SPN (Swimming Pool News) April 2022

APRIL 2022

POOLS SPAS HOT TUBS SAUNAS CHEMICALS ACCESSORIES & MORE

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR THE UK INDUSTRY

ONE-PIECE & FIBREGLASS POOLS

Quality, convenience and a stress-free pool build experience

AUTOMATIC POOL COVERS

Domestic pool cover-ups offering safety, style and more

SWIM SPAS – MID & HIGH-END

Offering the complete swim and relax package

AWARD WINNERS

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

PLUS SPN_April_22_Cover.indd 3

STA Pool Plant – Water Balance | Pool Liners & Systems | Wet Leisure Survey SPATEX Review | Company Focus – Certikin | Opinion | 12 Pages Of Industry News 07/04/2022 10:34

FAIRLOCKS LPW FP APR21.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2021 10:39 Page 1

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Editor’s Features: Karen Witney Features & Subeditor: Andrea Hartshorne Co Publisher and Sales Director: Tony Weston Accounts: Sam Bartholomew Design: Colin Halliday 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 accounts enquiries please email accounts@aqua-publishing.co.uk For production enquiries please email production@aqua-publishing.co.uk For general enquiries please email info@aqua-publishing.co.uk 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 PUBLISHING taken to ensure that all advertisers are reliable and reputable, Swimming Pool News can give no assurance they will fulfil their obligations under all circumstances. The views expressed in the articles in Swimming Pool News are the contributors’ own. All rights reserved. Copyright for all materials published in SPN remains with the publishers. Material contained in this publication is not to be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior permission of Aqua Publishing Ltd.

– www.mermaidpools.co.uk

Editor and Co Publisher: Jon Wadeson

letter with a satisfying and buzzing atmosphere as suppliers and customers caught up after the enforced break. We’ve a review of SPATEX later in this issue.

Cover image courtesy of Mermaid Pools

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.

Despite being the ‘off season’ for many in the wet leisure sector, January, February and March are key and normally still busy months for many within the UK wet leisure industry. A fact that is especially true given the hectic 20 or so months that the industry has just experienced. In fact, thinking back to before the pandemic took hold, I’m not even sure there is what you could call an off season any more for the trade – just a colder and slightly less busy period where there’s a reduction in the amount of clients that have to be dealt with. Regardless of the circumstances though – and recently we’ve had Brexit, shipping issues, COVID and now the situation in Ukraine plus the fall out from that to contend with – these months are crucial as they are the time in which the industry gears up for those (hopefully) warmer and, dare I say it, even busier months ahead.

That planning takes a variety of forms, and one of the key elements has always been SPATEX, which returned to the newly renamed Coventry Building Society Arena and celebrated its 25th live event at the start of February.

SPN were pleased to be at the three-day show where over 100 companies exhibited.

After a year’s absence, the event once again saw a superb effort and a certain amount of relief too from both the organisers, exhibitors and anybody that was in attendance. That all-round effort resulted in very healthy visitor numbers plus a professional looking show floor that featured plenty of innovative products combined

Also back, and held during SPATEX, were 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. Inside, we’ve coverage of all the Gold Award winners from this year’s event along with a write-up on the Gala Evening itself which marked milestone anniversaries for both SPATA and BISHTA. Elsewhere in this latest issue we also explore what’s new in the one-piece and fibreglass swimming pools market, a sector that’s enjoyed continued success through the pandemic due to taking the hassle out of installations for both pool builders and owners alike. Still on the subject of convenience, we’ve an in depth look at the latest automatic pool cover systems for the domestic sector too. High-end swim spas are also featured as the sector goes from strength to strength plus we’ve pool liners and systems for both new build and refurbishment projects.

If that wasn’t enough to keep you going over the next few weeks, Golden Coast’s Jamie Adams looks at some of the changes we have been experiencing and are likely to see in the future. On the subject of change, we also take a closer look at the annual Wet Leisure Survey – an initiative which examines the sector and helps to benchmark it, whilst identifying any changing trends.

We’ve further valuable content as STA Pool Plant Tutor and Pool Plant Ambassador Colin Davis shares his expert advice on calculating water plus we’ve a piece on Certikin’s impressive new headquarters in Oxfordshire.

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

So that’s this latest issue pretty much covered, all that leaves me to say is I hope you manage to enjoy reading it!

Jon Wadeson - Editor PS – If you are involved within the industry and have some relevant news that you would like to appear within SPN, please do get in touch.

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 2022 1 07/04/2022 10:37

CONTENTS

Inside This 65

35 18

71 COVER

AWARD WINNERS

35

SWIM SPAS – MID & HIGH-END

59

ONE-PIECE & FIBREGLASS POOLS

71

All the Gold Award winners from the British Pool & Hot Tub Awards 2022

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

Stunning products which are taking the hassle out of pool installations

AUTOMATIC DOMESTIC POOL COVERS

77

Labour saving, safe and stylish solutions for domestic swimming pools

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FEATURES

POOL & SPA INDUSTRY

29

STA POOL PLANT

44

COMPANY FOCUS

52

The industry’s associations dedicated pages

Colin Davis shares his expert advice on calculating water balance A look at Certikin’s impressive new HQ in Oxfordshire

POOL LINERS & SYSTEMS 65

The latest in pool liners and systems for projects of all shapes and sizes

OPINION

Jamie Adams gives his thoughts on a rapidly changing world

88

NEWS

INDUSTRY

04

PEOPLE

10

PRODUCT / ECO

12

HOT TUB, SWIM SPA & WELLNESS

18

WORLD

25

The latest industry news, info, projects and gossip

New appointments, personnel updates and training 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 44

59 52

77 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 84

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

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Next Issue

• Above-ground and wooden pools • Hot tubs (business/ commercial sector) • Water heating options (non-heat pumps) • Disability access systems • Tiling and mosaics • Shows round up – what’s on in the next 12 months

Plus much, much more!

SPN April 2022 3 07/04/2022 12:44

NEWS

NEWS

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

Multi-million Pound Refurbishment Of Historic Hull Venue Underway A major refurbishment project to transform Hull’s Albert Avenue Pools and restore its historic lido is underway.

The £10.5m project will see the introduction of new fitness facilities, plus remodelling, refurbishment and redecoration of the existing building, replacement of all mechanical and electrical systems, alongside new heating and ventilation systems.

The scheme also includes the construction of a brand-new outdoor heated lido, replacing the original one which closed more than 30 years ago. The lido will meet international standards to accommodate top-level kayak polo and competitive swimming.

The project is being delivered by Hull Esteem Consortium LEP, the council’s pre-procured framework, with work undertaken by Hobson & Porter.

Cllr Daren Hale, leader of Hull City Council said: “It’s fantastic to see this project get underway – the final piece in our city-wide leisure investment puzzle. The jewel in the crown being the new lido which I already know will attract visitors from across the region.

“I’m looking forward to seeing this scheme

progress and getting users back in there next year.”

Gavin Barley, General Manager of Hull Esteem said: “Getting the green-light on such a multi-faceted project to transform Albert Avenue Pools is a huge deal for all parties involved and we’re delighted to be working with Hobson & Porter once again to improve an important

leisure facility for the community.

“Forming part of Hull City Council’s £18.5m investment into leisure facilities across the city, it will not only be a massive benefit to the local area once complete, but we’re sure it will become an attraction for those visiting our city.”

The refurbished venue is expected to reopen to the public in summer 2023.

Long Term Partnership Proves To Be A Winning One

For many years, Origin Leisure have had an enviable reputation as designers and builders of high-quality swimming pools and the company are no strangers to winning awards. So it should come as no surprise that at this year’s annual SPATA awards, the team encountered even more success. Their latest 11 awards join an already impressive list of accolades, but perhaps equally impressive is that most of these projects feature a Heatstar environmental control system.

Heatstar’s range of high-quality energy technology systems both control and manage swimming pool environments in the most energy efficient way possible. High-quality is one important shared value but look a little closer and the synergies continue.

Both companies are family run businesses drawing from over 40 years of experience in the UK swimming pool market. Therefore, it’s no surprise that Origin and Heatstar have worked together on some of the finest installations around, with the end result being a pool that is built to the highest quality, backed by an energy efficient environmental control system with the lowest

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running costs possible. This special relationship between the two companies has stood the test of time with Origin placing orders for their first Heatstar units way back in 1998.

On the relationship, Gary Taylor from Origin Leisure said: “At Origin we strive for perfection and part of achieving this comes from working with companies like Heatstar. As a company we have been offering bespoke swimming pool designs and solutions for over 40 years and in that time, we have produced thousands of swimming pools with a wide range of specifications. It’s important for us to work with companies we can trust and know have the same goal of delivering excellence in all that they do.”

Heatstar Europe 01983 521465 www.heatstar.com Origin Leisure 01895 823366 www.originpools.co.uk

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NEWS

IN BRIEF HPB ANNOUNCE NEXT EVENT The next Historic Pools of Britain event is on the calendar. It will take place at the beautiful Droitwich Spa Lido in Worcestershire on Wednesday 25 May. One of the founder members of Historic Pools of Britain, Droitwich Spa Lido is a real treasure and guests to the event can look forward to finding out more about it historically, and its activities today. Those that love art deco buildings will be especially excited to see its 1930s grandeur.

The lido was closed in 2000 but fortunately, in April 2005 the people of Droitwich Spa held a parish poll in which 98% voted in favour of restoring the lido. This was done and it was reopened in 2007.

It’s now run by the local council (Wychavon District) and operated by Wychavon Leisure, which is supported by the Friends of Droitwich Spa Lido who are helping to organise this event. The day will run from 11am and is expected to conclude around 3:30pm.

Waterco Filtration Provides Crystal Clear Natural Pool Water Nestled in Oxfordshire is Hailey, a forest township surrounded by historic hamlets and scenic countryside.

Locals Kate and Ben Brown operate Turley Farm Barns, which includes two holiday lets and a traditional Cotswold stone barn beautifully restored as an entertainment venue.

Ben, who was introduced to the natural beauty of a chemical-free pool by his cousin, wanted to create a swimming environment that would enhance the picturesque landscape rather than detract from it.

“The rural location and surroundings lent itself to a natural pool rather than concrete or fibreglass options,” said Waterco Europe CEO Tony Fisher.

“Just as important was the fact that Ben and Kate did not want to swim in chlorine and the other chemicals associated with more traditional pools – they wanted the experience of swimming in a totally natural environment.”

With this in mind, a 250m3 rectangular pool was designed and built with a large regeneration area where impurities are absorbed by specialist plants as nutrients and harmful bacteria are destroyed by natural water organisms.

Assisting the filtration process is Waterco’s Exotuff 702 bead filter, 2 x Aquamite 1hp pumps and a MC16 MultiCyclone – a combination ideal for natural pools and ponds.

“Exotuf is far superior mechanically and biologically to anything else on the market while the Aquamite pumps are ideal for recirculation systems used in conjunction with ponds and water features due to its compact design and high degree of energy efficiency,” explained Tony.

Waterco’s award-winning MultiCyclone removes debris through the process of centrifugal filtration prior to reaching the Exotuf filter, which is considered a market leader due to its sturdy tank design as well as unique lateral arrangement and water distribution headers.

“This ensures the best mechanical and biological filtration is achieved at all times,” Tony said.

Waterco Europe 01795 521733 www.waterco.eu

LONDON SET TO GET NEW LIDO

NIVEKO Announce HTP Group As A New Distribution Partner

Redbridge Council has confirmed plans to build a new outdoor pool as part of its recent budget proposal which contained plans to spend £11m on leisure centres plus other sports, leisure and recreation facilities.

The Labour led council announced plans for the new outdoor swimming lido in Valentines Park in Ilford. The last lido in the area was also located at Valentines Park but was closed in 1995 due to ongoing maintenance costs.

In addition to the new lido, the council also confirmed plans for a 25-metre swimming pool in the new Wanstead Leisure Centre.

Owing to the great demand for their pools in the UK, NIVEKO has decided to offer its products through a new distribution channel – the HTP Group. The Group’s director, Lewis Salvidge, is an experienced professional in the pool industry. From the beginning of this year, he has focused entirely on setting up a new network of NIVEKO pool dealers, which Lewis himself will coordinate. Both parties’ expectations are clear – to benefit the end customer by providing better coverage across the British Isles and raising awareness of the NIVEKO brand amongst the general public.

Extended cooperation with HTP is a logical step for NIVEKO. It’s been 12 years since HTP started working with NIVEKO pools in the UK and in that time, they have built a reputation as reliable industry experts. Years of experience and a skilled team make for a great combination to take on this new task. Relationships based on family values plus attention to detail provide customers with the perfect care package and HTP’s technical

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knowledge is a crucial part for making their work stand out. Dozens of satisfied customers are clear proof of a job well done.

An important part of HTP’s new role is seeking out new NIVEKO pool dealers across the whole of the UK and Ireland. This way all customers will have a dealer near to their location, creating easier access to owning a NIVEKO pool. Both new and existing partners will be provided with maximum support by both HTP and NIVEKO alike to ensure effortless trading.

Certikin – previously the primary distributor of NIVEKO pools for the British market – will continue to work with NIVEKO with both HTP Group and Certikin being fully fledged NIVEKO Profi partners that share the same goals.

HTP Group 0117 403 7839 www.htpgroup.co.uk NIVEKO s.r.o. +420 572 693 246 www.niveko-pools.com

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NEWS NEW PRODUCT VIDEO FROM NIVEKO RELEASED The aim of pool manufacturer NIVEKO has always been to take a step in a new direction, to stand out from the competition and to make an impression with an unexpected idea. This corporate philosophy has also been followed by the NIVEKO marketing department in producing a new company video which showcases the company’s entire pool portfolio. A look at the making of it (along with links to the video), can be found on the SPN website.

TOWER HAMLETS LEISURE CENTRE REOPENS There was good news for the residents in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets at the end of January following the much awaited reopening of Tiller Leisure Centre.

The popular public facility – run in partnership between the Tower Hamlets Council and charitable leisure social enterprise GLL under the Better brand – had been closed since March 2020, firstly due to COVID and then for a £600,000 refurbishment.

In the 25m pool hall, the five-lane pool tank, lighting and air handling were all replaced to give a fresh, lighter and brighter swim customer experience.

Elsewhere in the centre, new low energy lighting, repainting, new gym equipment and flooring all add to extending the life of the venue and improving its sustainability.

John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: “It’s great to have Tiller open again. I hope old and new members will come to take advantage of the new and improved facilities on offer, including the 25-metre fivelane swimming pool.

“This is a keys step towards building a better borough for our residents and our ongoing recovery from COVID.”

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Buckingham Pools Play Their Part At Somerset Leisure Centre Development

A project handover for a multi-millionpound leisure development in South Somerset took place at the end of last year as Chard Leisure Centre opened its doors to the local community.

Funded by South Somerset District Council, the centre is part of a wider £14m regeneration project to bring the historic Grade II-listed Boden Mill site back into use, with the new leisure centre and its pools providing a central focus.

Contractor Speller Metcalfe employed the services of Buckingham Pools who were proud to have completed a bespoke installation of a 25m x 10.5m main pool and a 10.5m x 7m learner pool, which between them can accommodate beginner to athletic level swimming for all age groups.

With the highest quality filtration and circulation systems fitted, the main pool has a fast turnover of just under three hours and the learner pool within one. With each build featuring reinforced sprayed concrete, the installations benefit from structural strength and surface protection, adding long-term value to the completed construction.

Providing a testimonial to the dedication of the Buckingham Pools’ team, Richard Monk, Contract Manager at Speller Metcalfe said: “As always, you have completed an excellent project, and to the highest quality standards, which has made our client exceptionally happy.”

Buckingham Pools’ dedication to taking a well-defined approach in designing and building with industry-best standards encourages the pool builder to make positive changes in UK communities. The company are delighted to provide excellent swimming facilities to the residents of Chard and across Somerset.

Buckingham Pools 01926 852351 www.buckinghampools.com

Pool At Derby’s New Sports Village Gets Ready For Action Derby’s flagship new leisure facilities at Moorways Sports Village, will be ready for action this spring and the excitement is building with the opening date being announced very soon.

The £42m complex has been handed over to Derby City Council by its construction partner Bowmer + Kirkland, on time and on budget.

With its exciting Water Park including flumes and water slides, and a 50m swimming pool designed to accommodate regional competitions, preparations are now under way to get everything up and running.

Derby City Council has appointed Everyone Active, one of the UK’s leading leisure operators to

manage the new iconic facility.

The 50m pool at the new venue has moveable floors and booms which means it can be divided into three 25m length pools of varying depths, offering flexibility for club and leisure use. There is seating for over 400 spectators. A separate teaching pool, with a depth of 1 metre, can be screened off for private hire and children’s parties.

The Water Park is set to

become a regional attraction with its gently sloping floor into the leisure pool, which has the only wave-creating Wow ball in use in a UK public pool. It also has two four-storey flumes, the first wave rider in England, a racer slide and fun water play area for children. A spa area with a sauna and steam room complete the wet leisure facilities.

Accessibility has been designed into the building, with features including a Changing Places changing room and toilet, in-built steps and a lift into the main swimming pool, and a Poolpod lift to enable independent entry into the water. The teaching pool has a portable iSwim hoist.

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PEOPLE NEWS

Polin Group Welcomes New Business Development Manager

Plastipack Ltd Announces Appointment Of Two New Directors In January, Plastipack Ltd were pleased to announce the appointment of two new Directors, Tim Fielder as Commercial Director and Steve Harris as Finance Director.

Plastipack Ltd are a manufacturer of energy and resource saving products, and the creator of the unique GeoBubble™ technology.

They are focused on the preservation of water resources and the reduction of energy and chemical consumption through sustainable solutions.

Providing high quality performance materials to specialist fabricators, we operate as a niche manufacturer of sustainable floating solutions for the swimming pool, industrial and

agricultural markets.

Both directors bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise within their own fields. Knowing the role of a director is challenging, both Tim and Steve were chosen for their balanced skills and experience of which would be appropriate for the size and requirements of the business. The strong teams working under them both will allow them time to focus on the company strategy and maintain Plastipack’s goals and objectives.

Plastipack Ltd 01424 851659 www.plastipack.co.uk

Industry Loses Another Character With Passing Of Rodney Underwood SPN were saddened to learn during SPATEX the news of the passing of Rodney Underwood who passed away in at the end of January at the age of 76.

Rodney was best known by many across the pool trade for his shop called ‘Are You Swimming’ in Park Gate, Southampton.

In his early career, he worked in a toy shop in Fareham which sold aboveground pools and it was this retail experience which gave him the taste for the pool industry.

During his career, Rodney moved to Cranleigh Clarke in Reading, helping them set up a shop in South Africa for six months, before moving on to James White Pools in Theale, Berkshire. Following his departure from there, he decided to start Are You Swimming.

Speaking about the sad loss, friend Simon Hallett of Happy Hot Tubs advised: “Rodney was a keen member of ISPE and SPATA, and the shop was very successful for 26 years. Building all types of pools, it became a go to place for obsolete parts and spares for both retail and trade customers. The business was sold about ten years ago and he went into a sort of ‘Rodney retirement’!

“Rodney was a very good guy who always had a smile on his face and he was a total one off, a sad loss to the pool industry and all his friends and family.”

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Polin Group is pleased to announce that Matteo Ferrarini has joined the Polin Western Europe team as Business Development Manager in Italy.

Matteo is an experienced technical and commercial professional with more than 20 years of experience and knowledge in installation, project management, sales, and customer relationship. In his new role, Matteo will build strategic partnerships with potential customers and effectively align and support key business initiatives while working towards growing the waterpark industry in Italy.

Previously, he worked as a Field Engineer and later on as an Installation Manager in the pool installation projects of Myrtha Pools. In 1998, he started working on both technical and commercial sides at the Sport & Tempo Libero unit of Myrtha Pools, which was following the water slides and water parks business of A&T Europe. Matteo’s first collaboration with Polin Waterparks was in March 1998 as part of a major project Myrtha Pools took on. Matteo was appointed as the Commercial Director of Sport & Tempo Libero in 2008 and held that role until he left Myrtha Pools in January 2019. From February 2019 until the end of January 2022, Matteo worked as the Commercial Director of Clax Italia for swimming pool projects.

After all these experiences, he will carry out business development for Polin Waterparks in West Europe.

Polin Waterparks +90 (262) 656 6467 www.polin.com.tr

SCP Welcome New Supply Chain Director For Europe Distributor SCP are pleased to announce the arrival of Nenad Lovic as Supply Chain & Operations Director Europe.

His mission is to manage the company’s entire supply chain including purchasing, sourcing and developing appropriate and efficient logistics using best operational practices to ensure the highest level of customer service in terms of speed of operation and quality.

Nenad holds a Master’s degree in Supply Chain Project Management with a strong background in the office supplies and furniture industry.

He has worked at St Gobain la plateforme du Bâtiment (distribution of building materials) and also at Staples France plus Instore Display (retail store planning and custom-designed displays) where he covered different assignments including:

• The integration of new acquisition companies • Inventory and demand planning in collaboration with suppliers. Optimisation of obsolescence • A complete overhaul of the supply chain planning organisation, including the outsourcing activity • Organisation of the logistic flows for Far East products (choice of third party logistic and carriers).

Nenad (or Ned) has also participated in several Black Belt projects in order to adapt the processes to the growth of the business, especially online and the SCP team are looking forward to working with him.

SCP UK 01293 546126 www.scpeurope.com

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PRODUCT / ECO NEWS

Golden Coast And EVA Help Swimmers Train Harder

Discover SCP’s POS Product Marketing Tool Book For several years now, SCP has been offering its customers a range of marketing and communication tools to help them promote products at the point of sale (POS).

These tools not only include all the media offered by SCP, but also by their partner manufacturers.

In the SCP Marketing Tool Book, retailers will find POS displays, banners, kakemonos, flags, counter display units, window displays and more.

In addition, a set of promotional gifts such as caps, t-shirts, etc. can also be selected. Promotional gifts are an essential element of customer relations, demonstrating a real intention to the customer and providing a lasting image.

Some samples or mock ups are also presented in this guide. These allow end consumers touch the products being sold or choose the colours of their liner.

The mockup will also allow the final consumer to better visualise the effect of a cleaner in and around the pool to test the ease of maintenance or cleaning of the filter.

Finally, some of the printed or digital documentation is also presented in this reference guide with: • A list of some of the documentation/product selection tools • Websites where product/technical documentation can be downloaded • Links to sales support tools: Water analysis, water pump comparator, etc.

The Marketing Tool Book is simply organised with each brand/manufacturer presented with all the marketing tools available.

Please note that all these marketing tools are available from SCP offices and whilst some of the products presented in the catalogue are free of charge, others are not.

