool cover extremely safe. Because of the special hinge and openings in the end caps, maintenance and cleaning are minimised offering full comfort.

T&A offers a wide range of top mounted and integrated covers. In new pools the

automatic pool cover and its mechanism can be perfectly integrated making it invisible when the cover is closed.

As a pool cover is an important product and investment for the future, T&A choose to offer the best quality product only using high performance raw materials and stainless steel and by doing so they ensure a long life span and durability. On top of this, the company only sell their products through their

professional network of dealers/installers. It’s the combination of quality and service that makes AquaTop a reliable product improving the quality of life of its user.

AQUATRAC – BRITISH INNOVATION THAT’S AUTOMATICALLY GREENER

An automatic cover is no longer a casual addition for a high-end domestic swimming pool project – it’s now all about the detail. Reduced freeboards, level tracks to suit deck level pools. Infinity pools with horizontal tracks to infinity wall, vertical tracks to freeboard wall, pit covers and housings to suit and all manner of custom designs in between. One hundred per cent safety is expected, but ease of operation, energy reductions and superb aesthetics are now equally important.

Aquatrac is one of a number of companies leading the way with innovative designs and solutions for increasingly demanding

CASE STUDY

architects, designers and end users. The company is the only cover provider to offer high impact PVC tracks (offering considerable benefits over the original aluminium designs) in a variety of colours to complement the everincreasing range of superior cover materials. Pit covering details have been honed to deliver, limestone, granite or virtually any special requirement to match surrounding floors with the minimum impact on water levels. The emphasis is to provide greener, cost saving benefits through a quality safety cover.

On outdoor pools the elimination of rainwater entering the pool when the cover is closed considerably reduces chemical, heating and maintenance costs. On indoor pools, there is additional saving in the reduction of air heating costs as the air temperature can be set back whenever the cover is closed and a considerable reduction in humidity control as the cover effectively seals the pool surface (which on less effectively covered pools

constitutes a large part of energy costs). Little cleaning is required and virtually no scale build up, something often experienced with slatted covers.

Aquatrac covers are still manufactured in the UK using only the best components available and there’s never been a better time to buy a wholly British owned and manufactured cover where prices have remained steadfast, in sharp contrast to those in Europe and beyond!

CUTTING-EDGE COVREX® AUTOMATIC POOL COVER FROM FAIRLOCKS

Hailed as one of, if not the only fully insulated automatic swimming pool cover on the market, the Covrex® from Fairlocks just keeps getting better. With remote control as standard, it really does offer so much more than other less end-user friendly slatted covers.

The choice of slat colour includes the no nonsense and contemporary ‘steel grey’ and the cool and smooth ‘cream/white’. Customers have the choice of four attractive shades, with no extra being added for this, so there is bound to be one that brings perfect harmony to any pool area.

Of course it is not just about aesthetics and the key word around any pool is that of safety. The strength of the Covrex® slats, plus inimitable installation techniques ensures that Covrex® pool covers are fully compliant under strict French safety standards NF P 90-308 appertaining to pool covers.

Covrex® slats are solid from end to end and have an average thermal conductivity of l= 0.12 W/(m*K) providing far less heat loss than hollow slats. With in-built all year round weather resistance, Covrex® slats withstand extremes of temperature and still maintain their flexibility, so the cover does not need to be protected by an additional layer or removed from the pool even in temperatures

NEPTUNE AND CERTIKIN COME UP WITH GRAND DESIGNS

The brief was simple: a large, luxurious in-ground tiled pool that is cost effective to operate. Executing it was not quite so simple but as the pictures reveal, Hampshire pool dealer, Neptune Swimming Pools, with a little help from Certikin, achieved a fantastic result and a very satisfied customer!

One of the cost effective finishing touches to the project would be the inclusion of an automatic cover.

“After careful consideration, a Coverstar safety cover was commissioned with an in wall track system, housed in a pit at the back of one end, covered with heavy duty lid trays and extended brackets so the floor tiles could continue across the cover pit. The Certikin engineers were even able to reverse the boom, so it was

set lower across the pool and therefore hidden when the cover was off the pool.

Once the pool was filled, the Coverstar was installed and the system commissioned,” said Neptune’s Managing Director Lee Campbell who added: “As this was our first large indoor pool project, I had no

hesitation in speaking to the Certikin team for advice and guidance which was very forthcoming. This project has been one of largest projects to date and to see it from humble beginnings to its completion has been both a headache (at times) and an absolute pleasure. I would like to pass on special thanks to Ryan Collins, in the Coverstar department for his patience, understanding and professionalism, especially with the client changing his mind several times at the eleventh hour.”

Campbell Pools Ltd T/A Neptune Swimming Pools 023 8090 0106

www.neptuneswimmingpools.co.uk

Certikin International 01993 778855 www.certikin.co.uk

This indoor pool is looking good and safely and seamlessly covered with an Aquatrac automatic pool cover

as low as -20°C. Conversely the slats keep their shape in temperatures of up to +70°C.

With no end caps to fall off or attract dirt, Covrex® profiles have flexible polyurethane joints and no gaps, thus preventing dirt and algae of taking hold. Covrex® can also boast a perfect fit, as the cover is finished on-site so that sizing is precise no matter what shape is required; simply cut the foam filled slat to suit any pool size or shape.

