SPN (Swimming Pool News) April 2018

Page 1

APRIL 2018

POOLS SPAS HOT TUBS SAUNAS CHEMICALS ACCESSORIES & MORE

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR THE UK INDUSTRY

ONE-PIECE & FIBREGLASS POOLS

Quality products providing a stress-free pool build experience

AUTOMATIC POOL COVERS

The latest labour saving and stylish pool cover-ups

SWIM SPAS – HIGH-END MODELS

Offering owners the complete package to swim and relax

AWARD WINNERS

The industry’s finest celebrate at the British Pool & Hot Tub Awards

PLUS SPN_April_18_Cover_Rev.indd 3

STA Pool Plant – Cloudy Water | EUSA Award Winners 2017 | Opinion Pool Liners & Systems | SPATEX 2018 Review | 15 Pages Of Industry News 26/03/2018 13:53


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EDITOR’S LETTER

Editor’s 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 For advertising enquiries contact Tony on: T: +44 (0)1474 813433 E: tony@aqua-publishing.co.uk For production enquiries contact Cathy on: T: +44 (0)1823 432416 E: cathy@aqua-publishing.co.uk For accounts enquiries contact Sam on: T: +44 (0)1823 430639 E: accounts@aqua-publishing.co.uk Design: Colin Halliday

To subscribe or amend / cancel an existing subscription, please visit our website. Annual subscription rates (6 issues): UK £30, Europe £50 and ROW £60 SPN is published by W: www.aqua-publishing.co.uk Printed in the UK by The Manson Group Ltd 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 PoolPNews can UBL I Sgive H I no NG 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.

iveko-pools.com

letter

opportunity and hopefully you can get an idea of the quality of the event from the images contained in our review in this edition.

Cover image courtesy of NIVEKO s.r.o. – www.n

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.

The start of every year is always a busy period for the UK wet leisure industry and this year has been no exception. In fact, for many, it’s been even more of a challenge than normal due to an early start date for the industry’s only dedicated show, SPATEX, followed by periods of disruption from the various incarnations of the somewhat over the top named ‘Beast from the East’ weather fronts combined with other not so favourable climatic conditions. In this day and age you’d think businesses, and the country as a whole, would be used to it by now! But with spring trying its best to break through and with the Easter holidays just around the corner, despite the various challenges, the industry seems well positioned to enjoy for what many expect to be another busy year. Having spoken to a wide range of both exhibitors and attendees at SPATEX, as with last year, there was a feeling of positivity for the season ahead. SPN were pleased to be among well over 100 companies who exhibited at the annual three-day event which again saw a great effort all round from both the organisers and exhibitors, resulting in a great looking and professional show that featured plenty of innovative products and solutions. The midweek nature of the event, introduced for the first time last year, seems to have ensured visitors now attend in more even numbers across all three days and the show’s organisers reported a healthy increase of over 8% from the previous year. If you’ve yet to attend a SPATEX at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena, you might be surprised at just how good an event it actually is and I would definitely recommend a visit. There is plenty on offer in terms of products plus educational

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 and the 2017 event also took place during the Industry Gala Evening. There were British successes again in the Awards and we’ve coverage of all the winners in this issue. Inside, we also explore what’s new in the one-piece and fibreglass pools market, a sector that’s enjoying success due to taking the hassle out of installations for both pool builders and owners alike, and still on the subject of convenience, we’ve an in depth look at the latest automatic pool cover systems too. High-end swim spas also have the spotlight on them this issue plus we’ve a feature on the very latest in pool liners and systems – perfect for both new build and refurbishment projects. As if that wasn’t enough to keep you going over Easter, Golden Coast’s Jamie Adams takes a look at the subject of ‘responsibility’ while the STA take a look at the issue of cloudy water in pools used by the public. 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, eco, people and wellness news from both here in the UK and abroad too. So with this issue pretty much covered, all that leaves me to say is I hope you enjoy reading this issue of SPN and enjoy the Easter holidays.

Jon Wadeson – Editor You can follow SPN on:

Aqua Publishing also publishes: What Pool & Hot Tub magazine – our sister publication – is the only consumer magazine in the UK that provides the complete and crucial information that potential buyers are looking for! For more information visit the What Pool & Hot Tub website at www.whatpoolandhottubmag.co.uk

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SPN April 2018 1 26/03/2018 17:37


CONTENTS

Inside This 79

43

54

69 COVER

AWARD WINNERS

43

SPATEX 2018 REVIEW

65

All the Gold Award winners from the British Pool & Hot Tub Awards 2018

We review another busy SPATEX, which took place at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena

HIGH-END SWIM SPAS

Offering the complete swim and relax package to families and athletes alike

69

AUTOMATIC POOL COVERS 79

Labour saving and stylish solution with the additional benefits of built in safety

ONE-PIECE & FIBREGLASS 87 POOLS

Stunning products which are taking the hassle out of pool installations

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FEATURES

POOL & SPA INDUSTRY

39

EUSA AWARD WINNERS 2017

54

STA POOL PLANT

59

The industry’s associations dedicated pages

A look at the 15 award winning entries announced at this year’s ceremony Tackling the issue of cloudy water in outdoor public swimming pools

POOL LINERS & SYSTEMS 74

The latest in pool liners and systems for both new builds and refurbishments

OPINION

100

Golden Coast’s Jamie Adams looks at the subject of taking responsibility

NEWS

INDUSTRY

06-17

The latest industry news, info, projects and gossip

PEOPLE

19

PRODUCT / ECO

22

HOT TUB, SWIM SPA & WELLNESS

28

WORLD

34

New appointments and updates on industry personnel Innovations and new products on the market

Dedicated news for this important sector All the latest news from around the world

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CONTENTS

Issue Of SPN 74

87 61

65 READER SERVICES DIGITAL EDITION Read this and previous editions online at www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk

BUYERS GUIDE For suppliers of products and services in the pool, spa and sauna market turn to page 94

SUBSCRIPTIONS Ensure you receive a regular copy of SPN (Swimming Pool News). Subscribe online today at www.aqua-publishing.co.uk

FORWARD FEATURES For our forward features, please visit our website at www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 4-5_SPN_April_18_Contents_Rev.indd 3

Next Issue • Above-ground and wooden pools • Hot tubs – covers and cover lifters • Heat pumps • Tiling and mosaics • Shows round up – what’s on in the next 12 months Plus much, much more! SPN April 2018 3 26/03/2018 16:23


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NEWS

NEWS

All the Latest News, Info, Products and Gossip From the UK Pool and Spa Industry and Beyond

Kettering Leisure Centre Gets New Ceiling For Grand Reopening Over the last 29 years, Stretch Ceilings Ltd have amassed a vast portfolio of public and local authority swimming pool installation projects, and one of their latest examples is this recent installation at Kettering Leisure Centre in Northampton. Installing approximately 550 square metres of their popular Matt White material, the company achieved this superb finish which allowed up to 81% light reflection in a space with limited natural light. The material used by Stretch Ceilings has excellent acoustic properties which assists exceptionally well with any noise reverberation problems which can often occur in pool environments. Due to time constraints on site, all 22 bespoke, made to measure panels were installed within one month of order, allowing for the complete refurbishment of the pool ceiling to be carried out with minimal mess and disruption and in line with the grand reopening of the centre. This unique system is ideally suited to pool environments as the material is unaffected by moisture, chlorine, sulphur and other corrosive atmospheres. The sheet material is prefinished, waterproof and will provide a barrier ensuring that no corrosive vapours pass through the ceiling into the void and

After

Before

steelwork above, whilst also complying with a Class ‘0’ Fire rating/euroclass B s1 d0. Featuring a 12-year guarantee, the material does not require any further decoration or maintenance and is 100% recyclable, hygienic and is non-toxic. Available in over 250 colours and finishes, a Stretch Ceiling allows for the formation of many diverse shapes to suit endless design possibilities.

Stretch Ceilings Ltd 01276 681000 www.stretchceilings.co.uk

Fifty Years In The Industry And Still Winning Awards! Certikin customer, Asher Swimpool Centre Ltd, is celebrating 50 years in business this year and, proving that it is still very much at the top of its game, the company has recently been awarded two SPATA awards. On their retirement 18 years ago, founders John and Brenda Asher passed on the Lincolnshire-based company to their son and daughter, Andrew and Claire, and they employed Contracts Manager, John Epton. Under their auspices, the business of building and servicing pools, spas, saunas and steam rooms has expanded and the eight-strong team now

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witnessed the growth in the operates over a 60-mile radius popularity of indoor pools and and beyond. installed the UK’s first ever heat The company is a SPATA pump, as featured on the BBC’s (Swimming Pool & Allied Trades ‘Tomorrow’s World’ programme. Association) and all employees As one of the country’s leading are members of ISPE (the pool dealers, it has 27 highlyInstitute of Swimming Pool coveted SPATA awards to its Engineers). Still very active name and at the recently held in retirement and a stalwart British Pool & Hot Tub Awards, of the water leisure industry, John is a past president of both the team picked up their latest organisations and Brenda and John Asher (background) and the Asher Swimpool Centre team celebrating the Claire is chairlady company’s milestone anniversary of the Midland Region of SPATA, a position she has held for 20 years. In its time, the company has

awards – a Bronze for Residential Outdoor Pool in the £40,000 to under £75,000 category and a Bronze for Refurbishment Pool of the Year. Both projects feature a plethora of Certikin equipment including filtration, pumps, lighting, heating and automatic pool water dosing control. Claire Asher said: “Certikin’s products are the backbone of virtually all our installations. We know we can rely on them and the service, both before and after purchase.” Asher Swimpool Centre Ltd 01400 272583 www.asher-swim.co.uk

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RESIDENTIAL POOLS

COMMERCIAL POOLS

THE STRENGTH OF A GLOBAL OFFER DEDICATED TO RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL POOLS

PUMPS

FILTERS

LIGHTING

SANITIZATION

CLEANERS

HEAT PUMPS


NEWS OUNDLE TO GET OLYMPIC-SIZED SWIMMING POOL Oundle School has appointed Graham Construction as principal contractor for its new £24m sports centre project which among many new facilities, will also include a 50m, six-lane swimming pool which will replace an existing 43.5m pool. The school is the third largest independent co-educational day and boarding school in England and provides education for over 1,100 students. Designed by Saunders Boston Architects with landscaping by PRP, the new sports centre has had dual use factored into the development to ensure year-round community and sports club access to the new facilities. Construction is due to be completed in the 2019-20 academic year.

ABERDEEN POOL PLANS NOW FINALISED An Aberdeen swimming pool plagued by problems has finally had its future secured following an announcement from Sport Aberdeen and Aberdeen City Council who confirmed a very significant financial investment for refurbishment and expansion of the popular facility. After months of indecision, the city’s Northfield Swimming Pool will now become a stateof-the-art health, fitness and sport hub. In addition to technical upgrades to the pool itself, the new facilities will provide an exciting wellness centre for the local community and for those from across the city. The investment will secure the centre’s long-term future, provide additional capacity to the venue, and will build on the centre’s role in the community and as a vital sports facility for the city. The pool had to close due to recurring technical problems and will remain closed until the new project is completed, however, there is not yet a timescale for when the work will begin or how long it will take.

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Certikin Rewards Retail Excellence At Industry Awards Wensum Pools Ltd were celebrating recently having scooped the prestigious Peter Geekie Award for Retail Excellence, sponsored by Certikin International, at the recently held British Pool & Hot Tub Awards. Established in 1977, the family-run business in Fakenham is Norfolk’s largest pool and spa display centre and is situated on one of the coastline’s busiest roads. The site features eyecatching flags on the roadside plus a swim spa and enclosure that are lit up making it highly visible to passing traffic. The site features a whole host of product displays including a Endless Pool with treadmill and Roldeck Easy Cover, a Hydropool swim spa in a log cabin and 20 hot tubs from various brands. It was this extensive showcase of products that particularly impressed the judges. Managing Director Syd Morrison said: “We believe it’s important for our customers to see and have the opportunity to try for themselves before they buy. We are great believers in encouraging customers to dip their toes in the water and this concept of ‘try before you buy’

really works for us. Seeing the products in-ground rather than just in a brochure seems to fire the customer’s imagination.” Syd added: “We are thrilled to be recognised at the British Pool & Hot Tub Awards. It is such good news for our dedicated team at Wensum Pools and a testament to the hard work we have put into the development of our show site.” Presenting the award and £500 cash prize, Certikin Managing Director 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. Wensum Pools are deserved winners of this award, with a reputation built over 40 years’ experience in the water leisure and wellness industry.” Wensum Pools 01328 838834 www.wensumpools.co.uk

Roldeck And certikin Competition Winners Uncover The World After scooping the top prize in Certikin’s ‘Roldeck Gives You the World’ competition, Robert Wakefield, Director of Essex-based, Jetform Swimming Pools, and his wife Sarah, have just returned from a fabulous five-night stay for two in Cape Town, South Africa. The prize draw competition, run by Certikin and Starline (manufacturers of Roldeck, one of the markets leading slatted covers), was open to all customers who purchased a complete Roldeck system during the promotional period. Rob said: “The long flight via Dubai was well worth the effort. We had a helicopter tour around the Cape and took the cable car up to the top of Table Mountain, some 1,085m above the city.

On a sunset cruise we were fortunate to see a whale breaching the surface, and topping the trip off was a coach tour to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. It was a truly wonderful experience, so many thanks to Certikin and Roldeck for giving us this great opportunity.” Winning the runner’s-up prize of a weekend break in a European capital of choice, David Flew of Cornish pool retailer Trelawney Pools & Leisure and his partner will shortly be flying to Budapest. Certikin International 01993 777200 www.certikin.co.uk

SPN April 2018 9 23/03/2018 17:33


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NEWS Cardiff International Pool

DUDLEY LEISURE CENTRES REVAMP INCLUDES STATEOF-THE-ART POOLS A £24m vision for the future of Dudley’s leisure centres in the West Midlands has been revealed and it includes the borough’s three leisure centres having state-of-the-art swimming facilities. A new centre in Dudley will include a 25-metre, eight-lane pool and smaller learning pool. The existing pool at Stourbridge will be refurbished and will benefit from new changing rooms while a 33-yard pool in Halesowen will be converted into a 25-metre, eight-lane pool. Work on the Dudley and Stourbridge centres is expected to start in April wikth Halesowen following in twelve months time.

PREFERRED CONTRACTOR ANNOUNCED FOR DERBY POOL COMPLEX Derbyshire construction firm Bowmer & Kirkland have been appointed as Derby City Council’s preferred build contractor for a new £35m swimming pool complex. The firm have a track-record of delivering major leisure projects both for the public and private sectors, including a number of other pool facilities. The appointment means that detailed designs can now be drawn up, ensuring the new complex remains on course to open in 2020 as pledged by the Council. Last autumn, a public engagement exercise showed widespread support for a proposed mix of facilities for the new Moorways project and the facility is expected to include a ten-lane, 50 metre swimming pool, leisure water for families and youngsters, as well as a learner pool for those taking to the water for the first time or simply looking for a more private space to swim. Seating for over 400 spectators and a timing room has also been proposed so that the facility will also be capable of hosting regional competitions.

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Parkwood Leisure Extends Three Major Pool Facility Contracts Parkwood Leisure, one of the UK’s leading leisure management companies, is celebrating a successful start to 2018, having secured three major contract extensions in Bristol, Cardiff and Torbay. The Parkwood Leisure contract with Torbay Leisure Centre has been in place for eight and half years and was due to expire in 2019. The contract extension means that the leisure management company will continue to operate the site for a further 13 and a half years. As part of the new contract, £1.7m will be invested in the leisure centre to improve the customer experience and generate new, quality facilities. Within the upgrade, the 33-metre pool will be split into a 25-metre pool with a learner pool and changing rooms will be fully refurbished. Following its renewed contract with Torbay, Parkwood also secured a five-year contract extension to continue its management of Jubilee Pool in Bristol

and will be investing in the site, which has been kept open due to popular demand from local residents. Completing a successful trio of contract extensions, Parkwood secured a further 13-years of site management for Cardiff International Pool. Going forward, Parkwood will invest £250,000 in the site, having already invested £500,000 for repairs and general maintenance of the pool during 2017. Peter Fitzboydon, Managing Director of Parkwood Leisure, commented: “Parkwood Leisure’s security and stability, paired with our community approach and commitment to increasing participation in sport, physical activity and outdoor pursuits, creates new and exciting opportunities for every site we operate. “Through our commercial expertise and commitment to quality service provision, we are confident we will be able to contribute significantly to providing a quality leisure provision to every user of the facilities.”

Oxfordshire Swimming Club Unveils New Sponsor Thame Swimming Club was delighted recently to announce Sundance Pools as its main sponsor for 2018. Will Hard, Communications Manager of the Club said: “Sundance’s generous investment into Thame Swimming Club underpins their commitment to the local community, and will significantly contribute towards the ongoing development of our club.” Sundance Pools’ company Director Ed West and Project Manager Mark Kirsten both live in the Thame area with their families and the Aylesburybased firm supplies one-piece swimming pools to domestic pool customers all over the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire area.

Thame Swimming Club was founded in April 2009 and has its home at Thame Leisure Centre. It is focused on the development of swimmers across a broad range of training levels and prides itself on its welcoming atmosphere. Sundance Pools’ sponsorship will enable the Club and its coaching team to continue the development of the swimmers’ skills as they progress from the ASA Learn to Swim Pathway, through the Club’s training groups into the County and District Squad. Alice West, Marketing & Communications Manager at

Sundance Pools said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to strengthen our commitment to youth swimming and our support of local community projects. Thame Swimming Club shares our values – healthy lifestyles, competitive spirit and seizing opportunities – so this was a natural fit for both parties. We are looking forward to playing a part in what is one of the best swimming clubs in the region.” The Sundance Pools team attended Thame Swimming Club’s annual awards evening on Saturday 27 January where the Club celebrated the success of its swimmers at galas and at the Annual Club Championships held the previous November. Sundance Pools 01296 715071 www.sundancepools.co.uk

SPN April 2018 11 23/03/2018 17:33


NEWS

Pooltec Helps A Family (And Wet Leisure Area) To Grow When an expectant young couple needed to relocate all their wet leisure products to make room for their new addition, they tasked Dorset’s Pooltec Maintenance with the job. The project brief was twofold: to refurbish the 20-year-old indoor pool and transfer all wet leisure products – including plant room to the pool house. Having this dedicated wet leisure area would free up room elsewhere: allowing them to create an extra bedroom (much needed with a baby on the way). “Combining all their wet leisure products into a single location was one thing, but the real trick was moving the plant room out of the house, while also keep the pool hall still feeling spacious and inviting,” commented Peter Leyden, Pooltec Maintenance’s Managing Director. “We worked closely with our supplier Golden Coast to put together a package that would make the most of the space. “We talked them through our plans for the project and the limitations of the space, and they provided excellent advice and support.” The sauna and hot tub were moved to make far better use of the space, and room was saved by replacing the old boiler with a Dura heat pump – which had the bonus of making the heating system far more efficient to run. In addition, to achieve the

New Pool Facilities Open At Ragdale Hall

enjoyment of a full-sized pool, as well as adding fun, a Speck BADUJet Perla over-the-wall counter-current swim jet unit was fitted. The stylish, but robust design, offers jet flow and bubble options to the pool, as well as atmospheric LED lighting. Its nozzles, which also control flow volume, can be pivoted 60-degrees in all directions. Golden Coast Managing Director Jamie Adams said: “What Pooltec have achieved here is a strong reminder of just how much can be achieved in existing pools. With the right support and expertise – anything is possible. We are incredibly pleased to have been part of this process.” Golden Coast 01271 378100 www.goldenc.com Pooltec Maintenance 07500 121221 www.pooltecmaintenance.co.uk

Ragdale Hall Spa’s latest exciting developments – a Rooftop Infinity Pool and Lounge plus stylishly refurbished Exercise Pool – are now open. These new facilities will provide some of the most impressive and extensive spa facilities anywhere in the UK. The main contractor for the project was Taylor Pearson Construction, the architect was William Saunders and the stainless steel pool tank was designed and manufactured by Berndorf Baederbau in Austria. The 12m x 3.5m stainless steel pool features reclining underwater massage jet seating, coloured underwater lighting, an infinity edge, and is heated to 35°C. FT Leisure was responsible for the design, supply and installation of the water treatment and filtration systems for the pool and managed the pool tank installation. Michael Issacs, Ragdale’s Co-Owner, said: “This is a momentous day as it has been a challenging project, but we really do feel we have a unique feature here, taking full advantage of the amazing view. We hope all our guests will enjoy it.” FT Leisures creates safe, enjoyable and functional swimming environments, through innovative products and professional technical services to the commercial, municipal and private swimming pool industries. Other recent FT Leisure projects include University of Birmingham (50m), Etihad Stadium sports rehabilitation pools and Finlake Holiday Village. FT Leisure 0161 494 5785 www.ftleisure.co.uk

New East Midlands Pool Complex Granted Planning Permission Derby’s new swimming pool complex has taken a significant step forward after being granted planning permission in February. The plans approved by the planning committee include a 50m ten-lane swimming pool, learner pool, leisure water, a sauna and steam room plus a host of other leisure facilities. Construction is planned to start on the Moorways site later this year with the complex scheduled to open in 2020. Councillor Baggy Shanker, the Cabinet Member leading on the new

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swimming pool complex, said: “This stateof-the-art facility will be a game changer for swimming in Derby. We have pledged to open this new swimming pool complex to the

public in 2020. Our investment in the City will ensure Derby continues to be a great place to live, work and visit.” The new complex is one of the Council’s 50 pledges and Derby City Council has set aside £33m for the ambitious project. Last autumn the designs received overwhelming support in a public engagement exercise that asked residents and groups what they thought of the new swimming pool complex.

