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All the Latest News, Info, Products and Gossip from the UK Pool and Spa Industry and Beyond
SPATA Membership For Mapei UK As a well-known provider of systems for the construction of swimming pools, Mapei are delighted to have been accepted as members of SPATA, The Swimming Pool and Allied Trades Association. Founded in 1937 in Milan, Mapei is today one of the most important producers of adhesives and complementary products for installing all types of floor and wall and coating materials and is also specialised in other chemical products used in the building industry, such as waterproofing products, special mortars, admixtures for concrete, products for underground constructions and for the restoration of concrete and historical buildings. With solutions from screed and render, through to concrete waterproofing admixtures, waterproofing membranes and an extensive range of tile adhesives, coloured grout and sealant, Mapei offer full swimming pool and leisure systems from substrate to finish, specialising in fast-track options. They have worked with contractors nationwide on an extensive portfolio of leisure projects. To become a member of SPATA is a privilege for Mapei UK, a subsidiary of Mapei Group. In Britain, the company produces a wide range of their products at their Halesowen plant in the West Midlands and look forward to contributing to the association
and working alongside fellow members. They have also recently confirmed they will exhibit again at SPATEX 2021.
Mapei UK Ltd 0121 508 6970 www.mapei.co.uk
Don’t Let Swimming Become Leisure’s ‘Forgotten Activity’
Swim England has pleaded with the Government to ensure swimming doesn’t become leisure’s ‘forgotten activity’ – after it was revealed in July that almost a third of public pools could remain closed for another six months. Indoor pools across the country were allowed to reopen on Saturday 25 July – 128 days after they were forced to shut on Friday 20 March as part of the nationwide effort to help curb the spread of coronavirus. However, less than 20% of local authority-owned facilities welcomed swimmers back into the water on reopening day – and many of those will have been at a reduced capacity. New research also shows 30% of public pools may remain closed into 2021 due to the exceptional costs councils face to reopen facilities – coupled with the income lost during the lockdown period. Jane Nickerson, Swim England Chief Executive, has reiterated her plea to the Government to step in and ensure these facilities are given the financial support they need to survive. Speaking in July she said: “We’re obviously delighted that pools have finally been given the green light to reopen for the first time in more than four months. “However, we face the real risk of swimming becoming a forgotten activity for so many people if public leisure centres open their gyms
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first and leave pools closed until next year. “Before the lockdown, 4.7 million people a month were swimming regularly. It is such a unique activity in that it offers huge physical and mental health benefits – and helps save the NHS and social care system more than £357m a year. “It would be short-sighted not to provide the necessary financial support to help facilities blighted by the pandemic. The savings made to the NHS alone would quickly more than recover the initial outlay.” Swim England 01509 618700 www.swimming.org
www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 27/08/2020 19:30