The brand new superior Solar+ slat has been added to the Covrex® range this year. This innovative slat is the result of extensive research and development, using ultra strong Polycarbonate (16 times more resistant than PVC) and is produced in a sleek new silver finish which helps make condensation almost invisible.

NEARLY HALF A CENTURY OF AUTOMATIC COVER MANUFACTURING

Automatic pool cover specialist OASE has nearly 50 years of auto cover experience and is emphasising its high-end and sustainable solutions for covering indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The company underlines the fact that its covers are custom-made, economical (reducing heating costs by a claimed 80%), safe and comfortable.

The company’s products are carefully constructed from only the finest quality materials. The spindle and suspension are entirely produced from stainless steel and the pool covers can operate by an external motor or by a motor in the reel.

Bespoke OASE pool covers can be placed on every type of swimming pool –from new build concrete, to one-piece and right through to kit pools of wood or metal construction and cover all eventualities by offering both below and above-ground systems.

When it comes to slats, apart from its regular PVC offering, OASE has been exporting a range of high quality polycarbonate slats for pool covers over

the last ten years. These slats are available in three profile types: there’s a standard 60mm profile, a popular 83mm profile, and the latest addition, a 63mm profile which is available in their TOP-UV option which features a tri-extrusion process that adds an extra protection layer, extruded on the pool cover profile, to make the slats more resistant against UV and storm damage. With safety hinges, anti-algae solar and silver

solar options available too, there’s plenty of choice on offer.

The same is true when it comes to colours with two new shades of blue (Blue Lagoon and Sky Blue) having been added recently to the company’s offering.

Still on aesthetics, the Prestige Silver Solar option features a semi-transparent silver coating which lets sunlight pass through but which obscures vision, meaning any condensation within the slats is no longer visible.

DRIPOOL – DISPLAYING THE BEST OF BRITISH

When Dripool produced their first safety cover way back in 1985, an automatic cover for a swimming pool was considered a luxury item. Fast forward to 2017 and that same cover is considered the norm or even essential.

Having supplied covers of all shapes and types of pool throughout the UK and beyond, Dripool feel ultimately qualified to manage customer expectations and meet their many and varied requirements. It is their experience that the inclusion of an automatic, continuous membrane cover should make owning a swimming pool a more pleasurable experience, offering the user many additional benefits including:

On outdoor pools the elimination of rainwater entering the pool when the cover is closed considerably reduces chemical, heating and maintenance costs”

The cutting edge (literally) Covrex® automatic pool cover from Fairlocks compliments the ambience and contemporary good looks of this pool

Nestled attractively in surrounding gardens this outdoor pool benefits from complete safety whilst not in use courtesy of Dripool

Blue Lagoon and Sky Blue are the two newest colour options in OASE’s slat offering

• Quick and easy access to the pool

• Crystal clear water at all times by ensuring all debris stays out of the pool

• Free heat by utilising the sun’s rays to warm the pool water.

These are some of the day-to-day advantages of owning an automatic cover but the pool owner will also benefit in the pocket, greatly reducing heating and chemical bills. In most instances, the main reason for supplying a continuous membrane, auto cover is safety, allowing the customer, total peace of mind that the pool area is completely safe when not in use. All Dripool systems are operated with push buttons and key switch which, when removed, renders the cover locked and safe.

With over 30 years’ experience as designers and manufacturers of automatic swimming pool covers, Dripool offer a hand holding, consultative approach from inception through completion to guarantee every project is successful. Once complete, their service team take over ensuring continual support, with direct access to out of hours technical advice, annual servicing and a team of fully trained, fully stocked, in house engineers available throughout the UK.

As a British manufacturer, using predominantly British suppliers, their homegrown products are almost Brexit proof and they have taken the bold step to hold last year’s pricing for the next 12 months.

GOLDEN COAST HAS YOU COVERED

With hundreds of slatted pool covers needing replacing in the UK every year, it could be a smart choice for pool companies to take a closer look at DEL’s collection of automatic covers.

Available exclusively through Golden Coast, the largest independent retailer of products to the UK wet leisure industry, DEL

automatic slatted covers are suitable for most requirements for both in-ground and aboveground pools, can be retro-fitted to existing pool builds.

What’s more, specialists will be on hand to explain the unrivalled technical support Golden Coast provides: from guidance on measuring and installation to after sales opportunities.

According to Golden Coast, the greatest opportunity for installers in 2017, is in automatic slatted cover replacements. DEL’s incredibly popular range of replacement slats work with 99% of existing covers – allowing installers to upgrade nearly any cover –affordably – regardless of make or model.

Slats can be cut to the exact pool dimensions to account for features like steps or roman ends and come in a range of colours. With four colour options are available for solid PVC slats and five colours for translucent polycarbonate slats, there’s something to meet every taste.

Golden Coast Managing Director Jamie Adams said: “The sheer versatility of DEL has made them one of our most popular lines. It’s a rare case where a jack-of-all-trades is also a master.”