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NEWS

A Correction To Our February Edition

University Unveils Sustainable Sports Facility Plans The University of Portsmouth has unveiled plans for a new sustainable sports facility produced by international design practice FaulknerBrowns Architects. The project is the first major phase of the University’s estate development masterplan, which aims to reshape its city centre campus to enhance the student experience and strengthen connections with rest of the city. The proposed plans will significantly enhance the non-academic life of students, promoting health and wellbeing through the provision of a wide range of opportunities for activity and include an eight lane 25m swimming pool. The site for the new sports facility is located on the corner of Ravelin Park at an important juncture between the University campus and the city centre. The building design strategy places dry sport activities addressing the urban edge, while the pool is positioned in the setting of the park. The building design sets new standards for sustainability for a sports building and

as a result is on target to be the first to be BREEAM rated Outstanding. Considered arrangement of the building’s spaces provides the opportunity to exploit natural light and ventilation, whilst top lighting of the sports hall and pool hall provides further opportunity for energy reduction. An array of photovoltaic panels and a biodiverse green roof bolster the buildings sustainability credentials further. Irina Korneychuk, Project Leader at FaulknerBrowns, said: “We are excited to unveil our plans for a sports facility which promotes integration of the University campus with its surroundings and applies the contemporary principles of active design. This will create an environment which promotes health and wellbeing by inspiring people to be more active, throughout the University of Portsmouth, and the city as a whole.” FaulknerBrowns Architects 0191 268 3007 www.faulknerbrowns.co.uk

On page 12 of our last edition, we ran a story about Horwich Leisure Centre and the architects on the project were incorrectly named as FaulknerBrowns. It has been brought to our attention that the actual architects for the project were in fact GT3 Architects who have offices in Newcastle and Nottingham. NEWS

£10m Horwich Leisure Centre Opens In Bolton

The new Horwich Leisure Centre is now open. The £10m development includes various keep fit facilities along with a 25 metre six lane swimming pool and a separate teaching pool. The new building has taken just over a year to construct and it is part of a wider investment in Horwich including a new primary school and 3G pitch. The centre has been jointly funded by Bolton Council and Bolton Community Leisure Trust (BCLT), who will also manage the facility. Work was officially completed on Friday 24 November 2017 with the formal handover of the keys to the council. Cabinet member for sport, Cllr John Byrne, said: “This is a fantastic new, modern leisure centre. I am delighted that our residents in Horwich and the surrounding area have all these wonderful facilities. We would invite everyone to take the opportunit y to come and look around the centre – and use it. It will provide first-class facilities and encourage people to pursue an active and healthy lifestyle. It is an exciting day for Horwich.” The modern facilities will encourage more people to take up sports and leisure and help build better links with schools and clubs which will promote healthier habits and reduce anti-social behaviour. The main contractor for the project was Willmott Dixon Construction, the architect was Faulkner Brown and engineers were William Dyers. F T Leisure was responsibl e for the design, supply and installation of the water treatment and filtration systems for the two pools and the Oxford Dipper Hoist disabled access system. This was also the first Myrtha Pool Tank installation for F T Leisure. F T Leisure 0161 494 5785 www.ftleisure.co.uk

Certikin Equipmen Breathes Life Into Portishead Lido

Opened in 1962, Portishead Lido has afforded many families a great day out but after suffering major water loss, its operators – the Portishead Pool Community Trust – were forced to embark on an emergency refurbishm ent ope Cracks in the base of the pool tank and the ground movement were an issue despite them up a number of times. It was always the plan refurbishment when sufficient funds were ava be brought forward when it was discovered the Using the combined talents of DG Pool’s Glyn filtration and mechanical services and Carl Porte construction, the Trust embarked on upgrading t Carl set about the design of the pool to ensu sumps and inlets adhered to industry flow rate He supervised the installation of a new liner on old ceramic tiles. To complement the modernis tank, the plant room was also refurbishe d. The installed in 1962 so they were replaced with th Certikin. The pumps were old and they struggl required flow rates, especially on busy days. Th was broken up and removed by DG Pools and re new plant. All pipework, suction/return fittings supplied by Certikin. Certikin’s Commercial Manager, Steve Nelson work closely with our customers on big filtration sure that we comply with all the current relative always double check the calculations for the flo grilles, velocities in pipework and filtration rates Andy Thatcher of the Portishead Lido Commu “The job came in on time and on budget and th users are absolutely delighted with the outcome Certikin International 01993 778855 www.certikin.co.uk

Pool Refurbishment Utilises An Inno vative Sol whole width of the pool, complete with a 10m

Faced with a difficult task of replacing the light fittings and repainting the ceiling above the pool of a leisure centre within very short timescales, Wigan Council recently approached Floating Pontoon Solutions to understand if they could offer a solution to assist with the refurbishment using their modular pontoon systems. Due to budget constraints it was not an option to empty the pool nor have a complete scaffold system built over the pool, and using their experience of similar scenarios, Floating Pontoon Solutions provided a large 12m x 4m floating pontoon spanning the

wide tower scaffold that could be adjusted depending on the contours of the ceiling. This allowed the electricians and decorators to carry out the work on all the areas as the pontoon was floated down the pool as the work was completed. Additionally, the installation of the system was completed within a day, which also helped as the whole project had to be accomplished in as little as 4 weeks. This modular pontoon system is proving to be a very effective way of undertaking

Topics Requested For Future ISPE Seminars The last of the 2017/18 autumn/winter ISPE Seminars took place on 8 March at the popular Watermill Hotel at Bourne End, near Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire. ISPE President John Cheek, FISPE, welcomed 35 delegates to the day which featured a wide range of speakers covering a variety of subjects. Before lunch, Graham Kneale, FISPE, from Certikin International looked at details of pool hall designs and in particular, the areas that builders and architects are generally unaware of. He was followed by Lesley Hipkiss, TnISPE(Cert.), from the Pollet Pool Group who talked about automatic controller chlorine measurement methods. Allen Wilson, FISPE, who delivers ISPE-endorsed Pool Plant Operator training, then spoke about the

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with pipework installations. After slipping back into his role of ISPE President, John also advised that the Institute Council would 12 February 2018 SPN soon be planning the seminar programmes for the autumn/winter 2018/19 season, and he asked delegates to let General Secretary Ross Alcock know if there were any topics that they would like to see covered. This invitation is to the whole industry, not just ISPE members, so if you would like to see a particular subject covered or would like to give a presentation at a future ISPE Pollet Pool Group’s Lesley Hipkiss, seminar, please get in touch with Ross. TnISPE(Cert.) giving her talk An ISPE Filtration Workshop will take place during autumn 2018 and now’s the time to register your interest.

importance of meaningful training and urged delegates to obtain site-specific PPO training wherever possible. After lunch, Jimmy Lamb, TnISPE (Cert.), also from Pollet Pool Group, talked about the importance of backwashing while Plastica’s Will Dando, FISPE, gave an interesting presentation on how to maximise savings with swimming pool covers. As the final speaker, Hydrospec’s John Cheek talked about problems and pitfalls

this type of work in swimmin has also commonly been use inspections. Talking about th Lee Garner of Floating Ponto said: “Due to budget cuts on facilities, many local authori to carry out maintenance wo pools using traditional metho now looking at other innovati address this which the ponto doing at a fraction of the cos

Floating Pontoon Solution 01253 724747 www.floatingpontoonsolutio

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ISPE 01603 499959 www.ispe.co.uk

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NEWS SCOTLAND’S KOHLER WATERS SPA OPENS AFTER RENOVATION Kohler Waters Spa at the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews has reopened following an extensive multi-million refurbishment. The renovated facility is the only Kohler Waters Spa outside the USA and offers guests a luxury retreat on the east coast of Scotland. The Spa area will focus on hydrotherapy, offering ‘Salus Per Aquum’ – health through water – with signature wet treatment rooms and a number of facilities. Guests can enjoy a hydrotherapy pool providing therapeutic bathing, a cold plunge pool and a refreshing ice fountain to experience showers plus much more. The renovation has seen the addition of a new 20 metre lap pool as part of the large health and fitness centre, a steam room, a Finnish sauna and a rooftop garden complete with hot tub.

WORK BEGINS ON LATEST BELFAST SWIMMING FACILITY Work has started on the £15m Brook Leisure Centre in West Belfast – one of seven key projects which form the city council’s £105m Leisure Transformation Programme. Facilities at the centre will include a 25-metre, four lane pool – bringing swimming to the Colin area of the City for the first time. Work on a new £25m facility at Andersonstown Leisure Centre is already underway and when opened in summer 2019, it will feature a large family fun focused area of leisure water, a 25m six lane pool with 50 spectator seats, a learner pool plus a confidence water area for small children and toddlers. The Council are also investing in a £20m aquatic centre in outer east Belfast and plans are also in place for the restoration of the City’s iconic Templemore Baths too.

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World Leisure Installs Modular Pool at Rivermead Leisure Complex

Leyland-based World Leisure (UK) Ltd has completed the construction of a modular swimming pool on land at Rivermead in Reading, Berkshire. Modular pools provide cost-effective permanent solutions, as well as temporary solutions during refurbishment of traditional pools. World Leisure is one of only a handful of modular pool specialists in the UK, servicing customers including leisure centres, health clubs, hotels, schools, colleges, universities, multisport venues and domestic locations. The new 25 metre, five-lane pool at Rivermead will provide continuity of swimming for central Reading whilst the permanent replacement for Central Pool, which closed in January 2018, is built. Reading councillors welcomed the temporary solution. Councillor Sarah Hacker, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Member for Culture and Sport, said: “I’m delighted with the opening of the new pool, which has been built to a very high standard by World Leisure. “Pools of this kind have been used successfully in other parts of the country to bridge the gap between old pools closing and new facilities being built. The demountable at Rivermead will provide continuity of swimming in Reading whilst the Council works towards its ambition of delivering modern, new swimming facilities for Reading.” Reading Council is in the process of letting a

contract for the running and updating of all its facilities which will commence next year. It is the Council’s intention to build two new swimming pools, including a 25m Community Pool with teaching pool plus a new competition pool with both diving and viewing facilities. Simon Smith, Managing Director of World Leisure said: “Modular pools are a relatively new concept and provide a fantastic solution for local authorities to continue providing swimming facilities for local residents while upgrading permanent facilities. We are very pleased to have completed this project, which adds to our portfolio of swimming pool solutions of all shapes and sizes throughout the UK.” World Leisure 01772 284883 www.worldleisurepools.com

Kent Pool Receives Quest Stretch Plaque Tonbridge Swimming Pool celebrated retaining its ranking as one of the top performing facilities in the country recently after receiving a Quest Stretch plaque. The plaque, which was awarded by the UK’s leading assessor for sport and leisure, was unveiled by Alan Nicholl, Chairman of Tonbridge & Malling Leisure Trust (tmactive), Cllr Maria Heslop, Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services, and Tonbridge Swimming Pool’s General Manager Gary Littlejohn. The Centre, which is operated by tmactive on behalf of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, passed the toughest assessment offered by Sport England’s national quality scheme (Quest) to be rated ‘outstanding’ for a second time. It is one of only 16 centres nationally to achieve this award along with Larkfield Leisure Centre, also operated by tmactive. The scheme is designed to ensure that sports and leisure centres continuously improve to meet the needs of their customers and staff. The advanced award shows that Tonbridge Swimming Pool is delivering the highest standards in all aspects – from the hygiene and cleanliness of

the centre and its facilities to the quality of its programmes and general service. Tonbridge Swimming Pool underwent a meticulous two-day assessment as well as a mystery visit with assessors appraising all elements of the Centre’s management and operations as well as the service it delivers to customers (which were consulted as part of the assessment). The Centre demonstrated excellence in its contribution to the health and wellbeing of the local community. “This is a truly excellent achievement and all credit goes to Gary Littlejohn and his team at the Centre for all of their hard work in ensuring that Tonbridge Swimming Pool is one of the best performing centres in the country,” said Martin Guyton, Chief Executive of tmactive.

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PEOPLE NEWS

Golden Coast Honours Driver For A Decade Of Service Golden Coast understands the importance of finding – and – keeping the best people in roles right through the company, and it’s this ethos that has seen them grow through the years to become the UK’s leading independent supplier of wet leisure products to the trade. The Barnstaple-based company has presented numerous long-service awards over the last four decades, and the latest name to be added to the honour roll is lorry driver Keith Rossiter-Webb. Keith has been with Golden Coast for the past decade after being recommended by another of Golden Coast’s drivers, who was stationed with Keith in Germany when they were both in the forces. Since leaving the forces he has been very involved with Help for Heroes, spending a lot of his spare time fundraising, and even delivered a Tylö sauna and steam room to the HFH rehabilitation centre. A popular figure, particularly in the delivery and warehouse areas, Keith is known for his dry sense of humour and great one-liners. Golden Coast’s Managing Director, Jamie Adams said: “Keith’s been a great part of

Golden Coast these past ten years. He’s a hard worker and does a lot to help people feel a real part of the team. His tireless work has seen him take Golden Coast products to all corners of the UK and halfway across Europe, and we look forward to working with him for years more. “Having that stability in your workforce is such a great thing for a company. Drivers often go unsung, but it’s hardworking, dependable people like Keith that help us do everything we do.” Golden Coast 01271 378100 www.goldenc.com

Trevor Miller Strengthens SCP UK’s Technical Team SCP UK has announced the promotion of Trevor Miller to Technical Manager for their Technical After Sales and Support department. His role will be both customer facing as well as working with vendors across the full range of product categories plus delivering added value within the customer service department. With a wealth of industry experience gained over the past 20 years, Trevor joined SCP in 2017 and his appointment coincided with continued growth for the company, as well as the move to a consolidated warehouse and distribution centre within SCP’s Gatwick premises. In the short period since Trevor joined SCP, he has demonstrated his commitment to the company and its customers. Managing Director, Dash Ganeson, said: “We are a team dedicated to ensuring we provide the best level of service to our customers and we have demonstrated this by the type of people we have recruited to ensure this remains at the forefront of our company culture. Trevor’s personality and product knowledge combine together to bring out the very best of SCP and we are confident that he will use these skills to do an outstanding job. SCP UK remains committed to it’s customer base within the UK industry being part of Poolcorp, the world’s leading distributor of pool, spa, leisure, building materials and landscape supplies. Poolcorp’s mission statement is to provide exceptional value to our customers and suppliers, creating exceptional return for our shareholders while providing exceptional opportunities for our employees.” Trevor commented: “I am very excited to have joined SCP with many opportunities being presented to grow the business with customer service becoming a key aspect to any success within the pool and spa industry.” Trevor will also assist in providing valuable feedback from the field and will work closely with the sales teams to both oversee and provide core technical support. SCP UK 01293 546126 www.scpeurope.com

Certikin Remembers Eccentric Inventor Trevor Baylis English inventor Trevor Baylis CBE died on 5 March at the age of 80. Well-known for his invention of the wind-up radio, it was less well known that Trevor Baylis was also a pool builder and often turned to Certikin to supply equipment for both his pools and inventions. A keen swimmer, Trevor swam for Great Britain at the age of 15 and narrowly missed qualifying for the 1956 Summer Olympics. Following national service, he took a job with Purley Pools, a company which made the first free-standing swimming pools. Epitomising English

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eccentricity, he demonstrated the pools by performing comedy diving routines, including one that involved plunging into the water in a woman’s dress – while on fire. This led him to forming his own aquatic-display company as a professional swimmer, stunt performer and entertainer, performing high dives into a glass-sided tank. In the 1960s with money earned from performing as an underwater-escape artist in the Berlin Circus, he set up Shotline Steel Swimming Pools, which supplies swimming pools to schools. This brought him into contact with Peter Geekie

Pools in Oxford and he and Peter struck up a great friendship. He developed his famous radio and 250 other inventions in his chaotic workshop at his home on Eel Pie Island, overlooking Ham Common in Twickenham, west London. It was here that Certikin Sales Director, Richard Way, visited him. “His home was as quirky as Trevor was. He was a great character and I remember him fondly. He told me the highlight of his life was an audience with Nelson Mandela in 1995 in recognition of the impact his wind-up radio had in Africa.”

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PRODUCT / ECO NEWS

The First Step To Swimming Success

Transforming A Pool At The Push Of A Button Lift’O’s movable floor technology is new, innovative and is now available in the UK. The clever system works by inflating and deflating balls fixed under the structure to ensure the ascent and descent of the adjustable floor. When pressurised air is injected into the balloons located under the floor, they inflate and raise the floor. Composite feet are then automatically deployed to reinforce and sustain the structure. When the air is expelled from the balloons, the floor lowers. The choice of a composite material for the frame helps prevent corrosion and ensures durability. Given there are no hydraulic cylinders, cables or steel in the system, the costs linked to components and their maintenance are considerably reduced, and the risk of electrolysis and fluid leak in the water are prevented. Laying at the bottom of the pool, the movable floor allows owners to transform the pool into a patio by

simply pressing a button. Pool depth reduction is minimal as the thickness of Lift’O floor is only 15cm compared to 30 to 50cm for traditional floors and can be finished with a material that matches with the pool surround. The Lift’O floor technology meets the AFNOR NF P90-308 standard regarding safety covers and their fastening systems. Once the movable floor is in its raised position, access to the pool is impossible and the switch box is attached to a wall, well out of the reach of children. To help owners fully enjoy their new living area, the floor was designed to withstand a load of 50kg per m2. For example, 16 people on a 8mx4m pool. Lift’O’s movable floor technology is suitable for all types of pools providing there are two right angles and a straight base. Arch Enclosures 01444 411411 www.swimpools.co.uk

Stage Systems have launched Swim-dek – a new product which has been designed with swimming teachers in mind. The patent pending Swim-dek allows teachers to utilise the pool space more effectively meaning a potential increase in class sizes and reduced waiting lists, therefore maximising revenue and return on investment. The product is a strong, safe and linkable platform used in the swimming pool to provide a shallow zone in deeper water or to create a safe platform for children waiting at the side of the pool. By using Swim-dek, teachers can feel confident in the knowledge that both children and adults will feel secure in lessons. Swim-dek requires no tools to install and includes legs (at varied heights), a deck and a safety handrail. As a portable system, it will travel easily in the boot of a car between locations and when not in use, it can be safely stacked and stored until needed. All parts are manufactured in the UK, and it features a long ten year guarantee due to the durable materials used. Swim-dek is available in a wide range of colour finishes and bespoke branding is also a possibility. Stage Systems 01509 611021 www.stagesystems.co.uk

Peace Of Mind With A Free Heatstar Commissioning Visit For those in the trade who are installing a new Heatstar Climate Control System, complete peace of mind is on offer directly from the company. Unlike some manufacturers, the Heatstar provides system commissioning visits completely free of charge – free labour, free parts and free consumables. And it’s easy to organise too. When the installation is nearing completion, simply contact Heatstar, confirm the product details and book your visit. This should take place when the installation is complete and at the point of ‘switch-on’. The visit usually takes between one and two hours and covers a checklist of over 120 different items covering all parts of the Heatstar system.

