12 minute read
STAINLESS STEEL SOLUTIONS
The Enduring Appeal Of Stainless Steel
The appeal of stainless steel for pool construction goes much further than it being a material chosen for use solely in challenging environments. Trendsetters love its polished looks and the same applies for many pool accessories too. Strength and durability combined with timeless aesthetics - it’s a winning combination that ensures stainless steel solutions are always in demand and in this issue, we examine some of the choices on offer
By Jon Wadeson
Lightweight, strong, flexible, durable, corrosion resistant, hygienic… the list of characteristics of stainless steel that make it so ideal for the use in building swimming pools, spas and their associated accessories seems to go on and on. Add to that striking and timeless aesthetics that exude quality and which never go out of fashion, and it’s easy to see why the appeal of stainless steel endures and more and more architects and interior designers are specifying it.
Stainless steel’s exclusive looks and unique properties are further enhanced with the ability to ‘pre-engineer’ pools and spas in a modular process, similar to the ways that have been developed for virtually all aspects of modern building. Designers and contractors can now also utilise the efficiency of the construction process and save considerable time and money during the pool build.
As with smaller stainless steel accessories, components for a complete pool project are produced to proven design templates in manufacturing facilities where quality control is strictly monitored. This process means that construction surprises are virtually eliminated and accurate costs are always known.
With many advantages over other materials used for builds in the wet leisure sector and in the production of many accessories, it seems the flexible nature of stainless steel will guarantee its use for many years to come and in this issue, we take a closer look at just some of the stainless steel solutions that are on the market this year.
THE COMPLETE STAINLESS STEEL SERVICE FROM LSPC
London Swimming Pool Company (LSPC) has a track record of over 30 years in creating award winning concrete pools, but three years ago it expanded its portfolio of services to offer luxury stainless steel pools to private clients, capitalising on the growing interest in this spectacular finish.
Working in concert with Berndorf Bäderbau, one of Europe’s premier stainless steel pool manufacturers, LSPC creates the bespoke pool design and the stainless steel pool shell is constructed to fit the pool specification exactly to ensure smooth installation. Once the pool is built and testing of the pool shell integrity has been successfully completed, the LSPC Servicing team commissions the pool before handing it over to the client. LSPC Servicing will tend to handle the ongoing regular pool maintenance too.
LSPC Managing Director, Jamie Smith said: “There is tremendous interest in stainless steel pools now. Clients are drawn to the finish because of its ultra sleekness which graces any upscale residence, traditional or modern. Our design team spends a lot of time with the client at the concept stage, taking them through different design options, of which there are many because the material is so flexible, as well as the requirements for the plantroom. Clients soon begin to appreciate the benefits of a stainless steel pool way beyond pure aesthetics. A big advantage to them is the potential to have their pool finished sooner, because the construction process is considerably faster than building a traditional pool.”
Modular stainless steel pools – such as with this installation in Surrey from LSPC – allow clients to have the luxury and beauty of a stainless steel pool at a lower cost than a bespoke model
LUXURY STAINLESS STEEL SOLUTIONS FROM SPAFLO
Having worked in the pool and spa industry for over 16 years, Richard Gowland knows a thing or two about high-end requirements. In that time, he has designed, manufactured and installed luxurious projects all over the world including 5* hotels, destination spas, superyachts and private residential properties. His creative flair and attention to detail has shone through on all his installations as he draws upon his degree in Design & Technology with Management Studies.
After 12 years building a pool company from scratch into a well-known brand, last year Richard decided it was time for a new challenge and had identified a gap in the UK pool and spa market forstainless steel spas, hydropools and hot tubs at competitive costs. Manycommercial pool and spa specifications detail stainless steelmanifolds, strainers and plant equipment because it is undoubtedly thebest material to work with. Stainless steel offers numerous advantagesover other materials. It has the longest lifespan, has a smooth surfacewhich is easy to clean, isn’t affected by frost or UV rays and lookssleek and elegant.
Richard started SpaFlo Ltd in October 2019 to manufacture stainless steel products at the perfect price point. The company has its own 3D design, project management and fabrication specialists with vast experience using stainless steel to create spas and pools.
Other key benefits for SpaFlo products are they recess jet fittings so they don’t protrude into the spa or pool, they can deliver in sections and complete the welding on site where access is limited and full wet testing is completed before products leave the factory. The company’s aim is to speed up pool contractor’s installation times while offering a unique and stunning product.
SpaFlo’s aim is to speed up pool contractor’s installation times while offering a unique and stunning product
QUALITY AND PRECISION ARE THE HALLMARKS OF A CASTILLO POOL
Castillo offer a wide range of precision made pools with countless features including cave cover systems, infinity edges, curved walls and moveable floors.
