Environmentally friendly water heating solutions
The latest low and no chlorine water treatment products
DEHUMIDIFICATION
Creating the perfect environment for indoor pools and spas
Pools, spas and accessories featuring the appeal of stainless steel
Flexline provides bespoke, high-end, fully custom-made one-piece pools made out of the most stable and solid polypropylene copolymer (PPC) panels. Resistant to UV, frost, osmosis and chemicals, these 10mm thick, German-made panels comply with strict and high ISO and DIN standards, and are even 100% recyclable too!
The Flexline brand was established to meet the needs of the most demanding pool enthusiasts who are unable to concede on quality or settle for standard measurements for their dream swimming pool. A onepiece solution in any size and any shape... that’s a Flexline swimming pool.
Available in the UK through Fairlocks Pool Products, we are now looking to work exclusively with professional pool builders who have extensive experience of installing polypropylene pools.
For more information, contact us today or visit our website.
SPN incorporating Pool & Spa Industry is the official trade magazine for the UK wet leisure markets and is the only trade publication that invests in the industry it serves.
Editor and Co Publisher: Jon Wadeson
Features: Karen Witney
Features & Subeditor: Andrea Hartshorne
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Summer… have we even had a summer this year? With the odd week here, and a couple of days there, I’m yet to be convinced, and that’s a real shame because as we all know, our industry always does better when the sun is out. That said, despite the lack of any prolonged hot spells, at least the rain finally eased off, meaning a welcomed uptick in business across the industry which is always welcome news. I suspect though that for many families around the country, they just want to get away from these shores and enjoy some prolonged sunshine, especially given what’s turning into a turbulent year that many will be glad to see the back of already. So, in all honesty, I really can’t blame them!
that are on the market – products that will definitely take the chill out of the water on the overcast days that the UK is so used to. With energy costs jumping back up later in the year, they’re a product that will help with the costs of running a pool, hot tub or spa. Coming inside from the cold, dehumidification is also featured as we take a closer look at some of the environmental solutions that are able to provide a breath of fresh air to indoor pool and spa spaces.
The appeal of stainless steel is also focused on again as we look at pools, spas and a number of accessories that are utilising the benefits of this timeless and elegant material that offers flexibility in its use along with long term durability too. Talking of flexibility, moving floors also makes a return this issue. Whilst somewhat of an investment, these cleverly engineered products offer some fantastic benefits, particularly when it comes to freeing up space for alternative uses in both domestic and commercial settings.
In this issue we also showcase a lovely eco pool installation in Warwickshire from The Natural Pool Company, plus we highlight a new turbine counter-current model from uwe JetStream – their first turbine model – and look at the technologies involved in this product sector. If that wasn’t enough, we also give space to a joint statement made from leading industry bodies regarding the use of ‘pop up’ pools in a commercial setting.
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Aqua Publishing Ltd accepts no liability for any insert, display or classified advertisement included in Swimming Pool News. While every reasonable care is taken to ensure that all advertisers are reliable and reputable, Swimming Pool News can give no assurance they will fulfil their obligations under all circumstances. The views expressed in the articles in Swimming Pool News are the contributors’ own. All rights reserved. Copyright for all materials published in SPN remains with the publishers. Material contained in this publication is not to be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior permission of Aqua Publishing Ltd.
For those that remain here and who own wet leisure products, the summer months normally mean more use of pools and spas, so water-based hygiene needs to be at the forefront of people’s minds. Somewhat handily, inside, we take a look at some of the current solutions that are keeping the water clean whilst minimising or eliminating chlorine use. In addition to this, we also take our annual look at just some of the laboursaving products that are making the task of testing water in pools and spas a more simple, quick and accurate task. Still on the subject of clean and safe water, we’ve also a piece from Jim Hawkins, the new STA’s Pool Plant Technical Advisor, and in it he provides guidance on how best to manage swimming pool facilities in the event of a cryptosporidium outbreak.
We’ve also an in depth look at the latest environmentally friendly heat pump models
As ever, there’s also useful information from the BSPF, SPATA and BISHTA along with all the British entries shortlisted for the 2024 European Pool & Spa Awards hosted by EUSA. The winners will be announced later this year at the Piscine Global exhibition in Lyon.
Finally, we’ve got our round up of all the latest industry, product, people and eco news from both here in the UK and from further afield.
So, with a broad mix of subjects covered in this latest issue of SPN, hopefully we’ve provided a bit of something for everyone and I hope you find some time to enjoy it.
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.
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Nestled in the picturesque coastal town of Teignmouth in Devon, the stunning Cliffden Hotel has proudly announced the addition of a state-of-the-art environmentally friendly indoor pool.
This brand-new pool, the centrepiece of a six-figure renovation, adheres to the highest Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards.
A standout feature of the pool plant renovation is the Hyprolyser® electrochlorination system from Gaffey, which ensures crystal-clear waters.
The decision to install the Hyprolyser® system was driven not only by its impressive sustainability credentials, but also by its superior build quality, cost-effectiveness, ease of installation and operational efficiency. Utilising Gaffey’s unique in-situ technology, this chlorination system generates a consistent, non-hazardous solution of less than 1% sodium hypochlorite to maintain clean and hygienic water. By using just readily available salt, water and electricity, the system eliminates the need to purchase, transport, or store conventional hazardous chlorine chemicals, thereby providing a safer working environment for pool operators.
British-built and fully compliant with GB / EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR), the Hyprolyser® system is renowned for its reliability and longevity. It promises long-term benefits for
the hotel owners and their customers.
The reopening of the refurbished swimming pool underscores the Cliffden Hotel’s commitment to continuously enhancing its facilities and surpassing guest expectations at this historic holiday destination, all while safeguarding the environment through robust ESG measures.
delighted at the changes we have made to our swimming facilities, including the eco-friendly water cleaning system, which operates without harmful chemicals,” advised Steve Kingshott, General Manager at the hotel.
Gaffey
01254 350180
www.gaffey.co.uk
July saw the official opening of a brand new, £9m Health Hub in Nottinghamshire.
Based on Sport England’s Leisure Local model, the new community provision delivers a host of leisure facilities designed to bring new active living opportunities to the whole community, including a 15m x 8m swimming pool with a splash play area for younger children, a gym, a two-court sports hall and an improved multi-use games area. The facility will also have a reception area and community facilities, including multi-purpose spaces and an IT suite.
“I am thrilled that we are finally at the opening event for Warsop Health Hub, months ahead of schedule,” said Andy Abrahams, Executive Mayor for Mansfield.
“Accessibility has been a consideration throughout the build. For example, the swimming pool incorporates a pool hoist as well as a changing village and an accessible Changing Places area to ensure
“We know our guests and members will be Framework, is managed
as many people as possible can benefit from this investment. I look forward to seeing the community embrace the new facility and make the most of all the opportunities it will bring in terms of employment, aspiration, and health and wellbeing.”
Funded via a mix of Sport England investment, Towns Fund and borrowing by Mansfield District Council, Warsop Health Hub has been delivered by leisure development specialist Alliance Leisure, in partnership with Abacus as project manager and principal designer, architects Roberts Limbrick, lead contractor Pellikaan, and consultants Strategic Leisure. The UK Leisure Framework, which is managed by Denbighshire Leisure Limited (DLL), has been used as the procurement route for sourcing the development team.
how to deliver a Sport England Leisure with
This project is a great example of how to deliver a Sport England Leisure Local concept, with development works completing in under 12months.
A comprehensive Mapei system of watertight concrete, render, waterproofing and tile installation products has been used to construct a swimming pool at an archetypal English Country Estate in Oxfordshire. Great Tew is located near Chipping Norton, in the heart of the Cotswolds and the pool is situated within a new walled garden complex, created for enjoyment of the Estate’s owners.
The installation of the pool and internal waterproofing was carried out by Pikehaven, for main contractor Midland Building Services, with Mapei products supplied by Construction Site Supplies.
During construction of the pool channels and tanks, Mapei Idrocrete KR 1000 powdered admixture was added to the concrete to reduce permeability. To form the new pool shell, Idrocrete KR 1000 was added to concrete to reduce its permeability, and Idrostop waterproofing expanding rubber profiles were used to create watertight construction joints. Once formed, the drainage channels were waterproofed with Planiseal 88 osmotic cementitious mortar. Pipe joints were sealed with Mapeproof Swell – a moisture expanding, rubber-based hydrophilic sealant – and voids were repaired with Mapemortar HB R3 shrinkage compensated repair mortar.
To construct the pool, Pikehaven applied Mapei Planitop Fast 330 quick-setting, fibre-reinforced cementitious levelling mortar to the walls and waterproofed the surface with Mapelastic Smart – a highly flexible waterproofing cementitious mortar, incorporating Mapenet 150 alkaliresistant glass fibre mesh. Mapeband alkali-resistant rubber and felt tape was applied to all junctions. A proprietary screed containing Mapei Topcem – a special fast-drying hydraulic binder – was used for the pool tank base and the surface was then waterproofed with Mapelastic Smart incorporating Mapenet 150, and Mapeband tape.
Grey porcelain tiles were then installed with Mapei Keraflex Maxi S1 high-performance, deformable cementitious adhesive and Kerapoxy Easy Design – an epoxy grout with improved workability and very low emissions of VOC.
Mapei UK 0121 508 6970 www.mapei.co.uk
Plans to deliver a new lido, the first in London for decades, have taken a significant step forward following Redbridge Council’s Planning Committee approval of proposals to build a new lido in Valentines Park. Construction is expected to begin later this year, and the facility is projected to be open to the public by autumn 2025, providing families with a new leisure facility to enjoy for years to come.
In addition to other amenities, the highlight of the brandnew facility will feature a 25-metre six-lane swimming pool located close to Valentines Park’s original outdoor pool, which families across East London and Essex enjoyed from 1923 to 1995. The new Lido will provide a sustainable, fun, and social place for people to exercise outdoors while boosting the local economy and restoring the heritage of Valentines Park.
The new lido is a testament to the Council’s commitment to sustainability, utilising the latest technology, including solar panels for energy generation, air-source heat pumps, water recycling systems and energy-efficient lighting. These features will ensure sustainability and contribute to costefficiency, making the lido a responsible and economically viable project.
Mark Baigent, Corporate Director of Regeneration and Culture, said: “We’re delighted we can now move forward with plans to deliver the first new lido in London for decades.
“The old lido in Valentines Park holds a special place in the hearts of local people. It is where families enjoyed idyllic summer days right on their doorsteps and it is so exciting that after nearly 30 years, a brand new lido and more will be introduced in the park for people to visit and create new special memories.”
A new group has been formed by key organisations to tackle common challenges facing the entire swimming sector.
The Swimming Alliance will offer a single, cohesive voice on crucial issues affecting public swimming pools and open water spaces across the UK – and look to develop solutions that can be implemented by all those involved.
Initially convened by Sport England, the founding members of the Alliance represent the diversity of the sector. They include Swim England, leisure operators, other national governing bodies, charities and membership organisations.
A number of key issues have already been identified following a survey by Alliance members and include:
• Increasing learning to swim and participation levels amongst adults and children
• Tackling the impact of energy prices on municipal pools
• Increasing the use of swimming for health initiatives
• Ensuring that open water is safe and clean for outdoor swimmers
• Increasing diversity at all levels of swimming.
The Swimming Alliance’s newly-elected voluntary chair is Debbie Kaye, the former chair of the Chief Cultural and Leisure Officers Association. Debbie said: “By working together, and combining our expertise and resources, we believe that we will be able to achieve more.
“On a number of swimming-related issues,
the partner bodies within the Swimming Alliance have a common cause, enabling us to speak with a single voice, be that to Government or to the general public, and collaborate effectively on solutions.
“Access to swimming in the UK is currently at risk, due to a multitude of factors.
“The number of children learning to swim is continuing to fall and the number of drownings are rising; increasing numbers of public swimming pools are threatened with closure due to high energy costs and the financial pressures on local authorities, and Britain’s coast and rivers are experiencing unprecedented levels of water pollution.
“It is crucial that we act together and act now to ensure the situation gets better, not worse.”
Certikin has access to their full portfolio of products, so whether it be the smallest of spares or largest of filters, contact our Pools or Commercial Teams for your Waterco product requirements.
Some of the most reliable and popular domestic bobbin wound filters on the market. Using the latest in fibreglass winding technology, they are available in top and side mount versions, the latter of which comes with the patented 10" lid, making servicing quick and easy.
This Commercial Pump has been designed to provide a substantially quieter operation and higher flow rates than the MK3 version. A new reshaped design has optimised the hydraulic efficiency of the pump. Available in 4.0, 5.5 and 7.0HP.
All models feature a heavy duty IP55 weatherproof motor with a 431 stainless steel shaft as well as an enclosed glass filled Noryl impeller for long lasting reliability.
The Commercial MultiCyclone 70XL contains 70 cyclones, which remove sediment from the water prior to the main filter. This reduces the amount of debris reaching the media filter decreasing the frequency and duration of backwashing - saving you time, money, water and energy.
The effect of deep media bed improves the filtration efficiency over standard high-rate filters by providing enhanced in-depth filtration and increased dirt capacity. In addition, the greater bed depth permits efficient use of mixed bed filter media and water treatment media such as granular activated carbon. The 1000mm bed of the SMD range and 1200m bed of the SMDD range ensure that finer dirt particles and colloidal substances are retained to a far greater level than a filter with a shallower bed depth.
An industry favourite, which is available exclusively from Certikin. As well as a modern look, the latest model has an upgraded motor which is manufactured using the latest technology to provide an efficient and powerful pump.
When Warwickshirebased Buckingham Pools was commissioned to design and build a contemporary leveldeck indoor swimming pool with an integrated spa and fully tiled steam room in the UK’s first net-zero retirement community in Caddington, Bedfordshire, they naturally turned to their tried and trusted supplier, Certikin, for the all-important pumps and filtration.
At 16.8 x 6.7m, the pool features infinity overflow edges and an air pad, back and calf-massage massage jets. Its cutting edge plant room equipment includes a state-of-the-art filtration system and the highly reliable, quiet Euroswim booster pumps, ensuring optimal performance and water quality, and all supplied by Certikin.
Regardless of the aesthetic requirements of a pool, it is nothing without sparkling, clear water and that all comes down to the quality of the filtration. Buckingham Pools chose Certikin’s SLX Bobbin Wound GRP Filtration. SLX filters are the workhorse of a commercial pool and with a wide range, covering sizes from 1.05m through to 3.00m, and having options for laterals and nozzles with various pressure ranges and accessories, any pool can be catered for. The standard SLX lateral version comes at 2.5 bar rating with commercial laser cut 50mm laterals making them a robust choice for the commercial environment.
Richard Troman, design lead at Buckingham Pools, specified the equipment because of its recognised quality. “Our technical specifications prioritise the integration of these components to ensure not only compliance with, but the surpassing of client expectations in terms of operational performance and water quality standards.
“As Certikin is the UK’s leading supplier of premium products, service and customer support, we naturally turned to them. With a demanding and complicated design and build project, such as this, working with the trusted UK market leader is of utmost importance.”
Buckingham Pools 01926 852351 www.buckinghampools.com
Certikin 01993 777200 www.certikin.co.uk
Pool brand NIVEKO, in conjunction with HTP Group, recently hosted an incredible event that brought together pool enthusiasts, industry professionals and partners for two days of learning, networking and entertainment.
Held at the stunning Tracy Park Golf & Country Hotel in Bristol, this was the very first NIVEKO Pools UK event and its goal was to strengthen relationships among all dealers across the UK and equip them with the necessary knowledge for effective customer communication.
The event kicked off with a series of insightful training sessions that were designed to provide attendees with comprehensive information about the up to date NIVEKO pool portfolio and the best practices for installation. These sessions were a highlight for many, offering a wealth of invaluable knowledge and practical insights. Participants praised the quality of the training, noting that the expertise shared would undoubtedly elevate their capabilities and prepare them for any future challenges.
Following the training sessions,
the excitement continued as attendees were transported to Bath Racecourse for an exhilarating afternoon of horse racing. This fun-filled activity offered a perfect blend of thrills and relaxation, ensuring that everyone had a fantastic time.
The second day of the event began with individual meetings. These sessions were a crucial component of the event, allowing for in-depth discussions and the clarification of any queries. This personalised approach ensured that every attendee left with a clear understanding of NIVEKO’s products and processes.
The knowledge and insights gained during the training sessions across both days equipped all dealers with the tools they need to excel in their roles.
This first UK event was declared a resounding success by both hosting companies, with the blend of education, networking and entertainment sure to leave a lasting impression on all who attended.
NIVEKO Pools UK 01174 037839
www.niveko-pools.co.uk
Stroud District Councillors have approved a £2.7m investment in Stratford Park Leisure Centre and Lido in Gloucestershire.
The decision heralds the start of a fiveyear repair programme to improve the 1975 centre and 1936 outdoor pool, ensuring they continue to serve the community for years to come.
Initially the funding will pay for infrastructure repairs, upgrades and decoration, with the Lido’s ‘tank’ and
replacement of pumps and plant, which are more than 80 years old, following soon after.
Year one will see £1.3m worth of critical repairs and upgrades, with preventative maintenance after this. The Council will also start work on a feasibility study on making large scale changes in the longer term. These changes will improve the overall experience for users, attract more visitors and increase the centre’s income.
Community Services and Licensing
Committee Chair Beki Aldam said at the meeting: “We are excited about the opportunities that a sound and necessary investment in the leisure centre and lido will give us. We want a leisure centre and lido that residents can be proud of and visitors flock to see. We want to honour the heritage of our area – with a spring-water filled outdoor swimming experience, and one of the only Grade-One listed diving boards left in the country! There is so much potential.”
Family, friends and industry colleagues were truly saddened to learn of the passing of Aquaflex’s Terry Wickham in June. SPN learned of the sad news from Brad Armstrong, Sales Director at Aquaflex and sonin-law to Terry.
A much-loved father and grandfather, Terry had suffered with poor health in recent years and will be greatly missed by all.
Terry co-founded the Aquaflex business back in 1993 alongside current Joint Managing Director Neil Dalziel and Chairman John Crossman.
His responsibilities started with managing the factory production (pre-tailored bag liners and pool covers) and then progressed on to on-site pool lining.
It was Terry’s drive and passion to grow the on-site pool lining side of the business to where Aquaflex is today, with 16 installation teams covering the UK.
Terry was involved with lots of social activities such a clay pigeon shooting, he played in a darts team and loved playing golf. His true passion was football where he was a devoted Arsenal fan. In recent years he had started taking his grandson
Max to watch Arsenal games, something which he was very proud of.
A celebration of Terry’s life took place at Salisbury Crematorium in mid July and as a tribute to him and his love of sports, Terry’s family invited guests to join them in wearing football, golf or Hawaiian shirts to the service.
Our condolences go to all of his family, especially to wife Janet, to whom he had had been married to for 40 years, his two daughters Rachel and Sharon, plus his four grandchildren who he absolutely adored.
Aquaflex 01722 328873 www.aquaflex.co.uk
The swimming pool is a high-risk environment in any leisure club. One way David Lloyd Clubs ensures high pool safety standards is to train poolside, office, and gym team members to provide pool emergency response assistance.
The Operator constantly reviews its policies to ensure it continues to offer the highest standards in pool safety. It uses the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) to train its dedicated pool lifeguards; however, to ensure they can achieve its ‘less than 60-seconds’ emergency rescue standard, David Lloyd Clubs trains its additional staff in RLSS UK’s Emergency Response Pool Award. Since the award’s launch in 2022, they have trained over 2,000 team members.