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The staff who carry out these commissioning visits are fully trained and experienced Heatstar in-house service engineers. They will provide a full inspection and verify that the system has been installed correctly and is running efficiently. In order to achieve maximum operating

and energy saving efficiency from day one it is, of course, vital that Heatstar systems are installed correctly. If the installation of the equipment, ductworks, wiring and pipe work has been carried out according to the Heatstar design documents, the system should perform as intended. However, to have the whole system checked and commissioned by Heatstar gives both contractor and client added reassurance and peace of mind. On completion Heatstar also provide a Commissioning Certificate to show a ‘true’ diagnostic operating record of the new system. Heatstar 01983 521465 www.heatstar.com

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PRODUCT / ECO NEWS

Olympia GCC Makes Waves At SPATEX Golden Coast’s large collection of wet leisure products has become even bigger with the distributor revealing its latest addition at SPATEX: the aptly named Olympia GCC filter. Available in diameters from 1050mm to 3000mm, this hardwearing filter, which is available exclusively through Golden Coast, is a direct replacement for the Astral Vic filter. Made from robust, but lightweight polyester resin and fibreglass, this bobbin wound filter has been cleverly designed to deliver a long life, while keeping installation easy. Olympia GCC filters undergo rigorous pressure testing to 4.0 bar. While all tanks offer a working pressure of up to 2.5 bar

as standard, 4.0 bar models are available on request. With flow rates from 25.8 m³ (GCC1050-30M) to 282.8 m³

Microtech Aligator – An Eco-friendly Water Purification System Chlorine has long been the industry favourite for it’s proven to be very effective, but it is harsh and can cause skin and eye irritation as well as an unpleasant odour. Salt pools are a popular alternative but they convert the salt to chlorine and they can irritate as can other alternatives such as bromine. The Microtech Aligator water purification system is a low chemical, eco-friendly and automatic solution which is well within the budget of most domestic pool owners. “We believe that it is really the end for stinging eyes and irritated skin conditions,” said General Manager David Dunn. The system works by harmlessly charging copper and silver ions creating a residual disinfectant throughout the pool. No other system other than chemical sanitation will do this. The ions are pH neutral, non-corrosive and have no effect on the human body. The system is not effected by heat or light and is effective for longer periods than UV or chemicals. Once

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programmed the system is fully automatic and will reduce chemical usage by 80%. Established in the UK since 1992, Microtech Aligator has installed systems in health clubs, hotels, spas and private homes across the UK and Ireland and has thousands of satisfied customers. “The water is pure, you can use the backwash from your pool to water your garden as it contains less chemicals and is completely harmless,” added David. The company are so confident of their system they offer a return to base guarantee on parts and labour for five years. Microtech Aligator is listed under ECHA Article 95, the only UK based manufacturer legally allowed to sell its product for use in swimming pools in the UK. Microtech Aligator 01206 543485 www.aligator.com

(GCC3000-40M), there’s an Olympia GCC filter to meet every commercial need. Units work to a maximum temperature of 50° C and are supplied with a 1.0 m filter bed as standard, although 1.2 m is available upon request. A closure steering wheel and 400 mm top access ensure easy access. Units also feature a 1” air/water drain port, a 75 mm

sand dump port and a 1” ABS lateral system. Filters can be supplied with a range of options to suit your commercial application. These include: vinylester lining, nozzles and nozzle plates, sight glass and side hatches. Golden Coast 01271 378100 www.goldenc.com

Create Contemporary Wood Effect With Vancouver Anti-Slip Porcelain Tiles Part of the Waxman Group, Waxman Ceramics have been servicing the ceramic trade for over 30 years and have grown to become one of the leading suppliers of swimming pool tiles and mosaics in the UK. Based in Elland, West Yorkshire, they stock an extensive portfolio of mosaics and tiles, with a number of dedicated ranges designed specifically for swimming pools. Available in a range of colours, designs and sizes, they offer anti-slip pool surrounds and large format tiles suitable for both indoor and outdoor pools. As one of Waxman Ceramics most popular anti-slip ranges, Vancouver benefits from all the advantages of being a porcelain tile, whilst utilising digital printed technology to recreate the look of organic wood – including the unique characteristics and grains found in natural timber. Unlike with natural wood that can alter in humid environments, Vancouver offers a realistic yet hard wearing alternative to real wood for both indoor and outdoor pools. Available in a 20.6x66.2 cm anti-slip format and in three trueto-nature shades; Blanco, Gris & Miel, the Vancouver range of porcelain tiles brings a contemporary look to any project. Vancouver passes all the tests for slip resistance achieving R12 DIN 51130, Grade C in the DIN 51097 and + 36 PTV – making it an excellent choice in any pool or spa. With a focus on sourcing only the highest quality products and a dedication to unparalleled customer service at its core, Waxman is proud to provide a total solution for both domestic and commercial projects. Waxman Ceramics 01422 371811 www.waxmanceramics.co.uk

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OPTIMISES YOUR AREA COST EFFECTIVE C O M PAT I B L E W I T H EXISTING AND FUTURE POOLS

from

Pool to

ONCE IN ITS RAISED POSITION, POOL ACCESS I S I M P O S S I B L E , C R E AT I N G A 100% SAFE AND S TA B L E S U R FA C E

LIVING AREA

at the push of a button

Lying at the bottom of your pool the movable floor allows you to transform your pool into a patio by simply pressing a button. Pool depth reduction due to the thickness of Lift’O floor is only 15cm compared to 30 to 50cm for traditional floors. Lift’O’s movable floors can be fitted on all types of pools, new and existing: concrete, fibreglass shells, wood, panels & liners.

TERRACE

• OPERATES ON AIR PRESSURE ONLY. No hydraulics • CORROSION-PROOF COMPOSITE FRAME • COMPATIBLE WITH A 75/100 POOL LINER • LIMITED LOSS OF DEPTH • ECO FRIENDLY • FOR FLAT AND SLOPED BOTTOM POOLS

Phone for brochure and prices Easy Pools A4 LiftO ad.indd 1

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SWIMMING MODE

 01444 411411 or 01444 411376 09/03/2018 12:20


PRODUCT / ECO NEWS

Polyflor Launches Next Generation Safety Flooring

The Story Of Plastica

And The Argonauts Polysafe Quattro PUR safety flooring in Chalk Dune

Polyflor, the UK’s vinyl flooring specialist, has announced the launch of their new Polysafe Quattro collection. This innovative safety flooring range offers barefoot and shod sustainable wet slip resistance with a stud-free finish for enhanced comfort underfoot. The range has been specifically designed to provide a high degree of slip resistance in continually wet areas such as changing rooms, walk-in showers, wet rooms, adapted bathrooms, spas and pool surrounds. Polysafe Quattro has been engineered to offer enhanced slip resistance for bare feet and footwear, achieving 50+ on the Pendulum Test (Slider 96) plus Class B to DIN 51097 for barefoot use and also conforming to the EN 13845 European safety flooring standard. It is available as a 2mm gauge flexible sheet which allows it to be thermally welded, coved up walls and easily installed around drains and awkward corners for a hygienic and watertight wall to floor finish. Polysafe Quattro is available in a carefully developed

colour palette of 12 shades, including warm neutrals, fresh blues and soothing greys that will complement any interior design scheme in any setting. Six shades feature a subtle tonal chip design, whilst the other six are a solid colour with complementary aggregate. Tom Rollo, Polyflor’s Marketing Manager, commented:, “Polysafe Quattro has been designed to enhance both commercial and residential interiors and encourage a sense of wellbeing. This range is an exciting addition to our safety flooring portfolio offering an aesthetically pleasing yet practical solution for areas where there is a high slip risk, so users can feel comfortable and safe.” Manufactured in the UK, Polysafe Quattro is 100% recyclable through the Recofloor vinyl take back scheme and contains recycled material. The collection has also achieved a generic BRE A+ rating (ENP 415) in major use areas. Polyflor Ltd 0161 767 1111 www.polyflor.com

Did you know that Plastica Pools now manufacture superior quality, British made swimming pool pumps? You may already recognise the name ‘Argonaut’. These pumps have been widely used and have a strong history and reputation in the industry. Balboa, the original Argonaut manufacturer, approached Plastica in 2016 with an offer to purchase and produce the Argonaut pump range. Knowing Plastica’s expertise and experience within the swimming pool trade, they were a natural choice. Plastica already distributed the pumps and had the facilities and knowledge to manufacture them. A deal was finalised by December 2016 and the complex process of taking over production began. Edward, Plastica’s Managing Director, commented: “Firstly, all the moulding tools had to be repatriated to the UK from the USA. After various upgrades, all parts are now moulded in-house or by an external UK-based specialist moulding company. We undertake all assembly work in our St Leonards on Sea facility.” The swimming pool trade has access to a full selection of spare parts with same day dispatch. Fraser, Plastica’s new Technical Co-ordinator, managed the building of the pump production room and oversees the ongoing production of the pumps. Fraser said: “Our production area now includes calibrated tooling, workbenches with custom jigs, air testing equipment, a quality control centre and a new packaging facility!” The reputation of the Argonaut pump is formidable. It’s had a long career in not just the swimming pool industry, but also many other environments that require a pump to move liquids. It’s particularly popular because of its resilience to salt water. Plastica has taken the Argonaut pump range under its wing and is keen to continue adapting and improving it for the benefit of the trade and end users. Plastica Pools 01424 857802 www.plasticapools.net

A New Year And A New Launch For Dripool Many things have changed in the pool industry over the last thirty five years. 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 2018 and that same cover is considered the norm or even essential. To remain at the cutting edge of innovation requires continual R & D and one of the advantages of being the UK’s only designers and manufacturers is that Dripool are able to continually update and improve their systems. The latest upgrade within the company’s extensive product range is the Dripool “H”, a re-engineering of their original, over-coping cover which incorporates full hydraulic

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capability. The Dripool ‘H’ is the ideal solution for covering all shapes and types of pool. The use of hydraulic motors and pumps replaces the need for electrical motors, brushes and batteries, reducing damage should chamber flooding occur. A new control system that utilises a micro controller with programmable ATmega328 chip, ensures continued reliability, whilst future proofing the system. This brings the overcoping option into line with all other Dripool products and backwards compatibility ensures use with all existing Dripool systems. This is extremely

important as once a client has invested in a Dripool system, they can rest assured that their new cover is designed for life. Another benefit for the end user in 2018 is Dripool’s new warranty scheme. The company have always provided a one year warranty from commissioning but felt it was important to allow new customers an extended period for further reassurance and all new Dripool systems now carry a fully inclusive, three year manufacturer’s warranty. Dripool 02380 663131 www.dripool.co.uk

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HOT TUB, SWIM SPA & WELLNESS NEWS

New Range Of Week End Spas From SCP SCP used SPATEX as the ideal setting to launch their 2018 Week End Spa collection, which features brand new cabinets that really enhances the look of each of the hot tubs. With seating which accommodates between three and six occupants, there are currently three models in the range and each includes a lounger with the smallest model – the 330L – featuring two. All Week End Spas have the capability of having an optional Bluetooth music system installed so that consumers can stream their music without the need for a physical connection to the spa. The LED lighting on each model creates various moods as it can cycle through a range of colours or be set on a specific one. Comfort has been paramount in the design of the Week End Spas, so great care was taken in the mould creation to ensure every seat, including the loungers, gives the best spa experience possible. Technology is provided by a Gecko topside control and management system and for further peace of mind, the spas come with

a 5-year warranty on the structure and shell plus a 2-year warranty on equipment. A full colour 16 page sales brochure is available covering all aspects of the spas as well as other marketing material for showroom displays. SCP UK 01293 546126 www.scpeurope.com

330L

AWG Dealers Enjoy Some ‘Fun in the Sun’ Phoenix Visit

February saw a large group of top selling American Whirlpool and Vita Spa dealers visit Phoenix, Arizona where the factory for the two brands distributed by Aqua Warehouse Group (AWG) is based. The group spent four days at the Hilton Phoenix Chandler hotel and in between visits to the pool, also attended a seminar for the hot tub brands. The trip also included a very informative factory tour along with brand specific updates and plans for 2018. The group were also able to view some exciting new models that are arriving soon. “However this wasn’t just work, work, work,” said AWG Managing Director Richard Hart. “We as a group like to enjoy ourselves so we scheduled plenty of fun during our visit.” The group travelled to the nearby Goldfield Ghost Town where

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645L

everyone participated in various activities including zip wires, panning for gold and a gold mine tour to name just few. Then after plenty of refreshments in the ‘saloon’, the group ventured out into real John Wayne cowboy country on a jeep safari in the cacti filled desert. The visit was rounded off with an awards dinner where the CEO of MAAX Spas Corporation, John Johnson, was on hand to present awards to numerous deserved recipients. The evening was a double celebration as both Richard Hart of AWG and Carolyn Hall of Superior Hot Tubs were celebrating their birthdays and this group need no excuse for some cake and a party! “Sadly this fantastic visit had to come to an end but none of us wanted to leave the desert and land back in the freezing snow like we did, and I know some had very hazardous onward journeys,” said Graham Message of AWG. Aqua Warehouse Group 01245 477400 www.aquawarehousegroup.co.uk

536L

Plaskolite Acquires Lucite® SPA Brand Plaskolite, LLC, North America’s largest manufacturer of acrylic sheet products, announced in February that it is acquiring Lucite International, Inc.’s (Lucite) continuous cast acrylic sheet business, which includes general-purpose sheet and sanitary ware spa and bath sheet. Terms of the transaction have not been disclosed but Lucite signed an agreement with Plaskolite in 2016 to explore the possibility of a mutually acceptable purchase agreement. As a part of the transaction, Plaskolite is acquiring Lucite’s 93,375 square foot sheet manufacturing facility in Memphis, Tennessee where Plaskolite will continue to produce Lucite® SPA products which are used by a number of well-known spa, hot tub and wet leisure brands. Founded in 1950 in Columbus, Ohio, Plaskolite, LLC. is the largest privately-owned North American manufacturer of acrylic sheet products which are in a wide variety of applications. Plaskolite and Lucite have had a significant ongoing relationship for 40 years, with Plaskolite being the largest North American purchaser of acrylic monomers from Lucite, a part of Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation. “Our goal is to be the industry leader while strengthening our marketplace position for the benefit of our customers,” said Mitchell Grindley, Plaskolite’s President and CEO. “With this acquisition we have taken another step forward in our leadership position while building on our long-term commitment to our American workforce and facilities.”

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HOT TUB, SWIM SPA & WELLNESS

Making Marquis Magic At 2018 International Dealer Event Marquis Spas dealers from around the world gathered in Salem, Oregon to attend the University of Marquis 2018 International Dealer Event at the Salem Convention Center on 20 – 21 February. Visitors attended educational sessions during the day with banquets, entertainment and awards at night. The event was the largest in Marquis history, drawing in almost 300 attendees representing 105 Marquis Dealerships from the US and Canada and as far away as the UK, France, Spain and Sweden. Headquartered in Independence, Oregon, just 20 minutes from the Salem Convention Center, Marquis also gave their dealers the opportunity to walk through the factory to see how their hot tubs are produced. “I loved the opportunity to gather Marquis Dealers together. For them to have the chance to walk through our factory and experience exactly how Marquis’ employee-owners work together to create our product is invaluable,” said President and CEO, John Schrenk.

The event featured educational sessions on various Marquis topics such as sales, service and marketing and showcased local talent including author and keynote presenter, Patrick Galvin of Portland, Oregon, magician Hart Keene of Eugene, Oregon and Designband of Lake Oswego, Oregon. In the evenings, top salespeople and dealerships were honoured for their outstanding achievements throughout 2017. Marquis also unveiled new products including four new hot

The Stylish New CityLine Models From Wellis Wellis have given their CityLine spa models a facelift for 2018 to make them more stylish, but the enhancements to the already successful range go a lot further than just improved looks. A UV-C water sanitiser which disinfects water efficiently and safely and is now standard on all CityLine models. Also included across the range is a new In.Touch 2 app which allows service engineers to have remote access to and control of the spa, which should assist with any issues that may occur. A new audio system is also available, which features an improved bluetooth signal range, stylish looking speakers and a new 300 watt subwoofer. Durability has improved too thanks to new injection moulded consoles which are easy to assemble and which provide extra support. Using an enhanced vacuum moulding method, the floor pan has become stronger too and movement is easier with moulded handholds now present. Visually, style has been improved through the introduction of new headrests which feature advanced ergonomics and a more comfortable design. A new shoulder massage has also been included to relieve the daily stress from a user’s shoulder and neck. Enter the future with new Wellis jet designs and new lighting fountain jets which provide triple the fun within the spa and most noticeable of all, stylish new cabinet corners feature a new design, with more precise and easier fitting, due to the new technology which has been used for the new CityLine models. Wellis +36 29 564 380 www.wellis.com

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tubs and one swim spa/party tub. “Making Marquis Magic was the perfect theme for a magical week of momentum for our company and our dealer network. Everyone left for home with a great sense of opportunity with our brand,” said Marquis’ Vice President of Marketing, Jim Johnston. Marquis +1 800 275 0888 www.marquisspas.com

Zodiac Appoint Darlly As European Distributor Of Nature2 Darlly Europe and Zodiac are delighted to announce the appointment of Darlly Europe as European distributor for the Nature2 range of products. The appointment comes into immediate affect. Darlly Europe said of the new relationship: “We are delighted to be entering into this new partnership with Zodiac. They have a rich history of product excellence, and a clear vision for where they want to go in the future. We see this partnership with Zodiac as a perfect complement to our existing product range and network. “Zodiac and its group companies have a very strong presence in the pool and spa sector; they bring expertise and unbridled enthusiasm to the relationship. We’re looking forward to a very successful future together.” Zodiac added: “We are very pleased to start this commercial relationship with Darlly Europe who are European leaders in pool

and spa filtration. With their recognised products and deep portfolio in filtration combined with our Zodiac Nature 2 Spa cartridge, we will meet market demand. It’s a partnership of two leading companies with the same customer-focused vision, the same commitment to innovation, and a set of clear, complementary values.” Darlly Europe 01952 580500 www.darllyeurope.com

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HOT TUB, SWIM SPA & WELLNESS NEWS

Maximise Your Add-on Sales Potential In 2018 Golden Coast’s Essentials range is Europe’s largest collection of pool and spa accessories available through one supplier… and it’s even bigger and better value in 2018, thanks to the latest additions for hot tub and spa owners. Manufactured with the highest quality materials, the SpaEscort Cover Lift offers the ultimate in strength and has been designed to last in the harshest of climates. Its powder-coated high-strength tubing, wide nylon straps and injection-moulded brackets offer ‘rust-free’ peace of mind. Installation is fast and easy and it’s compatible with spas up to 2.44m wide. For those looking for hydraulically assisted opening/closing, the SpaEscort Cover Lift is also available with dual hydraulic assist (SpaEscort Hydraulic Assist). For owners, it lifts the cover off the spa with ease… and for installers, its pre-assembled brackets mean fast and easy installation. It is compatible

with spas up to 2.44m wide and requires 152mm of rear clearance and 127mm free on each side. Golden Coast have also introduced a quick and easy solution to mending damaged cover

straps. QuickLink cover locks are handy stainless-steel strap adaptors that allow you to fix the straps… without a needle or thread! When it comes to enhancing your outdoor living, the 2.75m diameter Spa Side Umbrella offers a great alternative to the traditional gazebo as it slips easily under the spa when not in use. Popular with installers and owners alike, it’s easy to operate, is incredibly versatile and offers protection from the elements… whatever the time of day. And, for 2018, three new coloured canopies have been added to this range: Espresso, Light Ash and Shadow. Golden Coast 01271 378100 www.goldenc.com

Softub Introduces New Poseidon Model Softub took its range of stylish and energy efficient hot tubs to SPATEX for the first time this year and used the opportunity to launch the new Softub Poseidon. This new model introduces an enhanced user experience including state-of-the-art design and technology resulting in a superior hydromassage whilst at the same time continuing to be unrivalled in energy efficiency. The Poseidon shares the iconic look of its Softub siblings but features the new and improved Syntex material in graphite making this hot tub a very stylish addition to the Softub family. Whether it is the new Poseidon or the traditional Softub Resort 300, stylish and understated design, tactile materials and subtle earth colours are trademarks of the Softub range and create that elegant look that turns any Softub spa into a beautiful focal point and a garden feature in its own right. Bespoke rattan and hardwood surrounds and accessories are available to complement

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the spa range, to add storage and additional seating and to give the installation even more visual impact. Extremely durable, high performing and lightweight materials plus practical design features make for a truly portable and user friendly hot tub, which is so simple to install that it can usually be done by one person. In addition, thanks to Softub’s innovative heat recovery technology, this spa can run on a standard 13 amp household socket and only uses a fraction of the energy consumed by other brands. It’s so energy efficient that it can even be powered by solar panels! Softub UK 01904 643212 www.softubuk.com

Have It Your Way With Modular Tylö Saunas The sauna of your customer’s dreams is that much easier to create, thanks to two new modular ranges from Tylö, which were debuted by UK distribution partner Golden Coast at SPATEX 2018. Making their debut at the annual show, the Harmony and Harmony Pro sauna ranges offer more specification and pricing options than ever before. Golden Coast Managing Director Jamie Adams explained what this means: “There’s real growth in sauna and steam and we’re seeing it attract new customers into our industry. “For them, a sauna can represent a significant investment, so as an installer, it’s down to you to deliver best value. These new ranges do just that by allowing you to create a sauna that is completely personal to their home, their lifestyle and their budget. “What’s more, tailoring it to their needs – with all the features they want and none that they don’t – means it can save time for installers as it removes the toing and froing between customer and manufacturer to get a decent compromise.” Golden Coast 01271 378100 www.tylolife.co.uk

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WORLD NEWS

NIVEKO Now Part Of Pollet Pool Group

In late January, European pool manufacturer NIVEKO announced that it has been incorporated into the global activities of Pollet Pool Group (PPG). This merger is a major step forward in the pool industry and will greatly benefit both sides, with customers profiting most of all. Both companies share an identical vision, where ‘the customer is king’ and hard and honest work leads to success. Comprising more than 40 companies, PPG is a family business with a history dating back almost 40 years. It currently operates in

12 countries and achieves a total turnover in excess of €250m. The main business partner for the distribution of NIVEKO pools throughout the UK will remain as Certikin International Ltd and all of the Czech-based company’s staff contacts, along with the existing structure business, remain unchanged. NIVEKO s.r.o. +420 572 693 246 www.niveko-pools.com

Waterco Helps Auckland Film Studio To Achieve Crystal-clear Water For a small island nation in the southwest of the Pacific Ocean, New Zealand has produced an incredible range of big budget movies that have found international success. New to the scene is Kumeu Film Studios, a converted screen production complex just 25 minutes from central Auckland. Initially built around the China-Hollywood co-produced action-adventure film MEG, the site includes a 1.267 million litre indoor Underwater Dive Tank and a 2.5 million litre outdoor Ocean Surface Tank. These are the only water tanks of this size and type in New Zealand. Before filming MEG, American movie giant Warner Bros. Studios needed assurance that the underwater dive tank was able to create a blank canvas for filmmakers, which meant the water needed to be as clear as possible. Producing the same quality of water demanded by high-end hotels all over the world (which the studio says is

a major selling point it uses when pitching to producers), Waterco’s Hydroxypure has brought myriad benefits to the cast and crew. “The actors have commented that the water feels soft on their skin and gentle on their eyes, unlike chlorinated water which causes red eyes,” said Screen Production Attraction Executive, Jasmine Millet. “That is hugely beneficial for actors who need to be consistently under water for hours at a time without masks. And, unlike chlorinated pools, Hydroxypure doesn’t bleach costumes or deteriorate divers’ wetsuits. “We haven’t emptied the tank since it was filled. A chemist tests the water every week and it has remained clean and healthy with the Hydroxypure treatment system.” Thanks to the size of the underwater tank and quality of water provided by Hydroxypure, the studios are now on the radar of major international studios that are looking for facilities with water tanks. Waterco Europe 01795 521733 www.waterco.eu

A New Look For interbad In 2018 interbad opens its doors for the 28th time from 23 to 26 October 2018. The international trade fair for swimming pools, saunas and spas, which is organised by the German Association for the Recreational and Medicinal Bath Industry (DGfdB) together with Messe Stuttgart, is one of the most important industry get-togethers with its combination of a trade fair, congress and comprehensive accompanying programme. There are a number of changes for 2018, including a rebranding. “The aim was to update our brand and also retain the recognition value of the interbad brand,” explained Dr Christian Ochsenbauer, President of DGfdB. “Our corporate design includes various elements which are modular and flexible in use. This strengthens our brand presence.” Another new feature of the international industry platform is the trade pavilion, which Messe Stuttgart started together with SHK Baden-Württemberg (Professional Association for Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning). “For the first time plumbing and heating companies have the opportunity to showcase themselves to end users and as a potential supplier for swimming pool specialist retailers,” is how Joachim Sauter, Project Manager for interbad, explained the concept. This year, interbad will also use the new West Congress Center for the first time with the spaMarket conference – the industry congress for hoteliers, thermal spa operators, spa managers and wellness providers – utilising the new facilities. At the Congress for Pool and Bath Technology, a central cornerstone of the integrated event concept of interbad, experts will again meet to acquire information from various presentations and exchange opinions and ideas. This will take place once again in the International Congress Center. interbad +49 711 185 600 www.interbad.de

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www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 26/03/2018 16:33


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WORLD NEWS

IN BRIEF PARTNERSHIP TO OFFER FACILITY MANAGER WEBBASED APP Counsilman-Hunsaker and the National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF®) have announced a partnership to provide the aquatic industry with a digital web-based application designed to enhance the safety and sustainability of aquatic facilities: Facility Manager. The app is based on the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) and NSPF’s Pool & Spa Operator Handbook to ensure code compliance. Facility Manager makes daily operations easier and more efficient. The app is accessible via computer and mobile device, allowing facilities to go paperless on all aspects of operational documentation, such as checklists, water balancing, and incident reporting. The app is customisable to ensure all reports are completed and filled out correctly by staff, and also generates alerts to keep facility managers aware of time-sensitive issues such as pool closure.

