SPN (Swimming Pool News) December 2015 by Aqua Publishing Ltd

DECEMBER 2015

POOLS SPAS HOT TUBS SAUNAS CHEMICALS ACCESSORIES & MORE

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR THE UK INDUSTRY

MOVING FLOORS

Maximising use at the touch of a button

AWARD WINNERS

UK successes at the EUSA Awards

FILTERS & FILTER MEDIA

An essential part of any efficient water cleaning system

DOSING PUMPS & CONTROL SYSTEMS Reliable, essential and increasingly high tech

WELLNESS

Relaxing and reinvigorating ‘wellbeing’ options that are proving irresistible

PLUS SPN_Dec_15_Cover.indd 3

STA Pool Plant – Entrapment & Entanglement | Repairs & Renovation | Opinion Pool Safety | Company Profile: Certikin International | 15 Pages Of Industry News 20/11/2015 11:23

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Editor’s

letter

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.

awards is a great endorsement of the UK market and the excellence that exists within it. So congratulations to all the winners from both our domestic market and overseas.

Still on the subject of UK successes, this issue we take a closer look at the country’s largest wet leisure supplier – Certikin International – and the unique divisional structure that has played a large part in helping it achieve its leading status.

Editor and Co Publisher: Jon Wadeson Features: Karen Witney Features & Subeditor: Andrea Hartshorne Co Publisher and Sales Director: Tony Weston

Also in this edition, we have features on Filters and Filter Media plus Dosing Pumps and Control Systems – two somewhat unglamorous necessities which are often hidden away in plant rooms – but which play an essential part in any efﬁcient water treatment system.

Production: Cathy Varley Accounts: Sam Bartholomew For editorial enquiries contact Jon on: T: +44 (0)20 8306 8150 E: jon@aqua-publishing.co.uk For advertising enquiries contact Tony on: T: +44 (0)1474 813433 E: tony@aqua-publishing.co.uk For production enquiries contact Cathy on: T: +44 (0)1823 432416 E: cathy@aqua-publishing.co.uk For accounts enquiries contact Sam on: T: +44 (0)1823 430639 E: accounts@aqua-publishing.co.uk Design: Colin Halliday & Kellie Mills

To subscribe or amend / cancel an existing subscription, please visit our website. Annual subscription rates (6 issues): UK £30, Europe £50 and ROW £60 SPN is published by W: www.aqua-publishing.co.uk Printed in the UK by The Manson Group Ltd Aqua Publishing Ltd accepts no liability for any insert, display or classified advertisement included in Swimming Pool News. While every reasonable care is taken to ensure that all advertisers are reliable and reputable, Swimming PoolPNews can UBL I Sgive H I no NG assurance they will fulfil their obligations under all circumstances. The views expressed in the articles in Swimming Pool News are the contributors’ own. All rights reserved. Copyright for all materials published in SPN remains with the publishers. Material contained in this publication is not to be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior permission of Aqua Publishing Ltd.

Since the last edition of SPN, a number of shows have taken place around the globe and by the time this issue lands on desks, we will have attended four of these – LIW at the NEC, aquanale in Cologne, the newly rebranded Piscina & Wellness in Barcelona and literally while this edition is being printed, the UK Pool & Spa Expo at the NEC. Attending shows and seeing the market’s response to them does, in my opinion, provide some valuable insights as to what may lay ahead. Whilst for obvious reasons we can’t include the last of those four shows in any thoughts, we can the ﬁrst three and it seems despite clear differences in terms of location, size, audience and appeal, it appears that the UK wet leisure industry really is going from strength-to-strength. In fact, the optimism displayed for next year, was at times, impossible to disguise. Of course, when it comes to predicting the future, there is no such thing as a certainty – circumstances can change very quickly with unforeseen events – but the UK market really does seem to have come of age when viewed through the eyes of the wider European industry. Another example of the UK’s success was highlighted in Barcelona, where the winners of the 2015 EUSA Awards were also announced. It is with great pleasure that we feature the 14 winning projects in this edition, particularly as happened last year, four of them were from the UK. The awards were judged across ﬁve categories and received entries from 13 countries which represents some 3,000 swimming pool and spa companies across Europe, so for British companies to pick up more than a quarter of the

Inside, there are also pieces covering a couple of product areas that are enjoying continued year-on-year growth. The Wellness sector which includes saunas, steam and a lot more besides, is a market which is still rapidly expanding whilst Moving Floors is an area that for both commercial and luxury installations, is definitely one that’s on the way up. We also take a look at some of the companies that are repairing and renovating pools to ensure continual use and ensuring any interruptions are kept to a minimum. Of course, we’ve also got all the latest industry news from both here in the UK and further afield too plus the STA look at the dangers of Entrapment & Entanglement posed by some pool and spa drains. Last but not least, there’s content from the BSPF covering all their recent events including the SPATA and BISHTA AGMs plus President’s Weekend. So, that’s the round up of this edition complete. With Christmas and the New Year firmly on the horizon, hopefully there is now time for all to relax, enjoy the festivities and of course, this latest edition of SPN. Have a great break and see you in 2016!

Jon Wadeson – Editor You can follow SPN on:

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

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SPN December 2015 1 20/11/2015 17:23

CONTENTS

Inside This 45

51 61

40 COVER

FEATURES

A closer look at the available products and options in this competitive sector

The industry’s associations dedicated pages

FILTERS & FILTER MEDIA 45

POOL & SPA INDUSTRY

STA POOL PLANT

POOL SAFETY

COMPANY PROFILE

MOVING FLOORS

DOSING PUMPS & CONTROL SYSTEMS

WELLNESS

A closer look at Certikin’s unique divisional structure and technical expertise

AWARD WINNERS

Companies and products that keep any kind of pool in tip top condition

Maximising options - solutions to convert pools at the touch of a button

Reliable, essential and increasingly high tech, we examine what’s available We look at the various options that together make up the wellness sector European acknowledgment for UK quality at the latest EUSA Awards

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A look at the dangers of suction entrapment and hair entanglement

A roundup of products that are providing a safer swimming pool environment

REPAIRS & RENOVATION 67

NEWS

INDUSTRY

The latest industry news, info, projects and gossip

04-15

PRODUCT

ECO

HOT TUB & SWIM SPA

WORLD

Innovations and new products on the market A roundup of environmental and ‘green’ stories Dedicated news for this important sector All the latest news from around the world

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CONTENTS

Issue Of SPN 42

72 39

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

BUYERS GUIDE For suppliers of products and services in the pool, spa and sauna market turn to page 78

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

Next Issue • Full preview of SPATEX • UV systems • 2016 hot tubs – the new season • Pool and spa pumps • Pool cleaners

FORWARD FEATURES

• Pool water treatments and systems for the new season

For our forward features, please visit our website at www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk

Plus much, much more!

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NEWS

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

Sports Minister Joins Swimming Stars For Milestone School Swimming Anniversary Sports Minister, Tracey Crouch joined a host of Olympic athletes, including Double Olympic gold medal winner Rebecca Adlington OBE, former World Champion Mark Foster and 2004 bronze Olympic medallist Steve Parry, to celebrate 125 years of school swimming lessons on 10 November 2015. The event was held at sports and leisure operator Everyone Active’s Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre, in St Albans, in partnership with Becky Adlington’s SwimStars and the ASA (Amateur Swimming Association). The Olympians celebrated the occasion dressed in Victorian costumes and were joined by 125 school pupils from the local area to take part in a

Victorian-style school swimming lesson. They then changed into 2015 costumes to treat the youngsters to a modern lesson, which included sessions in speed swimming, water polo and synchronised swimming. The event also coincided with the release of the ASA’s 2015 School Swimming Survey, which shows the current standard of primary school swimming. The new figures suggest there is still a long way to go to improve school swimming lessons in England: • Only 52% of children aged between 7 and 11 are able to swim 25 metres unaided, despite it being a Key Stage 2 national curriculum requirement. • 33% of parents are unaware of their child’s progress or ability regarding water safety and swimming, and only 17% of primary schools communicate with secondary schools regarding a pupil’s swimming ability.

• 20% of primary schools are using the Sports Premium to support school swimming, a YOY increase of 2%. • The average teacher:pupil ratio has improved to 1:10 from 1:11. In light of these results, Rebecca Adlington, Mark Foster, Steve Parry, Tracey Crouch and Jon Glenn – Head of Learn to Swim at the ASA – took part in a discussion and gave their

views on the opportunities and importance of school swimming and why it must be safeguarded for Britain’s children. Plans to help raise awareness of school swimming during the year will include Everyone Active and Becky Adlington’s SwimStars working in partnership to raise attainment, including launching a School Swimming National Awareness Week in February 2016 and the ASA’s ‘Biggest School Swimming Lesson’ in the spring.

£8m Royton Leisure Centre Complete

Royton, Shaw and Crompton to enjoy. The new, state-of-the-art £8m Royton Leisure Centre opened at the OCL Chief Executive Stuart Lockwood said: “The new Royton end of September and features a six-lane, 25-metre Olympic legacy Leisure Centre will become a central hub for adults and children of swimming pool with spectator seating and a separate learner pool. all ages and abilities, providing a better and As part of the Olympic Facilities Legacy more tailored offering than ever before. Fund, the new centre was awarded a grant of “Our team, in partnership with Oldham £134,000 from Sport England to support the Council have worked extremely hard over the pool’s installation and ensure the legacy of last few years to bring this project to life, and London 2012 lives on. it’s very rewarding to see the facility complete.” The new pool is the same design as one of Charles Johnston, Property Director at Sport the Olympic training pools. England, said: “The pool at Royton Leisure The Byron Street-based centre, funded Centre will ensure that the legacy of London by Oldham Council, will be run by Oldham 2012 continues to thrive in Oldham. Legacy Community Leisure (OCL). pools have the potential to benefit thousands Oldham Council Leader Jim McMahon said: of people and I am really pleased that the local “After years of planning and hard work the community in Royton and surrounding areas opening of one of the borough’s new Olympic Oldham Council Leader Jim McMahon with legacy centres is here. It is a modern, stunning, Oldham Community Leisure Chief Executive Stuart will be able to benefit from this innovative Lockwood and Royton’s Olympic legacy swimming scheme.” state-of-the-art centre for the residents of pool

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The World’s Finest Garden Rooms

NEW product launch

The ‘Spa Collection’ by Crown Bespoke hot tub enclosures and pool houses.

To become a crown pavilions trade partner please contact us on 01491 817842 or email trade@crownpavilions.com www.crownpavilions.com

NEWS

IN BRIEF RAMSIDE POOLS ARE CRYSTAL CLEAR The pools at the North East’s newest spa have been given a massive thumbs up for the quality of their water. The multi-million pound Spa at Ramside at Ramside Hall Hotel, County Durham opened this summer, with facilities which include a 25 metre swimming pool, a hydrotherapy pool and a whirlpool. And now testers carrying out general procedures have ruled that the pools at the spa are virtually perfect, with no traces of bacteria. “The sampling and analysis procedure is part of the Code of Practice for the management and treatment of swimming pool water,” said Anthony Woodhouse, General Manager of the leisure facilities at Ramside. “And we are delighted to have been told the water quality at the spa is of such a very high standard which is testament to the scrupulously high standards we have introduced.”

Imagination Is The Only Limit When a pool or hot tub enclosure is needed that’s a cut above the rest, it’s hard to beat the magnificent Bespoke Spa Collection from Crown Pavilions. Indeed with clients ranging from Champneys and European royalty to celebrities like Duncan Bannatyne and Gloria Hunniford, Crown has long been recognised as one of ‘the’ market leaders when it comes to creating the world’s finest garden rooms – and the Bespoke Spa Collection is no exception. With Crown, a spa room can be anything the customer desires – a spacious enclosure for a pool and hot tub with changing rooms and showers or a lavish socialising and dining experience with comfy sofas and coffee table, dining suite, bar, pizza oven and food preparation area – even a surround-sound cinema. Whatever is needed, Crown will deliver. Imagination is the only limit. A bespoke spa room from Crown is built for year-round use. Customers can specify doubleglazing and bi-fold doors plus top-of-the-range insulation and under-floor heating. Blinds and soft furnishings are made from mould-resistant marine-grade acrylic canvas that won’t rot or fade. The deep-filled cushions are unbelievably comfy – even the zips and toggles are in a different league. And each spa room is hand-constructed to order

in Oxfordshire for a product that the company believes surpasses anything else on the market, down to the smallest detail. Of course with Crown it’s not simply about delivering a superlative product. Their service is recognised as being amongst the very best. So, as well as offering healthy margins to retail partners who refer clients to Crown, they work hard to ensure that both retailers and their customers enjoy a world-leading package that can’t be beaten. Crown Pavilions 01491 612 820 www.crownpavilions.com

LOCAL COMPANY WINS CONTRACT TO BUILD WORCESTER’S NEW £10.5M POOL

The Essential Ingredient To Any Family Pool

A deal has been agreed on the building of a new £10.5m swimming pool for Worcester, with a local company landing the contract. Malvern based Speller Metcalfe has been revealed as the company that will build the eight-lane facility at Perdiswell. Construction on the new facility will commence before the end of the year, with a target of opening the pool in early 2017 within a new purposebuilt extension to the Perdiswell Leisure Centre. Speller Metcalfe beat off stiff competition from eight other builders to land the deal with the city council. The council finally approved the building of the new pool in September following two years of deliberations. The new facility will be able to host regional competitions – a first for the city.

Add a family of children and a handful of pets to a brand new swimming pool and what’s the essential ingredient? It is, of course, the Coverstar – one of the leading automatic safety covers, that is as stylish as it is safe. Equally stunning by night and day, this beautiful new pool was designed and constructed by Cambridgeshire pool company Aqualeaf Ltd. Bought for the enjoyment of their growing family, the Petersons were keen to maximise safety and were immediately impressed with the robust nature of the Coverstar safety cover. The Coverstar prides itself on being simple to operate via a key switch and when not in use, the key can be removed, preventing unauthorised operation and adding to the product’s safety.

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Mr Peterson said: “What we like about the Coverstar is that it is so easy to use – being automatic, it takes literally a couple of minutes at the most to uncover the pool. We didn’t want a cover that would take ages to put on and off. Let’s face it, in this country in the time that it takes to get some covers off a pool, the weather can have changed!” Music to the ears of all pool owners looking to reduce their heating, Mr Peterson adds that the cover also scores ten out of ten for retaining the pool’s

heat. “In fact, on really hot days we have to remove the cover to let some of the heat out otherwise the water can become too hot for swimming!” Built from scratch, the pool features a number of Certikin products including an Aquaspeed pump, Vision filter, Calorex heat pump, Optimus grey fittings, Dolphin automatic pool cleaner, Rainbow in line chlorine feeder, Quadrapool flexible pipe and compression fittings. A Certikin counter-current unit adds hours of family fun and gives this pool an added dimension. AquaLeaf Ltd 01223 234980 www.aqualeaf.co.uk Certikin International 01993 778855 www.certikin.co.uk

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LIFE Spa Ad 2016_Layout 1 13/11/2015 12:29 Page 1

@ NEW

Where Outdoor Living Comes to Life

Products on the way for

2016

SCP GATWICK tel:01293 546 126 SCP BASILDON tel:01268 273 040 email: scpuk@scppool.com A

Company

NEWS

IN BRIEF HEREFORDSHIRE POOL TO RECEIVE £2.3M MAKEOVER Halo Leisure, working with Herefordshire Council, has announced the £2.3m revamp of Ledbury Swimming Pool. The announcement follows £7.5m spent by the leisure group transforming facilities in Bromyard, Hereford, Leominster and Ross. Scott Rolfe, Chief Executive of Halo Leisure said the refurbishment of the facilities for the thousands of Ledbury residents who use the swimming pool had long been a priority for the leisure group.

NORTHERN IRELAND THERMAL SPA OPENS The Galgorm Resort & Spa in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, has opened a new Thermal Spa Village which complements the resort’s already extensive facilities. The Village features a wide range of riverside hot tubs, indoor and outdoor heated pools, steam rooms, sauna, sanarium, snow cabin and more. First opened in 2007, the resort’s facilities already included a hydrotherapy pool, outdoor hot tub and whirlpool, sauna, laconium and a variety of other facilities.

NEW BABY SWIMMING GUIDELINESLAUNCHED The ASA alongside baby and toddler swim school, Water Babies, and baby swimming product manufacturer Splash About International Ltd, recently launched new national guidelines to keep babies safe in swimming pools. Published by the British Standards Institution, the Baby and Toddler Swimming Teaching Safety Guidelines will for the first time set industry-wide standards for swimming lessons and underwater photography practices. Launched at a Parliamentary reception in October, the guidelines provide best practice for swimming teachers and pool operators, and reassurance to parents that all aspects of their child’s swimming or photography session have been carefully considered.

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£44m Consett Project Complete Building work has been completed on the new state-ofthe-art Consett Academy and Leisure Centre, part of the School Capital Projects programme in Durham and a £44m investment in the town. Located in the heart of Consett on the site of the town’s former football ground, the two venues occupy a new single building providing a new shared resource for the local community. The new Leisure Centre replaces the neighbouring Belle Vue Leisure Centre and swimming pool and is an excellent example of partnership working to provide facilities for the community. Wet leisure facilities at the new centre include the largest pool provision in County Durham. FT Leisure was initially appointed as design consultants for the swimming pool elements of the project and was subsequently asked to supply, install and commission the swimming pool filtration, water features, flume and two moveable floor systems. The centre contains a 25-metre, 6-lane main pool with a moveable floor/ramp and a 20m x 8.5m training pool with a full moveable

floor. There is a separate water features splash zone and a GRP flume with GRP access staircase and aquacatch. The main contractor on the project was Carillion and the principal architect was Seymour Harris with William Saunders assisting on the wet leisure elements. F T Leisure 0161 494 5785 www.ftleisure.co.uk

ISPE Seminar And AGM Sees New President Inaugurated The Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers (ISPE) held their 111th one-day seminar on 20 October at the Watermill Hotel in Hemel Hempstead – an event which also combined their AGM plus the appointment of a new Institute President in John Cheek. The day consisted of comprehensive talks from Tony Carter of E J Bowman on the use of heat exchangers in the pool industry; Graham Kneale on specifying grilles and their effect on ventilation; Elizabeth Tetzner from solicitors Irwin Mitchell on legal implications of poor practice and Allen Wilson on Legionnaires’ microbiological testing. An open discussion was

Colin Day (left) is honoured with an fellowship from New ISPE President John Cheek

New ISPE President John Cheek with Darren Bright (left) and Michael Coyle (right)

also held by John Cheek on the incorporation of two main drains in pool design, the challenges pool builders face and the dangers of entrapment. Outgoing President Allen Wilson handed over the Chain of Office of the ISPE President to John Cheek who then conducted a brief AGM, congratulated a number of newly qualified ISPE Technicians and presented a number of ISPE awards. The awards recipients included Michael Coyle who was presented with the Gartside Cup for Student of the Year (read more on page 17 of this edition)

and Darren Bright who received the Jim Johnson Filtration Shield for completing the best filtration examination paper. A surprised Colin Day was also honoured with a fellowship of the Institute. The Institute run a full seminar throughout the year and in addition to exhibiting at SPATEX 2016, will also be hosting a wide range of seminars at the Coventry based event. ISPE 01603 499959 www.ispe.co.uk