Therefore, when RLSS UK embarked on a journey to update the award, they invited Iain Denny (David Lloyd Club’s Health & Safety
Training Manager for Pool Safety) to participate and provide his thorough experience using the award and industry knowledge. Part of Iain’s feedback related to changing the name to reflect more accurately what the award provided to the industry. Hence the newly updated Swimming Pool Emergency Rescue Award was launched.
Iain Denny spoke of the collaboration: “The RLSS UK team are great to work with and always willing to listen. They support Operators and work to improve pool safety standards by creating qualifications that match the industry’s needs and desires. The Swimming Pool Emergency Rescue Award is now the perfect emergency pool first aid and rescue award.”
Nick Clayton, RLSS UK’s Head of Qualification Development, added: “Iain Denny, David Lloyd Clubs, and the other expert panel members use the qualification day-to-day, and their feedback is so important. This project has helped us develop a more robust award to support the leisure industry in raising pool safety standards.”
RLSS UK 0300 323 0096
www.rlss.org.uk
Fairlocks Pool Products Ltd are pleased to announce the appointment an exciting new addition to their team with Paul Lowe, formerly of Certikin and AstralPool UK, joining the Oxfordshire-based business.
Paul, who has worked in the swimming pool industry since 1988, has joined the company’s business development team. He has a wealth of knowledge in both the manufacturing and construction sides of the leisure industry and Fairlocks are delighted to welcome him to the role.
He will be mainly focusing on the business development of the company’s LPW one-piece pool solutions, but will also assist with support for all other Fairlocks’ products.
Speaking about his appointment, Paul said: “I am excited to be joining Fairlocks to promote and enhance the great products they have on offer. After being in construction for 14 years I’ve missed
the selling of products where it all started for me, so welcome this new challenge and look forward to engaging with new clients.”
Fairlocks Director Paul Webb comented: “We are delighted to welcome Paul who brings with him over 30 years’ experience in the pool industry across a broad range of areas and I am looking forward to working with him again.”
In additional the LPW brand of pools, Fairlocks Pool Products are the UK distributor for the wellknown Covrex range of automatic slatted covers, the unique HIDE range of stainless steel frames, Nemo underwater electric drills and the high-end Water-Tec range of underwater lights.
Fairlocks Pool Products
01869 934333
www.fairlocks.co.uk
Alukov, the manufacturer of high quality swimming pool enclosures, released its latest enclosure model earlier this year with the PARADE. Available in two versions – the PARADE and PARADE LOW –these new enclosures feature a combination of sharp and rounded design while maintaining the usual quality and workmanship of the Alukov brand.
PARADE and PARADE LOW are competitively priced, low and ultra low pool enclosures that offer a number of benefits. By choosing one, owners will get not only protection for their pool, but also a design piece that will complete any back garden space.
Either model will protect a pool in all weather conditions, provides safety from unwanted falls into the water and helps maintain the pool water temperature. It also
simplifies water and pool care, saving money for cleaning and heating.
These modern pool enclosures boast a super low and comfortably sloping rail on only one side of the pool. The conveniently positioned rail allows barrier-free access to the pool from three sides. They feature hail resistant, polycarbonate sheets with UV protection along with a safety locking system, plus models offer a quick and easy installation.
With frames available in Silver or Anthracite, maximum width sizes on these enclosures are 5m on both models with 12.69m length on the PARADE, and 12.73m on the PARADE LOW.
Alukov UK
0118 940 6789
www.alukov.co.uk
Installing a variable speed pump for energy savings and improved water quality makes complete sense, but the only way to know where to set your pump’s speed is by knowing the flow rate. Establishing the required flow rate allows you to achieve turnover requirements; setting the flowrate too high will use more energy than required and setting it too low will result in a dirty pool.
FlowVis® improves the management and the control of all new and existing installations. In a pool system, head losses are always underestimated, and most water quality issues are directly linked to incorrect flowrates. With FlowVis®, a pool can run at its optimal speed at all times – during filtration and backwash phases.
FlowVis® is the most advanced, affordable and reliable flowmeter designed specifically for pools, spas, fountains and water features. Ingenious in concept and flawless in operation, FlowVis® is a revolution in reliable flow measurement. It allows users to set a pump’s speeds correctly to optimise filtration performance, backwash water consumption and guarantee maximal energy savings.
It is quick and easy to install with no calibration required. It can be installed horizontally, vertically, or even upside down without the need for straight pipe before or after, as well as being installed right next to other fittings.
FlowVis® is the only NSF 50 Level 1 certified flow meter in the world and has a verified accuracy of 98% across the entire model range. With no bouncing floats or paddle wheels, it will not stick or provide inaccurate readings. It even maintains accuracy with air in the system.
Certikin
01993 777200 www.certikin.co.uk
The full range of FlowVis® flowmeters including the FlowVis® Digital are available from Certikin.
Perform Max is the new range of high-performing stainless-steel pumps designed exclusively for AstralPool. Featuring a maintenance-free motor with high performance ball bearings and a stainless-steel motor shaft, they are especially quiet and efficient due to newly configured hydraulics. LED lighting in the
transparent lid aids sight inspections whilst unset drain plugs avoid risk of breakage. The highly efficient technology used in the build of the pumps leads to
higher flow rates with lower energy consumption.
There are ten pumps in the range with sizes ranging from 0.3kW to 1kW, all of which are
available as single or three phase. The range is further enhanced by the compact range which is made up of three high-performing single-phase pumps available in the following sizes: 0.33kW, 0.55kW and 0.77kW. In this range, all components that come into contact with the water are made from 316 stainless steel.
AstralPool UK 01329 514000
www.astralpool.com/en
The Aquafilter Pool line, manufactured by Aquaservice, is the first ever patented Selfcleaning Automatic Filter designed and sized especially for the aquatics market, following NSF guidelines.
Aquaservice has developed and supplied reliable filters for close to 40 years, and the Norwegian business is a leading supplier of self-cleaning industrial filters.
Their filters are tough and durable, precision crafted and are corrosion free as they are produced with HDPE housing – a natural choice for durable filters in demanding environments.
No media is required, so there’s no waste products, Instead, standard for all Aquafilter models is a strainer insert made of stainless steel with a V-shaped form for efficient filtration and backflush. The specially developed strainer inserts are designed for efficient filtration at the lowest possible drop in pressure. The filter has an efficient backflush process even at low pressure levels. Produced in a range of sizes, the Aquafilter Pool line are now available for the UK market and the company are also able to tailor-make the filters to specific needs upon request.
With its double active scrubber, the Maytronics Dolphin ZENIT 55 IOT robotic pool cleaner has been engineered to tackle the most stubborn debris and is suitable for pools up to 15m in length. This cleaner redefines the ease of pool maintenance. Its simple operation and user-friendly handling eliminate the complexities of pool cleaning and this new cleaner – an exclusive to SCP UK – features advanced technologies, with the best pool cleaning performance.
With a programmable weekly timer and cleaning cycle selector, thanks to the MyDolphin™ Plus app, the ZENIT 55 remains constantly connected, empowering owners to control this cleaner effortlessly from anywhere at any time.
Aquaservice AS
Aquaservice AS 07469 879242 www.aquaservice.no
Using precise navigation control, floor, walls and waterline are all taken care of during its default 2 hour cycle and a handy quick mode, which takes care of floor only, completes in just 60 minutes. Once cleaning is finished, the ZENIT 55 comes to the surface for easy pickup and storage and portability is taken care of thanks to an included caddy. A separate protective cover is also available for purchase.
If a cleaner is needed for a commercial pool, SCP UK and Dolphin also have the answer with the new Pro X90i model. Suitable for pools up to 20m in length, this
robotic pool cleaner can also be controlled using the MyDolphin™ Plus app. With two filtration systems to choose from, it features a choice of three cycle times for floor and wall cleaning, and navigates the pool using multi pattern scanning with a ‘Maze’ cleaning process.
SCP UK 01293 546126 www.scpeurope.com
Dorset-based hut makers Plankbridge have added a 14ft x 7.8ft Pool House to their expanding collection of wellness huts, to provide a splash of style to poolside settings. Designed to the proportions of the traditional Victorian shepherd’s hut with its familiar wriggly tin exterior and castiron wheels, the Pool House features twin changing cubicles for privacy; en-suite shower room with hand basin, WC and heated towel rail and undercounter fridge
for storing cold drinks and ice creams. Sustainable Thermafleece sheep’s wool from the Lake District maintains a cool temperature even on the hottest day.
As with all Plankbridge designs, the Pool House is built entirely by hand in the company’s Dorset workshop, crafted from the finest sustainable materials to stand the test of time. Sturdy cast-iron wheels ensure easy manoeuvrability and its timeless appeal means the Pool House looks equally at home
beside the azure waters of a Cotswolds swimming pond as it does by a Californian pool.
Plankbridge co-founder, Richard Lee commented: “Following the successful launch of the Sauna Snug and Garden Privy at Chelsea Flower Show, as well as growing demand for bespoke treatment huts, our team has come up with a beautiful new ‘wellness in the garden’ design that ticks all the boxes for owners of swimming pools, swimming ponds and natural pools.
“Every detail has been thoughtfully curated to ensure that family and guests have everything they need away from the house – a quiet, beautifully crafted space to change and stow away belongings, take a shower and cool off with a cold drink after a day by the pool.”
Plankbridge 01300 348414 www.plankbridge.com
• Self Cleaning Automatic Filter
• No media
• No waste products
• Low head loss
• HDPE casing
• Corrosion free housing
• Continuous flow
• Low resistance
• Complies to NSF 50
• Filtration down to 5µn
In July, Spa Parts Vortex hosted a grand opening of their new offices and warehouse in Hilsea, Portsmouth.
Featured in the new products section of the Certikin 2024 Price List, the Harvia Glow Corner is an attractive cornerinstalled pillar heater for medium-sized saunas. In addition to their aesthetic, Glow heaters also offer an unparalleled sauna experience: the large stone quantity enables soft, comfortable steam.
The heater’s outer casing reveals the stones, and the amount of steam and its heat can be controlled by either throwing water directly on the stone pillar or on its side.
Glow’s thermostat quickly responds to the stones cooling down, which means that the heating elements will switch on quickly, heating up the stones in time for the next sauna.
The Glow Corner heater has clear, easy-to-use selectors in the bottom part of the heater, and it comes with a manual timer and temperature
controller. Safe use is guaranteed thanks to sensors integrated into the heater.
For the ultimate user-friendly experience, opt for the Glow Corner XE model with its illuminated digital control panel – perfect for ease of use even in dimly lit saunas. Use the control panel to adjust the temperature, lighting and timers. With the timer, users can have the sauna ready whenever it suits them and the control panel can be placed inside the sauna, doubling as a digital thermometer. With additional equipment (Wi-Fi remote control kit and MyHarvia App), the XE model can also be started remotely, and the safety equipment can be integrated directly into the heater.
Certikin 01993 777200 www.certikin.co.uk
This state-of-the-art facility represents a significant investment in the company’s future, with over £300,000 spent to date in its development. This opening is part of what will be a pivotal year for the company, as it continues to expand its operations both in Europe and into the USA.
“We are thrilled to unveil our newly expanded facilities, marking a significant milestone in our company’s journey,” said Darren Waters, Managing Director at Spa Parts Vortex. “This has been a race against the clock to be ready for our grand opening, and while there are still some small parts to finish, this is an evolving project that will continue to develop alongside our company. This year is an important year for us as we prepare to relocate to larger facilities in Europe and have already established a base in the USA, ready to open late this year.”
Cutting the ribbon at the event was Jean-Pierre Parent, the Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Balboa Water Group. “It was a great honour indeed and an invitation I couldn’t refuse despite the 6,000 miles that separate us,” remarked Parent.
The new Hilsea facility features a comprehensive trade reception and product showcase area, an improved yard with enhanced parking and delivery facilities, a spacious warehouse with advanced storage solutions, plus dedicated areas for marketing, research and development, along with staff wellness.
“We are excited about the future possibilities that our expanded facilities in Hilsea offer,” added Darren. “With a more robust infrastructure now in place, we look forward to enhancing our service offerings and meeting the growing demands of our customers.”
Spa Parts Vortex 023 924 54455 www.spapartsvortex.uk
The world’s fastest growing hot tub and wellness manufacturer, Superior Wellness, has announced the launch of a game-changing new brand – The Wellness Co.
With a vision to be the UK’s number one company for wellness products, the Derbyshire based brand is set to supply affordable luxury hot tubs, swim spas, ice baths and saunas, straight to the consumer.
Taking the headache out of buying, The Wellness Co. will give customers everything they need to choose the right hot tub for them, whether that be for entertaining, relaxation, hydrotherapy, or fun for families.
As all products are manufactured in house, they can
cut out the middleman and pass the savings onto customers, providing luxury products at affordable prices.
They will also stock everything needed to look after and maintain a wellness product, from parts to accessories, with subscription plans available to take the hassle out of repeat purchases.
Born from Superior Wellness, an innovative manufacturer, importing from several countries to offer the widest choice of hot tubs, swim spas, chill tubs and other related products, the group head proudly works with over 500 partners globally, including the UK, Europe and USA serving thousands of customers worldwide.
The quality, choice, care and innovation of Superior Wellness will feed into The Wellness Co., with an extensive range of products to suit every buyer’s needs.
Managing Director at Superior Wellness and The Wellness Co. Rob Carlin said: “We are thrilled to grow our Superior Wellness family, with the new edition of The Wellness Co. Our bespoke designs, passionate customer care, global output and industry experience will be the fundamentals of the brand, and we’re excited to share our hot tubs, swim spas, ice baths and saunas with all to try.”
The Wellness Co. 01246 541200
www.wellnessandhottubs.co.uk
With its origins dating back to ancient times, cold water immersion (CWI) therapy, has recently surged in popularity, capturing the attention of both fitness enthusiasts and celebrities, with the benefits of CWI being undeniable and well-documented.
In response to this growing interest, Wellis are proud to introduce their latest innovation – the ICELAND Cold Plunge Tub.
Perfect for athletes, health fanatics, those who want to improve their circulation and owners who just want a product that can be used with both hot and cold water, this new model incorporates the following:
• Adaptable and Flexible Temperature Control System: Make the water temperature your own by adjusting it to any desired value –from a chilling 2°C to a cozy 40°C.
• Smooth Installation: Unveil the elegance of modern simplicity. Easily set up and bask in relaxation – simply position the tub, add water into it, and tweak the temperature as preferred through either the easy-to-operate control panel or the handy smartphone app.
• Style Meets Functionality: Elevate any living space to a realm of sophistication with LED lights gently illuminating the tub. Users can sink into serenity as they find rejuvenation surrounded by carefully placed four corner LED lights in optimal positions.
With this latest product launch, wellness enthusiasts and highperforming sports individuals in particular can introduce a revolutionary change in how they deal with health and complete allround fitness. However, anyone can take a journey to recovery (and optimal wellness) through the use of the ICELAND Cold Plunge Tub – a welcoming product that is a fusion of ancient traditions and stateof-the-art technology.
Wellis
+36 29 564 380
www.wellis.com
Following the announcement in early 2023 that Certikin has joined forces with Europe’s leading spa manufacturer, Wellis, the much sought after Wellis range of swim spas is now available from the UK’s premier water leisure supplier and manufacturer.
The three models in the range include the Danube (4500 x 2350 x 1470mm) and the Amazonas (5500 x 2350 x 1470mm) both feature two sitting positions and 24 jets. The largest in the range is the Rio Grande (6000 x 2350 x 1470mm) with four sitting positions and one recliner.
Wellis describes the Rio Grande model as “the perfect combination of a well-equipped hot tub and a swimming pool used as a ‘fitness machine’ for a complete workout. The interior design of the hydromassage area is identical to the ergonomic layout of the popular Wellis Malaga/Cordoba holiday let spa. In addition to the water fountain nozzle, it is also equipped with three illuminated fountains, which create a relaxing atmosphere with their visual effect. Due to the 40 hydro massage jets, bathers can have the best possible massage experience, while superfine filter inserts keep the water in the hot tub crystal clear. The swimming part of the swim spa, equipped with a counter-current system, has been completely redesigned”.
All three models are available with brown or grey cabinets.
Certikin
01993 777200
www.certikin.co.uk
Superior Wellness have announced the appointment of Richard Walker as their Global Marketing Director. He joins them with over 15 years of
international experience in on and offline marketing, above and below-the-line advertising, e-commerce, social media, influencer projects and celebrity endorsements.
Richard is a multi-awardwinning International Marketing Director with a proven track record. Before joining Superior Wellness, he was the Marketing Director of Wren Kitchens and the Wren brand guardian since its inception in 2009. He drove marketing effectiveness and business expansion, contributing to double-digit growth in turnover each year. In less than
five years, Wren had grown to become the UK’s leading retailer and distributor of kitchens and bedrooms and now has over 120 showrooms in the UK and US and an annual turnover in excess of £1billion.
Richard will play a pivotal role in driving awareness of the Superior Wellness brands to support the company’s expansion plans and long-term vision.
Rob Carlin, Managing Director said: “We are thrilled that Richard has joined the Superior Wellness leadership team. His experience will be invaluable,
he’s an outstanding addition to our existing team and I am looking forward to working closely with him.”
Commenting on his appointment, Richard said: “I am incredibly excited to be joining the team at such a crucial point in Superior Wellness’ growth. There is a huge opportunity to play our part in the global wellness market − and great things are already happening.”
Following the release of sales figures contained in a press release from late June, Piscine Global has confirmed its international and European positioning. Taking place from 19 to 22 November at Lyon’s Eurexpo venue in France, over 65% of the exhibitors already booked for the 2024 event are from Europe, and for them, the show is both a business opportunity and a place to find answers to the major challenges facing the sector. It is a consolidating event that shouldn’t be missed, where professionals can learn more about European and international markets.
At the time of June’s press release, five months before the event, Piscine Global already has exhibitors from 31 countries, a strong commitment from the European industry at the show with more than 65% of companies coming from the region, plus 30% new exhibitors enrolled to date.
Latham Group, Inc. recently announced that it has acquired Coverstar Central, Latham’s exclusive automatic safety cover dealer in 29 states in the Northeast, Southeast and Midwest regions of the country, including Texas. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Coverstar Central is the largest automatic safety cover dealer and service provider in the US. The company operates six regional distribution and service centres through which it sells products and provides training, installation and field repair services to support 400+ pool builders and dealers in its geographies. Coverstar Central is recognised throughout the pool industry for its total commitment to customer satisfaction and its excellence in providing service and technical support promptly and efficiently.
IEC Residences, a social housing project in the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi, aims to provide a highquality swimming experience for its residents. So when the site’s 15 metre by 28 metre pool required a reliable and efficient filtration and pump system to maintain its pristine water quality, a local specialist had no hesitation in recommending Waterco’s Supatuf 300 pumps and Micron S900 fibreglass filters as the solution.
Known for their high performance and lownoise operation, the Supatuf 300 pumps ensure strong water circulation while minimising energy consumption. The Micron S900 fibreglass filters, designed and constructed for resilience and minimal maintenance, provide clear and clean water by effectively removing debris.
The combination of these Waterco pumps and fibreglass filters created an optimised system for the pool. This setup ensures consistently high water quality, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and chemical adjustments. The sturdy design of the pumps and filters guarantees long-lasting performance, even under heavy loads and prolonged operations. Moreover, the quiet operation of these components contributes to a serene pool environment.
One of the challenges faced during the installation
was the positioning of the pump room below the pool level. The installation team designed the pipe configuration to address the height differential, ensuring smooth operation and preventing backflow issues. The compact design of Waterco’s products, alongside the meticulous planning, facilitated an efficient installation within the available space, which also ensured easy access for maintenance.
The management at IEC Residences expressed great satisfaction with the Waterco filtration system. The seamless installation process and the user-friendly design of the products resulted in a consistently clean and inviting pool environment. Meanwhile, pool users have noted the enhanced water quality and the quiet operation of the system, which significantly improves their swimming experience.