THE ALLIANCE AND CPSA ANNOUNCE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR On March 1 2018, seasonedprofessional Eileen Benjamin assumed the role of Executive Director for The California Pool & Spa Association and The Pool Spa & Aquatics Alliance (The Alliance). With this strategic hire, The Alliance is set to grow its member base and benefits offerings. “This is an exciting time for the pool, spa, and aquatics Industry,” said Eileen Benjamin. “The Alliance is the new go-to source for effective legislative protection, top-notch education, innovative programmes that promote demand for swimming, and much more. It’s a perfect blend of expertise that will benefit members significantly. I could not be more honoured to lead the efforts of this association,” she added. Recently expanding state-level government affairs representation from California to Arizona, the 180,000+ member association seeks to ensure the adoption of only reasonable codes and

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First Class Relaxation Aboard The AIDAperla The AIDAperla is the newest addition to the Kussmund cruise liner fleet – which now comprises 12 ships and certainly lives up to its name. Offering a fascinating and wide range of entertainment opportunities, including a lavish spa area which covers an area of more than 3,000m² and as with eight previous AIDA ships, the company once again entrusted the fitting out of the spa area to the experienced and competent hands of wellness specialists KLAFS. The success of the spa area on the AIDAperla was virtually guaranteed in advance – with the design of the Organic Body & Soul Spa being identical to that which caused such a sensation on the AIDAprima and won the ‘Green Spa Award’ from the German Wellness Association in 2017. As AIDA Cruises requested that the visionary spa areas on both the AIDAprima and the AIDAperla be designed and built wholly according to ecological principles, organic shapes, natural woods and fantastic views over the ocean underscore the Green Spa concept. With regard to beauty treatments, only certified organic spa products are used. The fresh spring colours highlight perfectly the modern, dynamic concept of the AIDAperla. As does

the incredible diversity: not only can guests choose between a Finnish sauna with a panorama glass front, a Kelo sauna, a ‘Sanarium’, a steam room, an aroma room, a Kneipp course and no fewer than three luxury shower areas with water cooling system – but there is even a mud bath with adjoining heated benches, two solariums and more than 20 rooms for individual treatments. KLAFS was also responsible for fitting out the two exclusive spa suites for private use, each containing a sauna and a glass steam room. KLAFS GmbH & Co. KG +49 791 5010 www.klafs.com

Water Babies Targets Four Centres in 2018 Infant swimming school Water Babies has set itself an ambition of building four new swim centres in the UK, Germany and China this year. The Devon-based franchise business reached a landmark weekly client base of over 50,000 in 2017 with a business model that has depended heavily on hiring pool space. But they are now looking to expand their reach by building and operating their own facilities to house Water Babies, lessons, as well as aqua natal classes from sister company WaterBumps. Water Babies are working with globallyrenowned Italian pool building firm Myrtha Pools, who have constructed pools for the most recent Olympic Games, World Championships and Commonwealth Games. The first centres will both be in China in Shenzhen and Zhuhai, closely followed by Stirling

in Scotland and Munster in Germany where the business has recently purchased land for development. Facilities have also been earmarked in Exeter and Bristol, close to their existing West Country base in Honiton. Steve Franks, Managing Director of Water Babies said: “This is a game-changing development for Water Babies and the infant swimming industry. As ever, our aim is to deliver the best possible customer experience. “So our award-winning lessons will take place in premium facilities. In collaborating with Myrtha, we are confident we will be in a position to offer a level of baby swimming lessons unrivalled in the world.” Water Babies 01404 548348 www.waterbabies.co.uk

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POOL & SPA INDUSTRY

A Chance To Reflect After ten years in his role, Chris Hayes reflects on some major milestones during his tenure as BSPF Managing Director

T

his month is a moment for me to reflect, having been in my role for ten years and as I look back, there has been so much change in that time. In the first five years, the focus was on getting BISHTA and SPATA Standards updated and with the help of the relevant technical committees this has been achieved. Many of the membership benefits were also reviewed to make sure that they were relevant to our members. SPATEX needed a new home, and this was achieved at the end of this first five years. During the second five-year period, SPATEX has been able to establish itself in its new home at the Ricoh Arena and my thanks go to everyone that made this year’s totally unforgettable. The work of Michele Bridle, Helen Mulingani, Penny Farmer, Thaynara Castro, the event team and the directors is fantastic. Equally stunning was the work of the exhibitors, who had some first-class displays and the education programme from the ISPE was incredibly well received. So too were the seminars run in Arena 2 from bodies such as PWTAG and the STA as well as a superb night at the SPATEX networking party! It was a very proud moment for me to welcome everyone to Coventry to the Industry Gala Dinner, including our EUSA colleagues from around Europe, as we celebrated not only our own British Pool & Hot Tub Awards and the re-presentation of the ISPE awards, but also the European Pool and Spa Awards. My thanks to Jan Hardy, Sallie LeslieGolding and Claire Foss for their excellent organisation of this Industry Gala Dinner. So many people make this event possible from the Ricoh staff, Tony Rance (MC), Rob Malone (presenter), the entertainers and James Penny (DJ) to name but a few. We were also fortunate to welcome Sally Gunnell

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OBE DL to present some of this year’s awards – please see the following pages for more on the awards evening itself. Other significant milestones during this second five-year period have been the development of eight new European standards for domestic pools and spas, and a large number of revisions of the 11 most applicable commercial (public) pool standards (including those for swimming pool equipment). Much of the industry guidance has been updated in the last five years, including Management of Spa Pools (now HSG 282), PWTAG’s Swimming Pool Water publication and the most recent document, which is Managing Health & Safety in Swimming Pools (more usually referred to as HSG 179). Over my ten years, I have had the good fortune to work with many people in the Boards, Councils and Committees and I am very grateful for all of their contributions. Will Dando has taken on the role of BSPF President from Alex Kemsley, and Will is putting the finishing touches to his President’s Weekend being held in Brighton from 14 – 16 September. Alex is also stepping down from his role as BISHTA Chairman to take up a position on the SPATEX Board, and BISHTA is fortunate to have Pete Grinnall to take over as BISHTA’s Chairman. Jamie Adams has indicated his desire to step down as PIP Chairman and a replacement is actively being sought this year. There has also been consistency during this period with Richard Carrington and Howard Gosling chairing SPATA and SPATEX, respectively and Patrick Thorpe sharing his expertise as Company Secretary. A constant theme throughout the last decade has been the need to promote the industry, through the funds raised by SPATEX (over £1.5m so far) and through the hard work of the beneficiary organisations, such as the BSPF, PIP, SPATA, BISHTA and the

ISPE. The annual industry awards provide a superb range of pools, spas, hot tubs and other wellness products to promote. Congratulations to all of the British Pool & Hot Tub Award recipients, the ISPE winners and the EUSA award winners, including UK representatives Cheshire Wellness and Portrait Pools. Further details of all of the award winners can be found starting from page 43 of this issue. I would also like to thank the sponsors, whose details are found below. So what do the next five years look like? It will involve much of the same tasks of the last ten years, but there will also be a greater movement towards working with colleagues around the globe through the World Alliance of Pool & Spa Associations (WAPSA). Training and education will also be taking centre stage, with new courses and qualifications being developed. It will also be a time for change as succession planning will see a number of the industry stalwarts passing on the baton to the next generation of people to meet whatever challenges we face. If you are interested in getting more involved by joining BISHTA or SPATA, or you are an existing member, and you want to get more actively involved, please contact us in the Andover office. DIARY DATES 2018 10 Apr 23 Apr 21 Jun 11 Sep 14 – 16 Sep

BISHTA Committee, Andover BISHTA Technical Committee, WebEx Swimming Advisory Group, Loughborough TC 402 Board, Paris President’s Weekend, Brighton

A full list of Diary Dates is available on www.spata.co.uk / www.bishta.co.uk – look under the Trade heading

SPN April 2018 39 23/03/2018 17:31


POOL & SPA INDUSTRY

On-Stage - Sally Gunnell OBE DL with the team from XL Pools who were the evening’s big winners and collected a number of Awards including The Dick Millward Trophy for Pool Contractor of the Year plus Outstanding Pool of the Year titles

Tanby Pools enjoyed plenty of success during the evening with a haul of eight Awards

The ‘Oscars’ Of The Wet Leisure And Wellness Industry! At the end of January, everyone was talking about the 2018 British Pool & Hot Tub Awards and the achievements of the award-winning companies

O

n Tuesday 30 January, the 2018 British Pool & Hot Tub Awards were held during the Industry Gala Evening, at the Ricoh Arena, in Coventry during SPATEX. Hosted by BISHTA and SPATA, the event has now become the most prominent and longest-running awards and networking event in the industry. These well-established awards are the UK’s number one wet leisure and wellness industry accolades, with the first SPATA awards presented in 1978 and the first BISHTA awards introduced in 2008. The two award ceremonies were rebranded in 2015. This year’s event was made even more special as members of the European Union of Swimming Pool and Spa Associations (EUSA) including Mille Örnmark (EUSA President) were guests of the British Swimming Pool Federation (BSPF), to host the European Pool

& Spa Awards (see more about them later in this issue). The gala dinner also saw the re-presentation of the ISPE 2017 awards, overseen by the ISPE’s President, John Cheek. The BISHTA and SPATA awards were presented by Alex Kemsley (BSPF President and BISHTA Chairman), Will Dando (BSPF Vice President) and Richard Carrington (SPATA Chairman) with help from a number of category sponsors. The special guest of the evening was British former track and field athlete, Sally Gunnell OBE DL. Sally remains the only woman ever to hold four major track titles concurrently – Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth and she received a standing ovation from the audience. The black-tie event had a ‘Vegas Spectacular’ theme and started with a drinks reception, as guests were welcomed by showgirls. A red carpet leading to a

photo booth, and there was also a chance to have their photo taken professionally. There followed a three-course dinner, awards presentations and entertainment from the country’s leading Rat Pack tribute band along with a disco until the early hours! The British Pool & Hot Tub Awards provide a fantastic opportunity for the whole industry to come together, offering not only a great night, but also the chance to promote the Awards far and wide. In business terms, it is a chance to network with industry peers, where new contacts and business relationships are begun, irrespective of whether guests are BISHTA or SPATA members. Ultimately, the Awards are an essential platform to showcase the best hot tubs, spas, swimming pools and wellness projects, raising the profile of the wet leisure industry (as a whole) driving awareness for UK consumers. SPN

Mark Daniels (left) from Home Counties (Horsham) was represented with the Gartside Cup from ISPE President, John Cheek

Sally Gunnell OBE DL with the Hot Tub Suppliers team and their four Awards

40 April 2018 SPN 34-35_SPN_April_18_Awards_Evening.indd 40

Sally Gunnell OBE DL and the team from North Spas along with their multiple Awards

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 23/03/2018 17:09


POOL & SPA INDUSTRY Whitewaters enjoyed success again and received the gold Award in the In-ground Residential Spas category

Complete Spas picked up four Awards including a gold in the Hot Tub Happiness category

London Swimming Pool Company’s Jamie Smith and Sally Gunnell OBE DL along with the company’s two gold Awards

Certikin International Managing Director Neil Murray (left) and former Chairman Patrick Thorpe (right) with Wensum Pools, winners of The Peter Geekie Award for Retail Excellence

The team from Cheshire Wellness had a big night, picking up two gold, two silver and two bronze Awards plus a bronze EUSA Award too Barnsley Hot Tubs enjoyed success with a gold Award in the Residential Hot Tubs £7,000 to £14,000 category

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 34-35_SPN_April_18_Awards_Evening.indd 41

Cresta Leisure picked up multiple Awards including a gold in the Residential Outdoor Pools With An Enclosure category

Euphoria Lifestyle secured three Awards on the evening including a gold for Best Use Of Digital Media

SPN April 2018 41 23/03/2018 17:09


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BRITISH POOL & HOT TUB AWARD WINNERS 2018

UK’s 2018 Award Winners Revealed! Residential Outdoor Pools £40,000 To Under £75,000 plus The Dick Millward Trophy For Pool Contractor Of The Year XL Pools 01233 840336 www.xlpools.com

We highlight the winners from the 2018 British Pool & Hot Tub Awards held by BISHTA and SPATA at the Industry Gala Evening during SPATEX 2018

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inners of the 2018 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 30 January. The evening included a guest appearance from British Olympian Sally Gunnell OBE DL, who presented a number of awards and received a standing ovation from the crowd in recognition of her fantastic

sporting achievements. Sally remains the only woman ever to hold four major track titles concurrently – Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth! The mission of the British Pool & Hot Tub

Residential Outdoor Pools £75,000 To Under £125,000, Outstanding Pool Of The Year plus The Dick Millward Trophy For Pool Contractor Of The Year XL Pools 01233 840336 www.xlpools.com

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Awards is to recognise the achievements of BISHTA and SPATA members, 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,

Residential Outdoor Pools Under £40,000 Blue Cube Pools 01234 783569 www.bluecubepools.co.uk

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BRITISH POOL & HOT TUB AWARD WINNERS 2018 Residential Outdoor Pools Over £125,000 Tanby Pools 01883 622335 www.tanbypools.co.uk

the Trade Associations also give a voice to the industry at home and abroad. With 28 award categories, the British Pool & Hot Tub Awards reflects the variety of pools, spas, wellness and hot tubs that are available to suit all kinds of budgets and tastes! Entering the British Pool & Hot Tub Awards also opens the door to Europe, as 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). Winning these awards shines a spotlight on the UK winners raising their profiles in the

The mission of the British Pool & Hot Tub Awards is to recognise the achievements of BISHTA and SPATA members, by showcasing the best examples of design, construction, installation and innovation” UK and across Europe. The awards evening is held at SPATEX, the UK’s largest dedicated Pool, Spa and Wellness Show; an event held annually in the Ericsson Exhibition Hall at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, 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.

Residential Indoor Pools Under £100,000 plus The Dick Millward Trophy For Pool Contractor Of The Year XL Pools 01233 840336 www.xlpools.com

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BRITISH POOL & HOT TUB AWARD WINNERS 2018 The 2018 SPATA Award Winners: RESIDENTIAL OUTDOOR POOLS UNDER £40,000 Gold: Blue Cube Pools RESIDENTIAL OUTDOOR POOLS £40,000 TO UNDER £75,000 Gold: XL Pools Silver: Cheshire Wellness Bronze: Asher Swimpool Centre Merit: BTU Pools

Residential Indoor Pools £100,000 To Under £150,000 Portrait Pools 01625 466200 www.portraitpools.com

RESIDENTIAL OUTDOOR POOLS £75,000 TO UNDER £125,000 Gold: XL Pools Silver: Cresta Leisure Bronze: Centurion Leisure Bronze: Tanby Pools RESIDENTIAL OUTDOOR POOLS OVER £125,000 Gold: Tanby Pools Silver: Cresta Leisure Bronze: New Dawn Pools Bronze: Portrait Pools RESIDENTIAL OUTDOOR POOLS WITH AN ENCLOSURE Gold: Cresta Leisure

Residential Outdoor Pools With An Enclosure Cresta Leisure 01305 259253 www.cresta-leisure.co.uk

Special Requirements Pool Of The Year Cheshire Wellness 0151 336 3417 www.cheshirewellness.co.uk

RESIDENTIAL INDOOR POOLS UNDER £100,000 Gold: XL Pools Silver: Eagle Leisure Scotland Bronze: Origin Leisure Bronze: Cheshire Wellness RESIDENTIAL INDOOR POOLS £100,000 TO UNDER £150,000 Gold: Portrait Pools Silver: Portrait Pools Bronze: Tanby Pools Bronze: Falcon Pools Bronze: London Swimming Pool Company RESIDENTIAL INDOOR POOLS OVER £150,000 Gold: Portrait Pools Silver: Unipools Silver: Tanby Pools Bronze: New Dawn Pools Bronze: Portrait Pools Bronze: London Swimming Pool Company

Residential Indoor Pools Over £150,000 Portrait Pools 01625 466200 www.portraitpools.com

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BRITISH POOL & HOT TUB AWARD WINNERS 2018

Refurbishment Pool Of The Year Rigo Spa 0151 236 4259 www.rigospa.com

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS POOL OF THE YEAR Gold: Cheshire Wellness Silver: David Hallam COMMERCIAL POOL OF THE YEAR Gold: World Leisure UK Silver: Cheshire Wellness Bronze: Rigo Spa Bronze: London Swimming Pool Company OVERSEAS COMMERCIAL POOL OF THE YEAR Gold: Desert Leisure Swimming Pools

Commercial Pool Of The Year World Leisure UK 01772 284883 www.worldleisureuk.co.uk

In-ground Residential Spas (Joint Winner) Whitewaters 0191 5512048 www.whitewaters.co.uk

OVERSEAS RESIDENTIAL POOL OF THE YEAR Gold: Desert Leisure Swimming Pools REFURBISHMENT POOL OF THE YEAR Gold: Rigo Spa Silver: Cheshire Wellness Bronze: Asher Swimpool Centre Bronze: Cheshire Wellness Bronze: Tanby Pools Overseas Commercial Pool Of The Year Desert Leisure Swimming Pools +971 4 590 4000 www.desertleisure.ae

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ASTRALPOOL FP APR16v2_Layout 1 18/03/2016 13:30 Page 1

"ANOTHER PIECE TO OUR JIGSAW" STUNNING TILED SPAS ARE NOW AVAILABLE 25 years manufacturing experience and an ISO9001 accredited factory Large range of standard spas available as well as fully bespoke designs From conception to completion

Email: sales@astralpooluk.com Tel: 0845 306 0903 Web: www.astralpool.co.uk


BRITISH POOL & HOT TUB AWARD WINNERS 2018 Overseas Residential Pool Of The Year Desert Leisure Swimming Pools +971 4 590 4000 www.desertleisure.ae

IN-GROUND RESIDENTIAL SPAS Gold: London Swimming Pool Company Gold: Whitewaters Silver: Tanby Pools Silver: Tanby Pools Bronze: London Swimming Pool Company IN-GROUND COMMERCIAL SPAS AND WELLNESS Gold: London Swimming Pool Company Silver: H20 Cannings Bronze: Centurion Leisure THE PETER GEEKIE AWARD FOR RETAIL EXCELLENCE Winner: Wensum Pools

Paul Kite Award For The Pool Star Of The Year Neil Bevan of Tanby Pools

PAUL KITE AWARD FOR THE POOL STAR OF THE YEAR Winner: Neil Bevan (Tanby Pools) THE DICK MILLWARD TROPHY FOR POOL CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR Winner: XL Pools

The Peter Geekie Award For Retail Excellence Wensum Pools 01328 838834 www.wensumpools.co.uk

In-ground Residential Spas (Joint Winner) London Swimming Pool Company 020 8605 1255 www.londonswimmingpools.com

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OUTSTANDING POOL OF THE YEAR Winner: XL Pools

In-ground Commercial Spas And Wellness London Swimming Pool Company 020 8605 1255 www.londonswimmingpools.com

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BRITISH POOL & HOT TUB AWARD WINNERS 2018 The 2018 BISHTA Award Winners: RESIDENTIAL HOT TUBS BELOW £7,000 Gold: Hot Tub Suppliers Silver: Euphoria Lifestyle Bronze: H20 Cannings RESIDENTIAL HOT TUBS £7,000 TO £14,000 Gold: Barnsley Hot Tubs Gold: North Spas Silver: H20 Cannings Bronze: Complete Spas RESIDENTIAL HOT TUBS £14,000 AND OVER Gold: Hydropool Devon Gold: North Spas Silver: Euphoria Lifestyle Bronze: 1 Stop Spas Merit: Award Leisure SWIM AND EXERCISE SPAS Gold: Hydropool Devon Silver: Complete Spas

Residential Hot Tubs £7,000 To £14,000 (Joint Winner) North Spas 0191 410 9988 www.northspas.co.uk