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NEWS

Queen’s Award Celebrations For The Tintometer Ltd Wiltshire based The Tintometer Ltd celebrated the official presentation of the Queen’s Award in October. Her Majesty the Queen’s representative, the Lord-Lieutenant for Wiltshire, Mrs Sarah Troughton, presented the company with the Queen’s Award for International Trade, the highest distinction that can be bestowed upon a UK company. The Lord-Lieutenant spent the morning visiting the company’s Amesbury factory, and took great interest in meeting employees and seeing the company’s work. The entire staff of The Tintometer Ltd from Amesbury and Wadebridge factories were accompanied by Mr Cay-Peter Voss, Chairman of the Tintometer® Group, Mrs Maja Voss, Managing Director of the Group and many international colleagues from Germany, the USA, China, Malaysia and India. The Tintometer Ltd won the Queen’s Award for growth in overseas earnings of 160% over the last six years. “We are so delighted to receive this prestigious award. It is deserved recognition for the hard work and talent of our whole team,” said Managing Director Chris Counsell, adding: “It is even more important to us when you consider that our export growth was achieved during the peak of the financial crisis and the worst recession in the last 100 years.” Over the last 11 years, the family business has grown into an international group, with its headquarters at Tintometer GmbH in Dortmund, Germany. The company manufactures water testing instruments and chemical reagents, and also instruments for measuring colour, all under the Lovibond® brand. Customers are worldwide, with over 75% of sales to countries outside UK. Increasingly the company’s products are sought after in developing

countries, where there is a need to improve water quality and control the colour of products in industrial processes. Realising that the financial crisis would affect demand in traditional export markets, such as the EU and USA, the company focused on growing sales in the Far East, China and India, which were less affected by the slow-down. Looking to the future, Cay-Peter Voss, Chairman, confirms that the outlook is good. “We are so pleased to see this recognition for our UK company, and it reflects the emphasis we place on export sales across the whole group. To ensure our continued success, we are increasing our investment in research and development. Water and colour quality control are two rapidly growing markets worldwide. To be granted the Queen’s Award for International Trade is very important for us, and it will certainly help us to achieve more in the future.” The Tintometer Limited 01980 664800 www.lovibond.com

‘Simply The Best’ Pool Service And Support From BTU Having been in business for over 40 years, BTU Poolservices is one of the UK’s most established and respected swimming pool companies. They, like so many others, have weathered the recession and have come out the far end, stronger and ready for the future. So how did they do it? Norman Macmillan, BTU Poolservices Managing Director said: “It is really simple. We looked at how companies in this very competitive market place were performing and treating their customers, we also listened to our customers and what they were looking for from us. It boils down to ensuring that our customer support and service is the best! “On the supply side, as the UK’s number 1 spares, parts and supplies distributor, we maintain a huge stockholding (over £300k’s worth) of commonly required parts which we despatch for next day use, so that our customers can provide the best service possible to theirs. “On the maintenance and refurbishment side, we are lucky that we can employ an incredibly experienced and knowledgeable

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team of engineers year round. We ensure they are fully trained on jobs of varying sizes and types, whether maintenance, repair or refurbishment and that they possess a comprehensive mix of skills, including up to date electrical, gas and oil plumbing and heating qualifications. We aim for ‘one-visit fixes’, so repair jobs are completed quickly, efficiently and cost effectively. To achieve this, our customer service and technical help team are top notch and are fully trained in diagnosing problems and briefing our engineers.’ “We also, do not use sub-contractors, so we can be confident of the quality of the jobs we undertake and that costs are kept down too. Plus we are totally transparent in our charging, we have no call-out charges, so there are no surprises and our customers are confident and happy in what we are doing for them.” Norman concluded: “We undertake a very wide scope of work and as well as providing

best in class technical support, service and supply and can install, repair and maintain a diverse range of pool types from schools and hospitals to leisure centres, the armed forces and clubs as well as private homes and everything from a hydrotherapy pool to an Olympic sized pool or spa. “BTU pools is a total one-stop-shop offering a solution for every challenge – or as we like to say - ‘simply the best’!” BTU Poolservices Ltd 01483 727444 www.btupoolsupplies.com

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Sauna, the hottest thing in the wet leisure industry “The growth of the sauna sector continues; this year with over 50% of respondents involved in selling and installing saunas as opposed to just over 40% in last years survey.”* With 35 years experience in the sauna market, we can help you break into that growing sector.

*Source: Wet Leisure Industry Survey 2014

Our leak detection service will have your customers splashing about in no time

Always By Your Side.

Phone: 01271 378100 | Web: www.goldenc.co

Don’t drown under the pressure of finding swimming pool pipe leaks. Working in collaboration with swimming pool companies and engineers our nationwide team of experienced and expert technicians are fully equipped with the latest technologies, including tracer gas, to identify the source of the leak quickly, efficiently and cost effectively. To find out more, call today on 0845 600 4306, email uk_leakdetection@polygongroup.com or visit www.polygonleakdetection.co.uk to use our live chat service. @leakdetectionuk We prevent, control and mitigate the effects of water, fire and climate. www.polygonleakdetection.co.uk

NEWS

Golden Coast Expands Warehouse Team As Part Of Customer Service Mission

Golden Coast has greeted the arrival of Jonathan Marshall, the latest addition to its growing warehouse team, as another important step in its mission to deliver the best customer service possible. Managing Director Jamie Adams explained: “Quite simply, our success as the UK’s largest independent supplier of wet leisure products to the trade has been built on doing everything we can to make our customers successful. Over the last 36 years we have come up with many imaginative ways of helping to boost their businesses, but one very straightforward approach is to ensure we have the staff and warehouse capacity to manage large stocks and turn orders around quickly.” Scanning the company’s website, goldenc.co, and the site it set up as an industry

forum, wetleisure.co, Golden Coast’s commitment to supporting trade customers soon becomes very clear. There, visitors will find extensive marketing advice, covering every angle, which is delivered in practical, easily understood language. Other resources include free e-books and a range of short videos making technical issues simple. Golden Coast also sponsors and helps to conduct the annual Wet Leisure Industry Survey, gathering vital intelligence to help companies sharpen their strategies for the year ahead. Jamie continued: “As well as providing a comprehensive range of pool, spa and sauna products to suit all preferences and budgets we offer a similarly wide and varied collection of add-ons and accessories – like those in our Essentials brochure – to generate continuing sales for wet leisure businesses. “When it comes to placing an order or seeking advice, customers find our staff always ready go the extra mile. Our new recruit Jonathan shares our team’s customer-focused approach and will fit into our team nicely.” Golden Coast 01271 378100 www.goldenc.co

Fusion Lifestyle Saves Historic Baths With Newcastle Move

Fusion Lifestyle has announced it is to open its first operation in the North of England as it takes over the running of the historic Newcastle City Hall, Pools and Turkish Baths complex The Grade II listed complex, built in 1928 to serve the population of Newcastle upon Tyne, was shut in 2013 and a campaign group ‘Reopen Newcastle Turkish Baths and Pool’ established. Fusion will now work to reopen the baths and to create a destination health and wellbeing centre in 2017 – following a £5m refurbishment of facilities. This announcement comes together with the revelation that Fusion is also to restore the Grade II listed Art-Deco Broomhill Pool lido in Ipswich which has been shut since 2002. Peter Kay, Chief Executive of Fusion Lifestyle, said: “There has been a tendency over the past few decades to neglect or shut our historic leisure facilities. “However over the past few years, particularly as many are threatened with closure, people are waking up to the fact that these valuable resources may be lost forever and are recognising that they are important community assets. “At Fusion Lifestyle we have established ourselves as key players in breathing the life back into these assets and making them suitable for 21st century use. “It is a pleasure to see these historic leisure facilities restored and being made use of by the communities that they were designed for.” Fusion now operates seven lidos, including Brockwell Lido in South London, Hillingdon Lido in Uxbridge, Hinksey Outdoor Pool in Oxford, Park Road Pools and Wycombe Rye Lido in High Wycombe. Fusion’s move into Newcastle will see it partner with Newcastle’s Theatre Royal Trust who will run the City Hall entertainment programme while Fusion manages leisure facilities and the overall building. The Grade II listed site contains a concert hall, swimming pools and one of around a dozen Turkish Baths left in the country. Fusion’s plans for the Newcastle City Hall, Pool and Turkish Baths will see restoration and refurbishment of pool and Turkish bath facilities, with the addition of a gym, studios, spa and café to convert the site into a modern health and wellbeing facility for the city.

Certikin’s Website Gets A Make-Over! As you would expect of the UK’s number one supplier and manufacturer, the newly launched Certikin website (www.certikin.co.uk) is state-of-the-art in its fantastic real time ordering facility. Featuring the latest technology for improved navigation and easier access to the company’s extensive online content, the new website allows you to see instantly see if a product is in stock or not and secure it as you order.

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Certikin’s Marketing Manager Cath Saunders said: “We have reviewed and updated all our information so that you can be confident that everything you are

reading is as current as possible. Super user-friendly, we have made it as simple and instinctive as possible – you can even see which spares link to which product. You can do quotes for your customers, download heaps of technical information and save favourites for easy ordering.“ Certikin International 01993 778855 www.certikin.co.uk

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NEWS

IN BRIEF MIKE FARRAR APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF THE ASA GROUP BOARD Mike Farrar CBE has been appointed as the Chairman of the ASA Group Board. Currently an independent management consultant working with health and sports clients including NHS Quest and the Football League Trust, he is committed to promoting health innovations and links between health and sport. Farrar said: “I am a passionate believer in the opportunity that sport, and in particular swimming, offers us to have a healthier, more cohesive and successful nation. “Having spent my career working within the health service, it’s clear there are lots of synergies between health and sport and that by working closer together we can create a more active nation. “The role of Chairman of the ASA Group Board offers a fantastic opportunity to realise this, and I am very honoured to have been appointed.”

PROJECT ON HOLD AS COUNCIL REFUSES LOAN REQUEST Building works have ground to a halt at Brighton’s Saltdean Lido project after it was discovered that there was insufficient electricity in Saltdean to power the lido site and a new substation is required. Having raised £8m for the project and with every penny accounted for, the Community Interest Company (CIC) has no funds left and without power, the build project can’t continue. The CIC were advised that a new sub-station will cost almost £70,000+VAT and asked Brighton & Hove City Council for a loan but were only offered £10,229. The CIC believes shouldn’t even be paying for the sub-station, as the site when marketed in 2013 claimed to have a sub-station on site with a 80-year lease and stated all services are connected and available to the property.

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Record Scores At UK’s Largest Lifeguarding Competition Almost 1,000 lifeguards from 53 facilities across the UK put their skills to the test in the UK’s biggest and most successful lifeguarding competition to date. Run by the IQL UK, the awarding organisation of the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS UK), and CIMSPA, the annual Lifeguard Triathlon not only allows lifeguards to showcase their knowledge and skills, but also gives managers the opportunity to set goals to inspire staff to be the best they can be, creating a culture of continuous improvement. Guildford Spectrum was named the top facility in the UK after scoring 96 marks out of a possible 100, second place went to Horncastle Swimming Pool (93.3) with Kimberley Leisure Centre coming in third (90.4). Craig Scott from Guildford Spectrum won the best male lifeguard category. The 22-yearold scored 98 out of 100. Second place went to Adam Frost, 20, of Knutsford Leisure Centre. Three other Spectrum lifeguards made it to the top three male and female categories: Phil Maynard, 22, came third, while Alice Gibbs, 18 and Becky Doran, 18, placed second and third in the female lifeguard

The successful Guildford Spectrum Lifeguarding Team

category. Elizabeth Shaw, 24, from Kimberley Leisure Centre won best female lifeguard after scoring 95.5 – the highest female score ever recorded. The Lifeguard Triathlon is based on the key principles of the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) and tests lifeguards’ CPR, rescue swim and theory skills. Assessed internally, the event allows managers to benchmark their staff with other professional pool lifeguards from across the UK. The organisers have seen the skills of lifeguards improve throughout the competition’s 10-year history with this year’s event recording the highest ever average CPR score (30.95 out

of 32) as well as the highest average total score in four years. The competition also attracted the largest number of female participants (41 per cent). “This has been another fantastic year for the Lifeguard Triathlon with a record number of people taking part. For a decade, this competition has been successfully used by managers to motivate lifeguards to deliver to the best of their abilities, helping to raise the standards and skills of lifeguards throughout the UK,” says Ian Doherty, IQL UK’s national programme manager. RLSS UK 01789 773994 www.rlss.org.uk

Sign Up For A 2016 Certikin Seminar Industry colleagues are able to get ahead of the game for next year’s pool season by attending a Certikin seminar this January. This is your chance to see and hear about the company’s exciting new products and latest innovations and a great opportunity to pick up ideas to help drive your business forward. Make a date with one of the two seminars in the following locations: • 12 January – Tortworth Court Hotel, Wotton-Under-Edge, Gloucestershire • 19 January – Selsdon Park Hotel, Croydon, Surrey

showcase exhibition of new products. Places for either day can be booked via the Certikin website.

A programme of talks kicks off at 9.30am and concludes at approximately 3.30pm. Each of the days includes refreshments, lunch and a

Certikin International 01993 778855 www.certikin.co.uk

Certikin’s busy 2015 seminar was a real success for all

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EXPERIENCED CONTRACTS / PROJECT MANAGER REQUIRED Buckingham Swimming Pools are one of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading installers of commercial and residential pools. We are seeking an individual with proven experience in contract and project management to oversee and manage various pool projects both in the commercial and residential sector around the UK. The successful applicant should have a good technical knowledge of pool construction and installation, including engineering, filtration and water treatment systems, together with disciplined organisational and clear communication skills for this challenging role The position will involve organisation and supervision of on- site labour, quality control, health and safety procedures and co-ordination with clients and our lead contractors. An attractive remuneration package commensurate with experience will be offered to the successful candidate. Applicants should apply by e-mail with your full CV and covering letter to: p.mason@buckinghampools.com

RECRUITMENT ADVERTISEMENT

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SALES EXECUTIVE REQUIRED An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a highly successful swimming pool manufacturer and distributor. We are looking for a dynamic, self-motivated Sales Executive to further develop business in both the Midlands and Northern territories. The role involves supporting our existing customer base and developing new trade accounts. Ideally you will possess in-depth knowledge of the swimming pool industry and are seeking a new challenge. Benefits include a competitive salary, car allowance, mileage allowance, lap-top and mobile phone. Interested? If you feel you have the necessary skill set to succeed in this role, send your CV to sarahn@plasticapools.net

PEOPLE NEWS

Financial Roles Change Hands At LSPC Mark Reeve has joined London Swimming Pool Company (LSPC) as Financial Controller as Barbara Joseph, former Finance and Administration Manager, heads off to Spain for an exciting new life with husband, Bob, after 13 years at LSPC. Initially Office Manager, Barbara soon realised that she had joined a company that was ‘going places’ and made it her mission to modernise all the administrative functions and financial systems, as well as streamlining the liaison with the service engineers and clients, improving efficiency. Barbara said: “The transition we’ve experienced over 13 years is remarkable. Gone is the small office and shop front, replaced by large purpose built offices, a fleet of vehicles and an expanded staff

of 25, plus sub-contractors. In my early days with the company, we were building a few high end pools each year, while now we have a full order book for many months ahead. “LSPC still has a great family feel – in fact my son Mike is a project engineer in the Contracting division – as well as being a very slick operation. Back then, when I joined to work alongside Tony Line and Jamie Smith, there wasn’t a formal structure to the business which gave me the opportunity to shape my job and help the management team.” Barbara added: “Working at LSPC has been the highlight in my career – Tony and Jamie showed tremendous conﬁdence in me and gave me the ﬂexibility to implement systems that contributed to the company’s growth which is very satisfying. I’ve learned

an enormous amount about the process of designing and building swimming pools and it’s been amazing to see new innovations like moving ﬂoor pools and fancy LED lighting become popular. “Leaving is a wrench, but emigrating to Spain has been a dream and we’re about to make it a reality. We will be living in a beautiful villa overlooking the sea and mountains in El Pinar, and the best thing is we’ll have a swimming pool!” Barbara’s successor, Mark Reeve has already started his new role. Mark was previously Financial Director Designate at West One, a luxury bathroom company operating in the same high end market as LSPC, so he comes with both the ﬁnancial expertise and an understanding of the client sector.

Total Swimming Appoint Chris Brindley As New Chairman Former Managing Director of Metro Bank and prominent UK Business Leader Chris Brindley has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors at Total Swimming and sister company Total Gymnastics, joining former Olympic athlete Steve Parry who co-founded both businesses. As a leading authority and award winner for Customer Experience, Sales Management, Employee Engagement & Satisfaction, Chris will provide strategic counsel in his role as Chairman and bring his own commercial expertise to support large scale plans for both organisations. Chris, who is also the long standing Chair of the County Sports Partnership, GreaterSport, commented: “As a champion of grassroots sport, I recognise the importance of sport not just for enjoyment, but also for life, health and social skills. I’m delighted to be appointed Chairman of two innovative and forward-thinking organisations – working with Olympians Steve Parry, Beth Tweddle and Becky Adlington to bring about a revolution in swimming and gymnastics is an exciting prospect.” Both Total Swimming and Total Gymnastics offer high quality, enjoyable classes across the country, catering for

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a range of ages, helping people learn invaluable life skills. Total Swimming has taught over 100,000 underprivileged children to swim and the company’s pioneering programme works on the basis of taking the pool to places which wouldn’t normally have access to the aquatic facilities. A Total Swimming partnership with Olympic Medallist Becky Adlington created ‘Becky Adlington’s SwimStars’, which aims to teach an entire nation to swim. The beneﬁts of the programme, written by Becky, include smaller teacher led groups with children being taught important values and behaviours as they progress through the ASA’s Learn to Swim Framework. Steve Parry, Managing Director of Total Swimming and Total Gymnastics, comments: “We’re thrilled that Chris has joined our Board of Directors. His knowledge and experience within the sector will be incredibly beneﬁcial to the team. Chris’s approach to using sport as the learning model to inspire success within business is something that particularly appeals to us.” Total Swimming 0161 764 2224 www.totalswimming.co.uk

Barbara Joseph

London Swimming Pool Company 020 8605 1255 www.londonswimmingpools.com

Top Marks For Certikin’s Man In H&V Certikin’s H&V Technical Sales Advisor, Michael Coyle has been awarded the Institute of Swimming Pool Engineer’s muchcoveted Gartside Cup for Student of the Year after achieving the highest overall marks over the four ISPE exam papers. Bestowing the prestigious award, ISPE General Secretary, Ross Alcock, said: “The students put a huge effort into their studies, to become ISPE Certified Technicians and to come ‘top of the class’ is clearly an excellent achievement.” Michael said: “I am very proud to be the recipient of this highly respected award and would like to thank Certikin for putting me through the course.'' Jo Catterall, H&V and Auto Covers Sales Manager said: “This is well deserved, Michael is a dedicated member of the Calorex H&V team and this award cements and reflects his technical expertise.” Having graduated from Exeter University with an honours degree in Biological Sciences, Michael spent his early career in the pond building and aquatics industry before moving to Certikin early in 2008. In the H&V department, Michael specifies environmental control units and heat pumps, prepares quotations and provides technical support and solutions over the phone.