Quality begins with the selection of the stainless steel from which each Castillo pool is made and the company only selects European certified stainless steel. All Castillo components are manufactured in a contamination free facility using processes that comply with ISO 9001 and EN 1090.
Stainless steel is a high performance material which will maintain its integrity even after decades of use and each Castillo pool is built to withstand variations in climate in the most challenging geological conditions.
Castillo’s engineering and manufacturing processes are world class and the company uses state-of-the-art computer automated, 3D design technology. The processes require the manufacture of each component to be independently verified and tracked and this permits Castillo to affix the coveted CE quality mark to their pools. The highest quality stainless steel is used to create the structural panel system which is strong enough to be self-supporting and free standing, allowing total access around the pool at all times. Its unique structure also lends itself to being built above-ground.
In addition to the Series One Liner pool and series Two Panel System, Castillo now offer the Series Three One-piece pool. These swimming pools feature a strong and durable structure which is simply set into position without the need for additional support in the form of back fill or concrete ring beam resulting in reduced installation time and costs. This design also ensures that each Series Three pool has a fully accessible void around it giving easy access for maintenance and upgrading without the need to disturb finished floors.
In addition to the Series One Liner pool and series Two Panel System, Castillo now offer the Series Three One-piece pool
REDUCING CONCRETE USE MAKES FOR A QUICKER BUILD
According to Mark Watson of Wrightfield Pools, much of the build time for new pools is typically taken up with the traditional concrete casting process.
So by reducing the amount of concrete casting required, a project suddenly gets a lot less complex and therefore shorter from start to finish and this is one of the reasons the company focuses on offering stainless steel pools from Natare in the UK. Off site fabrication using modular construction methods is possible and the company has found that less time is needed at the site itself.
Installation is streamlined, with just a single concrete slab required to create a horizontal footing for the buttress support system. The company’s experience has been considerably shorter build times and less risk of delays than with traditional concrete construction.
The reel comes complete with all the necessary straps and fittings as well as an instruction guide to ensure a quick and effortless installation of either a new or existing cover to its adjustable tubes.
The company also points to the increasing focus on the reduction of waste and minimising environmental impacts, noting that most stainless steel produced today contains over 60% recycled materials. It’s also 100% recyclable, so the environmental impact of a stainless steel pool at end of life is less than an equivalent concrete pool.
Mark summed up what he sees as the key ingredient for achieving business goals with new build or redevelopment pool projects and said: “Architects and operators need to talk to engineers, manufacturers and installers about options open across all aspects of pool technology.
“Instead of simply repeating the last project because it worked, exploring new ideas can create opportunities for cost effectiveness, durability and operational success.”
Natare UK note that most stainless steel produced today contains over 60% recycled materials. It’s also 100% recyclable, so the environmental impact of a stainless steel pool at end of life is less than an equivalent concrete pool
ASTRALPOOL OFFER A COMPLETE STEEL SERVICE INCLUDING ONEPIECE OPTIONS
AstralPool UK Ltd have supplied a number of stainless steel pools ranging from commercial applications to high-end developments.
Due to their intrinsic link with the manufacturers through its parent company Fluidra, AstralPool are well placed to build on the existing technical expertise by introducing further R&D of the pools, an example being where different flooring finish options are being developed to provide customers with a variety of styles to choose from. This is based on direct customer feedback where the need for alternative flooring options was highlighted.
Last year saw AstralPool introduce new one-piece stainless steel pool options, which offer a degree of flexibility and functionality to cater for this niche market where users desire a high-end product but with the convenience of a one-piece solution. They offer a stunning luxurious finish with functional performance and can be provided with a range of optional extras such as turbine driven counter-current units, loungers and neck massagers.
The company are committed to developing this niche sector and their presence has been further strengthened by the appointment of a dedicated Business Development Manager to work alongside the existing technical and project team. With a specific remit to develop this area, the role seeks to expand the awareness of AstralPool’s offering to existing trade customers but also to create awareness amongst key architects, specifiers and spa consultants who may be involved at various stages within the design process in this niche market.
Based on the fact that customers are continually looking for that exclusive ‘wow’ factor, AstralPool are confident that the demand will continue to grow as a pool with a polished stainless steel finish will certainly deliver this plus much more!