POOLLOCK PROVIDES A SOLID BARRIER

With over 30 years of experience, and installations in over 20 countries, PoolLock is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of automatic safety and slatted covers for swimming pools. PoolLock’s unique hydraulic-drive system means that pool owners do not need to have any electrical components near the pool. The electrical power pack used to operate the cover and drive the two hydraulic motors can be placed as far from the pool as required.

Opening and closing the pool is as easy as turning a key switch.

PoolLock safety covers provide a solid barrier between the water and surrounding area, effectively preventing any access to the water and making them some of the safest covers on the market. In addition, all PoolLock covers will reduce the amount of heat, water and chemicals lost through evaporation, saving pool owners money on electricity and chemical usage.

PoolLock covers represent an elegant and stylish way to cover the pool. Custom-made to fit almost any size or shape of pool, whether residential or commercial, indoor or outdoor. Customers can choose from an extensive range of automatic and manual options to suit all requirements and budgets. PoolLock Automatic Covers offer a safe, convenient and reliable way to cover a variety of swimming pools.

Aquatrac 01268 571515

www.aquatrac.co.uk

Dripool 02380 663131

www.dripool.co.uk

Fairlocks Pool Products 01865 988346

www.fairlocks.co.uk

Golden Coast 01271 378100

www.goldenc.com

OASE +32 5733 3366

www.oase.be

PoolLock 01293 774414

www.poollock.com

T&A

+32 1423 7495

www.t-and-a.be

This well fitted DEL Ultima automatic pool cover compliments the clean lines of this outdoor pool whilst providing completely sealed safety

PoolLock ensures pools are safe and secure for children of all ages

WE CAN TURN YOUR DREAM POOL INTO A REALITY!

Whether you require pure relaxation or demanding swim training, RivieraPool has a model to suit your needs. As one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of one piece pools, and with a wide variety of widths and lengths, we are almost certainly going to have a design to suit your requirements.

RivieraPool, made in Germany since 1970, provide a 20 year structural warranty giving you confidence and peace of mind for years to come.

Visit www.pools.de or call us to arrange a trip to our amazing showroom in Northwest Germany.

A project by Rio Pool Construction Co, RivieraPool partners in the UK

One-Piece Pool Convenience

The one-piece pool market is one which has gone from strength to strength over recent years and their popularity can be put down to competetive pricing combined with quick and relatively straight forward installation plus low ongoing maintenance. With fitting and equipment including the plumbing in place and ready to go, they cause the minimum amount of fuss and installation disruption. Even access challenges are rarely an issue thanks to an array of creative delivery methods and options to split the pool and join it again on site.

And if time really does equal money, it’s no surprise that both owners and installers are welcoming and embracing the one-piece solutions on offer.

Add to the convenience

By Jon Wadeson

engineering strength, which has been greatly improved over recent years, a now massive range of finishing options plus impressive peace of mind warranties, and it’s difficult to see any downside to these wonderful forms of construction which can often last up to 50 years. It’s a package which for many, is just too tempting to turn down.

Their numerous benefits mean that the market for one-piece and fibreglass pools has continued to grow and the popularity of these products hasn’t gone unnoticed by a wider range of manufacturers and distributors. 2017 sees a number of new brands entering the UK market this year – each of which is hoping to

enjoy some of the action within the bouyant sector – and this, we take a look at the onepiece wonders that are available this year.

BOSTA UK ADDS ONE-PIECE POOL RANGE FOR 2017

Driven by their customers desire for efficient and profitable solutions in pool building, Bosta UK are proud to introduce a range of one-piece fibreglass swimming pools which have been designed to open up a wider market of potential owners whilst providing the means for pool builders to take on more projects each year than ever before.

Bosta’s pools range from 4.5 metres up to 8 metres and are available in various designs to offer pool owners the ideal set up for their requirements. Further options include metallic paint and additional spray on foam insulation up to 40mm in thickness (1520mm comes as standard). Bosta can offer pre-cut holes in the positions needed that have been coated with anti-osmosis layering to increase the longevity of the pool.

The design of the Bosta pool range has been developed specifically for the Scandinavian market which is exposed to extreme weather conditions, therefore it is ideally suited for the UK’s more moderate climate. The TÜV approved gel coating

The design of the Bosta pool range has been developed specifically for the Scandinavian market, therefore it is ideally suited for the UK’s more moderate climate

Fairlocks Pool Products are delighted to expand its range of products with the inclusion of the amazing LPW Ceramic One-piece Pool range

Improved production techniques combined with quality materials plus the huge benefit of being able to be installed in a matter of days rather than weeks means that for many, one-piece pools are the perfect solution for a hassle-free pool build experience. Add in some impressive warranties and it’s easy to see why they have been embraced by both customers and installers alike. We discover what’s on the market for the 2017 season

offers long term resistance to chlorine, UV radiation and temperature. The nine layer manufacturing process is strengthened by steel inserts along the midsection and steps which provide a robustly constructed pool to withstand water pressures and the rigours of transporation.

Bosta UK are also offering complete pool kits including heat pump, pool pump and filter with Hayward white goods that can be supplied with the pool to make life easy for retailers and installers. Bosta UK are ready to assist with any enquiries and with their amazingly competetive prices on both the filtration and heating equipment, along with the pools themselves, they can offer one of the most affordable, high quality pools on the UK market in 2017.