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PRODUCT NEWS

‘Wafer’ UV System Launch Is A Resounding Success The launch of atg UV Technology’s WF range, known as the ‘Wafer’ due to its ultracompact footprint, was a complete success at the recent Piscina & Wellness Barcelona Exhibition held in October. With orders already being placed, the innovative new design received huge interest, not just from the European swimming pool sector, but also from countries further afield including China, Japan, UAE, North America and Australia. Whilst the WF range is around a third of the size of comparative UV systems, its hydraulically optimised reactor design and leading lamp technology will also make it one of the most efficient and best performing on the market. As a minimum, the WF range will provide a 99.9% reduction of chlorine resistant microorganisms, such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia. With significantly reduced maintenance space, the

WF series promises to offer easy to install and retrofit solutions, that will fit the tightest of plant rooms. Featuring four models in the range, in single lamp and twin lamp configurations, the WF series is suitable for swimming pool flow rates of 5 m3/hr up to 250 m3/hr. As with atg UV’s ECL and SX ranges, the WF range will include UV Intensity Monitoring, Over Temperature Control, Automatic Cleaning Systems and Enhanced Safety Quick Release Twistlok™ UV Lamps. Operators will also benefit from the inclusion of atg UV’s premium SPECTRA II control system as standard, which includes a wide range of features such as data stream monitoring, process interlocks and programmable set points. A key feature includes variable power stepping from 100% to 50% power at no extra cost, allowing operators to optimise the operational power of

Loxone Aquastar Air – All-In-One Smart Pool And Home Solution Pools equipped with manual pool technology often mean a lot of work, something often underestimated by many pool owners. To guarantee continual swimming fun the pool has to be clean and this mostly requires complex manual tasks. However, some pool owners were more than lucky in this summer though thanks to two Austrian companies who aim to end these manual tasks and revolutionise automatic pool control. With the corporate product design by Peraqua, a leading supplier for complete pool solutions and Loxone, a leading Smart Home designer (37,000 operating Smart Home solutions), from now on, pools can look after themselves. This is thanks to the Loxone AquaStar Air – the only state-of-theart fully automatic 6 way backwash valve – a product that is a direct result of the strategic cooperation. With this new product the two companies have created ‘the’ automatic and smart control and pool monitoring solution, which will also save the pool owners’ time and bring more joy with their pools. “Here we are talking

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about a brand new innovation. There are some automatic backwash valves on the market. These are limited by the motoroperated setting of the valve position, such as: filter, backwash, rinse and circulate. With the Loxone AquaStar Air we go a step ahead, and tread the path into the future of ‘Smart Pool – Home Control’, as of course also many common pool components offered by Peraqua such as RGB underwater lights, Smart heat pumps, salt electrolysis units and many more can be controlled with this system,” said Wolfgang Irndorfer, General Manager of Peraqua Professional Water Products GmbH. With the Loxone AquaStar Air, pool maintenance becomes part of a Smart Home system. The back wash valve also can be retrofitted in the Loxone Smart home solution via Loxone Air technology (wireless). The AquaStar Air does all jobs around the pool from water quality treatment, jet stream, pool cover and pool illumination also sending error reports. Peraqua +43 7435 584 880 www.peraqua.com

their system to match bather loads and pool opening times. atg UV Technology 01942 216161 www.atguv.com

IP Rate Your Push-in/Lever Wire Or Even Strip Connectors With the growing acceptance and demand that has been generated for the new types of rapid wire connectors, GH Lucas are delighted to launch new Mini Gel Covers that complement the existing Mammut Gel Cover and Mammut Gel Cover 6 from Raytech that enables IP68 protection against water, dust and insects to fit inside enclosures. Perfect protection is achieved by displacing the pre-filled gel and snapping the cover shut – no tools are required and submersion is possible. The ‘Isaac’ is suitable for two or three pole connectors and the ‘Pascal’ for five pole connectors. Being universal they are compatible with all makes and are far more cost effective than traditional pouring gels. Visit the GH Lucas website to see the demonstration video and the full range of the Raytech pre-filled cable joints and connection solutions. GH Lucus 0161 359 3407 www.ghlucas.co.uk

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PRODUCT NEWS

Wibit Make A Splash With New Product Launches Wibit Sports, creators of inflatable modular aqua parks, is launching four new additions to its aquatic playgrounds. Specially designed for the youngest fun-seekers, the new KidsZone can be positioned in low water depth and allows parents to walk their child along the obstacle course. The all-new Roundabout is both circular speedway and central meeting point of this combination. In addition, the new High Roller, Dome and Monkey Bars have taken their world famous Wibit Sports Parks to exciting new levels. What’s more, Wibit Sports is launching a new addition to its aquatic playgrounds that not only accelerates fun on the water but heightens the way of communicating it. Wibit’s modular components which include monkey bars, wiggle bridges and trampolines, can now be arranged into letters to write almost anything on the water as part of their WibitTAG concept – giving bespoke brand identity with maximum exposure from both land and air. Andrea Gearing-Thomas, Director of The Main Event International, Wibit’s UK distributer says: “Wibit continues to innovate both the commercial pool and open water leisure sector by bringing both fun and imagination to the industry. Not only do the Wibit products provide a creative space for play but are also a great marketing tool to drive revenue. Wibit products can be adapted for any budget for maximum enjoyment.”

The Main Event International 020 7323 6770 www.themaineventintl.com

DEL’s New Ultima Automatic Pool Cover Ultima Cover, a new automatic safety cover that provides 100% water coverage, is now available to pool owners in the UK. Available exclusively through Golden Coast, the innovative device protects pools against pollutants, while making pools safer for children. Engineered and produced by established French manufacturer, DEL, the all-season Ultima Cover features a rail-guided, PVC cover, fitted perfectly to the pool’s dimensions – completely isolating the water from dust, insects, and other contaminants. A powerful, reliable hydraulic motor, ensures that operation is quick and effortlessly smooth. Marrying functional design with sophisticated style, the completely opaque cover is available in a range of 15 colours to suit every taste, including Almond, Cobalt Blue, Brilliant Green and Almond. Additionally, the unit is available as either

a built-in or above-ground installation, making it a practical and aesthetic addition to new builds, refurbishments, and free-form pools measuring up to 7 x 14m. Importantly, the total coverage provided by the Ultima Cover ensures that young children cannot access the water: preventing possible drowning. The robust 580g/m2 fabric can withhold the weight of a 100kg adult without tearing. Its anodised aluminium rails and UV-treated PVC, with high-frequency fabric welding, ensure that the cover is highly

resistant to corrosion and abrasion. For maximum versatility, models can be supplied with integrated rails. Golden Coast’s Managing Director, Jamie Adams, explained: “Under French law, all pool covers must meet strict safety criteria. Ultima Covers, manufactured in Brittany, are built to comply with French standard NFP 90-308, so users can be confident in the quality of its build and design. “Of course, covers alone cannot guarantee child safety. Pool owners must be constantly vigilant and children must always be supervised around water. However, a robust, well-designed addition such as Ultima Cover can greatly reduce the potential for serious accident – offering owners peace of mind.” Golden Coast 01271 378100 www.goldenc.co

The New Easy Roldeck – Easy By Name, Easy By Nature!

Starline has introduced an electronic version of the Roldeck Easy Cover to sit alongside the highly popular solar powered version. Ingeniously designed, it is highly versatile in application as it’s perfect for both outdoor and indoor installations. Indeed, it is ideal for small buildings, such as log cabins, as the end stands are slim and discreet.

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Jo Catterall, Auto Covers Sales Manager, said: “It is very competitively priced. For example, a 4m x 8m with white PVC slats retails at just £4,745 plus delivery and VAT. At that price, it could be sold as a small add-on to any new or existing pool project.” The electronic Easy Cover has a programming function like any other Roldeck, so

the end positions of the cover can be programmed and will run with one touch on the waterproof controls on the side console. For added safety, when the pool is not in use, the key can be removed from the side console. Certikin International 01993 778855 www.certikin.co.uk

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PRODUCT NEWS

New Elecro Products Enjoy European Show Successes Elecro Engineering are still reeling from the excitement surrounding the Piscina & Wellness Barcelona and Aquanale exhibitions held in October. Launching a new water treatment range in the form of the Quantum, as well as the Thermecro Solar Heater, which is now ready for sale, the company’s stand at both shows was busy and the company was delighted to have such a high level of interest from visitors. Both products received a lot of attention, with the Quantum winning a New Product Diploma award in the Sustainable Product category in Barcelona. The excitement around this product is justified: the Quantum applies photocatalytic oxidisation, which is ranked top in the table as the strongest known oxidiser. Significantly more powerful than chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, UV or ozone it takes pool hygiene and water clarity to the

ultimate level. The Nano Crystal technology possesses the power to sterilise sewerage into drinking water without the use of chemicals and in fact one of the many benefits of this product is a significant reduction in the use of residual chemicals. No microorganisms are safe as photocatalytic oxidisation has the unparalleled ability to destroy all viruses, bacteria and pathogens instantly like no other device. It will break down oil, urea and contaminants into their harmless molecular form; all the while ensuring optimum safety as only pure, fresh water is released from the reaction chamber back into the pool. The Thermecro Solar heater also proved popular, due its powerful, patented, evacuated tube technology. Unlike other solar heater products on the market it generates far more hot water per m², is perfectly insulated, works in the lowest of ambient temperatures

Lo-Chlor… Because It Works Lo-Chlor Chemicals is recognised as a global leader in phosphate removal since the launch of Starver® in the mid 1990s. Advancements in this area have changed the way that algae is treated in domestic and commercial swimming pools. Lo-Chlor’s Starver® phosphate removal technology is now sold in more than 50 countries worldwide and its popularity has seen it become universally recognised as one of the most revolutionary and effective speciality chemicals to reach the pool and spa market to date. Launched in the UK and EU in 2015, Starver® X efficiently reduces high levels of phosphates, with 1litre reducing them by up to 6ppm (6,000 ppb) in 50,000 litres of swimming pool water. Lo-Chlor recommend that once you get the phosphate level down to 1ppm (1,000ppb), both engineers and end users alike switch to using their original Starver®. Starver® X is a proprietary blend of rare earth compounds and will neutralise and remove dissolved phosphates within 24 hours. The success of the product is not just restricted to conventional swimming pools, but is now widely sold for the treatment of natural pools, fountains and ponds as well as indoor aquaria. Lo-Chlor Chemicals is not just at the forefront of phosphate removal and prevention, they also supply a full range of speciality chemicals including algaecides, natural clarifiers, stain and scale treatments and spa products. The Lo-Chlor Speciality Chemical range is manufactured in the UK by Total Water Products Ltd and will be exhibiting at SPATEX 2016 (Stand A19) where they will be launching new products, packaging, labels and website. Total Water Products Ltd 01639 823233 www.totalwaterproducts.co.uk

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and is compact. The revolutionary unit harvests a staggering 92% of solar radiation by processing all solar radiation striking from any angle, not just direct sunlight, and boasts the highest heat retention possible. Elecro Engineering Ltd 01438 749474 www.elecro.co.uk

A New Dimension Of Glass Walls Architects and interior designers have always made use of light, texture and colour to express themselves in locations like hotels, flagship stores, corporate offices and high-end residential properties. Now, thanks to D R Services, they have the chance to combine them all within glass feature walls that can offer physical separation and privacy along with physical properties. As one of the UK’s best known suppliers of architectural glass and fittings, D R Services, is now able to incorporate virtually any type of fabric, wood veneer, metal or other material into laminated glass. This striking composite can then be given even greater visual interest through the use of special LED lighting to illuminate the interlayer; reflecting internally off the face of the toughened laminated glass. The company has already been supplying the luxurious glass feature walls for clients across a number of sectors and believes the availability of other physical enhancements will only serve to extend their appeal. Director, Will Jarvis

commented: “Thanks to the development of the new SGP interlayer we are now able to incorporate almost anything into laminated glass walls. The possibilities include fabrics like silk or different types of metal. Because the interlayer is waterproof the walls can be used alongside swimming pools or for steam rooms. Frameless walls are available, and it is also possible to utilise the new electrical glass that has come on the market – Geometry. Company logos and other designs can all be drawn on CAD and etched into the glass before it is laminated, while we can fit LED strips down the sides of the panels to make them glow.” D R Services 01279 445277 www.drservices.co.uk

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ECO NEWS

Community Pool Heats Up With Gullberg & Jansson Milborne Port Community Swimming Pool lies in the grounds of Milborne Port Primary School, near the Somerset/Dorset boundary. Run and maintained by a team of volunteers, the school receives no funding for the pool, so all monies needed for it are raised through donations, fundraising events and the occasional grant. The pool is also hired out to the wider community during the summer months and out of school hours, which pays for the day-today running costs. Last year, the pool’s old heater gave up the ghost after an impressive 17 years’ of service and so the search was on for a long lasting, quality replacement. The Milborne team first heard about Gullberg & Jansson at the SPATEX 2015 trade show. They spoke to many companies at the show, but were impressed by the Gullberg & Jansson stand and liked the look and sound of their competitively priced heat pumps. However, they were nervous about choosing a product which they hadn’t heard of before. There was little doubt that a Skandinavian product would be well-made, but the team needed to hear it from existing customers. The company were more than happy to put them in touch with some of their customers, who provided testimonials about their experiences and answered any questions and concerns. With any possible concerns now addressed, Gullberg & Jansson visited the pool, discussed heating options and even talked about a possible pool enclosure. Fortunately the pool didn’t have to wait too long for its new V40 heat pump and stand to arrive and the school took delivery of it without any problems. Having been assured

that the installation wasn’t difficult, to save costs, a local electrician and local plumbers, who were keen to help out, installed the heat pump with the help of easy-to-follow instructions. Once installed, the V40’s sleek look, compactness and operating noise impressed. It took around five days to get the 72m3 of water up to the required 28°C, but despite the chilly early summer nights, once up to temperature the new heat pump coped well with keeping the pool at the desired temperature, ensuring plenty of use throughout the season. Milborne Port Community Swimming Pool is now in the process of getting planning permission for a new enclosure. Once gained, thanks to all the help, advice and service they have received, they plan to place the order with Gullberg & Jansson. With a new enclosure and heat pump, they hope to extend the swimming season by at least a month either side of their current season. Gullberg & Jansson +46 42 311 15 00 www.gullbergjansson.se

Dedicated Mobile Heatstar Engineers Provide After Sales Service Nationwide It is ironic that a product with the proven quality and reliability of Heatstar also provides some of the best after sales support in the UK. The phrase “belt and braces” springs to mind but for Heatstar the quality of the after sales service is just as important as the quality of the product. Heatstar believe that after sales support nationwide is so vital that it is something that can never be left to chance or, for that matter placed in the hands of any third party. The company, therefore employ

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their own team of dedicated engineers, completely knowledgeable about the products and equipped with vans stocked with all necessary equipment and components. To have complete control over the scheduling of every single after sales site appointment is a priceless commodity which Heatstar’s customers have come to appreciate. It is also worth noting that when a Heatstar engineer visits a site, they are always aware that they are representing the trade installer. The company’s centralised service

management also permits a number of other services to be offered. Planned maintenance agreements are available on all Heatstar products. These service and maintenance contracts are renewable annually and there is no obligation for the client to commit themselves to a contract prior to the initial manufacturer’s warranty expiring. The costs of the contracts vary depending on the model. Even top quality and reliable products like Heatstar benefit from planned, regular

maintenance. By providing maintenance contracts, the company can ensure that the equipment is properly maintained and serviced by fully qualified Heatstar engineers with an in-depth knowledge and experience of the products. This in turn offers complete peace of mind to the end user and demonstrates the after sales service and support offered by the installer in conjunction with Heatstar. Heatstar 01983 521465 www.heatstar.com

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HOT TUB & SWIM SPA NEWS

Elite Party Pool Swim Spa Creates Value A swim spa for everyone and at a price to match, customers won’t be disappointed with the new Ultimate Elite Party Pool Swim Spa! Elite Spas believe this is the best value swim spa in the UK with the best warranty of ten years parts and labour! With a maintenance free cabinet and featuring Microban antibacterial protection, this eight person 12ft swim spa is powered by three 5hp pumps and two power swim jets which provides the countercurrent for the swimmer. It also features a tether anchor with belt as standard which adds resistance for the advance swimmer. The party pool features 57 stainless steel water portals and the spa end impresses with two full body lounger seats for a complete all over body massage and six other seats that will help sooth aching muscles after a workout. Customers can invite their friends or family to come over and enjoy the full features of

the party pool. With surround LED lighting, illuminated controls and cup holders, aromatherapy liquid injectors and music through the iPod system with speakers, it’s an experience they will never forget. If you are looking for a smaller fully featured party swim spa and at a price that matches then the Elite Party Pool swim spa could well be the one for you! Elite Spas Ltd 0800 849 1060 www.elitespas.co.uk

Jacuzzi® Appoint Retained PR And Social Media Agency Jacuzzi® Spa & Bath Ltd have appointed Leeds based Turn Key as their PR and social media agency for the next 12 months following a four-way pitch. Turn Key’s relationship with Jacuzzi® began in spring 2015 with a creative brief for its most luxurious wellness product, the SASHA, the at-home sauna, shower and hammam. As well as marketing and digital support, Turn Key also managed a four-month PR and social media campaign to raise awareness of Jacuzzi® UK’s wellness offering within regional lifestyle and luxury publications, alongside social media content creation and

community management. Last month, the PR and Social Media team went up against four other agencies to pitch creative ideas aimed at boosting Jacuzzi®’s overall brand awareness in the UK, plus highlighting its hot tub offering and profiling Jacuzzi®’s upcoming sports sponsorship activity.

Emma Streets, PR and social media Director, said: “Jacuzzi® is truly a household name – but people don’t always associate the word with a brand and company in its own right, and instead confuse it with the hot tub product. We’re excited to continue to work with such a huge market leader and educate consumers across leisure and lifestyle sectors on the benefits of Jacuzzi® to reach new audiences.” Jacuzzi Spa & Bath Ltd 0113 272 7430 www.jacuzzi.co.uk

There’s No Stopping The Wellis Expansion Since its establishment in 2000, the Wellis brand has gone from strength-to-strength, with significant advances occurring every five years. Starting from humble begins and with just five staff, the company launched as a family business supplying imported wellness products to the local market. Five years later, the Hungarian business started distributing own brand products nationwide

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and really started to establish itself. In 2010, the company took the major decision to invest in its own design and manufacturing facility and at that time, employed 100 people. With its products now present in the majority of European countries and with sales effectively doubling year-afteryear, this year the company took

another bold step forward with work starting on an additional 10,000 m² state-of-the-art production facility which when completed, will mean the company can design and produce swim spas plus it will allow Wellis to produce well in excess of 20,000 units a year. Today, with over 300 staff, the company is

classed as a large enterprise and if the current rate of growth continues, Wellis expects to build a further 10,000m² facility in 2020. With a new brand identity introduced this year too, it seems things really are on the up and up for the Hungarian manufacturer. Wellis +36 29 564 380 www.wellis.eu

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HOT TUB & SWIM SPA NEWS

It’s Tuff At The Top! 2015 has, according to the Arizona based manufacturer of unique roto-moulded hot tubs, been a great year for Tuff Spas in the UK and their British distributor, Spa Crest Europe. The deal to introduce the highly popular US brand to the UK market was originally signed by the parties at the 2014 US Show in Orlando, and the product was launched on British soil at SPATEX 2015. Since then, the reception by UK dealers and consumers has been exceptional and a new deal to extend the exclusive arrangement was sealed at the recent Pool | Spa | Patio show in Las Vegas. On putting pen to paper, David Midkiff, Tuff Spas’ President said: “We are delighted to extend the exclusivity of our products in the UK to Spa Crest Europe. We are really pleased with the first year of sales, which exceeded our hopes. We are looking forward to the future, working closely with Tony, Carole and the team.” Tony Welsby, Managing Director of Wigan-

based Spa Crest Europe added: “2015 was a year of change for us, introducing a totally new product line to the UK market and extending our stable of quality US hot tub brands. I’m very pleased to say Tuff Spas settled straight in to our product matrix and were well received by the industry. Sales were very good, and we look forward to exhibiting the line again, but with new models, alongside our Spa Crest products on stand D51 at SPATEX in 2016.” Tracy Roberts of Shropshire Pools & Spas is just one of the UK retailers who has had particular success launching and selling the Tuff Spas brand to her local market saying: “The award winning TT650 has been our best-selling model of 2015. The innovative hard cover has been one of the main selling points of the Tuff range. This, combined with the expert service from Spa Crest Europe, have made it another successful year for us.” Tuff Spas are one of the world’s leading manufacturers of roto-moulded hot tubs and

Tony (left) with David and Carole at the Las Vegas show

pioneers in this important market sector with innovations like shell mouldings and jet arrays akin to more expensive acrylic models, plus their unique ‘Tuff Top’, a built in hard cover manufactured from the same material as the spa structure and which seals the water off from the outside world when not in use. Spa Crest Europe 0844 871 8730 www.spacrest-europe.com

Northern Exposure Promises Higher Standard Of Hot Tub Insulation Hot tub manufacturer Vita Spa are proud to announce the introduction of the world renowned Thinsulate™ product by 3M™ to their exciting BlueMAAX™ insulation process for 2016, making one of the hot tub industry’s best insulations even better. The improved BlueMAAX™ also incorporates a new copper reflective side to increase IR heat reflection further and enhancing heat recovery and make Northern Exposure extreme hot tub insulation exceed efficiency standards by 38%!