Residential Hot Tubs £7,000 To £14,000 (Joint Winner) Barnsley Hot Tubs 01226 824463 www.barnsleyhottubs.co.uk

Hot Tubs Change Lives Hot Tub Suppliers 0116 251 3378 www.hottubsuppliers.com

Residential Hot Tubs Below £7,000 Hot Tub Suppliers 0116 251 3378 www.hottubsuppliers.com

Residential Hot Tubs £14,000 And Over (Joint Winner) Hydropool Devon 01803 872666 www.hydropooldevon.co.uk

Residential Hot Tubs £14,000 And Over (Joint Winner) North Spas 0191 410 9988 www.northspas.co.uk

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BRITISH POOL & HOT TUB AWARD WINNERS 2018 HOT TUBS CHANGE LIVES Gold: Hot Tub Suppliers Silver: North Spas Bronze: Complete Spas Merit: RotoSpa Merit: Award Leisure HOT TUBS IN A HOLIDAY SETTING Gold: RotoSpa Silver: Hydropool Devon Bronze: Hot Tub Suppliers Merit: Concept Spa Merit: Award Leisure Merit: Chemsol Cymru HOT TUB HAPPINESS Gold: Complete Spas Silver: RotoSpa Bronze: North Spas SHOWROOM OF THE YEAR Gold: All Weather Leisure Silver: All Swim Silver: 1 Stop Spas Bronze: Hot Tub House Yorkshire

Swim And Exercise Spas Hydropool Devon 01803 872666 www.hydropooldevon.co.uk

BEST USE OF DIGITAL MEDIA Gold: Euphoria Lifestyle Silver: Hot Tub Suppliers

Hot Tubs In A Holiday Setting RotoSpa 0121 354 3428 www.rotospa.co.uk

Hot Tub Happiness Complete Spas 01386 831446 www.completespas.co.uk

Showroom Of The Year All Weather Leisure 0333 600 7008 www.allweatherleisure.com

Best Use Of Digital Media Euphoria Lifestyle 0808 278 7158 www.euphoria-lifestyle.co.uk

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EUROPEAN INDUSTRY AWARDS

Celebrating Europe-wide Industry Excellence – The EUSA Awards Splash Down at SPATEX! With two British companies receiving recognition, we highlight all of the winning entries from the 2017 EUSA Awards, which were presented at the Industry Gala Evening held during SPATEX 2018 at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry

E 2017 AWARD WINNERS DOMESTIC OUTDOOR POOLS Gold: Woodtli Schwimmbadtechnik (Switzerland) Silver: Woodtli Schwimmbadtechnik (Switzerland) Bronze: SSF Schwimmbad GmbH (Germany) DOMESTIC INDOOR POOLS Gold: SSF Schwimmbad GmbH (Germany) Silver: Portrait Pools (UK) Bronze: Cheshire Wellness (UK) DOMESTIC SPAS Gold: Vivell & Co AG (Switzerland) Silver: Fardef Piscine (Italy) Bronze: Diffazur Piscines (France) DOMESTIC HOT TUBS Gold: Guenan Piscines (France) Silver: KGR / Proco Iloé (France) Bronze: Rainer Köppen Schwimmbadtechnik (Germany) DOMESTIC POOL ENCLOSURES Gold: Concept Alu (France) Silver: Abrisud (France) Bronze: SSF Schwimmbad GmbH (Germany)

ach year, the European Union of Swimming Pool and Spa Associations (EUSA) holds an awards event to celebrate the fantastic work of their National Association members. The European Pool & Spa Awards are usually held at different pool and spa exhibitions across Europe and the 2017 event is the fifth time the event has been held. The UK’s SPATEX exhibition provided the venue for the latest Awards which took place on Tuesday 30 January during the Industry Gala Evening in the Premier Lounge at the Ricoh Arena, in Coventry. Entrants within the five competitive Award categories came from across the current 14 EUSA member countries and the Gold, Silver and Bronze winners from each category were announced by new EUSA President Mille Örnmark. Underlining the prestigious nature of the Awards, the majority of winners sent company representatives to the ceremony to collect their Awards in person and the big winners on the night were German company SSF Schwimmbad GmbH who collected three Awards across three different categories. As in previous years, there was success for UK companies in the latest Awards too. Both came in the ‘Domestic Indoor Pools’ category with Portrait Pools picking up a Silver Award and Cheshire Wellness collecting a Bronze Award. EUSA represents approximately 2,500 companies from all areas along the supply chain, adding value to swimming pool and spa businesses. It represents craftsmen, installers, wholesalers and manufacturers

Cheshire Wellness collect their Bronze EUSA Award from Mille Ornmark (Eusa President)

All the EUSA Award winners celebrate on stage

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and the industry of the swimming pool and spa businesses across Europe. The awards were judged by top industry professionals representing many of the 14 EUSA member countries. The 2017 awards were organised by EUSA, to showcase the best examples of construction, design and innovation of pools and spas from European companies. Founded in 2006, EUSA is registered in Brussels and its objectives are to strengthen and coordinate the spirit of European unity between all of its members and to provide a voice for craftsmen, the trade, wholesalers and the water leisure industry across Europe. Andreas Petridis (EUSA President 2016 – 2017), commented: “I have been extremely proud to be at the helm through these exciting times for EUSA, as we celebrate the fifth 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 2018, the influence of EUSA and the combined support of its national pool and spa association members lead by the new President Mille Örnmark are sure to have a fantastic impact on the industry. The message is clear in providing water leisure companies across Europe with a reason to celebrate their achievements and also with the opportunity to promote pool and spa equipment as an exciting and inspiring lifestyle choice for consumers in this ever demanding life we live in.

UK success – Andrew Rutherford From Portrait Pools collects a Silver EUSA Award from Mille Ornmark (Eusa President)

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EUROPEAN INDUSTRY AWARDS

DOMESTIC INDOOR POOLS Silver Award Winner Portrait Pools (UK)

DOMESTIC INDOOR POOLS Bronze Award Winner Cheshire Wellness (UK)

DOMESTIC OUTDOOR POOLS Gold Award Winner Woodtli Schwimmbadtechnik (Switzerland)

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DOMESTIC OUTDOOR POOLS Silver Award Winner Woodtli Schwimmbadtechnik (Switzerland)

DOMESTIC OUTDOOR POOLS Bronze Award Winner SSF Schwimmbad GmbH (Germany)

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EUROPEAN INDUSTRY AWARDS DOMESTIC INDOOR POOLS Gold Award Winner SSF Schwimmbad GmbH (Germany)

DOMESTIC POOL ENCLOSURES Silver Award Winner Abrisud (France)

DOMESTIC SPAS Gold Award Winner Vivell & Co AG (Switzerland)

DOMESTIC SPAS Silver Award Winner Fardef Piscine (Italy) DOMESTIC SPAS Bronze Award Winner Diffazur Piscines (France)

DOMESTIC HOT TUBS Bronze Award Winner Rainer Köppen Schwimmbadtechnik

DOMESTIC HOT TUBS Gold Award Winner Guenan Piscines (France)

DOMESTIC HOT TUBS Silver Award Winner KGR / Proco Iloé (France)

DOMESTIC POOL ENCLOSURES Bronze Award Winner SSF Schwimmbad GmbH (Germany)

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DOMESTIC POOL ENCLOSURES Gold Award Winner Concept Alu (France)

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Designing safety. emco swimming pool gratings Safe, hygienic, durable – and unique: The rigid PVC insert type 723 DESIGN, onto which tile or natural stone strips can be bonded, is a market-unique solution for covering flood-waters. It is ideally suitable for private swimming pools and hotel pools in which the main focus is on the visually harmonious design of the swimming pool grate with the edge of the pool. This has been stressed by several awards: The cover of overflow channels has received the “Red Dot” award and the “Golden Wave” award. www.emco-bau.com Telephone: (+44) 01952 / 256446

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STA POOL PLANT – CLOUDY WATER

Cloudy Water In this issue, the STA’s Pool Plant Consultant Robbie Phillips looks at how to tackle the issue of cloudy water in outdoor swimming pools that are used by the public

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ith summer fast-approaching, operators of outdoor swimming pools will be gearing up for a busy season ahead (weather permitting of course), and one of the most common problems we see with these type of facilities is cloudy water. This is primarily caused as a result of heavy bather loads and ensuing poor maintenance. If ignored or allowed to develop to specific levels, cloudy or milky water presents a serious hazard to bathers; especially for children who cannot be seen effectively in a crowded pool. Filter sand in the pool also poses a serious health risk, not only from clarity, but from diseases being able to spread easily as the filters cannot trap these microscopic particles. Ultimately, pool operators have a legal responsibility to safeguard patrons; the pool should be closed if the clarity of the water is not sufficient to see the bottom of the pool. In the US for example, statistics show cloudy water significantly contributes to the number of drowning deaths every year. The importance of managing and monitoring cloudy water therefore cannot be underestimated – it is a vital aspect of aquatic safety – and not just for the pool operator, but for swimming teachers and lifeguards as well.

CHECKPOINTS Cloudy pool water is caused by a number of factors such as faulty filtration, improper chemical concentration, and environment i.e. bather loads. Therefore, when pool water appears cloudy or milky, and a fine white precipitate settles after peak use periods, operators should be trained to check the following items (this advice applies equally

If ignored or allowed to develop to specific levels, cloudy or milky water presents a serious hazard to bathers; especially for children who cannot be seen effectively in a crowded pool” www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 59_SPN_April_18_STA.indd 59

to indoor pools that face heavy bather loads in peak seasons): Turnover Rate: Make sure that the normal safe flow rate is being maintained, and that an obstruction or pump impeller damage due to cavitation is not restricting the amount of water moving through the filters. Filter Valves: Make sure that all valves are open or in the correct position to allow water to move correctly and effectively through the filters. Broken Laterals: Check the bottom of the swimming pool first thing in the morning before the water has been agitated; look for regular deposits of filter media sand near the return inlets. Damage to the underdrains compromises filtration and hygiene within the pool. Fines: If filters are not backwashed properly and for an adequate amount of time, fine particles start to work their way down into the filter bed. Eventually fines are carried into the laterals and back into the pool. A similar process can happen with regenerative filters where if the process is not correct or septa are damaged, the fine celite type media can return to the pool. Channelling And Mudball Formation: Any mudballs and channels which form on the An example of what can happen with poor backwashing

Sand from a filter deposited on the pool floor

sand bed should be destroyed. Mudball formation is caused by calcium scale, organic debris, detergents, oils, and bather waste products. These oily products reduce sanitiser effectiveness, promote bacterial growth, and cloud water. In addition to forming scum lines at the water surface, they may also clog the filter. Filters Not Properly Sized: Make sure that the filters are properly sized. If water is allowed to flow through the media at a rate higher than that recommended by the manufacturer, much of the debris will pass right through without being removed. High TDS: Use a TDS meter to determine the level of total dissolved solids. Sweeping And Vacuuming: The pool tank should be swept or vacuumed daily. For Outdoor Pools, High Cyanuric Acid levels: Do not use cyanuric acid or chlorinated isocyanurates in indoor pools, or in outdoor pools and spas with extremely high organic loading problems. If cyanurates are used to prevent loss of chlorine and dissipation into the air due to exposure to ultraviolet light, use in moderation. (NOTE: In all pools controlled dilution is essential.)

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING Our final piece of advice, before attempting any of the aforementioned steps, is to make sure staff are properly trained in all areas of swimming pool and spa plant management. STA’s Level 3 Award in Pool Plant Operations qualification, which is now CIMSPA endorsed, covers all operators need to ensure safe, clear and hygienic water practices in pools, spas and interactive play features. STA 01922 645097 www.sta.co.uk

A TOP TIP FOR TESTING FILTRATION Perform a settling test to determine the make-up of the filter bed. Take a large glass jar (like a mayonnaise jar) and fill it with 2 cups of water. Add 1 cup of media from your filter. Add 1 teaspoon of dishwasher detergent or Calgon water softener. Replace the jar lid and shake. Allow the solution to settle overnight. The sample should settle into a layer of sand with water on top. If instead, it settles into layers with the sand on the bottom, silty material above the sand layer, and an organic layer on top, replace the filter media in the tanks.

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Transform your pool room into a multi-use event space

Pool-dek is a pool covering system designed to convert a swimming pool room, or outdoor pool area & transform it into a functional event space without the need to drain the pool. Availble to hire or buy – Pool-dek comprises a bespoke, made to measure, stylish floor finish over the water’s surface. The system utilises the existing space of a concrete shell or tiled finish swimming pool, covering it and producing an individual floor surface to create an amazing and unique additional event space. We can accommodate other types of pool construction and decommissioned pools.

Simple transformation:

Pool-dek is constructed using stainless steel frames with adjustable feet, ensuring that the framework is level and ready to accommodate the water resistant deck panels. Frames hook together without the need of tools and are braced to the pool side to provide a rigid substructure.

• Modular components

We offer a bespoke design and installation service to the finest detail such as edging, corners and special cutting requirements. We can also accommodate sloping floors, steps and jacuzzis.

• Multiple finish options, to complement individual spaces

• No need to drain the pool • Average install time 2-4 hours • Initial site survey and installation included (UK only) • Supplied worldwide (survey and installation available) • Easy to install, dismantle and store • Compact storage • Multi-functional, creates a dual purpose room • Strong and secure • Over 20 years of worldwide installations

Pool-dek is a patented and trademarked product supplied by Stage Systems, based in Loughborough (part of the Havelock Europa Plc Group of Companies). Stage Systems has been trading for 50 years.

www.pooldek.co.uk For friendly, expert advice contact 01509 611021 or info@pooldek.co.uk PD_SP_News_FullP_AD_297x210 AW.indd 1

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A FLEXIBLE FOOTPRINT

From Pool To Party

When a Surrey resident needed a solution to cover his swimming pool and create a party area, Pool-dek from Stage Systems was able to transform a stunning annex into an elegant event space

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he setting is a beautiful new build Georgian style property in leafy Surrey. The swimming pool is situated in a stunning annex at the rear of the house, looking out over the landscaped gardens. With light streaming in through the patio doors and the pitched glass apex, it is a perfect place to hold a private celebration. The pool is a tiled construction, approximately 10m x 5m x 2.1m deep. As the depth of the pool is over 1.5m, for safety reasons, the Stage Systems team had to factor in the use of a qualified diving team to assist with the install. The client provided detailed drawings of the pool and the location on which to base a quotation. A survey and consultation visit was arranged and took place once the building works were complete.

THE POOL-DEK PROCESS Stage Systems presented the client with a range of finish options in order to match the beautiful interior design of the property. Samples were taken to demonstrate the quality and finish of the product. The client chose a 30mm birch PFC/ FSC plywood deck with 2.5mm Foamex to the underside and a maple edging to match the neutral stain of the timber decks. This complemented the interior décor of whites, blues and neutral colours. As an added design feature, five acrylic panels were chosen to sit along the centre of the Pooldek, and these special decks consisted of a transparent acrylic in order to be able to see the pool underneath. The storage of the product was discussed as part of the consultation and the client decided that the best solution was to build a

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special housing for the equipment at the side of the house, with access to the pool area when required. After the consultation, the client received a proposal based on the survey and finish specification. The proposal was signed off and agreed, and installation was planned. Full access to the pool was organised for the installation and MMC Diving Services, were procured to assist with the deep framework. The party had been planned and with other trades working in the same area, the challenge to install the pool floor was set. Stage Systems successfully worked alongside the lighting, event and catering teams to transform a swimming pool room into a temporary event space. The initial installation involved pre-checks such as assessing the pool’s water level and temperature, checking all equipment and briefing the team. Construction began in the deepest part of the pool which involved the divers working to fit the frames together. The framework is built up in sections until it reaches the required height in order to place the decks on top. Constant measurements are taken to ensure that the

floor is secure, solid and level. Each deck has been fully tested to take a load of 7.5kN/m2. All parts are labelled during the install process to build up a set of instructions for future installations should the client not require Stage Systems’ services to build or dismantle the Pool-dek for future events. The floor was completed that afternoon, inspected and cleaned ready for the client to sign off the works.

A HAPPY CLIENT The client was very happy with the installation and the party was a resounding success. Chairs and tables were placed on the Pool-dek for the guests and removed later on for dancing. A DJ was situated on the client’s poolside spa with a sophisticated sound and integrated lighting system to finish off the atmosphere. The whole room was transformed into a party area in just one day. The client will receive a courtesy call every year to ensure they are still happy with their UK produced Pool-dek system. Stage Systems 01509 611021 www.pooldek.co.uk

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MANUFACTURED IN THE UK

Plastica Pools Staying ‘True Blue’ To UK Manufacturing With over 80% of its business consisting of competitively priced, top-grade British made products, Plastica Pools is fully committed to playing to its strength as a leading UK manufacturer – something we should all be proud of!

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lastica Pools produces a variety of products for the pool trade and commercial customers from its premises in Hastings, East Sussex. This sunny part of England is home to a 13,000 square metre factory, full of loyal staff with years of experience. Everything is manufactured using an impressive combination of state-of-theart equipment and handcrafted parts. The end results are distributed around the UK primarily, with some sales overseas.

ALL HANDS TO THE PUMP A significant new development in 2017, was the company’s acquisition of the Argonaut and AG pump business from the Balboa Corporation of California. Although Plastica had full control of the manufacturing and distribution of the pumps, the components were previously moulded in the USA before being assembled within Europe. By then end of 2017, Plastica had brought this all in-house. It is now the only UK manufacturer of pumps. The Argonaut Pump and its smaller counterpart, the AG pump, have an excellent reputation. Plastica’s Technical Manager and BSPF President, Will Dando, said: “We plan to build on the strong history of the Argonaut name, adapting and improving it for the future.”

HOT-TUB CROWD PLEASER Plastica’s stand at SPATEX 2018 drew in the crowds when it revealed the creative talents of its Project Manager, Jody Perkin. He created a ‘spa in a car’ in under eight weeks! The VW Beatle featured a fully working spa in the main body and showcased an Argonaut Pump under the bonnet!

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STAINLESS STEEL POOL LADDERS

REELING IN COMMERCIAL COVERS

Plastica has focused on quality and safety with its 43mm 316 grade stainless steel ladders. The tube conforms to British Standards, as do the stainless steel treads and double top tread. Everything is moulded in-house and supplied with their own custom designed treads and fixtures. Will commented: “We know that discerning customers and many commercial leisure projects want products that last, are safe and are made in Britain.” There’s no compromise in usability either. These ladders can be used in both domestic and commercial applications. They are suitable for concrete and liner pools plus salt water too.

One of Plastica’s most recognised strengths is its specialism in commercial covers and reel systems. From Olympic sized competition pools to challenging freeform fun pools, well over 1,200 commercial cover and reel systems have been manufactured and installed across the country by the team from East Sussex. There are unique benefits to Plastica’s UK-crafted covers and reels as Edward explained: “Our covers have hemmed edges, reinforced leading edges and double welded seams down the length of the pool cover, rather than across the width. This all results in less stress on the covers to prevent fraying, delamination and tearing. We choose to work with stainless steel for our reel systems to really maximise strength, longevity and ease of maintenance for our clients.” Plastica’s covers retain the heat, which is the most effective means of reducing your indoor swimming pool’s energy consumption and payback can be achieved in just 12 months!

LINERS AND COVERS Plastica is the most experienced UK liner manufacturer – making liners of all shapes and sizes for 45 years. In 1972 Plastica’s co-founders, Edward Campbell-Salmon and Peter Adlington, started producing debris covers. This soon evolved into heat retaining covers. In 1988 they launched the ever-popular Extreme™ Pool Lining System – where a reinforced 1.5mm thick material is fitted on site, making it ideal for new pools or the refurbishment of leaking concrete and tiled pools. In Hastings today, the state-of-the-art CAD systems and computerised plotter cutters guarantee great results. Andrew has been at Plastica for 13 years as an Engineering Supervisor and explains: “People don’t often realise that we also offer a bespoke service. Each individual order can be tailored to fit the client’s exact requirements and measurements.”

FLYING THE FLAG FOR BRITAIN One of the great things about manufacturing in-house is Plastica can pass on cost savings to the customer, who can be reassured they are getting a well-crafted product. To find out more about Plastica’s product range, visit their comprehensive website or if you would like to understand more about the company’s manufacturing capability, chat to their friendly customer service team to arrange an accompanied visit to the factory. Plastica Pools 01424 857857 www.plasticapools.net

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SPATEX2019 Thank You 2018.qxp_Layout 1 09/03/2018 11:12 Page 1

to all our wonderful exhibitors and visitors at SPATEX 2018 for making it such an Industry-wide success. We look forward to seeing you all again in 2019.

ERICSSON EXHIBITION HALL

COVENTRY, UK

SPATEX is the UK’s only swimming pool and spa exhibition. It represents all sectors of the wet leisure industry from pools, spas, saunas to hydrotherapy, steam rooms and play equipment, in both the domestic and commercial arena.