ACCESSORIES THAT BOAST STAINLESS STEEL STYLE
SOPHISTICATED AND DURABLE ACCESSORIES FROM FAIRLOCKS
At Fairlocks, the increase in demand for Flolux stainless steel fittings and Water-Tec stainless steel underwater lighting has been unprecedented in the last 12 months. With a focus on innovative design, aesthetic excellence and quality craftsmanship, the uncompromising Flolux range is a revolution in safety, elegance and incomparable finishing for concrete pools and spas. Flolux facias are designed and sculpted from marine grade stainless steel (FloJet and FloAir facias are turned from solid marine grade stainless steel); are polished for a superior, first-class finish; and are safely secured to the highgrade PVC backing through the FloLock System. The FloluxFinish ensures every aspect of a luxury pool or spa is visually and functionally of the highest calibre.
The Water-Tec underwater lighting offers stylish colour-changing underwater pool lighting housed in stainless steel casings which can becontrolled at the touch of a button either wirelessly through a touchpad or mobile device.
The stainless steel fittings and lighting designs on offer provide a feel and look of luxury that is timeless, strong and long-lasting.
The increase in demand for Flolux stainless steel fittings has been unprecedented
TRANSFORM THE LOOK OF ANY POOL WITH CERTIKIN
The innovatively designed range of Flolux fittings are also available from Certikin, and are an ideal companion to the new PU2 Mini LED Light which is shown earlier in this edition within the ‘Lighting’ feature.
For a quick and simple way to give a swimming pool a refreshing make-over, then look no further than Certikin’s stainless steel transformation kits for concrete pools. Designed to convert standard Certikin plastic fittings into luxurious polished stainless steel fittings, they are suitable for both new builds and for retrofitting. Available in a square (ideal for a contemporary, modern look) or round design, the range includes skimmer, cover plates, inlets and vac points.
If hydrotherapy equipment with a polished look is what’s needed, Certikin’s Fluvo range stands out as a beacon of excellence in terms of both performance and looks.
To give a swimming pool a refreshing make-over, then look no further than Certikin’s stainless steel transformation kits for concrete pools
GAME-CHANGING DESIGN FROM PAHLÉN
Achieving a luxury look and feel for apool is easier and more affordable than ever before thanks to the rangeof stainless steel fittings and features from renowned Swedishmanufacturer Pahlén, brought to the UK market by distributor GoldenCoast.
Combining the best of form and function, Pahlén’s products offerimpressive results.
Golden Coast Sales Director Adam Clark explained: “Pahlén’s carefully-considered designs are an absolute game changer –particularly their front access skimmer.
“As skimmers traditionallyempty from above, owners have to live with a lid and frame that detractfrom the look of the pool surround. When you’re investing in a pool,“Complexities include difficulties created by weather conditions andregulatory compliance. Significant risks are associated with pouringvast amounts of concrete, creating the potential for time and budgetoverruns,” he said. “And of course, concrete especially an indoorinstallation, that’s the last thing you want. With the Pahlén skimmer,the basket is emptied from the front, eliminating the issue completely.”
The skimmer is just one part of Pahlén’s wide selection of stainless steel fittings, which also includes inlets, vac points and main drains.
Available from Golden Coast, the skimmer is just one part of Pahlén’s wide selection of stainless steel fittings
IN-HOUSE CAN MEAN CUSTOM-MADE FROM PLASTICA
Plastica have many years of experience manufacturing their own products, many of which are stainless steel based. This also gives them the advantage of offering a bespoke service for individual orders.
One of Plastica’ s established in-house products is the stainless steel Slidelock Reel System, widely regarded as one of the best domestic reels on the market. With the export market in mind, the T-model version has been developed making it easier and more cost-effective to ship, due to its reduced pack size.
For example, handrails or ladders can be custom-made to fit the client’s exact requirements. Plastica has focused on quality and safety with its 43mm 316 grade stainless steel ladders. The tube conforms to British Standards, as do the stainless steel treads and double top tread. Everything is moulded in-house and supplied with their own custom designed treads and fixtures. is not in itself waterproof, so there is the challenge of ensuring durability and performance over a long time period.”
Handrails or ladders can be custom-made by Plastica to fit the client’s exact requirements
FOR FURTHER DETAILS:
AstralPool UK Ltd
01329 514000
www.astralpool.co.uk
Castillo Pools
028 2544 6111
www castillopools.com
Certikin International
01993 778855
www.certikin.co.uk
Fairlocks Pool Products
01865 988346
www.fairlocks.co.uk
Golden Coast
01271 378100
www.goldenc.com
London Swimming Pool Company
020 8605 1255
www.londonswimmingpools.com
Natare UK
01379 872800
www.natare.co.uk
Plastica Pools
01424 857802
www.plasticapools.net
SpaFlo Ltd
0151 384 2493
www.spaflo.co.uk