“We didn’t believe we could ever improve the energy efficiency of our incredible insulation, how wrong were we. We call it Northern Exposure, the ultimate hot tub insulation designed for the harshest climates,” said Graham Message of Vita Spa UK. Northern Exposure extreme hot tub insulation is now standard on all Vita Spa 500, 700 and swim spa series models. Vita Spa UK 01245 477400 www.vitaspa.co.uk

Yorkshire Football Club Able To Rest Easy

Huddersfield Town FC can continue to relax after renewing a commercial partnership with local spa retailer Hot Tub World for the duration of the 2015/16 season. Located just a few minutes’ walk from the football club’s training complex, Hot Tub World provides a wide range of hot tubs, saunas, gazebos and swim spas. Established in 2000 as the first independent specialist hot tub dealer in the North of England, Hot Tub World have grown to be one of the UK’s leading hot tub dealers. Neil Armstrong Co-Owner of Hot Tub World said: “We’re delighted to have renewed our partnership arrangement with Huddersfield Town.

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“We hope that, alongside their intense training schedule, the use of our ground breaking hydrotherapy cold and hot spas will give the players a boost this season. The players can reap all the health benefits from our hot tubs from improving blood circulation to reducing stress on muscles and joints.” John Williams, Huddersfield Town Commercial Manager – partnerships, added: “I’m delighted yet another local business has renewed its partnership with ‘The Yorkshire Club’. “As well as the commercial benefits of the deal, such as the promotion of the brand at our facilities, we are also looking at ways that we can work together to aid the playing squad in their recovery.”

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POOL & SPA INDUSTRY

Industry Progression Through Dedication T

he past year has seen a number of notable achievements, including the progress of the European standards for domestic swimming pools. The construction/installation standards (EN 16582) have been signed off and are now ready to purchase (don’t forget that SPATA members get a 20% discount if purchasing through SPATA). The domestic swimming pool water filtration, circulation and treatment standards (EN 16713) have recently reached the Final Vote stage, and it is anticipated that they might be available to purchase before autumn 2016. The European standards will continue to be developed, with a Working Group (WG3) progressing very well on Domestic Mini Pools and WG4 on Domestic Spas and Hot Tubs continues, under the Chairmanship of BISHTA. Talking of Europe, congratulations to all of the recipients of the EUSA Awards 2015, especially the UK winners. Find out who won the awards at the third European Pool & Spa Awards, details of which are to be found on page 72. This autumn has been very busy with separate annual conferences for BISHTA and SPATA members and also Richard Carrington hosting his President’s Weekend. More details about these events, including some excellent speakers, can be found on page 32. Other networking opportunities are made possible through the SPATA regional meetings, and the latest events have been recently held at a number of venues around the country. I am very grateful to Calorex Heat Pumps and David Hallam for making use of their premises, and three other meetings were held in hotels/pubs to determine whether a more relaxed atmosphere is more conducive to members! A big thank you to the Regional

In this, the final edition of 2015, BSPF Managing Director Chris Hayes reflects on another busy year and thanks a number of the individuals that have assisted the industry associations over the last 12 months

Chairs for their respective contributions to their meetings, with Stephen Booth, Claire Asher, Ben Studdy and Jamie Smith all in their roles. SPATA welcomes Adam Clark (Golden Coast) in his new role as South West Chairman and says goodbye to John Scott, who has stepped down as the East Region Chairman. John has been a fantastic ambassador for the East Region and he will be missed. The end of the year is always a good time to express my gratitude to the many people that directly assist the BSPF. Within the office itself, Jan Hardy and Rebecca Melhuish have been working tirelessly to ensure the smooth operation of the office and the service that is provided to members. Sallie Golding has provided another fabulous contribution to PIP to promote the industry. Karen Goddard ensures that the accounts are kept up to date, and thanks are also due to Rose and Gerry for their work in keeping the offices in a good state of cleanliness! The BSPF also benefits from each of the relevant companies and the dedicated Chairs for the respective Boards, Committees and Councils. They are committed to ensuring the industry continues to meet the challenges and demands placed upon it. I am very grateful to Richard Carrington (both BSPF and SPATA), Alex Kemsley (BISHTA); Jamie Adams (PIP) and Howard Gosling (SPATEX) for leading these companies and also the many dedicated Committee

The BSPF benefits from each of the relevant companies and the dedicated Chairs for the respective Boards, Committees and Councils” www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 31_SPN_Dec_15_BSPF_Chris_Hayes.indd 31

members and also to Patrick Thorpe for his role as Company Secretary for BSPF, SPATA, BISHTA and PIP. The Technical teams have worked tirelessly this year under the leadership of Peter Lang (SPATA) and Howard Gosling (BISHTA) and SPATA is also very fortunate to have three inspectors (Peter Lang, Jim Gordon and Tim Bareham) to advise members on standards. Finally, in my list of thanks, the SPATEX team has pulled out all of the stops again to ensure that you are going to love SPATEX 2016, the 20th anniversary show! Michele Bridle, Helen Mulingani, Penny Farmer and the SPATEX Directors have been hard at work and for more news on what is happening, please see page 34. Don’t forget to book your tickets for the Industry Gala Dinner, it is open to everyone (whether or not you are BISHTA / SPATA members), and the ticket price is £69.95 + VAT per person. There are many awards being made available from BISHTA, SPATA and ISPE will also be recognising their previously presented awards. With best wishes for this festive period and I look forward to seeing you at SPATEX 2016. DIARY DATES 2016 31 Jan to 2 Feb SPATEX 1 to 2 March EUSA 17 May TC 164 WG9 TG11 (swimming pool chemicals)

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

SPN December 2015 31 20/11/2015 11:05

POOL & SPA INDUSTRY

Your Say, Your Industry, Your Associations – One Voice! With numerous events taking place across the industry over the last couple of months, this edition we round up the recent association AGMs held at the BSPF offices in Andover and Richard Carrington’s President’s Weekend

s we reach the end of the year, this is a time for reflection on what has happened and planning for the New Year for the wet leisure trade. Trying to squeeze in events when there is very little downtime and with other opportunities at European shows galore, you can end up with an immense amount of air and road miles clocked up, without taking time out. With this in mind, the BSPF’s annual business and networking events kick-started the autumn season in late September (for BISHTA) and early October (for SPATA).

A CHANGE OF TACTIC The SPATA and BISHTA annual general meetings took on a new look this year as two separate conference days, held at the BSPF’s Andover Offices. This format provided the respective Association members with a full day of content specific to their needs, aimed to deliver a review of the Association’s actions and plans. Along with sharing information on the main industry topics, bringing together current business information from industry and other experts and the opportunity to meet with industry peers to network, share opinions, concerns and views.

• Dr Ginny Moore (Public Health England) Ginny is based at Porton Down in Wiltshire and is part of the Biosafety Investigation Unit. Her research into inflatable hot tubs was prompted by the Legionella deaths in Staffordshire in 2012. Ginny shared the finding with delegates of PHE Research into Inflatable Hot Tubs and Aerosolisation. Dr Ginny Moore from Public Health England was one of a number of speakers at the BISHTA Conference

BISHTA CONFERENCE DAY BISHTA’s Chairman - Alex Kemsley presided over the AGM and the day heard from a number of speakers, including BISHTA’s Managing Director, Chris Hayes and Sallie Golding (PIP’s PR & Marketing Manager) provided an update from PIP on the promotional work going on. Guest presenters added valuable content to the agenda included: • Peter Duffy (Independent Financial Services (UK) Limited) As Director of Associate Development, Peter was able to use his vast experience to give an overview of the implementation of workplace pension auto-enrolment.

• Richard Lamburn (Technical Manager for Pool Plant, STA) Richard gave delegates an update on workforce development, detailing how BISHTA and the STA can provide affordable qualifications through a range of courses using a mixture of online and face-to-face learning resources. • Dorian Davies (Doric Marketing) and Howard Gosling (Pool and Spa Advice) Dorian shared data on the growing sector of Hot Tubs in Holiday Lodges and gave tips on tailoring the approach from retailers to gain a share of this market. Howard followed Dorian’s presentation, by giving delegates the latest update on the revision of the Management of Spa Pools publication.

BISHTA’s Managing Director Chris Hayes provided members with an update on the work of the trade association

Members at both the BISHTA and SPATA conferences had the chance to discuss any important issues, identify any committee nominations and provide feedback on how to improve each association

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www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 20/11/2015 11:11

POOL & SPA INDUSTRY Paul Baker of Independent Financial Services (UK) Limited was just one of a number of speakers at the SPATA conference

President’s Weekend guests also enjoyed an evening of tricks and amazement at Simon Drake’s ‘Secret’ House of Magic

SPATA CONFERENCE DAY Thursday 8 October saw SPATA take centre stage, as SPATA’s Chairman and BSPF President, Richard Carrington oversaw the AGM, with presentations from a range of speakers appropriate to this audience and featured: • Paul Baker (Independent Financial Services (UK) Limited) A partner at IFS Employee Benefits LLP, who are the administrators of the Federation of Small Businesses (‘FSB’) Workplace Pension, Paul shared valuable information on the implementation of workplace pension auto-enrolment. • John Eynon (Open Water Consulting) John was able to assist members with details on BIM – Building Information Modelling (BIM). This will become very important for commercial projects starting in 2016 and beyond and will likely have an impact on domestic projects at a later stage. • Patrick Thorpe (AstralPool UK) Due to his wealth of knowledge gained in the swimming pool industry since the 1970’s and more particularly having sat on the committees developing European standards for domestic pools and spas

over the past five years, Patrick was the obvious choice to present updates on these European Standards. He explained about some of the changes in EN 16582 (construction and installation) and also mentioned that there were three standards out for Final Vote as part of EN 16713 (pool water circulation, filtration and treatment). • Peter Lang (Technical Adviser to SPATA) As SPATA’s technical advisor, Peter is not only responsible for chairing SPATA’s technical committee but also coordinating the role of SPATA’s inspectors. He is currently revising SPATA’s standards. Peter presented information on the industry approach to safety devices, looking at how there will be a growing requirement to engage with clients to discuss safety. Both conferences finished their respective day with an open forum, giving members the chance to discuss any important issues, identify any committee nominations and seek feedback from members on how to improve their association. Any members who were unable to attend the days can download the presentation documents from the Members area of the relevant Association website.

A GOOD OLD LONDON KNEES UP! The 2015 President’s Weekend was hosted by Richard Carrington (BSPF President and SPATA Chairman) and his partner Lisa Hall and took place this year in the fabulous surroundings of Greenwich, London. The President’s Weekend is a chance for members to join the President for a celebration of his year in office and meet up with industry peers in an informal setting. The attendees were blessed with amazing weather that helped add to a great weekend. The theme of this year’s President’s Weekend was ‘London Town’. Starting with a cockney themed evening at a local Pie and Mash shop, sightseeing around London and an evening of tricks and amazement at Simon Drake’s ‘Secret’ House of Magic. Our thanks go to everyone who supported the President’s Weekend – a great time was had by all. If you would like to see a taster of the weekend, you can view the President’s Weekend album on the SPATA and BISHTA websites. Watch out for next year’s President’s Weekend, hosted by Alex Kemsley. Invitations will be out in the New Year and more details will be available at SPATEX. If you are interested in joining SPATA or BISHTA and would like more information visit: www.spata.co.uk or www.bishta.co.uk

Hosted by Richard Carrington and his partner Lisa Hall, the theme of this year’s President’s Weekend was ‘London Town’ and started with a cockney themed evening at a local Pie and Mash shop

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POOL & SPA INDUSTRY

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Are You Ready? With new rules in effect from the start of October, Michael Hiscock, a Senior Associate at commercial law firm Wright Hassall, takes a look at how the changes in the new Consumer Rights Act affect businesses supplying UK customers

n Thursday 1 October 2015, the new Consumer Rights Act 2015 changed the rules relating to supply of goods, services and digital content to consumers within contracts made on or after that date. If you are a trader, do you know what arguments you might face from consumers? Are you supplying goods, services, digital content or a combination of them? Some concepts are similar to previous laws – for example the service must be provided with reasonable skill and care, for a reasonable price and within a reasonable time. These are tried and tested contract principles which are implied by law into a contract where the contract does not expressly define when, how and how much. If you are selling goods, they must be satisfactory quality, achieve any pre agreed purpose, match the sample/description, be installed correctly and allow a time period to reject the goods and get a refund (which period must be no less 30 days). All sound relatively familiar so far? Here is the first big warning – did you also know the status of voluntary statements given to consumers has changed? If the consumer can prove that it relied on the trader’s spoken or written statements when deciding whether to sign the contract or making decisions about service delivery, then that statement is a binding contractual term. Have you looked at your brochures and website where you say that you are the best people for the job? So you have checked your website and

told your staff to keep quiet and offer a replacement without admitting liability – but what about the terms and conditions that you issue automatically whenever you quote? You may have heard about the “battle of the forms” and you want your terms to apply, so they are attached to every quote you give and visible on the website hyperlink. Your sales team have been trained to do that. But are the contract terms ‘prominent’? The Act says that any key terms must be prominent – that means plain language, easily understandable and brought to the consumer’s attention in a way that would allow the average customer to be aware of them and make an informed decision. Transparent is not the same as prominent. If your terms are not prominent you will have a hard job to show that they were reasonable and prove that everyone understood the deal they were doing. Here is the next big warning. When selling goods, you have one chance to repair or replace defective goods, whereupon the consumer can escalate his remedies to a permanent right to reject or a price reduction. The Act is trying to stamp out the situations you see on Watchdog where the saga goes on and on. So then you think, courts are objective so they will look at all the issues. However the Act forces the courts to consider whether the contract is unfair – even if no one says it is unfair. So you could find a judge saying to a consumer – “you didn’t plead unfairness, but it doesn’t matter, it is unfair so you win”. So then you fall back on the

So you need to be checking your procedures now and clarifying with the customer exactly what they want and how you are going to deliver it. Don’t assume anything. Look at it from the customer’s perspective” 34 December 2015 SPN 34_SPN_Dec_15_Feature_BSPF_Wright_Hassall.indd 34

businessman’s friend – the limitation of liability. Your terms and conditions have a big, bold, underlined, highlighted, limit of liability, so how bad can things get? Very bad, if you have tried to exclude or limit liability for not satisfactory quality, not matching the sample, not as described, not meeting stipulated purpose and not reasonable skill and care. The Act will strike these exclusions out of your contract. Finally clients often ask – at what level should I limit my liability? Now I can say – it is illegal to prevent a consumer from recovering the price paid. One can see how this fits with unscrupulous shops. How does this all fit with building contractors constructing domestic premises? How will the courts interpret liability limits for multi million pound houses or sophisticated systems within them? Don’t forget that this Act is additional to existing legal concepts such negligence, misrepresentation, statutory rights of third parties, minimum pre contract information and injury from defective products. So you need to be checking your procedures now and clarifying with the customer exactly what they want and how you are going to deliver it. Don’t assume anything. Look at it from the customer’s perspective. Never underestimate the importance of getting consumer law right! There is support on hand via the industry associations, SPATA and BISHTA. Members have access to a library of guidance factsheets as well as being able to call upon industry experts for advice and guidance when it comes to ensuring your company is operating within current laws. If you are interested in becoming a member visit www.spata.co.uk and/or www.bishta.co.uk. Wright Hassall 01926 880739 www.wrighthassall.co.uk

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POOL & SPA INDUSTRY

20 New Reasons To Attend The Show Of The Year! As the year draws to an end and 2016 appears on the horizon, there’s more reasons than ever to attend the UK’s longest running industry event!

rom Sunday 31 January to Tuesday 2 February, SPATEX 2016 returns to the Ricoh Arena’s Jaguar Exhibition Hall and to mark the event’s 20th anniversary, here’s 20 new reasons why you should be sending yourself to Coventry for what promises to be the UK industry’s show of the year!

The show will feature over one hundred exhibitors from home and abroad with new companies never seen before at SPATEX such as Behncke GmbH, Brio, Cyrano Ltd, GMT Spas International, PHNIX Eco-Energy Solution Ltd, International Business Development, Specialist Toughened Glass Ltd and Stoneworld (as at the time of going to press).

Returning to the SPATEX stable but new to the Exhibition’s home at the Ricoh Arena (for the third consecutive year) are Total Water Products/Lo-Chlor, ProMinent Fluid Controls, JetStream UK Ltd, Sterling Hydrotech and JAK Water Systems (at the time of going to press). SPATEX looks forward to welcoming them back.

Twenty brand new topics in Seminar Arena 1 for the ISPE (Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers) workshops over all three days of the Show. These are of interest to all in the domestic and commercial sectors e.g. ‘Swimming Pool Entrapment & Entanglement Hazards’ by Leisure and Pool Safety Consultant Robert Byrne (Sunday 14.30 - 15.00) and ‘Making More Profit From Heating & Ventilation’ by Graham Kneale FISPE (Monday 12.30 13.00). All seminars are free to attend and certificates of attendance are available.

themed networking party to celebrate 20 years of being the UK’s number one Exhibition. All visitors and exhibitors are warmly invited to join the SPATEX team for free drinks and canapés in the Ricoh Arena’s Bar 87.

SPATEX is the meeting ground for industry experts and this year they have even more than ever! Adding new gravitas to the Show and joining esteemed industry bodies such as PWTAG and STA are CIMSPA (the Chartered Institute of Management of Sport and Physical Activity).

New for 2016, attendees at all ISPE Workshops will be awarded a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) point on their Certificates of Attendance which is a valuable record of the courses and training they have attended.

Hundreds of new products to see both on the stands and in the New Product Zone – from Peraqua’s Aquacoach pool control system and AquaStar Air six way backwash valve to two new Badu pumps from Speck Pumpen; Bosta’s Hayward cleaning robots (for which it is now the exclusive distributor) to two new swim spas from Elite Spas and Spa Crest’s new products from its own line and Tuff spas. If it’s new, it will be at SPATEX 2016!

New ways of getting to SPATEX. In time for SPATEX 2016 is the opening of an on site Ricoh Arena railway station, with direct links to Coventry and Nuneaton railway stations. The Ricoh Arena is within two hours drive of 75% of the country and offers 2,000 free on site car parking spaces.

Attracting a whole new commercial visitor base – a special presentation in Seminar Arena 1 on ‘The Maintenance & Special Requirements Of Animal Hydrotherapy Pools’.

New and enhanced Exhibition facilities including a major multi-million pound upgrade of the Ricoh Arena Hotel to give visitors a total of five bars, three on site restaurants and over 20 food and beverage outlets nearby.

New and of particular interest to leisure centres, holiday parks and hotels – Water Fitness instructors will give live daily demos of aquabikes and aqua treadmills etc.

New networking opportunity – everyone loves a good get-together and on Monday following the Show closing for the day at 5pm, SPATEX is holding an exciting

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New awards! The British Pool & Hot Tub Awards Gala Evening, hosted by BISHTA and SPATA takes place during SPATEX on Sunday 31 January. The UK’s biggest and most prestigious wet leisure awards are recognised industry-wide and open to the whole industry. To book tickets contact (Jan/Becky) on +44 (0) 1264 356210/1 or email jan@bspf.org.uk

Attracting new commercial visitors! Joining SPATEX for the first time in 2016 are APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence – a local government body working with over 300 councils throughout the UK) who will be giving a talk on Monday (10.30 - 12.30).

A new look with 2016 rebranding throughout the Exhibition hall. The SPATEX team will be at the entrance to welcome you.