FAIRLOCKS EXPANDS ITS PRODUCT RANGE WITH CERAMIC POOLS FROM LPW

Fairlocks Pool Products are delighted to expand its range of products with the inclusion of the amazing LPW Ceramic One-piece Pool range. With the increasing popularity of the one-piece concept, thanks to their increasingly competitive pricing combined with their speed and ease of installation, they are expecting to take the UK pool market by storm. The LPW Ceramic pool is part of a family of products produced by the Belgium Company LPW Corporate that also manufactures the well-known Covrex® Safety Cover.

The LPW Ceramic pool is well known for its integrated honeycomb insulation as well as the Covrex® safety cover, a tried and tested system. The six layer shell offers strength and rigidity as well as a choice of insulation thicknesses that are built into the structure.

The pools are available in a variety of styles, the majority of which are available in a choice of two finishes. Customers choosing the ‘Pleasure Line’ option will benefit from LPW

quality and know-how at the best price along with a 20 year warranty. When budget is not key, customers have the ‘Comfort Line’ option which will provide the most upmarket pool possible thanks to a wider range of options and accessories. The Comfort Line comes with a 30 year warranty. This combination of pools and finishes means there are options for a variety of tastes and budgets.

Fairlocks, working with LPW, introduced the Covrex® Safety Cover system in the UK during 2010 and are pleased to have been given the opportunity to extend their product offering with the inclusion of the competitively priced pool range. The company are now looking for installer partners throughout the UK to create a ‘Dream Team’ that can drive sales forward in the years ahead. The Team will have access to the unique online lead generating system as well as training opportunities at the Belgium factory.

CUSTOM-BUILT MONOPOOLS FROM NIVEKO

With 20 years of experience, over 70 qualified employees, and with more than 450 pools now installed every year, for the time since its formation, monopools producer NIVEKO can proudly state that it has gained both confidence and favour with a wide range of customers from all over Europe. The company’s success is in part thanks to its continuous monitoring of trends and the utilisation of state-of-the-art technologies, resulting in the NIVEKO brand becoming synonymous with pools which display uncompromising quality.

Available through their exclusive UK partner Certikin, the product portfolio of NIVEKO contains a variety of one-piece pools including skimmer, overflow and vanishing edge options which are always designed according to the customer’s individual requirements – to the required dimensions, shape, colour and equipment. All the pools have 30mm of insulation and can be supplied with a slatted automatic cover to help minimise heat loss and associated running costs.

When it comes to delivery, the majority of NIVEKO pools are transported directly to site as single-piece pool from the NIVEKO production facility. Naturally, lights, nozzles and other built-in options are installed and put through pressure tests.

This straightforward delivery method will depend on the size of pool produced and the transportation options, and if the pool is unable to be transported in a single piece, the prearranged pool parts are assembled at the customer’s place within two days.

The main aim of the company’s philosophy is to find the perfect combination of comfort, unique design and timeless technologies so that each NIVEKO pool can fulfil expectations of the customer both now, as well as in the future.

NIVEKO’s success is in part thanks to its continuous monitoring of trends and the utilisation of state-of-the-art technologies

The LPW Ceramic pool is part of a family of products produced by the Belgium Company LPW Corporate that also manufactures the well-known Covrex® Safety Cover

RIVIERAPOOL HAVE THE RIGHT CHOICE, WHATEVER THE POOL USE

Whether a customer requires pure relaxation or demanding swim training, the use of a pool determines the choice of the entry step and therefore the overall pool design. RivieraPool, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of one-piece pools, is almost certainly going to have a model to suit your requirements.

How you enter the pool is one of the most important choices a prospective swimming pool owner will make. It shows the style of pool you are about to swim in.

A sports pool provides space to exercise and swim therefore a clean, simple stair or maybe just a ladder is sufficient. The RivieraPool Classic or Ancona models suit this style of pool perfectly. Whereas a leisure pool has a more flamboyant stair, with its relaxation area, including jets and massage station, fully incorporated. RivieraPool’s Linear and New Modena range work better for this.

The next consideration is safety. The large, sure footed, clearly marked treads have an anti-slip surface to give security as well as an external handrail to bring a focal point to the entry area. RivieraPool has elegant steps, as well as timeless classics, models to suit all tastes – in total, RivieraPool has nine models. The most popular of these are the Ancona, the Linear and their New Modena.

RivieraPools are available from 2.4m, 3.2m, 3.7m wide as standard, with the extra large ‘XL’ at 4.7m wide. There is also a choice of lengths, starting at 5.2m and going up to 12.5m in one-piece and there’s also the ability to join pool shells too.

A RivieraPool is not a run of the mill moulded GRP pool shell, they are beautifully hand crafted in the company’s purpose-built factory in northwest Germany. Each pool is made to the customers’ individual choice, with seven colours to choose from and an endless amount of options and additional features, from rivulet water streams to infinity edges.

A SOLID FEEL WITH LEISURE POOLS’ COMPOSITE ARMOUR™ TECHNOLOGY

Leisure Pools has never been satisfied with just building a good swimming pool. Their aim has always been to build the best composite pool. The company’s continued investment in research and development has resulted in what they consider to be the world’s best composite swimming pool and as a result, offer a Lifetime Structural Warranty and a Lifetime Structural Osmosis Warranty on all of their swimming pools. They are the only manufacturer that offers this warranty.