Waterco Europe
01795 521733 www.waterco.eu
On the coast of western Sicily, just minutes from the historic town of Mazara del Vallo, the Almar Giardino di Costanza Resort & Spa can be found, nestled in the lush Sicilian countryside. This five-star luxury resort’s design reflects the island’s heritage, representing influences from various dominant periods throughout its history.
The recently inaugurated wellness area follows the same design philosophy and evokes ancient Sicily. Designed by Studio Apostoli, Almablu Wellness & Spa is sure to become a preferred destination for a multi-sensorial journey – a mosaic of cultures, traditions, and treatments harmoniously combined in a tailor-made environment. The three themed areas re-propose elements of the most influential Sicilian cultures: Norman, Arab and Roman, reflected in finishes, shades and wellness treatments.
The journey begins in the Norman world, inspired by Constance of Hauteville. It consists of a mediumtemperature bio-sauna, a Finnish sauna and the ‘ice room’, complete with a waterfall and plunge pool, beneficial for circulation and energy improvement. The design evolves, incorporating typically Nordic suggestions, geometric cuts, black wood and suffused lighting.
Continuing into the large hammam of Arab-Roman inspiration, composed of the tepidarium, caldarium and laconicum, the experience is enhanced by sensory showers
with colour therapy and ‘rain’ effects. The warm, enveloping tones and extensive use of marble, travertine and decorative mosaics evoke the atmosphere of the thermae, extending to the Tea Room and the relaxation room – the concluding point of the journey.
Linking the thematic areas, the rectangular ‘Arabian patio’ serves as an environment for decompression and a symbolic passage between cultures. It accompanies visitors to the Turkish salt bath.
Studio Apostoli +39 045 877 9190 www.studioapostoli.com
town of Novo Mesto in Slovenia has a new swimming pool complex to be proud of thanks to the efforts of architectural firm Enota.
The new Češča Vas swimming pool complex is located in an area dominated by an existing, recently renovated velodrome. Enota’s preference was to not drastically alter the spatial relationships with the erection of the new swimming pool facility, so instead, they took advantage of the topography of the area, employed partially dug-in levels, and sited it as low as possible so as to not create a competing structure and to blend in with it surroundings.
The complex comprises two interior pools and the infrastructure allows for an exterior Olympic-size pool to be added in the second phase of the project.
The building’s subdued appearance in the space is achieved by a low floating cantilever roof, the structural design of which allows for large
spans and a reduction of vertical supports. The glazing and light along the entire perimeter creates an impression of the roof hovering above the pool surface, while at the same time providing wide views of the surrounding nature open from the interior.
Visually, the materials used for the pool complex were very simple and restrained. The facade of the floating roof is covered in natural, unvarnished timber boards, which will in time age and thereby further blend the building in with the surrounding forest. Combined with the tilted geometry, the roof gives an appearance of a traditional rural building. Inside, the design of the seating spaces on the various levels is standardised and executed in local concrete with different surface finishes. The only material accent is found in the building’s interior. The bottom side of the floating pool roof volume is uniformly coloured in an intense, warm yellow hue.
An impressive project featuring a grey glass mosaic tile pool in a dream villa, this installation not only enhances the sophistication of the outdoor area, but also seamlessly integrates with a modern outdoor kitchen, a meticulously maintained garden and a cozy relaxation zone. The resulting outdoor space is an invitation to indulge in luxury and comfort at every turn.
The choice of the grey Capricorn 25 glass mosaic tile from Ezarri’s Space Collection for this pool was key to achieving a contemporary and elegant design. The small, recycled glass mosaics are arranged with exquisite precision, creating an impressive visual effect. The stairs, perfectly clad with the same mosaic, demonstrate an attention to detail and craftsmanship that stands out throughout the project. This level of quality is not only seen but also felt while enjoying the pool.
One of the most outstanding aspects of this grey glass mosaic tile pool is its ability to reflect light uniquely, enhancing the colour of the water and creating a serene and relaxing atmosphere.
During the day, the sun plays with the grey tones of the mosaic, while at night, strategic lighting highlights its elegance and transforms the area into an oasis of tranquillity. This project demonstrates how a well-designed pool can completely change the ambiance of a home.
The grey glass mosaic tile used is an outstanding example of how to combine aesthetics and functionality in an outdoor project. The precise placement of the mosaic, the harmonious integration with the kitchen, the garden and the relaxation area, and the ability to transform the space into an oasis of luxury and comfort make this project truly special.
Ezarri Mosaico +34 943 164 140 www.ezarri.com
Hayward Holdings, Inc. recently announced the acquisition of ChlorKing®, a US market leader in salt chlorinators and UV disinfection systems for the commercial sector. This strategic acquisition advances Hayward’s technology for commercial swimming pool water treatment, broadens its commercial product offering, and underscores its commitment to enhancing leadership in sustainable water management and treatment.
“We are thrilled to welcome the ChlorKing team to Hayward. Under Steve Pearce’s leadership, ChlorKing has established itself as a leader in commercial pool and recreational water treatment. This acquisition emphasises our commitment to embracing technology that delivers sustainable, energyefficient and easy-to-use solutions for commercial pool operators and residential
homeowners. We look forward to working with the many loyal customers and partners ChlorKing has developed, and to offering them additional Hayward Commercial products as we continue to grow in this important industry space,” said Kevin Holleran, President and CEO of Hayward.
“Joining forces with Hayward represents a significant milestone for ChlorKing,” said Steve Pearce, President and CEO of ChlorKing. “We have more than 17,000 commercial swimming pool and water park installations worldwide,
and this partnership will enable us to bring our technologies to an even broader audience. Together, we will continue providing the safest sanitisation systems available, helping lower annual operating costs and enhancing water safety for our customers.”
ChlorKing’s NEXGEN chlorine generators are the first of their kind to produce pH-neutral chlorine on site. The line uses the swimming pool as the source water. Additionally, ChlorKing offers the HYPOGEN® line of hypochlorous acid on site generators suitable for various industries, including agriculture, food processing and general disinfection of hard surfaces.
ChlorKing will continue operating from its current location in Atlanta, Georgia. The facility includes all manufacturing, product support and administrative operations.
Aqua Technics Pools, the renowned Australian manufacturer of state-of-the-art, high-quality, one-piece composite swimming pools, recently held their International Dealer Conference at the luxurious 5-star White Horse Resort in the picturesque tropical setting of Nusa Lembongan in Bali.
During the conference, Kent-based XL Pools Ltd, Aqua Technics’ first UK regional dealer, received a surprise award for reaching the milestone of one hundred pool installations for the brand from January 2022 to January 2024.
The conference, held in a pavilion set against a backdrop of white sands and turquoise sea, attracted delegates from around the world. Representing the UK were Dorian Davies, Anthony Exell and Helen Smith from Aqua Technics Pools UK.
The two-day event was packed with valuable content, including the introduction of new pool models and technological advancements. Presentations covered branding, marketing, sales support and Aqua Technics’ continued expansion in export markets.
Commercial partners of Aqua Technics also delivered presentations. A notable speaker was Jo Ainsworth, formerly of Certikin and Waterco in the UK, who has since relocated
to Sydney to lead Waterco’s operations. The keynote speaker was Amanda Stevens, an internationally acclaimed expert in marketing, advertising and consumer psychology.
The conference also included social events where delegates could enjoy Balinese hospitality. These included dinners at local restaurants, a beach party, an afternoon at a floating bar in the bay and other excursions.
The Aqua Technics Pools UK team held meetings with senior executives from the Perth-based factory to discuss strategies for expanding the dealer network in the British Isles and Europe. Plans were also revealed for the 2025 Dealer Conference in a similarly exotic location which should include more UK dealers as the network expands.
If you want to be on the plane and join next year’s Aqua Technics event, UK dealership areas are still available.
Aqua Technics Pools UK 03300 437061 www.aquatechnicsuk.com
Myrtha Pools has revealed its official role in the 2024 Paris Olympics, utilising its expert knowledge and technology in the installation of two temporary swimming pools, finished in just 36 days.
The 50x25 metre pools, located at the La Défense Arena in the heart of Nanterre, played
host to all the swimming events and water polo championships during the Olympic Games, and will be used by competitors during the Paralympic Games too. The pools, which have been utilised in previous Olympic Games, including London 2012, will be permanently installed in nearby Seine Saint-Denis
following the games.
Championing its off-site approach to construction, the Myrtha Pools team was able to effectively deliver the installation of the pools in just over 5 weeks through its modular wall system. This included the use of 47 tonnes of Myrtha Pools’ patented stainless steel components and 450 metres of microperforated pipes for the Myrtha Breathe system, which aims to improve air and water quality through the removal of harmful by-products such as chloramines and halomethanes.
Roberto Colletto, CEO at Myrtha Pools said: “As an Official Supporter of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we’re very proud to install our pools at the Paris La Défense Arena. This is a great
chance to showcase our expertise to the world.
“Our advanced technology and materials enabled us to meet the 36-day challenge, ensuring the best experience for athletes and spectators. Additionally, ensuring that our pools can sustainably benefit communities is crucial to us, since a central mission of Myrtha Pools is to provide aquatic opportunities for all.”
Myrtha’s temporary system contributes sustainably to the Paris 2024 project, delivering 50% savings on CO2 emissions compared to traditional concrete construction methods, while 100% of the flooring membrane will be recycled after the competition.
Myrtha Pools UK 07860 852339 www.myrthapools.com
Ayear with the Olympics and the Paralympics is always full of exciting possibilities, as it brings together so many sports for fans to enjoy their performances. In our industry, it is particularly pertinent to marvel at the achievements of the swimming and diving team. Over the years, we have been so fortunate to have welcomed a number of Olympians and Paralympians as our Guest of Honour to the Industry Gala Dinner at SPATEX, and by the time you read this article, there will have been plenty more medal successes to celebrate!
Following the successful tenure of Pete Grinnall (Complete Spas) as BSPF President, Dyfed Thompson-Smith (AstralPool UK) took over the reins at SPATEX earlier this year. In this issue, we hear from Dyfed about his thoughts and plans for the industry during his two-year term.
On the subject of industry personnel, congratulations to Luke Griffiths on his appointment as General Manager for the ISPE. A massive thank you to Ross Alcock for his 35 years of service to the Institute. Huge thanks also to Ross’s wife, Linda, for the support that she has provided to the ISPE.
Moving away from the UK, hot tubs have sadly been featured in the news following an electrocution fatality in a commercial spa in Mexico and a drowning fatality for a small child in a domestic hot tub in the USA. These events are important reminders of why our industry must always be in dialogue about
In this summer issue, BSPF Managing Director Chris Hayes highlights personnel changes, plus looks at some of the important initiatives being worked on by the associations to raise standards across the industry
learning lessons and reviewing standards (and seeking legislation in some instances) to safeguard employees, contractors and users of our hot tubs, pools and other wellness facilities. From the lessons learned, working groups can ensure that this knowledge is used to fine-tune international, European and national standards, where applicable. Some relevant standards include 60335-260, an electric product standard for whirlpool spas (and baths). Even when there are no fatalities, incidents and accidents also provide an opportunity to review standards, such as a review of the suction entrapment requirements in EN 17125 (domestic whirlpool spas) following a couple of isolated incidents where a child was held on a skimmer with the face plate removed. As self-regulation is essential for any industry, BISHTA takes its responsibility very seriously to ensure the industry standards and guidance are fit for purpose.
Another example of the industry working responsibly is the recent meetings of a variety of manufacturers and other interested parties wanting to draft guidance on how to safely use products for cold water immersion therapy. There has been a huge demand for these products in the last couple of years. So BISHTA and SPATA responded to calls for the industry to sit down and write some guidance by arranging some hybrid meetings (in Andover and online) to determine what guidance needed to be different from the long-established information available on hot tubs. The plan is to have the guidance ready before the end of this calendar year.
Some Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) training has recently been undertaken in the BSPF office too. There was a mixture of BSPF staff, some representatives from
the EDI working group, the company chairs, and a few members interested in rolling out this training with their large workforce. The feedback provided has allowed the course outline and materials to be fine-tuned for a number of open or closed courses for companies.
The training aims to provide practical information about the legal requirements for businesses around the theme of EDI and demonstrate how EDI can be harnessed to foster an environment where everyone can maximise their talents.
Look out for details of the training in the weekly members’ enewsletters.
It is that time of year when SPATA and BISHTA members can enter the British Pool & Hot Tub Awards too. The deadline for entries to be received into the BISHTA / SPATA office is Friday 1 November 2024.
Congratulations to all of the SPATA and BISHTA members who have previously won a British Pool and Hot Tub Award, as many of them have now been shortlisted for the 2024 EUSA European Pool and Spa Awards – see them on pages 32 and 33.
Finally, the annual Information and Networking Days for BISHTA and SPATA are being rebranded as the British Pool and Hot Tub Conference, as both trade associations have joined forces to hold an in-person event. For more details of the conference being held in Royal Leamington Spa on Thursday 17 October, at the offices of Wright Hassall LLP, please see page 30.
Enjoy the rest of this year.
If you’re looking to keep your business ahead of the game, the Industry Associations may hold the key and their recently rebranded British Pool and Hot Tub Conference aims to play a crucial role, providing members with a competitive edge. In this issue, we take a closer look at what this year’s event will consist of
On Thursday 17 October 2024, BISHTA and SPATA members will converge on Royal Leamington Spa to participate in the annual members’ meeting, which this year is being rebranded as the British Pool and Hot Tub Conference.
The event will be held at the offices of Wright Hassall LLP, the organisation which offers BISHTA and SPATA legal advice to the trade associations and their respective members. The day will bring together industry leaders and professionals in the pool and hot tub sector to share insights, updates and networking opportunities, which will be unmissable for trade association members.
For members of BISHTA and SPATA this event is a game-changer. It’s a platform that keeps attendees ahead of the curve, equipping them with the latest industry developments and best practices. Attending will provide a competitive edge, ensuring that member businesses remain compliant and successful in a constantly evolving industry.
The day itself starts at 9.30am and finishes at 4pm. It is hoped many attendees will travel the day before to take advantage of the networking event being planned for Wednesday evening. More details of the evening social will be announced in the members’ e-newsletters. The cost of attending the conference day itself is just £49.95 (+VAT) per person. Any members who only want to attend the AGM element of the day can come free of charge!
The event includes a series of joint sessions involving all members, and then there will be opportunities for BISHTA and SPATA to have their own tailored sessions on topics specifically relevant to them.
In the joint sessions, members will receive some really helpful updates on topics such as websites and other digital services on offer from Adtrak (which is a BISHTA and SPATA member). Wright Hassall will provide a legal update. Following the work with the Home Office, there will be the latest updates on the industry’s approach to Selling Chemicals Responsibly.
BISHTA members will specifically discuss the review of industry standards and what is changing. Some new guidance on cold water therapy is due out before the end of the year,
and the conference will provide the perfect platform to hear the latest news. Tutors will provide little tasters of the training that BISHTA members can access to encourage members to keep their skill set up to date.
SPATA members will hear about the growing links to Leisure DB, who provide invaluable commercial leisure reports to the industry, and how SPATA members can benefit. There will also be feedback on the lessons learned from recent complaints, plus time for the AGMs of BISHTA, SPATA, and the BSPF, and a chance for members to have their say during the Open Forum.
The conference will hear a brief update about how Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) training is helping member companies harness the talents of their workforce and safeguarding them from the potential threat of legal claims.
Members will be able to hear about the results of the recent survey on membership benefits. There will also be news on enhanced website listings and other additional paid-for services that are part of Membership Plus+. The membership features are designed to bolster individual member success and reinforce the overall reputation and strength of the trade associations by providing robust and relevant support.
Also squeezed into the day is the importance of effective communication, which is a key driver to a thriving association. The introduction of WhatsApp Communities aims to enhance real-time communication among members, facilitating the exchange of ideas, advice and support. The use of WhatsApp Communities for announcements allows BISHTA and SPATA to communicate instantly and efficiently with their members, ensuring that the latest industry information is readily accessible. This direct and real-time communication method will help members stay informed about important updates, events and
opportunities, fostering a more connected and responsive industry network.
The conference is also a prime opportunity for networking with other members. Building connections with peers, industry leaders and experts can lead to valuable collaborations and partnerships. Networking allows members to share experiences, learn from each other and stay informed about industry developments.
The British Pool and Hot Tub Conference 2024 is more than just an event; it is an investment in the future of members’ businesses. From crucial industry updates and training sessions to networking opportunities and key tips for making entries to the British Pool & Hot Tub Awards’ the greatest possible marketing asset. Attending this conference will equip BISHTA and SPATA members with the tools and connections they need to thrive. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this transformative event and take your business to new heights.
For more information about the conference and the social event the night before, please get in touch with the BISHTA and SPATA offices.
For those members driving to the venue, Wright Hassall’s offices have ample free car parking spaces; they are based at Olympus House, Olympus Avenue, Royal Leamington Spa, CV34 6BF. Public transport options can be found on Wright Hassall’s website www.wrighthassall.co.uk/contact
BISHTA 01264 356211
www.bishta.co.uk
SPATA 01264 356210
www.spata.co.uk
For members of BISHTA and SPATA, this event is a game-changer. It’s a platform that keeps attendees ahead of the curve, equipping them with the latest industry developments and best practices”
In this issue, the new BSPF President Dyfed Thompson- Smith highlights some of the challenges currently faced by the industry, and shares some of the initiatives planned for his term of office
As the British Swimming Pool Federation (BSPF) ushers in a new era, it is with great anticipation that we welcome Dyfed Thompson-Smith as its President. In this piece, Dyfed outlines his vision and strategic priorities for his twoyear term as BSPF President. At the heart of his agenda is a solid commitment to raising industry standards and fostering innovation in all pool and spa management aspects. Dyfed’s focus on sustainability is particularly noteworthy, as he aims to guide the federation towards more environmentally responsible practices and solutions. His plans also highlight a dedication to improving industry education and training, ensuring that professionals are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to meet the evolving needs of consumers and regulatory frameworks. With a clear focus on collaboration and advocacy, Dyfed is determined to strengthen the BSPF’s role as a proactive voice in shaping policies that affect the pool and spa industry nationwide.
“My journey into the swimming pool industry mirrors that of many others,” Dyfed stated. “It all started with a summer job as a lifeguard in North Wales. From there, I steadily advanced, taking on various supervisory and management roles in public and private leisure and health and fitness operations in Wales, Luton, Stevenage and southeast London. This diverse experience has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the industry and its challenges.”
After migrating towards the more technical aspects of pool management, Dyfed became a Technical Manager for Arch Chemicals, promoting and developing the HTH brand within the commercial pool sector and trade accounts. His career then took him to Barr + Wray as a Sales Manager and subsequently to AstralPool UK, where he served as Sales Director from 2011 to 2016 before becoming General Manager, overseeing the overall business within the UK. “Having been the PIP Chair and having a position on the BSPF board, my diverse career experience and commitment to enhancing the industry’s profile, credibility and professionalism motivated me to pursue the presidency of the British Swimming Pool Federation,” he explained.
When asked about the biggest challenges facing the BSPF, Dyfed acknowledged the ever-changing economic and political landscape. “Continuing to build on the excellent work of my predecessors against an ever-changing backdrop of economic and political change is certainly a short-term challenge,” he noted. In the mid-to-long term, Dyfed plans to collaborate with existing and future stakeholders to improve technical knowledge standards and address the longstanding issue of the availability of appropriate skills within the industry.
“Sustainability remains a central focus,” Dyfed emphasised: “with a commitment to developing clear, long-term plans and visions to support businesses and stakeholders in becoming as sustainable as possible.” His approach includes promoting eco-friendly practices, encouraging the use of renewable resources, and supporting companies in reducing their carbon footprints. “By implementing strategic initiatives and fostering innovation, our goal is to ensure that the industry not only meets current environmental standards but also sets new benchmarks for future sustainability.”