A new STA (Swimming Teachers’ Association) educational seminar for pool and spa plant operators demonstrating innovative technology and the latest research. Monday 1 February (14.00 15.30). “SPATEX has become STA Pool Plant’s priority trade show, showcasing the best the pool and spa industry has to offer,” says Richard Lamburn, STA Technical Manager.

A new PWTAG (Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group) seminar programme in Seminar Arena 2 on Tuesday 2 February focusing on the latest guidelines re spa and hydrotherapy pools.

New marketing seminars to update your skillset – Sunday afternoon on 31 January in Seminar Arena 2. Two marketing experts will deliver the latest advice and tips on the power of social media and why every company needs a marketing strategy and how to put one together.

New! Wasps, the professional rugby union club and owner of the Ricoh Arena, has recently joined forces with craft brewers, Purity Brewing Co (famous for Pure UBU and Pure Gold ales) and Majestic Commercial wines and these brands will now be available throughout the Arena.

New celebrations alongside SPATEX’s 20th milestone, with Aquafinesse, and Fairlocks Pool Products both marking their 10th anniversaries.

A whole new SPATEX awaits you! It’s not every year that the Exhibition turns 20 and this coming year the team are planning a very special event!

SPN December 2015 37 19/11/2015 18:34

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STA POOL PLANT – ENTRAPMENT AND ENTANGLEMENT

Suction Entrapment And Hair Entanglement Robbie Phillips and Richard Lamburn, STA’s Technical Pool Plant Team look at the dangers of suction entrapment and hair entanglement posed by some pool and spa drains

ommercial swimming pools, hydrotherapy pools, wading/paddling pools, interactive water features, whirl pools and spas all have one thing in common – a circulation system. This means that water must leave the pool and then re-enter at another point following filtering and disinfection. This in turn means water being pulled under suction from the pool. As we’ve seen in the news again recently, this can have serious repercussions on users if not properly risk assessed. We discuss the two main dangers here.

through the single bottom drain, increasing its suction and velocity. No pool should ever be run on bottom drain alone due to the danger of suction entrapment and / or possible hair entanglement on the bottom or side of the pool or spa tank. Flow meter testing to enable you to risk assess this danger comprehensively in your pool can be accomplished using specific technical equipment. There are also simple methods to see if a vacuum forms on any suction outlet line.

SUCTION ENTRAPMENT Bottom drains in swimming pools should be at least 2 metres apart and also have all openings 8mm in width or diameter (larger slots / holes make it easier for finger entrapment). There should be sufficient open water area. If one drain becomes blocked then the other can still divert a proportion of flow to prevent a vacuum being formed. Ideally these bottom drains should have raised large centres or other purpose designed grilles to prevent a bather sealing the entire drain with their body, Circulation pumps can also have a pressure sensor enabling it to shut off before a vacuum is formed. The bottom drain suction risk can be seriously increased if water levels drop below the skimmer / scum trough overflow system as both are considered suction lines – this is with a single bottom drain (a single suction line is a high risk system). If this occurs, and the surface draw off line is isolated to prevent air getting into the system, for example, then all suction water from the pool will be

EXAMPLES OF POTENTIAL SOURCES OF SUCTION ENTRAPMENT • • • • • Suction entrapment occurs when a swimmer, usually a small child, is trapped by the suction forces created by the water rushing out of the drain at the bottom of the pool (human flesh is unfortunately able to form a perfect seal!). In some cases swimmers have been trapped underwater until they drowned and in other cases they have suffered serious injuries to various parts of their bodies including the bowel.

HAIR ENTANGLEMENT In spas mainly, and, also pools, the danger of hair entanglement is very real. When bathers swim too close to bottom drains or suction outlets of incorrect design, or place their heads underwater in a spa too close to water

Flow meter testing to enable you to risk assess this danger comprehensively in your pool can be accomplished using specific technical equipment. There are also simple methods to see if a vacuum forms on any suction outlet line” www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 39_SPN_Dec_15_STA_rev.indd 39

outlets where a vortex is formed, their hair may become entangled in the grilles / outlets. In a spa this danger is increased by the narrow suction pipe work often increasing velocity and also the design of the outlets which often moves in a circular motion (vortex) aiding entanglement. If a bather becomes trapped often the only way to free them is to cut the hair, what is surprising to note is that scissors do not work efficiently underwater, and often a knife is the only implement that will suffice. It has also been noted that any fitting with these design defects at a specific outlet fitting will potentially cause this entanglement – e.g. main circulating and / or booster pumps.

• •

Incorrect operation Incorrect fittings Poor design of drain outlets and covers Insufficient number of drains Creation of one line suction to main or ancillary circulation pumps All fittings made secure so they cannot be removed All one line suctions eliminated or valves locked to prevent the creation of one line suctions Velocities from outlets not adhering to recommended rates Broken grids – a potentially lethal problem.

It is therefore imperative that all involved in the design, manufacture and construction should work to produce a safe facility. It is essential that knowledgeable pool contractors and consultants are employed. The operator should also be fully trained and aware of the potential dangers, and continuously risk assess the operation of critical valves, line velocities and fittings etc. STA 01922 645097 www.sta.co.uk

SPN December 2015 39 20/11/2015 10:56

POOL SAFETY

Safer Pool Environments Safety in and around swimming pools is a topic that always focuses the minds of those working within the industry and whilst an enclosure or safety cover will provide security to a pool, there are numerous other products on the market that will either prevent access or protect swimmers once they are in the pool. This issue, we put the spotlight on a selection of solutions that are making pool environments a safer place to be By Andrea Hartshorne

swimming pool, by its very nature, holds a number of possible hazards and drowning is one of the more obvious dangers. Of course, pools secured by a building, enclosure or pool cover can effectively eliminate the risks of unauthorised entry

DEWS (DETECTION EARLY WARNING SYSTEM) FROM AQUA TEIK

but there are occasions when they aren’t employed or perhaps aren’t always an option and what about the safety of swimmers once they have already entered the pool? Thankfully, when it comes to swimming pool safety, there are options galore for both domestic and commercial pool environments and we take a closer look at a selection of them.

BLUEFOX MOBILE SYSTEM – PORTABLE SAFETY KIT

DEWS is designed to pick up early swimmer distress signals and pinpoint their location. The system constantly monitors and analyses camera footage using speciﬁc algorithms to determine the status of multiple swimmers. A simple trafﬁc light procedure is used for easy operation, green - normal, amber - distress, red - critical state. DEWS can mask swimmers for total privacy and with no wearable technology required, it is discrete and non intrusive. Using overhead cameras connected to a central control unit enables quick installation with minimal disruption. Live information can be fed to multiple devices such as monitors and tablets enabling a quick reaction should an incident occur. They believe their technology provides security especially to unmanned pools such as hotels providing 24/7 monitoring capability where none existed before.

The BlueFox MOBILE System was engineered for swimming instructors teaching in different facilities and supports lifeguards in supervising swimming classes. Instead of a permanently mounted installation, the MOBILE system is a complete system to-go and comes in a carrying case. The monitoring bracelet is able to survey the duration and depth of the swimmers. If both of the programmed parameters are exceeded, the wrist computers releases a signal to trigger the alarm. With this timely notiﬁcation, the swimmer in trouble can be rescued immediately, even before he gets into a critical medical situation. The bracelets can be programmed individually according to the target group, like toddlers, children, swimmers, non-swimmers. The number of monitoring bracelets per pool is not limited.

Aqua Teik Ltd 023 9319 0660 www.aquateik.com

Deep Blue AG +41 62 767 7799 www.bluefox-poolsafety.com

BLUEFOX TOUCH – DROWNING DETECTION DAY AND NIGHT

POOL SAFETY FENCES FROM POOLFENCE UK

BlueFox TOUCH provides an extra layer of safety for pools up to 200m2. With the passive mode activated, the sensors in the pool recognise if someone falls into the water and immediately triggers an alarm. During swimming hours, BlueFox monitors swimmers wearing the monitoring bracelet. The technology in the bracelet detects when a swimmer remains under water too long and contacts the sensors at the pool wall to release an alarm. The bracelets can be programmed individually for toddlers, children, swimmers and non-swimmers. The stylish ﬂush mount control panel ﬁts perfectly into any surrounding and is able to forward the alarm to other existing alarm devices. BlueFox TOUCH is designed for domestic pools, hotel pools and ponds.

Safety fencing around pools will certainly reduce the risk of disasters, and potentially fatalities, happening. As as sole UK distributor of Protect-A-Child Pool Safety Fences, Pool Fence UK help their customers reduce this risk. As a stand alone physical barrier, the product has a great number of qualities that make it something to consider installing. To begin with it is aesthetically pleasing and can be removed quickly when not required. In addition, the product is made from high quality materials and the fibreglass posts are guaranteed against breakage. Tough mesh and a marine-grade finishing border complete the fence itself. The colour is built in so it does not fade or flake unlike metal posts. It will act as a wind break and a barrier to stop debris entering the pool too.

Deep Blue AG +41 62 767 7799 www.bluefox-poolsafety.com

Poolfence UK 01258 863663 www.poolfenceuk.com

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POOL SAFETY POOLVIEW’S ABOVE AND BELOW-WATER PROTECTION

SENTAG SAFER SWIMMING SYSTEM FROM POOLVIEW

The Poolview Safer Swimming System is an above-water and belowwater camera system which relays the digitally recorded images to lifeguard monitoring stations in any combination depending on your risk assessment requirements. The display gives lifeguards an uncompromised view of below-water swimmer activity and behaviour. Lifeguards view these images as part of their 10:20 scan to help with early identification of an incident developing or abnormal events occurring. Full below-water coverage can be achieved in every pool. Poolview can ‘see’ below surface glare and reflections, disturbed moving water, play structures and movable booms and provides ‘Additional Essential Vision’ to lifeguards. Poolview will increase a lifeguard’s capability; help reduce risk and can reduce staff overheads and increase flexibility for lifeguard levels and rotation.

The SenTAG wristband monitors time and pressure for each user. Wristbands are set to a depth and time at which the alarm is raised. If the swimmer should spend too much time under the pre-set depth, an alarm is raised by a signal from the wristband to the SenTAG control unit, which then alerts the lifeguard or first responder. In this way the SenTAG wristband emulates the supervision of a lifeguard. The Central Control Unit manages the overall system with a very easy user interface. At the control unit all settings are made, data is collected, stored and analysed. It constantly listens to all information from the pool and makes decisions on when an alarm should be raised.

Poolview Limited 07768 746789 www.poolview.co.uk

POOLGUARD PGRM2 FROM SAFEWATER ALARMS

PROTECT THE CHILD – SAFETY TURTLE FROM SAFEWATER ALARMS

The Poolguard PGRM2 is an electronic monitoring system that will automatically sound an alarm when a child or family pet falls into an unsupervised pool. The Poolguard sits on the side of the pool and is removed only to allow the pool to be used but once set to alert mode any entry into the pool will be detected by the alarms electronic sensors and trigger a loud pulsating alarm at the device as well as a remote sounder within your home. The Poolguard protects the pool but there is a small amount of installation required so there are limitations on where it can be used however it does have a sister in the form of the PGRM-SB that is completely portable.

This is a wrist worn strap with a Turtle shaped wireless sender built in to it, which on contact with water will send a signal to a moon shaped alarm Base Station. This Base Station will, on receiving the signal from the Turtle wrist strap, go into alarm mode and warn you that there is a possible drowning incident occurring with your child. There is no limit to the amount of wristbands you can use on one Base Station as long as they are all the same colour. The Safety Turtle protects the child from the dangers of any form of water, whether a swimming pool, spa, boating lake or your villa holiday pool. There is no installation required which makes the Safety Turtle completely portable.

Safewater Alarms Ltd 0800 772 0663 www.safewateralarms.co.uk

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY – THE ANGELEYE LIFEGUARD

THE LIFE SAVER POOL FENCE LIVES UP TO ITS NAME

AngelEye LifeGuard is the most technologically advanced drowning detection system available in the world today. Thanks to new underwater LED lights, which include special video cameras and sensors, the AngelEye software is able to analyse any movement in the water suggesting a person is beginning to drown, thus immediately alerting safety personnel. With 60 systems currently functioning across Europe, it is fast becoming the first choice for operators wishing to improve safety levels. The first system installed in the UK is at York Sports Village, which has a state-of-the-art facility including a 25 x 18-metre competition swimming pool. Its installation is simple and allows for the replacement of any pre-existing underwater lights with their new LED-inbuilt devices. The system-generated alarms can be sent out through the most modern devices such as personal computers, tablets and smartphones.

Life Saver Pool Fence have been supplying swimming pool safety fencing worldwide for over 25 years. Although the product has been refined constantly over the years, in all that time the basic idea has remained the same. Providing an unobtrusive, easily removable, barrier to keep young children safely away from the water. Their best selling fence is 4’ (1.2m) high (the globally recognised safe minimum height for a pool safety fence), comes with Textilene® burst proof mesh and heavy duty reinforced aluminium support poles. All fixing screws are marine grade stainless steel and their snap latches are nickel plated with stainless springs and can be opened with either hand. Their self closing gates are fitted with D&D Technologies Magna Latch and Tru Close Hinges for peace of mind.

AngelEye +39 047 1172 6039 www.angeleye.it

Life Saver Pool Fence 020 7624 5599 www.poolfence.com

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COMPANY PROFILE

Certikin Works To Its Sizeable Strengths Large enough to represent the world’s leading wet leisure brands and attract the industry’s best technical minds, yet small enough to give personal attention to each and every customer… this issue we take a closer look at Certikin’s unique divisional structure that has helped give the company its long-standing and much-coveted number one status in the UK

s the leading wet leisure company in the UK, Certikin International’s success can largely be put down to the sum of its many parts. “What sets Certikin apart is its impressive bank of technical expertise which, in its breadth, is unique. Indeed it’s the UK industry’s gold standard,” says Certikin’s Sales Director, Richard Way. “It’s a resource that is free to all of our customers and they are able to access it at all stages of the sales process. We might be the UK’s largest wet leisure company but with eight technical divisions representing all of the industry’s major sectors and product groups we are in a unique position to offer a wealth of knowledge and at the same time operate on a personal level. Each division’s expertise brings product areas into focus and it’s the attention to detail that counts. Our staff are experts in their fields and are 100% customer focused and committed to go the extra mile to achieve customer satisfaction. You can’t put a price on being able to pick up the phone with a query on a project or product and know that you can seek free technical help. We have regular product meetings in which we discuss and iron out any individual customer/project issues. “In its 53-year history, Certikin has amassed a huge bank of experience – over 10% of the workforce have clocked up more than 25 years’ service, Executive Sales Manager, Bruce Coppuck and Customer Service Manager, Jane Berry to name but two,” says Richard who has himself worked at Certikin for 31 years.

POOLS Who’s Who Bruce Coppuck – Executive Sales Manager for Pools, CertiChem and the external Sales Executives. Neil Muscat – Product Manager: Specialist in heaters. Darren Driver – Technical Sales: Specialist in counter-current equipment, wooden pools and pool kits. Chris Harris – Technical Sales: Specialist

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The Pools Division includes: (Left to right) Richard Way, Daren Driver, Bruce Coppuck, Chris Harris and Neil Muscat

The Commercial Division includes: (Left to right) Steve Nelson, Jeff Hawkins, Emma Brown and Hannah Blow

in pool cleaners and lights. Combined years of expertise: 94 Years. Product areas: Genie Boilers, Dolphin Pool Cleaners, Certikin white goods and LED Lights, Aquaspeed Pumps, Vision filters, Fluvo counter-current machines etc. Division’s USPs: Unparalleled knowledge of Certikin’s own-branded products and of the industry as a whole. Some brands have been in the Certikin stable for over 20 years so the technical knowledge is unique whether it’s the latest or oldest models. Did you know… pools is the largest division and the original core of the business.

PVC pipework, HDPE grating, fluvo and children’s play equipment. Did you know… the Commercial division incorporates Cepex, supplier of pipes and fittings and the Heissner aquatic products; managed by Steve Nelson with Field Sales Executives, Steve Ryan and Emily Malpass.

COMMERCIAL Who’s Who Steve Nelson – Commercial Manager. Jeff Hawkins – Technical Sales. Hannah Blow – Technical Sales. Emma Brown – Technical Sales. James Fleming – Technical Sales: Specialist in tiled spas. Combined years of expertise: 47 years. Division’s USPs: The division see projects through from conception to completion; offer support and technical knowledge of the commercial sector far beyond that of anyone else in the industry coupled with an impressive portfolio of products. Product areas: Commercial filters and pumps, tiled spas, wellness equipment,

CERTICHEM Who’s Who Mark Rowlands – Sales Manager. Vanessa Lloyd – Technical Sales Advisor: Specialist in CertiDos, (Certikin’s dosing equipment). Andrew Stickley – Technical Sales Advisor: Specialist in UV systems. Combined years of experience: 19 years. Product areas: The UK’s most extensive range of water treatment and testing products with leading brands such Fi-Clor, Lovibond, Palintest plus CertiDos. Division’s USPs: Free CertiDos on-site surveys without obligation, detailed specifications, quotations, support with installation, training and commissioning. If you purchase a dosing system, and it is serviced in accordance with the company’s recommendations by a competent engineer using OEM parts, Certikin will extend the standard one year warranty year on year to a maximum of five years. Did you know… unlike some competitors, the company only quote and supply dosing equipment directly to the trade.

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COMPANY PROFILE

The Automatic Covers Division includes: (Left to right) Mark Adams, Jo Catterall, Ryan Collins and Daniel Green

The Endless Summer Division (left to right) Eva Dobinson, Ben Studdy and Fiona Denley

H&V

CERTIKIN NORTH

Who’s Who Jo Catterall – H & V Sales Manager. Michael Coyle – Technical Sales. Olena Winfield – Technical Sales. Graham Kneale – Field Sales Manager. Combined years of expertise: 45 years. Product areas: Certikin is the exclusive supplier to the pool trade of heating and environmental control equipment from British manufacturer, Calorex Ltd. Division’s USPs: H & V’s technical knowhow is based on over 30 years’ of providing first class customer support. Alongside a nationwide network of Calorex engineers, Certikin’s Field Sales Manager, Graham Kneale will attend site and problem solve. The division can offer support at every stage of a project – from specification to handover. Did you know… the Calorex Delta 14 and 16 are the only swimming pool heat recovery dehumidifiers to be included in the Government ECA cash back scheme.

Who’s Who Neil Stephenson – General Manager. Adam Butler – Operations Manager. Warren Davies – Technical Sales Advisor. Combined years of service: 32 years. Product area – based in Leeds with 40 years’ experience, Certikin North is the UK’s number one manufacturer of bubble, heat retention and winter debris covers plus pool and pond liners. Certikin North also operates a very successful on site lining business. Division’s USP’s: State of the art manufacturing facility with access to the world’s leading suppliers of related components and raw materials. Did you know… such is the high demand for on site lining (the quickest way to refurbish a pool) that Certikin North is continually expanding its installation teams – co-ordinated from the North, their base is in the South, but they install nationwide.

Summer division for the end user (subject to terms and conditions of course).

The CertiChem Division includes: (Left to right) Mark Rowlands, Vanessa Lloyd and Andrew Stickley

The H & V Division includes: (Left to right) Michael Coyle, Jo Catterall, Olena Winfield and Graham Kneale (not in the photo)

AUTOMATIC COVERS

In addition to on site lining, the Certikin North Division is also responsible for bubble, heat retention and winter debris covers plus pool and pond liners

Who’s Who Jo Catterall – Auto Covers Manager. Mark Adams – Technical Sales. Daniel Green – Technical Sales. Ryan Collins – Technical Sales. Combined years of expertise: 36 years. Product areas: Roldeck slatted cover and Coverstar safety cover. Division’s USPs: The division provides technical drawings, offer solutions and quotes within 24 hours (often the same day) and installations (optional). Mark Adams used to install covers, so knows first hand how the products fit together. Ryan’s previous role in Coverstar production means he knows every component. Jo has worked at Certikin for 18 years so knows her stuff! Did you know… the new Roldeck Easy Cover – an above-ground system – is the ideal solution if space is limited. The two end stands are slim and discreet, creating an attractive and tidy finish.