THE UK’S ONLY INTERNATIONAL POOL, SPA AND WELLNESS EXHIBITION FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK YOUR STAND VISIT:

WWW.SPATEX.CO.UK OR CALL +44 1264 358558


SPATEX, RICOH ARENA, COVENTRY

SHOW REVIEW

A Bigger SPATEX Ticks All The Boxes The water leisure community from the UK and further afield recently converged on the UK’s Ricoh Arena in Coventry for the 22nd edition of SPATEX. Taking place for the fifth time at the Midlands venue, the three-day Show was larger than ever and once again proved a worthwhile trip for all who attended By Jon Wadeson

W

ell 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. Last year, the three-day event switched to running midweek – and the successful format was retained and built upon this year with a steady flow of visitors attending the Midlands venue, a fact noticed by many exhibitors including Complete Pool Controls’ Mark Ramsden who said: “The Show layout was excellent and the seminar

programme was compelling, covering many ‘hot’ pertinent topics of the day. Visitor numbers were spread evenly across all three days, and it was good to meet ‘old’ friends alongside some new first-time visitors. As ever, the Show provides a good platform to unveil new initiatives and products quickly and effectively to a large audience.” One hundred and twenty seven top

SPATEX covered the whole wet leisure industry and included companies serving the wellness sector such as Alpha Industries

There were plenty of hot tub brands on display in Coventry including BeWell – a new entrant to the UK distributed by Superior Spas

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SHOW REVIEW

SPATEX, RICOH ARENA, COVENTRY In addition to their hot tub brands, Aqua Warehouse Group also exhibited cover lifters and a wide range of accessories

There were a number of well received innovations on display including the Lift’O moving floor

A new hot tub range from SCP UK was one of a number of new highlights displayed for the 2018 season

Certikin International’s stand drew the crowds with a number of new products including a new moving floor solution from Tieleman

quality companies participated at SPATEX 2018, drawn from the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers. With a host of new products on display covering every sector that makes up the wider wet leisure market, and with a professional look which improves each and every year, the show is unrecognisable when compared to its days being held in Brighton. Echoing that sentiment, exhibitor Gil Gingell from Darlly Europe commented: “SPATEX 2018 was in one word: excellent! Aside from the excellent organisation and communication to exhibitors and visitors, we were particularly impressed by the overall quality of the show this year. It was like a small version of Piscine Lyon.”

Size of course matters at any exhibition and this year, the Show’s organisers were keen to highlight that the event’s floor area had been increased by 500m2. The increased floor space facilitated additional exhibitors but there was also a more noticeable presence of spa and hot tub companies filling the floor this year. In fact, 25 leading spa and hot tub companies, some from America and Canada were present, creating a broad cross-section of the global water leisure industry. Their presence destroyed the myth that SPATEX is only a swimming pool show and of course the type of visitors reflected the amount of hot tub and spa products present. “Not only were we busy on the stands but the quality of the

attendance was outstanding. I have never worked so hard on a stand in all my life. In fact, we were so busy I made a note we need more staff for next year! We are now struggling to deal with all the enquiries,” said Aqua Warehouse Group Managing Director Richard Hart. In addition to the wide variety of exhibitors, SPATEX 2018 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 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

The Lighthouse stand was one of a number of professional looking stands that was packed with new products

All the big distributors were present at SPATEX, including Fairlocks Pool Products who exhibited a number of new products

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SPATEX, RICOH ARENA, COVENTRY

SHOW REVIEW The Golden Coast stand had a wide range of products serving the whole wet leisure industry

Exhibitors praised the layout and organisation of SPATEX and each of the three days enjoyed a steady flow of visitors

Plastica Pools’ VW ‘hot dub’ showcased a number of the company’s innovative products

Exhibitors and visitors unwind and catch up post show at the themed SPATEX Networking Party

all delegates. In Arena 1, all the traditional subjects were comprehensively covered, and ISPE General Secretary, Ross Alcock, reported an outstanding attendance for this year’s Workshop programme and a record attendance on the Tuesday of 225 people. In Arena 2, a parallel seminar programme also covered a diverse number of subjects from a wide range of speakers and all the sessions across the two Arenas were well attended. The increasing thirst for knowledge and training from within the industry has helped to make the combination of the two varied programmes an integral part of the SPATEX success story. Of course, it’s impossible to detail the products or workshops that stood out from

the three days – but some innovations are already included throughout this edition either as news or within our features. So instead we’ve put together a selection of images which hopefully capture the look and feel of SPATEX plus the quality of exhibitors present. If you haven’t attended, or haven’t been for a number of years, hopefully they will convey what you are missing and perhaps will entice you to make the trip next year. SPATEX 2019 takes place Tuesday 29 – Thursday 31 January at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry – look forward to seeing you there! SPATEX 01264 358558 www.spatex.co.uk

SPATEX 2018

SHOW FACTS & FIGURES • Exhibition hall increased by 500m2 YoY • 127 participated in the exhibition • 1,478 confirmed unique visitors • Unique visitors increased 8.5% YoY • Unrivalled, free to attend double education programme across all 3 days attracted 768 people • Tuesday’s ISPE (Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers) Workshops attracted a record of 225 people • Networking events included the Industry Awards, EUSA Awards, Gala Dinner and Networking Party

Destroying the myth that SPATEX is only a pool show, 25 spa and hot tub brands filled the floor in 2018

With a comprehensive and free double seminar programme on offer, education is a key part of the SPATEX offering

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EUROPEAN LEADER SPA MANUFACTURER DA N U B E T U R BINE S W IM S PA The most important feature of all our swim spas is their dimensions. All of them is 150cm deep and 230cm wide. This huge inner space allows the swimmer to have a perfect training experience. The Danube swim spa is a 4 m long exercise pool. Measurements (L × W × H)

4000 × 2300 × 1500 mm

Power requirement

1 × 32A 230V50Hz

Pumps (swim spa)

W-Power Turbine 50-160 m3/h

Circulation pump

1,2 HP Circ. Pump

Cartridge filter

3 pcs MicroPlus paper filter

Water sanitization

UV-C

LED lights

21 pcs LED

Swimming stick

Fix

Heat exchanger preparation

Fix

W-Power Turbine 75% less power consumption in contrast to standard swim spa pumps, while delivering twice the amount of water. The incredible performance combined with energy efficiency.

EUROPEAN LEADER SPA MANUFACTURER Find your nearest dealer on www.wellis.com/contact


SWIM SPAS – HIGH-END MODELS

Serious Swim Spas For Serious Users

Top of the range 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 more traditional pool choices. Many models also offer spa options too, resulting in the complete swim and relax package. Offering the very latest in technology for swimming and more, we take a look at some of the premium choices in the popular swim spa sector By Jon Wadeson

A

s a product that offers the benefits of an effective swimming area combined with the relaxing jets of a hot tub, high-end swim spas have increased in popularity over recent years and the range of available options has greatly expanded too. Competitive pricing and ownership convenience versus more traditional alternatives has resulted in an appeal that has never been stronger for families looking for a premium multi-use product that can be used by all. But it’s not just families that are taking notice of the various swim spa solutions on offer. Many athletes and keep fit fanatics are being tempted by the thorough exercise and post workout relaxation options that are provided by today’s high-end models. So what’s on offer this year at the upper end of the swim spa market? Well, there’s new models and a number of great innovations that have been introduced – a sign of a healthy sector and one which manufacturers clearly value – and in this issue, we examine some of the options that are competing at the premium end of the swim spa sector. Catalina’s flagship model, the Olympic 21

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LARGER MODELS A GROWTH AREA FOR CATALINA As the original swim spa manufacturer, Catalina Spas is the longest established swim spa brand in the world and their models are available through Wiltshire-based Aqua Design & Leisure. With over 30 years of experience, the company are well known for producing some of the most efficient, powerful and beautiful models that money can buy. With all the knowledge gained over the years, Catalina have adapted their range of swim spas to remain at the cutting edge of innovation. They produce the largest range available, with models from 12 feet (3.8m) all the way up to 21 feet (6.4m), and they have even been known to produce swim spas for other spa brands. At the top end of the Catalina range, Dual Temperature swim spas are featured. These provide separate areas for swimming and for relaxing. With each side controlled independently, users can set a cool temperature for a swim in the pool and warm water for hydro massage in the spa.

Models in this category include the Relay 18, Marathon 18 and Catalina’s flagship model, the Olympic 21. The company also offer the Atlantic 21 one-piece self-contained pool, which has the largest swimming area of any of their models. Catalina’s largest swim spa models are an area where they have seen huge growth over the past 5 years, with customers opting for the more cost effective and energy efficient swim spas over a traditional pool. The benefits don’t stop there either – owners can also use a swim spa all year round, thanks to its built in heater and high levels of insulation. They are much easier to install and maintain too, and owners don’t have to give up a huge area of garden to install one. And if that wasn’t enough, a ten year warranty gives purchasers peace of mind, knowing that their investment will give years of trouble free use.

POWERFUL PERFORMANCE – THE RIO GRANDE TURBINE FROM WELLIS Wellis produce a number of swim spas models and sitting at the top of their range is the Rio Grande. This large swim spa measures 5,870 x 2,300mm and as with all models in the Wellis range, it has a generous depth of 1,500mm. With such large dimensions, it is unique on the market. Considering the space required for a traditional swimming pool, it could easily be considered as the perfect highlight of a wellness section. The Rio Grande swim spa provides a combined experience for its users. Thanks to the unique solutions of the counter-current system, it serves as a swimming pool, and after an exhausting swim, users can relax in the separate spa massage section which features seating for three plus one reclining place. Two variants of this flagship model are available but it’s the turbine version that really will appeal to those who are looking

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SWIM SPAS – HIGH-END MODELS

Wellis’ Rio Grande turbine model consumes 75% less power while delivering twice the amount of water

for the ultimate water-based workout. The W-Power Turbine – instead of the three hydromassage pumps – is capable of propelling 50-160 m3 water per hour. In contrast to standard swim spa pumps, Rio Grande’s turbine consumes 75% less power while delivering twice the amount of water – that’s incredible performance combined with energy savings. As a new relatively new model, the Rio Grande also benefits from the latest in good looks too. Its 5mm fibreglass reinforced acrylic shell is available in Sterling Silver and is complemented by a brushed grey cabinet. Two UV-C water sanitiser and five antibacterial filters look after the water while two Smart Touch control panels located in each distinctive section of the Rio Grande make operation a simple task. There’s a total of 55 jets on offer in the Rio Grande and chromotherapy lighting, aromatic therapy and a swim tether all come as standard.

model featuring Vita’s unique xStream Force Jet Propulsion System. The well-designed spa end has room for up to five people in a sociable all seating layout which is enhanced with well positioned hydrotherapy jets to relax users after a strenuous workout. Touch screen controls make the use of the spa easy and it incorporates the Bluetooth music system operation. The large Aquatic Exercise area is ideal for all aspects of working out, not just swimming. Side mounted clips are positioned on the walls of the spa to allow elasticated bands to be easily installed ready for all manner of low

impact exercise. The real benefit of the VM8 is the xStream Force Jet Propulsion System, which uses proprietary ‘Anti-Turbulence’ technology to boost and smooth out the swim stream for the ultimate experience. This technology was created to stop counter-currents where the water tries to bounce back down the swim stream, causing waves and making it difficult to stay in the ‘swim lane’. Part of this process included the introduction of 50% more filtration to the VM8 model which not only improves water quality, but also reduces bounce back.

THE VM8 INCLUDING XSTREAM FORCE JET PROPULSION SYSTEM FROM VITA SPA 2017 saw the launch of the Vita Spa flagship swim spa, the VM8, an 18ft dual temperature

A Unique Water Treatment System For Swim Spas Catalina Spas supplier Aqua Design & Leisure (ADL) offer a unique water treatment system specifically for swim spas and hot tubs (and pools up to 40,000 litres). The system, which is designed and built in Germany and is exclusively distributed by ADL, offers the following functions: • pH/ORP/ and chlorine monitoring • Chlorine and acid dosing • Dosing and reading history with auto archive • Online monitoring from laptop or phone • Chemical monitoring with low level warning The easy to install and use system is suitable for both domestic and light commercial installations and is ideal for

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holiday and rental projects. With over 3,500 units in daily use, the system has been fully tried and tested and can be retrofitted to all makes of swim spas and spas. The product does not need a filtration system to run and with multiple configuration options available, it will save time and reduce chemical use. Available with an insulated Thermo Housing system option, the product can be secured against the side of a swim spa or spa and can be made child/tamper proof. Cabinet or wall mounted systems are available with a larger day tank option.

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SWIM SPAS – HIGH-END MODELS xStream Force Jet Propulsion has advantages over propeller or paddles when it comes to creating a swim stream too. The river jets produce an 80cm wide swim stream which is 50% faster and has variable swim speeds allowing users to swim and exercise to their own fitness level. In true Vita Spa tradition the VM8 has a Galvalume Steel Structure and incorporates the Northern Exposure insulation with its renowned 3M Thinsulate™. Bluetooth music, Wi-Fi connectivity, backlit fountains, LED lighting and swim tether are all standard features too.

A Unique Swim Spa Concept – The New TidalFit Dual Temp L-Shape From Artesian Spas TidalFit by Artesian Spas are proud to introduce a new unique concept for a Dual Temperature Swim Spa. The new TidalFit Dual Temp L-Shaped Spa combines a separate Exercise Pool with a choice of hydrotherapy spa, seamlessly integrated a

beautiful L-Shaped Dual Temp Swim Spa via a new patent pending system. Each side provides separate temperature, jet and lighting controls and offers all of the premium quality features found in their other TidalFit and Artesian Hydrotherapy Spas. There is even the option of having the TidalFit Dual Temp L-Shaped Swim Spa as a semi-in-ground version. The DTL14 Exercise Pool features a unique Quad Swim Jet System as standard to provide a powerful and fully adjustable swim current. The DTL is also available with a variety of optional features including the company’s new Variable Flow Swift Water Trainer, and Aquatic Training System featuring rowing bars, stretch cords and swim tether, ensuring everything a user needs for the perfect exercise pool. Last year’s original Dual Temp became extremely popular and Artesian envisage their new L-Shaped swim spa will be even more so, giving customers more options for the layout in their garden.

and only manufacturer to develop a personal health and wellness spa that performs at this elite level,” said Don Elkington, President and CEO of Coast Spas. The Coast Spas team chose to display the new System on the largest portable infinity edge swim spa in the world. With a gigantic swimming and exercise area, the Wellness Infinity Ultra Swim Spa has both stand-up and sit-down massage therapy zones along with exercise and fitness equipment, all incorporated into a stunning infinity edge design with a custom cabinet finish and carbon fibre corners.

(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 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!”

COAST’S WELLNESS SPA® SWIM SPA MODELS BENEFIT FROM NEW SWIM RESISTANCE SYSTEM Coast Spas® unveiled a new Swim Resistance System at the end of last year and the company believes it will revolutionise swim spas and set the bar for the industry in this growing market. The entirely new Swim Resistance System was developed by Coast Spas and has been engineered to be the most effective countercurrent swim machine available. It will be available on 2018 Wellness Spa® swim spa models. The new system is able to move large amounts of water quickly in an incredibly smooth and non-turbulent manner that creates the perfect swimming environment. All this is coupled with a new variable speed control system that allows swimmers to select the perfect speed of counter-current and a new touchscreen interface that offers users to select multiple exercise modes and access various pre-set selections tailored specifically for their ability. “We were dedicated to bring to market a truly professional swim spa that would be effective and challenging for everyone, up to and including career athletes. As a leader in innovation, we are proud to be the first

THE ATV™ RANGE FROM MARQUIS® ACCOMMODATES EVERY NEED Marquis®’ Aquatic Training Vessels™

Coast Soas’ entirely new Swim Resistance System was unveiled at the end of last year

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But it’s not just families that are taking notice of the various swim spa solutions on offer. Many athletes and keep fit fanatics are being tempted by the thorough exercise and post workout relaxation options that are provided by today’s high-end models” SPN April 2018 71 26/03/2018 16:54


SWIM SPAS – HIGH-END MODELS Marquis®’ ATVs™ were created to elevate the swim spa experience and provide a more convenient option for aquatic training

The Marquis ATV line includes four models with the larger 17 foot ATV-17 Kona and ATV17 Sport topping the range. The ATV-17 Kona is the ‘big dog’ though. With Marquis’ all new 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.

VARIABLE FLOW OPTION AND NEW EP-15 – THE LATEST ADDITIONS FROM TIDALFIT The new TidalFit Pro EP-15 from Artesian is the essential swim spa for fitness, health and fun. It is ideal for families looking for

an alternative to a good-sized pool and for anyone who wants to get healthy in the privacy of their own garden. The Pro EP-15 features a quad swim system as standard with the option to upgrade to the new Variable Flow Swift Water Trainer. In addition to this, customers are able to customise the swim spa by choosing hydrotherapy, training equipment and also the option to have this swim spa as semi in-ground. Further options include the revolutionary Diamond AOP purification system for crystal clear water and a new innovative Advanced Integrated Streaming stereo system, Wi-Fi spa control and multi-colour LED lighting. The craftsmanship and stunning design of the Pro EP-15, along with great energy efficiency and an array of unique options provides the ultimate swim spa experience. New for this year, TidalFit’s new Variable Flow Swift Water Trainer incorporates an even more powerful Swim System containing true variable speed pumps and expertly designed The new TidalFit Pro EP-15 from Artesian is the essential swim spa for fitness, health and fun

jets to provide a balanced, stable swim current. This system allows a variety of swim options by varying swim resistance, simply by pushing a button on the Touch Screen LCD Panel. Swimming resistance can be set anywhere from 0% to 100%. Interval Training can be set up by using the ten available swim programmes, which can be varied in time from 1 minute to 30 minutes and power from 0% to 100%. This allows the TidalFit to be used by beginners through to advanced swimmers. There’s also the option to add the new Advanced Integrated Streaming Stereo. Owners simply connect through Bluetooth with any smart device to start enjoying their favourite songs instantly.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS: Aqua Design & Leisure 01980 611555 www.aquadesignandleisure.com Artesian Spas 01302 730295 www.artesianspas.co.uk Coast Spas Manufacturing Inc. +1 604 514 8111 www.coastspas.com Marquis +1 503 838 0888 www.marquisspas.com Vita Spa UK 01245 477 400 www.vitaspa.co.uk Wellis +36 29 564 380 www.wellis.com

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POOL LINERS & SYSTEMS

Bespoke And Unique Pool Lining Solutions Whether for a new build or a refurbishment, with liner pools being such a popular option in the UK, there will always be a demand for the core products associated with them and when it comes to pool liners, there’s been an explosion of new possibilities over recent years. Whether it’s a new liner for a planned or existing project, there’s an impressive offering of high quality and durable options which are now available, and we examine just some of the current solutions By Andrea Hartshorne

I

f a client requires an amazing and unique addition to their home or business, then a pool liner could be the answer. With a huge assortment of patterns, colours and finishes already available, new variations and styles continue to be added to the market every season. “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’s Liners and Covers Product Manager, Craig Williamson. “The options to create the ‘look’ of the liner have also developed dramatically in recent years. Whist most of the traditional classics are still available, the introduction of vibrant colours, photographic printing, metallic finishes and embossed finishes that offer a natural stone look and ‘touch’, or even a real mosaic tile appearance mean that the finished look to a pool can be unique, classical, dramatic or plain and simple. This explosion in options is not only restricted to factory made liner component materials, as used to be the case, but has extended into commercial grade materials. The site applied lining option, which was once the preserve of the commercial pool, is now desirable to the domestic owner who can combine the benefits of a heavy grade liner with the colour, pattern or effect they wish to see every time they swim,” he added. With so many choices now available, there’s guaranteed to be something for everyone, whatever their taste or budget.

a variety of choices ranging from natural and ceramic embossed designs to conventional standard patterns used widely in the commercial market. Site lining is the perfect solution for non-uniform shaped pools and offers a cost effective solution compared to other finishes such as ceramic tiles. With the introduction of the new Ceramics range, customers can now have a site lined pool with the appearance of ceramic tiles at a more affordable price. With a new 16 year guarantee, Aquaflex’s site lining range offers the perfect solution for new and refurbished pools. Aquaflex also produces .750mm pretailored liners in their 22,000 square foot

factory in Salisbury, Wiltshire where they have a strong reputation for complex designs and non-conventional steps and features. With a design team that has the skill and the experience to incorporate new, revolutionary designs, they strive to push the boundaries of what can be achieved with a pre-tailored liner. Whether a pool is a new build or a renovation, Aquaflex has the knowledge to find the perfect lining solution for any project.

CERTIKIN ADDS CERAMICS RANGE TO ITS DURABLE LINE-UP As opposed to the traditional single ply 0.50mm or 0.75mm vinyl used for factory

AQUAFLEX PROVIDE LINING KNOW-HOW Aquaflex is proud to provide the UK swimming pool industry with ten Alkorplan approved site lining teams to cover the ever growing commercial and domestic swimming pool market. With an expanding range of 1.5 and 2.0mm site lining patterns, customers have

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With a new 16 year guarantee, Aquaflex’s site lining range offers the perfect solution for new and refurbished pools

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POOL LINERS & SYSTEMS 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. Certikin maximise the opportunities to pass on these benefits to installers and pool owners by sourcing pool vinyl for both factory-made liners and the Infinite On-Site applied liner from three of the world’s leading pool vinyl manufacturers, Elbtal Plastics, Canadian General Tower and Renolit who between them have over 160 years of experience in vinyl manufacture. All vinyls are specifically formulated for use in swimming pools and meet all the required standards. For many years, having a mosaic tiled affect in a liner pool has been a common objective and the installation of a mosaiced patterned liner has been the closest alternative to a real tiled pool. This is still very much the case, but the new Ceramics range from Renolit really does take this option to another level and a genuine double-take is needed when comparing this vinyl to real tiles! The unique manufacturing process used to produce this reinforced membrane creates the realistic relief and appearance of ceramic mosaics, even to the extent of having a slightly textured ‘grout’ line to emphasise the authentic look and feel. Available in four colours which offer strong and bold blues and blacks, to more subtle greys and pinks, Ceramics offers all the

CASE STUDY

Ceramics offers all the flexibility and benefits of a vinyl lined pool, but with the finished look which is as close as possible to the real thing

flexibility and benefits of a vinyl lined pool, but with the finished look which is as close as possible to the real thing. Ceramics also benefits from complying with all anti-slip requirements and can therefore be used with confidence on all surfaces of the pool, including steps and slopes.