SCP UK 01293 546126 www.scpeurope.com

As a leading wet leisure distributor, Golden Coast offers one of the widest ranges of counter-current units on the market today.

For those looking to up their training, they provide athlete-level systems like EVAstream, from Dutch manufacturer EVA Optic – a counter-current unit that delivers a powerful jet of water to swim against to help build strength and conditioning.

“EVAstream was designed to challenge swimming ability,” explained Adam Clark, Sales Director at Golden Coast. “It can be used to improve swimming technique and really enhances a physical fitness regime.”

Compact yet powerful, EVAstream has a flow rate of 8.5 m/s (> 30 km/h) and has the option of using preprogrammed training modes – providing a challenging workout even for professional swimmers.

The flow of water can be adjusted between 10% and 100%, so EVAstream can also be used for lower-level activity such as rehabilitation, or just to aid relaxation when unwinding in the pool.

EVAstream is extremely energy efficient and fits to a standard 16A 230V connection, with a consumption of just 2.2kW. It has been extensively tested to ensure it meets the most stringent safety standards, including DIN EN16582-1/2/3, EN167132, EN13451-1/3.

EVAstream is available as a recessed model for new pool builds, or as a surfacemounted model for retrofitting onto existing pools.

Golden Coast 01271 378100 www.goldenc.com

AstralPool’s Skimmer Unik – Discreet, Customisable And Silent The new Skimmer Unik from AstralPool is an innovative skimmer designed to integrate so harmoniously into a pool that owners will almost forget it’s there!

Designed in ABS under European quality standards and featuring a 5-year warranty, this new skimmer fits seamlessly into any type of pool. It was developed by AstralPool to offer pool owners greater flexibility in the selection of colours for the housing, covers and decorative faceplates.

The top cover comes in four colours (white, beige, grey and anthracite) and up to five colours to customise the skimmer mouth (plus there’s also a stainless-steel finish). This means for a pool with a dark stone exterior and a light pool shell, the owner can choose different colours for the top cover and the embellisher resulting in unprecedented looks.

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If the idea is for the skimmer to blend even more seamlessly into its surroundings, this new skimmer is the perfect solution.

The design makes it possible to remove the top part of the cover and insert a tile or slab of the same material as the surround. This creates a more unified and elegant aesthetic for the entire pool.

Discretion is another prominent feature of this product, which is achieved with the exclusive curved shape of the weir. This intermediate solution between a float and a traditional weir reduces the annoying flapping noise that is so characteristic of traditional skimmers, bringing unparalleled tranquility to the bathing experience.

Finally, convenient cleaning and maintenance is another unique feature of this new skimmer.

The tank for impurities has been enlarged meaning less frequent cleaning. In addition, access to the filter is simplified to avoid the need to touch the cold water and make it easier to check the water level.

AstralPool UK 01329 514000 www.astralpool.co.uk

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Swim with no limits – Counter-current Systems from SWIMEO is a range of jet stream turbines for beginners and advanced swimmers.

Unlike jet stream pumps, which offer limited power and uncertain reliability, the SWIMEO jet stream turbine is fully submerged, quiet and reliable.

SIREM turbines are recommended for competitive and amateur swimmers looking for a private swimming pool solution to complement their traditional pool or open water training.

The maximum power of the SWIMEO is equivalent to a swimming speed of 1’50’’ per 100m.

All the turbines in the SWIMEO range are controlled either by a wireless remote control or via the smartphone application, which can be used to create training programmes.

SWIMEO X1

SWIMEO APP

SWIMEO S1

Available later this year, the SWIMEO X1 is recommended for new construction projects.

This model is built-in and supplied with an integration kit and a grid that allows the turbine to be perfectly hidden in the pool wall.

The smartphone application is used to control the SWIMEO turbines and to create training programmes.

The S1 model is a functional, avantgarde design. The positioning of the inlets and the shape of the hydrodynamic appendages have been designed to offer the best performance and price combination available.

SIMPLE INSTALLATION Easy connection to the domestic electrical network.

In the programmes, the intensity of the stream can be varied over time.

HIGH PERFORMANCE 3

A thrust of 300m /h at the exit.

COMFORTABLE A 1m wide ‘river’ stream 2m from the pool’s edge.

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE, QUALITY PRODUCTS 3 Landscape Close, Weston on the Green, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX25 3SX, UK T: 01869 934333 | E: info@fairlocks.co.uk | W: www.fairlocks.co.uk

PRODUCT / ECO NEWS

Keep The Water Moving With Exclusive SuperPool Pumps From SCP SCP UK offer a wide range of pumps from a variety of leading manufacturers, so whether it’s for a commercial or domestic setting, they have a pump to suit any need.

One of their popular pump brands is SuperPool from Haywood.

The range includes the single speed SuperPool I which is a thermoplastic resin pump with a closed, ventilated motor (IPX5) and ceramic-on-carbon obturator that resists chemical and salt corrosion in normal use. With its high efficiency motor, the flow rate of this pump ranges from 8 to 15m3/h depending on the model chosen. The volume of the pre-filter basket is 1,000cm3 and maintenance is made easy thanks to the transparent Lexan lid which allows for quick opening and closing. The SuperPool I is a model with a low noise level and minimal power consumption and features a 1.5” connection.

Moving up the range is the SuperPool II pump with a resistant and high efficiency motor.

This self-priming model with closed, ventilated motor (IPX5) is available with a single phase or IE3 three-phase motor. It is equipped with built-in thermal protection with automatic reset and the model’s design ensures low noise and low power consumption. SuperPool II comes with a 2’’ inlet/outlet and Ø 50 or 63mm union fittings are provided depending on the models. Easy maintenance is incorporated thanks to an extra-large pre-filter basket which provides maximum debris collection.

If a variable speed model is required, look no further than SuperPool II VSTD pump which is available in a single-phase version.

SCP UK 01293 546126 www.scpeurope.com

2022 Update For Certikin’s AQ Box DIY Pool Enclosure Range Certikin’s AQ Box DIY pool enclosure is widely recognised for its versatility and ease of installation, and the latest introduction of the Extra Flat H Box with rails on one side only and a side-mounted sliding door, makes it an even more flexible system.

Deriving its name from the fact it arrives flat-packed in a wooden box for easy assembly, the AQ Box Enclosure comes with two different types of glazing – 6mm double wall polycarbonate or 3mm SAN solid – both UV protected on each side. Whilst the enclosure parts are made of elegant, contemporary anodized aluminium alloy profiles.

The new additions to the range provide the option of having the rails on one side only (to be installed left or right), and a side-mounted sliding door that can be installed in two positions on the large segment. The Extra Flat H Class comes in three heights and widths: • 0.58m(h) x 4.05m(w) 3 bay enclosure • 0.70m(h) x 4.71m(w) 4 bay enclosure • 0.72m(h) x 5.19m(w) 4 bay enclosure.

The AQ Box Enclosure comes with a state-of-the-art locking system that includes a unique design key. This innovative solution provides positioning and securing on the rails as well as ensuring child-safe locking functionality.

The SuperPool I

Certikin 01993 777200 www.certikin.co.uk

LumiPlus FlexiMini: Design, Simplicity And Flexibility LumiPlus, AstraPool’s most comprehensive range of underwater LED lights for public, commercial and residential pools, unveils its most flexible, convenient and compact option for 2022: the new FlexiMini.

More harmonious, elegant and efficient pools are the three things that pool owners look for most when designing a new space in their garden or renovating an existing water feature. Which means that opting for smaller, discreet and energy-efficient designs is undoubtedly a guarantee of success.

With all this in mind, AstralPool has developed its new LumiPlus FlexiMini lights. The smaller size of these LEDs makes for a more discreet and modern design that aligns with current trends for residential projects.

The company has also gone a step further in terms of installation

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and has designed the new LumiPlus FlexiMini as a single point of light that adapts to the most popular pool types on the market. It simplifies installation for both new and existing pools and can be combined with any of the fittings from the LumiPlus Flexi range in white, beige, light grey, anthracite and stainless steel.

The LumiPlus FlexiMini takes flexibility to a new level – not only can it be adapted to almost any existing

installation, but it also offers two wattages to choose from. For example, users can set different intensities depending on the area of the pool or opt for more discreet, efficient lighting based on more points of light with lower intensity.

Manufactured with LEDs, premium electronic components and produced entirely in the EU in compliance with European quality standards, the entire range of LumiPlus Flexi lights is highly adaptable to any type of pool – liner or concrete – and is suitable for both new builds and existing installations.

In addition, it comes with a three-year warranty.

AstralPool UK 01329 514000 www.astralpool.co.uk

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PRODUCT / ECO NEWS

Increase Pool And Spa Style With Aquatechnica

Available exclusively through Strata Technical Tiles, the Aquatechnica portfolio includes everything needed to deliver a tile specification that works hard for swimming pool or spa projects.

With pool tank, surround, changing rooms, associated wet areas, plus outdoor and complementary area tiles and much more all covered. Adhesives, epoxy grouts, renders, screeds and waterproofing are available too. In short, Aquatechnica delivers a total answer from design to installation.

A range of specialist tile solutions for competition and diving pools ensures that sports and performance centres can benefit from pool tank and edge systems for high and low water swimming pools. Metric formats are suitable for short course and Olympic standard pools, and Aquatechnica provides anti-slip solutions across a wide collection of different styles and designs.

For the high-quality interiors of Spa and Health Clubs, Aquatechnica delivers a range of design-focused porcelain and ceramic tiles that

provide the durability for round the clock use while delivering attractive interiors. The range includes coordinated designs – with anti-slip options – for elegant transitions from tank to surround and other areas.

When it comes to private homes, Aquatechnica tiles blend high aesthetic principles with the anti-slip performance needed to bring a safe surface underfoot in residential pools and spas. Creating a true sense of luxury with durable and maintenance friendly finishes, these tiles excel in contributing to sophisticated and elegant residential projects that feel connected to other areas of the home through natural effects.

Through an integrated approach and with high levels of UK stock, Aquatechnica delivers a fast-track solution that delivers on cost and meets the demands of wet leisure installations in a multitude of environments.

Strata Tiles 0800 012 1454 www.stratatiles.co.uk

Get Your Cleaning Covered With Waterco!

Waterco’s efficient and water-saving cleaning solutions have been extremely well received within the industry, since their release. Their unique cleaning solutions have been specifically developed to enable the user to make use of energy and water-saving advances to keep a pool clean while saving water and chemicals.

The company’s Multicyclone Ultra Vac portable filtration cart is a versatile filtration solution for every service need; giving users the ability to vacuum a swimming pool, water feature, pond or fountain with a portable pump and filter – without losing water.

Features include: • Integrated pleated filter cartridge • Extended filter cleaning cycles and increased filter cartridge life span • Supastream self-priming pump • Powder-coated structural steel trolley with large wheels for easy manoeuvrability • Built-in safety protection.

By recirculating the water through the award-winning MultiCyclone Plus, users can remove debris by vacuuming it out of the pool or water feature. The cart is constructed from strong structural steel and is powder coated for protection. The Ultra Vac is designed to last many years, even in the most demanding of environments.

The Multicyclone Ultra Vac Portable Cart offers a versatile and easily portable comprehensive cleaning solution.

Following the success of the company’s Ultra Vac portable cleaning cart, Waterco has added the option of a Leaf Trapper for cleaning bodies of water that are likely to have a concentration of leaves and other floating debris.

Waterco Europe 01795 521733 www.waterco.eu

Certikin Launches The Smart Pool Control System Certikin’s Smart Pool is the ultimate in the automated control of pool equipment and operational processes. This pioneering system can be customised to suit all brands of pool equipment and applications, providing the effortless control of heating, filtration, lighting, dosing, the pool cover and much more – providing total peace of mind for the pool owner.

Designed and manufactured in the UK, Smart Pool offers its comprehensive array of control, monitoring and reporting functions via a mobile (Apple IOS and Android), tablet or PC. It has the option of an additional touch screen on a ‘central control hub’ and is Amazon Alexa enabled for many functions.

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Easy to install and connect, it’s intuitive to use and can even co-ordinate equipment operation with local weather forecasting for maximum efficiency.

Specific key features include manual or timer control of pump, heating, lights, cover (open only) and UV; manual or automated dosing to manage pH and ORP; monitoring and reporting of temperature, flow state, pressure, pH and ORP; three additional open auxiliaries are available for feature control (such as garden lights or swim jets);

sunset activation to operate cover and lights etc; and, such is the level of its smartness, it can be configured to order acid and chlorine automatically too! In addition, Smart Pool creates a 300-hour history of pool parameters.

The package comprises the Smart Pool hub unit, cable glands for the box, installation and user manual, temperature sensor, cable for pressure switch, flow switch and 2.5mm jumper cables.

Certikin 01993 777200 www.certikin.co.uk

SPN April 2022 17 28/03/2022 16:50

HOT TUB, SWIM SPA & WELLNESS NEWS

RotoSpa Receive Excellence In Manufacturing Award

One of Superior Wellness’ new AquaSolus models and (right) a Fiji Spas Social model

Two New Brands Added To Superior Wellness Portfolio Superior Wellness used the recent SPATEX exhibition to soft launch two new brands for 2022, with both being welcome extensions to the company’s growing portfolio. AquaSolus and Fiji Spas will offer improved choice, innovation and exceptional products all designed with wellness in mind.

AquaSolus is Superior Wellness’ most high-end range in its ten-year history and these new hot tubs will be marketed to prospective partners looking to expand their product offering.

AquaSolus, meaning ‘health through water’ in Latin, is the essence of what users will experience with this range and these premium hot tubs have been developed with wellness and hydrotherapy at the forefront of their design.

The range encompasses various well sculptured models, from all seater options to models with one lounger. There are six hot tubs in total, all of which are named after famous lakes from around globe.

The moulds and placements of jets have been carefully crafted to offer a world-class hydrotherapy experience. AquaSolus will help

Superior Wellness and its global partner network attract a completely new target market.

Fiji Spas, a new Canadian built hot tub range, brings together quality engineering alongside industry leading materials and experienced manufacturing.

These hot tubs have been thoughtfully designed with the end user in mind and offer a selection of family orientated options that incorporate a range of benefits to suit all requirements. The Fiji Spas range encompasses various well sculptured models, from a compact single lounger to a 3-hydrotherapy pump social seater.

Commenting on the launch, Superior Wellness’ Graham Message said: “The response we received from prospect partners was incredibly positive. We are excited about the latest additions to our brand portfolio and are confident that both AquaSolus and Fiji Spas will offer customers across the globe improved choice and exceptional hydrotherapy.

Superior Wellness 01246 559071 www.superiorwellness.co.uk

The team from hot tub manufacturer RotoSpa were celebrating recently at the 2022 Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Awards following recognition of their business efforts in the form of collecting an ‘Excellence in Manufacturing’ Award.

Henrietta Brealey, Chief Executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce told 1,300 delegates and guests: “This amazing place – this wonderful region – is not just on the cusp, it is right in the middle of something brilliant right now.”

That sentiment was definitely applicable to the RotoSpa team who worked incredibly hard for the honour and are proud to be flying the British Manufacturing flag for their local town of Sutton Coldfield whilst honouring Birmingham, the ‘City of a Thousand Trades’.

In 2021, RotoSpa invested in developing a new West Midlands based production facility to sit alongside their Sutton Coldfield-based Head Office, newly constructed training centre and flagship showroom. The development plan also provided opportunities for local job creation and the business is growing rapidly.

Passionate about what they do, RotoSpa are a family firm with nearly 20 years’ experience of building multi-awardwinning hot tubs that are durable, reliable and affordable.

As a manufacturer, they are constantly striving to create a product that is more energy efficient than before. With their larger manufacturing plant, they are taking steps with the Greater Birmingham Grow Hub to implement lowering their carbon emissions further, as well as ‘offsetting’ the company’s carbon footprint. An existing tree planting initiative is underway with UK ‘Woodland Trust’ donations, which will be supported throughout 2022.

RotoSpa 0121 354 3428 www.rotospa.co.uk

Skargards Sees An Increase In Demand For Wood-fired Hot Tubs With the advent of the coronavirus pandemic, more and more importance has been placed on improving living spaces at home, and hot tub manufacturer Skargards has witnessed this trend first-hand, with 135 % more hot tub orders in 2021 compared to 2019. In the UK alone, Skargards received over 300% more hot tub orders in 2021 compared to 2019.

“Many people have not been able to travel as much in the past two years. As a result, there has been a growing desire to bring the vacation home by creating a wellness area,” explains Fredrik Hofgaard, founder and CEO of Skargards.

Due to the high volume of orders, production time for the popular hot tub models jumped to 16

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weeks during the summer months, which is the busiest time of the year. In response, Skargards has taken steps to expand its production capacity. Customers can therefore expect faster production this year.

Innovative ideas, high-quality materials

and elegant designs set Skargards apart within the wood-fired hot tub sector and the brand has been designing, producing and distributing its premium line of woodfired hot tubs since 2007. It plans not only to continue expanding its product range in the future, but also to enter new markets. In 2021, the Swedish company brought the wood-fired experience to Italy for the first time and is a market leader for woodfired tubs in Europe, delivering products to customer doorsteps in 13 countries including Sweden, Norway, Denmark and the UK. Skargards Hot Tubs 07441 922554 www.skargards.com

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HOT TUB, SWIM SPA & WELLNESS NEWS

Sunbeach Initiative Identifies Smart And Eco-friendly Hot Tubs Mansfield-based Sunbeach Spas are proud of the award-winning energy efficiency solutions they’ve brought to the UK hot tub market through both their Sunbeach Spas and Oasis Spas brands – their philosophy has always centred around efficiency, ease of use and value for money and the company wanted to find a way to communicate this simply and easily to customers.

With that in mind, this spring saw the launch of their SmartSpa initiative – a branding exercise featuring an easily recognisable name and logo to allow customers to identify hot tubs that are specifically designed with both energy efficiency and up-to-date control systems.

With appropriate use of the logos in advertising and in showrooms, the branding acts as a visual shortcut for customers, reassuring them that the hot tub they are looking at meets specific criteria.

When considering which features to include under the SmartSpa banner, three areas were chosen: • Wi-Fi connectivity – for app-related control from a smart device • Award-winning levels of thermal efficiency for smarter energy usage • Efficient water treatment using fewer chemicals for smarter water health.

The control apps are very much the modern idea of a ‘smart’ system, and with their ability to regulate or pre-set a spa’s temperature remotely, this dovetails nicely with the concept of making smarter use of energy and resources.

There are currently two SmartSpa levels, with potential for more in future: • SmartSpa spas which feature an award-winning R10 level of energy efficiency, along with Wi-Fi readiness and a twin filter system • SmartSpa Plus is the next level up; spas which feature an awardwinning R18 level of energy efficiency, along with Wi-Fi built in for app-based control, plus a Clearcore advanced ozone system.

The SmartSpa initiative was rolled out to UK showrooms throughout March.

Sunbeach Spas 01623 706185 www.sunbeachspas.co.uk

Repeatedly Awarded: KLAFS Are A Brand Of The Century Again KLAFS has been awarded as a ‘Brand of the Century’ for the third time in a row. A world leader on the sauna market, the company has once again made it into the renowned illustrated book of the ZEIT publishing group ‘German Standards – Brands of the Century 2022’, which presents almost 200 outstanding brands. Following the awards in 2016 and 2019, KLAFS lines up in 2022 alongside other successful companies in the famous brand book. The evaluation of the award winners is both transparent and proactive.

Moreover, the awards handed out are deliberately restricted to one brand per product type.

“We’re delighted to be one of the Brands of the Century. That’s a great success for the whole KLAFS team! Numerous ‘brands for life’ can again be found in the illustrated book. Which also explains why we are so proud of this award. Because not only is

KLAFS a brand for life, but a sauna from KLAFS is also a decision for life,” summarised Gernot Mang, Managing Director of KLAFS. Precisely because wellbeing, regeneration and a sense of security are so highly prized in times like these, KLAFS is delighted about this award, as it demonstrates enduring brand leadership.

KLAFS develops its products not only according to the highest quality, longevity and aesthetics, but always in line with people’s needs, demands and living realities. That’s how the name KLAFS has not only became a globally appreciated brand, but is synonymous with a contemporary and health-orientated lifestyle, and KLAFS is inseparably associated with saunas.

KLAFS UK 01798 343725 www.klafs-uk.com

Spa Mini Cocktails Join Darlly’s Salt Crystal Range At this year’s SPATEX exhibition, Darlly launched an extension to their very popular Spa Cocktails range of unique Dead Sea salt crystals. Darlly’s Gil Gingell said the company’s fabulous range is intoxicating, and provides a ‘cocktail feel’ to a consumer’s spa relaxation experience. Already available in 500g jars, they are now available in an enticing 70g pouch which will provide three uses.

Spa Mini Cocktails are perfect for consumers to try the Spa Cocktail experience, are an ideal product for the Holiday Resort sector and can be co-branded. Gil advised that the demand had been remarkable.

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Spa Cocktails granules are spa safe, oilfree, will not clog filters or jets and will not affect water chemistry.

Darlly’s Spa Cocktails range is offered in six fragrances: Margarita, Moscow Mule, Daiquiri, Blue Lagoon, Gin & Tonic, Pink Rain and Pink Gin Fizz; each uncannily

evoking the popular alcoholic blends they are named after.

The packaging is attractively designed for retail settings, with Darlly recommending that the crystals are displayed in Martini glasses to allow members of the public to experience the aroma before making a buying decision.

The labelling on each bottle of the product carries a fascinating history on the origins of each cocktail.

Darlly Europe 01952 580500 www.darllyeurope.com

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 28/03/2022 15:01

ENTER A LIFETIME OF WELLNESS BRAND NEW RANGE FOR 2022 Como

Garda

Lugano

People: 4 | Dimensions: 200 x 170 x 90cm

People: 6 | Dimensions: 210 x 210 x 94cm

People: 6 | Dimensions: 230 x 230 x 95cm

Windermere

Coniston

Derwent

People: 6 | Dimensions: 200 x 200 x 94cm

People: 5 | Dimensions: 210 x 210 x 95cm

People: 5 | Dimensions: 230 x 230 x 95cm

We are growing our partner network and would like to offer the brand new premium AquaSolus range to new partners. To find out more please contact Graham Message, Business Development Manager at graham.message@superiorwellness.co.uk or visit superiorwellness.co.uk

VERDERFLEX DUAL

Complete dosing control of your swim spa Real time visualization of the water values

including temperature pH stability mode for perfect water disinfection Flow switch to avoid chemical overdose Level switch to prevent dry running

Smart technology for your pool The VERDERFLEX DUAL PANEL pH/CL consists of a dual peristaltic unit for reading and adjusting pH and chlorine in your pool. This small and precise dosing pump is particularly well suited to swim spas with lower volumes of water. The panel is provided fully accesorised with probes, holders, filter, and buffer solutions – it is ready to use! Verder also offers an extended range of DUAL PANELS for control of pH, redox, and chlorine in any combination.