Who’s Who Ben Studdy – Commercial Director. Eva Dobinson – Technical Sales: Specialist in Caldera hot tubs. Fiona Denley – Technical Sales: Specialist in one-piece pools and enclosures. Maxine Bridges – Technical Sales: Specialist in massage beds for Therapy Essentials (a non-pool trade division). Combined years of expertise: 50 years. Product areas: Caldera hot tubs, one-piece pools and Endless Summer enclosures. Division’s USPs: Caldera from Watkins Manufacturing in California have sold over one million spas and globally account for 38% of all spas sold annually, so it’s a reputable brand with heritage. Our enclosure range is unparalleled, both in type and price. Did you know… Certikin offers finance packages for selected products in the Endless

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EXPORT Who’s Who Jon Maskell – International Business Manager. Ken Williams – European Sales Manager. Rachel Roughton – Export Sales Administrator. Cassie Wilde – Export Sales Administrator. Combined years of experience: 42 years.

The Export Division includes: (Left to right) Ken Williams, Cassie Wilde, Jon Maskell and Rachel Roughton

Product areas: Access to the whole Certikin portfolio with emphasis on white goods, filters and filter media, pumps, maintenance equipment and UV systems. Division’s USPs: Quick response times and excellent after sales service. Did you know… our relationships with long standing customers have established us as the number one company for pool equipment in many international markets.

ENDLESS SUMMER

The Certikin Sales Representatives: David Steptoe (Southern) and Sally Laver (Northern)

MOBILE EXPERTISE Certikin also has two sales representatives who are constantly out on the road visiting customers. David Steptoe is Certikin’s Southern Area Representative (covering everywhere south of the M4 from Kent to Cornwall) whilst Sally Laver is the Northern Area Representative (covering everywhere north of the M4). Certikin International 01993 778855 www.certikin.co.uk

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FILTERS & FILTER MEDIA

Filtered Solutions For Pools And Spas No matter what form they take, filters and filter media are without doubt one of the most important factors that make up an efficient water cleaning system. Ever-improving technologies have boosted performance and they’re now the first place to start looking when it comes to combining effective water management and cost savings. This issue, we take a closer look at the available products in this competitive sector By Jon Wadeson

hen it comes to swimming pool and spa filters and the media that can be used, there really is a wide range of options available. Despite the sector being a fairly unglamorous one and often viewed as low tech when compared to many other product sectors, technology is playing its part and providing new and improved solutions for what is undoubtedly a very important part of any pool and spa setup. With improved performance comes the conservation of water and therefore the reduction of operating costs, so the advances in the sector and the benefits they provide are welcomed by all. With plenty of choice already on offer, combined with an ever-widening range of emerging technologies and products, sometimes choosing the correct solution can be hard. Thankfully though, there are plenty of suppliers on hand to offer advice and guidance as to the right solution for a variety of pool and spa applications.

MAGNUM CARTRIDGE FILTERS BENEFIT BOTH SPAS AND POOLS Pleated cartridges have been the filter of choice for spa pools for many years and New Zealand based Magnum Filters has been manufacturing them since 1982. Peter Hogg, owner of Spaeuro which supplies the UK and European market with Magnum cartridge filters said: “Over the years I have heard many arguments for and against using cartridge filters for swimming pool filtration and which is the best filtering media to use in a cartridge. A standard Magnum Filter cartridge, which uses Reemay fabric for its filtering media, has a nominal micron rating of around 30 microns

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“Recently cartridge filtration for swimming pools has become more and more common especially in the USA and Australia. One of the main reasons is water conservation. Cartridges cannot be backwashed and have to be cleaned with a hose which takes far less water than the normal backwash.” A standard Magnum Filter cartridge, which uses Reemay fabric for its filtering media, has a nominal micron rating of around 30 microns. However after the cartridge has collected dirt and debris, a dirt cake forms on the outside of the fabric. This dirt cake can then become a further filtering mechanism which results in finer filtration. It is conceivable that the micron rating can go down to as low as 3-5 microns. With the added advantage of having a large surface area you end up with a very efficient filter unit which maintains adequate flow that requires very little maintenance. However, there is an optimum surface area on any given size of cartridge where filtration is at its most efficient and it’s worth noting that some cartridge manufacturers push the boundaries and in doing so, have to add too many pleats, resulting in them being crammed together, so much so that the dirt and debris will not travel down the full depth of the pleat. This means that only a very small portion of the cartridge is filtering and premature blockage is inevitable. Something that’s never the case with Magnum’s products.

FIBALON® – HIGH-TECH FILTERING IN A MINI FORMAT Available through Pool Supplies Limited, FIBALON® is an innovative and patented polymer fibre filter which was developed in conjunction with the University of Technology Nuremberg Georg Simon Ohm. The secret of FIBALON® is the interior of the fibrous ball which consists of a slightly denser core and a softer wrap. The balls nestle together to form a consistent filter

Available through Pool Supplies Limited, FIBALON® is an innovative and patented polymer fibre filter which is suitable for use in swimming pool sand filters, as well as cartridge filters

bed. The deliberately chosen spherical shape maximises the filter media’s surface area and therefore a high dirt capacity. The company also developed the DyFix® fibre fixation which yields an unusually high particle retention rate and provides deep penetration of particles into the FIBALON® media bed to provide excellent filtration results. One of the big advantages of the product is its ease of handling, thanks to its low weight. A 350g bag of FIBALON® is equivalent to a 25kg bag of sand or glass media. Long life and maintenance free, FIBALON® is universally applicable and suitable for use in swimming pool sand filters, as well as cartridge filters. This opens the market for FIBALON® up to above-ground pools, spas and hot hubs too. FIBALON® offers genuine cost savings through reduced water consumption through reduced backwashing, reduced energy consumption as a higher standard of filtration is delivered in a shorter period of time, meaning the filtration system operating cycle can be reduced. Also greatly reduced is the wear and tear on the filtration systems due to lower operating pressures. In addition to those cost savings, the user will see a reduced chemical consumption as flocculants will no longer be required and biofilm formation is inhibited.

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FILTERS & FILTER MEDIA

Longer lasting, easier to maintain and more effective than sand, Golden Coast believe glass is the ‘smart choice’ for filter media

WATERCO’S GLASS FILTER MEDIA OFFERS CLEAR ADVANTAGES OVER SAND Sand has a long history as the filter media of choice. Relatively economical, it is globally popular with pool owners, however, Golden Coast warns that it presents false economy. Managing Director Jamie Adams explained: “While sand and gravel provide effective filtration, there are a number of shortcomings. It is prone to clumping and calcifying over time – allowing channels to form enabling dirty water to pass through. “What’s more, it breaks down over time. The filter particles’ coarse, dirt-catching edges become smooth, lowering filtration efficiency. As a result, the system must be run more regularly, and more chemicals must be added to achieve the same level of water sanitation.” To avoid more work and minimise maintenance costs, it is recommended that media should be replaced at least every five years. While Golden Coast offers a comprehensive range of filter media, Jamie said glass is the ‘smart choice’. He explained: “It is longer lasting, easier to maintain, and more effective than sand. It may cost more initially, but offers superior long-term value.” Waterco Glass Pearls, touted as the next generation of superior water filter, don’t degrade, clump, or calcify. They are manufactured from 100% virgin glass, and offer much finer filtration than available alternatives – below 3 microns – resulting in outstanding water purity and clarity. Safe to handle and service, Waterco’s Glass Pearls are installed quickly and easily. A high purity level means that very little backwashing is required to cleanse the filter media prior to start up and cleaning requires 20% less water during backwash than traditional sand. At roughly half the cost per kilo, Waterco’s EcoPure Glass Media offers a cost-effective alternative to virgin glass. Benefitting from the same supreme filtration and water economy as its stablemate, this environmentally-friendly media is not mined, but manufactured from recycled glass.

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Jamie continued: “Furthering those green credentials, the superior permeability and cleanliness of Glass Pearls reduces water, chemical, and energy expenditure. With EcoPure Glass, users can maintain a clean environment – both within their pools and the wider world.”

DRYDEN AQUA’S AFM® (ACTIVATED FILTER MEDIA) OFFERS IMPROVED FILTRATION PERFORMANCE Before Pollet Pool Group became the UK distributor for Dryden Aqua’s AFM® (Activated Filter Media), the company’s Jimmy Lamb TnISPE openly admits that he was just as sceptical as the next man about what ‘Activated’ actually meant. But with an open mind and having taken the time to listen to those who were qualified and experienced, and now having the knowledge and seeing scientific facts behind it, he’s now a convert. A replacement for sand in all filtration applications, Dryden Aqua’s AFM® is manufactured from a specific glass type and processed to obtain the optimum particle size and shape. It is then activated to increase the surface area by 300 times over crushed glass or sand. The high surface area is negatively charged (zeta potential) to adsorb organics and small particles. It also has permanent metal oxide catalysts creating a high redox potential to make the product self-sterilising. AFM® is the only activated glass filter media available, and Dryden Aqua say it is more efficient and cost-effective than any other filtration media. AFM® has already been extensively tested and compared against a range of filter media by the independent accredited laboratory IFTS in France. Recent tests conducted by IFTS on grade 0 AFM® (0.25 to 0.50mm psd) have confirmed a very high performance, >97% removal of all particles above 1 micron and >99.8% above 5 microns. Tests were conducted at a water velocity of 20m/hr with no pre-coagulation or flocculation. AFM® grade 0 can therefore remove cryptosporidium and most parasites and large bacteria found in water. Grade 1 (0.4 to 1.0mm psd) almost gave the same

Certikin’s portfolio features an extensive range of commercial filters including the hugely popular SLX and SLX Plus and they can tailor make a filtration solution for every pool

performance down to 4 microns. AFM® grade 1 is a direct replacement for sand used in most drinking water gravity flow and pressure filtration systems.

USE CERTIKIN’S EXPERTISE FOR FILTER SELECTION Naturally, Certikin is there to sell products, however the team are also happy to give free technical advice. Commercial filtration, is a classic case in point where seeking expert help pays dividends. Commercial Manager, Steve Nelson explained: “A successful and efficient commercial filtration system requires accurate velocity and filtration rates to be taken into account. Sizing equipment is what we do every day at Certikin. “Our portfolio features an extensive range of commercial filters including the hugely popular SLX and SLX Plus and can tailor make a filtration solution for every pool.” The market leading SLX Plus bobbin wound filter comes complete with side manhole hatch and 3 inch sight glass as standard (on the SLX these features are optional extras). The filter boasts the very latest manufacturing techniques to produce a high quality finish on the bobbin windings. The filter retains all the key benefits of the SLX, such as the flange connections (they are at the same height and size as the SLX) and the highly effective ARV system. These filters come as 2.5 BAR standard but 4 and 6 BAR pressure along with nozzle plate versions or deeper bed depths are also available. When it comes to domestic swimming pools, Certikin’s exclusive Vision bobbin wound domestic filters are bestsellers in their sector. The range offers unrivalled features such

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FILTERS & FILTER MEDIA The Top Mount Vision from Certikin is the only one of its kind to feature a clear valve mounting ring, allowing full view of the filter in operation whilst the pump is running

as a huge 10 inch wide clear lid making sand changes quicker and easier and a dual dump port arrangement means a small outer cap can be removed for drainage and a larger secondary cap assists with the removal of the media. The Top Mount Vision is the only one of its kind to feature a clear valve mounting ring, allowing full view of the filter in operation whilst the pump is running. And for your peace of mind, both side and top mount models come with an impressive ten year full tank warranty for residential installations.

Waterco’s Micron bobbin wound fibreglass filters are manufactured using the latest in fibreglass winding technology

REFINED CONSISTENCY AND QUALITY FROM WATERCO Waterco produces a range of fibreglass filters: Micron fibreglass-wound filter vessels (available in top mount, side mount and horizontal configurations); and Hydron fibreglass gel coated vessels (available as a split tank, which are ideal for installations with challenging environments). Waterco fibreglass wound filters embody the latest in fibreglass winding technology. The Waterco fibreglass vessels consist of an

The Pleatco PureStart® Range Of Pre-Fill Filters Pleatco, LLC, a leader in the science of filtration, recently launched Pleatco PureStart® Pre-Filters – a revolutionary product range scientifically engineered to overcome the problems associated with tap, ground and well water being used for filling and topping off pools and spas regardless of make, model or size. Available through Plastica, these new disposable sediment filter cartridges are made from unique melt-spun filtration technology for depth filtration water purification. PureStart® cartridges attach to a garden hose and capture dirt particles filtering the water before it enters into a spa or pool. “PureStart® cartridges provide filtration down to 5 microns trapping elements such as magnesium, iron and calcium deposits. This means less chemicals when starting up or rejuvenating a pool or spa.

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PureStart® filters are disposable and can be used to either fill or top off a body of water of any size,” said Richard Medina, SVP Engineering. Pleatco PureStart® filters come in two sizes. The smaller PPS2100 filters up to 10,000 gallons of water and is ideal for spas and hot tubs, splasher pools, above-ground pools, swim spas and topping off large pools. This is the ideal product that a service pro or a pool or spa owner themselves can use with ease. The larger PPS6120 filters up to 40,000 gallons of water is mainly used by service pros for filling large bodies of water from above-ground pools to swim spas, to in-ground pools and sport facility pools. Plastica Ltd 01424 857802 www.plasticapools.net

inner shell of fibreglass reinforced polyester resin over wound with fibreglass filament. Waterco’s digitally controlled filament winding machine faultlessly winds continuous strands of fibreglass filament to create a filter vessel with refined consistency and superior quality. Manufactured from the highest grade of non corrosive materials, Micron fibreglass filters are designed and built for many years of trouble free operation. Available up to 2.5m in diameter, their proprietary technology and advanced manufacturing capabilities have enabled them to incorporate sight glasses and large manholes into high pressure filters. Generally, large manholes and sight glasses are harder to incorporate in high pressure filters, because any opening in a vessel creates a potential weak point or complicates the manufacturing process. However, Waterco undertook significant research and development and its fibreglass engineers specially designed the openings to suit. Micron vertical filters are either fitted with its patented ‘fish bone’ laterals system or the patented plate and nozzle system. These systems provide uniform flow for both filtering and backwashing, ensuring maximum performance through the media bed. Waterco’s commercial Micron filters also feature the distinctive fishbone lateral arrangement, for improved water circulation that reduces backwashing and saves water and chemicals. The company’s capacity for manufacturing a wide range of standard equipment, as well as its capability of adapting the product to customers’ specifications has made its Micron and Hydron fibreglass vessels suitable for water theme parks, commercial swimming pools, hotel/resort pools, aquaculture, drinking water systems, water features, zoos and aquariums.

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FILTERS & FILTER MEDIA FOR FURTHER DETAILS: Bosta UK 01284 716580 www.bosta.co.uk Fairlocks Pool Products 01865 988346 www.fairlocks.co.uk Certikin International 01993 778855 www.certikin.co.uk Golden Coast 01271 378100 www.GCTrade.co.uk When it comes to sand filters, Bosta UK have covered all the bases with two, key brands – Mega and Pentair

MEGA AND PENTAIR BRANDS HELP BOSTA COVER ALL BASES The qualities required by installers when it comes to sand filters can vary greatly. Some look for innovation and the latest filtration methods, others consider sand filters as basic, functioning items with price and reliability being the only deciding factors when it comes to choice. Fortunately, Bosta UK have covered all the bases with two, key brands – Mega and Pentair. The Mega SMG Filter not only looks fantastic but also offers additional practicality with its unique, large inspection lid allowing easy access. It is produced by a manufacturer specialising in large, commercial sand filters which are distributed globally. This commercial expertise has been applied to create a domestic pool filter of exceptional quality. From the Pentair range, Bosta offer the Triton and Tagelus Clearpro Filters. The Clearpro filters have been offered by Pentair for several years, standing the test of time and leading the way for advances in sand filter design. Through the use of incredibly strong microfibre laterals, particles as small as 10 microns can be filtered from the pool water. Standard sand filters using 16/30 sand are only able to filter to 30 microns. The microfibre laterals also benefit from 90% open surface area, rather than the standard 50% on traditional plastic laterals, meaning, more water is able to be filtered. This has the

Pollet Pool Group 01635 234038 www.ppgeurope.com advantage of allowing slower flow-rates from your pool pump, saving on those unwanted energy bills. For crystal-clear pool water the Clearpro range from Pentair is the smart choice.

EXPERIENCE SLEEK FILTRATION FROM FAIRLOCKS With an ever increasing demand to have the most efficient and effective domestic filtration systems, the pressure is on suppliers to produce the best filters for swimming pools. Some of the best technology to date is now available and Fairlocks provides some of the most unrivalled products in the filtration market. Fairlocks Pool Products is the UK supplier for Kripsol filtration products for the domestic swimming pools. There are two key model ranges of the BALEAR series laminated filters for both side and top mount and are made in polyester finished in an attractive sparkling gloss red. The ‘BL’ models are screw threaded Ø220 mm injection moulded transparent polycarbonate lid with manual air relief valve. They include a pressure gauge, 1½” multiport valve with 400 to 640 diameter connections and 2” multiport valve with 760 and 900mm connections. The ‘BT’ models: are fitted with six-way 1½” TOP mount valve and pressure gauge. These models are manufactured in diameters of 400, 450, 520 and 640 mm.

Pool Supplies Limited 01252 511292 www.onlinepoolstore.co.uk Spaeuro 01443 437915 www.spaeuro.eu Waterco Europe 01795 521733 www.waterco.eu

Fairlocks offer Kripsol’s distinctive BALEAR series of laminated filters, which are available in both side and top mount options

Despite the sector being a fairly unglamorous one and often viewed as low tech when compared to many other product sectors, technology is playing its part and providing new and improved solutions for what is undoubtedly a very important part of any pool and spa setup” 48 December 2015 SPN 45-48_SPN_Dec_15_Filters&Filter_Media_Feature_rev.indd 48

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WATER,

OUR ELEMENT Moving Floor

Bulkhead

Hinged Wall

Bauelemente The leading German company for Moving Floors, Booms and Bulkheads to bring more variety and fun to your public or private swimming pool. Represented by:

SUNTRAP SYSTEMS POOL EQUIPMENT DIVISION 158 Gordon Road, Harborne Birmingham, B17 9EY, UK Tel: +44 (0)121 428 1155 Fax: +44 (0)121 428 1166 Mob: +44 (0)7771 878 898

www.suntrap-systems.co.uk www.kbe-bauelemente.de

MOVING FLOORS

Maximising Options 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 solutions available to convert pools at the touch of a button. We feature the technology and systems that are available. By Jon Wadeson

espite being a significant investment, there appears to be no stopping the interest in moving swimming pool floors for both commercial and highend domestic swimming pools. Normally, their inclusion is so that the space that the pool occupies can be transformed into an alternative use area at the touch of a button. Once in position, they blend into their surrounding and provide a fully secure heat retaining cover, which reduces humidity and running costs. In fact, many wouldn’t even know a pool even existed below! In other scenarios, pool depths can be altered allowing for increased pool use, maximising its potential and return. Whatever the reason for their inclusion, moveable swimming pool floors are increasingly providing pools across the UK flexibility and increased use that is benefitting their owners.

KBE – A LONG AND PROUD HISTORY IN MOVING FLOOR SYSTEMS With a history in moving pool floors that stretches back 50 years, KBE Bauelemente are one of oldest established moving floor manufacturers. They have over 1,000 satisfied customers worldwide and currently have five contracts progressing in the UK with another in Ireland. Their portfolio of solutions are 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 494mm wide 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 a stainless steel tray which accepts tiling. KBE find that private customers always prefer this option so that the tiling to 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 calculated to support a live load of 2,000 N/m² in dry conditions (= 3 people per m²), and can be used for water disco, aqua aerobics and more. 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. No additional concrete support structure is needed and a minimum of site work to the pool tank is required for a KBE moving floor.