Leisure Pools believes that when you step into a swimming pool or sit on a bench in a swimming pool it needs to feel solid. Although traditional fibreglass pools provide the feature of flexibility, they also have the weakness of not feeling solid under foot as the pool shell is designed to flex.

Leisure Pools through its Composite

Armour™ Step Technology™ has been able to reduce step and bench deflection providing a ‘solid’ foundation for entry and exit steps compared with normally

NIVEKO – A POOL FOR THE 21ST CENTURY CASE STUDY

Concrete and liner methods of swimming pool construction, of course, have their rightful place but both can be time consuming. If it’s a pool you want, and right now, nothing is quicker than a onepiece pool. As Ian Dolan found out when local pool specialists IED Installations Ltd installed this beautiful NIVEKO pool at his home in the north-west.

“I was attracted to a one-piece pool simply because I don’t have the time to see through to completion the construction of a traditional pool and after making the decision to have a pool, I wanted it to be up and running like tomorrow!” said Ian. “For me, there is only one, one-piece pool… the NIVEKO. It wins hands down on quality,

functionality and stunning good looks.”

Within weeks of placing the order, an 8m x 3.7m pool with full width steps was duly delivered to Ian’s home near Liverpool and some three weeks later the family were swimming in their back garden.

“To me, the NIVEKO is a no-brainer,”

said Ian. “The costs of a NIVEKO compare favourably to a traditional build and they are a solid unit so there’s no problems with leaks. Plus, I have the reassurance that it comes with a ten year warranty.

“Installation was very straightforward and coming as it does, pre-piped and prewired, significantly saves on installation costs. I feel I have a tailor made pool as there are so many different models and colour permutations.”

Certikin International 01993 778855

www.certikin.co.uk

IED Installations Ltd 0151 427 8500 www.ied-uk.com

Each RivieraPool is beautifully hand crafted in the company’s purpose-built factory in northwest Germany

… the market for one-piece and fibreglass pools has continued to grow and the popularity of these products hasn’t gone unnoticed by a wider range of manufacturers and distributors”

constructed fibreglass pools.

The Composite Armour™ Step Technology™ provides the customer with a feeling of a solid foundation whilst still maintaining the many benefits of structural flexibility in the design of the swimming pool shell. This patented technology is designed to reinforce the composite swimming pool significantly with a strategically integrated laminate that consists of a blend of DuPont™ Kevlar®, Carbon Fibre and Basalt Fibre. By using Composite Armour™ in the pool shell laminate, Leisure Pools have been able to achieve tremendous improvement in flexural and tensile strength compared with normally constructed fibreglass pools.

A number of new models have been added to the Leisure Pools range in 2017 including additions to the popular Cube series, all of which are available on a nationwide basis from Easy Pools.

SUNQUEST POOLS – THE NEW DEDICATED TRADE NAME FOR SUNDANCE POOLS

Having worked with trade customers all over the UK throughout Sundance Pools’ 20 year history, rising demand and appreciation for one-piece pools has led the company to launch a dedicated brand for trade distributors – Sunquest Pools.

Sunquest Pools’ broad range of one-piece fibreglass pools are all UK-manufactured, involving much shorter lead times than imported pool shells along with associated lower transport costs. Being manufactured locally in the UK also protects the products from currency fluctuations, enabling Sunquest Pools to offer their trade customers both competitive and consistent price structures.

Sunquest Pools’ largest one-piece pool, the Sunquest 36, measures 11m by 4.3m

Sunquest Pools’ broad range of one-piece fibreglass pools are all UK-manufactured, involving much shorter lead times and lower transport costs

and features a deep and shallow end plus integral corner entry steps for maximum swim space. Manufactured in precision moulded fibreglass, the Sunquest range of pools all come with a ten-year warranty and offers all the benefits of a high-quality one-piece swimming pool – sustainable running costs, quick installation and minimal maintenance requirements.

The Sunquest 30 was launched in 2016 to meet the ever-evolving demands of both retail and trade pool customers. Being 4 metres wide and 9 metres long, the Sunquest 30 allows room for two swimming lanes and features skimmers installed into the pool sides for adding safety covers too. In contrast to the Sunquest 36, the Sunquest 30 model

is a flat-bottomed model, measuring 1.5 metres deep at both ends. Both models can be designed and manufactured to include an integral roller pit for housing a slatted pool cover seamlessly.

Manufacturing one-piece pools to order means that Sunquest Pools can offer a broader range of specifications, colour and finish options than many other suppliers, thanks to the quality of fibreglass engineering and manufacturing technology available here in the UK. Short lead times are therefore standard with all Sunquest models, as well as the competitive and consistent prices– all of which are key benefits of choosing UK production over imported models. SPN

FOR FURTHER DETAILS:

Bosta UK 01935 385933

www.bosta.co.uk

Easy Pools (Leisure Pools) 01444 411376

www.swimpools.co.uk

Fairlocks Pool Products 01865 988346

www.lpwpools.co.uk

NIVEKO s.r.o.