Power Supply

Filter

Circulation pump

OTHER VERDERFLEX POOL PRODUCTS ®

VP DUAL PH-RX Real-time display of ​pH / Rx values

Chemicals

VP DUAL PH-REG Real-time display of ​pH / Rx values and control of the salt electrolysis device.

Contact us now for more information

+44 (0)1924 221 000 VERDER UK, CASTLEFORD

TEL +44 (0)1924 221 000

MAIL neil.thomas@verder.co.uk

WEB www.verder.co.uk

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03-03-2022 20:29

HOT TUB, SWIM SPA & WELLNESS

Microdos Take Control Of Swim Spas And Smaller Pools

Superior Wellness Gains FT 1000 Recognition Superior Wellness has earned a place on the FT 1000: the sixth annual list of Europe’s fastest-growing companies in 2021.

A market leader in the UK, Superior Wellness is also the world’s fastest growing hot tub manufacturer, creating premium, high quality products focused on improving health and wellbeing.

In March, the latest FT-Statista report was released and the Chesterfield-based company was delighted to have achieved ranking of 348th, which also placed it within the top 70 across the UK. Superior Wellness has been in a fortunate position to experience a monumental level of growth over the last 12 months. The company noticed an incline in demand for hot tubs and other wellness related products during the pandemic which spearheaded the growth.

In 2021 the company moved into its brand new headquarters in Chesterfield and has also recently opened a 10,000 sq. ft showroom with training facilities.

The team headcount has also doubled to almost 70 and they’re still recruiting!

It now works with a global partner network of over 200 hot tub retailers across 16 countries. In 2021 alone, 72 partners joined the Superior Wellness network and 32 of these were international accounts.

Rob Carlin, Managing Director, said: “We were so proud when we heard the news that Superior Wellness had made it onto the fastest-growing companies in Europe list.

“Our figures are currently showing that next year we will rank in the Top 150 fastest growing companies in Europe. This is such an incredible achievement for us as a company and a real accolade to the team and their hard work.

I would like to extend my thanks to all the Superior Wellness team and our partners for making this possible.”

Superior Wellness 01246 559071 www.superiorwellness.co.uk

Swim spas and swimming pools need to have pH and chlorine levels adjusted in order to provide proper disinfection of the water and Verder has a wide range of products for this specific purpose. The company’s Verderflex range of dosing pumps are ideal in applications where accuracy is crucial.

Under their Microdos brand, pool and spa products are designed and built using tried and tested principles with rigorous testing. The small and precise dosing pumps, which can have a low flow rate where needed, are particularly well suited to swim spas with lower volumes of water.

Verder offer a full programme of equipment for all types of pool including swim spas and swimming pools. From solenoid and peristaltic pumps to dose chemicals, to instrumentation to read and adjust water parameters, Verder can fulfil any customer’s request.

All the products are designed with both ease of use and maintenance in mind, while being compliant with the highest industry standards.

The Microdos Pooltec all-in-one control system with Wi-Fi connectivity is particularly innovative. The instrument integrates the most important and complete functions for complete control and the 10-inch touchscreen and graphic interface makes all operations easy to set. The user can control pH, redox, chlorine and temperature values as well as pool lighting and covers too.

Thanks to the Pooltec PRO platform it provides remote operation via smartphone, without having to access the technical room.

Produced with the best quality components and efficiency standards, Microdos products are made completely in Italy.

Verder 01924 221000 www.verder.co.uk

Golden Coast Extends Support As Sauna Sales Heat Up Industry distributor Golden Coast has welcomed a new member to its sales team as part of a host of initiatives designed to support the trade amid the ever-increasing demand for saunas and steam rooms.

As the exclusive UK distributor for worldrenowned sauna manufacturer Tylö, Golden Coast works with customers and stockists to provide in-depth product knowledge, sales advice and technical support.

New addition Caroline Foster joined the Golden Coast technical sales team of Tylö specialists at the start of the year.

“Demand for Tylö products is through the roof, and I certainly hit the ground running,” said Caroline. “But I love working on the sauna and steam room products. I enjoy how fast-paced it is.”

To support Tylö stockists in meeting

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ongoing demand, Golden Coast will be running a series of training sessions at its Barnstaple premises.

“Our Tylö sales team will be holding workshops with distributors to share information about product features and installations which they can apply when speaking with their customers,” said Caroline.

“A key part of the workshops is showing distributors how to use our online Tylö Harmony sauna configuration tool.

Distributors can sit down with their customers and use the tool to build a specification of a sauna, including size,

wood type, finish and more. It creates 3D visuals and is a great sales tool.

“Golden Coast has also planned some trips to the Tylö manufacturing premises in Sweden, where we show distributors how the products are made to enhance their understanding of what makes these saunas and steam rooms so special.

There is a lot happening within the world of Tylö right now. It’s exciting to be a part of it.”

Golden Coast 01271 378100 www.goldenc.com

SPN April 2022 23 28/03/2022 15:01

THE MULTI-PURPOSE

MICROFIBRE BROOM f ro m

A revolutionary microfibre pool broom specially designed for fibreglass, tiled and vinyl lined pools. Also ideal for cleaning glass fences, windows, pool covers and pool coping.

Available from Certikin, Aqua Fingers® makes cleaning smooth surface pools easier and quicker as more surface area is covered by its high-density microfibre chenille attachment, flexible body and curved underbelly. This ensures no nooks or crannies are missed.

Simply click and clean for a sparkling pool.

Reinforced neck for superior durability Flexible body for curves and ridges

Large water flow gaps

Large surface area for effective cleaning

Curved under belly to allow more angles of operation

High-density of chenilles for enhanced performance

 01993 777200  info@certikin.co.uk

www.certikin.co.uk

WORLD NEWS

IN BRIEF PISCINE GLOBAL EUROPE IS RETURNING TO EUREXPO LYON Organised in partnership with the French Federation for Pool and Spa Professionals (FFP), Piscine Global Europe returns from 15 to 18 November 2022 and now, more than ever, is a strategic international event.

Florence Rousson Mompo, Director of the GreenTech+ Department of GL events Exhibitions Operations, confirms: “With 860 exhibitors and brands already confirming their attendance, Piscine Global Europe is consolidating its position as a key event for the sector. After four years of absence, players in the sector can’t wait to meet in person in Lyon once again. We are so looking forward to sharing this exhibition with all the professionals: it’s a key moment for doing business and presenting new products, but also a time for getting together socially!”

HAYWARD STRENGTHENS ITS TECHNOLOGY POSITION Hayward Holdings, Inc announced in January the acquisition of Water Works Technologies Group, LLC, a manufacturer of water features including water bowls and sheer waterfalls with LED lighting options.

This acquisition follows the recent acquisitions of two internet of things (IoT) technology businesses, SmartPower and SmartValve.

Together, these acquisitions further extend Hayward’s position in smart, IoT-enabled technologies designed to bring greater control and ambiance to the pool while simplifying ease of use and cost of ownership.

Water Works manufactures a variety of water bowls in both resin and glass in an assortment of colours and finishes as well as Sheer Waterfalls. These high-end water features all have color illumination through LED lighting options which allow Smart app coordination with other pool, spa or landscape lighting colours and shows.

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US Pool Creates A Unique Solution For Ceiling Renovation A visually attractive ceiling has significant impact on the pool users’ experience and ceilings are also a great option for reducing noise in an indoor pool environment. Whilst suspended or stretched ceilings are widely used, another appropriate option is a thermoformed ceiling with thin, lightweight, threedimensional panels available in a wide variety of both styles and in a range of colours.

However, regardless of the type of solution chosen, pools can present a special challenge for ceiling installation or renovation. Over the pool deck, ceilings can be installed from ladders or lifts. Ceilings directly over the pool, however, can be difficult to get to, especially if the pool is full.

Even empty, a sloping pool bottom can interfere with ladder stability, and taller ladders are needed to reach the height of the ceiling from the depth of the pool. For relatively narrow pools, some kind of platform or scaffold spanning its width can be engineered.

The new owner of the Highlander Hotel in Iowa

City found another solution for installing new ceiling panels over its indoor pool. The pool renovation plan included removing the windows along one side of the pool hall and replacing them with garage-style glazed doors that would allow indoor-outdoor activities. During construction, while the wall was opened up, they brought a bucket lift truck alongside the building. It extended the bucket through the garage door openings and over the pool so the installer could easily pop the lightweight thermoformed panels into the grid.

With its decorative thermoformed ceiling and a two-storey tall psychedelic-style mural by a local artist, the renovated pool area has become an attractive venue for relaxation and recreation, the hotel’s biggest attraction and a resort destination for locals.

Ceilume +1 800 557 0654 www.ceilume.com

Latham Expands With New Canadian Fibreglass Manufacturing Plant Latham Group, Inc, one of the largest designers and manufacturers of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia and New Zealand, recently announced the company is expanding its facilities to Loyalist Township, near Kingston in Ontario, Canada. With the new 148-acre fibreglass manufacturing plant, Latham will be able to serve markets in both the eastern half of Canada, as well as the northeast and upper Midwest of the United States, producing pools for the company’s fibreglass brands including Latham and Narellan Pools.

“We are excited to begin the construction of our new Kingston plant, which will be the largest fibreglass facility in our history,” said Scott Rajeski, President and Chief Executive Officer of Latham. “This new facility will enable us to expand our capacity to meet the growing demand for our products as we drive the awareness of, and accelerate the material conversion to,

fibreglass pools. We look forward to increasing our manufacturing capabilities in the Loyalist Township region to help scale our operations across North America and enhance our ability to offer homeowners our signature worldclass products, while also creating new job opportunities for the Loyalist and Kingston community.”

“Loyalist Township is the ideal location for Latham’s new facility, with 40% of Canada’s population living within a 3-hour driving distance of the plant. With quick access to Highway 401, it makes servicing the Canadian and Northeast US marketplace accessible and easy,” added Sanjay Jain, Latham’s Fiberglass Operations Director for Canada.

Production at the new Latham facility is expected to begin in 2023.

Latham Group, Inc +1 800 833 3800 www.lathampool.com

SPN April 2022 25 28/03/2022 16:45

WORLD NEWS

interbad Is Gathering Momentum With New Topics And Partners interbad will be the meeting point for the swimming pool, sauna and spa industry for the 29th time from 25 to 28 October 2022.

Together with the German Association for the Recreational and Medicinal Bath Industry, Messe Stuttgart will offer the industry an ideal platform with a combination of a trade fair, a Congress and an attractive accompanying programme.

“After the forced break due to the corona pandemic, we all are really eager to meet one another at the next interbad in Stuttgart,” said Christian Mankel, Managing Director of the German Association for the Recreational and Medicinal Bath Industry. He added: “There’s a lot going on at present in the swimming pool and wellness industry. The potential in the areas of digitalisation, energy efficiency and climate protection that was shown during the Innovation Days in the previous year, has developed very quickly and will also form the focal points of our Congress this year.

The industry’s propensity to invest and the demand for technical discussions, networking, the live experience of technical developments and innovations for swimming pools, saunas and wellness are extremely high.”

The Project Team is currently starting to allocate floor space in the halls and search for topics for inclusion in the first-class accompanying programme of interbad.

Another integral part of interbad is the Congress for Pool and Bath Technology, which will again be held in the ICS International Congress Center Stuttgart. The International Sauna Association (ISA) will welcome its members to the Congress for the first time during interbad too.

Interbad +49 711 185 600 www.messe-stuttgart.de/interbad

Hayward Open New Barcelona-based Facility Hayward Holdings, Inc., a global designer, manufacturer, and marketer of a broad portfolio of pool equipment and technology, has opened a new manufacturing facility at El Prat de Llobregat in Barcelona, Spain.

Hayward will manufacture advanced IoTenabled automation and water sanitiser control systems at the new facility. This key investment both expands production capacity and serves as an engineering and innovation centre for future new products.

Hayward CEO Kevin Holleran recently visited the plant to greet employees ahead of its official opening.

“Opening this facility is a huge milestone for us. This new facility will help position

Hayward as the leader in connected products and water care. Our team is dedicated to the design and development of new innovative technologies to enhance our global offerings. I am looking forward to this state-of-the-art facility becoming fully operational in the next few months,” said Holleran.

The new site spans more than 43,000 square feet comprising assembly operations, quality control and a distribution. It also hosts engineering, product management, technical and customer service groups as well as a showroom and state-of-the-art training centre.

The majority of products to be developed and produced at the new facility are key to Hayward’s SmartPad™ system, which allows pool owners to access and control their pool and backyard features over the internet through their smart devices and, in some cases, by providing voice commands.

The opening of the Barcelona site is the latest development in a series of strategic moves to expand Hayward’s position in Hayward CEO Kevin Holleran (LEFT), and Fernando Blasco, Vice President and General Manager for Europe delivering advanced, easy-to-use & Rest of World at the new facility’s opening ceremony internet-connected products.

26 April 2022 SPN 25+26_SPN_April_2022_World_News.indd 26

Natare Corporation Becomes Employee Owned After 50 years in business, Natare Corporation has become an employee-owned company.

Michael Walsh, who founded and has owned the stainless steel pool manufacturer and supplier and its predecessor, Recreonics Corporation since 1972, opted to transfer the ownership to its employees rather than selling to another entity. Walsh said it was important to preserve the Natare culture and reward its employees who have helped grow the company into a world-renowned leader that it is today.

“We built a company around the goal of providing excellent service and superior-quality pool equipment and construction systems. That goal has been realised through the dedication of a team of designers, engineers, and production people committed to manufacturing and providing unique products and services that have often been copied but never equaled. As we move into the next chapter, my goal was to ensure that the Natare team can continue that heritage in the decades to come,” said Walsh.

The company ownership is being transferred to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with all current members of staff being included.

To lead the company and its employees into the future, a new Executive Leadership Management team has been put into place. Troy Yoder, the former Vice President of Marketing and Sales, will take over as President and CEO. Yoder has been with the company since 2004. Matt Trout, Vice President of Operations, has been named Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Vice President.

Walsh will continue to be involved with the company as the Executive Chairman of the Natare Board of Directors.

Employees were notified of the impending changes in December 2021, and the company celebrated the completion of the transition in a company-wide luncheon on 10 March 2022, a day prior to the 30-year anniversary of Natare.

Natare Corporation +1 317 290 8828 www.natare.com

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 28/03/2022 16:45

SPN APR 2022.qxp_Layout 1 07/04/2022 08:20 Page 27

A big thank you to all our wonderful exhibitors and visitors at SPATEX 2022 – you make the event the industry success story it is! We look forward to seeing you all again in 2023.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK YOUR STAND VISIT:

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

POOL & SPA INDUSTRY

A Welcome Return To More Familiar Formats With SPATEX and the Industry Gala Evening both returning after their enforced COVID break, BSPF Managing Director Chris Hayes gives his thanks to members of the organising teams behind each plus provides updates on key work taking place in Europe

S

PATEX 2022 was a fantastic occasion; it was great to experience the positive atmosphere from exhibitors and visitors who supported the show at the Coventry Building Society Arena. Michele Bridle, Helen Mulingani, Penny Farmer and Thay Castro worked tirelessly throughout the year, supported by my fellow SPATEX Directors (Howard Gosling, Tony Welsby, Ben Studdy, Alex Kemsley and Will Dando).

There is nothing like seeing people face to face, and the seminar programme really benefitted from having that interaction. Huge thanks to Ross Alcock and the ISPE team and colleagues from the STA, PWTAG, BISHTA and SPATA for their respective sessions.

The networking opportunities at SPATEX are also important, especially the Industry Gala Evening and the SPATEX Party.

Congratulations to all award recipients from the re-presentation of the 2021 ISPE awards and the BISHTA and SPATA members taking home their accolades from the 2022 British Pool & Hot Tub Awards. I know talking to a number of members, they enjoyed celebrating the event with staff, to say ‘thank you’ to their respective teams. It was also a privilege to have Danielle Brown MBE as our guest of honour and to present some of the awards.

We wish Danielle every success, as she aims to be part of a world record attempt to have the most disabled people undertaking sub aqua activity at the same time.

The Industry Gala Evening takes a lot of organising, so a huge thank you to Jan Hardy, Sallie Leslie-Golding, Caroline Cross, Claire Maguire and Debbie Thornton for their excellent organisation of this Industry event.

Thanks also to Pete Grinnall (BSPF President-Elect), Dorian Davies (the new BISHTA Chairman), and Richard Carrington (SPATA Chairman) for their respective roles in announcing the many winners during the evening. We have also been very fortunate to have a number of companies sponsoring the event, and their details are below. Further information on the award winners can be found from page 32 of this issue.

The Industry Gala Evening was a chance to celebrate the anniversaries for BISHTA (20th), SPATEX (25th) and SPATA (60th, including the first ten years as the Association of Swimming Pool Contractors).

Howard Gosling was congratulated for his achievement as a Founding Director of SPATEX. The late Tim Bareham was also recognised for his contribution to the pool industry, with his son Simon Bareham collecting the award. The Industry Gala Evening was also a chance to thank Richard Carrington for his 14 years as SPATA Chairman, as he hands over this role to Ben Studdy.

A benefit for many of the 2022 British Pool & Hot Tub Award winners is their shortlisting for the European Pool and Spa Awards 2022, organised by EUSA, which will be hosted at Global Piscine Europe in Lyon in November this year. We wish all of them good luck when the judging takes place later this year.

The work of EUSA and WAPSA continues to promote the pool and hot tub industry, with EUSA hoping to return to face to face

SPATEX 2022 was a fantastic occasion; it was great to experience the positive atmosphere from exhibitors and visitors who supported the show”

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meetings at some point. The WAPSA meeting will be held in Lyon, and this too is expected to be a chance for many more countries to attend in person.

In other news from Europe, the draft domestic pool standard ‘prEN 17645 Environmental performance efficiency Performance evaluation, methodology, and classification of the use of outdoor pools and their equipment’ is due for publication later this year. Awareness sessions have been provided at SPATEX and also at an ISPE seminar. Further training for SPATA members is anticipated before the summer. I thank Will Dando for his presence at the European meetings as the UK expert. Thank you also to the SPATA Technical Committee for their feedback and guidance. With the easing of COVID restrictions, it is anticipated that work will resume on the public spa and wellness standards.

Working partnerships are hugely important, and the collaboration above demonstrates this approach. Some recent examples include the Energy Networks Association (ENA) work to host a webinar to assist our industry in understanding the requirement for notification when heat pumps are added onto the grid. The presentation on this vital topic has been added to the SPATA website in the Members’ Hub. There is a range of training opportunities planned this year, and more details will be shared in the next issue of SPN.

DIARY DATES 2022 26 Apr 3 May 10 May 12 May 8 Jun 5 Jul 11 Jul 22 Sep

EUSA Meeting, Zoom SPATA Technical Committee, WebEx BISHTA Technical Committee, WebEx SPATA National Council, WebEx PIP Committee, WebEx BSPF Board, WebEx BISHTA Technical Committee, WebEx SPATA National Council, WebEx

SPN April 2022 29 07/04/2022 13:47

POOL & SPA INDUSTRY

Anniversary Celebrations For SPATA And BISHTA With the annual Industry Gala Evening unable to go ahead in 2021 due to the pandemic, SPATA and BISHTA carried forward the celebrations for milestone anniversaries to this year. This allowed the two trade associations to bring the industry together again at the annual Gala Evening. In this issue, we take a closer look at the associations, their founding plus the important contribution each makes to the UK wet leisure industry

E

ach year, SPATA (Swimming Pool and Allied Trades Association) and BISHTA (British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association) celebrate the best in pool and spa projects delivered by their members from around the UK and beyond, but this year was extra special as they too had something to celebrate in the form of milestone anniversaries. However, many in the audience and across the wider industry may not know about the work that the associations carry out or even their history, which stretches back further than many people may realise.

and consumer demands to grow its many facets. Today the role of the Trade Association is to work with companies involved in building swimming pools and spa pools so that they are working to British and European Standards. Members are expected to work to SPATA Standards and abide by a Code of Ethics set out by SPATA, helping the pool industry firmly establish the high quality of work from companies working to these industry recognised Standards.

BISHTA

SPATA Commemorating its 60th anniversary from its formation in 1961, SPATA’s foundations were laid when six companies made a small but significant contribution to the future of the UK pool industry. The minutes from the first meeting listed the founders as “Messrs Gilbert, Pritchard, Rutherford, Gilliam, Gibson and the Secretary (Mr Parrott)” they decided to set up the ‘Association of Swimming Pool Contractors’.

The first Chairman was Mr Pritchard, and Mr Rutherford was appointed Vice-Chairman.

Among the earliest successful applicants for full membership were, in 1963, Garden Swimming Pools (Surrey) Ltd (“Mr Trusson representing”) and F J Brickell and Sons Ltd. The Trusson and Brickell families were to play significant roles in the Association over the years. The two companies are still represented among the membership to this day. It was recognised that the Standards

would need continual review and updating, and several specialist sub-committees were set up to carry this out.

By the beginning of the ’70s, the Association’s reputation was established, and it was regularly consulted by government departments and others on matters of safety, trade practice etc. The membership reflected the wider spread of industry interests, and it was decided to recognise this in 1971 by changing the Association’s name to the Swimming Pool and Allied Trades Association (SPATA).

Jumping forward to the present day, there has been an immense amount of work carried out by the trade association and many changes over the years. SPATA continues its work in those formative years and has embraced the industry’s changes

Jumping forward to the present day, there has been an immense amount of work carried out by the trade association and many changes over the years. SPATA continues its work in those formative years and has embraced the industry’s changes and consumer demands to grow its many facets” 30 April 2022 SPN 30-31_SPN_April_22_Member_BSPF_Anniversaries.indd 30

Commemorating its 20th anniversary, BISHTA was initially set up by the industry following an outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease at a flower show in the Netherlands and a trade show in Belgium in 1999; this brought about conversations around Europe that countries should set up a hot tub association to spread the message about promoting safe spas. Only the UK carried out any action, so exploratory discussions took place from 2000 onwards to discuss what could be done. At a meeting convened in Windsor in May 2002, the decision was made that a national trade association was needed to support the British Hot Tub Industry. It was agreed that the British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association (BISHTA) would be the best way forward and BISHTA became a registered company in 2002 and was converted to a limited company by guarantee in 2007.

BISHTA agreed to a strapline of ‘Promoting Safe Spa Water’ to reflect the critical message learned from the incidents in the Netherlands and Belgium. Around Europe, existing pool associations, rather than new hot tub organisations, took on the responsibility for promoting hot tub safety in individual countries.

In the first decade of BISHTA, Allen Brobyn was BISHTA’s first Managing Director until 2008, when Chris Hayes succeeded him.