Dyfed also highlighted the importance of technology and AI in the industry. “Technology and the opportunities provided by AI and data-driven decision-making for increased efficiencies in business operations need to be on the agenda and in discussion. We need to think and discuss more about dedicated strategies for working with our stakeholders to explore the opportunities within the AI / data ecosystem.”
“Diversity and inclusivity are vital aspects of any organisation,” Dyfed asserted: “and the British Swimming Pool Federation is committed to fostering a more inclusive environment.” By working closely with the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) working group, the BSPF aims to implement clear policies, effective communication strategies and training that promote fair and diverse representation within the industry. “This includes actively addressing any barriers to inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all members, and celebrating the diverse
“We will build on and continue to develop the strong foundations already in place…”
backgrounds and perspectives that contribute to the federation’s strength and success.”
Recognising the importance of collaboration, Dyfed plans to strengthen partnerships with national and international swimming and spa bodies. “During my presidency, I plan to work even more closely with the European Union of Swimming Pool and Spa Associations (EUSA) and to raise our profile with the World Alliance of Pool and Spa Associations (WAPSA). These efforts will enhance our influence, share best practices and drive innovation within the industry.”
Dyfed has clear goals for his term as President: “We will build on and continue to develop the strong foundations already in place, creating an informal framework that ties all of the BSPF’s work together. We will also continue to build and grow our existing membership base to provide meaningful, visible and credible service to our members and the wider pool industry.”
Increasing visibility and credibility through ongoing subsidiary work is also a priority. “We aim to capitalise on the strong foundations already in place to promote our industry and recognition across the UK business landscape. This aligns with proposals from other bodies, such as the Institute of Directors (IoD), to explore and ‘test’ the appetite for an industryspecific ‘Code of Conduct for Directors’ for good governance and ethical working purposes.”
Dyfed is excited about hosting his President’s Weekend next year. “This event is an opportunity to bring peers from the pool and hot tub industry together, and I will be hosting the weekend in sunny Portsmouth, on the south coast of Hampshire,” he shares. “I note my predecessor Pete Grinnall’s advice that Jan drinks Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, as I will undoubtedly need to thank her for her skills in organising the event! I also look forward to continuing to work closely with the rest of the BSPF team: Chris, Sallie, Claire, Jenna and Debbie, as well as the SPATEX team (Michele, Helen and Penny).”
As Dyfed embarks on his presidency, his vision and strategic plans promise to bring significant advancements and positive changes to the British Swimming Pool Federation and the industry as a whole.
BSPF
01264 356210
www.bspf.org.uk
In this feature, we reveal the British entries shortlisted for EUSA’s 2024 European Pool & Spa Awards, the winners of which will be announced later this year at the biennial Piscine Global exhibition, taking place in Lyon, France
Hosted by the European Union of Swimming Pool and Spa Associations (EUSA –www.eusaswim.eu), the annual European Pool and Spa Awards honour the most outstanding domestic pools, spas, and hot tubs in the wet leisure industry. Award winners from across Europe compete for top accolades. The 2024 event, marking the twelfth edition of these prestigious awards, will culminate in a grand presentation on
Tuesday 19 November, at Piscine Global in Lyon.
From the UK, SPATA and BISHTA have submitted entries from the winners of the British Pool & Hot Tub Awards. Being shortlisted provides each company with exceptional PR opportunities, highlighting their outstanding achievements. This recognition strengthens their position against competitors, enhances credibility, and boosts business opportunities.
Over the past decade, many SPATA and BISHTA award winners have experienced significant growth and success due to this prestigious endorsement.
The EUSA Awards are open to all National Associations (that are EUSA Members) to submit entries on behalf of their respective member companies. Each entry submitted by an EUSA member must comply with the relevant European (and National Association) Standards, as applicable.
Hot off the back of a record-breaking show in February, companies have flocked to exhibit at SPATEX 2025 which returns to Coventry Building Society Arena from Tuesday 4 to Thursday 6 February. In fact, such is the unprecedented demand, there’s just a few stands remaining!
Enjoying an almost 20% increase in visitors, SPATEX 2024 has raised the bar higher than ever, but that doesn’t deter show Organiser, Michele Bridle:
“It was undeniably one of the best editions to date, but we hold with the motto that what is good can always be made better, so we are busy redoubling our efforts and making fresh plans for the 29th edition. This starts with our brandnew website, launched last month. Featuring new graphics, industry events, exhibitors’ news and the latest product launches, there’s no better place to keep your finger on the pulse.
“SPATEX 2025 is still some six months away, but we have already sold well over 85% exhibition space, and we are looking at an early sell-out. Given that these are difficult times for everyone, it’s particularly heartening to see how much SPATEX continues to hold such value and importance, both as a business-boosting event and its ability to bring together, under one roof, everyone from all sectors for three days of unparalleled networking. It’s totally unique in the UK for ticking both those boxes.”
A great success at this year’s event, and one that SPATEX is looking to repeat in 2025, is the show’s closer collaboration with the industry’s key associations, such as PWTAG (Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group), RLSS (Royal Life Saving Society), WMSoc (Water Management Society), IOS, (Institute of Swimming), LCA (Legionella Control Association). This is in addition to reinforcing the long-established relationships that the exhibition holds dear with ISPE (Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers) and, of course, those industry bodies under the BSPF (British Swimming Pool Federation) umbrella – SPATA (Swimming Pool & Allied Trades Association), BISHTA (British & Irish Spa & Hot Tub Association) and PIP (Pool Industry Promotions).
Michele said: “With industry stalwart, and long-time friend of SPATEX, Ross Alcock, passing the baton of ISPE General Manager to Luke Griffiths, we look forward to further cementing those ties. Luke is, of course, no stranger to SPATEX, having worked closely with the show in his previous role of Technical Manager for Pool Plant at the Swimming Teachers’ Association (STA). Luke commented: “SPATEX holds a special place in the hearts of ISPE members
and pool and spa professionals alike, as it provides a platform to stay updated on the latest trends, technologies and best practice in the pool and spa industry. The free educational presentations and workshops offered at the show allow members to earn valuable CPD points. ISPE will be out in force in Arena 1 in 2025 with a packed three-day programme of informative and engaging workshops. As both organisations continue to work together, they will undoubtedly drive positive change, foster industry growth and elevate standards of professionalism within the pool and spa community.”
“Now entering the eleventh year of staging the show at Coventry Building Society Arena, SPATEX is delighted that the venue has recently won the Operations Team of the Year Award at the Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards 2024,” advised Michele, who in 2025, celebrates 25 years of working for SPATEX. “This prestigious award is in addition to the many other accolades that the Arena has received over the years. It is a world-class venue with excellent transport links.”
Could The SPATEX Foundation Help You?
To date, £1.86m has been raised by SPATEX and re-invested into the industry. The main beneficiaries have been ISPE (to support some of their education initiatives),
BSPF, SPATA, BISHTA and PIP, to assist them with their respective roles in the industry. The Foundation also exists to help wider initiatives. For instance, vital financial support was given to the Water Babies charity during the pandemic to test how chlorinated swimming pool water inactivated SARS-CoV-2. The results demonstrated that water, that adheres to UK swimming pool guidelines, is sufficient to reduce SARS-CoV-2 infectious titre by at least 3 orders of magnitude.
Alex Blackwell (Group Head of Facilities and Operations) at Water Babies said: “I would encourage any individual or organisation, looking to carry out any research or a project that supports the water leisure industry, to apply to the Foundation for funding. The process is easy to complete, with support and dialogue provided throughout.”
The directors are keen to receive applications for other worthwhile initiatives that fall into one of the following four categories: Training, Education, Research or Other support. Further information and the application form can be downloaded from the SPATEX website.
SPATEX 01264 358558 www.spatex.co.uk
A great success at this year’s event, and one that SPATEX is looking to repeat in 2025, is the show’s closer collaboration with the industry’s key associations”
Following on from the recent high profile cryptosporidium outbreak in Devon, Jim Hawkins, STA’s Pool Plant Technical Advisor, provides guidance on how best to manage swimming pool facilities in the event of an outbreak
As we saw in May, the cryptosporidium outbreak in Devon, which the water company said was caused by a damaged air valve on private land, had far-reaching consequences for the communities involved. This type of serious outbreak with the waterborne disease getting into the mains water supply is considered rare, but for this reason, because it was an extraordinary case that affected many people, it garnered national media attention, which in turn served to raise public awareness of cryptosporidium.
So, with heightened awareness, and the most common outbreaks of the parasite being associated with swimming pools, spas and hot tubs, let’s discuss what steps pool operators can do to minimise the risk to patrons, and what needs to be done in the event of a cryptosporidium outbreak.
First and foremost, operators must make sure they are utilising (and referring back to) the industry guidance set out by PWTAG, in relation to how best to operate wet leisure facilities in the event of an outbreak.
Technical note 30 (TN30) describes this in detail, highlighting the areas that pool operators need to know. Given the fact that the Devon outbreak was specifically mains water, TN30 discusses this also, stating that information around the next steps will be issued by the operating water company, but ultimately, users will be told to boil their water for drinking and food preparation.
Cryptosporidium is ‘a unicellular parasite that causes a gastro-intestinal illness’ – in simpler terms – a germ that causes diarrhoea. Crypto, short for Cryptosporidium, is found in infected people’s stool and cannot be seen by the naked eye. This germ is protected by an outer shell that allows it to survive for long periods of time and makes it resistant to chlorine disinfection found in pools.
WHY SHOULD WE BE CONCERNED ABOUT CRYPTOSPORIDIUM?
During the past two decades, Crypto has become recognised as one of the most common causes of waterborne illness. The germ is found in every part of the world. For pool operators, the reason that Crypto (and Giardia, another single celled organism – protozoan – that inhabits the human gut where they thrive and multiply) are specifically highlighted, is that unlike bacteria, they are effectively immune to concentrations of sanitisers that are acceptable in swimming pools. This is because of the protection provided by the impervious shell that surrounds the oocysts. Though larger than most bacteria, their small size (approximately 3 to 5 microns) means that they will readily pass through a conventional sand filter.
Crypto is also highly infectious and the research indicates that it can survive in a swimming pool for up to six months. Infection with Crypto can lead to a Cholera type sickness, diarrhoea and dehydration. People with a good immunity may suffer for up to two weeks. People with compromised immune systems (e.g. the elderly, the very young and those with illnesses such as AIDS) may suffer prolonged illness or death. Testing is generally only by faecal analysis.
HOW IS CRYPTOSPORIDIUM SPREAD AT AQUATIC FACILITIES?
Crypto is not spread by contact with blood. Crypto can be spread:
• By swallowing recreational water contaminated with Crypto. Recreational water is water from swimming pools, hot tubs, spas, fountains, lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, or streams that can be contaminated with sewage or faeces from humans or animals.
• By putting something in your mouth or accidentally swallowing something that has come in contact with the stool of a person or animal infected with Crypto.
• By swallowing Crypto picked up from surfaces (such as lounge chairs, picnic tables, bathroom fixtures, changing tables) contaminated with stool from an infected person.
Pool operators should be carrying out microbiological testing monthly, to ensure that there are no outbreaks of any microbiological hazards that are pathogenic (this would not identify cryptosporidium, however high levels of bacteria could indicate the possibility of other organisms). For those operating a hydrotherapy pool, they should be increasing the microbiological testing to weekly (for usual parameters and quarterly for Legionella), due to the increased risk of
a pathogenic outbreak as this pool type is typically utilised by high-risk user groups. Also, as identified by the Merthyr Tydfil outbreak in South Wales, any flume water features etc should always be connected to the main circulation, disinfection and filtration system as recommended.
It is hard to tell if a pool has Crypto operating within it. Generally, there are only two ways which pool operators can be made aware:
• You are told by a pool user(s), lifeguard, staff member etc. that someone has defecated in the pool and that this has constituted into diarrhoea, or
• You are told by your local Environmental Health team that there has been an outbreak in the community and the commonplace that they could have used is your swimming pool.
Even then, this can be hard to quantify, as Crypto can lay dormant in pools for up to six months, without the pool operator even being aware. This highlights the importance of having strict regimes in place for microbiological testing, as well as correct disinfection and prevention controls. Note that this protozoan will survive free chlorine up to 20mg/l.
What happens next when you are dealing with a pathogenic protozoan outbreak is key to ensuring your pool is back up and running as quickly, safely and efficiently as possible.
Firstly, ensure the pool’s disinfection, treatment and coagulation dosing systems are running efficiently and effectively, and the parameters are set to the correct points as per PWTAG TN30.
Secondly, ensure that microbiological tests have been re-tested accurately and appropriately (see PWTAG TN27 –Microbiological Sampling), and that the parameters are within the recommended ranges.
Thirdly, liaise with your Environmental Health Team (or equivalent) and make sure you have completed the ‘Swimming Pool Investigation Generic Checklist for Cryptosporidium outbreaks’. This document is a generic checklist that can be used for a general inspection of a swimming pool linked to cases of illness. This should then be shared with an incident or outbreak control team as and when required.
Fourthly, amongst all of these elements, your Environmental Health team will ask you for the following items:
• Plant turnover information via flowmeter (if fitted) or by calculations through your PTOP
• Water volume of your pool (through your PTOP)
• Flocculant/Coagulant type used and how it is dosed (continually dosed 24/7 throughout the circulation system at
0.1-0.2ml per m3/hr for PAC)
• Staff training records and certifications
• Last filter inspection(s)
• Calibration of testing equipment (via certification)
• Record of pool fouling incidents and cleaning regimes as well as rectification notes
• NOP & EAP updates
• Cryptosporidium Swimming Pool Investigation Generic Checklist completed
• Followed relevant procedures within EAP, such as PWTAG Guidance and STA’s Hazardous Contaminants Flowchart.
A Crypto outbreak is something all pools naturally want to avoid, not only to protect patrons and staff from illness or worse, but also to protect their reputation. Therefore, it is vital all wet facilities have key defences in place – these will include bather education; swim nappy polices and adequate changing facilities; ensuring any contamination is dealt with efficiently and effectively; adequate water circulation; disinfection and coagulation; good backwashing practices in line with guidance; and effective cleaning regimes. Also check there no parts of the pool circulation that do not pass through the filtration, disinfection and coagulation process. And, ensure you have an adequate supply of chemicals to deal with any cryptosporidium oocysts in the system after contamination, especially if you have high-rate filters for coagulation, super chlorination etc.
The principal concern is minimising the
risk of faecal contamination of the water. Hence the emphasis on pre-swim hygiene and cleanliness. Of particular concern is contamination by diarrhoea, as it is quite possible that anyone with it has a Crypto infection. Even if the diarrhoea has not been a result of Crypto, the fact that it is largely liquid makes removal of the faecal contamination much more difficult.
There are now manufacturers supplying ‘swim nappies’ for the industry. These nappies are reusable and well managed centres should consider selling this product. Although these cannot guarantee 100% liquid retention, they will assist in controlling this hazard. Normal disposable or towel nappies are completely unsuitable for bathing as they are designed to absorb moisture and so in reality would become saturated and lessen the wearer’s buoyancy.
Underpinning all of this is the importance of ensuring that the staff responsible for the management and maintenance of all key defences, hold a professional swimming pool and spa pool plant qualification. Pool plant qualifications provide the training they need to ensure the safety of all users, whilst also complying with the health, safety and legal requirements of being a qualified operator. STA has three qualifications available to suit the needs of those involved in varying degrees of pool plant work – from routine water testing to the full management and operation of a pool plant facility.
01922 645097
www.safetytrainingawards.co.uk
During the past two decades, Crypto has become recognised as one of the most common causes of waterborne illness. The germ is found in every part of the world”
With the launch of uwe JetStream’s first turbine counter-current system, here, JetStream UK – distributors of the complete range of uwe JetStream equipment to the pool trade – reveal the new product and provide a technical explanation of the difference between centrifugal pumps and propeller driven counter-current systems
2024 sees the introduction of the first uwe JetStream turbine counter-current system, the Fluxus. Developed at the home of JetStream at Schwäbisch Gmünd in Germany, the Fluxus has already been on test to ensure the reliability you would expect from uwe JetStream.
Available in two models with a 350m3/h output through a single nozzle (for good swimmers) or 450m3/h through twin nozzles (for trained swimmers) it offers fantastic performance coupled with high-end aesthetics.
However, JetStream UK didn’t just want to highlight the new product. There is a lot of ‘disinformation’ within the industry regarding counter-current systems particularly with the outputs of propeller systems being compared to pump driven systems, when in fact the two cannot be directly compared, and here, they’d like to explain why.
There are two basic ways of moving water (in relation to counter-current systems), one is a centrifugal pump system, the other is a propeller – some systems are branded as ‘turbines’, but they are propellers.
Turbines use the propeller to move the
water at a certain (usually quite low) speed through a large opening. To be able to swim against it, however, a large volume is required, due to the low speed and the large cross-section.
Centrifugal pumps accelerate the water and expel it at high speed through a relatively small nozzle. The high speed causes the ‘calm’ pool water to be pushed and much more water is moved at the position of the swimmer than flows in.
The principle can be found under impulsemomentum equation in fluid mechanics.
It can be explained in a very simplified but quite graphic way using a garden hose –everyone has one of these available to them.
If you hold the garden hose with the open end (i.e. without a ‘nozzle’) in a pool, the large cross-section causes a lot of volume flowing out at a certain speed. The pool water moves accordingly at a moderate speed.
If you now hold your thumb partially on the opening, the pressure rises sharply (= high outflow speed), but with a smaller volume. If you now observe the water, you will notice that it moves much more.
In short, there is a rough factor of 2.5 to 3.0 between propeller systems and
...there is a rough factor of 2.5 to 3.0 between propeller systems and centrifugal pump options...”
centrifugal pump options, with propeller systems needing to deliver up to three times more volume to demand the same level of power.
The JetStream TriVA 225 system with three pumps delivers up to 225m3/h – to create the equivalent with propellers, upwards of 550m3/h would have to be delivered!
Then there are the hydraulic aspects – which become important with higher performance.
On high flow systems like the JetStream TriVA, separate suction units are used, which are ideally positioned opposite the nozzles and extract the water that flows into the pool from the nozzle, which is then transported back to the pump via the interconnecting pipework. This allows a strong positive influence on the pool hydraulics, which enables more even swimming.
With propeller systems, they are usually self-contained, so the water must return to the nozzle area. This results in backflow in the pool, which can disturb the swimmer –especially in smaller pools.
On JetStream’s counter-current units, the nozzles can also be adjusted, which has the advantage that the pool hydraulics can be corrected and adapted to the swimming style.
Another point to consider is noise. From within the pool, the JetStream TriVA is very quiet because the pumps are not in the water, and the noise is decoupled with pipework and flexible hoses.
Propeller systems have the entire drive system in the water, or are directly coupled, so all vibrations (caused by the motor, propeller imbalance or hydraulic ‘imbalance’) are transmitted directly into the pool, and so comparably the noise level is very high – which of course could disturb the swimmer.
The key advantage of the propeller system is the simpler installation. The systems are self-contained and there is generally no need for interconnecting pipework. mplicity, you do ‘pay’ with other disadvantages.
For more information on the new Fluxus, or any of the uwe JetStream range, please pay a visit the Jetstream UK website.
Jetstream UK 01252 545006 www.jetstreamuk.com
Over recent months, in a leafy part of Warwickshire, The Natural Pool Company has been hard at work on a beautiful residential installation that showcases the very best in natural, sustainable and low-chemical swimming solutions.