+420 572 693 246

www.niveko-pools.com

RivieraPool

+49 (0) 593 7660

www.rivierapool.com

Sunquest Pools 07436 266536

www.sunquestpools.co.uk

Featuring a Lifetime Structural Warranty and Lifetime Structural Osmosis Warranty, Leisure Pools are available nationwide through Easy Pools

Celebrating Industry Excellence Across Europe in 2016

With four British companies receiving recognition, we highlight the winners of the 2016 EUSA Awards, which were presented in February at Forum Piscine in Bologna, Italy

Each year, the EUSA (European Union of Swimming Pool and Spa Associations) holds an awards event to celebrate the amazing work of the National Association members. EUSA events are usually held at different European pool and spa exhibitions. The 2016 awards were held at Forum Piscine in Bologna, Italy on Friday 17 February, where 15 winners spread across 14 EUSA member countries were announced.

EUSA represents approximately 2,500 companies from all areas along the supply chain, adding value to swimming pool and spa businesses. It represents craftsmen, distributors

and manufacturers and the industry of the swimming pool and spa businesses across Europe. The awards were judged by top industry professionals who represented the 14 countries which belong to the association.

The 2016 awards showcase the best examples of construction, design and innovation across the European swimming pool and pool sectors. The awards consisted of five categories, each made up of Gold, Silver and Bronze winners.

Four UK based companies picked up awards and it was a clean sweep for the UK in the ‘Domestic Hot Tubs’ category. The full list of winners of the 2016 EUSA Awards is:

DOMESTIC OUTDOOR POOLS

Gold: Diffazur Piscines, France

Silver: RE-HE Schwimmbadbau, Germany

Bronze: Piscines Carre Bleu

International, France

DOMESTIC INDOOR POOLS

Gold: MLZ Haustechnik, Germany

Silver: Rockingham Swimming

Pools, UK

Bronze: Aqua System Solutions

L’esprit piscines, France

DOMESTIC SPAS

Gold: Diffazur Piscines, France

Silver: Sankurt Insaat A.S, Turkey

Bronze: Diffazur Piscines, France

DOMESTIC HOT TUBS

Gold: Complete Spas, UK

Silver: Welsh Hot Tubs, UK

Bronze: Euphoria Lifestyle, UK

DOMESTIC ENCLOSURES

Gold: Abrisud, France

Silver: Abrisud, France

Bronze: Concept Alu, France

Founded in 2006, EUSA is registered in Brussels and spearheaded by the current President Andreas Petridis.

EUSA’s objective is to strengthen and co-ordinate the spirit of European unity between all its members and the voice of the wet leisure industry across Europe.

Andreas Petridis, commented: “I am extremely proud to be at the helm through these exciting times for EUSA, as we celebrate for the fourth time the European swimming pool and spa awards. The calibre of competition entries was outstanding, providing an exceptional opportunity to celebrate our industry and share best practice like never before.”

Moving forward for 2017, the influence of EUSA and the combined support of its membership countries are sure to have a fantastic impact on the industry. The message is clear in providing wet leisure companies across Europe with a reason to celebrate their achievements and the opportunity to promote pool and spa equipment as an exciting and inspiring lifestyle choice to consumers.

SPN would like to congratulate all the winners of the 2016 EUSA Awards, and across the following pages, highlight the successful entries from around Europe.

DOMESTIC OUTDOOR POOLS Gold Winner: Diffazur Piscines, France

DOMESTIC HOT TUBS Silver Award: Welsh Hot Tubs, UK

DOMESTIC HOT TUBS Gold Award: Complete Spas, UK

DOMESTIC OUTDOOR POOLS Bronze Winner: Piscines Carre Bleu International, France

DOMESTIC INDOOR POOLS Gold Winner: MLZ Haustechnik, Germany

The calibre of competition entries was outstanding, providing an exceptional opportunity to celebrate our industry and share best practice like never before”

DOMESTIC INDOOR POOLS Silver Winner: Rockingham Swimming Pools, UK

DOMESTIC HOT TUBS Bronze Award: Euphoria Lifestyle, UK

DOMESTIC INDOOR POOLS Bronze Winner: Aqua System Solutions L’esprit piscines, France

DOMESTIC SPAS Gold Winner: Diffazur Piscines, France

DOMESTIC SPAS Silver Winner: Sankurt Insaat A.S, Turkey

DOMESTIC ENCLOSURES Gold Winner: Abrisud, France

DOMESTIC ENCLOSURES Silver Winner: Abrisud, France

DOMESTIC ENCLOSURES Bronze Winner: Concept Alu, France

DOMESTIC OUTDOOR POOLS Silver Winner: RE-HE Schwimmbadbau, Germany

DOMESTIC SPAS Bronze Winner: Diffazur Piscines, France

Renovated Miami Hotel Spa Full Of Tradition, Yet Ahead Of Its Time

Experts are predicting that the spa and wellness market in the US will experience radical change in the coming years – away from a concentration on cosmetic treatments and massages and towards a holistic European spa tradition that focuses on improving health and well-being.

This trend is illustrated perfectly after a complete renovation of the Saxony Hotel in Miami which was recently re-opened as the Faena Hotel and features new spa area designed and supplied by wellness experts KLAFS.