PLASTICA – EXPERTS IN MANUFACTURING BESPOKE POOL LINERS Plastica have been an established liner manufacturer since 1976 – no other UK liner producer has their wealth of experience. No matter what shape or size of pool,

A PERFECT SOLUTION FOR MARLOW REFURBISHMENT

When Aquaflex Ltd was contacted by Andrew Wheldon of Pool Guys in Berkshire (www. poolguys.co.uk) about a tired pre-tailored liner pool that needed refurbishment, the Alkorplan 1.5mm site lining service offered the best solution for the end user. With a 16 year guarantee, installed by Alkorplan Approved Installers, the reinforced PVC liner had benefits that outweighed other costly solutions such as ceramic tiling and fibreglass. Set in a beautiful setting in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, Pool Guys refurbished the roman end fibreglass step section and removed the old .750mm pool liner and prepared the pool shell before Aquaflex’s arrival. Preparing the pool shell for a reinforced liner is very similar to that for a .750mm liner and Andrew had done a great job in getting it ready. With two site lining engineers on site on the Monday morning, the

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work commenced with installation of Deluxe Felt for the pool walls, creating a protective barrier between the substrate and the PVC. After the felt had been installed the engineers tailored the 1.5mm Alkorplan Persia Blue material and attached

it to the pool walls. The PVC is hung beneath the coping stones from the liner lock tracking, allowing fixings such as lights, skimmers and returns to be cut in. Once the walls had been installed, the steps were the next area to be addressed. These require high levels of skill and expertise due to the intricate welds and pattern match. To finish, the base, including the sump, had to be cut in leaving a simply stunning finish. From start to finish the site lining process was completed within four days allowing the pool to be filled, and the end user able to enjoy the pool before the weekend was over.

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POOL LINERS & SYSTEMS they individually tailor every liner to any dimensions. Plastica have the range to ensure the colours and patterns bring out the very best in any pool. Available in 0.50mm, 0.75mm plus other thicknesses, they have a huge selection of liner patterns from the ever-popular Classic Marble and Mosaic liners, to the contemporary Delphos and Ibiza Blue patterns. Designed for use in all domestic pools with normal bathing loads, the liners have a maximum running temperature of 29°C. The material used is impregnated with algaecide and anti-oxidants and patterned materials feature a protective lacquer coating. Plastica’s tile bands are triple coated with lacquer to help prevent staining at the water line. Plastica liners are produced at the UK’s largest swimming pool manufacturing facility. Their 10,000 sq.m. manufacturing plant is equipped with a state-of-the-art CAD system integrated with their computerised plotter/ cutters. They can also weld bespoke designs too. With a five year guarantee, Plastica’s quality liners offer lasting beauty and durability and 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 over 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 ten year guarantee.

TRADITIONAL AND ECO POOL LINING SOLUTIONS On-Site Pool Linings is a family run business with an excellent proven reputation in the swimming pool industry. Their pool linings are suitable for both new pools or for renovations and fulfil all requirements to provide a modern, environmental friendly and functional swimming pool lining, at a competitive price. The material used is a reinforced, 1.5mm thick PVC membrane suitable for indoor

The pool in the photo shows their latest design launched in 2017, Jellystone on the floor with a plain wall and Ibiza tile band

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” and outdoor pools in both domestic and commercial settings. It is treated to protect it against damage from sunlight, pool chemicals and algae growth, meets the highest European physical and chemical standards and is guaranteed to remain watertight for a full ten years and is suitable for pools heated up to a maximum of 34° C (94° F). Available in 13 standard colours, there are also 14 exclusive patterns, ten tile bands and a further 13 non-slip colours plus patterns to use on steps, ledges or shallow areas for added safety. In addition to providing lining solutions for traditional pools, over the last few years, the company has branched out into installing pond lining solutions both in traditional ponds and in the latest natural swimming environments. With each generation becoming more ecologically aware, many people are

With eco pools or natural swimming pools quickly becoming fashionable, On-Site Pool Linings offer a stylish and durable pond lining solution

becoming more environmentally friendly and adventurous in their choices for swimming pools, and eco pools or natural swimming pools are quickly becoming fashionable. On-Site Pool Linings offer a pond lining material which is not harmful to plants or animals whilst maintaining a stylish new look for any swimming area. The material used is extremely strong and tear resistant – it will even stand up to dogs’ claws! It can be laid onto any stable structure – concrete, metal, plastic, wood or bare earth – and allows a tailor made fit to suit any design, shape or size. Durable in any weather conditions, it is environmentally friendly and fully recyclable too. Installation of the pond material is quick and easy. The material used is a reinforced, 1.5 mm thick PVC membrane, treated to protect it against damage from sunlight and algae growth. It meets the highest European standards and as with their other linings, features a ten year watertight guarantee.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS: Aquaflex 01722 328873 www.aquaflex.co.uk Certikin International 01993 778855 www.certikin.co.uk On-Site Pool Linings 01709 542128 www.on-sitepoollinings.com Plastica Pools 01424 857802 www.plasticapools.net

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5WARRANTY YEAR INCLUDED


AUTOMATIC POOL COVERS

The Automatic Choice For Pool Cover Ups 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 and new brands in the sector, there’s now more choice than ever and we take a closer look at what’s on offer By Karen Witney

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hould every pool have a cover... yes. Should it be automatic… if the budget allows, absolutely. Of course bubble and debris covers have their place but the huge advantages of automated offerings are many and varied. An automatic cover can be installed in a number of different ways that will ‘hide’ any signs of mechanics to suit the layout of the pool and customer preferences. They look good, no flapping about in the wind, they stay put when open and neatly hide away when closed. They come in a myriad of colour choices and materials. They save money too as they require less pool chemicals and maintenance and if they are of the solar or thermal variety, they actually help to heat the pool. What’s not to like? And with so many new innovations and a variety of prices to suit most pockets, automatic covers should be automatically included in any new build or refurbishment quote and we take a look at what’s on offer.

LIGHTHOUSE ROLL OUT ROLLOSOLAR Lighthouse are proud to present RolloSolar to the UK market. This cover system can

Lighthouse are proud to present RolloSolar – a cover system which can offer an option to suit any new or existing pool

offer an option to suit any new or existing pool. There are in-pit, cave, pool floor or top mounted bench solutions plus various options available for pit housing covers, support rails, complete benches and separating walls in a multitude of colours plus options ready to tile Made to match! Lighthouse’s RolloSolar automatic cover blend in beautifully with the grey hued decking around this outdoor pool

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to match the pool. Along with this RolloSolar have the automated in-ground dry pit system which is becoming very popular. Slats are of the highest quality and available in three widths – from the 9/50mm entry level slat to 13/60mm and 15/80mm four chamber PVC or polycarbonate slats, which maximise floatation whilst reducing the possible build-up of algae. Lighthouse are also able to offer foam filled slats from the Eco cover range. A range of slat colours are available including White, Blue, Grey, Ivory, transparent plus various coloured solar versions. A RAL colour service is also available for customers looking for that special effect in the pool of their dreams. The in-roller motor used is a product of RolloSolar’s in-house design team. Built on site, it boasts a minimum use time of over 3,000 hours which in turn offers an operating life span of over ten years. Being built on-site has significant advantages as the quality control is second to none and it adds assurance that customers are buying into a high quality brand. The high quality extruded profiles are also designed in-house and provide a five year warranty. Lighthouse is proud to work with

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AUTOMATIC POOL COVERS RolloSolar, who are a family run business that has built a strong position in the German market over the last 30 years and on a recent visit to the RolloSolar factory, Lighthouse staff could clearly why. From the in-house stainless steel fabrication, through to the assisted robotic slatted cover production the factory felt more like a showroom for production excellence and projected a sense of true ‘German Engineering’.

AstralPool’s HydroDeck automatic slatted cover has been completely re-engineered and provides strength and operational ease

USER FRIENDLY TECHNICS & APPLICATIONS Technics & Applications (T&A) say that their goal is making quality products, installed by pool professionals, enhancing the comfort level of a pool and lowering its environmental footprint. Established in 1995 by Ludo Vervoort, T&A has now become one of the leading manufacturers of automatic pool covers in Europe. Situated in the north of Belgium, the company produces 3,500 covers per year which are then distributed in more than 20 countries. Their production plant of 10,000m² is fully automated ensuring high quality products and reliable lead times. Their AquaTop automatic rigid pool covers (slatted pool covers) have many advantages. Insulation capacity is extremely high reducing the heat losses by more than 80%. If on top of that customers choose solar slats in PVC or polycarbonate (PC), they are also able to heat the swimming pool water. PC slats are up to three times more impact resistant than PVC and can be used in a wider temperature range. Covering indoor pools is also very important. A slatted cover will avoid extreme dehumidification, the room temperature can be lower and problems due to moisture are limited.

If optimum safety is the priority, T&A’s self-locking AquaGuard cover consists of a polyester reinforced PVC tarpaulin that almost completely hermetically seals the swimming pool. Using a key switch, the cover on a typical 8 metre long pool can be opened or closed in just 40 seconds. Available built-in or as a surface-mounted version, the AquaGuard cover is suitable for both existing and new swimming pools. All T&A automatic pool covers are userfriendly, efficient and comfortable and the company urge pool contractors and designers to include the pool cover in the overall design of a swimming pool, making it possible to integrate the cover in the best possible way.

ASTRALPOOL UK SEES STRONG SALES OF HYDRODECK Completely re-engineered and updated, the HydroDeck automatic slatted pool cover range is exclusively available to the UK water leisure market through AstralPool UK. Now entering its third year of offering the brand, the company has seen sales grow and the amount of options on offer expand. As the complete solution, HydroDeck offers fully automated operation, safety, heating, insulation and innovative build in options. Each cover can be fitted perfectly to the swimming pool surround with the aid of made to measure build in and build on systems and operation is extremely simple and takes Eminently attractive and completely user friendly and robust T&A automatic covers complete the job on indoor or outdoor pools

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AUTOMATIC POOL COVERS The Silver finishing of the Covrex® Solar+ makes the condensation (that all hollow slatted covers experience) almost invisible

PoolLocks new HeatLock thermofoam canvas material has advanced insulation properties and as this pool demonstrates, is aesthetically pleasing too

With so many new innovations and a variety of prices to suit most pockets, automatic covers should be automatically included in any new build or refurbishment quote” place by means of a simple key switch or a wireless remote control. Strong slats that provide safety and insulation are available in polycarbonate or PVC and have proven energy saving credentials. For peace of mind, AstralPool holds a complete cross section of spares for its automatic slatted cover systems that are easily accessible to suit short lead times. Providing the power, and in addition the HydroRoller and HydroBench deck-mounted drive systems, the HydroDeck team have developed HydroDrive – a purpose built drive system with a nitrogen filled stainless steel motor that is fitted inside the cover roller. This means installation space is minimised and there are no moving parts outside of the pool. In this system, the spindle is immersed in the pool and is supported with two flanges, which are bolted to the pool shell. The motor that winds and unwinds the cover is located inside the spindle (HydroDrive, in roller motor) and its cable passes through the pool shell in a sleeve. The cover is operated automatically by using a key switch and the limits are programmed electronically. The motor comes in 250 Nm and 500 Nm torque, allowing for a huge range of pool depths and sizes.

THE ULTIMATE ‘GREEN’ SWIMMING POOL COVER – COVREX SOLAR+ As a direct result of the Covrex® team’s experience gained over many years in the business of solar covers, Fairlocks Pool Products is proud to introduce the new Covrex Solar+ polycarbonate slat system. The Silver finishing of the Covrex® Solar+

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makes the condensation (that all hollow slatted covers experience) almost invisible. Providing a bright and classy finish, the Silver is directly added during the extrusion process and as a consequence, the slats won’t lose their colour over the years. The covers also have anti-algae structure directly integrated into the slat profile keeping the pool cover looking good for longer. It works by preventing UV rays from the sun from entering the hollow chambers, hence reducing the speed of algae growth. Produced in polycarbonate, Covrex® Solar+ is up to16 times stronger than more conventional PVC slatted covers and for additional peace of mind, slats come with a long three-year warranty. The thermal properties allow solar gain and reduce water evaporation resulting in an economical solution to reduce heat loss from the pool as well as reduce the use of chemical sanitisers. Thanks to the technical characteristics of the Covrex® Solar+ any investment is quickly repaid through ongoing savings. Covrex Slatted Cover Systems can be fitted to a new or existing pool and offer three drive system positions: above ground, or underwater Cave and Bench systems. All Covrex covers are supplied with a onetouch remote control enabling owners to open and close the swimming pool at the touch of a button.

POOLLOCK’S LATEST INNOVATION REDUCES HEAT TRANSFER 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. Following extensive research and testing in the UK and Scandinavia over the past two years, this year PoolLock is excited to introduce its new HeatLock Thermofoam canvas with enhanced insulation properties. Thanks to the foamed insulation layer applied to one side of the canvas, heat transfer across the membrane is reduced by a factor of three when compared to standard fabrics for similar applications. HeatLock’s closed-cell foam structure ensure that PoolLock covers are not only some of the safest available on the market, but also some of the most energy-efficient too. PoolLock’s unique hydraulic-drive system means that the customer does 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, which means that the cover (and the pool) are actually used once installed! PoolLock safety covers provide a solid barrier between the water and surrounding area, effectively preventing any access to the water. In addition, all PoolLock covers will reduce the amount of heat, water and chemicals lost through evaporation, which means pool owners can save money on electricity and chemical usage. PoolLock automatic covers offer a safe, convenient, reliable and energy-efficient way to cover swimming pools.

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AUTOMATIC POOL COVERS Beautiful surroundings set off this gorgeous outside pool expertly topped off with a Roldeck automatic slatted cover

CERTIKIN’S DEDICATED ROLDECK TEAM It is true that there are many more slatted covers in the market place to choose from than a decade ago. However, according to Certikin, the Roldeck from Starline remains the Rolls Royce in terms of quality, innovation and aesthetic appearance. Certikin and Roldeck have been in partnership for over 40 years and top of their agenda is quality, innovation and customer satisfaction. There must be literally thousands of slatted covers that have been fitted in the UK which are over 20 years old and in need of a revamp. This ‘replacement’ market is relatively untapped and therefore is an ideal opportunity for the pool trade to maximise their turnover. With this in mind, Certikin have a team dedicated to Roldeck to offer technical advice

CASE STUDY

and support, speedy quotations and of course to help find a solution to all their customer’s slatted cover requirements. Furthermore, Certikin offers installation across the UK, which saves the trade customer valuable time. The Roldeck Easy Cover for deck mount installations has become increasingly popular in the last couple of years. Available as a solar powered or full electronic system, it is an ideal solution if space around the pool is limited. It is suitable for pools up to 12m x 6m and comes with an in-roller motor. Furthermore, it is extremely easy to install, hence why it appeals to many. For skimmer pools, the traditional letterbox is probably the most popular install, with cantilever pit brackets and a 40 x 40mm front beam. For deck-level pools, Certikin offer below floor with a fixed lid or a cave type system. Both come complete with a hinged

front panel which is suitable for tiling. Other lid/panel systems are available on request. Roldeck Slats are available in a variety of colours and will fit most other slatted cover systems – they are the perfect way in which to rejuvenate a pool.

DRIPOOL – A TRULY BRITISH COVER SOLUTION Dripool are the UK’s only designers and manufacturers of automatic swimming pool safety covers. Currently approaching their 35th year, they pride themselves on producing and installing equipment of the highest quality and offering unrivalled service and aftercare. Covering all shapes and types of pool – new build or existing, rectangular or freeform, under coping or over – Dripool are in the enviable position of providing a complete

COVERSTAR ADDS SAFETY AUTOMATICALLY TO FAMILY SPA

Thanks to the hard work of Lifestyle Pools & Leisure, a bespoke Certikin tiled spa has taken centre stage in this beautiful garden in Creaton, Northamptonshire and adorning it is a Coverstar safety cover. Given the brief to install a spa to enhance and do justice to the garden, Northamptonshire-based pool dealers, Lifestyle Pool & Leisure chose a bespoke Certikin domestic tiled skimmer spa (3m x 2m). With a family of children, safety was naturally an issue. A Certikin Coverstar was chosen for its outstanding safety qualities and for the aesthetic appearance of its flat/ covered leading edge. “We have installed numerous Coverstars in the past so have the greatest confidence in them as

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a safety cover,” said Lifestyle’s Managing Director David Clark. “The product is second to none in terms of quality and their installation is straight-forward and we know that we can always rely on Certikin for advice and guidance should any be required.” Manager of the Automatic Covers division,

Jo Catterall says: “The Coverstar safety cover can be made for pools, in-ground spas and hot tubs of most shapes and sizes.” David added: “After plumbing and service pipework, the backfilling of the spa was completed to allow for the construction of the Coverstar housing and fitting of the track. Following the cover fit, the stonework was completed to the spa surrounds and the building was erected. Voila! One beautiful spa.” Certikin International 01993 778855 www.certikin.co.uk Lifestyle Pools & Leisure 01604 768314 www.lifestyle-pools.co.uk

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AUTOMATIC POOL COVERS turnkey solution to meet and exceed all requirements including site visits, customer liaison when required, architect interaction and full technical support. The company’s over-coping Dripool ‘H’ and CV systems use powerful hydraulic drives and incorporate blowers (if required) allowing Dripool to cover both new and existing freeform and level deck pools up to 30 metres long by 10 metres wide. One of the market leaders is their flagship Driglide under coping system and it offers several unique features. Patented beam assisted cantilevers enable the cover housing to be paved and coped identically to the rest of the pool area, giving the most aesthetically pleasing finish available, whilst allowing even the heaviest of bather to jump or dive from on top of the housing. This also ensures the cover can be housed at either end of the pool with minimal design requirements. Dripool’s unique, patented winding extrusion and superior winding technology, coupled with stainless steel cabling, ensures the cover operates in a trouble free manner, making the Driglide one of the most durable and reliable systems available.

A PERFECT CHOICE FOR THE REFURBISHMENTS AND UPGRADES MARKET The DEL Moon – which is available exclusively in the UK through Golden Coast – has proved especially popular with customers and is the wet leisure distributor’s bestselling cover solution and combines highquality construction with sheer versatility. Suitable for use with new and existing builds, the Moon is a great match for indoor or outdoor pools and can be supplied with mains or solar power. DEL is a firm favourite with installation teams, as Golden Coast Managing Director Jamie Adams explained: “When it comes to providing technical support, we strive to offer the industry’s most comprehensive. From

Proof aplenty that Dripool safety covers really do provide optimum safety in spades

measuring to installation, we have a widerange of resources available. And, when you can’t afford to waste time, this can be a real game changer for fitters.” But, what if a customer already has a system in place? “There are still great opportunities available,” advised Jamie. “Upgrading or replacing slats improves heat and water retention and maintenance requirements, while giving the pool a clean, fresh and modern look.” Refurbishments are a lucrative area of industry growth in the swimming pool sector – dominating it for yet another year, according to the latest results from Golden Coast’s State of the Wet Leisure Industry Survey. The trend is so strong that nearly half of all companies working with pools find that upgrades form their core business. Jamie continued: “That’s why it’s so important that our industry is ready to take advantage of the opportunities by inspiring customers with ways of creating their dream pool… and

there’s no better place to start than with its cover.” DEL’s slats are fully compatible with most systems. What’s more, they’re resistant to impact, hail and heat and they’re sold with a five-year warranty. Slats are cut to the pool’s dimensions – including roman ends or steps – and are available in a choice of four colours of opaque PVC. For customers looking for solar gains, there are five crystal polycarbonate colour options available too.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS: AstralPool UK 01329 51400 www.astralpool.co.uk Certikin International 01993 778855 www.certikin.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 Lighthouse Pools 01752 253525 www.rollo-solar.com PoolLock 01293 774414 www.poollock.com

Golden Coast’s popular DEL Moon solar powered automatic pool cover provides a cost effective method of covering the pool

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Technics & Applications (T&A ) +32 1423 7495 www.t-and-a.be

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ONE-PIECE & FIBREGLASS POOLS

One-Piece Pool Convenience

LPW Pools are constructed with six consecutive layers of vinyl ester resin reinforced with glass fibre incorporating a 15mm thick insulating honeycomb structure

With quality materials and finishes combined with the benefit of being able to be installed in a matter of days rather than weeks, one-piece pools are the perfect solution for a hassle-free pool build experience. Add in some impressive warranties and more choice than ever before and it’s easy to see why the have been embraced by both owners and installers. We discover what’s on they market for the season ahead By Jon Wadeson

D

emand for one-pieces in the UK has exploded over recent years and their popularity can be put down to a winning combination of greats looks, quick and relatively straight forward installation, low ongoing maintenance and competitive pricing. With fittings and equipment including the plumbing in place and ready to go, so they cause the minimum amount of fuss and installation disruption – a fact that shouldn’t be under estimated. If time really is money, it’s no great surprise that both owners and installers are embracing them. Peace of mind has also played its part with the majority of concerns from previous years having been addressed with improved strength and reliability backed up with

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impressive warranties. There’s also now a massive range of finishing options too so in short, it’s difficult to see any downside to these wonderful forms of construction which can often last up to 50 years. 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. In short, one-piece pools provide an impressive and hard to ignore package of benefits versus other more traditional pool options and for many, it’s a package that’s just too tempting to ignore. Last year saw a number of new brands entering the UK market – each hoping to enjoy some of the action within the buoyant sector. With new entrants comes more choice

and in this issue, we discover what’s in the one-piece pools sector.