An architect-designed pool located close to the banks of the River Stour, this project is the perfect example of a modern, eco-friendly construction designed to co-exist in harmony with nature. Rather than relying heavily on chemicals and plastics, this next-generation pool is a showcase of sustainable wet leisure solutions.
Born out of a passion for swimming in rivers, oceans and lakes, The Natural Pool Company aims to recreate the feel of a wild dip within the confines of a man-made pool. And the Bristol-based business has cultivated an impressive roster of suppliers and distributors who help
It’s extremely important to us that we deliver a swimming experience that’s as natural as possible, while still boasting all of the conveniences of a modern pool”
them to do just that. From luxurious lighting designs by Certikin, to natural feeling Renolit Touch liners installed by Aquaflex, and on to low-chlorine filtration systems provided by Golden Coast, the company is skilled at blending multiple components, from a range of brands and suppliers, into the perfect custom-made build.
This latest project, designed to complement a stylish private home, is a sleek, elegant reminder of what can be achieved – even in the face of much adversity.
“It was a difficult build, hampered by unrelenting, terrible weather,” Krystian Sordyl, Managing Director of The Natural Pool Company, explained. “And the constant rain soaked the native clay soil, resulting in sticky, unstable terrain.
“But we persevered, and we’re really happy with the results. It’s extremely important to us that we deliver a swimming experience that’s as natural as possible, while still boasting all of the conveniences of a modern pool. Fortunately, we have a network of fantastic suppliers and distributors across the country, and each of them contributed something special to the final product.”
The build features a set of corner steps leading down into the water and a slightly sunken profile, blending seamlessly into the Warwickshire landscape. One particular challenge was the pump room, which was located approximately 1.3 metres above the surface of the
pool; but the PPG Inverpro 32 VS pump supplied by Golden Coast helped the team to overcome that particular obstacle.
In order to keep things as eco-friendly as possible, The Natural Pool Company also consulted with Golden Coast, ultimately opting for Dryden Aqua’s low-chemical DAISY filtration system. The eco-conscious theme continued from there, with high-insulation construction materials and energy-efficient heating used throughout the project.
BUILD
The Natural Pool Company 07921 919490 www.thenaturalpoolcompany.com
ICF BLOCKS
Bosta UK 01284 716580 www.bosta.co.uk
HEATING
Lighthouse 01752 253525 www.lighthousepools.co.uk
LIGHTING
Certikin 01993 777200 www.certikin.co.uk
LINER Aquaflex 01722 328873 www.aquaflex.co.uk
LOW-CHEMICAL FILTRATION
Golden Coast 01271 378100 www.goldenc.com
POOL COVER
Paramount Pool Products 01256 748380 www.paramountpools.co.uk
PUMPS
Golden Coast 01271 378100 www.goldenc.com
Whether it’s through the use of salt chlorinators, UV, Ozone or other systems, when it comes to the treatment of swimming pool and spa water, there’s now a number of tried and tested non-chemical based, low and no chlorine solutions on offer. With options often providing a gentler wet leisure environment for owners and users, it’s easy to see why they are increasingly popular. This issue, we take a closer look at what’s available this year
By Jon Wadeson
Following years of feedback from users, owners and operators spanning both the domestic and commercial wet leisure sectors, industry innovators were tasked with producing safe, dependable and effective disinfection solutions that don’t rely on large doses of chlorine for the sanitisation of water. As a result of this challenge, there is now a wide range of treatments available which do exactly that, with UV systems and salt chlorinators leading the pack of the many alternatives that are on offer.
Lowering chlorine use in wet leisure settings, and in some cases, removing it completely, has been high on the agenda for many within both private and public environments and it provides a welcome answer for indoor pools to help eradicate the unwelcome odours we all too often associate with water that’s been treated with the chemical. Of course, chlorine will always have its place in the sanitation of pool and spa water, but reducing levels and reliance upon it or replacing it completely provides some much appreciated benefits.
With a wide range of solutions and systems on offer, we take a look at just some of the options that are available.
AQUASERVICE’S VERSATILE UV SYSTEM IS SUITABLE FOR ALL POOL TYPES
According to Norwegian manufacturer Aquaservice, their AquaUV Pool Line UV System (AQS-PL UV for short) is the most
versatile swimming pool UV system on the market. It’s designed to treat all types of pool usage, from heavy use children’s swimming pools to low use diving or private pools.
Of course, each type of usage requires a different type of UV set up – no one type of UV system will fit all swimming pool usage and requirements – and systems are offered with flow rates ranging from 6m3/h to 580m3/h and the total maximum lamp power output spanning 0.4kW to 8.4kW. For ease of installation, connections can be amended to suit pipework and in addition, having the ability to supply bespoke options when required, makes it one of the most unique swimming pool UV systems available in the market.
These medium pressure UV lamp systems offer a minimum lamp life of 10,000 hours, and as with the company’s Pool Line filters, they have been designed to comply with NSF 50 standard. Other features of the AQS-PL UV systems include:
• Corrosion Resistant Epoxy Coating
• Power Stepping
• Manual or Automatic wiper
• BUS connection option
• Temperature Switch or Sensor.
AQS-PL UV systems emit polychromatic UV radiation. The multiple wavelengths in the medium pressure UV lamps destroy the molecular bonds of combined chlorine/ chloramine compounds. Therefore, UV removal of chloramines is a non-chemical and reliable method to control combined chlorine in swimming pools. In addition, each system is sized and designed to achieve a minimum of a 99.9% reduction of cryptosporidium, therefore guaranteeing safe bathing for all with no risk of chlorine resistant organisms surviving in the water.
Since its inception in 2000, BIO-UV Group has grown to become one of the leading companies in water disinfection and treatment systems. From their base in France where they design and manufacture their systems, the team has built a strong
partnership network across the world. Here in the UK, their partner is AstralPool who exclusively distribute the innovative and environmentally friendly solutions which are based on UV-C, Ozone and AOP technology. Each one is ecological and an automatic process that requires minimal addition of chemicals to the pool. This guarantees well-being and bathing comfort by reducing irritation.
For the residential market, BIO-UV has developed and launched the innovative concept, O’Clear. Easy to install and compatible with all types of pools, it is a unique water treatment system that guarantees a perfectly disinfected pool without the addition of chemicals. The water circulates inside a reactor where the UV-C, associated with O’Clear’s exclusive electrodes, eradicates all microorganisms and thus ensures flawless results with only 0.5g/litre of salt.
US-based AutoPilot has been a leading swimming pool salt chlorine generator manufacturer since 1976, with one of their most popular systems being the Pool Pilot Digital Nano+.
Available exclusively in the UK from Certikin, the Nano+ is both simple to install and use. Its features include microprocessor controls with a digital read out of pool water temperature, current salt level, purifier production level and more. It is also intuitive to let you know how much salt to add should it run low. Autopilot’s patented manifold is included as standard and is designed to control the flow rate delivered to the cell of the chlorinator whilst guaranteeing
optimum chlorine production.
The Nano+ will maintain pools with a water volume of up to 121m3 with the PPC2 patented manifold and operates at flow rates as low as 3.4m3/h.
The benefits mean that you need never buy chlorine again, no more red eye or itchy skin, faded swimwear and instead, a plentiful supply of soft silky feeling water.
New Adaptive Response Technology, ‘ART’ for short, is set to be a gamechanger for electrochlorination water disinfection.
This innovative technology, developed by Gaffey, is built into their range of Hyprolyser® iSEC® electrochlorination systems and allows them to adjust to constant changes in both environment and site conditions. Addressing increasing climatic influences such as high ambient and warm feed water conditions in plantrooms and overcoming fluctuating water pressures is essential to manage during daily operations.
Hyprolyser® ART can detect the smallest irregularity within its process and automatically self-regulate to function seamlessly, ensuring continual and consistent chlorine generation for effective and efficient chlorination. On-screen annotations instruct remedial actions to be taken by the operator to avoid unnecessary interruption to chlorine generation.
Gaffey are also simultaneously launching their new Hyprolyser® iSEC® High Capacity Skid 250-2000 system, where a single unit alone can deliver up to a huge equivalent of 291 litres sodium hypochlorite 14% per day to treat up to 4,000m3 of pool water for example. Hyprolyser® electrochlorination systems are fully compliant under HSE/BPR and deliver real COSHH and cost saving benefits. Generating non-hazardous <1% sodium hypochlorite from salt, water and electricity, Hyprolyser® is one of the most sustainable water disinfection solutions available for pools today.
Managing Director Phil Gaffey said in a statement: “We are proud to be more than just manufacturers in the water disinfection industry. Pushing technology forward is always our goal and by listening to industry feedback
combined with improving technology, our in-house technical team have made some great strides that will make a real impact for our customers all around the world.”
Everybody wants a crystal-clear swimming pool with waters that sparkle like the Caribbean. But increasingly, fewer and fewer are willing to overload on harsh chemicals to achieve that effect. Up until recently, pool builders were limited when it came to low/no chlorine solutions – but now Dryden Aqua has become one of the leaders of supplying an alternative with their innovative DAISY system which is available through Golden Coast.
By replacing traditional sand with bacteriaresistant Activated Filter Media (AFM), the DAISY system actively prevents the growth of pathogens and reduces the need for chlorine and other disinfectants. Which makes it an ideal choice for anyone wanting to minimise the environmental impact of their pool.
As sole distributors for the system in the UK and Ireland, the team at Golden Coast are familiar with DAISY’s appeal. “We’re seeing more and more people looking for low or no-chlorine solutions when it comes to keeping their pools fresh and clean,” said Technical Training and Operations Manager Kristy Carlisle. “And Dryden’s DAISY system delivers on all accounts. It guarantees incredible water quality while minimising environmental impact, reducing dependence on chemicals and cutting energy costs.”
According to Kristy, DAISY works especially well when used in conjunction with Dryden’s Swimming Pool A.I. Cloud Expert, or SPACE. A real-time pool monitoring solution, it enables owners to improve performance continually, reduce operating costs and eliminate waste.
BAYROL AND POOL TECHNOLOGIE WATER TREATMENT OPTIONS FROM LIGHTHOUSE
Over the last couple of years, Lighthouse
has introduced products from French manufacturer Pool Technologie and German brand BAYROL.
Pool Technologie has distinguished itself by offering a complete range of automatic water treatment products and as an expert in salt-water swimming pools for over 30 years, it offers reliable and high-performance equipment that is at the cutting edge of technology plus is eco-friendly and sustainable too.
Lighthouse can now offer the best device, suited to both installer and customer needs.
With standard salt at 4g/l, low salt 2g/l and an ultra low salt system available down to 0.5/g/l, there is a system to suit everyone.
There are three ranges of equipment, all driven from a control box – from the entrylevel ‘Mini’ system, to the ‘Just’ branded range and final the premium branded ‘Pool Squad’ options.
For many across the industry, BAYROL needs no introduction. A true expert in the field of water treatment for swimming pools and spas for over 65 years, BAYROL offers everything needed for the care of pool and spa water: from simple basics to the most comprehensive products to the ideal solutions for quickly solving specific problems.
So whatever the need, Lighthouse are able to offer a wide range of BAYROL chemicals for the treatment of water, along with dosing and control systems from the German manufacturer to automate their use.
Ocea UK are the official British distributor of Mr Pure, the first ORP Salt Chlorinator with Inver Turbo technology which self-adapts to different situations and delivers 0-130% automated chlorine production.
This latest water treatment innovation adopts an advanced PID algorithm for accurate control of chlorine production and pH regulation. It transforms a pool into an oasis with infant-suitable water that’s natural and healthy. No more worries about red eyes,
dry hair, or rough skin – just refreshing water with sensitive skin.
Mr Pure releases users from any concerns about swimming in saltwater and owners or operators from forgetting to add salt in time, thanks to its Inver Turbo technology. It is even able to operate at low salt levels of 1g/L, benefiting both swimmers and pool systems.
Features include an on-screen display that lets operators know when the water is perfect for use, so there are no guessing games. The simple touch screen which is only 75mm deep shows visual water quality, so users know when the swimming conditions are just right.
It also features a Turbo Boost function to speed up the process so the water can be used right away, perfect for when excited children are waiting to jump in the pool!
The system only produces chlorine when required, saving costs and energy in running a pool and keeping it sanitised. Supplied with PH and ORP probes as standard, installation is simple and Ocea UK offer full training on the product and its installation at their new headquarters in Oxfordshire.
UK-based Origin Aqua’s Mineral+Biome® is a chemical free, biological filtration system scientifically proven to kill pathogens naturally, without using chlorine or other harmful disinfectants.
The modular, automated natural pool filtration system, delivers outstanding mineral quality water, while typically using 50%
less energy and wastewater vs. traditional filtration systems.
This nature-based solution, designed and developed in the UK, can be fitted to virtually any new build or existing swimming pool, rendering use of chlorine or other disinfection chemicals obsolete.
In addition to operating without chemicals (or aquatic plants), the Mineral+Biome® includes innovative features such as IoT touchscreen automation, air assisted auto-backwash, flow / pressure sensing and a modular fully recyclable one-piece filter housing.
Origin Aqua CEO, Andrew Cox, said: “Our scientifically proven, nature based technology gives customers the opportunity to
experience luxury, mineralised water instead of a soup of chemicals.
“The Mineral+Biome® system represents the future of pool filtration – delivering superior water quality, with the healthiest, most advanced and environmentally friendly system available on the market today.”
Origin Aqua has spent five years developing the Mineral+Biome® and the company has over 100 systems running (including the largest indoor natural pool in Europe) and is now looking to build a distribution network across the UK and abroad.
A prime focus of scientific advances today is ceramic nano crystal technology, and it is this which is used in the Quantum to create one of the most powerful forms of sterilisation – photocatalytic oxidation. Manufactured by Elecro Engineering and available from Certikin, Lighthouse, Plastica and SCP UK, Quantum eliminates contaminants leaving water fresh and clean.
Easy to install, Quantum gives peace of mind as dangerous organisms such as cryptosporidium and adenoviruses are destroyed by the photocatalytic process ensuring pool users are kept safe. Several natural processes occur as the pool water passes through the unit with only pure water returning to the pool.
As a result of the processes occurring inside the Quantum, including the production of hydroxyl radicals, the treated water is free of all oil-based substances such as sun creams and all organics including urea are totally removed resulting in sparkling water.
Quantum also reduces the need for chemicals in the pool and helps eliminate the smell of chlorine.
Once installed, this cost-effective solution requires no maintenance; it is equipped with an intelligent lamp life indicator so when the UV lamp which initiates the photocatalytic reaction needs to be replaced this is displayed. Quantum is compatible
Elecro’s Quantum solution will give peace of mind to owners as dangerous organisms are destroyed by the photocatalytic process
with both salt and sea water and is available in three sizes. Choose from Mini (35m3), Single (65m3) or Double (130m3) to meet the specific needs of the pool’s capacity.
Available through Fairlocks Pool Products, the PURIQ UV-C Bright Series water purifier offers optimal technology for crystalclear water without the need for multiple chemicals and is kinder for water users too.
Featuring the latest technology, the lamp placed in the pool water emits a very powerful UV-C light with a wavelength of exactly 253.7nm that kills practically all bacteria, viruses, algae and moulds. Using a UV light provides non-chemical disinfection, enabling effective primary control over waterborne bacteria, which can benefit both public and private pools.
This results in optimal purification, reducing the need by 80% of chlorine and other chemical usage. The PURIQ UV-C system, with its 100% eco-friendly operation, provides more natural, healthier water. The extra wide SAE 316 stainless steel housing extends the time the water is exposed to the strong UV-C radiation while also minimising the pressure drop as the water passes through. Not only is the system better for the pool and pool user, but the environment benefits too. There is a significantly reduced number of toxic by-products produced by the UV purifier ensuring that the end response is a cleaner, safer environment for all.
The Resilience E Natural Salt Chlorinator features advanced digital electronics and simple installation in an ‘all-in-one’ compact unit. Designed for ease of use, it simplifies the pool owner’s job with a quick installation
process (averaging 15 minutes without wiring) and easy maintenance.
Resilience E is equipped with a user-friendly display that indicates the various chlorine output levels and alerts for low salt levels. Maintenance alerts notify when the cartridge needs cleaning or is nearing the end of its lifespan, with the pullout cartridge method ensuring easy servicing or replacement.
Ideal for private pools and available in three sizes to fit pools up to 150m3, the Resilience E which has been designed to work with variable speed pumps and includes a pre-supplied cleaning vessel for easy maintenance. Other features and benefits include:
• Easy installation, arguably the simplest in the market, making it ideal for private pools
• Bi-directional flow sensor and double ‘low flow’ protection
• Full range input voltage automatically accepts 110 or 220V
• Built in salinity and water temperature sensors
• Replaceable electrolysis cartridge.
Manufactured using IP-66 rated materials, making it weatherproof and suitable for both indoor and indoor installations, the Resilience E is a durable and reliable salt chlorinator. It is designed with reverse polarity that allows self-cleaning and plugs into a standard outlet.
offers you assurance of crystal clear water with fewer chemicals
The PURIQ UV-C water purifier contains intelligent electronics that alert you when it is time to replace the lamp, which ensures that the unit is always operating at peak efficiency and your water is clear. This way, you always have a perfectly working device you can rely on.
Utilizing the latest technology, the lamp emits very powerful UV-C light with a wavelength
The PURIQ Bright Series UV-C water purifier is available in 3 versions: Bright 40, Bright 80 and Bright 120 amalgam. The recommendation is 1 watt per m³.
of exactly 253.7 nm that kills practically all bacteria, viruses, algae and moulds.
This results in optimal purification, so the use of chlorine and other chemicals can be reduced by up to 80%! The PURIQ UV-C system, with its 100% eco-friendly operation, provides more natural, healthier water.
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Thanks to numerous innovations, the testing of water in pools and spas is now more sophisticated, accurate and convenient than ever. It’s a sector which has embraced the latest advances in technology whilst also still producing more lowtech, tried and tested methods too. The result is a wide range of products, some of which have revolutionised the process. With water testing always a high priority, we take a closer look at some of the available products
Crystal clear, clean and safe water is an essential and expected part of the wet leisure experience, but the last thing owners and operators of pools and spas want to do is spend an excessive amount of time and energy testing and monitoring their water, let alone doing it with equipment that isn’t pinpoint inaccurate.
Fast, straightforward and accurate water testing products are therefore top of the list of many involved in ensuring the quality of wet leisure water – not just for safety reasons, but also to ensure equipment is operating within the correct environment too. If it isn’t, there’s often a heavy price to pay with new equipment being needed earlier than expected.
The safety of anyone enjoying the water is of course at the top of every pool or spa owners’ list though, and with commercial facilities experiencing much higher bather loads than their domestic cousins, owners and users need to be able to trust that the water being used by bathers is safe and in the best possible condition. Considerable time and money has been spent on researching and developing more efficient and user-friendly testing systems, and that’s not surprising, as for commercial operators in particular, where there is the possibility of infection, only the latest products and best procedures are good enough. Down time as a result of poor procedures invariably leads to bad press, and this often spells disaster to a facility’s reputation, with guests then voting with their feet – a scenario to be avoided at all costs!
Regardless of their size though, wet leisure facilities are always major investments for their owners and they, along with the water within them, need to be kept in the best possible condition. So having the correct products to test water conditions on an ongoing basis is a must
and here, we take a look at just some of the available testing solutions.
The HI-971044C from Hanna Instruments is a complete kit containing an advanced portable photometer for the measurement of pH, alkalinity, free chlorine and total chlorine, plus cyanuric acid in swimming pool, hot tub and spa water.
At the heart of the kit is the HI-971044 photometer that has an innovative optical system that utilises a reference detector and narrow band interference filters to provide superior performance in accuracy and repeatability. With no warm up time needed before taking a measurement, it also shortens the time taken for water testing. The advanced optical system features:
• An LED that generates very little heat
By Jon Wadeson
• An 8 nm narrowband interference filter that is accurate to +/- 1 nm and offers 25% increase in light efficiency
• A reference detector that modulates the voltage to LED for consistent light output
• A concave focusing lens that reduces errors from imperfections in the cuvette.