Allen was able to gain support from the BSPF for BISHTA (the British Swimming

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 07/04/2022 14:21

POOL & SPA INDUSTRY Pool Federation had been formed a few years before). BISHTA initially set their Standards based on SPATA’s existing Standards, and these have continued to evolve separately ever since. In addition to the BISHTA Standards, a number of appendices have been developed to help members on various additional topics as the industry has grown and developed.

BISHTA soon developed a Code of Ethics to ensure businesses behaved responsibly, providing a valuable way to define ethically trading companies and positively differentiating BISHTA members.

The Code of Ethics is also a great tool to provide consumer confidence for dealing with reputable companies who abide by the BISHTA Standards, and by doing so, raise the standards for the industry as a whole by educating hot tub companies and making consumers aware of what ethical trading looks like for the industry.

Based on the Association’s origins, work around water hygiene remains the vital focus of BISHTA. Customer awareness of the need for chemicals for water hygiene management is a major emphasis for BISHTA’s work, along with making training easily accessible to the rapidly growing industry (as a whole).

Initially, Howard Gosling offered water hygiene management courses as Pool and Spa Advice. This has developed over the years, with Howard still playing a significant role in the hot tub industry and training. In recent years, various other companies have partnered with BISHTA to offer essential workforce development for the industry, such as the; Aqua Warehouse Group, Complete Pool Controls (CPC) and 1 Stop Spas (SpaTech Training), with Water Hygiene Management training remaining a stipulation for all companies to be accepted into BISHTA membership.

The BISHTA Committee was developed in 2006, and there were then later further developments to establish the Technical Committee to share the workload and focus on technical aspects relating to Standards and other guidance.

BISHTA was involved in developing the ‘Management of Spa Pools’ publication (published in 2006); the guidance was issued following a death from Legionnaire’s disease of a person visiting a showroom in Bagshot, Surrey. The coroner wanted to see more industry guidance produced, so some existing materials were revised and added to become the Management of Spa Pools guidance. Through the development of this guidance, valuable relationships were forged with the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) and the Health Protection Agencies, along with other organisations who assisted with writing the Management of Spa Pools guidance.

The HSE revised their guidance in Management of Spa Pools, and a decision was taken to produce HSG 282 (the control of Legionella and other infectious agents in spa pool systems) to supersede the original

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publication. The significant challenges over the years have included the development of the European standard for domestic spas (BS EN 17125). BISHTA was instrumental in lobbying for this standard as soon as it became clear that other domestic pool standards were taking priority. Meetings with colleagues in Europe and online with the Association of Pool and Spa Professional (APSP) based in the USA, later becoming the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), ensured support for a standard to be produced.

Funds were sought from Europe, the USA, and inflatable spa manufacturers. BISHTA chaired the project, and a contract with DIN ensured the administration for the standard to be developed was efficient. The standard was published in 2018, after four years of face to face and online meetings.

In recent years, the work carried out by BISHTA to support the industry continues to grow and develop. The decision was taken to update the strapline to ‘promoting safe hot tub standards’ to reflect the other key Health & Safety items, such as electrical issues, entrapment and safe lifting.

Dorian Davies – BISHTA Dorian takes up his role as BISHTA Chairman, having been involved in the hot tub and swimming pool industry for over 30 years. Dorian was present at the formation of BISHTA 20 years ago and has been on the BISHTA Committee for most of this time.

Dorian has a wealth of knowledge to bring to his new role, having worked in frontline sales and marketing roles for some of the world’s biggest names in hot tubs, swimming pools, sauna and steam. This experience has been gained in both B2B and B2C environments.

Dorian is a keen musician; he is a member of the Performing Rights Society in recognition of his song writing, and his band ‘Catfish’ played ‘MantonFest’ after lockdown.

Ben Studdy – SPATA

BSPF The British Swimming Pool Federation (BSPF) was formed in 1999 to bring the industry trade associations together under one umbrella. Members now include BISHTA, SPATA, SPATEX, PIP and the STA. The STA is the world’s largest swim teaching and lifesaving organisation.

A Board manages the BSPF made up of representatives from BISHTA, SPATA, SPATEX, PIP, and the current President is Pete Grinnall. Details of the BSPF staff that work in Andover can be viewed online. Each committee works independently on behalf of their respective company (BSPF, BISHTA, SPATA, SPATEX and PIP). The committee members then meet up as the BSPF Board to represent the views of the pools, hot tubs and wellness industry with the government at a national and local level.

WELCOMING THE NEW CHAIRS Pete Grinnall – BSPF Pete becomes BSPF President, having been BISHTA’s Chairman from 2018 – 2021. He also sits on BISHTA’s Technical Committee and is BISHTA’s representative on discussions relating to the wiring regulations on behalf of the industry. He has worked in the electrical industry all of his working life and is the joint owner of Complete Spas.

Pete is TnISPE Qualified, and his hobbies include scuba diving; he is a National Open Water Instructor for BSAC and qualified to ‘Dive Leader’ standard.

Ben returns to this role as SPATA’s National Council Chairman, which he previously held in 2007. He is also SPATA’s Thames Valley Chairman, a Past President of the BSPF, and a Fellow and Past President of the Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers.

With years of experience and a demonstrated history of working in the leisure, travel and tourism industry, Ben is a skilled professional in Marketing Management, Budgeting, Business Planning, Operations Management and Coaching. Ben enjoys watching rugby, playing Sudoku, and an occasional cycling trip when the sun is out in his spare time. With over 35 years of experience in the industry, he is looking forward to returning to the role of Chairman and the many challenges and rewards the position brings.

SPATA and BISHTA would like to thank all of the members of the relevant trade association committees who work tirelessly to develop Standards for the water leisure industry. If you would like to find out more about the work of SPATA and BISHTA, please visit the individual association’s website.

BISHTA 01264 356211 www.bishta.co.uk SPATA 01264 356210 www.spata.co.uk

SPN April 2022 31 07/04/2022 13:01

POOL & SPA INDUSTRY

The Annual Gala Evening Brings The Industry Together As the biggest social event of the year, the annual Gala Evening is a chance for the hot tub and swimming pool industries to come together for a night to remember – and after a year away, the evening didn’t disappoint

W

ith ‘Oscar-Esque’ status in the Water Leisure Industry, the 2022 British Pool & Hot Tub Awards winners were announced in Coventry at the industry’s annual Gala Evening, held during the first evening of SPATEX (Tuesday 1 February 2022).

The Awards are the longest established and most prestigious swimming pool, spa, hot tub and wellness event of its type, attracting both entries and indeed guests from companies across the UK and beyond. These Awards bring together SPATA and BISHTA to celebrate the achievements and acknowledge the best, boldest and most creative projects from its members.

The evening always starts with a drinks reception which this year was provided courtesy of award sponsors RotoSpa. With the drinks flowing the scene was set for a spectacular evening.

Guests were welcomed by toastmaster, Tony Rance with Phil Oldershaw hosting the night and this year’s event had an anniversary theme with SPATA celebrating its 60th year and BISHTA its 20th. Following a three-course dinner, the awards presentations started with the representation of the ISPE Award Winners

by ISPE President Philip Barlow.

These were followed by the 2022 British Pool & Hot Tub Awards themselves, and presenting them were; the new BSPF President Pete Grinnall, SPATA Chairman Richard Carrington and the new BISHTA

Chairman Dorian Davies. Assisting them were the special guest of honour, Paralympic Gold medalist at the 2008 and 2012 Games, Danielle Brown MBE plus representatives from this year’s award category sponsors.

The top SPATA awards on the night were announced as the following; Centurion Leisure won the Dick Millward Trophy for Pool Contractor of the Year, XL Pools won the Outstanding Residential Pool of the Year Award, A19 Pools & Spas won the Commercial Pool of the Year Award, and All Swim won the Peter Geekie Award for Retail Excellence.

Winning the top BISHTA awards, Hot Tub Suppliers won the Gold Award in the Hot Tubs Change Lives category, Concept Spa won the Gold Award in the Hot Tub Happiness #everydaycation category, and Luxury Spas Direct won the Gold Award in the Showroom of the Year category.

Post presentations, and getting the party started on the night, was All Lit Up – a premium interactive party band with LED drum kit, bringing the wow factor to an incredible live show with music that got guests up dancing in celebration, followed by a disco with DJ James Penny until the early hours!

Open to everyone to attend, the annual Gala Evening provides an exceptional opportunity for the whole industry to come together, offering a great social event for those exhibiting or visiting SPATEX. In business terms, it is a chance to network

...next year’s Gala Evening will take place on the evening of Tuesday 31 January with booking available later this year”

32 April 2022 SPN 32-33_SPN_April_22_BSPF_Gala_Evening_V2.indd 32

with industry peers both from home and overseas, where new contacts and business relationships can begin.

Ultimately, the awards are an essential platform to showcase the best hot tubs, spas, swimming pools and wellness projects, raising the profile of the water leisure industry (as a whole) through consumer awareness at home and abroad and an exceptional opportunity to promote the awards far and wide.

Looking forward to SPATEX 2023, next year’s Gala Evening will take place on the evening of Tuesday 31 January with booking available later this year.

Watch this space in future issues (and on the SPATA and BISHTA Facebook pages and website blogs) for news, of this annual not-tobe-missed celebration with surprises to thrill and entertain.

All the images of the award winners can be viewed on the SPATA and BISHTA websites, including the full gallery from the Industry Gala Evening.

Online entry for the 2023 British Pool & Hot Tub Awards will open in June (online) and will close at the beginning of November 2022. Entry is open to members of BISHTA and SPATA, so if you have any queries about joining either, entering the awards or becoming a sponsor of the awards evening, please contact the relevant association.

BISHTA 01264 356211 www.bishta.co.uk SPATA 01264 356210 www.spata.co.uk

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 07/04/2022 13:16

POOL & SPA INDUSTRY With a large haul of Awards, Centurion Leisure also won the Dick Millward Trophy for Pool Contractor of the Year

Hot Tub Suppliers were big winners securing seven Awards across six categories

XL Pools collected a number of Awards including Outstanding Residential Pool of the Year

Hot Tub House Yorkshire collected the top Award for Residential Hot Tubs below £7,000

One of the three of the Residential Indoor Pools Golds that Origin Leisure collected this year

Blue Cube Pools won a SPATA Award plus a BISHTA Award for their A6 Hot Tubs business

Jane Veysey of All Swim collected the Peter Geekie Award for Retail Excellence

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SpaFlo were the Gold Award Winners in the Residential Hot Tubs £14,000 and Over category

Mermaid Pools picked up five Awards during the evening including two Golds

Luxury Spas Direct picked up the Gold BISHTA Award in the Showroom of the Year category

The Tanby team collected a number of Awards including a Gold and Bronze for their Residential Outdoor Concrete Pools under £100,000

Concept Spa secured three Awards on the evening including this Gold in the Hot Tub Happiness #everydaycation category

SPN April 2022 33 07/04/2022 13:18

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BRITISH POOL & HOT TUB AWARD WINNERS 2022

Celebrating The Ultimate Projects From The British Pool And Hot Tub Industry

Residential Outdoor Liner Pools over £60,000 Mermaid Pools 01580 753031 www.mermaidpools.co.uk

We highlight the winners from the 2022 British Pool & Hot Tub Awards held by SPATA and BISHTA at the Industry Gala Evening during the SPATEX trade show

N

ever before has the desire for pool and hot tub ownership been in such huge demand worldwide as it has been in the last two years.

No longer possessions of the rich and famous, water leisure products have become, for many homeowners, a serious consideration to enhance their home, lifestyle, health and wellbeing (as well as helping to bring family

Residential Outdoor Liner Pools under £60,000 Mermaid Pools 01580 753031 www.mermaidpools.co.uk

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 35-38_&_40-42_SPN_April_2022_Award_Winners (1).indd 35

and friends together in homes and gardens across the country); with an aspiration to enjoy every day as a holiday – an #everydaycation!

Leading the way for the water leisure industry, the UK trade associations, SPATA (Swimming Pool and Allied Trades Association) and BISHTA (British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association) annually invite their members to enter the British Pool & Hot Tub Awards. The combined swimming pool, spa, hot tub and wellness industry awards attract entries from

Residential Outdoor One-Piece Pools XL Pools 01233 840336 www.xlpools.com

SPN April 2022 35 07/04/2022 13:32

BRITISH POOL & HOT TUB AWARD WINNERS 2022 Residential Outdoor Concrete Pools under £100,000 Tanby Pools 01883 622335 www.tanbypools.co.uk

companies across Britain (and some from overseas), celebrating the best of construction, design, installation, retail, hire, service and innovation. The awards ceremony is held annually at the British Water Leisure Industry Gala Evening at the Coventry Building Society Arena in Coventry during SPATEX, the UK’s only dedicated international pool, spa and wellness show.

This year it took place on Tuesday 1 February 2022.

With 29 categories to be contested, this year’s winning and highly commended entries demonstrate the breadth of talent and commitment to quality and service in the industry, even when in the constraints of a pandemic.

Judged by a group of industry experts, these awards not only reward companies for their superior work, celebrating both the technical and aesthetic aspects, but they also create an inspirational gallery of award-

The past few years have been challenging for many industries, including our own, so to see the calibre of this year’s British Pool & Hot Tub Award winners is a testament to the expertise, talent and hard work these companies have demonstrated” winning projects for consumers to view, in the knowledge that as trade association members, every company is expected to work to British and European standards.

All trade association members are also expected to abide by the BISHTA and/or SPATA Code of Ethics. Quality and service are the key attributes, providing consumers with a safe route to purchase from trade association companies.

Chris Hayes (Managing Director of SPATA

and BISHTA) commented: “SPATA and BISHTA come together annually to celebrate and promote the fantastic work of the UK Water Leisure Industry and the companies that strive to be at the top of their game.

The past few years have been challenging for many industries, including our own, so to see the calibre of this year’s British Pool & Hot Tub Award winners is a testament to the expertise, talent and hard work these companies have demonstrated.”

Residential Outdoor Concrete Pools over £100,000 plus Outstanding Residential Pool of the Year XL Pools 01233 840336 www.xlpools.com

Residential Outdoor Pools with an Enclosure plus Dick Milward Trophy for Pool Contractor of the Year Centurion Leisure 01708 463090 www.centurionleisure.co.uk

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BRITISH POOL & HOT TUB AWARD WINNERS 2022 SPATA WINNERS: RESIDENTIAL OUTDOOR LINER POOLS UNDER £60,000 Gold: Mermaid Pools Silver: Tanby Pools Bronze: Centurion Leisure RESIDENTIAL OUTDOOR LINER POOLS OVER £60,000 Gold: Mermaid Pools Silver: Blue Cube Pools RESIDENTIAL OUTDOOR ONE-PIECE POOLS Gold: XL Pools Silver: XL Pools Bronze: Centurion Leisure Bronze: Mermaid Pools Bronze: Tanby Pools

Residential Indoor Pools under £125,000 Origin Leisure 01895 823366 www.originpools.co.uk

RESIDENTIAL OUTDOOR CONCRETE POOLS UNDER £100,000 Gold: Tanby Pools Silver: New Dawn Pools Bronze: Albatross Pools & Spas (2) Bronze: Centurion Leisure (2) Bronze: Falcon Pools Bronze: Tanby Pools

Residential Indoor Pools £250,000 & over Origin Leisure 01895 823366 www.originpools.co.uk

RESIDENTIAL OUTDOOR CONCRETE POOLS OVER £100,000 Gold: XL Pools Silver: New Dawn Pools Bronze: A19 Pools & Spas Bronze: Falcon Pools Bronze: Mermaid Pools Bronze: Penguin Swimming Pools Bronze: Tanby Pools (2) Bronze: XL Pools

Residential Indoor Pools £175,000 to under £250,000 Origin Leisure 01895 823366 www.originpools.co.uk

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BRITISH POOL & HOT TUB AWARD WINNERS 2022

Residential Indoor Pools £125,000 to under £175,000 plus Dick Milward Trophy for Pool Contractor of the Year Centurion Leisure 01708 463090 www.centurionleisure.co.uk

RESIDENTIAL OUTDOOR POOLS WITH AN ENCLOSURE Gold: Centurion Leisure RESIDENTIAL INDOOR POOLS UNDER £125,000 Gold: Origin Leisure Silver: A19 Pools & Spas RESIDENTIAL INDOOR POOLS £125,000 TO UNDER £175,000 Gold: Centurion Leisure Silver: Origin Leisure Bronze: Tanby Pools Bronze: Origin Leisure

Peter Geekie Award for Retail Excellence All Swim 02920 705059 www.allswimltd.com

Special Requirement Pool of the Year plus Outstanding Commercial Pool of the Year A19 Pools & Spas 0191 586 5002 www.a19poolsandspas.co.uk

RESIDENTIAL INDOOR POOLS £175,000 TO UNDER £250,000 Gold: Origin Leisure RESIDENTIAL INDOOR POOLS £250,000 & OVER Gold: Origin Leisure SPECIAL REQUIREMENT POOL OF THE YEAR Gold: A19 Pools & Spas COMMERCIAL POOL OF THE YEAR Gold: Penguin Swimming Pools Silver: Penguin Swimming Pools

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Commercial Pool of the Year Penguin Swimming Pools 01295 236700 www.penguinpools.co.uk

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BRITISH POOL & HOT TUB AWARD WINNERS 2022 OVERSEAS RESIDENTIAL POOL OF THE YEAR Gold: Exterior Experience Landscaping Silver: Exterior Experience Landscaping Bronze: NIVEKO s.r.o REFURBISHMENT POOL OF THE YEAR Gold: A19 Pools & Spas Silver: Centurion Leisure (2) Bronze: Tanby Pools IN-GROUND RESIDENTIAL SPAS AND WELLNESS Gold: Falcon Pools Silver: Centurion Leisure Bronze: Mermaid Pools PETER GEEKIE AWARD FOR RETAIL EXCELLENCE Winner: All Swim

Refurbishment Pool of the Year A19 Pools & Spas 0191 586 5002 www.a19poolsandspas.co.uk

PAUL KITE AWARD FOR POOL STAR OF THE YEAR Winner: Vincent Borley of Tanby Pools Overseas Residential Pool of the Year Exterior Experience Landscaping +971 525 526 090 www.xterior.ae

OUTSTANDING RESIDENTIAL POOL OF THE YEAR Winner: XL Pools OUTSTANDING COMMERCIAL POOL OF THE YEAR Winner: A19 Pools & Spas DICK MILWARD TROPHY FOR POOL CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR Winner: Centurion Leisure

In-ground Residential Spas and Wellness Falcon Pools 01932 353040 www.falconpools.co.uk

Residen Tubs be Hot Tub 01422 41 www.ho

Paul Kite Award for Pool Star of the Year Winner: Vincent Borley of Tanby Pools

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BRITISH POOL & HOT TUB AWARD WINNERS 2022 BISHTA WINNERS: RESIDENTIAL HOT TUBS BELOW £7,000 Gold: Hot Tub House Yorkshire Silver: Hot Tub Suppliers Bronze: A6 Hot Tubs

Residential Hot Tubs £14,000 and Over SpaFlo 0151 384 2493 www.spaflo.co.uk

RESIDENTIAL HOT TUBS £7,000 TO £14,000 Gold: 1 Stop Spas Silver: Concept Spa Bronze: All Weather Leisure Midlands Bronze: Hot Tub Suppliers Bronze: Marquise Spas RESIDENTIAL HOT TUBS £14,000 AND OVER Gold: SpaFlo Silver: Concept Spa Bronze: North Spas Bronze: Barnsley Hot Tubs Bronze: Marquise Spas

Residential Hot Tubs £7,000 to £14,000 1 Stop Spas 01522 300737 www.1stopspas.com

Residential Hot Tubs below £7,000 Hot Tub House Yorkshire 01422 414556 www.hottubhouseyorkshire.co.uk

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BRITISH POOL & HOT TUB AWARD WINNERS 2022 SWIM / EXERCISE SPAS Gold: North Spas Silver: All Weather Leisure Midlands Silver: Outdoor Living (Hull) HOT TUBS CHANGE LIVES: Gold: Hot Tub Suppliers Silver: Barnsley Hot Tubs Bronze: North Spas HOT TUBS IN A HOLIDAY SETTING Gold: Hot Tub Suppliers Silver: North Spas Bronze: Barnsley Hot Tubs

Swim / Exercise Spas North Spas 0191 410 9988 www.northspas.co.uk

HOT TUB HAPPINESS #EVERYDAYCATION Gold: Concept Spa Silver: Barnsley Hot Tubs Bronze: Hot Tub House Yorkshire Bronze: Hot Tub Suppliers SHOWROOM OF THE YEAR Gold: Luxury Spas Direct Silver: Outdoor Living (Leeds) Bronze: 1 Stop Spas Bronze: Outdoor Living (Hull)

Showroom of the Year Luxury Spas Direct 01772 364400 www.luxuryspasdirect.co.uk

Best Use of Digital Media Hot Tub Suppliers 0116 251 3378 www.hottubsuppliers.com

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

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

Hot Tub Happiness #everydaycation Concept Spa 01248 723207 www.conceptspa.co.uk

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Hot Tubs in a Holiday Setting Hot Tub Suppliers 0116 251 3378 www.hottubsuppliers.com

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STA POOL PLANT – WATER BALANCE

Water: A Balancing Act Maintaining the chemical equilibrium of swimming pool water, really is a balancing act, and Colin Davis, STA Pool Plant Tutor and Pool Plant Ambassador shares his expert advice here on calculating water balance to ensure safe and hygienic conditions are maintained for bathers

W

ater is said to be in balance when it is neither corrosive, erosive nor scale forming.

Balanced water is important in our swimming pools because it will prevent erosion, corrosion and scale formation increasing the life and reliability of our pool plant and equipment.

Water balance can be calculated in several ways and the various models include Ryzner, Hoover, Hallopleau and Dublin, and Claud Smitt, each featuring a formula by which balanced water can be calculated.

In pool water chemistry the most common adopted models to calculate water balance are the Langelier Saturation Index and Palintest Balanced Water; both are simplified considering that swimming pools operate over a relatively restricted range of parameters.

The properties of the water are determined by the hydrological cycle, which creates continuous movement of water on, above and below the surface of the earth.

The surface water will evaporate, condensation will form cloud cover, eventually resulting in precipitation and in turn, infiltration and surface water run-off. The evaporative phase of the cycle purifies water, which then replenishes the land with freshwater. The flow of liquid water and ice transports minerals across the earth.

Natural water is never completely pure; it will contain dissolved chemical substances and gases which impact on pool operators.

Gases are absorbed as the water passes through the atmosphere containing dissolved oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide, to form carbonic acid which aids the dissolving of minerals when the rain falls on the earth.

As rainwater passes through the earth’s surface the characteristics of the water are determined.