In the Faena, the guests are presented with a facility that offers all major spa traditions – the Scandinavian sauna tradition, the Roman tradition of the steam bath and the Oriental tradition of the hammam – in a luxurious, extravagant setting. They can experience a fascinating spa journey through all facets of wellness treatments, some of which have been tried and tested for millennia, and experience the beneficial forces of water, heat, nurturing

substances and stimulating or soothing scents on their own body. For those who would rather not do without the cosmetic applications that are so typical for American wellness hotels, about another dozen treatment rooms are also provided.

The new offering makes the Faena a forerunner of a major trend predicted by experts for the American spa market. As in Europe, the subject of prevention, meaning

the conscious personal engagement for improved health and wellbeing, will also become a very important topic in the US. And which hotel can credibly and sensibly implement this aspect in its spa areas will play a major role in the future.

KLAFS GmbH & Co. KG +49 791 5010

www.klafs.com

Darlly Announces Spanish Distribution Deal Hundreds Of Customers See Fluidra’s Facilities In 2016

Darlly Europe is delighted to announce the appointment of Dorsan Filtración, S.L as the distributor for their range of replacement pool and spa cartridges in Spain.

A representative of Darlly Europe said of the new relationship: “We are delighted to be entering into this new arrangement with Dorsan Filtración. They have a rich history of filtration excellence, and a clear vision for where they want to go in the future. We see this partnership with Dorsan Filtración as a perfect complement to our existing distribution network, as well as a strong presence in its own right they bring expertise and unbridled enthusiasm to the new dynamic relationship. We’re looking forward to a very successful future together.”

Domingo Sánchez of Dorsan Filtración added: “We are very pleased to commence this commercial relationship with Darlly Europe who are European leaders in pool & spa filtration.

“Their recognised products will add a significant important value to our offer of solutions for liquid filtration business.

“Our distribution agreement will bring the number one selling pool and spa filters to our customers, we will provide the easiest way to obtain the best and faster service into Spanish market.

“Our team is happy and proud to join the Darlly Europe distribution network and to promote Darlly’s high quality filter products.

“We have instigated plans to develop our partnership and to initiate growth opportunities for both companies in our markets.”

Darlly hold 40,000 filters in stock in the UK and are the number one selling filter cartridge brand for pools and spas in Europe. Dorsan Filtración will hold extensive stock in Spain to meet demands for the local market.

Darlly Europe

01952 580500

www.darllyeurope.com

With the goal of seeing the production process and learning more about Fluidra’s products, over 500 customers visited a number of the company’s production centres and a selection of its emblematic facilities in 2016.

The factory tours are organised by Fluidra’s Marketing Department and supported by the technical departments in each group company.

The tours involve groups of between five and 20 people visiting some of Fluidra’s factories so that they can see first-hand the production processes at some of the group’s companies: Poltank, the filtration specialist; Sacopa, the company focused on injection-moulded and lighting materials; Metalast, a centre of excellence in pumps and stainless

steel; and, lastly, Cepex, a leader in fluid handling. The tours are complemented with training activities for visitors to find out more about the advantages of about Fluidra’s products, which they can also see up and running at cutting-edge facilities such as the High Performance Sports Centre for elite athletes in Sant Cugat and the Caldea–Inúu Wellness Centre in Andorra.

The outcome has been very positive as Álvaro Cañada, Product Manager of Commercial Pools & Wellness, explained: “We have the privilege of having our production plants in the country, close to our customers. The Fluidra Factory Tours are one of the best ways of showing our customers our production processes, including our exhaustive quality controls, and our wide range of products.”

2016 was the third year running of this initiative, which so far has received visits from more than 1,000 professionals from 20 different countries.

Images courtesy of Faena Hotel, Miami Beach (USA)/Nik Koenig

NFOE / HCMA Consortium Awarded Complexe Aquatique de Laval Project

BARCELONA SHOW PREPARES FOR AN EVENT DEFINED BY GROWTH

Piscina & Wellness Barcelona is preparing its next edition with a good outlook for growth in line with the revival in demand in the Spanish market. With ten months to go, the show has already reserved 70% of its planned area and the presence of more than 130 companies from 12 countries has been confirmed. With space being hired at this rate, the organisers expect to bring together more than 310 exhibitors at the show and to occupy a net area of 13,500 sq. m., 10% more than in the previous edition.

Organised by Fira de Barcelona in collaboration with the Spanish Association of Swimming Pool Sector Professionals (ASOFAP), the show takes place in Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via area from 17 to 20 October 2017.

AUSTRALIAN WATER PARK TO GET ENERGY OVERHAUL

Australia’s WhiteWater World on the Gold Coast is set for a major overhaul of the water heating systems of its 30 slides, water rides and pools.

EvoEnergy will provide the energy-efficient system upgrade which will continue to heat the water to 27°C year-round, while cutting carbon emissions by more than 35%.

“The EvoHeat CS200GEN2 technology will allow us to monitor and remotely control all aspects of the water heating plant to ensure maximum comfort for our guests all year round,” said Troy Margretts, General Manager, park operations Dreamworld, WhiteWater World.

In total, 19 heat pumps will provide up to 3,610 kW heating capacity, vastly improved energy efficiency and a reduction in running costs of more than 70%. In addition, the technology’s smart control and monitoring capabilities will also boost operational efficiencies.