This compact, waterproof meter is extremely user friendly with a tutorial mode that walks the user graphically, step by step, in performing a measurement. The use of a backlit dot matrix LED allows the use of virtual keys which makes the operation of the meter very intuitive including selecting different methods, reviewing GLP data, recalling the last 50 measurements and customising the meter to user preferences.
HI-971044 is waterproof including the cuvette holder that is designed with ridges to protect the optical path from getting scratched by the cuvette and a protected battery compartment that holds three AA batteries.
The compact design fits comfortably in the hand for use in the field or on a table for benchtop use.
Users can select the use of powder reagents supplied in packets or the use of low cost liquid reagents supplied in a dropper bottle.
The Lumiso Pooltest range from Palintest offers the most advanced photometric technology to deliver accurate, clear water quality results in a matter of minutes.
Available from leading distributors including Certikin, Golden Coast and SCP UK, the brand is used by both pool owners and professionals around the world.
For outdoor pools there is Lumiso Pooltest 3, while Lumiso Pooltest 4 is ideal for measuring the basic parameters of chlorine, pH, bromine and alkalinity in spas and indoor pools.
For service engineers and pool managers,
there is the Lumiso Pooltest 6, which provides basic readings alongside additional tests for cyanuric acid and calcium hardness, enabling a complete water balance calculation.
The latest addition to the range is Palintest’s Lumiso Pooltest Expert – a multiparameter benchtop photometer designed as an all-round solution for pool and spa water testing needs. From pool managers through to professional engineers, this photometer is suitable for testing multiple times daily, quickly and accurately across key and troubleshooting parameters.
With a large touchscreen interface and simple to follow onscreen instructions, the Lumiso Pooltest Expert can be used with little or no prior training. Its robust construction and IP67 waterproof design ensures it can be used in situation, in any environment – even with wet hands – and comes in a case made from recycled material.
Lumiso Pooltest Expert benefits from easy results retrieval and data traceability for audit compliance purposes via USB connectivity through the Palintest Connect platform. With 35 tests, routine and troubleshooting testing is made easy, with quick and accurate results including test data, user labels, and notes for audit and compliance purposes.
INTRODUCING THE NEW LILIAN PHOTOMETER WAVE
The LILIAN Photometer Wave for analysing water in pools and spas has been available since the beginning of this year. Based on using the company’s innovative and unique SensoSticks, the measurements of e.g. free, bound, total chlorine and pH value can be determined simultaneously within only approx. 60 seconds. Of course, other pool-relevant parameters are also available – eight in total –and the testing data is all stored digitally. The detection accuracy for both chlorine and pH is with a tolerance of only +/- 0.03 –a value which the company advise is unique on the market in on site analysis, taking into account the short time required. In addition,
there is no need for any kind of sample preparation, as is common with conventional photometers. A fact which saves both time and money!
In addition, users can use the LILIAN app and manager free of charge for digital data processing.
So who is the new LILIAN Photometer Wave designed for? Well, the target group is diverse – all those who do not analyse water samples on a daily basis but value the highest level of detection accuracy and objective documentation are eligible.
These include, for example, health authorities, hygiene institutes, laboratories, pool builders, service technicians, managers of communal facilities, service providers and more.
Compared to the company’s established Photometer Pro, the cost price of the new Photometer Wave is significantly lower, but the cost per analysis is only slightly higher, with SensoSticks available in packs of five pieces.
LaMotte offer a number of solutions for testing and last year introduced their ColorQ® 2x PRO 7.
...the last thing owners and operators of pools and spas want to do is spend an excessive amount of time and energy testing...”
This waterproof Bluetooth® handheld pool and spa professional photometer directly measures free chlorine (DPD), total chlorine (DPD), bromine (DPD), pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness and cyanuric acid (Stabiliser) directly on a digital display. The handheld meter is easy to use and features economical liquid reagents that measure 144 tests per test factor for free chlorine, total chlorine (bromine) and pH. The alkalinity, calcium hardness and cyanuric acid tests are measured by using the TesTabs® tablet method and includes 100 tablets for each test. The ColorQ® 2x eliminates the need to determine slight colour variations visually, thus taking the guesswork out of poolside water analysis. The photometer, testing reagents and photo-diagrammatic trilingual instructions (English, Spanish, French) are packaged in a convenient carrying case for on site testing.
LaMotte’s flagship model is their innovative WaterLink® SpinTouch™ photometer which does all the pool and spa water testing wherever it is needed – both in the field or in the store.
The genius lies in the disk; produced in a clean room environment, freeze dried reagents are added to the disk and react with the water sample when inserted into the SpinTouch™ and rotated at high speeds.
After just 30 seconds for a 3-parameter test (FCL, TCL and pH) and 60 seconds for a full suite of ten parameters, the results are displayed on screen in PPM.
For service technicians, the SpinTouch™ can be used poolside to monitor and thereby correctly treat the water in a pool. For pool operators, the 3-use disk is used
to test free chlorine, total chlorine and pH up to three times in a day, with all results automatically stored on the device.
The product is one of the quickest and simplest ways to test water accurately and has been newly added to SCP UK’s extensive water testing lineup for the 2024 season.
For over 50 years, the Lovibond name has been synonymous with high quality, accurate pool water testing and the current range of meters carry on the high standards expected.
Two of the company’s latest products are the Scuba3s and SD pocket testers, both of which were showcased earlier in the year at the SPATEX trade show.
The Scuba3s electronic pool tester combines speed, versatility and ease of use. It allows users to transfer their pool data wirelessly to a smartphone via NFC, and access it anytime, anywhere on the PoolAssistant app. The app also turns the results into easy-to-understand diagrams which can be shared with up to three users for multiple pools. The Scuba3s can perform 11 tests, including chlorine, bromine, pH and more, giving the user precise control over a pool’s health.
The new Lovibond® SD pocket testers use electrochemistry to provide quick and accurate measurements of various parameters, such as pH, redox, conductivity, salt and TDS. These handheld testers are ideal for environmental monitoring, industrial plant checks, or pool water quality maintenance. They are designed to be efficient and effective, delivering rapid and reliable results.
Lovibond’s most popular models are based around a 6in1 format with two models being
available with and without Bluetooth connectivity. The MD110 version includes Bluetooth with the standard unit being the ever-popular MD100. Both meters are easy to use allowing anyone to obtain good and accurate readings. Tests measured are free and total chlorine with an extended range of 0-10mg/l included as standard, pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, cyanuric acid and bromine.
Lovibond’s products are available from a number of leading distributors which includes Certikin, Golden Coast, Plastica and SCP UK.
Water-i.d., have been making daily pool water analysis as user-friendly, simple and efficient as possible for more than 20 years. Through permanent quality controls and customer-oriented further development by means of their in-house research and development team, the company guarantees the consistently high quality of their products for monitoring pool water, and thus the health of pool users too.
Since the release of their PoolLab 1.0 in 2017, Water-i.d. have been offering the option of measuring 13 different water parameters with minimal effort. The successor model, the PoolLab 2.0, represents a logical evolution and in addition to the proven functions of its predecessor, it offers the parallel
measurement of three parameters at the same time using a 3-chamber cuvette. What’s more, 11 further parameters can also be determined, bringing the total number to 24.
The PoolLab 1.0 already made it very easy to transfer measurement data to a PC, Mac, Android smartphone or tablet using a Bluetooth connection. With PoolLab 2.0, users still have this option, but they can also choose to connect to any end devices via Wi-Fi. In both cases, simply use the free software and cloud solutions as part of the brand’s in-house LabCom software family. This includes specially developed versions for all compatible end devices mentioned, as well as a web application for a preferred browser. Measurement results can thus be easily assigned to any self-created measurement sources, edited or statistically evaluated. If there’s a need to export the measurement results, this option is also available to users within the LabCom software by simply clicking on the desired file format.
Without effective ventilation and dehumidification, indoor pool and spa settings can suffer from overly humid conditions which will often lead to condensation, mould, corrosion and even potential structural damage. For users, there can also be an uncomfortable environment to contend with too. So getting the conditions right is essential for both owners and users alike and in this issue, we take a closer look at some of the solutions on offer
By Jon Wadeson
Designing, creating and maintaining the perfect environment for indoor swimming pools and spas is no easy task. It’s one thing ensuring the water is clean and heated to the desired operating temperature, but providing the correct atmosphere outside of the water is an entirely different challenge. Without providing effective dehumidification and ventilation, problems can arise for both users and operators of the facilities plus the fabric of the building itself. One of the most obvious issues is condensation, something which if not dealt with, will ultimately lead to damage of either the décor or even the structure of the building itself.
So it’s essential that an indoor environment should have a well-planned and appropriate dehumidification and ventilation system which will provide comfortable conditions for swimmers, bathers, spectators and staff, plus just as importantly, one that also protects the building itself.
As you would expect, it’s a specialist area, but thankfully there’s plenty of knowledge, advice and product choices available which will solve numerous operating challenges under the single heading of ‘environmental control’ and in doing so, will save energy and therefore costs for owners and operators, whilst also ensuring the longevity of the wider
installation and its equipment.
With the wealth of expertise that’s available in the sector, designers and installers should find that choosing the most energy efficient way to manage indoor pool and spa environments whilst satisfying building control regulations isn’t as daunting a
task as they had feared. In fact, creating the conditions for the perfect operating environment is now a breeze and in this issue, we look at just some of the solutions that are available.
Anglo-Dutch company Ecor Pro have more than 40 years’ experience in the market and specialise in designing bespoke dehumidifiers to their customers’ specifications.
For the UK swimming pool sector, they currently offer a single style gravity drained compressor model which is available in two sizes.
The D850 offers 65 litres maximum extraction using 850W, has two fan speeds with 500m3/hr air volume capacity and operates at 49-51dB.
The D950 provides 85 litres maximum extraction using 1,380W, again has two fan speeds with 680m3/hr air volume capacity and operates at 51-53dB.
These compact, floor standing units (which should ideally be secured to a wall) have an operating range from 4°C up 40°C maximum room temperature.
Internally protected for use in swimming pool areas, these energy efficient options
offer optimum cooling and compressor operating times based on an internal microprocessor calculation to enhance performance. They feature a built-in humidistat to regulate the humidity level automatically with a range of between 40-70%, plus there’s also an optional continuous running mode.
Controls are located on the top of each unit and there’s easy access to key parts from the rear cover. These include a simple gas recharge point to top gas levels over the lifetime of the unit, plus two washable air filters, although these should not need replacing for the lifetime of the dehumidifier when handled carefully.
MeacoWall is a range of wall-mounted dehumidifiers from humidity monitoring and control equipment specialists Meaco, and is part of its award-winning Platinum Range of commercial low energy products.
An advanced and stylish solution for humidity control where wall mounting is an important requirement, MeacoWall is available in three sizes, 53L, 72L and 103L.
At just 202mm deep these dehumidifiers are some of the slimmest wall mounting dehumidifiers on the market and as such will not protrude far into a room. Features include the incorporation of a DC fan motor that helps to reduce running costs and keeps noise levels very low, working at a level of just 48dB, which is similar to the hum from a domestic refrigerator.
As a heat pump compressor dehumidifier, all energy used in the drying process is sent back to the space thus delivering dry, warm air whilst keeping energy costs down.
A unique glass finish means they look great, coming in a white casing with either a white or black glass front panel that incorporates the light touch LED.
Installation is flexible with the option of continuous drainage from either the right or left hand side of the dehumidifier. An
automatic hot gas defrost system allows use in spaces where heating is limited with continuous performance right down to 10°C for the smallest unit, and 15°C for the two larger models. For swimming pool applications, the refrigeration coils are specially coated to ensure a long service life.
The ultra-silent, compact and energy saving Inverter Dehumidifier from Ocea UK operates using full Inverter technology, and being on average ten times quieter than traditional dehumidifiers, owners won’t even know it’s there. This sleek design can be installed floor standing or wall mounted and it comes with removeable feet to let owners decide.
With a choice of smart and silent modes accessible through the handy touch control digital display, users have complete control and monitoring at their fingertips. In addition, use is made even easier thanks to a downloadable app for Android and iOS that allows owners to view and select modes and see the operating options at the touch of a button and from the comfort of a couch or whilst on the move.
Models available will remove from 40 litres
all the way up to 80 litres in 24 hours so there is plenty of choice in this competitively priced range to ensure owners keep their pool environments condensation and damage free.
These full inverter-dehumidifiers are engineered to provide quiet operation along with full energy efficiency, and are recommended for both residential and commercial indoor pools. With a generous 7-year warranty on the compressor and heat exchanger, they can be purchased with confidence. Order from stock held at Ocea UK’s new headquarters in Oxfordshire with next day delivery available.
Available from SCP UK, the Garden Air Full Inverter Dehumidifier was the first full inverter dehumidifier designed for use with rooms that feature a pool, spa, swim spa or hot tub.
Available in three sizes, this smart looking product features a digital touch control panel and a patented high class design which incorporates perfectly matched metal and aluminium. It is suitable for a range of environments and will help keep an indoor pool or spa area free from condensation,
replacing cooler wet air with dryer warmer air.
As it runs ten times quieter than a traditional dehumidifier, making it quieter than a fridge, it won’t interfere with bathers who are seeking a calm and relaxing experience.
Not only is the Garden Air Full Inverter Dehumidifier one of the quietest products available, it is also one of the cheapest to run. The power requirement is incredibly low, with the largest model needing less than 5amps, meaning it consumes just 50% of the power of a traditional dehumidifier.
There are three size options available, with models capable of removing 2, 3 and 4 litres of water from the atmosphere per hour. The smallest will be suitable for any hot tub, spa and swim spa room as well as pools with a surface area up to 20m2. The second is suggested for pools up to 30m2 and the third is for pools with a surface area no bigger than 40m2
The ingenious, multi-tasking Calorex Variheat Series 3 air handling unit, featuring a PLC touchscreen as standard and endless configuration options offers the ultimate in flexibility to suit almost every plant room. Total peace of mind is provided as commissioning comes as standard together with a two-year on site parts and labour warranty.
Indoor swimming pools constantly evaporate large volumes of moisture into the space around them. Totally selfcontrolling, the Variheat will remove this moisture and recover energy from it. In controlling
The ingenious, multi-tasking Calorex Variheat Series 3 air handling unit, featuring a PLC touchscreen as standard and endless configuration options
It’s essential that an indoor environment should have a well-planned and appropriate dehumidification and ventilation system which will provide comfortable conditions”
the operation of the heat source and combining it with a highly efficient heat pump dehumidifier, it provides air and water heating, humidity control, ventilation and energy recovery.
By utilising this method, energy costs are kept to a minimum. Typically, for every unit of power that a Variheat consumes, it will convert more than twice this amount to usable heat.
The potential energy savings are huge. In fact, compared to traditional heat and ventilation, considerable energy cost saving can be made and corresponding CO2 emissions can be dramatically reduced.
Pre-set at the factory, Variheat fans will automatically speed adjust to differing duct work and/or system air filter resistances, ensuring optimum air flow is constantly maintained. This reduces commissioning time and automatically optimises performance, power consumption and noise levels.
The Variheat features internet connection capability to PC, smartphone or selected BMS that provides remote monitoring and set point control; comprehensive diagnostic information and EC/Inverter constant flow fans.
To battle the challenging environment of a typical indoor pool hall, Heatstar offer the perfect dehumidification solution with two of their systems offering efficient dehumidification and innovative heat recovery. The XF EC system offers fresh air introduction to provide natural dehumidification and efficient heat recovery via its recuperator, and is perfect for all indoor swimming pools especially where an extended, higher level of demand is anticipated.
With the Phoenix EC, users will find a system that offers ultra-high heat recovery and heat efficiency thanks to its utilisation of hybrid technology. This hybrid setup incorporates three main areas: (1) The fans used in the units, (2) optimising heat recovery, and (3) energy efficient dehumidification including energy recycling (‘free’ heat).
Firstly, the Phoenix EC utilises the most energy efficient fans on the market. These digital fans utilise ‘autofan’ technology whereby the speed and power of the air-recirculation
fan is managed automatically to enable significant energy savings whenever there is low demand for dehumidification or airheating.
Secondly, the unit is fitted with cross-flow recuperators to optimise heat recovery. The recuperator passively conducts heat from the exhausted pool room air via a series of adjoining plates directly to the incoming colder fresh air. This process, in combination with the dehumidification heat pump, produces unrivalled levels of heat recovery.
Lastly the Phoenix boasts energy efficient dehumidification. The Phoenix’s dehumidification heat pump creates a cold evaporator coil to condense the moisture present in the air to reduce humidity levels. Through this process the heat pump absorbs both latent and sensible energy which is upgraded and recycled back into both the pool room air and pool water.
At an ambient air temperature of 20°C the Phoenix EC can deliver an efficiency of over 140% and is able to offer the lowest operating cost of any such system.
The Humidity Solutions range of small pools and wet area dehumidifiers are European manufactured and offer Italian design to provide innovative solutions such as the freestanding HiDew DVS vertical floor standing dehumidifier which is perfect for new and retrofit projects. The dehumidifier can easily be positioned at the poolside
and is plug in and play with a drain required to remove the water extracted from the air.
Outside the immediate pool area, the DOS horizontal ceiling mounted unit becomes an option as does the DCS which is a wall mounted dehumidifier which can be positioned in an adjoining technical room, with the pool air recirculated through the dehumidifier using ductwork and grills which can be supplied as part of the installation kit.
Both dehumidifiers are out of sight for a client who doesn’t want the aesthetics of their carefully designed pool to be affected. Both the ceiling and technical room units also allow for maintenance to be provided without entering the client’s area, reducing the impact on commercial operations or residential clients.
Outputs from 40 litres/day extraction and 350m3/hr air movement all the way up to 300 litres/day and 2,000m3/hr can be accommodated through ten units within the range. This makes it ideal for most residential or hotel pools and wet areas.
Commercial pools require different options where energy is a key factor, bringing in to focus running costs and efficiencies. Heat recovery, external condensers, static pressure available to facilitate ducting, remote control panels and temperature control are all components that can be included on Humidity Solutions’ commercial range of dehumidifiers which range from 100 litres/ hr, 900m3/hr up to 3,000 litres/hr and 25,000m3/hr of air movement.
Modular dehumidifiers with heat recovery units can be supplied in two parts making installation and access easier in tight plant rooms or where access is limited.
associated with the Recotherm Aeris range (high build quality, state-of-the-art controls, pleasant fresh air environment in the pool hall and technical back up) are still there, but with the added advantage that the unit is a standalone package and can provide a significant amount of cooling in the summer if this is required.
Heat pumps may be a necessity in future and they can be a benefit if owners want to reduce their impact on the environment, but they do operate at lower temperatures in a high temperature environment so heat exchangers and ductwork generally need to be bigger which can impact on space and capital costs.
To help customers make the correct choice of system, Recotherm have qualified, time served surveyors, designers and f-gas engineers in-house.
The company has also expanded their Service Department staff to take on the demand for service and commissioning visits. All of the firm’s engineers are fully trained on Recotherm AHUs and Trend controllers. Their new engineers also have a wealth of experience on competitors’ units, which allows the company to troubleshoot if someone has a problem whilst the Recotherm technical helpline provides off site assistance and on call resolutions when possible.
The use of air source heat pumps to heat the water in external pools is well established but many of these are not suitable for indoor pools and installers need to be aware of the pitfalls such as low operating ambient limits and instead go for high quality, performance systems for both air to water and air to air.