With hard impervious rock the rain runs off the surface into streams and rivers; this water has little opportunity to dissolve minerals resulting in soft water with low Total Dissolved Solids – the rocks are often covered with acidic peaty soil and the water may then have a low pH value.

In soft porous rock areas, the water will

seep into the ground dissolving mineral salts and calcium; this water is generally hard water and has a high pH value, high TDS and will be scale forming.

Experience has shown that the Langelier Saturation Index gives the pool operator a reliable indication as to the water’s condition.

The absence of corrosive or scale forming tendency depends on the water being in balance. Both corrosion and scaling arise from a complex equilibrium, which exists in water between dissolved carbon dioxide, carbonates and bicarbonates.

Excessive carbon dioxide in the water results in corrosive tendency; if there is an excess of carbonates and bicarbonates in the water then it will be scale forming and these salts will be deposited from the water in the form of calcium, or magnesium carbonate.

The situation is further complicated by the fact bicarbonates are inherently unstable, and are readily precipitated as carbonates when the water is heated.

The Langelier Saturation Index uses measurements of: • The pH value • Total Alkalinity • Calcium Hardness • Temperature • Total Dissolved Solids.

A simple formula is then used to calculate the water balance using some correction factors or alternatively using the Lovibond app PoolM8. Once measured, the operator can then act on the water balance results, taking the appropriate corrective action.

It is essential that each of the five parameters are kept within their own range to ensure correct water balance; sometimes you may achieve an overall result within the ideal parameters, but some values outside of their range can offset the overall result.

PWTAG recommends water balance value to be maintained between -0.5 to +0.5, ideally 0.

Maintaining the water balance in a slightly scale-forming condition (Langelier index +0.1 to +0.4) can prevent erosion, corrosion and

Balanced water is important in our swimming pools because it will prevent erosion, corrosion and scale formation increasing the life and reliability of our pool plant and equipment” 44 April 2022 SPN 44_SPN_April_2022_STA.indd 44

excessive scale formation.

A negative result indicates the water is corrosive and a positive result scale forming.

The five factors are not equally weighted on the overall outcome, the pH value will have the greatest overall impact on the result followed by – Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, Temperature and TDS. As with any water testing requirements, the person should be appropriately trained and qualified having the right level of understanding to undertake the test. STA’s Level 3 Award in Pool Plant Operations qualification, which is CIMSPA professionally endorsed, covers everything operators need to know to ensure safe, clear and hygienic water practices are adhered to in pools, spas and interactive water features, and once completed it is valid for five years.

The training would also deal with such issues as ensuring all testing equipment is clean and free from any contamination, as this will affect readings; photometers must be calibrated to ensure accuracy and of course the correct tablets being used for the equipment.

The selection of a standardised testing location in the pool is also very important to give reliable results.

There are many options on water testing equipment that will complete the water balance test parameters, but a photometer will always be the recommended choice as it provides a high degree of accuracy on all tests, including all the water balance tests. A quality instrument will last for years providing it is looked after, and should be considered as an investment in your facility.

Getting it wrong can lead to serious consequences, which overtime will impact on the facilities ability to achieve optimum water quality and is likely to result in unplanned expenses.

STA 01922 645097 www.sta.co.uk

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Unibeo Panel Pool System A reinforced, concrete filled, liner pool panel system

Allows for quick construction time and reduced concrete usage.

Suitable for multiple pool styles whether inground, partially sunk or self supporting.

Key Technical Features • Prefabricated panel system for reinforced concrete liner pools

• Minimum dig size = pool size + 0.5m all round

• P anel heights of 1.20m, 1.35m, 1.50m – wall thickness 0.27m

• Multiple integrated step options available

• Creates a monobloc structure

• Dividing wall option for auto covers

• R einforcement steel within wall panels included

• Eco friendly panels – manufactured from recycled materials

• L ow concrete consumption and quick panel assembly time

• Pre-made cut outs for Certikin fittings

• C an be inground, partially sunk or self supporting

• Suitable for factory made or site created linings

• S uitable for freeboard, overflow and vanishing edge construction

 01993 777200  info@certikin.co.uk

www.certikin.co.uk

PRODUCT FOCUS – A CERTIKIN EXCLUSIVE

Unibeo Makes Its UK Debut At SPATEX 2022 The trailblazing Unibeo panel system was launched on its own dedicated Certikin stand at SPATEX 2022 and its strength spoke for itself. It was greeted with rapturous acclaim and justifiably so… as Unibeo promises to tear up the rule book when it comes to panel pools

U

nibeo stands out as one of the most versatile products in the panel pool marketplace. A reinforced, concrete-filled, prefabricated panel liner system, for constructing in-ground, partially sunken and freestanding pools, it is suitable for on site lining or bag liner finishes and offers a wide range of different stair options.

Certikin Product Development Manager, Neil Stephenson, said: “Given Unibeo’s ease and speed of installation, Certikin instantly recognised its appeal in overcoming the challenges that pool construction can sometimes present. Furthermore, the use of recycled plastics throughout, combined with the panel’s unique design, which significantly reduces concrete usage, provides excellent eco-friendly credentials. The concept is complete – the pool builder receives everything needed in one hit to allow a rapid construction of the pool wall and stairs. We quickly identified it as a must-have for the Certikin portfolio.”

Neil added: “The overwhelming response it received at the SPATEX launch showed there is great demand for a system such as Unibeo in the UK marketplace and our first priority is to build on this foundation and secure a solid customer base for the product. We have already worked with Unibeo to ensure the integration of key Certikin products into their concept, such as some of our white goods and the Fastlane counter current system. A strong element of Certikin’s culture is to continually innovate and improve, so we are excited to be partnering with the forward thinking Unibeo team and together work towards future developments for this product.”

A SYSTEM THAT TICKS EVERY BOX Minimal earthwork – the structure doesn’t require support struts. The earthworks are completed to the dimension of the pool size +0.5m all round. This saves time, preserves ground integrity and allows for quick installation of paving – the paving rests on undisturbed ground, reducing the risk of sagging or cracking.

Environmentally-friendly – the panels are made of recycled plastic and their unique design means that smaller volumes of concrete

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are required within the wall structure, thus making the system extremely economical to use.

Formwork module – featuring a patented self-supporting formwork system which allows basin heights of 1.2m, 1.35m and 1.5m to be achieved, and with pool sizing in 0.5m increments, there is no limit to the overall size of the finished pool. The Unibeo panels can be installed onto a pre-laid concrete slab, or the floor, walls and stairs can be poured at the same time to create a true monoblock structure.

Versatility – the Unibeo panel system is self-supporting and can be used for in-ground, partially sunken and above-ground structures. Dividing walls to create cover pits are available and design options exist for vanishing edge pool structures. Adjustable feet are provided with panels, as required, to allow for the levelling of the entire pool structure before concrete is poured.

Reinforced concrete stairs – the stair modules are created like the main pool structure. The concrete can be poured at the same time as the floor and the walls to create

The concept is complete – the pool builder receives everything needed in one hit to allow a rapid construction of the pool wall and stairs”

a monoblock stair unit secured to the main pool structure.

Liner – both factory-made or site installed linings, selected from Certikin’s extensive range, can be applied to waterproof the system. The liner hangs from the structure via an integrated liner-lock profile.

Foam and felt – for comfort and protection of the liner against the structure, the pool walls should be covered with foam or felt and the floor with felt.

Pool fittings – all openings for Certikin pool fittings, such as skimmers, inlets and Certikin PU2 lights, are cut to the pool installer’s specification during the manufacturing of each panel. This results in quick and easy installation on site before the pouring of the concrete. Alternatively, openings for fittings can be cut on site at the point of installation.

Certikin 01993 777200 www.certikin.co.uk

WHY NOT ADD A FASTLANE TO THE UNIBEO! The market-leading Fastlane counter-current unit can be fitted to the Unibeo, mounted on either a straight wall or in a recess.

What sets the product apart from other units is that the turbulence-free water stream is wider than the swimmer’s body and deeper than any swim stroke, yet it is narrow enough not to impinge on other swimmers. Unlike jetted alternatives, the Fastlane generates a wide block of crystal clear, bubble-free and completely adjustable water flow, delivering a fast and smooth swim experience.

Athletes and leisure users enjoy a current between 4:04 and 1:14 minutes per 100m pace which can be adjusted using the remote control or with the addition of the Fit@Home app. There is also the option of a 6” high pace display.

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INDUSTRY FOCUS

Wet Leisure Survey Results 2021 In this issue, we extract some of the key details from the recently published Wet Leisure Industry Survey, with Golden Coast’s Jamie Adams providing some thoughts and summaries on just some of the questions asked – and the resulting data produced – from this annual piece of industry research

R

eleased to coincide with SPATEX, this was the eleventh year of the Wet Leisure Industry Survey.

Each year these survey reports look back over the year that has been; and what a year it was.

It almost feels as if our sense of time has been distorted. COVID and its enormous impact on business lives, Brexit and the global supply chain issues all felt as if they contributed to a year that was much more complicated and challenging than almost any year we can remember. Lockdowns, social distancing and the restrictions on international travel and foreign holidays contributed to a year that feels empty and disjointed.

This year the survey has once again had the support of the BSPF, SPATA, BISHTA, ISPE and the trade press. The most important contribution however has come from the people who have responded to the survey.

In this issue of SPN, we take a look at just some of the key findings from this useful piece of research.

in the building trade and an industry wide shortage of skilled tradesmen.

Which sectors of the wet leisure industry do you serve?

Pools, it seems, are in demand. Two years of COVID; two years of pools taking the top slot.

Staycations have led to home improvements and those improvements have led to the gold standard in that particular area, the home pool.

Over 80% of the respondents had been involved in the pool sector in 2021.

Other respondents cited projects from air handling to outdoor kitchens and equine hydrotherapy but steam showers and steam rooms were the most common additions to the list of the big four.

SECTION A – SURVEY PARTICIPANTS

How many employees do you have in your business?

Here we can see a long term trend developing. At almost 35% of our survey sample, the number of businesses with ten or more employees is at its highest level since the survey began.

One obvious conclusion is that customer demand is generating enough work to keep those bigger businesses going. Certainly the pool sector has been busy this year and it seems that more bespoke and complicated installations combining spas, steam rooms and wet rooms are continuing to be popular.

Perhaps the more specialist skills involved in these sorts of installations drive businesses to have a broader employee base as opposed to one or two general tradespeople.

The other side of this coin is the number of respondents who pointed to finding qualified staff as one of the biggest challenges they face. A challenge compounded by the boom

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What are the services that you offer your customers?

The relative rankings of these six services have remained the same since the survey began.

Although it doesn’t show in these results there is certainly reason to think that lockdowns and social distancing brought about by the pandemic influenced how much these services were used by customers.

Some respondents have said that showroom traffic has reduced massively over the last year and that internet sales have increased. This is in keeping with retail and other business across the country as a whole but it is interesting to see how it impacts our industry.

Although the internet is often vilified, over the two years of the pandemic it has allowed wet leisure businesses to stay in touch with their customers and sell them everything from chemicals to spas and saunas.

Are your customers and clients domestic, commercial or a mixture of both?

Over the last five years the purely domestic sector of the industry has slowly shrunk and this year it stands at 35%.

Of course this change has been brought about by businesses taking on both domestic and commercial projects as the lines between the two become more and more blurred.

Pools, saunas and spas in health clubs and spa hotels increasingly have the attention to detail and bespoke design that you might find in a top-end domestic installation while those domestic installations are using the very latest technology to minimise maintenance and improve the bather experience.

In the holiday accommodation sector, a spa or hot tub is almost a given and lodge and cottage owners are increasingly turning to heat pumps to keep the energy costs down.

SECTION B – WAS 2021 A GOOD YEAR?

On the following scale, how did you find business conditions this year?

43% of respondents described the year as Extremely Good; the biggest proportion to do that since the survey began.

However, 7.5% reported a year that had been Difficult or Extremely Difficult.

The year certainly had its challenges.

Perhaps business in 2021 could be characterised by looking at supply and demand.

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INDUSTRY FOCUS Customers had money that hadn’t been spent on holidays, and lockdowns focused people’s thoughts on their homes and how to improve them plus heightened awareness of health and wellbeing. These things drove customer demand. Brexit and the supply chain in general plus disruption in manufacturing made it harder to fulfil this demand.

79% of respondents came through the year having balanced those opposing conditions successfully but that outcome wasn’t always guaranteed.

by Brexit. There is also a feeling that anyone who wants a hot tub and can afford a hot tub probably has a hot tub by now. There certainly must be a degree of market saturation after two years of unprecedented sales.

From a broader perspective, there is increasing pressure to lift overseas travel restrictions (with most now lifted) and that is certain to have an impact on the popularity of the staycation.

On the other hand, a significant increase in the country’s stock of pools and spas must trickle down to an increase in demand for maintenance and repairs.

Spas And Hot Tubs

What would you say were the things that had the biggest influence on your business this year?

Last year, COVID scored 87% on this question. This year it scores 88%.

Last year Brexit scored 5.5%. This year, it’s 33%.

Last year the effects of COVID across the economy rather disguised the impact of Brexit, but this year it was easier to see.

With many manufacturers and suppliers to our industry being based in Europe, new regulations and restrictions had a significant impact on business.

It has taken a worldwide pandemic and the biggest upheaval in European politics for a generation to knock the weather off its top spot for this question, but knocked down to fifth place it is (with the ‘The Economy’ in third and ‘The Internet’ in fourth).

On the following scale, how do you expect conditions to be next year?

One of the constant trends across the lifetime of the Wet Leisure Industry Survey is that businesses expect next year to be pretty much like the year just gone.

This year’s survey shows quite a marked shift away from that. 43% reported having an Extremely Good year but only 20% expect next year to be same (readers should note this report was produced before the troubles in Ukraine started).

There are a number of reasons for that which have already been mentioned, particularly the continuing difficulties caused

Spas are where the volume lies in wet leisure industry sales but the majority of hot tub businesses are involved in other sectors as well; 77% of them build pools and over 40% install saunas according to this year’s survey.

Hot tubs have proven to be an important draw card for the holiday industry and have increased in popularity in the domestic market. As the UK’s stock of spas and hot tubs increases both domestically and commercially, that drives growth in the business of maintenance and service.

The relatively short time line from interest to installation has meant that hot tub retailers have been able to respond quickly to the demand in part generated by COVID and make the most of the increase in business.

This year’s survey shows that all reported spa sales were either in the middle or topend of the market. Cheap, inflatable spas are simply not appealing to people who are looking for something to soften the blow of not taking an overseas holiday. As we have seen elsewhere (in the complete survey data), people are looking for the best price, but they are looking for the best products as well.

60% of respondents reported a bumper year in spa sales this year but only 16% expected next year to be Extremely Good.

Perhaps there is something in the possibility that the market is becoming saturated.

Swimming Pools Pool businesses that have reported an Extremely Good year are one of the few groups to include businesses that only serve the commercial sector and one of the only groups not to show service and repairs as their most important sector of business.

Presumably they concentrate on the construction and installation process.

The pool sector, both new-builds and refurbishments, is particularly strong in the South East.

Almost 80% of the pool builders have seen

Hopefully, even in these challenging times, the information in this report has been of interest and we hope that you can use it to help improve your business” 50 April 2022 SPN 49-50_SPN_April_22_Web_Survey.indd 50

strong growth in their businesses in 2021 plus they are confident about the prospects for business next year with 24% expecting business conditions to be Extremely Good.

Sauna, Steam And Swim Spas The popularity of sauna and steam is spread relatively evenly across the UK’s regions with the South East and West, the Midlands and the North taking the lion’s share.

Businesses that sell sauna and steam installations are practically guaranteed over 90% – to work in the pool or spa sector as well.

48% of these businesses enjoyed an Extremely Good year in 2021 and 26% of them expect that to continue next year.

IN CONCLUSION 2021 was a year of change.

Spending patterns changed, holiday plans changed. How the UK works and where people go to work changed.

Change is good in many ways but people find too much change or continued change to be unsettling and so that old, familiar question raises its head once again.

Is this the new normal? Is this how the world will be from now on? Is this how the country will be? Is this how our business and our industry will be?

The answer to that is probably, yes and no.

The importance of home and wellbeing has been raised. It was already on an increase and was accelerated in 2021 and will probably stay that way, which is good for our industry.

That also seems to be driving demand for better quality installations, better use of tech to make ownership more enjoyable and maintenance easier.

Swimming pools enjoyed a real renaissance in 2021. Will that continue? It was another bumper year for spas. Will that continue or is the hot tub market becoming saturated now?

If there are any dark clouds on the horizon, they mostly come from concern about further repercussions from Brexit, supply chain issues and escalating manufacturing costs, but what we have seen this year is a robust and agile industry; a wet leisure industry that can make the most of the opportunities as they present themselves.

Hopefully, even in these challenging times, the information in this report has been of interest and we hope that you can use it to help improve your business.

We would like to thank everyone who took part in this survey and encourage every member of our industry to take part in the future so that an even more detailed and accurate picture of our industry may be drawn.

This year’s complete report – as well as all from previous years – can be viewed at, and downloaded from, the Wet Leisure Industry Survey website.

Wet Leisure Industry Survey 01271 378100 www.wetleisure.com

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COMPANY FOCUS Certikin’s new 125,000 sq. ft Witney-based HQ became fully operational in December 2021

Certikin Puts Its Customers And Staff At The Heart Of Its New HQ Cementing its position as the UK’s leading supplier of pool and spa products, Certikin has moved to new state-of-the-art premises at Tungsten Park in Witney, securing both its future and providing a multitude of unique benefits to its customers and staff

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riven by a determination to retain its experienced and loyal workforce, together with its central location in the thriving Oxfordshire market town of Witney, Certikin acquired a site just two miles down the road from its old premises which, after 31 years, was no longer able to support the needs of the flourishing business.

Located on Witney’s Downs Road, it is part of a 24-acre site, just 500 metres from a new junction on the A40 providing easy access to Oxford and Cheltenham and, in turn, the main arterial routes of the A34, M40, M4 and M5 motorways.

Construction began on the new facility in earnest in spring 2020 and, despite the complications caused by the pandemic, it was completed and became fully operational in December 2021.

Befitting its status as one of the town’s largest employers, Certikin occupies the largest building (125,000 sq. ft) in the 16-unit development. It’s impressive by any industry’s standards. The sheer size of the purpose-built office, warehouse and factory

reinforces the company’s position in the wet leisure industry.

Every detail has been considered and expertly executed. Certikin’s Operations Director, Tim Wilson, headed up the in-house team that designed and delivered the project, working alongside architects and developers to ensure that the project would deliver a building that would meet the specific needs of Certikin, both for now and well into the future.

extensive product portfolio, but the fact it is coupled with an extremely high level of technical knowledge,” explained Tim. “At the old site, we were working across three buildings. Now, with just one building, and the workforce gathered under one roof, our teams are able to work closely, leading to a more joined-up and efficient level of customer service.”

CENTRALISED TECHNICAL EXPERTISE

Providing a welcoming, interactive environment for Certikin’s 130+ employees was prioritised at the planning stage and an internal team was appointed to identify features that would enhance working conditions and staff wellbeing. Attractive break-out areas, meeting tables and refreshment-making facilities make this a desirable place to work.

A bright, spacious canteen on the second floor is the ideal on-site space for staff to relax and dine during breaks and lunch hours.

Artistic flair was allowed free rein when it came to the stylish decoration of the four meeting rooms, named after the local area’s landmarks and heritage – Cogges, Windrush, Wychwood and Weavers (with the latter, a nod to Witney’s blanket-making past). All highly individual, the Windrush, for instance, is designed to reflect the River Windrush, the banks upon which Witney developed.

The boardroom within the new building bears the name of one of the company’s

Once inside, a spacious floor-to-ceiling glasswalled reception area, displaying an eyecatching product showcase, greets visitors.

Leading off this light, airy vestibule, you enter into the main administrative work hub where a large open plan office, with brand new furniture and fittings, stretches before you. Promoting centralised communication, Certikin’s Technical, Sales Order Processing, Customer Service and Distribution teams are assembled here.

“Certikin’s unique strength is not only its

At the old site, we were working across three buildings. Now, with just one building, and the workforce gathered under one roof, our teams are able to work closely, leading to a more joinedup and efficient level of customer service” 52 April 2022 SPN 52-53_SPN_April_22_Certikin.indd 52

PEOPLE FIRST

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COMPANY FOCUS

Weavers is one of four meeting rooms, named after the local area’s landmarks and heritage

Built with their customers very much in mind, The Academy will host a series of in-house training sessions

The main administrative work hub is a large open plan office that promotes centralised communication

A bright, spacious canteen on the second floor is the ideal on site space for staff to relax and dine

Housing the UK’s largest stock of water leisure equipment, the new building has over 9,500 product lines Providing a welcoming, interactive environment for Certikin’s 130+ employees was prioritised at the planning stage

founders, and industry pioneer, Peter Geekie.

A FOCUS ON CUSTOMERS Venture down the gallery-lined corridor, featuring a selection of images of customers’ prized installations using Certikin products, and you arrive at The Academy.

“The Academy will host a series of in-house training sessions later this year, to extend industry knowledge and provide greater understanding of our product portfolio, and these will become a regular feature,” explained Certikin Managing Director, Neil Murray. “This is, after all, a building built with our customers very much in mind and we want them to reap all its benefits too.”

Certikin already offers a variety of delivery options for its customers and the new building now includes a purpose built trade desk together with dedicated parking, welfare facilities and a coffee machine.

Again, consideration for customers was at the forefront of design in providing a convenient and easy solution for those companies who wish to collect their orders in person.

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INCREASED STOCKHOLDING CAPACITY Standing on one of the warehouse mezzanines gives the visitor an appreciation of the vast new warehouse. Housing the UK’s largest stock of water leisure equipment, it has over 9,500 product lines for both domestic and commercial pools for new build and retro-fit markets as well as wellness, spas, saunas and aquatics. Increased efficiency is achieved, thanks to 11 dock level loading doors, with a further seven level access doors including one dedicated to customer collections. A total of 18 compared to just seven across the old premises.

The new building allows Certikin to avail itself of new technologies for efficiency and Health & Safety. As well as the dock level loading doors, goods lifts have been installed on both mezzanine floors. Modern technology provides improved security and helps manage access to and from the building.

ECO-CREDENTIALS The very well insulated building, features

OLD v NEW PREMISES KEY FACTS Building footprint Picking spaces Pallet spaces Yard storage Office space Parking Goods inwards Spares storage

+45% +86% +105% +65% +110% +96% +50% +56%

a plethora of other eco-credentials such as charging points for electric cars in the 165 space car park, cycle storage, a sophisticated recycling programme and motion-sensored LED lighting throughout the building.