EXPERIENCE COUNTS – LPW ONEPIECE POOLS FROM FAIRLOCKS With over 55 years’ of experience, innovation, design and manufacturing of one-piece pools, LPW Pools are now being made available in the UK through Fairlocks Pool Products. The pools are manufactured as a single, complete pool shell that can be lowered into the preprepared hole in the ground and complete installation should take just one week. The strictly controlled manufacturing process ensures the pools are built to the highest quality. LPW Pools are constructed with six consecutive layers of vinyl ester resin reinforced with glass fibre incorporating a

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ONE-PIECE & FIBREGLASS POOLS

LPW Pools are now being made available in the UK through Fairlocks Pool Products

15mm thick insulating honeycomb structure. The reinforced structure provides strength and insulation as well as ensuring the overall structural integrity of the pool itself. The unique structure and shape of the pools enables them to be fitted with the top of the range Covrex Automatic Slatted Cover system. Combining the LPW one-piece pool with the Covrex system helps to keep the running costs to a minimum. Even greater savings can be achieved with the use of a Heat Inverter heat pump also available from Fairlocks.

With a range of 11 models to choose from, selecting a LPW pool from Fairlocks ensures owners are covered as each pool carries a lifetime warranty of 30 years. How is that for peace of mind! The pools are designed and constructed in Belgium in the same factory as the Covrex Pool Cover Systems and are shipped to the UK to the required location. Ben Studdy and the team at Fairlocks are on hand to answer any queries and will oversee the installation of both the pool and cover so you can be assured of quality service and on-hand advice.

Easy Pools supply the Leisure Pools range which features Composite Armour™ Step Technology™ and their aim has always been to build the best composite pool

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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 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 significantly reinforce the composite swimming pool 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

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ONE-PIECE & FIBREGLASS POOLS NIVEKO’s range of bespoke pools, including this stunning Overflow Advance model, are produced in a new start-ofthe-art production facility in the Czech Republic

flexural and tensile strength compared with traditionally constructed fibreglass pools. For 2018, new models have been added to the Leisure Pools range including The Paradise, a constant depth model with wide bench seat and entry steps and The Precision a high-level flat bottom pool with splash decks. Two new sizes in the ever-popular Cube model have also been introduced and all are vailable on a nationwide basis from Easy Pools.

NIVEKO – MAKING THE POOLS THAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF With more than 25 years of manufacturing experience and 70 qualified employees, NIVEKO has won the trust of customers from all over Europe and now installs 450 pools every year. But it’s not just volume which the company prides itself on – through the use of using cutting-edge technologies, NIVEKO has systematically kept up with the latest trends and the brand has become synonymous with uncompromising, high-quality pools. The company’s custom-built pools combine the main advantages of one-piece monopools with the best features of traditional concrete pools. The main benefits include: a quick and easy installation, a pool delivered in one piece, an extensive portfolio that includes skimmer as well as overflow pools for more

demanding customers plus no limitations on the pool size or shape. Pools are made from a special, innovative material which has been custom-modified for the purpose of building pools and which represents the latest technology in the field. What customers particularly appreciate about the material is that it is extremely durable and highly resistant to chemicals. The material contains UV stabilisers, so it does not age and still looks like new after many years of use. NIVEKO pools are always designed to suit a customer’s individual requirements with the main aim of finding the perfect combination of functionality, unique design and timeless technology. The pool size, shape and colour along with the equipment used are all essential considerations in ensuring that each NIVEKO pools lives up to the customer’s expectations,

For 2018 Bosta has increased the range of pool shapes and sizes giving more choice to their customers

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not only now, but in the future, too. Pools are usually delivered as one-piece monopools directly from the NIVEKO factory in the Czech Republic. Built-in features such as jets, lights and counter-currents are installed at the factory and are subjected to pressure tests. If a pool is too large to be transported in one piece, a team of professionals assembles the prefabricated pool parts within two days at the customer’s site.

DEMAND INCREASES FOR BOSTA’S ONE-PIECE POOL OFFERING Bosta UK has seen a huge increase in demand for fibreglass pools over the last 12 months and with complete kit pricing which makes swimming pools more affordable, it’s easy to see why. Both pool installers and consumers are excited about the possibilities given to them using fibreglass and the manufacturing methods and product range continues to expand. One-piece pools are the fastest way to install a pool but another major benefit to pool installers is that they can quote for projects knowing they will not need engineers on site for six to eight weeks. In addition, pool installers also have the option to give consultation advice rather than offer installation For 2018 Bosta has increased the range of pool shapes and sizes giving more choice to their customers. All come complete

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ONE-PIECE & FIBREGLASS POOLS Bosta have a range of upgrade options that their customers can offer to tailor make a package to suit every individual’s needs.

WHATEVER THE NEED OR BUDGET, RIVIERAPOOL HAS THE SOLUTION

Delivered on a low loader, a RivieraPool from Lighthouse can be up 3.7m wide 12.5m long in one-piece and for the largest pools, there’s also the ability to join pool shells

with built in steps, a superior finish and in metallic colours unavailable with liner pools. 2017 was Bosta UK’s first year of offering fibreglass pools and it was a great success, with ten pools installed in just six months, and so far 2018 looks like it will be bringing further significant growth. The company has had loyal customers install their pools in their own private residences, in showrooms and of course, at the homes of their own customers. Bournemouth-based KB Pools installed one of Bosta’s first pools and the company

CASE STUDY

continues to promote fibreglass pools. Proprietor Kevin Brennan said: “This was the quickest pool we have ever installed, it only took two weeks from start to finish.” As well as the pool kit supplied, a number of Bosta’s customers have also looked to install a variety of upgrades including swim jets which can help turn a 5 metre pool into a full exercise pool at very little additional cost.

Lighthouse is the UK distributor of RivieraPool one-piece pools, quality that perfectly complements their Zodiac range of pool products. RivieraPool offers fibreglass pool shells from the entry level ‘Style’ ranges through to the beautifully tiled ‘M-Line’ mosaic pools, so there’s something for all budgets. RivieraPool are a family owned business that has been manufacturing one-piece pools for over 40 years. All the pools are made to order and shipped from the state-of-the-art factory and showroom in Geeste, North West Germany. As one of Europe’s leading swimming pool suppliers, the highest quality materials and latest technology is utilised, thus ensuring that each pool meets all expectations and gives owners lasting pleasure. From simple prefabricated pools to tailormade individual pools, all the swimming pools are pre-assembled and delivered in one piece. This way the final installation is quick, clean and efficient – without long periods of construction work around a

A LONDON MONOPOOL THAT’S WORTH CZECH-ING OUT

The juxtaposition of a stunning NIVEKO monopool against the backdrop of this Grade II listed home in North West London makes for an arresting sight. The owner of this desirable London property called upon the services of Mill Hill-based pool retailer, Unipools, to create a “top of the range swimming pool” to provide a source of exercise, fun and relaxation for his young family. Surveying the site, Unipools’ Managing Director, Selwyn Mindel, recommended the eye-catching NIVEKO custom built monopool, to satisfy the owner’s requirement for a premium quality pool and help overcome the difficulties presented by the property’s restricted access. Supplied in the UK by Certikin International, the installation of the stunning Czech manufactured monopool, measuring 11m x 3.7m, was challenging but with it finally unloaded on the roadside, a crane was brought in to lift the pool into the property’s beautiful walled garden. A pre-prepared hole, on the site of an old swimming pool and tennis court, was waiting to receive the top-level skimmer pool with corner steps and a state-of-the-art pool house and gym were constructed alongside

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 87-92_SPN_April_2018_One_Piece_Pools.indd 91

the pool. “The NIVEKO pool has surpassed my family’s expectations,” said the delighted owner, Phillip Jones. “We love its simplicity and clean lines. We had a good idea of what we wanted our pool to look like, but it was not very specific, so we welcomed the advice and recommendations given by the experts at Unipools. Despite the complexity of the job, Unipools went out of their way to

minimise disruption and finish the project within the given time frame.” Certikin International 01993 778855 www.certikin.co.uk Unipools 020 8959 8686 www.unipools.com

SPN April 2018 91 26/03/2018 17:33


ONE-PIECE & FIBREGLASS POOLS

The Sunquest 36 is Sunquest Pools’ largest model and features a deep and shallow end plus integral corner entry steps for maximum swim space

customer’s property. The pools are available in six smart gelcoat finishes, two of which are granite stone effect. The pool shells boast a 20-year guarantee for water tightness and ten years for the surface finish. With designs to suit any contemporary or traditional garden, RivieraPool ensures the pool shape will blend in or stand out in any surroundings. A RivieraPool solution benefits over traditional built pools due to the speed of installation which is approximately ten days from arrival on site. Delivered on a RivieraPool low loader, the pools are sized from 2.4m to 3.7m wide and 5m to 12.5m long in one-piece and for the largest pools, there’s also the ability to join pool shells. RivieraPools are available with an endless amount of options and additional features – from rivulet water streams to infinity edges – there’s also the option to enclose an integrated slatted cover system too.

A BROAD RANGE OF ONE-PIECE OPTIONS FROM SUNQUEST Sunquest Pools is the new trade arm of leading one-piece pool retailer Sundance Pools UK Ltd. As a subsidiary of this successful and long-established retail outfit, Sunquest Pools combines 20 years’ unparalleled customer service and in-depth pool industry knowledge with the highest quality product available on the market.

92 April 2018 SPN 87-92_SPN_April_2018_One_Piece_Pools.indd 92

Company Director Ed West said: “It is a very exciting time to be involved in the growing one-piece pools market. In our 21st year of selling swimming pools we are seeing high levels of interest within the pool trade. This has driven our decision to launch Sunquest Pools as a subsidiary company, dealing purely with the UK pool trade and focusing on our UK-manufactured range.” The company’s largest model – the Sunquest 36 – measures 11m by 4.3m and features a deep and shallow end plus integral corner entry steps for maximum swim space. The underwater light, return jets and skimmer are all built-in to the Sunquest 36. Also supplied in the package are the sand filter and circulation pump, pool cleaning equipment with test kit and thermometer. This model has proven particularly popular amongst both trade and retail customers for over a decade. A new 6 metre x 2.4 metre pool – the Sunquest 624 – has just been added to the Sunquest range. Designed to be installed with an integrated counter-current, this is an exercise pool that is easily installed indoors. Manufacturing to order means that Sunquest Pools can offer a broad range of configurations, colour and finish options. Short lead times are therefore standard with all Sunquest models, as well as competitive, consistent price structures – both key

benefits of choosing UK production over an import. The Sunquest 36 can be designed and manufactured to include an integral roller pit for housing a slatted pool cover seamlessly, and the Sunquest 624 can be produced in custom lengths thanks to CNC manufactured moulding.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS: Bosta UK 01284 716580 www.bosta.co.uk Easy Pools 01444 411376 www.swimpools.co.uk Fairlocks Pool Producets 01865 988346 www.lpwpools.co.uk Lighthouse 01752 253525 www.pools.de NIVEKO s.r.o. +420 572 693 246 www.niveko-pools.com Sunquest Pools 01296 695975 www.sunquestpools.co.uk

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SPN APR 2018 BUYERS GUIDE NEW.qxp_Layout 1 26/03/2018 19:51 Page 95

BUYERS GUIDE CEILING SYSTEMS

DIVING – REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE

FILTRATION

HEAT EXCHANGERS

BOWMAN

®

Manufacturers of swimming pool heat exchangers for chlorine, saline and spa pools. EJ Bowman (Birmingham) Ltd Chester Street, B’ham B6 4AP, UK Tel: +44 (0) 121 359 5401 Fax: +44 (0) 121 359 7495 Email: info@ejbowman.co.uk

CONTROL PANELS AN ADVERT THIS SIZE IN THIS BUYERS GUIDE IS JUST £295! THAT’S 6 ISSUES OR 12 MONTHS COVERAGE FOR LESS THAN £1 PER DAY! TO ADVERTISE CALL TONY WESTON ON 01474 813433 E. TONY@AQUAPUBLISHING.CO.UK

DESIGN & TILING

DIVING – REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE

FLOOR SERVICING

HEAT EXCHANGERS

The Complete, Nationwide, Pool Repair and Refurbishment Service

0161 799 1222 24HR EMERGENCY CALL OUT 07903 779516 info@universalpool.co.uk

PPF Servicing have been servicing, maintaining and refurbishing Moving Floors, Booms and Bulkheads since 1985 Na onwide using a fully qualified and experienced HSE approved Commercial dive team.

The Complete, Nationwide, Pool Repair Underwater Service

AN ADVERT THIS SIZE IN THIS BUYERS GUIDE IS JUST £295! THAT’S 6 ISSUES OR 12 MONTHS COVERAGE FOR JUST OVER £1 PER DAY! TO ADVERTISE CALL TONY WESTON ON 01474 813433

E.TONY@AQUA-PUBLISHING.CO.UK

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk

0161 799 1222 24HR EMERGENCY CALL OUT 07903 779516 info@universalpool.co.uk

All our divers are registered with the HSE and are covered by relevant insurances. SWIMMING POOL ENGINEERING SERVICES CONDITION SURVEYS CLEANING • RE-GROUTING TILING • DRILLING POOLSIDE EQUIPMENT

PPF Specialist services include: ‐ • Condi on Surveying • Commissioning • Under Floor Cleaning • Hazard & Defect Surveys • Underwater Video Footage • Balance Tank Cleaning • Annual Servicing • Emergency Breakdown Cover • Bespoke Service Packages Available HSE SCUBA under commercial inland/inshore and media ACOPs.

UK DISTRIBUTOR • In depth technical back up • Quick delivery • Complete heat exchangers in stock

PPF SERVICING LTD

01799 513253 AMANDAM PPFSERVICING.CO.UK

WWW.PPFSERVICING.CO.UK

sales@gvsswimmingpools.co.uk www.gvsswimmingpoolsonline.co.uk

SPN April 2018 95


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BUYERS GUIDE ON-SITE LINING

PLAY EQUIPMENT

POOL BUILDERS

POOL COVERS

PLAY EQUIPMENT

POOL COVERS

POOL COVERS – LIQUID

On‐Site Pool Linings Ltd

delifol • We are the Sole UK Distributors for delifol • delifol material is guaranteed for 10 years • We have a wide range of colours, pa erns and borders • We also line natural swimming pools in our pond lining material

01709 542128 Email: dave@on‐sitepoollinings.com

www.on‐sitepoollinings.com www.delifol.com

ON-SITE LINING

96 April 2018 SPN

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BUYERS GUIDE POOL ENCLOSURES

POOL ENCLOSURES

POOL ENGINEERS

POOL LIGHTING

POOL ENCLOSURES

POOL ENGINEERS

POOL HEATERS

PRESSURE TESTING & LEAK DETECTION EQUIP

Retractable and static glass pool enclosures for domestic and commercial use

AN ADVERT THIS SIZE IN THIS BUYERS GUIDE IS JUST £295! THAT’S 6 ISSUES OR 12 MONTHS COVERAGE FOR LESS THAN £1 PER DAY! TO ADVERTISE CALL TONY WESTON ON 01474 813433 E. TONY@AQUAPUBLISHING.CO.UK

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk

AN ADVERT THIS SIZE IN THIS BUYERS GUIDE IS JUST £295! THAT’S 6 ISSUES OR 12 MONTHS COVERAGE FOR JUST OVER £1 PER DAY! TO ADVERTISE CALL TONY WESTON ON 01474 813433

E.TONY@AQUA-PUBLISHING.CO.UK

SPN April 2018 97


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BUYERS GUIDE SPRAYED CONCRETE

SPRAYED CONCRETE

SWIMMING POOL EQUIPMENT

SWIMMING POOL EQUIPMENT

SWIMMING POOL EQUIPMENT

SWIMMING POOL EQUIPMENT

AN ADVERT THIS SIZE IN THIS BUYERS GUIDE IS JUST £295! THAT’S 6 ISSUES OR 12 MONTHS COVERAGE FOR LESS THAN £1 PER DAY! TO ADVERTISE CALL TONY WESTON ON 01474 813433 E. TONY@AQUAPUBLISHING.CO.UK

SPRAYED CONCRETE

98 April 2018 SPN

SWIMMING POOL EQUIPMENT

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BUYERS GUIDE SWIMMING POOL EQUIPMENT

TILING & TILING REPAIRS

WATER TREATMENT

ADVERTISERS INDEX Alukov

35

Aqua Design & Leisure

73

Aquaflex

77

Aquatrac

13

Arch Enclosures

24

Artesian Spas

IBC

AstralPool UK

48

BISHTA

94

BTU Pools

38

Certikin

The Complete, Nationwide, Pool Repair and Refurbishment Service

0161 799 1222 24HR EMERGENCY CALL OUT 07903 779516 info@universalpool.co.uk

04, 05, 16, 23 & 85

Complete Pool Controls

42

Dripool

82

Earth Save Products

18

Easy Pools

90

emco Bau

57

Fairlocks Pool Products IFC, 78 & 93 Golden Coast

31 & 47

Heatstar Europe

21

Herborner Pumpentechnik

38

ISPE

82

Jacuzzi

32 & 33

Lighthouse

TILED SPAS

WATER MONITORING & CONTROL

WATER TREATMENT

82, 90 & OBC

Lovibond/Tintometer

23

NIVEKO

86

On-site Pool Linings Ltd

18

Plastica Pools

63 & 77

Polyflor

10

Pool Trade Counters

47

PoolLock

86

Raywood Graphic Designs

18

Ryam Steels

13

SCP UK

08 & 36

SPATA

94

SPATEX

64

STA

58

Stage Systems Stoneworld Superior Spas

16 & 60 18 27 & 28

T&A

85

VitrA Tiles

58

Waterco/Certikin International 07 Waxman Ceramics Wellis UK

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk

15 52, 53 & 68

SPN April 2018 99


OPINION

Responsibility… “Didn’t we used to take our own? Have we given too much away? Isn’t it an important part of being an adult?” Asks Jamie Adams, Managing Director at Golden Coast

T

he Weatherman (or Weather-person.) has started to exceed their area of responsibility. When they tell me that there will be showers or wind or rain or even snow in my area, they now go on to suggest that I wear a coat, carry an umbrella, dress up warm or panic-buy sausages. When I log on to Facebook on my phone, the first thing it tells me is that there are showers forecast for Barnstaple and perhaps I would be wise to choose a waterproof coat and hat if I intend to venture out. Now, my point is that I am a 56-year-old adult. I brush my own teeth, run my own business and, very often, choose my own bedtime. I do not need to be told to ‘wrap up warm’. But we live in a world where the media, the government, technology and ‘experts’ have decided that they need to take responsibility for our actions and behaviours. Or perhaps rather more wretchedly, we have happily given up responsibility for ourselves to those other agencies.

CALL THIS SNOW? I know the weather was pretty severe recently and it did cause a lot of turmoil or worse but I also believe the media were pretty careless with their responsibility and that by hyping up the situation it resulted in a lot of unnecessary disruption. ‘The Beast from the East’. Really? It was a weather front, not a Russian invasion or a spell cast by Lord Voldemort. And, to be fair, as weather fronts go, I’ve seen better. In the late 70s my brother and I were snowed in for over a week while my parents were stuck down in Brighton at SPATEX. It snowed for days and Exmoor was turned into a surreal landscape. High hedgerows caught snow metres deep to seal off the roads and

trap us in a world that any schoolchild would give their right arm to have and that my dad had prepared us well for. With the generator chugging away we were able to watch the TV and keep up with events out in the real world and whilst it was bad, I don’t recall the news announcing the end of the world being nigh or a light dusting of snow being photographed at an angle to make it look like people shouldn’t travel. I think part of the problem is that once, let’s say the BBC, had said that it was unsafe to travel then if they subsequently said that the danger had passed but someone was then involved in an accident… exactly – lawyers. And so I was being told to stay at home with my extra milk and hoarded sliced white loaves unless my journey was unavoidable eiven on the Friday, which was actually a lovely day where we were.

YELLOW WARNINGS AND ‘BEST PRACTICE’ We seem to have lost the ability to logically evaluate risk and take responsibility for our own actions. We seem to have lost the ability to assess new situations and opportunities and react to them in a way that is specific to that circumstance. That’s a rather wordy way of saying that we are, perhaps, no longer a nation of inventors and entrepreneurs. Would Barnes Wallis, Brunel or Trevor Bayliss have stayed at home because Huw Edwards had told them that the weather was too nasty for them to play outside? Would they have agreed with ‘best practice’ and

We seem to have lost the ability to logically evaluate risk and take responsibility for our own actions. We seem to have lost the ability to assess new situations and opportunities and react to them in a way that is specific to that circumstance” 100 April 2018 SPN 100_SPN_Apr_18_Opinion.indd 100

accepted that bombs didn’t bounce, iron didn’t float and radios needed batteries. I met Trevor Bayliss, creator of the clockwork radio, swimmer for GB, escape artist and long-time member of the wet leisure industry, when I was working with Peter Geekie and was sorry to see that he died earlier this year. Trevor invented hundreds of devices including many to help people with disabilities. He liked to proclaim: “I don’t do things because I want to do good; I do things because I like to show off.”

A NEW METHOD, IDEA, PRODUCT, ETC. I think Golden Coast is based on innovation and I think the best of British business and industry is too, and innovation is about taking risks and thinking differently. Sometimes it’s about being a bit of a maverick; you know, like going out on a windy day without your hat and gloves! If we become scared to take risks, scared to think differently and choose not to take responsibility for our own decisions then that spirit of invention and entrepreneurship that the British have been justly famous for could become a thing of the past. I would hate to see that happen.

MAKE MISTAKES. JUST DON’T MAKE THE SAME ONE TWICE We learn from our mistakes, they say, and I believe that to be true. If we don’t make mistakes we aren’t trying new things and we aren’t pushing hard enough. We need the odd failure in order to learn, we just don’t need to make too many of them. We can all take responsibility for that, can’t we?

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).

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