Many of Recotherm’s domestic units are designed around heat pumps providing the low pressure, hot water (LPHW) and the company has also recently developed their Aerum systems that provide fresh air dehumidification combined with air to air heat via Toshiba heat pumps – ideal where additional LPHW plant is not needed or desired.
With Aerum, all the features normally
The heating of water within pools and spas can be achieved in a variety of ways, but heat pumps have become the go-to choice for many due to their economic operation and environmentally friendly benefits. There’s plenty of options available too with numerous manufacturers providing these energy efficient solutions and with new or improved models joining some established favourites for 2024, we take a closer look at what’s hot in the sector
By Jon Wadeson
For many wet leisure installations across the country, heat pumps have long been seen as the ideal solution to heat water efficiently. For some projects, that will also mean extending the regularly seen short pool seasons found here in the UK too.
With models producing many times more energy than they consume, heat pumps effortlessly outperform many other types of heating methods – so it’s easy to see why they’ve been such a popular choice for both owners and installers alike.
Over recent years, models have become increasingly sophisticated and intelligent in their operation, resulting in higher performance ratings leading to impressive energy savings. Most market-leading designs now feature some form of inverter technology and a number of them can now also be controlled and monitored remotely via smart device apps too. As the technology improves, so too has their performance, flexibility, ease of use, cost savings and even their looks – in short, it’s a winning combination which of course, has only further added to their appeal!
With various brands, models and options available from a range of suppliers, there’s a perfect heat pump solution on offer for virtually any pool or spa configuration.
So, with options aplenty on offer, in this issue, we take a closer look at just some of the models that are bringing the heat for this season and beyond.
At Golden Coast, they certainly know a thing or two about heat pumps. In fact, with more than 40 models in stock, they’re proud to boast about what they say is the biggest range for the UK wet leisure market. From compact devices suitable for hot tubs and swim spas to heavy-duty systems designed for commercial pools, there’s something to suit every project and build.
In 2024 we all want to make sure that the technology we are using is environmentallyresponsible as well as effective and reliable. Which is where the coefficient of performance, or COP, comes in. Essentially, this is a ratio that measures how effectively a pump shifts heat from place to place. And for years, Golden Coast has been proud to stock products that rank towards the
highest end of the spectrum.
Now they’re taking things to the next level as sole European distributors for Fairland’s new X20 – one of only a handful of heat pumps on the market with a COP of 20. Utilising full-inverter technology, the X20 combines the inverter-compressor with extreme 3D heat-exchanging tech to maximise COP performance – resulting in a powerful, efficient unit with almostsilent operation. The X20 also comes with
a market-leading seven-year warranty, guaranteeing absolute peace of mind with every installation.
The Calorex I-PAC and V-PAC inverter heat pump ranges from Certikin have been designed in the UK specifically for the British
climate. They are eco-friendly, carry an impressive five-year on site parts and labour warranty and are available exclusively in the UK from Certikin.
These stylish-looking, compact heat pumps (the small footprint making them compliant with permitted development rights) are available in side or top outlet versions. The side outlet also has the added benefit of Wi-Fi capability for remote control, with an app available to download for both Android and iOS devices.
Inverter heat pump technology allows for efficient control of the pool temperature with the I-PAC/V-PAC only using the energy required. High efficiency with modulating step-less inverter compressor gives an average COP of 10.3 (I-PAC+), 9.7 (I-PAC) and 10.7 (V-PAC), which is twice as efficient as the traditional on/off models.
Complying with the European F-Gas regulations, the heat pumps use the low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerant R32. It requires less refrigerant volume per kW and is easier to recycle.
Certikin also offer the affordable HPP range which is designed for heating small and medium sized outdoor pools and spas, producing up to five times the energy it consumes and is super easy to install. The low energy consumption, coupled with high heat production, makes the HPP pump an environmentally friendly way to heat swimming pool water. The five models (6,8,12,15 and 20kW) include a reverse cycle defrost, quiet operation and a three-year warranty.
During the past 44 years Heatstar has established a rich history of technological developments that have resulted in a genuine industry-leading product range, offering obvious ‘Real World’ benefits.
Take their Aquarius aerothermal heat pump, it utilises ‘direct contact’ technology to transfer heat from the refrigerant directly into the pool water and also incorporates an ultra-quiet ‘low energy’ digital fan. It offers pool owners comfort, efficiency and low energy costs while being clean, safe and environmentally friendly.
The Aquarius has been developed with
quality in mind and comprises a number of market-leading components including a high efficiency orbital scroll compressor and special titanium heat exchanger. This unit comes with all the features the pool trade have become accustomed to with a Heatstar system, such as easy-to-use controls and low energy digital fans to ensure operational noise is reduced to an absolute minimum.
Each unit comes in a no maintenance, weatherproof, anodised aluminium skeleton frame with access panels formed from robust galvanised steel, with a tough PVC coating to prevent against corrosion. This provides maximum strength and ensures a long operational life of the unit.
Emphasising the quality of this heat pump, Heatstar offer a 20 year anti-corrosion guarantee on the Aquarius’ heat exchanger, 20 year guarantee on the anodised aluminium chassis and five year guarantee on the compressor – providing installers and pool owners alike with peace of mind.
The Aquarius range also extends to encompass large capacity models for nonresidential pool applications, so for projects both residential and commercial, where a heat pump solution offering assured longterm durability and genuine quality is a priority, the Aquarius is a great choice.
As a growing business, Ocea UK are incredibly selective in what products they offer to the pool trade – who are integral direct representatives of these products to pool owners. With several decades of industry
Over recent years, models have become increasingly sophisticated and intelligent in their operation”
experience within the business, Ocea UK’s buying team handpick products of premium quality and this includes the successful addition of the Inverter Vertical Heat Pump, which they launched in 2022.
So having found a heat pump that not only performs to a high level, but is energy saving and is also 15 times quieter than a standard model, this is the only heat pump found in the Ocea-X range. This is due to its reliability, efficiency, performance and value for money.
Alan Thorne, Director at Ocea UK said: “As a distributor we have a responsibility to back up the products we are offering and in our situation, as we have formed such a strong portfolio, we do not feel the need to ‘water down’ the range of what we sell. There is one type of heat pump we offer and for us it ticks all the boxes and more. To bring on board others just to fill pages of a catalogue would go against our ethos of supplying only quality, value and reliability. In addition this would leave the Trade confused and unsure of which to specify.”
With its vertical output, this all-season heat pump is somewhat of a game changer when it comes to installation as it can be positioned as little as 500mm away from buildings and plant rooms. Powered by inverter technology, the range starts at 10kW all the way up to 35kW and the entire range enjoys the same exclusive benefits, with COP up to 16. Each model has three modes: Turbo, Smart and Silence.
Lighthouse are Polytropic’s exclusive partner for the UK and supply the full range from the brand. The French manufacturer has been designing and manufacturing swimming pool heat pumps for almost 20 years and on the continent, they have become the biggest seller of swimming pool heat pumps, with a reputation for quality, performance and reliability.
All Polytropic heat pumps come with a full five-year parts and labour warranty, are supported by an active remote monitoring system and are connected to the UK’s 4G mobile phone network. This means that in-house Lighthouse technicians based in Plymouth are able to access each unit remotely, reporting back to the trade professionals on the status of the heat pump.
This innovative system ensures all Polytropic heat pumps are set up and operating to give the optimum performance, any faults are diagnosed quickly and brings a reassuring, new level of customer service.
With a heat pump for most requirements, the extensive range features products for both pools and spas, with a couple of the highlights being the distinctive looking Master Inverter, which thanks to its smart, exclusive regulation system, manages its power depending on the water temperature but also depending on the surrounding air temperature. This always guarantees the right bathing temperature, the best possible COP and the lowest sound level!
Then there’s the Ottimo model. Inverter technology, smart design and vertical air discharge make this model a compact and discreet choice that is perfect for tight spaces.
A trusted name in the pool industry, Plastica offers reliable and efficient heat pumps, including the renowned Heatseeker® and innovative Pentair InverTemp®-FL heat pumps.
The Pentair InverTemp®-FL heat pump keeps a pool at the perfect temperature by automatically heating or cooling it according to the desired temperature. It adapts to outdoor conditions, providing optimal bathing comfort while minimising energy consumption. Equipped with Full Inverter technology, it operates silently, thanks to the combination of an inverter compressor and a
variable speed fan. Key features include:
• High Efficiency and Optimised Operation Costs: The InverTemp®-FL heat pump boasts a COP much higher than market standards, ensuring precise temperature control and energy efficiency.
• Silent Operation: One of the quietest heat pumps, with noise levels below 42 dB in Boost mode.
• Eco-Responsibility: Utilises R32 refrigerant, making it environmentally friendly and odourless.
• Remote Monitoring: Control remotely via a smartphone or Wi-Fi TFT screen, compatible with Speedeo®, Soleo® VS and Intellipool® automation systems.
• Durability: Built with quality components, including a titanium heat exchanger, for a long service life.
Plastica also offers their Heatseeker® Inverter Heat Pumps, which are known for their reliability and performance. The Inverter range is designed to compete at the top end of the market, offering enhanced efficiency and advanced features. These user-friendly models incorporate a micro-computer controller and LCD display to allow easy temperature control.
They offer a COP value up to 5.0, saving up to 80% of energy costs compared to electric heaters and a long life-span is ensured thanks to a heat exchanger made of PVC and durable titanium tubes.
For the 2024 season, SCP UK have introduced three new and exclusive Fairland AquaX heat pump models – the AquaX 20, AquaX and AquaX Vertical – all of which are available in a number of sizes which range from 13.5kW to 27kW.
All three models incorporate a ‘Cool & Heat’ function and offer 4-season functionality (request sizing for all year use), with the AquaX 20 model operating from temperatures as low as -20°C. This model also achieves COP 20 – a new industry
standard for energy efficiency – with 1 kW consumed becoming up to 20 kW maximum in the pool.
Each features a turbo function too, meaning an extra 20% capacity for quicker heat up. In addition, all are extremely quiet in their operation, with the AquaX 20 and AquaX models featuring TurboSilence inverter technology which is an optimised version of Fairland’s original Full-inverter technology.
This perfectly balances the inverter / compressor / control and heat exchanging technology, which creates the turbo performance and silent operation at the same time.
By incorporating data research and historical analysis of the variable operation conditions of 4-season swimming from the early stage of R&D, TurboSilence inverter technology achieves precise power adjustment and output.
For ease of operation, each model includes a digital control panel plus there’s built in Wi-Fi which ensures simple remote control via an app.
For peace of mind, warranties are long, with AquaX and Vertical models offering 12 years on both the heat exchanger and compressor, plus five years on parts, with the Aqua X 20 model extending this with 15 years and seven years respectively.
The Electroheat ECO-V pool heat pump range from Waterco uses just a fraction of the energy to generate the same amount of heat compared to gas and electric heaters. Unlike solar heating, there is no reliance on the sun as the latent heat in the air is used. For every 1kW of electricity consumed, the Electroheat ECO-V can produce up to 8kW of heat.
Waterco’s inverter technology uses a variable speed compressor. It slows down and speeds up as needed to maintain the desired temperature. This provides a more stable water temperature and 15%-30% energy savings over fixed speed systems, as well as quieter operation.
Electroheat ECO-V inverter pool heat pumps also feature automatic de-icing. In cooler climates or winter months when a buildup of ice is detected, the heat pump shifts temporarily into the cooling mode to reverse the flow of refrigerant through the evaporator coils. Hot refrigerant moves through the outside coils, melting ice and defrosting the system. When the defrost cycle is complete, the unit shifts back to heating mode.
Available in both side-mounted and topmounted fan versions and model sizes from 5kW to 25kW, whatever the installation there is a Waterco ECO-V heat pump to suit.
Certikin H&V 01993 778855 www.certikin.co.uk
Golden Coast 01271 378100 www.goldenc.com
Heatstar 01983 521465 www.heatstar.com
Lighthouse 01752 253525 www.lighthousepools.co.uk
Ocea UK 01993 707910 www.oceauk.com
Plastica Pools 01424 857857 www.plasticapools.net
SCP UK 01268 273040 www.scpeurope.com
Waterco Europe 01795 521733 www.waterco.eu
Offering much improved versatility, functionality and when a pool is not in use, the ultimate in safety, moving floors are an increasingly specified option for swimming pools in the commercial and high-end domestic sectors. Whether it’s to vary the depth or completely cover a pool area, there are a number of innovative options available to convert pools at the touch of a button and here, we feature some of the solutions and systems that are available this season
By Jon Wadeson
When it comes to domestic settings, even a fairly modest pool can take up a lot of valuable space, and that space will often be at a premium, especially in city locations. For commercial installations, the footprint of a pool can also be an issue with them often occupying a space that is much larger than many of the other sporting facilities on offer.
So maximising the use of space is clearly a huge benefit offered by pools that incorporate a moving floor, and it is usually the main reason for their selection.
Totally transforming the area, a pool occupies into something else, something which could provide a completely different use for the owner, well that opens up numerous options and possibilities. Suddenly a games room or additional entertainment area is now possible for a home or an additional sports hall is a realistic option for a leisure centre.
The advantages of a moving pool floor don’t stop there though. When fully raised, safety is a huge and obvious benefit, but so too is lowering the running costs and maintenance needs of a pool. A moving floor can alter the water depth, making the pool a much more flexible space and able to accommodate a wider range of users.
With a number of obvious benefits being offered, these impressively engineered options are now being viewed much more seriously in both the domestic and commercial sectors, and here, we take a look at just some of the moving floor solutions which are currently available for pools.
Looking to get the most out of your swimming pool, whether it’s morning, noon, or night? T&A Group has an innovative solution: the AquaMove movable floor. This game-changing
T&A’s AquaMove movable floor is a game-changing product that offers unparalleled flexibility, safety and sustainability
product offers unparalleled flexibility, safety and sustainability, three values that T&A Group proudly upholds.
“The principle of a movable floor is simple,” said T&A Engineer Johan Moortgat. “Move the floor up or down to adjust the pool’s depth. Want to close off the pool entirely and create more space on your terrace or in your living room? No problem. The technical execution, though, is where the magic happens.”
The AquaMove movable floor uses buoyancy and a powerful tube motor. Since the motor is under the floor, no extra technical room is needed. Anchors are only required in the floor, avoiding visual and practical hindrances. This makes AquaMove perfect for various pool types.
Everything is custom-made, and T&A Group handles installation and annual maintenance. The company can also remotely read many parameters for preventive maintenance too.
The AquaMove can be adjusted continuously and comes in models with
With a number of obvious benefits being offered, these impressively engineered options are now being viewed much more seriously in both the domestic and commercial sectors...”
load capacities from 50 to 200kg/m². “The products are designed to be walked on, and you can even host a party on the AquaMove! With our optional Stability Hermetic Pack, you ensure even more stability. Safety sensors stop the movement if they detect any objects or differences in load,” added Johan.
The AquaMove offers significant ecological and economic benefits. When closed, it reduces heat loss, contamination and water evaporation, resulting in lower consumption of water, energy and chemicals. “With decreasing prices and its role in reducing heat loss, it’s becoming a realistic option,” advised Joeri Dils, CEO of T&A Group.
Supplied in the UK by Certikin, the Tieleman moving floor is suitable for both domestic and commercial use and is the ultimate in water leisure flexibility.
The floor can be adjusted to different water levels, turning a swimming pool into a paddling pool for children, a dance floor or extra living space.
Offering multifunctional space, and the ultimate in safety, the floor is powered by water hydraulics, using a floating principle with buoyancy providing the stability in the closed position with no access to the pool below.
The movable floor can be finished to match
any scheme. The possibilities include stone, ceramic, mosaic, wood and stainless steel. In a raised position, the movable floor ensures lower heating costs and use of chemicals and, as no dirt can enter the water, there’s reduced maintenance.
Suitable for skimmer and overflow pools and the shape made bespoke to your pool, the options are endless. It is possible to incorporate additional features such as a tilt mechanism that allows one end of the pool to be deeper than the other and it is even possible to have two movable floors move separately from each other in one pool.
Certikin offers a full service, from design through to installation.
With technological progress affecting every sphere of our lives, it is not surprising that even traditional swimming pools are seeing some revolutionary changes. NIVEKO has now launched a multifunctional pool that is flexible enough to suit every member of the family yet is also an exceptional product with a timeless design – a pool with a movable bottom!
The NIVEKO Motion pool combines state-of-the-art technology with NIVEKO’s quality pools and years of experience. For convenience, the product is supplied ‘AllIn-One’ without the need for additional installation. This approach underlines the
company’s efforts to provide not only an outstanding product, but also a seamless and fast installation process.
The movable floor allows the depth of the pool to be easily adjusted to suit each user’s specific needs. The wide range of options for setting any depth from 0 to 150 cm allows the pool to be used as a safe paddling pool for children or as a full swimming pool for adults. This flexibility means the pool can also be used by people with limited physical mobility or for physiotherapy.
Raising the bottom to ground level prevents anyone from entering the pool when it is unattended or not in use, making it safe for every member of the family, including pets.
In addition, the movable bottom effectively prevents overheating, heat loss and minimises evaporation. It prevents dirt from getting into the pool too, significantly reducing the need for maintenance plus serves as an effective covering of the water surface during the winter months. What’s more, with a single click or turn of the key, owners can easily transform their pool into a full-fledged terrace, making the most of garden space.
With a history in moving pool floors that stretches back almost 60 years, KBE Bauelemente are one of oldest established moving floor manufacturers and they
No additional concrete support structure is needed and a minimum of site work to products and is an under
have well over 1,000 satisfied customers worldwide.
Their portfolio of solutions is available in the UK through Birmingham-based Suntrap Systems and their easy to operate systems are suitable for all types of new and existing pools, and feature an electro-mechanical drive system plus a lightweight construction.
All metal parts used in the pool tank are made of 316 stainless steel or a special bronze and the surface consists of reinforced polyester sections screwed together with 6mm wide slots, which allows waterflow through 1.5% of the surface area of the floor. Alternatively, the moving floor surface may be formed by cassettes which accept tiling. KBE find that private customers always prefer this option so that the tiling matches the poolside giving an improved aesthetic appeal, as well as increasing flexibility in the use of the pool area for entertaining, family sports and more.
Integrated steps are often specified as these are self-depositing and have the same finish as the floor itself.
The floor is automatically locked using self locked screws in all positions. This is a high security system for extra safety.
Large cleaning flaps allow the use of an automatic pool cleaner under the floor overnight, as the area below the floor is free from cables, meaning it is not necessary to employ underwater divers.
Supplied ‘All-In-One’ without the need for additional installation, the NIVEKO Motion pool combines state-of-the-art technology and a movable bottom!
the pool tank is required for a KBE moving floor which meets the safety requirements of the European Standard EN 13451.11 in conjunction with Part 1.
Twinscape is a leading innovator in unique, custom made products for swimming pools and the company has a team with over 30 years’ experience in designing adaptive, responsive systems to make a swimming pool a flexible, usable space – both indoor and outdoor.
When it comes to moving pool floors, Twinscape’s Hydrofloors® variable depth swimming pool floors offer the perfect fusion of state-of-the-art technology with functionality and beauty.
A Hydrofloors® movable floor structure comprises stainless steel beams, which are calculated precisely to match the pool size requirements to allow for a strong load capacity. A higher load capacity at the surface level (250 kg/m2) is achieved by using locking pins sliding automatically in the pool shell walls.
These movable floors can be built to almost any size required, but it’s important to bear in mind that retrofitting an existing pool will not be possible without major modifications on the pool.
Hydrofloors® consists of three product lines: Dreamline, Streamline and Proline. Dreamline is a bespoke, premium option that offers individually designed and
manufactured solutions bespoke to the specific wishes of each client. There are no limitations on size, shape or desired use.