A MOVEABLE FLOOR INCREASES FITNESS AND REHABILITATION OPTIONS The addition of a moving swimming pool floor from Swimming Pool Fitness can help to increase the versatility of your pool area dramatically in either a domestic or

A small moving swimming pool floor provided by Swimming Pool Fitness that is part of a larger pool

importantly a commercial environment. Being able to raise the floor up to the top of the swimming pool and then down to a range of different depths opens the pool up for a number different users and activities. Pool access is greatly improved and users can simply make their way onto the raised floor before being lowered down to the working depth. Once finished, they are raised back up for an easy exit. The intensity of exercise or rehabilitation can also be completely tailored to suit the needs of every user. Altering the depth allows you to change the intensity or activity easily in just a few seconds, whilst adding additional equipment such as underwater exercise equipment or static hand rails will only further enhance the options available. The company’s moving floors are easy to use and require the minimum of adaptation to the pool construction. They are controlled using a water h ydraulic system that saves on space and eliminates the risk of having toxic hydraulic fluids or electronic components in the pool. Swimming Pool Fitness offer a wide range of possibilities to meet the clients’ specifications. A pool can be fitted with one or more movable floors with an adjustable safety screen between separate platforms, allowing multiple users to work at different depths within the same pool.

SOLUTIONS THAT MOVE PRIVATE AND COMMERCIAL MARKETS Integrated steps are often specified to KBE as these are self-depositing and have the same finish as the floor itself

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KBE solutions feature an electro-mechanical drive system plus a lightweight construction

Wrightfield provide moving floor solutions to both the private and commercial sectors and have found the driver for a moving

SPN December 2015 51 19/11/2015 19:31

MOVING FLOORS To complement their moving pool floor options, Hydrofloors are adding more ‘disappearing technology’ products to their portfolio

floor in the domestic environment, apart from the obvious wow factor, has always been the opportunity to use the pool hall for other functions. Commercially, the company has seen an increase in the smaller training pools being developed with a moving floor as part of the design package. The focus being on an independent facility that can be used for dedicated training or classes, an important revenue stream, without adversely affecting activity in the main pool. With floor drive systems having diversified in the market place, the company always look to innovate. Originally they only supplied a buoyant floor system as by keeping things simple, servicing costs were kept to a minimum. Often a more direct drive is required and the company also now offer a complete hydraulic scissor design, predominantly developed from their disabled lifts design. The company have also developed a working relationship over the last few years with the Natare Corporation in the USA, where floors are a rare commodity. The relationship has generated a number of export opportunities, not just in the US, but as far afield as New Zealand and Australia.

HYDROFLOORS ADDS MORE ‘DISAPPEARING TECHNOLOGY’ PRODUCTS Hydrofloors has had another busy and exciting 2015, with the year ending with the company’s headquarters relocating to the UK. Demand is high and with an ever-growing order book, the team has doubled in size and they will shortly be looking for further professionals to enable the increase in sales and installations. In the UK, Hydrofloors is now working with

an established group of authorised dealers, which has already proved to be mutually beneficial. Their floor system is engineered so that the area can be used for any possible function without compromise. The floor can be designed to have any thickness and any finish – natural stone, tiles and decking are just some of the possibilities – and it can also be designed to fit almost any shape of pool too. Standard loading is 350kg/m2 but the floor can be engineered to hold over 750kg/ m2 meaning the floors have virtually unlimited possibilities. The demand for products that help to create space and offer complete safety has increased and because of this Hydrofloors is now engineering new products to add to their portfolio. With their state-of-the-art technology and decade long experience, they have also designed and installed movable spa floors, disappearing walls, moving safety barriers and movable gardens in the last year, so it has been a very exciting period of diversity and they plan to continue with these developments. Ron Plompen, CEO says: “We always planned to add to our existing portfolio of products and the last year has seen clients approach us to ask for us to find solutions and use our ‘disappearing technology’ to achieve their vision. The enhancement that movable technology can offer to a home or garden is clear to see and there are still plenty of opportunities for us to further develop new solutions.”

GUNCAST SPIRALIFT TECHNOLOGY REINVENTS A POOL’S SPACE The Guncast Akvo Spiralift technology offers

a versatile and unique moving floor system to be added to an indoor or outdoor swimming pool project. It also ensures that when the floor is raised, there is the optimum level of safety for all the family. Finishing the moving floor with the same tiles as the pool surround may mean that visitors may not even realise that there is a swimming pool underneath. For indoor swimming pools the air temperature is controlled to remain cool when the floor is raised, but warmer with the pool floor down. Another fantastic benefit of the Guncast Spiralift technology is that the floor can be altered to varying heights meaning that for children, the floor can be raised to a shallow level and then moved to a deeper level when the children are no longer swimming. The benefits of this unique mechanical lift technology include: • Scalable and increased static and dynamic loads • Simplified installation • Reduced closed height • Flexibility in design with multi-functional capabilities and articulated floor/steps sections • Robust components including 316L stainless steel construction • Reduced maintenance. The Spiralift technology is suitable for outdoor, indoor and commercial swimming pools of varying sizes and locations, designed specifically to the client and environment requirements. The moving floor technology is particularly suited to properties in the centre of larger cities with limited space, or basement swimming pool projects. The versatility of the moving floor offers two rooms in one with a studio or room suitable for parties which can be

The Guncast Akvo Spiralift technology offers a versatile and unique moving floor system to be added to an indoor or outdoor swimming pool project

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MOVING FLOORS

The Chameleon ® Powered Floor will slide out on silent rollers at the touch of a button to cover the pool completely

transformed into a swimming pool at the touch of a button, and a multi-use swimming facility for children, adults, water games and exercise.

AS EASY AS ONE, TWO, THREE WITH CHAMELEON No modern luxury home or boutique hotel is complete without a swimming pool and the ultimate finishing touch is a powered floor system which effortlessly transforms a pool area into another room. The Chameleon® Powered Floor System offers an instant makeover which provides two rooms in the space of one, delivering practicality and the final finishing touch to a luxury swimming pool. The Powered Floor will slide out on silent rollers at the touch of a button to cover the pool completely. With a range of luxurious finishes to choose from including polished marble, granite, natural stone, ceramic tiles and wood, guests need never suspect they are over water as the Chameleon® Powered Floor System will blend seamlessly into even the most sumptuous setting.

When not in use, the Chameleon® Powered Floor System sits unobtrusively beneath a sub-floor which can be constructed either underneath the building, garden or car park. Both impressive and practical, the Chameleon® Powered Floor System also reduces the pool heating costs by up to 60% when in place. For families with young children, it allows parents to make the pool a completely out-of-bounds zone unless they are around to supervise and the platform features motion sensors front and rear to prevent collision with foreign objects, in the event of the sensor being triggered the platform will stop moving instantly. Although originally designed for indoor use, these features make it an attractive option for owners of outdoor pools, with the additional advantage that it prevents debris blowing into the water from the garden. Built to the highest standards by the Cartwright Group, a company with more than half a century’s experience of engineering and manufacturing, the Chameleon® Powered Floor is constructed to meet architectural floor loading standard No BS 6399-1.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS: Cartwright Group 0161 928 0966 www.chameleonfloor.com Guncast Swimming Pools Ltd 01798 343 725 www.guncast.com Hydrofloors Europe Ltd 01865 362 161 www.hydrofloors.com Suntrap Systems 0121 428 1155 www.suntrap-systems.co.uk Swimming Pool Fitness 01299 252575 www.swimmingpoolfitness.co.uk Wrightfield Ltd 01379 872800 www.ppfmovingfloors.co.uk

CASE STUDY: PARTY IN AND ON THE POOL AT LSPC PROJECT Designed and built with the Hydrofloors advanced moving floor system, this imposing swimming pool by London Swimming Pool Company (LSPC) is located two floors below ground in a prestigious, but outwardly small South Kensington mews house, the ideal scenario for a moving floor pool which allows multiple use of limited space. The Hydrofloors system was easy for the experienced LPSC engineers to install. Hydrofloors provided a great deal of support throughout construction and on completion, surveyed the installation, then provided the client with a manufacturer’s guarantee. Above and beyond having a relaxing pool for the family to enjoy, the very social owners wanted a flexible space that could be easily switched from swimming to entertaining up to 60 guests in a cool, comfortable environment.

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The steps are centred and cast into the pool wall to ensure that the moving floor glides smoothly over them. The Hugo Lahme massage stations and Wibre LED lights are recessed to avoid protrusion from the walls. Intricate work was required to achieve a 2mm tolerance between the pool walls and the moving floor, a feat on a 15 metre length pool. The moving floor can be elevated to whatever water level desired – from completely lowered at 2 metres for maximum swimming depth to raising it to a level that allows young children to paddle. And, of course, completely elevated, providing a robust and attractive floor for party time. London Swimming Pool Company 020 8605 1255 www.londonswimmingpools.com

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DOSING PUMPS & CONTROL SYSTEMS

Providing Control And Balance Reliable, essential and increasingly high tech, dosing pumps and control systems are the unsung heroes in a water treatment system and quietly go about the business of delivering regular and accurate amounts of chemicals into pools and spas. Convenient and easy to use, the automation they provide has made the life of pool and spa owners that much simpler and we examine what’s available By Karen Witney

ome might say that Health & Safety has gone mad recently with crazy diktats such as “do not wear goggles in the swimming pool”… what? There are many other examples too, however, the one area where health and safety does make sense in a pool situation is on the subject of automatic control – both in and around the pool. Automation in the plant room prevents over or under use of water treatment products ensuring bathers are swimming in clean well balanced and disinfected water. Add to that the automatic shut down of pool equipment such as pumps and heaters should there be a problem picked up by the automated monitoring devices that are becoming more and more technically ingenious in the tasks they are set to perform. No longer a preserve of the commercial operator, these inspired oracles are a valuable addition to any domestic installation where the pool owner wants to ensure their investment is protected resourcefully and automatically.

KNOWLEDGE, UNDERSTANDING AND OPTIONS FROM CERTIKIN The CertiDos range has been under ongoing development for the last five years. Certikin had almost a 30 year background in chemical dosing before embarking on their own range. However, with each year, they learn something new about how the range can work best for both the trade and end users. With a vast array of equipment at their disposal, the options for each application are numerous to say the least. They have learnt that technical knowledge is, of course, important but understanding the brief from the client, as well as budget and expectations, is also fundamental. In terms of the equipment offered, they focus on three types of sampling probe to control sanitiser addition. Redox electrodes and Open and Closed Amperometric electrodes. Redox systems have been around for many years and continue to provide an economical means of monitoring pool/spa

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Quiet in operation Certikin’s peristaltic pumps are ideal for use in wellness suites

water quality. Certikin market redox systems mainly for domestic applications. For commercial applications, amperometric systems are the standard. Both open and closed amperometric probes have their own set of considerations to take into account when specifying. Being pH independent and ion selective, the closed probe is the more reliable and stable option. However, where there are obstacles to using this type of instrument, an open electrode can be a satisfactory alternative and is suitable for most applications. Certikin’s controllers range from single to multi parameter, are easy to navigate and come with a number of pump output options. Any of the dosing pumps they offer can be linked to these controllers. Whether you require manual or pulse proportional, wall mount or foot mount, 1ltr/hr or high capacity, they have a very broad range of pumps available. Predominantly manufactured from PVDF, their pumps are very robust.

CertiDos Controllers can be remotely accessed from any web enabled device

This includes peristaltic pumps which they have been rolling out over the last year. Certikin have taken their time developing a very reliable option. Low pressure and quiet in operation, there is a very real need for this type of pump, particularly in domestic applications and wellness suites. As well as the sampling and control

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DOSING PUMPS & CONTROL SYSTEMS

Golden Coast offer the ePool energy efficient dosing system that can be retrofitted in existing pools

equipment they offer a thorough range of accessories including injectors, multifunction valves and tanks and bunds of various shapes and sizes. Certikin now also offer GRP enclosures. Managing risk is often one of the biggest challenges faced by operators. For full containment, equipment can be housed within GRP enclosures. Featuring a clear window, operating status can be viewed without exposure. Further to the enclosures, remote connectivity is fast becoming a ‘must have’ feature. All ‘connectivity ready’ CertiDos controllers can be remotely accessed from any web enabled device. This allows for real time monitoring and control and well as automatic 24/7 logging of parameters.

GOLDEN COAST PUTS OWNERS IN CONTROL Modern dosing pumps and control systems ensure effortless, healthy water quality. Independent studies indicate that as many as one in five UK pools are insufficiently chlorinated, allowing harmful parasites and bacteria such as e-coli to breed. This

is unsurprising really; manually controlling a pool’s pH balance and chlorine levels requires an ongoing commitment to monitor and adjust the various levels. However, even with the best intentions, it can still all go wrong, resulting in neglected, green water, or eye-stinging overtreatment. Automating the process is key to helping your customers maintain their pools efficiently and effortlessly. Chemical dosing systems provide an affordable solution to ensuring hasslefree out of water management, allowing owners to get maximum enjoyment from their investment. Golden Coast exclusively offers the comprehensive range of Etatron dosing products: suiting every circumstance and budget. For example, the innovative Etatron DLX pH automatic microprocessor dosing pump, suitable for pools up to 600m3, offers users a range of optional flow-rate control and regulation settings, while on/off or proportional operational modes provide flexibility of dosing. Meanwhile, for spas and domestic pools, up to 100 metres, there are various options available. The ePool series, an energyefficient dosing system with an intuitive no-nonsense controller, automatically controls chlorine, pH CD and redox, and is supplied with a filter pump interlock as standard, ensuring a much longer life. An affordable dosing solution, it can also be retrofitted to older, existing pools. Likewise, My Pool peristaltic pumps provide simple and reliable chemical control, regulating both chlorine and pH, with on/off and proportional dosing options. Shaun Adams, a director of Golden Coast said: “Maintaining clean, safe water quality all year round requires ongoing, careful management. Our excellent automatic dosing pumps are available for less than £500 and, when considered against the cost of a pool,

The master controller located in the plant room provides the technical functions required to operate and fine tune operation of the complete Tornado System

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the value it adds and the long-term peace of mind it provides means that it will be hard for your customers to justify not having one.” Dosing controllers provide owners with the control they need, whatever the pool size. Compatible with all dosing systems, the eControl series is the latest addition to Etatron’s monitoring range. Suitable for monitoring pH, redox, chlorine or conductivity, it is particularly well-suited for use with the ePool pH, where both full control and an erosion feeder for water sanitation are required. Adams continues: “Golden Coast also builds bespoke panels, granting as much or little control as desired. By including your company logo and contact details on the unit, customers will always think of you as their go-to contact for maintenance and servicing.”

WIDE-RANGING PERCEPTIVE CONTROL WITH A DIFFERENCE Tornado’s Pool House Controller systems are designed to be simple, intuitive and straightforward to use, even for clients who don’t like computers. Whilst the system is built on established powerful computerised process controllers and the latest technology, the user needs no special skills to operate it. The design is clear, simple, bright and uncluttered. All user interfaces are simply provided by LCD colour touch screens. One of these is located inside the Pool Plant Room on the controller cabinet, and is the Master controller at the heart of the system. It provides access to the more technical functions required to maintain and fine-tune the operation of the complete system. Although Tornado Systems is principally a software house with a background in automotive systems and military avionics (hardware and software), having no previous encounter with the swimming pool world turned out to be a big advantage. Several key points were required in the new design. It had to provide full integration of every component in the system, with

Tornado’s Control System interface is simply provided by LCD colour touch screens

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DOSING PUMPS & CONTROL SYSTEMS

Top of the range, Topline’s TEC 4000 is their new flagship Wi-Fi enabled controller

ability to handle any system failures safely. Central to this is the need to include full self-diagnostics for each individual pump, valve, and other components in the system. As an example, there was an incident last year where the plastic housing of an electrolytic chlorinator cracked in routine service. Since the Tornado system has flow sensors both at the exit from the circulation pumps and the return to the pool, it was able to detect that no water was going back to the pool. Therefore it shut down the circulation pump to prevent a flood in the plant room, and raised an alert. Whilst the main touch screen is located on the control panel in the plant room, remote control and monitoring screens are located in the pool house, and another in the main house. To provide remote access Tornado chose a web browser-based interface, since this is available on any device with a web browser. PC based management is also implemented, allowing simultaneous remote monitoring of several installations. This is particularly useful to pool management companies.

TOPLINE AT THE TOP FOR ELECTRONIC SOLUTIONS Topline Electronics Limited, have been providing equipment for safe clean water for swimming pools and spas for nearly 20 years. From their base in Hailsham in East Sussex, they have become one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of swimming pool chemical controllers and a single source for quality water treatment solutions for thousands of pools throughout Britain and Ireland. In recent years, pool controllers have been required to do a little more than just switch the LMI chemical dosing pumps on and off and so Topline have worked with their extensive customer base to offer additional features that pool professionals find essential. Topline currently manufacture four TEC models of pool controller and are also the UK distributor for the Ezetrol Plus,

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Topline’s LMI electronic dosing pump, PI65-360S2, with acrylic head is a top choice in many plant rooms

the German DIN standard controller from Evoqua Water Technologies. For all manner of swimming pools and recreational waters Topline have covered the full range of requirements needed for pool water control. The Topline TEC4000, the new touch screen Wi-Fi enabled flagship controller, will take control of the pH and chlorine dosing, using a robust platinum/platinum amperometric free chlorine sensor, and uniquely also controlling the sand filter flocculent dosing pumps, the variable speed drives, and peripherals such as timer controls for the day tank electric agitators, together with on-screen and download data-logging. Topline also manufacture the TEC2000, data-logging pH and amperometric free chlorine control with outputs for VSD and mixers, plus the twin TEC3000 and the TEC3500 controllers. Identical in appearance, the ’TEC3’ series units have full colour touch screens, for pH and amperometric free chlorine control, but the units offer subtly different functionality to suit different needs of the pool operator. The TEC3500 being a simple ‘read it and feed’ and the TEC3000, using Fuzzy Logic algorithms, limiting the need for end user standardisation. For all manner of pools and recreational water uses, Topline can offer a tailored

system designed to match the demands of the pool and the professional pool operator.

POOLMANAGER® ENSURES CRYSTAL CLEAR AND SAFE WATER AT ALL TIMES Available through Pollet Pool Group, the latest version of BAYROL’s PoolManager® has developed from being a system solely for water treatment to being a real pool management system. Thanks to the clearly structured menus, operation via the touch display is intuitive and simple. However, it’s not only the inner values that are impressive – the modern design of the PoolManager® also attracts attention too. Once installed, the PoolManager® takes over all tasks reliably and precisely and an alarm function is activated in the event of fluctuations exceeding the set values. It draws attention to abnormalities visually on the display, as well as by an acoustic signal. It can also send an email in the event of an alarm. Depending upon user preference, the PoolManager® is available in three different treatment methods – chlorine, chlorine free based on active oxygen and bromine. Should owners ever want to change the treatment method, thanks to its flexibility, the PoolManager® can easily be converted at any time. Connecting PoolManager® to the internet or LAN enables users to monitor and regulate all functions of a pool remotely at any time and from anywhere using a phone, tablet or other internet enabled device. The graphical interface The latest version of BAYROL’s PoolManager® has developed from being a system solely for water treatment to being a real pool management system

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DOSING PUMPS & CONTROL SYSTEMS

A CRIUS AquaSense Swimming Pool Controller is the controller of choice at Crow Wood Leisure in Burnley, Lancashire

of the PoolManager® is completely based on the newest standard web technology and webGUI facilitates complete and entirely transparent remote access from a local network (TCP/IP, Ethernet) or from the internet. Transparent remote access means that the user interface looks exactly the same as the display on the PoolManager® and is operated identically. Certain restrictions in remote access are required for security reasons only. For those that want to treat their pool water exactly the same as in a commercial pool, the PoolManager® PRO makes this easily possible. Based on a precise free chlorine measurement, the exact quantity of chlorine is dosed to ensure perfect water quality.