The company is justifiably proud of its impressive staff retention record, which will hopefully increase with the advent of this new building. Four members of staff celebrated 25 years service this year alone, taking the current number of long service employees to 14.

Expansion, however, creates a greater labour demand and the company is actively recruiting.

Neil Murray, concluded: “Tungsten Park is ideal in meeting the complex needs of our growing business. We now have a building we can be proud of and, as we approach Certikin’s 60th anniversary next year, we are in the best shape possible to go forward, with room for further expansion and a determination to fulfil the industry’s needs.”

Certikin 01993 777200 www.certikin.co.uk

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SPATEX, COVENTRY BUILDING SOCIETY ARENA, COVENTRY

SHOW REVIEW

SPATEX Had An Overwhelming Sense Of The Feel-good Factor

After a COVID enforced break, SPATEX’s return was much needed and the show looked better than ever

The water leisure industry from the UK and further afield converged on the Coventry Building Society Arena for the return of SPATEX at the start of February. Celebrating its 25th anniversary as a live event, there was plenty to see and do at the three-day Show which bounced back strongly after having to take a year out from the Midlands venue and run a virtual edition as a result of the pandemic By Jon Wadeson

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nown across Europe and beyond as the go-to Show for water leisure in the UK, the three-day SPATEX event held at the newly renamed Coventry Building Society Arena annually attracts a wide range of visitors involved in the provision or operation of water leisure facilities. Installers, retailers, leisure operators, local authorities, hoteliers, architects and more – all know the value that the annual exhibition offers.

However, 12 months prior, the 2021 edition was forced to take place virtually, and although it was successfully executed and arguably one of, if not the best digital offering provided by any of the wet leisure shows that ran around the world, the format was no substitute for the real thing.

So it was great to get back to a live event format and as build up finished, the hall looked at its most impressive ever, with the vast majority of exhibitors pulling out all the stops to make the Show as professional looking as possible.

The venue itself with its digital entrance graphics looked great too and the new Anecdote Sports Bar & Restaurant provided an additional option for food and refreshments.

So all that was missing were the visitors.

With the COVID mask mandate having been removed in the run up to the event (a big plus for many and perfectly timed for the running of the event) the big question of attendance still remained. Would people return and in what numbers? With a year essentially skipped, positive pre registration numbers and a great looking hall, mood and expectations were high and both the SPATEX team and exhibitors were keen for the first day to start.

Thankfully, from early on, the Show’s stands and aisles bustled with happy visitors and the buzz of people chatting filled the air. There was something tremendously comforting about SPATEX returning to its familiar formula, and as ever, the Show proved to be the perfect platform for companies to unveil new products and discuss the

From basic essentials to super high tech – SPATEX’s exhibitors cover a wide range of products

SPATEX regulars Designworks Tiles presented a wide range of tile products

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SHOW REVIEW

SPATEX, COVENTRY BUILDING SOCIETY ARENA, COVENTRY

The Aquaflex stand featured a number of Renolit Alkorplan pool liner options

With a wide range of products on show, French company Poolstar were a brand new exhibitor

Always popular, Darlly Europe used SPATEX to launch a new Spa Cocktails product

latest developments to a large industry audience. But more than that, it was the chance finally to meet and greet face to face and get some normality back.

The camaraderie of over 1,500 visitors combined with the teams from one hundred plus exhibiting companies was apparent. The sense of joy at being able to reunite under one roof once more meant the 25th live SPATEX was universally declared the best show to date. That almost tangible, warm feeling that comes from doing business was in

The wide range of products on view, combined with the training resources that were provided by various associations and businesses, meant there really was something for everyone who attended”

For most companies, including Heatstar, it was good to meet clients face to face again

abundance from the moment the show opened meaning the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

The wide range of products on view, combined with the training resources that were provided by various associations and businesses, meant there really was something for everyone who attended. Add in the Gala Evening and its Awards, both of which are covered earlier on in this edition, and you can see that SPATEX really is a one-stop shop and the annual place to be for the wet leisure industry. It was clearly missed and much needed too.

With a large presence at the show, Certikin’s Richard Way commented: “From Certikin’s point of view, 2022 was the best attended SPATEX for many years. We are delighted with the quantity and quality of footfall on our stand, with key decision makers making up a high proportion. With no physical show for two years, we found visitors wanted to get out and see the new products for themselves.”

Echoing that view, an equally impressed Graham Message of Superior Wellness said: “What a fantastic show and it’s so good to be in circulation again. The first day was incredible; everyone on the stand was flat out and we got so many great leads. We’ve received such excellent feedback to our new products. We hope to return next year

Ocea pulled out all the stops with their modern stand which incorporated a bar

With many key brands at the show, visitor numbers were a success

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SPATEX, COVENTRY BUILDING SOCIETY ARENA, COVENTRY

SHOW REVIEW

The strong presence of hot tub related companies included Passion Spas

Over 1,500 visitors attended and the event was declared the best show to date

SPATEX was the place to catch up with all the industry’s big players, including distributor SCP

Thanks to an increasing thirst for knowledge and training, all the sessions across both Arenas were well-attended

with a much larger stand.”

One hundred and one top quality companies participated at SPATEX 2022. Drawn from the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers, they took the Show’s return to their heart, made an outstanding effort and displayed some of the world’s most advanced products.

The strong presence of hot tub and spa related companies continued from previous years and the type of visitors in Coventry also reflected the amount of these products that were present. Reflecting that observation, Richard Hart of Aqua Warehouse Group said: “Where do I start? Happy is an understatement! A really well-run show with super organisation. It’s brought us lots of new customers and I am looking forward to returning next year with a 50% bigger stand.

Everyone has been so happy to see each other again – it’s been a real tonic in bad times. SPATEX feels like home.”

As touched on, in addition to the wide variety of exhibitors, SPATEX 2022 featured an impressive double seminar and Workshop programme which offered free education and training that is unmatched anywhere in the world.

The ISPE (Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers) once again staged a fantastic programme of Workshops, and, as per the 2020 event,

Arena 2 hosted a parallel seminar programme which also covered a diverse number of subjects from a wide range of speakers including from PWTAG (Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group), STA (Swimming Teachers’ Association) and more.

All the sessions across both Arenas were well-attended with the increasing thirst for knowledge and training from within the industry meaning the combination of the two programmes are now an integral part of the SPATEX experience and success story.

As always, it’s impossible to detail the products or workshops that stood out from the three days – but some of the innovations on show have been included throughout this edition either as news or within our features. More of them will follow either online or in subsequent editions.

If you haven’t ever attended a SPATEX or haven’t been for a while, it really is an event worth going to. Next year, SPATEX takes place from Tuesday 31 January to Thursday 2 February. We look forward to seeing faces old and new there in 2023.

SPATEX 01264 358558 www.spatex.co.uk Lots of effort had gone into stand design in 2022, making for a great visitor experience

Superior Wellness used their impressive stand at SPATEX to showcase existing products and launch two new brands

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SWIM SPAS – MID & HIGH-END

Serious Swim Spas – Serious A Complete Complete Package Mid and high-end swim spas have become a popular choice for many in the UK over recent years. As a training aid, they have become a widely accepted alternative to more traditional pool choices, and with spa options incorporated, they provide a complete swim and relax package. Offering the very latest in counter-current technology plus much more, we take a look at some of the more premium choices available in the buoyant swim spa sector By Jon Wadeson

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s a product that offers the benefits of an effective swimming area combined with the relaxing jets of a hot tub, swim spas have steadily increased in their popularity over recent years and the appeal for mid and high-end options has really been highlighted throughout the pandemic.

Whilst still somewhat niche when compared to the overall swimming pool, spa and hot tub markets, manufacturers and retailers alike clearly see more potential in the swim spa sector with both expanding their offerings for these high value and often flagship products.

Supply challenges for alternative and more traditional swimming solutions, combined with competitive pricing and ownership convenience has resulted in a much wider appeal and the argument for choosing a quality swim spa has never been stronger for families looking for a premium, multi-use product. But it’s not just fun seeking families that are taking notice of the various swim spa solutions on offer. Keep fit fanatics, athletes and even people recovering from various injuries and ailments can all benefit from access to, or ownership of, a swim spa. Arguably, this group of users was the initial target market for the majority of these products and over the years, many have being tempted by the serious and thorough exercise options on offer combined with post workout relaxation options that are provided.

So what’s on offer this year for those who are looking past entry-levels models? In this issue, we examine just some of the swim spa brands and models that are competing for business in this competitive sector.

Considering the space required for a traditional pool, it could easily be viewed 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.

Two variants of this flagship model are available but it’s the turbine version that really will appeal to those who are looking 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, the 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 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 40 jets on offer in the Rio Grande’s spa section and chromotherapy lighting, aromatic therapy and a swim tether all come as standard.

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

The Marquis ATV line includes four models including the larger 17 foot ATV-17 Kona and ATV-17 Sport topping the range. The ATV-17 Kona is the ‘big dog’ though. The ATV-Kona has three pumps like the ATV-Sport models, but offers higher performance with two dual-speed 360 GPM / 1,363 LPM

POWERFUL PERFORMANCE – WELLIS’ RIO GRANDE TURBINE Wellis produce a number of swim spa models and they are available in the UK through Wellis direct and SCP UK. Sitting at the top of their range is the Rio Grande which was refreshed in 2019. This large swim spa measures 6,000 x 2,350mm and as with all models in the Wellis range, it has a generous depth of 1,470mm.

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

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SWIM SPAS – MID & HIGH-END pumps and one dual-speed 160 GPM / 606 LPM pump to create a flow rate of 1,000 GPM / 3,785 LPM! The Kona offers worldclass swim training and conditioning for the ultimate challenge.

The innovative Kona exclusive Whitewater-4™ jets provide a wall of water to maximise the swim pace options and workout rigor. Class 4 white water is known as ‘advanced’ in the outdoor sports world.

With Whitewater-4, users will feel the flow difference. The Kona’s exclusive system design actually uses the Whitewater-4 jets to deliver water flow beyond the volumes created by the pumps, delivering up to 39% more flow than comparably sized jets available anywhere else in swim spas.

The Kona ATV also offers a pair of midvessel Buoyancy jets that will deliver mid to lower torso lift during swim exercises. This provides a unique alternative dynamic to the body position in the water during a workout.

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

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 well over 30 years of experience in the sector, 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 one of the largest ranges 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 recent 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 Catalina’s flagship model, the Olympic 21 has proved highly successful for Aqua Design & Leisure

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warranty gives purchasers peace of mind, knowing that their investment will give years of trouble free use.

TIDALFIT OFFER VARIABLE FLOW OPTIONS AND A UNIQUE LAYOUT TidalFit is the swim spa brand of Artesian Spas and the company produce a variety of models to suit a range of budgets and needs.

At the top end of their range, you’ll find the DT (dual temperature) models and then something a little different in the DTL. The DTL range consists of two models – the DTL-6 and DTL-8. Unsurprisingly, the DT also stands for dual temperature, but these two swim spas are arranged in an ‘L’ shape.

Each combine Tidalfit’s world-class 14ft exercise pool with a choice of either 6 or 8 feet of hydrotherapy spa, and the company seamlessly integrate both into one amazing L-shaped unit.

Both models come with Tidalfit’s Quad Swim Jet System as standard, however there is the option to upgrade to the company’s Variable Flow Swift Water Trainer (VFSWT) which incorporates a powerful swim system containing true variable speed pumps and expertly designed 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

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SWIM SPAS – MID & HIGH-END The TidalFit DTL-8 from Artesian is a combination of a world-class 14ft exercise pool with an 8ft hydrotherapy spa

Aquavia Spa’s swim spa models were re-designed last year, ready for the new 2022 season

add the new Advanced Integrated Streaming Stereo. Owners simply connect through Bluetooth with any smart device to start enjoying their favourite songs instantly.

ENJOY NEW DESIGNS AND NEW FEELINGS WITH AQUAVIA’S RE-STYLED SWIM SPAS Aquavia Spa’s swim spa models were re-designed last year, ready for the new 2022 season. They are now defined by their straight, smooth lines, giving them a minimalist style and an elegant, designer touch at the same time.

At Aquavia, they understand design to be the perfect blend of art and engineering, with the quality of the user experience always as the ultimate goal. Therefore, for Aquavia Spa, design is a means to achieve their objective: that each of their swim spas stands out not only for its beauty, but also that the design of its internal layout, the ergonomics of each of its seats, plus the positions and configuration of its jets and injectors provide a complete, absolute and unequalled sense of wellbeing.

One of the newest models in the Aquavia swim spa range is the Duo which was created following feedback from customers. With its wealth of possibilities and high flexibility, the Duo has such compact dimensions that it can fit almost anywhere, indoors or outdoors.

It also comes with Aquavia Spa’s exclusive features, which significantly improve the experience and ensure the long life of this exclusive equipment. These include water disinfection using an ultraviolet light (UV); metal frame chassis by Aquavia Spa with non-deforming, anticorrosive and highly durable properties; and the EcoSpa option, the thermal insulation system that guarantees energy savings of 69% when maintaining the water at 38ºC, even outdoors and in extremely cold temperatures.

seen which way the wind was blowing and last year, signed a UK exclusivity contract with the world-renowned Oasis Spas for both their hot tub and swim spa ranges – a move which significantly increases their options and supply capability.

The company’s range of Oasis produced swim spas consists of dedicated swim spas and combined units, each of which sets themselves ahead of the crowd with some key features.

Firstly, power. With up to four Turbo jets that are unlike any others on the market, and create a smooth, straight stream of counter-current with up to 2,000+ gallons per minute of flow, free of both turbulence and air bubbles to give a sublime swimming experience, no matter what the ability level of the user might be.

With power, also comes control. Unlike swim spas with limited, physical control valves, the included inverter system allows for full electronic control of the jet speed ensuring that

users will always be able to find a comfortable swim speed, no matter what their ability level.

Finally, build. These share the same pedigree of design and construction as the company’s Oasis Spas range, including the full-foam, multi-density insulation system for superlative heat retention and energy saving.

With energy costs hitting the headlines, owners will be pleased to hear that all models in the range feature R18+ Thermal Lock Insulation to lock the heat inside the spa within the cabinet. Thermal Lock uses closed cell foam insulation, full foam open cell, heat reflective wraps and high density side skirts to provide some of the best energy efficiencies on the market.

INNOVATIVE OPTIONS ARE ALL INCLUDED WITH PASSION SPAS The new swim spa designs from Passion Spas combine the company’s exclusive Current-

Whilst still somewhat niche when compared to the overall swimming pool, spa and hot tub markets, manufacturers and retailers alike clearly see more potential in the swim spa sector...”

PEDIGREE SHINES THROUGH WITH SUNBEACH’S OASIS SWIM SPA RANGE With factories already running at maximum capacity through the pandemic, there were a number of challenges regarding supply of some swim spas.

Fortunately, Sunbeach Spas had already

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Sunbeach Spas’ range of Oasis produced swim spas consists of dedicated swim spas and combined units

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SWIM SPAS – MID & HIGH-END Lift Technology and provide some of the most innovative spa massage techniques ever developed. Spirit, Vitality and Energy models – along with their ‘deep’ variants – all feature this technology combination.

In fact, with these models, Passion Spas have combined all of their unique massage therapy innovations into a single swim spa.

Aqua Rolling Massage™, Intense Therapy Zone™ and Therapy Wave Zone™ are all included in these three models, giving users a full menu of therapy choices. In addition, because the swim and spa sections are separate, users can vary the temperatures between the two units, experiencing a lower temperature workout in the swim lane before soothing tired muscles in the hot water of the spa. The Dual Zone heating systems in the Spirit, Vitality and Energy swim spas allows the best of both worlds – swimming and relaxing in a single spa product!

The Energy is the largest model that Passion Spas produce and it’s closely followed by the Vitality. Both of these models measure in excess of seven metres in length, so if space isn’t an issue but creating an impression is, with so many innovative features included, they’re sure to receive a lot of attention in showrooms and beyond!

THERMALS PRO SWIM SPAS PROVIDE A PROFESSIONAL AQUATIC WORKOUT Launched last year, the Thermals by Superior Wellness range includes a range of swim spas, but for those looking to exercise seriously, the PRO swim spas are the models that will get most attention.

Measuring the same size, the dual-zone Apollo and single-zone Athena have been designed around a state-of-the-art propulsion system with a professional workout in mind.

Packed full of innovation, the Vitality from Passion Spas is a large model and measures in excess of seven metres in length

With these advanced devices, users have all the options at their fingertips. A leisurely, relaxing swim, high-intensity workouts or just relaxing in the water with friends, these swim spas can do it all.

Thermals PRO swim spas are available in a number of shell, cover and skirt colours and a selection of further configuration options means a high degree of customisation is available.

The Thermals propeller and swim pump system can produce a broad, deep and powerful waterflow without adding air and at an extremely low noise level. Specifically designed diverters in the water outlets create an ideal swimming environment, even for ambitious swimmers.

For the PRO swim spas series, the manufacturer developed a dedicated low pressure backwater system. Unlike traditional water suction systems, PRO Swim Spas

feature generously proportioned water inlets which drastically reduce the flow speed through the water suction inlets. Not only does this almost completely eliminate undesired currents, but it also contributes to a unique, ocean-like swimming experience.

Both models can also be upgraded to include a treadmill too. This high-tech option greatly improves the sense of technology of these two PRO swim spas, and increases the interest as well as function of them. The underwater treadmill is driven by hydraulic pressure and running speed can be adjusted by the control panel from one to nine levels – from one kilometre per hour to eight kilometres per hour – making the option suitable for users with very different needs.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS: Aqua Design & Leisure 01980 611555 www.aquadesignandleisure.com Aquavia Spas +973 533 795 www.aquaviaspa.co.uk Artesian Spas 01302 730295 www.artesianspas.co.uk Marquis (ATV) +1 800 543 8603 www.atvswimspas.com

Below: The Thermals by Superior Wellness Apollo PRO and above, the Athena PRO – both with optional treadmill

Passion Spas +31 577 456 040 www.passionspas.com Sunbeach Spas 01623 706185 www.sunbeachspas.co.uk Superior Wellness 01246 559071 www.superiorwellness.co.uk Wellis +36 29 564 380 www.wellis.com

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t h e s e n s e o f n at u r e In a traditional swim spa, the user has to switch the pumps on and off manually for finding the proper water-flow which fits their fitness level. The W-flow system swim spas will be equipped with brand new swim software. Combining this and the new W-flow system the new swim spas become a professional training appliance.

Find our products at wellis.com

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2022. 03. 17. 15:05

SCP SPN Ad March 22.qxp_Layout 1 08/03/2022 13:16 Page 1

Standard pool liners present visable lines on the pool floor at the seams which ultimately detract from the beauty of the pool. Our innovative technology elevates our liners to an entirely new category.

This exclusive process makes floor seams stronger and virtually invisable, so there’s nothing that gets in the way of the picture perfect beauty of your pool!

Select and visualise our exclusive range of pattens available on the website below

www.lathampool.com/vinyl-liner-patterns/

Installation available HAOGENPLAST App Our app allows you to see our collection of liners in beautiful images, breathtaking video clips and even see your pool in virtual reality mode, through reality head-set on your phone.

Go to your google play or App store and download the app to your phone.

Tell your customers to download the App to help them better choose the right liner for their swimming pool.

Tel 01293 546 126 / 01268 273 040 email info.uk@scppool.com

Head Office & Distribution Centre - 1 Church Road - Lowfield Heath - Crawley - West Sussex - RH11 0PQ

POOL LINERS & SYSTEMS

Superb Lining Solutions For Projects Of All Sizes

With liner pools still being the most popular type of pool in the UK, there will always be a demand for a variety of lining solutions for both new build or refurbishment projects. The good news is that the days of limited choice are well and truly in the past thanks to an expanding offering of high quality and durable manufactured and on site options. So what’s available for the 2022 season? In this issue, we examine the available options By Jon Wadeson

T

here are numerous ways to transform a tired or dated looking swimming pool, but one of the simplest and most effective, which applies to both indoor and outdoor liner pools, is a complete refresh of the interior – and for the vast majority of pools across the country, that means some form of new lining.

With manufacturers keeping a close eye on the latest trends, each season, the quality and range of designs, colours, patterns and textures that are available increases, meaning pool owners who wish to transform or renovate what in years gone by was their pride and joy, can do so fairly quickly and at a relatively low cost. A fact that seems to have not gone unnoticed by many pool owners with companies in the sector being rushed off their feet and with their on site lining teams being booked up many months in advance.

It goes without saying that these products are suitable for new projects, but they really come into their own when refurbishing existing pools, as the visual contrasts are more apparent, often strikingly so!

Whether produced in a factory or applied on site, a new liner for a pool of any size or shape has the ability to give an unwelcoming installation the chance to impress again and often leaves them with a ‘nearly new’ appearance.

The new Vogue range is inspired by interior design trends and include s a Vintage, a Summer and an Urban option, as seen here

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Regardless of size, style or aesthetic requirement, there’s sure to be a liner or lining solution that ticks all the necessary boxes and needs and over the next few pages, we take a look at just some of the available lining options for the season ahead.

CREATE A BEAUTIFUL AND UNIQUE POOL WITH AQUAFLEX Aquaflex is proud to provide the UK swimming pool industry with Alkorplan approved site lining teams to cover the ever growing commercial and domestic swimming pool 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 an expanding range of 1.5 and 2.0mm site lining patterns, customers have a variety of choices ranging from natural and ceramic embossed designs to conventional standard patterns used widely in the commercial market.

Added to their range and new for the 2022 season is Alkorplan’s latest creation – Vogue.

With Vintage, Urban and Summer options which are printed and with relief, this new collection of 2mm reinforced laminate liners have been inspired by interior design trends.

Featuring the same properties as the popular

Touch range of liners, they offer something a little bit different and are sure to be a hit once released.

One of the company’s popular innovations is their Synergy offering. This perfect blend of Aquaflex pool lining system and ceramics offers a unique and beautiful combination, transforming any pool and giving it a sophisticated and elegant look.

The installation of Aquaflex Synergy is similar to that of the company’s normal pool lining system but with the additional installation of a 300mm heavy weight PVC coated metal profile around the top perimeter of the pool.

Once the pool has been lined, using a special adhesive, ceramic tiles are laid onto the PVC coated metal. A customer’s chosen tiles are then grouted in the normal way, achieving a beautiful tiled finish at the waterline of the pool.

Using this system, Aquaflex’s large range of lining system materials can be married with any complementary ceramic tiles.

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.

HAOGENPLAST ADD NEW APP TO MAKE SELECTION EASIER Available from SCP UK, Proflex on site pool liner solutions from Haogenplast provide a high quality, durable, 100% watertight vinyl reinforced swimming pool liner that delivers long term performance, with professional installation and excellent aesthetic properties.