The NFOE / HCMA consortium, comprised NFOE et associés architectes from Montreal and HCMA Architecture + Design from Vancouver, has announced that it has been awarded the Complexe Aquatique de Laval through a juried design competition. The design, which was unanimously selected from four finalists, was unveiled to the public at a ceremony held on 18 January in Laval, Quebec.

The new aquatic complex will be a striking circular form that transforms its site into a vital civic centre and will offer a unique experience for recreation and competitive swimmers alike. The winning proposal is based on three primary objectives – maintaining the vitality of the site’s ecosystem as an essential part of the city’s network of forested areas, creating an experience of swimming within a forest, and developing a scheme based on efficient use of resources.

Tucked into an existing clearing adjacent to an urban forest, the design’s primary conceptual thread is creating a close relationship with nature. Through careful placement of the building and the

considerate layout of the three primary pools, patrons will have the experience of swimming in nature. Through carefully considered glass walls, skylights and a ‘natural’ roof terrace, the forest and natural light is brought deep into the heart of the building. Interior pathways offer unexpected views toward the pools and the exterior forest ensuring that the building is not ‘next to nature’, it is part of it. Its shape, structure and skin are designed to celebrate the forest.

The layout supports a wide range of activities with the recreation pool separated from the competitive 50m pool and 25m dive tank giving flexibility to how the facility can be operated and controlled.

The facility has ambitious sustainability goals and targets LEED Gold certification, maximising energy-efficiency as well as water conservation and highlighting the importance of protecting natural ecosystems. Wood will be highlighted within, through both structure and finishes.

NIVEKO Get Closer To Business Partners With Europe-wide Tour

At the beginning of February, the NIVEKO team headed off on the 2017 NIVEKO Tour all around Europe, where the pool company presented its business partners with the latest updates and important news for the 2017 season.

NIVEKO visited more than ten major European cities, from Stockholm through Frankfurt to Vienna, where it presented its new product portfolio, artwork and graphics incorporating the new NIVEKO branding, the company website and its catalogues for the coming season.

One important stop on the tour was a two-day meeting at the Witney, Oxfordshire based offices of NIVEKO’s exclusive partner for the UK –Certikin International. There, representatives from both companies presented the complete NIVEKO product portfolio, including technical information for new business partners on how to install the company’s swimming pools.

Thanks to the numerous and highly productive discussions that accompanied the individual meetings, the company believes that the main objective of the NIVEKO Tour has been accomplished – i.e. to get closer to business partners and pass on all the important information for what NIVEKO hope will be a successful season.

Images courtesy of City of Laval

NIVEKO’s tour around Europe included stops in the UK and (above) Belgium

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What’s New Online

With online sources providing more information than ever before, we highlight new or updated websites and companies that have started within the industry

Golden Coast has launched a brand new mobile and tablet friendly website, which provides its UK customers with a onestop shop for their sales, technical and marketing needs. Jamie Adams, Golden Coast’s Managing Director said: “It allows access to our huge online web shop and our entire company archive of brand and product information, including brochures, data sheets, manuals, instructions and FAQs, all the kinds of things that customers need at the click of a mouse.”

The slick new site features all the latest industry news and insights, instructional videos and engineering tutorials. Customers can open a trade account, organise product demos and use it as a live shop window for the latest special offers too. Visit www.goldenc.com

SRS Leisure have launched a newly redesigned website, with a bold new look thanks to contemporary corporate branding and an enhanced navigation experience. A simplified menu bar gives visitors quick access to key information such as About Us, Services, Brands, and Customers. Much more imagery features on the new website and banners will be continuously updated. A Gallery draws directly from the SRS Instagram account to showcases products, retail displays, customer case studies and more. SRS have also introduced a blog where you can read about the latest facilities the company is working with, athletes they are supporting, and events they are attending. Most importantly, the website is now mobile and tablet optimised to give everyone the best browsing experience. Visit www.srsleisure.com

An online store called Gecko Depot Europe has been launched for the exclusive use of spa and hot tub manufacturers, distributors, dealers and technicians located across Europe. The site has been designed to make it easy to find and order a variety of Gecko Alliance items including control systems, keypads, pumps, accessories and parts. The store features Gecko’s Y series, some of the best retrofit control systems in the spa industry and bundle options are available too. In addition to the full catalogue, the website highlights new products, monthly specials and clearance items too. Setting up a trade account is straight forward and activation should take no more than 24 hours.

Visit www.gdeuro.com

Monopools producer NIVEKO rebranded recently and have designed their new website in the same spirit. The fresh, simple graphics are accompanied by images of NIVEKO pools installed all over Europe, and the site is designed to be as user-friendly as possible. One important part of the new website is the section with testimonials sent in by customers. Their authentic stories about why they opted for a NIVEKO pool are accompanied by images and specifications of the pool in question. In other sections, website visitors can also find detailed company information along with the NIVEKO product portfolio. Emphasis has been placed on making the website clear and easy to navigate, enabling visitors to find everything they are interested in.

Visit www.niveko-pools.com

If you have a new website that you would like to promote, get in touch with SPN today! Email: info@swimmingpoolnews.co.uk