Streamline pre-engineered solutions are an easy to install, off the shelf product that is suitable for the broader residential market. Streamline aims to bring transforming pool floors from a project-based process to a scalable product through standard modules. This option allows for a much more costeffective solution and is available in five standard widths with lengths up to 39m.
Lastly, Proline is designed for the commercial sector and is ideal for wellness resorts and boutique hotels.
Wrightfield Pools’ strong engineering heritage has led them to become a leading manufacturer of moving pool floors and they have developed two specific formats: a residential format for smaller pools and a commercial unit for larger surface areas.
These adjustable floors can be seamlessly raised or lowered to vary the pool’s depth, allowing the same pool area to be used for multiple activities – from deep water swimming to shallow wading or even as a solid floor for events when the pool is not in use. This feature is particularly beneficial for facilities that cater to diverse user groups, such as hotels and leisure centres, but also private residences too.
All manufacturing takes place in their
Suffolk-based factory, allowing them to adopt a wide range of different design solutions to suit a customer’s needs. All their floors are built to suit individual requirements, and can be buoyant lift or mechanically driven.
The company offers a number of unique features on entry steps, drive systems and floor loadings, all providing solutions to the limited space offered by the typical domestic pool builds. Floors are typically finished with a stainless steel deck, ready for a tiled finish.
The commercial market is slightly different in specification and needs, with functionality and programming being the focus of attention, finishes are less important with high-end ceramics and stone giving way to plastic decks. Wrightfield Pools offer a number of commercial floor designs, drives and entry steps to cover the requirements of a diverse swimming programme.
Compliance with safety standards and regulations is paramount when installing a moving pool floor in a commercial setting, so the company works closely with local authorities and regulatory bodies to ensure that the installation adheres to all relevant safety codes.
Certikin 01993 777200 www.certikin.co.uk
NIVEKO Pools UK 01174 037839 www.niveko-pools.co.uk
Suntrap Systems 0121 428 1155 www.suntrap-systems.co.uk
T&A Group + 32 1423 7495 www.t-and-a.be Twinscape Group 01473 938689 www.twinscapegroup.com
The appeal of stainless steel for use in the construction of various pools and spas goes much further than it being a material chosen for challenging environments. Trendsetters love its clean and polished looks, and the same applies for many accessories too. Strength and durability combined with timeless aesthetics are a winning combination that ensures stainless steel solutions are always in demand and here, we examine options utilising it
The durability and longevity of stainless steel used in the production of pools, spas and their associated accessories not only makes for a responsible choice, but the timeless material also provides luxury, high-end looks too. Stainless steel is recyclable, so is ecologically sustainable, as well as being eminently durable. It can also withstand challenging climate conditions meaning it’s equally at home in both an outdoor or indoor environment.
Lightweight and watertight, designers of projects of a more challenging nature, such as in hard to reach or elevated positions, often turn to the material too.
In short, its numerous benefits mean that the wet leisure industry has implemented stainless steel in many situations – from small spas and hot tubs to the largest of pools, plus a wide range of ancillary products such as gratings, drains, lighting, filters – all utilise this multitalented material with its flexible nature and timeless looks capturing the imagination of many manufacturers and end users making it a popular option across many sectors.
In this latest stainless steel-focused feature, we examine a selection of products that are utilising the versatile material and benefits it provides.
AstralPool UK Ltd have supplied a number of complete 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.
A few years ago, AstralPool introduced 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 have a dedicated Business Development Manager working alongside a technical and project team. With a remit to develop this area, AstraPool seeks to expand the awareness of the company’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!
A huge amount of thought goes into designing luxury swimming pools and spas. But when selecting swimming pool and spa fittings, such as eyeball returns, pool builders
By Jon Wadeson
tend to default to white PVC as standard.
For luxury builds though, PVC fittings can compromise high-end design by detracting from a polished and luxurious look. Not only this, plastic fittings are known to break down and discolour over time due to chemical and UV exposure.
Flolux stainless steel fittings are superior in both style and substance. Purposefully designed to finish any build impeccably, their mirror-finish causes them to disappear into their surroundings, enhancing, instead of detracting from the design.
Made from 316L marine-grade stainless steel, they’re also longer-lasting than the PVC alternative. Compare the two hand-in-hand and the difference in quality is obvious –Flolux fittings are solid and weighty.
Suitable for concrete and some fibreglass pools, Flolux fittings come in push-fit and threaded systems that are very easy to install during the build, or retrospectively.
The ideal upgrade for any luxury pool or spa, stainless steel fittings are successfully offered as a contract variation by builders across the globe, helping to increase customer satisfaction and profitability.
With distributors worldwide, their range of quality products are available in the UK through Certikin and Fairlocks Pool Products.
For high-quality pool design and construction that companies are proud to put their name to, for many projects, it makes sense to finish with a Flolux fitting.
In addition to the innovatively designed range of Flolux fittings which are an ideal companion to their PU2 Mini LED Light, Certikin urges customers not to ‘throw the baby out with the bath water’, as many pools and spas can be made to look as good as new using their replacement fittings.
For a quick and simple way to give a pool a refreshing make-over, look no further than Certikin’s stainless steel transformation kits for concrete pools. Designed to transform standard Certikin plastic fittings into luxurious polished stainless steel fittings, they are suitable for both new build and retrofit. Available in a square (ideal for a contemporary modern look) or classic round design, the range includes skimmer, cover plates, inlets and vac points.
When it comes to making an entrance (or exit) Certikin also have a range of quality ladders for both domestic and commercial pools.
Their 1.7”/43mm ladders are supplied with stainless steel anti-slip treads as standard, as well as the new Certikin 1.7”/43mm pinch anchor. The pinch anchor design is based on the popular 1.5”/38mm model for a secure, sturdy installation on all types of pool surround.
All 1.7”/43mm ladders are now manufactured in 316 grade stainless steel as standard and are suitable for concrete and liner pools.
Stainless steel is all about combining sleek good looks with optimum durability – making it the perfect choice for reliable shell fittings that deliver a strong aesthetic appeal. Available from Golden Coast, the A800 Stainless Steel Skimmer by Weltico is a fantastic product, crafted from high quality AISI 316 surgical-grade stainless steel and suitable for all types of swimming pool.
Whether using concrete, lining, or acrylic, the A800 will complement the design of any pool type, adding a clean, polished look to the final build. This skimmer also facilitates a higher water level, reaching within 4cm of the surrounding deck level.
The A800 forms part of a comprehensive range of stainless steel fittings offered by Weltico, which includes two additional skimmers to suit different pool requirements, adjustable jets and main drains.
The same stylish finish is also available to customers purchasing EVA Optic’s range of lighting and counter-current systems from Golden Coast. From durable, high-quality underwater lights to heat-resistant LED systems, EVA Optic offers a choice of lighting solutions to suit every space. And thanks to their stainless steel faceplates, each product can easily be adapted to suit a modern, minimalist aesthetic.
Of course, EVA Optic is also famous for the EVAstream – a counter-current system
that delivers a constant flow to challenge swimmers of all abilities. And the good news is, both the surface-mounted and recessed models are available with stainless steel housing or plates.
SpaFlo designs, fabricates, and installs fully bespoke stainless steel hot tubs, swim spas, swimming pools and hydrotherapy pools.
All products are designed and created to personalised specifications. Their production facility and design centre are based in Widnes, near Liverpool, and the company sources stainless steel from the UK and Europe for all their products.
SpaFlo supply their luxury swim spas and hot tubs to the public and design and fabricate unique pool and spa shells for site completion works on behalf of the UK’s leading pool installation companies.
In the dynamic field of pool construction, the choice of material is crucial for longevity, aesthetic appeal and sustainability. Marinegrade sustainable steel has emerged as a superior choice, surpassing traditional materials such as concrete and acrylic. Among the industry leaders, SpaFlo is a premier designer of stainless steel pools and hot tubs, and the brand is trusted for its expertise and reliability in the UK pool building trade.
SpaFlo is dedicated to excellence,
Experience unparalleled quality and sophistication with an AstralPool stainless-steel swimming pool. Engineered for durability and elegance, our pools offer:
Superior Durability: Crafted from high-grade stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
Modern Aesthetics: Sleek and stylish design to complement any indoor or outdoor space.
Low Maintenance: Resistant to corrosion and easy to clean.
Customisable Options: Tailored to fit your unique requirements and preferences.
THE SUPERIOR ALTERNATIVE TO PVC WALL FITTINGS
Highly durable, longer lasting and aesthetically superior.
It makes sense to finish with Flolux.
Lightweight and watertight, designers of projects of a more challenging nature, such as in hard to reach or elevated positions, often turn to the material”
evident in the use of marine grade sustainable steel in all their designs. This commitment ensures that SpaFlo’s pools and hot tubs not only meet, but exceed industry standards, providing a level of quality and sustainability that large-scale contractors can rely on. The company’s track record of successful projects makes them a trusted partner across the UK.
Plastica has extensive experience in manufacturing various swimming pool products, particularly those made of stainless steel. Their expertise allows them to offer bespoke solutions to meet the specific requirements of individual orders.
For instance, they can create handrails or ladders that are tailor-made to fit the exact specifications provided by the client.
One area where Plastica has focused on ensuring quality and safety is in the production of 43mm 316 grade mirror polished stainless steel ladders. Launched in 2019 and designed and manufactured at their own factory, they are installed with a double top tread positioned close to the pool wall, which helps reduce the risk of entrapment. Additionally, the ladders feature anti-slip treads with improved grip, enhancing safety for users.
Another product that Plastica is known for is their stainless steel Domestic Slidelock Reel System. Widely recognised as one of the top domestic reels available, Plastica developed a T-model version of the reel system, which is supplied with all the necessary straps, fittings and an instruction guide, ensuring easy installation for new or existing covers on adjustable tubes. The T-Model system is available in two sizes: the small tube extends from 3.05m to 4.57m (10’ to 15’) pool width, and the larger version extends from 4.88m to 6.4m (16’ to 21’) pool width.
Building upon the success of the Slidelock Reel System, Plastica introduced the Slidelock Max Telescopic Reel in 2020. This upgraded version features 138mm diameter anodized aluminium tubes and provides coverage for tube widths ranging from 6m to 7m with a maximum cover width of 6.7m on
Plastica has extensive experience in manufacturing various products in stainless steel, as here with this ladder installed by Crystal
the smaller option. The large option ranges from 7m up to 8m with a maximum cover width of 7.7m. The Slidelock Max end stands are constructed with highly polished 48mm diameter 316 stainless steel tubes with various end stand options available, including the T-model, floor base plate and a new shaped wall mount.
Wrightfield Pools specialises in designing, supplying and constructing high-quality stainless steel swimming pools and wellness solutions for various settings, including commercial, residential and leisure environments. With a strong focus on durability, aesthetics and functionality, the company offers bespoke pool designs that
cater to each client’s unique needs.
Wrightfield’s range of services includes the creation of standard swimming pools, hydrotherapy pools and bespoke wellness facilities, all built using high-grade stainless steel. This material is known for its longevity, low maintenance requirements, and sleek and modern appearance, making it ideal for both luxury and practical installations.
The company’s expertise extends beyond just the pool shell; it can also provide complete solutions, including filtration systems, heating and ventilation, ensuring that each pool is a fully integrated part of its environment. They work closely with architects, designers and clients to ensure that every aspect of the pool meets the highest quality and safety standards.
One key advantage of stainless steel pools is its flexibility in design and construction, meaning Wrightfield can create swimming pools in virtually any shape or size, including infinity, rooftop and underground options. This versatility makes them a preferred choice for both new construction and renovations.
In addition to swimming pools, hydrotherapy pools and spas, Wrightfield Pools offers innovative moving pool floors – a cutting-edge solution that maximises the versatility of any swimming pool space.
With a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, Wrightfield Pools continues to be a leading name in the industry, delivering projects that combine functionality with elegance.
In addition to offering complete stainless pool solutions, AstralPool also offer a range of fittings produced in the material. In 2022 it added to its range with the launch of three solutions for enhancing a pool’s finish with stainless steel.
LumiPlus FlexiNiche is AstralPool’s LED projector solution that adapts to any type
Wrightfield can create swimming pools in virtually any shape or size, including infinity, rooftop and underground options
of new-build or existing pool, as it can be fitted in niches of 180 to 230mm in diameter by just adjusting the screws. Ideal for public, hotel and residential pools, and now available in a stainless steel version (all in stainless steel or with an ABS body and stainless steel embellisher).
A High-Water Level Skimmer is another of the solutions available in stainless steel and its main feature is that it gives the visual effect of an overflow pool, as it enables the water line to be placed just below the coping stone (approximately +/-4 cm).
The stainless steel embellishers round off this range of ABS pool accessories and enable existing pools originally built with ABS materials to be upgraded.
For 2023, AstralPool have added STYLE stainless steel pool fittings to their offering too. Perfect for building, renovating and improving a pool, and compatible with all interchangeable accessories (plastic and stainless steel), they are available in both round and square options and feature a contemporary design.
RENOVATING THE LEISURE SECTOR WITH MYRTHA STAINLESS STEEL SOLUTIONS
Myrtha Pools has fused stainless steel design
with off site methodology, combining the sustainable and modular principles of modern methods of construction to save leisure operators both time and money in their pool upgrades.
Kevin Burns, UK Business Development Manager at Myrtha Pools, said: “The overarching aim of our stainless steel, PVC technology is to increase the longevity of leisure facilities, while assembling most of the necessary components to this operation in factory-controlled off site environments. This means the time required on site is reduced, so leisure operators can keep their existing pool open longer and not miss out on vital income.
“Our adaptable chromium-rich steel panels are easily moulded to fit any size and location and to meet the needs of each individual project. They also offer a 45% smaller carbon footprint than traditional materials used for pool construction, such as tile and concrete. However, for cash-strapped operators, it’s important to note that an existing concrete pool can be relined rather than replaced. Our RenovAction® technology is a perfect example of how operators can simply refurbish rather than start a completely new build to target areas that are failing without significant demolition.
“For example, improvements in both guttering and filtration can be achieved through renovation, delivering additional benefits to hygiene and water quality. It’s about making those incremental improvements that over time make a significant dent on the biggest cost of having a pool – running and heating it.”
Stainless steel over traditional methods can futureproof pools through heat resistant liner and removable protective film, which is added to the steel lining before Myrtha’s pool skin technology is added. Corrosion prevention and filtration improvements are also in the make up of the technology, helping leisure operators deliver on their long-term planning objectives.
AstralPool UK 01329 514000 www.astralpool.com
Certikin 01993 777200 www.certikin.co.uk
Fairlocks Pool Products 01869 934333 www.fairlocks.co.uk
Golden Coast 01271 378100 www.goldenc.com
Myrtha Pools UK 07860 852339 www.myrthapools.com
Plastica Pools 01424 857857 www.plasticapools.net
SpaFlo 0151 424 9742 www.spaflo.co.uk
Wrightfield Pools 01379 872800 www.wrightfieldpools.co.uk
With more and more temporary and ‘pop-up’ pools in operation in commercial settings across the country, in June, leading industry partners published a joint statement on the use of this type of temporary pool solution
Industry partners Swim England, the Swimming Teachers’ Association (STA) and Swim Wales recently published a joint statement on the use of temporary, ‘pop-up’ pools. Increasing numbers of these pools have been in operation across the country, particularly for the delivery of school swimming and water safety lessons.
Often these types of pools are designed for domestic, family use and concerns remain about their ability to meet health and safety requirements when used in a commercial setting with a massively increased number of pool users.
A concern for their use was already highlighted in December of last year, with Swim England’s Jon Glenn, learn to swim and workforce director, saying at the time: “The rise of temporary pools is in part a reaction to the shortage of publicly available water space in areas of the country.
“However, they are no substitute for genuine community pools which is why we will continue to advocate for the required investment into public swimming pools to ensure there is a network of sustainable facilities that can accommodate all user groups.
“Temporary pools need to be meticulously designed and adequately equipped to handle the specific challenges presented by varying bather loads and environmental conditions.”
Whilst these three leading organisations want to see access to opportunities to learn to swim widened for more children to benefit from, the safety and wellbeing of all participants must be the number one priority.
For this reason, at this stage, Swim England, the STA and Swim Wales do not endorse the use of ‘pop-up pools’ for the delivery of school swimming and water safety lessons.
Any school considering the use of such a pool is encouraged to read the statement below, jointly issued by these three organisations.
“Our organisations want every child to have the opportunity to learn to swim and to be able to enjoy the water. Increasingly, more schools are utilising temporary pools to deliver their school swimming lessons.
“At present, our organisations do not endorse the use of any temporary swimming pools for the delivery of school swimming and water safety lessons. As leading organisations for swimming, our first priority must be the safety and wellbeing of all participants and serious concerns remain regarding the current provision of pop-up pools.
“It is our belief that currently, no ‘pop-up pools’ in use for school swimming lessons meet guidance provided by the Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG), specifically Technical Note 65 (TN65) or
As leading organisations for swimming, our first priority must be the safety and wellbeing of all participants and serious concerns remain regarding the current provision of pop-up pools”
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance, particularly HSG 179, which specifically pertains to the operation of swimming pools.
“The type of temporary/pop-up pools seen in use are usually a steel frame construction with waterproof liner designed for domestic use only. With more bathers and increased usage, the pool’s circulation and filtration system may not be able to cope with the increased demand. Ineffective filtration and treatment of water increases the risk of transmission of water borne pathogens.
“The utilisation of domestic water treatment systems in a commercial application therefore creates an increased risk to bather safety. There are also additional concerns relating to the flow of water in the tank due to the number of inlets and outlets. Furthermore this can increase the risk of suction entrapment and entanglement. Difficulties in preventing unauthorised access to the pop-up pool structure when not in use by the school have also been encountered.
“Furthermore, the only means of entrance to the water itself in many pop-up pools are by using steps, excluding pupils with specific access needs from being able to use them.
“The design of many pop-up pools, with no decking area and a large gap between the water level and side of the pool, also means that in the event of an in-water emergency, casualty extraction and speedy pool evacuation may not be achievable due to the design of the pool frame.
“Concerns also remain that it is not possible to adequately assess pupil’s attainment against the national curriculum requirements, particularly the skills needed to demonstrate the ability to self-rescue, in pop-up pools which are commonly small and shallow.
“Our organisations continue to advocate for learning to take place in properly managed settings that are designed to accommodate such activities.
“Swim England will work to provide guidance and advice to providers of pop-up pools to improve the design of the facilities so as to offer the possibility of a safer, more positive experience for users.
“However, for the reasons above, at this point Swim England, the Swimming Teachers’ Association and Swim Wales do not recommend the use of temporary/pop-up pools for the delivery of school swimming and water safety lessons.
“If a temporary pool can operate in full compliance with the relevant health and safety guidance (HSG 179), the PWTAG code of practice and relevant PWTAG technical notes, is appropriately maintained and suitably risk assessed for issues like water quality, supervision, rescue, access and egress, then in some circumstances it may offer an opportunity to widen access to water.”
Any schools considering the use of such pools are encouraged to contact Swim England at schoolswimming@swimming.org or nofioysgol@swimming.org for Wales based queries.
Wellis introduces the Iceland Cold Plunge Tub, where function meets style. With this new product, you can feel the invigorating crispness of water chilled to 2 °C or the soothing warmth of it when heated to 40 °C. Cold Water Immersion is beneficial for most people. Whether you seek to prevent injuries or promote overall well-being, this product o ers a transformative experience for your body and health.
This Wellis Iceland cold/hot tub is equipped with a heat pump that can cool the water down to 2 °C. If desired, bath water can
also be heated up to 40 °C for a pleasant evening soak. Settings can be easily adjusted using the control unit that is equipped with a digital display or through the application installed on your phone, even from remote locations.