There are many reasons to choose a Proflex pool liner, amongst which include an excellent resistance to microbial growth, UV stability and colour fastness plus great resilience to super-chlorination. Hot-air welded for strength, these superior lacquered liners also have excellent abrasion resistance and are produced using a superior quality assurance process.

The Proflex ElvaFlex range is a premium solution which provides durability to

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POOL LINERS & SYSTEMS chemicals and an extreme lifespan. It is the ultimate solution for complex water seal projects and public pools.

The StoneFlex range is a premium design option offering a unique stone-like finish formulated with specialised enhanced surface coating, demonstrating: superior stain resistance and clean-ability properties for their deep 3D design, exceptional UV resistance and waterproofing properties, as well as non-slip grip.

Another premium design option is TileFlex – an exclusive 50cm by 25cm tile design which features a 3D surface and the feel and grip of a real tile. It is formulated with enhanced surfacing coating, demonstrating superior stain resistance and clean-ability properties, exceptional UV resistance, as well as a non-slip grip.

The stunning Matrix range offers 3D mosaic tile designs that can give a pool the look and feel of real mosaic tiles while providing unparalleled impermeability of leakfree performance.

The Matrix line includes a pearl and silver layer which produces a dynamic prismatic effect similar to the shine of real glazed mosaic tiles. Matrix surfaces and the grout in their grooves are protected with an enhanced acrylic coating which provides superior stain resistance and makes them easy to clean.

With all these options plus plain and full pattern lacquered options available too, it comes as no surprise that new for 2022 is an app that allows all the options within the Haogenplast collection to be seen in stunning images, breathtaking video clips plus there’s even a virtual reality mode to see what a specific pool will look like!

FOR CERTIKIN, IT’S ALL IN THE LINE OF BEAUTY As one of the UK’s leading liner suppliers, Certikin offers a comprehensive portfolio of stylish, high quality, durable options and the line-up is growing.

A recent introduction is CGT’s Aquasense Granit range. The four colourway options of Granit Grey, Sand, Blue and Fidji (a charcoal With four colourway options, CGT’s Aquasense Granit range is available through Certikin and includes this Blue option

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Availble through SCP UK, Proflex’s StoneFlex range is a premium design option offering unique stone-like finish formulated with specialised enhanced surface coating

It goes without saying that these products are suitable for new projects, but they really come into their own when refurbishing existing pools” black), each provide an impressive, very realistic natural stone-effect and are of the highest quality, as you would expect from a leading supplier.

There’s now a huge variety in styles and patterns. The traditional classics have been joined by liners featuring vibrant colours, photographic printing, metallic, pearlescent finishes and engraved finishes that offer a natural stone look. The finished look can be unique, classical, dramatic or plain and simple. Each can be combined with a contrasting or complementary anti-slip material for steps and slopes (many of which are an exact match to the main pool pattern).

The site applied lining option is increasingly popular with domestic owners due to its durability. Certikin’s Infinite On-site Lining range uses a 1.5mm – 2mm three ply product compared to the traditional single ply 0.75mm vinyl used for factory made liners. The service is quick and efficient – taking around four

working days for an average sized domestic hopper pool with steps and there is no curing or standing period. It’s suitable for both new and old pools of domestic and commercial size and can accommodate complex shapes, steps, ledges and pits. The longevity of the product, when compared to thinner linings or paints, is a major advantage, particularly for commercial pools. It comes with a 15-year pro rata warranty but the life expectancy can be double this in a well-maintained pool.

ON-SITE POOL LININGS HAVE ACCESS TO ALL LEADING MANUFACTURERS The last couple of years has seen new ranges and patterns introduced to the swimming pool market, and according to specialists On-site Pool Linings, it’s definitely an exciting time for the pool industry with all the leading manufacturers producing exciting new options for customers to choose from. There are designs and colours to suit all tastes, from the traditional swimming pool linings to more modern, contemporary looking ranges which often have some unique finishes.

The experienced team at On-site Pool Linings are able to install the full range of materials – from all leading manufacturers – giving their customers the widest possible choice in swimming pool liners. They are the only company that offers this benefit to their customers and they are able to install liners into domestic pools, commercial pools, schools, hydrotherapy pools, holiday parks, health clubs, ponds and natural swimming pools.

As a specialist company, their business focuses solely on site lining, so they are able to concentrate on this specific area, giving

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POOL LINERS & SYSTEMS their customers excellent service before, during and after any installation.

With a team of professional installers who have over 60 years of experience between them, they offer a free quotation service with advice at each stage of the process – from quote to installation through to after care.

Their friendly, professional staff are always happy to help!

On-site liners have a quick installation time, low maintenance and are tailored for an exact fit to any size, shape or design of the pool.

The linings are suitable for both new and existing pools, allowing the ability to design, build or change the pool into something any customer has always dreamed of.

The experienced team at On-site Pool Linings are able to install the full range of materials – from all leading manufacturers

COLOUR UNIFORMITY A BIG PLUS FOR AQUABRIGHT™ Looking to provide a solution for problems often found with traditional pool finishes, ecoFINISH began creating batch bespoke polymer powders specifically developed for the ease of use for the installation process of flame spray coating. The company began by developing flexible polymer powders to be used for flame spray industries and created a patented process for installing their finish on concrete swimming pools. This finish was made to withstand the abuse of underwater conditions, was long-lasting and did not crack, chip or peel. This was the beginning of their aquaBRIGHT™ swimming pool finishes.

One of the huge benefits to using aquaBRIGHT is colour uniformity. When compared to coloured masonry finishes, the product provides a more uniform colour across the entire swimming pool and as the pool ages, the installation of an aquaBRIGHT finish will not ‘mottle’ or fade in larger blotchy clouds.

In addition, for some pool finishes, there can be great variations in cost, depending on the colour chosen. Sometimes the difference can be so great it becomes the sole determining factor in choosing the colour scheme for a pool. Every standard installation of residential and commercial aquaBRIGHT finishes are available at a single, low price, meaning owners can choose what they like and not what they can afford!

Plastica have over 45 years of experience surveying and manufacturing domestic and commercial swimming pool liners for the trade

Naturally, aquaBRIGHT is therefore available in a variety of colours, and once installed, the finish is immediately cured meaning the pool can be filled that day, the next day or the following week.

PLASTICA HAVE MANY YEARS EXPERIENCE IN ‘REFRESHING’ POOLS Plastica have over 45 years of experience surveying and manufacturing domestic and commercial swimming pool liners for the trade – the quality of their product is exceptional.

They use a state-of-the-art plotter cutter to accurately cut out and create each bespoke order, from their range of plain or patterned materials. All Plastica’s liner material is available in 0.50mm or 0.75mm, is impregnated with algaecide and antioxidants and patterned materials are protected with a lacquer coating to extend the life and colour of the product. Co-ordinating tile bands are triple coated with lacquer to help prevent staining at the waterline, and a variety of beading colours is available to complement a customer’s liner.

The company’s liners are produced at the UK’s largest and most established swimming pool manufacturing facility. Plastica can also weld bespoke designs as well. With a 5-yearguarantee, their liners offer lasting beauty and durability. All are embossed with a serial number relating to that order, so future

replacements are quickly quoted for and re-fitted with ease.

For on site lining, Plastica’s ExtremeTM Pool Lining system has been used in the UK and abroad. The ExtremeTM liners are guaranteed for pools for ten years up to 32°C, as well as five years for hydrotherapy use up to 35°C. There is a wide choice of patterns and colours available including a range of 3D options, giving the effect of slate, white marble, sandstone or granite. Plastica also offer an ExtremeTM liner that gives the effect of ceramic tiles, without the need for re-grouting!

Plastica are proud to take control over the quality of what they produce as they offer a bespoke service to suit their trade customers’ needs, which keeps the end-user happy in the long run.

For 2022, Plastica have exclusivity over four new liner patterns, check them out on their advert in this issue!

FOR FURTHER DETAILS: Aquaflex 01722 328873 www.aquaflex.co.uk Certikin (Liners & Covers) 01993 777200 www.certikin.co.uk ecoFINISH UK 01622 831933 www.ecopoolfinish.com On-Site Pool Linings 01709 542128 www.on-sitepoollinings.com Plastica Pools 01424 857802 www.plasticapools.net SCP UK 01293 813215 www.scpeurope.com

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Experts in luxury at-home leisure and wellness

For over 20 years, Ocea has been the market leader in automatic pool covers.

We’ve now added Starline’s sleek one-piece pools and Binder’s hi-tech counter current systems HydroStar and EasyStar to our product range.

Welcome to the new world of Ocea UK.

www.Oceacovers.co.uk @oceapoolcovers @oceapoolproducts @OceaUk

Ocea UK is looking to grow its dealer network. Contact us if you are interested.

Sales: 01993 707910 | Email: sales@oceacovers.com

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ONE-PIECE & FIBREGLASS POOLS

One-piece Rules For Convenient Pools

The installation of a NIVEKO monopool is a quick and easy process – the pool leaves production with everything prepared

With high quality finishes combined with installation times that can be measured in days and weeks rather than weeks and months, one-piece pools are the perfect solution for a hassle-free pool build experience. Add in some impressive warranties and more options than ever before and it’s easy to see why they are such a success. In this issue, we discover what’s available for 2022 By Jon Wadeson

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emand in the UK for swimming pools has exploded in the UK over the last couple of years and onepiece and fibreglass options have been up there as some of the front runners in the sector, as they simply tick a lot of boxes for the vast majority of owners.

Their popularity can mainly be put down to them being convenient. Whether it is the initial choosing of one, the delivery times (at least under normal circumstances), their To accompany its pools NIVEKO also offers exclusive components to the highest quality standards combined with functionality and design from the NIVEKO Plus series

relatively straightforward installation or the fact that a lot of the fittings and equipment are in place and ready to go direct from the factory, pools of this type definitely feature convenience. Add in low ongoing maintenance costs, stunning modern looks, competitive pricing and fantastic peace of mind warranties and let’s be honest, what’s not to like?

The convenient nature of one-piece pools also extends to not only fast installation times, but also to the amount of disruption

caused during their installation too – a big benefit that should not be under estimated.

So, as a complete package, for most aspiring owners and for pool installers too, it’s no great surprise that they are being embraced more and more.

There’s now such a wide range of models, stairs and finishing options that each pool can be customised to meet the needs of even the most particular and demanding customers. Bar a requirement for a really specific, unusual design or bespoke shape, frankly, it’s difficult to identify any real downsides to these one-piece wonders.

Even access challenges are rarely an issue thanks to an array of creative delivery methods plus options to split the pool and join it again on site.

In short, one-piece pools provide an impressive and hard to ignore list of benefits versus other more traditional pool options and for many, they are an option that are just too tempting to ignore.

So what’s available for the UK market? In this issue, we take a closer look.

NIVEKO’S HIGHLY CONFIGURABLE POOLS PROVIDE A UNIQUE ONEPIECE SOLUTION It is no coincidence that NIVEKO

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ONE-PIECE & FIBREGLASS POOLS LPW offer various pool models – there’s 12 different styles, shapes and models to choose from

monopools are popular with both the trade and customers alike. As the company’s pools are always custom made, NIVEKO are able to cater to a client’s wishes right down to the very last detail. There are no restrictions as regards shape or uniform design meaning each pool that leaves NIVEKO’s production hall is unique.

The installation of a NIVEKO monopool is a quick and easy process – the pool leaves production with everything prepared, to ensure that the installation goes as smoothly as possible and that the customer can use it immediately.

There are seven pool types in the NIVEKO pool portfolio – two skimmer variants and five overflow designs – with the idea of a pool that will fulfil the wishes of its owner down to the finest detail being reflected too.

NIVEKO’s range covers a diverse selection of pools, from the proven and simple Skimmer Top Level type through to design specialties suitable for more demanding users, which the Infinity Overflow will suit. Each type has its own characteristic qualities and design, each is suited to a different environment and the entire range makes up a comprehensive portfolio.

To accompany its pools NIVEKO also offers exclusive components to the highest quality standards combined with functionality and

When it comes to LPW, the unique design enables the added advantage for the pools to be fitted with the Covrex Automatic Slatted Cover system

design from the NIVEKO Plus series. The recessed stainless steel built-ins of this concept are another piece of a unique jigsaw puzzle tailored precisely to suit the customer.

Practically every part of a NIVEKO monopools is configurable. As regards the pool itself, there are six colours to choose from. There is also a wide range of slat covers available, if the cover is ordered together with the pool, as well as numerous built-in features and accessories. It goes without saying that the firm offers various design options for entering the pool.

LPW’S ONE-PIECE POOLS – MAKING MEMORIES FOR LIFE With over 55 years of experience and innovating design of one-piece solutions, the LPW pool brand is a popular choice on the continent and is making its mark via Fairlocks Pool Products within the UK too.

The pools are manufactured as a single, complete pool shell that can be lowered into a pre-prepared hole in the ground. A strictly controlled construction process ensures the pools are built to the highest quality. With an insulating honeycomb structure forming the core on which there are six layers of vinyl ester resin with further glass fibre support, the reinforced structure provides strength and rigidity as well a high degree of insulation.

Uncompromising quality control throughout the process enables LPW to ensure every customer gets the best out of Belgian knowhow and experience too. This gives LPW the confidence to offer the only lifetime guarantee available in the market today – how is that for peace of mind!

The unique design enables the added advantage for the pools to be fitted with the Covrex Automatic Slatted Cover system – one of the best options on the market. This combination minimises energy consumption and improves pool safety as well as security.

LPW offer various pool models – there’s 12 different styles, shapes and models to choose from – and each has been created and designed to satisfy a wide range of needs and budgets.

All models from LPW Pools can be supplied with an electrical control panel to control the pool pump, lights and the heater.

There is also an option to provide variable speed control of the circulation pump to minimise running costs further.

Built in the factory and installed in a matter of weeks with far less disruption than more conventional builds… it’s easy to see why they are a popular choice. Combine that with a lifetime warranty and LPW’s one-piece pools could well be the future!

QBIG BENEFIT POOLS – PROVIDE TIME AND ENERGY SAVINGS

ALBIXON have come up with a unique pool production solution with their QBIG BENEFIT pools

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ALBIXON, which has 30 years of experience in the production of one-piece pools, has a solution for everybody. Clients can chose from mass-produced pools as well as bespoke models, overflow as well as skimmer pools, and different colour options plus stair positions. High quality materials such as ALBISTONE® and POLYSTONE® from RÖCHLING, modern design and intelligent pool technology is a must. And if clients want to prolong the swimming season, they can easily add a pool enclosure, which ensures not only security, but also cleaner and warmer water.

Thanks to decades of experience with swimming pools, ALBIXON have come up with a unique pool production solution with their QBIG BENEFIT pools. The company

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ONE-PIECE & FIBREGLASS POOLS

Bosta UK’s fibreglass pools feature exceptional durability and strong construction

removed all the ribbing from the outside of the pool and replaced it with 25 cm thick thermal construction which after pouring concrete, serves as both a load-bearing and thermal insulating element of the pool. As the names suggests, these pools are full of benefits: very quick and easy construction work, simple maintenance, high thermal isolation and pipe protection.

In addition, these pools save water – with proper maintenance and compliance with the prescribed parameters of pool water, owners do not have to drain the pool, even at the end of the season. Therefore any necessary water replacement is only minimal.

For a clean design, with water up to the edge and the feeling of an infinite surface, opt for ALIBIXON’s overflow pools which feature a unique solution for the top edge.

Their specially designed grid structure provides an ergonomic shape which is comfortable to walk on and significantly reduces the overrunning of water from the pool during water fun. For time-tested swimming pools in a new design select the skimmer pools, which are now even better, thanks to the possibility of finishing with an elegant X-SHAPE trim.

COMPLETE KIT ONE-PIECE POOL OPTIONS FROM BOSTA Bosta UK have been offering fibreglass pools with complete kit pricing for several years and it’s an option which makes swimming pools more affordable. So it’s not surprising that the company has seen a huge increase in demand since their initial launch, especially over the last couple of years.

Both pool installers and consumers have been excited about the possibilities given to them using fibreglass and the manufacturing methods, and as a result, Bosta’s product range has expanded.

There are currently 11 models on offer and the range means pools are available in different shapes, sizes and colours to create the look and feel a customer requires.

The pools are made of high quality fibreglass laminate with a smooth surface for a high level of comfort and finish. A special TÜV approved, gel-coat creates the glossy

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surface layer and it is particularly resistant to the long term influence of chlorine, as well as UV radiation and changes in temperature.

The pools are produced with an extra polyurethane foam on the outside of the pool, which insulates and assists with the prevention of heat loss.

The construction of each pool is additionally strengthened with metal, which gives the pool a rigid shell, and all pools are equipped with an extra layer of reinforced bottom insulation.

Produced in Europe, Bosta UK’s fibreglass pools feature exceptional durability and strong construction. They offer the perfect resistance to freezing weather and come with a ten-year guarantee on construction and twoyears on their colour.

All Bosta UK pools can be supplied with a full filtration kit, including filtration, lighting and heating, and are inclusive of delivery. The company also has a range of upgrade options that their customers can offer to tailor make a package to suit every individual’s needs.

LEISURE POOLS’ WARRANTIES PROVIDE PEACE OF MIND FOR LIFE Proud to be one of the largest one-piece pool manufacturers in Australia and the USA, Leisure Pools has now grown to develop

one of Europe’s most experienced fibreglass swimming pool dealer networks, installing quality fibreglass one-piece swimming pools, fibreglass plunge pools and fibreglass lap pools.

Extensive market research combined with the industry’s most experienced fibreglass pool designers has enabled Leisure Pools to develop one of Europe’s most architecturally modern and innovative range of pools which are available at competitive prices that will suit any family and budget.

Through their global experience, the company have developed state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and with superior raw materials, backed by in-house research and stringent quality control, every Leisure Pool product is assured of being of the highest standard.

Leisure Pools are a leader in swimming pool technology. Their patented Composite Armour™ which features Du Pont™ Kevlar® and Carbon Fibre in all strategic structural points of the pools, combines with the company’s patent pending full vinyl ester resin construction. This combination allows all Leisure Pools models to be supplied inclusive of a Lifetime Structural Warranty and a Lifetime Structural Osmosis Warranty on all their swimming pools.

The combination of the company’s patent USPs that include invisible high water lines, sharp understated designs and their modern range of colours combined with the some of the strongest warranties on the market today, are all contributors to the brand’s strong growth in Europe and the UK.

TILED LUXURY COMBINES WITH ONE-PIECE CONVENIENCE Available in a variety of sizes and designs, the one-piece Tilestone Pool is one of Paramount Pools’ latest offerings and provides the luxury of a tiled pool in a fraction of the time.

Made from reinforced GRP, with a 50mm high-density PU foam and steel carbon framework, the Tilestone comes ready-made to fit directly into a previously excavated and prepared hole – a 100mm concrete sub-

Sharp understated designs and a modern range of colours have contributed to Leisure Pools’ strong growth in Europe and the UK

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ONE-PIECE & FIBREGLASS POOLS base with drainage is required – and can be delivered fully tiled or un-tiled. The Tilestone self-supporting 100mm box carbon steel frame enables the pool to be installed above or below ground and sectional pool structures are also available.

Available as a skimmer, overflow or infinityedge type pool. A wide range of standard sizes is available to choose from, although a custom built surface is offered for more particular requirements.

A standard Tilestone pool is rectangular in design with a pool depth of 1.5m, although this can be adjusted. The maximum length available in one-piece is 11.5m x 3.70m.

The rectangular shape allows for the best fitting of a variety of slatted or fabric safety covers, and the fully-insulated wall and sides will considerably reduce energy running costs.

A unique manufacturing process ensures the construction of Tilestone pools is 100% waterproof, with no structural leaks, and will not corrode over time like steel or RC. The flexibility of the pool – compared to concrete – allows for greater resistance against thermal or physical stresses, and structural failure is virtually unheard of. Each pool is perfectly constructed in factory controlled conditions to create a higher level of quality and consistency than found in gunite on site construction.

Combining the beauty and strength of the Tilestone City Pool, a new ‘Ultra-flow’ model was launched last year with the model incorporating a counter-current system to produce a realistic river smooth like current with variable speed.

STARLINE MONOBLOCK GO FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH Available through Ocea UK, Starline Monoblock luxury, one-piece pools have gone from strength to strength over the last couple of years since the relaunch of the UK franchise prior to the pandemic.

Starline have been manufacturing for over 40 years and the swimming pools are 100% ‘Dutch’ design and have a minimalist look.

The brand’s one-piece pools are

The one-piece luxury Tilestone Pool is one of Paramount Pools’ latest offerings

The convenient nature of one-piece pools also extends to not only fast installation times, but also to the amount of disruption caused during their installation too – a big benefit that should not be under estimated” manufactured using only the very best materials, with high quality composite and a very sustainable, double-walled insulated structure.

Each pool can be completely personalised with entrance steps, various options and chic accessories plus all are available in a range of different colours.

A Starline swimming pool is a clean swimming pool, with the top layer of the walls being UV-resistant, scratch-proof and indestructible. The material is extremely hard and very smooth, making it both antibacterial and soft to the touch too.

When it comes to safety, the company have given this a lot of thought. Various pools come with a standing ledge and a safety rim for the Roldeck cover, meaning children can safely play around the swimming pool.

Starline offer guarantees for all their

products. This includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee on their swimming pools, as well as lifetime guarantees on the water tightness of the vinyl ester top layer and the tub. As the company’s swimming pools are completely fitted in the factory, any pool will be ready to use in a home or garden within one week.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS: ALBIXON a.s. +420 775 853 120 www.albixon.com Bosta UK 01284 716580 www.bosta.co.uk Fairlocks Pool Products 01869 934333 www.lpwpools.co.uk Leisure Pools +44 33 0808 4822 www.leisurepools.eu NIVEKO s.r.o. +420 572 693 246 www.niveko-pools.com Ocea UK 01993 707910 www.starlinepool.com

Available through Ocea UK, Starline’s one-piece swimming pools are 100% ‘Dutch’ design and have a minimalist look

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Paramount Pools 01256 686615 www.paramountpools.co.uk

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POOL AND COVER – PERFECT MATCH

ALBIXON QBIG BENEFIT POOLS Overflow and skimmer one-piece pools Faster and more economical construction thanks to the integrated permanent shuttering Simple maintenance High thermal insulation ability

Wintering without the need to drain the pool Optimised water circulation Intelligent water treatment system Also supplied as a pool set with enclosure and pre-assembled plant

How we speed up construction work The QBIG BENEFIT pools are factory fitted with 25cm thick thermal shuttering, which after filling with concrete, it serves as both a load-bearing and thermal insulating element of the pool.“

export@albixon.com

www.ALBIXON.com

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AUTOMATIC DOMESTIC POOL COVERS

Automatic Cover-ups Offer Safety, Style And More!

The introduction of a pool cover is an obvious and logical step to help domestic owners save money and make pool ownership ‘greener’. Automatic pool covers go a step further by providing a stylish, labour saving 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 By Jon Wadeson

A

utomatic pool covers are a great solution for a wide variety of pool shapes and sizes and are particularly well suited to smaller pools found in domestic settings. With the possibility of being located above the pool or within it for improved aesthetics, combined with an array of colours and materials available for the slats or cover material, they appeal to even the most discerning of clients.

With many options providing the ultimate in safety for when the pool is not in use, as with most other pool covers, all automatic options will also save their owners both time, energy and costs in terms of cleaning and maintenance, plus they make opening and closing the pool a breeze!

Technology wise, they’re fully up to speed with some being controllable from an app on a smartphone, meaning that the pool can even be prepared for use remotely.

With plenty of options on offer, this issue, we take a look at some of the stylish and dependable cover-ups that are available for the domestic market in 2022.

MADE IN BELGIUM – T&A’S AQUAGUARD SAFETY COVER 2021 was another successful year for European pool businesses with lots of new pools being built and existing ones renovated and upgraded.

With more people enjoying the luxury of a

private pool at their home, safety becomes more of a concern. Unfortunately accidents occur from time to time and all too often, small children are involved. Having a proper, reliable pool cover is essential to leaving a pool in a safe way after use.

Available in the UK through Paragon Pool Services, T&A’s AquaGuard is an automatic safety cover with a stainless steel mechanism, hydraulic drive, aluminium anodised tracks and a polyester reinforced PVC fabric which is offered in seven different colours. AquaGuard covers the pool completely offering a very high level of safety for the entire family as well as keeping it clean. As evaporation gets reduced, heat losses are minimised. AquaGuard meets the French safety standard NF P90-308 and is available for new and existing pools in both skimmer and overflow versions.

A new powerpack (hydraulic pump) with PCB, low voltage key switch and touch screen is available in white or dark grey. The new powerpack also has two output relays to control the chlorine level and filtration pump speed automatically depending on the position of the pool cover.

If a smart, slatted option is required, T&A’s AquaTop automatic pool cover comes with a control box Version 6G and COVERU app.

The company’s control box is well-known for its reliability and user-friendliness with programmable options enabling owners to

T&A’s AquaGuard is an automatic safety cover with a stainless steel mechanism, hydraulic drive, aluminium anodised tracks and a polyester reinforced PVC fabric

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connect and control supplementary devices.

As T&A do not make use of any specific protocol, their control unit is compatible with all house automation systems too.

AQUATRAC – NEVER A BETTER TIME TO BUY BRITISH! The substantial forward purchasing of materials, increased stock levels, a focus on buying the best the UK can offer and a genuine drive to reduce the company’s environmental impact… these measures and more have proved to be increasingly attractive to discerning clients and likeminded pool companies working with safety cover manufacturer Aquatrac. It has also led to unprecedented growth for the Essex-based company over the last two years.

With all parts in stock and a team of engineers visiting sites across the UK, with Aquatrac reliability high on the list of priorities too.

Following over 40 years of installations, the mechanics of the Aquatrac safety cover have been established as some of the most reliable in the sector. The low volt drive unit with no hydraulics or power concerns by the poolside is unrivaled and all moving parts are high quality stainless steel or industrial plastics proven to last.

Whether fitted flush behind copings or below, standard and bespoke models all come with track colour choices. There

Available in a multitude of colours as standard, the Aquatrac high gloss PVC material is cross woven with polyester mesh

SPN April 2022 77 07/04/2022 12:07

AUTOMATIC DOMESTIC POOL COVERS Available through Certikin, the Roldeck Easy Cover for deck mount installations as seen on this Mermaid Pools project

Poollock’s unique hydraulic-drive system means that the customer does not need any electrical components near the pool

are various pit cover types to suit a variety of surrounds whilst enabling full access to the cover and mechanism.

All options allow for full retraction of the cover leading edge beneath the pit top as standard, ensuring the ultimate desired finish is achieved without compromise. In addition, a variety of water levels can now be achieved with Aquatrac’s new range of leading-edge beams.

Available in a multitude of colours as standard, the Aquatrac high gloss PVC material is cross woven with polyester mesh which not only guarantees complete safety, but additionally offers insulation, operational and easy cleaning benefits that may not initially be considered by the new pool owner, but will very quickly become seen as invaluable!

POOLLOCK’S SOLID SAFETY BARRIERS Due to their many years of experience designing and producing automatic covers, PoolLock is able to work with domestic customers and architects to create tailored solutions to cover almost any kind of pool.

The company’s unique hydraulic-drive system means that the customer does not need 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 and making them some of the safest covers on the market. In addition, all PoolLock covers will reduce the amount of heat, water and chemicals lost through evaporation, which means pool owners can save money on electricity and chemical usage.

In addition to the standard fabric options, PoolLock also offers 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 the safest, but also the most energy-efficient available on the market.

PoolLock Automatic Covers offer customers the safest, most convenient, most reliable and energy-efficient way to cover the pool.

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.

ROLDECK – AS STYLISH AS IT IS FUNCTIONAL For the ultimate in energy saving, evaporation control and durability, Certikin have the Roldeck. It offers a wide variety of installation options, plus of course creates an attractive finish to any pool.

Each Roldeck is made to measure for new or existing pools with the coiling mechanism installed above or below ground or in the pool itself. In an above-ground installation,

With many options providing the ultimate in safety for when the pool is not in use, all automatic options will also save their owners both time, energy and costs in terms of cleaning and maintenance, plus they make opening and closing the pool a breeze! ” 78 April 2022 SPN 77-78+81-82_SPN_April_2022_Automatic_Covers.indd 78

the protective roller cover can be reinforced to create a bench. Touch pad type switch and remote control for easy calibration and operation, a safety lock available for new builds and the ability to interlock with the air handling system (indoor pools), are just some of its outstanding features.

Roldeck’s standard PVC slats come in white, blue, cream, grey, solar and transparent (with a blue tint). The transparent slats allow under water lighting to shine through whilst the solar option, with a black base, collects heat from the sun and transfers it directly into the water, greatly reducing heating costs.

The PC60 Polycarbonate Slats are available in Solar, Crystal Clear or Aluminium effect and Solar Eclipse® Slats – which have exceptional resistance to UV radiation, thanks to UV stabilisers in the base material and an additional protective top layer – are available in five colours (three with solar gain).

The Roldeck is powered by a 24 volt in-roller motor system (negating the need for a separate motor pit) that features Formula 1 shock absorber seal technology and built-in pressure sensor.

For owners on a smaller budget, the Roldeck Easy Cover is an affordable electronic automatic cover suitable for pools up to a maximum of 12m x 6m. It is available as a solar powered or full electronic system and is ideal if space around the pool is limited, as it is supplied with slim and discreet end stands.

THE CHOICE IS YOURS WITH ASTRALPOOL AstralPool UK offer a number of automatic pool cover choices, with slatted options available from Grando, and fabric alternatives from Cover-Pools.

Grando use exclusively high-grade materials such as specialty plastics and stainless steel, which are very durable and long-lasting. Apart from the choice of materials, the high quality of the workmanship also plays a key role in the performance of these quality covers.

For an above-ground cover installation,

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FAIRLOCKS FP DEC21 COVREX.qxp_Layout 1 17/11/2021 02:57 Page 1

Covrex® slats are solid, providing both additional rigidity and a perfect finish on curves which can be cut, on site, to fit any shape.

5 YEAR WARRANTY INCLUDED

This is no ordinary pool cover, it has huge advantages over traditional PVC slatted covers in terms of insulation properties with average thermal conductivity of = 0.0821 W/(mK) or a u value of 5.8.

The profile structures are made from expanded PVC-foam, coextruded with polyurethane. The profile exterior is high density PVC, which gives a perfectly smooth surface to prevent any algae formation either above or below the water level.

Covrex® covers comply with the French safety standard NF P 90308 Version 2006, probably the strictest standard in the market.

They provide excellent resistance to weather and UV which makes them suitable for use all year round and come with an amazing standard 5 year warranty.

Covrex® is the future; so get ahead of your competitors before it’s too late!

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE, QUALITY PRODUCTS 3 Landscape Close, Weston on the Green, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX25 3SX, UK T: 01869 934333 | E: info@fairlocks.co.uk | W: www.fairlocks.co.uk

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AUTOMATIC DOMESTIC POOL COVERS Available through AstralPool UK, Grando covers use exclusively high-grade materials

Pool owners can take their parties to a whole new level thanks to the DEL Tixit above-ground automatic slatted cover featuring builtin Bluetooth speakers

options are available: • ‘Light’ is the ideal solution for pools up to 6 x 12m and has the roller system at the edge of the pool. Ideal for retrofitting, this option feature special Light slats, an aluminium shaft and a special compressed Light drive unit making the rolled up diameter very small.

• ‘Compact’ is again positioned at the edge of the pool , can be retro fitted, but unlike the Light cover, features a stainless steel shaft and premium slats.

Both of these solutions are available as a ‘Mobile’ option which is particularly suitable for unconventional pool shapes and allows the unit to be positioned in the middle of the pool.

For a more elegant solution that will not impair the overall appearance of the pool, several different below-ground options are also available.

To accompany the cover systems (with the exception of the Light version), Grando’s three-chamber 60mm x 40mm Premium slats are available in PVC and more durable polycarbonate options, with both materials coming in a choice of six colours.

If a material cover is required, Cover-pools’ multitasking option will act as a safety cover, solar cover and winter cover whilst saving operating costs for its owners. Strong and with a smaller footprint, the Cover-Pools T4 system is the only automatic pool cover system designed for stainless steel cable which doesn’t stretch like traditional rope.

stands that have their own stylish aesthetic so won’t look out of place next to your pool,” said Adam Clark, Sales Director at Golden Coast. “The built-in speakers allow owners to play music for an added fun element, plus the electric models have LED lighting for ambience at night.”

DEL Tixit covers can be fitted with either solar polycarbonate slats – available in six colours – or opaque PVC slats in grey, white, blue or beige. End-stands are available in matt grey, white or black, with a textured powder-coated aluminium finish, and are 100% recyclable.

“The beauty of DEL slatted covers is that the owners can choose a look that suits their preference,” said Adam Clark.

“DEL is a world-renowned cover manufacturer with an outstanding reputation for creating high-quality products with exceptional reliability. All DEL Tixit slats meet standard NF P 90-308.”

The DEL Tixit cover can be opened or closed in minutes. To prevent young children from entering the pool unsupervised, owners can add locking kits for extra security. The Tixit can also be remotely operated by a wireless Wi-key box to stop unauthorised access.

FAIRLOCKS HAS IT ALL COVERED Available from Fairlocks Pool Products, CovLock is a cover that combines comfort and safety. As it’s automated, handling it is so simple, with quick opening and closing available at the turn of a key. It can be adapted to all types of pools too, thanks to its different models and a wide range of colour choices.

CovLock is completely waterproof around the whole perimeter, so the pool will stay clean in both summer and winter. It also prevents heat loss and stops evaporation.

Made in France, the product is fully complaint to the French safety standard NF P90-308 and includes four types of rail options to adapt to all pool types.

If a slatted option is required, Fairlocks offer their Covrex© solution. The differences between Covrex© and other slatted pool covers are numerous. Conceptual and intelligent, the systems consist of high-quality PVC slats specially developed for use in both outdoor and indoor pool applications. The slats are co-extruded and integrally bonded with hinges made of PUR (polyurethane). The crosssection design permits tight coiling radii making Covrex© systems extremely compact, with their space saving design meaning they are ideal for retrofitting as well as faultless

GOLDEN COAST AND DEL BRING SOME WOW FACTOR TO AUTOMATIC COVERS Swimming pool owners can take their parties to a whole new level thanks to the DEL Tixit above-ground automatic slatted cover featuring built-in Bluetooth speakers.

As the latest addition to the ever-popular DEL pool cover range, the Tixit is currently available in solar and electric variations and can be purchased from wet leisure distributor Golden Coast.

“The DEL Tixit has modern rectangular end

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Covrex® covers are fully compliant with stringent French safety standard NF P90-308 and come with a five-year warranty on slats – the longest on the market

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AUTOMATIC DOMESTIC POOL COVERS Dripool’s Driglide under coping system offers several unique features

By exclusively continuing to manufacture their own cover materials, Ocea are able to ensure that quality and elegance remain their objectives

initial installations.

The Covrex© design also means that old fashioned bacteria collecting endcaps are not necessary and therefore a considerable amount of fabrication work in the factory is eliminated. This allows the covers to be finetuned and adapted to the finished pool on site, which guarantees precise fitting down to the last millimetre, and provides choice and flexibility in pools where conventional solutions are inadequate or completely unsuitable.

Covrex© automatic pool covers are the result of more than 40 years’ experience and client feedback. They are fully compliant with stringent French safety standard NF P90-308 and come with a five-year warranty on slats – the longest on the market.

SLATTED OR MATERIAL? DRIPOOL – PROVIDING 35 YEARS OF POOL SAFETY Dripool have been at the forefront of pool safety for over 35 years and remain the UK’s only designers and manufacturers of automatic safety covers, for all types of swimming pool.

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.

The patented winding extrusion and tensioned leading edge ‘super Cam’ ensures that no front beam is required, making the Driglide the only automatic swimming pool cover that completely disappears from the pool when uncovered.

The AutoSafe is the latest addition to Dripool’s range of products and is an under coping system that is predominantly designed to ensure safety, debris control and heat

82 April 2022 SPN 77-78+81-82_SPN_April_2022_Automatic_Covers.indd 82

retention on new build, rectangular pools.

Whilst the AutoSafe incorporates the same unique winding technology and exacting standards as the company’s Driglide system, it has been cleverly simplified for the more budget conscious customer. The current Autosafe promotion provides free of charge brackets and plates to allow a rigid platform over the cover housing for coping and paving.

Once installed, both of these systems are easily operated via a discreet control panel simply by turning a key and pressing a button.

OCEA OFFER TWO DECADES OF EXCELLENCE, ELEGANCE AND ENGINEERING By exclusively continuing to manufacture their own cover materials, Ocea are able to ensure that quality and elegance remain their objectives.

In addition to providing a range of great value PVC slats, Ocea offer the largest range of polycarbonate, transparent and solar profile options on the market. Thanks to the versatility of being able to produce both dual and tri-extrusion technology, Ocea slat profiles add a conductive bottom layer to your specially-selected transparent surface layer. This transforms the cover into a vital secondary heating source. What’s more, Ocea offers the widest choice of polycarbonate, transparent and colour finishes.

Ocea’s exclusive sleek and interlocking slat profile gives an unrivalled veneer finish to any pool. Alongside the supreme design, the 65mm profile is optimally engineered with versatility as a key factor; both to seal the pool surface and maximise the solar potential. Sixty five millimetres was chosen as the profile width as it is the perfect balance between maximising surface contact for heat retention and the ability to tailor the cover to bespoke shapes and sizes without detracting from the beauty of the pool finish.

When it comes to drive systems, whether for an existing or a new swimming pool, Ocea offers two kinds of systems for pool covers: the Logic system and the Classic system.

Boasting a 25 year industry pedigree, the Classic motor system is the traditional method for motorising an automatic pool cover whereas the advantage of the Ocea Logic motor system is that it is fitted inside the cover roller itself, thus minimalising the installation space with no moving parts outside of the pool.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS: Aquatrac 01268 571515 www.aquatrac.co.uk AstralPool UK 01329 514000 www.astralpool.co.uk Certikin 01993 777200 www.certikin.co.uk Dripool Ltd 02380 663131 www.dripool.co.uk Fairlocks Pool Products 01869 934333 www.fairlocks.co.uk Golden Coast 01271 378100 www.goldenc.com Ocea UK 01993 707910 www.oceacovers.co.uk PoolLock 01293 774414 www.poollock.com T&A 01869 253583 www.t-and-a.be

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 07/04/2022 12:07

Fully automatic pool covers

Luxury and convenience at the touch of a button

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BUYERS GUIDE CONTROL PANELS

HEAT EXCHANGERS

ON-SITE LINING

PLAY EQUIPMENT

HOT TUB & SPAS

ON-SITE LINING

PLAY EQUIPMENT

AN ADVERT THIS SIZE IN THIS BUYERS GUIDE IS JUST £345!

THAT’S 6 ISSUES OR 12 MONTHS COVERAGE FORJUST UNDER £1 PER DAY! TO ADVERTISE CALL TONY WESTON ON 01474 813433 E. TONY@AQUAPUBLISHING.CO.UK

HEAT EXCHANGERS

84 April 2022 SPN

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BUYERS GUIDE POOL BUILDERS

POOL COVERS

POOL ENGINEERS

POOL ENGINEERS

AN ADVERT THIS SIZE IN THIS BUYERS GUIDE IS JUST £345!

THAT’S 6 ISSUES OR 12 MONTHS COVERAGE FOR JUST UNDER £1 PER DAY! TO ADVERTISE CALL TONY WESTON ON 01474 813433

E.TONY@AQUA-PUBLISHING.CO.UK

POOL COVERS

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POOL ENCLOSURES

POOL ENGINEERS

POOL EQUIPMENT

SPN April 2022 85

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BUYERS GUIDE POOL EQUIPMENT

POOL EQUIPMENT

POOL LIFTS & SPA HOISTS

SPRAYED CONCRETE

POOL FLOORS – SERVICING

PRESSURE TESTING & LEAK DETECTION EQUIP

SPRAYED CONCRETE

AN ADVERT THIS SIZE IN THIS BUYERS GUIDE IS JUST £495!

THAT’S 6 ISSUES OR 12 MONTHS COVERAGE FOR LESS THAN £1.50 PER DAY! TO ADVERTISE CALL TONY WESTON ON 01474 813433 E. TONY@AQUAPUBLISHING.CO.UK

POOL EQUIPMENT

86 April 2022 SPN

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BUYERS GUIDE SPRAYED CONCRETE

SWIM SPAS

WATER MONITORING & CONTROL

ADVERTISERS INDEX

ALBIXON

75

Aquaflex

69

Aquatrac

11

Aquavia Spa

58

Artesian Spas

IBC

AstralPool UK

27 & 45

Certikin

34, 46, 48, 67 & 80

Dripool

76

Fairlocks Pool Products IFC, 14 & 79 GMT Spas

51

Golden Coast Heatstar Europe

39

Intopool

16

Lighthouse

SPRAYED CONCRETE

TILED SPAS

WATER SAMPLING

E.TONY@AQUA-PUBLISHING.CO.UK

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk

06 & OBC

Mikel Tube WDB

08

MSpa

19

NIVEKO

27

Ocea UK

70 & 83

On-site Pool Linings Ltd

67

Plastica

69

Pool Trade Counters

48

PoolLock

76

Ryam Steels

AN ADVERT THIS SIZE IN THIS BUYERS GUIDE IS JUST £495!

THAT’S 6 ISSUES OR 12 MONTHS COVERAGE FOR LESS THAN £1.50 PER DAY! TO ADVERTISE CALL TONY WESTON ON 01474 813433

11, 43 & 51

11

SCP UK

64

Spanet

43

SPATEX

28

STA

45

Stoves + Solar

67

Sunbeach Spas

54

Superior Wellness

21

T&A

80

Verder UK

22

Waterco

05

Waterco/Certikin

24

Wellis

63

SPN April 2022 87

OPINION

The Only Certainty Right Now Is Change “Even as we begin to see how the world has changed, it changes again. It feels as if we are standing on shifting sands with little idea of what tomorrow might bring.” In this latest issue, Jamie Adams, Managing Director at Golden Coast gives his thoughts on a rapidly changing world and its effects on business

T

he future has always been an uncertain place, and that’s fine. We have lived with that our entire lives.

In fact, as business people we have sometimes become obsessed with looking at the future and trying to predict what will change, what will be the next big thing.

But it seems like the world has taken a step beyond that.

What we are living through are changes of a scale and speed that we simply haven’t experienced before and it doesn’t look as if this new pace of change will slow down any time soon.

ALL CHANGE We like to think that we can see how new events will change our world but I’m not sure how true that is.

Who could have seen that a new virus emerging in a city in Central China would cause an explosion in the sale of hot tubs throughout the UK? We are used to our industry being solar powered and reacting to the weather but now it seems that we need to factor in how a virus might behave and what restrictions and regulations might be brought in as a consequence of that.

That isn’t a business skill that we have needed before.

ONE CHANGE LEADS TO ANOTHER In the wake of the virus came a global disruption in the world’s supply chain.

As the world’s economy ground to a halt people examined more closely how the supply chain worked and for many individuals and organisations, it began to look as if it made little sense.

Globalisation had led to production of essential parts often being centralised in just a few places and manufacturers had fallen into the habit of moving products around the world during their construction.

Raw materials might be sourced from country X, while microchips made in country Y were then installed by cheap labour in country Z. It might be a very cost-efficient system, but it isn’t necessarily a very stable or an eco-friendly one.

The supply chain could be put back together again just as it was but people are beginning to wonder, is that really the best plan?

CHANGE AND CHANGE AGAIN Supply chain issues caused the wet leisure industry huge problems last year and as a reaction to that many companies have stocked up – in particular with spas – in a way never seen before.

It will depend on consumer demand as to how successful this turns out to be. The problem is that it’s human nature to assume that what happens one year will be some indication of what happens in the next, but we are living through a time when that no longer seems to hold true.

At Golden Coast we have increased the levels of warehouse stock that we hold, but to know how the global economy will be behaving this summer we would need a crystal ball and, sadly, we don’t have one of those.

Electricity prices are set to soar as well and we can only be thankful that our industry has invested so much time and effort to bring new and innovative energy saving products to market” 88 April 2022 SPN 88_SPN_April_2022_Opinion.indd 88

NO CHANGE FROM A TENNER Two new phrases have entered the conversation about the state of the world’s economy; food security and fuel security.

What they refer to is the increasing uncertainty surrounding the oil and gas supplies to the west and the stocks and supplies of food to the UK. What they mean, however, is that energy prices will go up, as will the cost of living.

The price of diesel is at an all time high and diesel is the workhorse of our economy.

When the delivery driver pulls up at the pump, it’s diesel that he is filling up with.

Electricity prices are set to soar as well and we can only be thankful that our industry has invested so much time and effort to bring new and innovative energy saving products to market. It seems safe to assume that they will only become more and more important and popular with our customers.

UKRAINE This article was written on 18 March, 23 days after Russia invaded Ukraine.

The invasion could well become the biggest change facing the world right now. It is certainly a horrific situation for the Ukrainian people. The repercussions from this war have already spread around the world and it is impossible to form any picture of where this conflict might take us. I’m sure you will join me in sparing a thought for the people of Ukraine.

Golden Coast 01271 378100 www.goldenc.com

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 28/03/2022 15:02

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