A COMMERCIAL CONTROLLER THAT JUST MAKES SENSE The AquaSense Swimming Pool Controller from Process Instruments measures the pool chlorine levels and pH of the pool and then controls the levels by controlling the chemical dosing. The AquaSense offers bufferless and reagentless operation and is suitable for commercial, municipal and community swimming pools. The controller is on site in many pools and spas around the world and is the residual chlorine swimming pool controller of choice for many because of its superior chlorine measurement. Spas offer a more difficult

chlorine control problem because of the higher temperatures and the low volume of water, however the controller is still able to offer far superior control in the environment. The sensors used in AquaSense are the same sensors that the company use in their water treatment analysers, meaning the highest quality sensors at the best price. In the modern commercial swimming pool or spa, a swimming pool or spa controller must offer advanced communication and control options, including inverter control. With the AquaSense it is possible to interface to the controller remotely over the internet, enabling data, alarms and setup information to be sent directly to your computer via a 2G/3G modem or via a TCP/IP Local Area Network (LAN). These communication options are essential as in many spas and pools the disinfection control is managed by a service provider who is usually off site. The controllers therefore save time and money as service providers do not have to attend site unless strictly necessary. Process Instruments usually supplies the AquaSense via pool builders or pool maintenance contractors where they add value by offering a private label option and a bespoke remote access options.

LUTZ-JESCO – A LONG HISTORY IN DOSING PUMPS Solenoid dosing pumps have been the

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mainstay for chemical dosing applications within swimming pool water treatment over the last several decades from dosing of sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite for disinfection and hydrochloric acid for pH correction and traditionally connected to a pool controller. Initially dosing pumps employed stroke length adjustment to alter output by reducing the volumetric stroke per pulse and then manual speed in addition to regulate the stroke frequency, ie number of strokes per minute. In the last two decades dosing pumps have seen tremendous developments. These include digital displays highlighting flow rate in lph or ml/hr making them easier to use within all chemical metering applications, to automatic degassing heads or valves for sodium hypochlorite, variable speed stepper motors offering quieter, smoother and almost continuous dosing and ideal for use where noise limits prevent the use of nosier solenoid dosing pumps. Lutz-Jesco dosing pumps have been used within pool water treatment for over 50 years. Key OEMs including JAK Water System where Lutz-Jesco Memdos motor driven mechanically actuated diaphragm dosing pumps have been used for dosing calcium hypochlorite from their Flowtab tablet feeder to Gaffey Technical Services Ltd who have been using the Lutz-Jesco Minidos dosing pumps on their Hyprolyser Compact Skid electrochlorination systems.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS: Certikin International 01993 778855 www.certikin.co.uk Golden Coast 01271 378100 www.GCTrade.co.uk Lutz-Jesco (UK) Ltd 0121 782 2662 www.lutz-jesco.co.uk Pollet Pool Group 01635 234038 www.ppgeurope.com Process Instruments 01282 422 835 www.processinstruments.co.uk Topline Electronics 01323 440760 www.topline.uk.net Tornado Systems 01694 720144 www.tornadosystems.co.uk

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WELLNESS

Relaxation And Reinvigoration

With a portfolio stemming from large residential properties to luxury hotels, multi-award winning Cheshire Wellness combine their imagination and expertise to create your perfect room

Once an experience to be enjoyed on holiday or by visiting a leisure club, spa or hotel, it seems that for many, the temptation to invest in sauna, steam and other wellness products for both commercial and increasingly domestic settings is now proving irresistible. Despite still being somewhat of a niche sector, it’s one that is growing and this issue we focus on the various options on offer that together make up the wellness sector By Andrea Hartshorne

f you’re looking for an exotic and tranquil place to relax or a room to reinvigorate the mind, body and senses, whether it’s ultra-modern or traditional, when it comes to the variety of wellness products that are available, the array of products and suppliers is now wider than ever. That’s great news as the demand for these ‘wellbeing’ products and the health benefits that they provide shows no signs of cooling just yet!

RELAX IN THE HANDS OF THE EXPERIENCE ROOM SPECIALISTS It is well known that relaxation is an essential ingredient in the maintenance of wellbeing – thermal experience rooms offer you the opportunity to drift away, invigorate your senses and clear your mind. As one of the leaders in the design and manufacture of swimming pools and tiled spas, Cheshire Wellness are also specialists in the installation of experience rooms. With a portfolio stemming from large residential properties to luxury hotels, the multi-award winning company combine their imagination and expertise to create your perfect room. Saunas, steam rooms and caldariums are renowned for alleviating respiratory problems,

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whilst hammam, salt fusion and rasul rooms are famed for their ability to improve skin conditions – all of which encourage stress relief and mental wellbeing. Popular in Turkey and North Africa, hammam, Arabic for ‘spreader of warmth’, has been a cultural tradition for the past 500 years. It is a heated surface, high humidity room which is used for cleansing the body from head to toe. By utilising water and soap to exfoliate and massage the skin, hammam

treatment is traditionally undertaken by an attendant. It is a perfect remedy for stress relief, but it is more commonly renowned for cleansing the skin and thorough purification – all of which has a soothing effect on dermatological conditions. It is a growing treatment in the UK, prominent in luxury hotels, residential properties and special Moroccan and Turkish facilities across the country. One particular project saw Cheshire Wellness design and construct

Experts in the construction of experience rooms, this authentic Turkish Hammam Room from Cheshire Wellness features Carrera marble flown in from Italy

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WELLNESS a spectacular hammam room in a luxurious Manchester residence and is one of their most impressive experience room projects to date. Managing Director, Andy Phillips: “This hammam project is a testament to our ability to design and construct experience rooms to the highest level. We sourced Carrera marble to be flown in from Italy to create this authentic Turkish Hammam Room. The Turkish client worked closely with us throughout the design process and we were delighted to be involved in the creation of this magnificent project.”

FOR TOTAL TRANQUILLITY, GO TO CERTIKIN! Certikin’s Commercial division is now able to offer a totally unique and highly comprehensive spa experience thanks to a new range aptly called Tranquillity. You name it, they do it! Starting with architect’s drawings or simply your client’s own ideas, they will work within budget to design a bespoke health spa experience that is exactly what you are looking for – whether refurbishment or new build, domestic or commercial and a single room to a full wellness suite. All of Certikin’s Tranquillity saunas, steam rooms and other thermal experience equipment use the finest quality products such as Harvia heaters. All the Tranquillity equipment can be installed by one of their teams of skilled experienced engineers if required or comes with simple instructions for assembly by your engineers. Some of the spa experiences that Certikin can create are: • Steam – a diverse range of thermal bathing experiences can be created. The caldarium and steam bath deliver short bursts of intense heat and steam, while the tepidarium and laconium are designed for warming up or relaxing over a longer period. Other options include salt rooms and aromatherapy rooms. • Sauna – a variety of traditional woods are offered plus contemporary finishes, all from sustainable sources. Heat can be provided with an under the bench heating system or through the more traditional floor-standing coal effect brazier. Features include LED and fibre optic lighting as

Certikin’s Commercial division is now able to offer a totally unique and highly comprehensive spa experience thanks to a new range aptly called Tranquillity

well as music systems, window panels and aroma infusions. • Experience showers – to cleanse the body after various heat treatments they offer a variety of experience showers. These include special lighting, sound effects and fragrance systems. • Rasul ‘mud’ rooms – a tiled steam room and a relaxation area with heated floors, heated loungers and showers. • Hammam – a classic Turkish bath incorporating heated tiled massage beds with hot water and drainage for wet massage and foam treatments. • Foot spas – featuring heated tiled benches with individual footbaths that fill automatically with warm water and then bubble massage the feet and stimulate the reflexology zones.

DRÖM SEE INCREASING DEMAND FOR CHROMOTHERAPY Specialising in bespoke requirements, Dröm have noticed the increasing demand for chromotherapy and are finding that more people are starting to incorporate some of the ‘alternative’ therapies into their rooms such as chromotherapy and aromatherapy and increasing the use of crystals. Chromotherapy is fast becoming the latest must-have addition in saunas, steam rooms and wellbeing areas. It has long been proved that colour and light can have a positive effect on your mood and colour changing lighting is a simple way of providing this. It can balance spiritual, emotional and mental energies leading to a more fulfilling wellbeing ritual. Chromotherapy can be brought into a room in

a variety of ways ensuring a beautiful, mood enhancing bathing experience. It can be incorporated into unique features including glass panels, backlit marble, underbench lighting and delicate, twinkling, fibre optic, starry sky ceilings.

REVOLUTIONARY INFRARED HEATERS FROM HEALTH MATE Health Mate’s patented state-of-theart Tecoloy® Infrared Heater is the only UL-recognised infrared heater in the world. The patented Tecoloy® heater distributes the heat evenly, ensuring a consistent infrared wavelength. The heater housing, in conjunction with the heater maximises infrared generation evenly while minimising any heat loss through the back of the heater. Quality, innovation and reliability are the drivers that have fuelled the infrared sauna wellness market to unknown heights in Europe and the US. Could this story be repeating itself in the UK? Superior craftsmanship and reliable components are key, but these alone are not sufficient to guarantee success. A growing market also means a more demanding market. Attention for detail becomes more and more important and things like the levels of EMF output generated by the sauna’s heaters and the characteristics of the heating elements as well as the type of infrared heat they produce have become crucial. Sustainable and environmentally friendly products and production processes are now the norm and a much more educated public is asking questions about the origin of sauna products and what these products can do for them. Health and safety is a concern and people want assurance that the production process and finished product are compliant with strict safety and quality standards. In addition to quality and reliability, product innovation is a strong driver helping to grow the sector and boosting demand. Foot saunas, lower body saunas, wheelchair cabins and luxury lounger infrared sauna cabins are different examples of new products that tap into different segments of the market.

SASHA AND MOOD FROM JACUZZI® Dröm have noticed the increasing demand for chromotherapy and are finding that more people are starting to incorporate some of the ‘alternative’ therapies into their rooms

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Already a global leader and manufacturer of hydromassage products and hot tubs, Jacuzzi® has now launched SASHA, a true

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WELLNESS

CASE STUDY: FAMILY LEISURE SUITE

SETS THE MOOD IN SURREY

Combining a Finnish sauna and Biosauna, Jacuzzi®, has launched its brand new MOOD aromatherapy sauna

wellbeing experience for body and mind that comprises three modules in a single space for the first time. SASHA combines a sauna, shower and hammam to create your own personal wellness retreat. Drawing on traditional methods of relaxation and recovery, saunas are renowned for helping to aid a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle. The SASHA sauna offers varying temperatures and humidity levels effectively to raise the heart rate, whilst decreasing blood pressure and easing muscle pain for optimum stress relief. Often underrated as a therapeutic treatment, the SASHA shower can alternate temperatures and water pressures, encouraging stimulation of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. The three SASHA modules have been created to stand alone or in combinations, allowing different configurations that are adaptable to any space. Each module is equipped with a userfriendly touchscreen control system, which enables users to select three programmes that have been developed together with the consultancy of experts to obtain maximum therapeutic benefit. In addition to SASHA, Jacuzzi®, has launched its brand new aromatherapy sauna – MOOD. Combining a Finnish sauna and Biosauna, MOOD provides two aromatherapy experiences in one single space. Finnish, a traditional dry heat sauna, aims to aid a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle and reaches temperatures of up to 90°C, which effectively helps to raise the heart rate, whilst decreasing blood pressure, eliminate nervous tension, reduce anxiety and speed up the metabolism. For a truly relaxing aromatherapy experience, the Biosauna reaches temperatures of 60°C and provides the opportunity to relax in aromatic oils. The lowered temperature creates a less aerobic experience for the body and essence oils can be added to the sauna to create a sensation of wellbeing and relaxation, promoting a deep and restful sleep to recharge the mind and body.

A SPACE SAVING SOLUTION FROM KLAFS Anyone who’s ever dreamed of having their own private sauna, has previously needed

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After experiencing total relaxation and an enhanced feeling of wellbeing during various spa retreats, one Surrey resident decided she wanted to bring the concept of wellness into her own home. So, she asked Dröm UK’s talented team of designers and professional craftsmen to design and install a bespoke sauna and steam room for her in her home. The client also met with the designers in their showroom to select the materials and finishes herself. The walls and ceiling in the sauna are constructed from Aspen timber with medium heat treated Aspen to the benches, skirting and surface of the lounger, which narrows gradually at the foot of the bench to fit the unusual shape of the room. Mood lighting has been installed behind the contoured backrests and underneath the lounger and there is a slate feature wall behind the sauna heater. The floor is covered with resin bound pebble floor tiles, which complement the pebbles in the decorative floor outside the room; a design

inspired by a similar feature the client saw in the showroom. The steam room benches, backrest, walls, niche and ceiling are finished with a combination of dark and light blue glass mosaics. The ceiling is fitted with a beautiful colour changing, fibre optic starry sky and LED lights are fitted to the underside of the benching. LED uplights are inset into the shelf area behind the benches where large crystals can be lit from beneath to add a magical atmosphere to the room. Both rooms are finished with frameless glass doors and are controlled with a touch screen control panel.

eMove technology. The new KLAFS S1 is also designed as a completely self-contained, mobile system. In this way, a guest bedroom, workroom or living room stays just the way it was wherever the sauna is located. Another big benefit is that the sauna can be moved just like a closet if you move out too. When it comes to design variety, the sauna of the future blends in with the KLAFS tradition too. It is available in three sizes (small, medium and large) and offers numerous trim and panel options.

sufficient dedicated space for it. Until now that is. The designers at KLAFS have developed a whole new, radically different sauna design – the revolutionary S1 sauna – a product that reinforces the company’s reputation as an innovator in the industry. Brand new, but already award-winning, the space-saving and futuristic S1 is the world’s first sauna to retract at the touch of a button – just like a zoom lens on a camera. In its fully retracted position the S1 is a mere 60cm deep, just like the average closet. Yet the S1 is a really stylish, high-quality, beautifully designed sauna down to the last detail and with room for the whole family. By pressing a button on the new, extremely compact and slim controls on the front panel, the S1 extends into a ready-to-use sauna in just 20 seconds and is nearly three times as deep. That’s because it consists of three elements which can be completely fitted into each other. And all that virtually silently and synchronously, thanks to the patent-pending

With today’s busy lifestyles more people are opting to have their own personal wellness area for rest and relaxation. Prestige Saunas create personal wellbeing areas to clients’ needs specialising in high end saunas and steam rooms. They have moved away from the normal run of the mill main steam sauna and instead design and create saunas to be an

The space-saving and futuristic S1 from KLAFS is the world’s first sauna to retract at the touch of a button – just like a zoom lens on a camera

Prestige Saunas have moved away from the normal run of the mill main steam sauna and instead design and create saunas to be an integrated focal point of the home

BESPOKE HOME WELLNESS FROM PRESTIGE SAUNAS

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WELLNESS integrated focal point of the home. Working closely with clients in the detail of the sauna is very important and this is why they install in so many homes across the UK. They can offer multi climate heaters with variable heat and humidity controls to suit all uses of the sauna called Biosa. According to Prestige, they are the only company that offers a truly variable climate. The attention given to planning and design means they are able to offer truly bespoke saunas for today’s wellness market. As a leading company in this field they can continue to offer where others may stop, giving the user a luxury feel to their personal space. When people first venture in to the sauna world it is usually through the commercial wooden box sauna at the local gym or on holiday at a ski chalet or holiday home. Many of their clients visit ski chalets abroad and bring the idea back to the UK where Prestige Saunas can then design a bespoke sauna to their individual taste. Clients now want a high end design and reliable controls which they are able to supply plus unique touches, for example, one of their recent product releases features sprung loaded seats which offer additional comfort when laying or sitting in the sauna.

With an extensive range of luxury modular units from Tylö – available exclusively through Golden Coast – installers will appreciate the speed and supreme ease with which a sauna can be assembled

MAKE IT EASY ON YOURSELF With soft saunas soaring in popularity, Golden Coast reminds installers that fitting a steam bath needn’t be hard work. While a traditional sauna offers hot, arid heat, and a steam room provides lower temperatures but high humidity, the versatile soft sauna offers the best of both worlds, allowing users to choose their experience. However, it doesn’t just have to be the

CASE STUDY: HYGROMATIK

HELPS CREATE EXCEPTIONAL SPA EXPERIENCE IN PLYMOUTH HygroMatik, a leading designer and manufacturer of spa products, has provided steam generators for the refurbishment of the luxurious China Fleet Country Club Spa, Plymouth. Anapos Thermal Spa Equipment by Steamworks recognised HygroMatik’s products for their quality and precision engineering, offering durable and easy to maintain solutions for the Spa’s advanced offerings. The Spa boasts a warm, tiled laconium, aroma steam room, salt steam room, Finnish sauna, feature showers, foot spas, three heated tiled loungers and a deck level spa pool. Visitors enter the laconium to raise their body temperatures slowly and then can enter the aroma steam room, salt room and Finnish sauna. Showers offer tropical or cold rain settings as well as a cold mist experience, all of which can be chosen with a fragrance. A cold deluge shower also provides a cold rain experience, a cold water sheet experience or a cold central deluge experience – all with fragrances. HygroMatik C17 CDS steam generator was required for the aroma steam room whilst a C30 CDS steam generator was installed for the sauna and salt steam

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end-user who benefits from a stress-free experience. With an extensive range of luxury modular units from Tylö – available exclusively through Golden Coast – installers will appreciate the speed and supreme ease with which a sauna can be assembled. Tylö’s Evolve, Impression and Vision ranges are entirely clip and build – limited skills required. Importantly, this ease of installation is not at a cost to the quality or sophistication of the soft saunas, either. They are available in a range of sizes, styles and materials, with options on lighting, seating, glazing, and more: ensuring these units would not look out of place in even the most luxurious of homes. Golden Coast Managing Director Jamie Adams explains: “Tylö sauna rooms are a benchmark for sauna design worldwide. The versatile, modular design of their saunas mean they can be installed nearly anywhere – even as little 1.3m3 will allow customers to enjoy the experience of a professional spa in their own home.” With demand rising, there’s never been a better time for wet leisure installers to join the sauna market. Research conducted by Golden Coast revealed a typical gross profit of 40% profit on sauna sales, with customers paying between £2,500 and £25,000 per installation. Available data also indicates a correlation between the increasing numbers of sauna installations and the growth in addon business through consumables, servicing, repairs and retrofit products.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS: Certikin International 01993 778855 www.certikin.co.uk Cheshire Wellness 0151 336 3417 www.cheshirewellness.co.uk Dröm UK Ltd 01932 355655 www.dromuk.com

room. The accurate engineering of the generators provides customers with an exceptional Spa experience. In addition, its systems are easy to maintain, precise and as hygienic as possible. HygroMatik offers a range of spa products which can be used within a variety of applications from steam bath to steam shower, through to bio sauna, healing clay steam baths, hammam or caldarium. Hot yoga applications are also available. HygroMatik 02380 443127 www.hygromatik.com

Golden Coast 01271 378100 www.gctrade.co.uk Health Mate 01252 705182 www.health-mate.co.uk Jacuzzi UK 0113 272 7430 www.jacuzzi.co.uk KLAFS GmbH & Co. KG +49 (0)791 5010 www.klafs.com Prestige Saunas 01622 616166 www.prestigesaunas.co.uk

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We are always on the lookout for innovative products. In this instance, Shaun has seen the light.

We pride ourselves on looking to the future.

Call any of our customer service team on 01271 378100 and tell them what you want tomorrow.

Good, old fashioned customer service has always been important to our business but our products move with the times. Energy efficient, eco-friendly and beautifully designed. Those are the qualities that your customers are asking for and that is why we are constantly looking for new products that meet that demand. Phone: 01271 378100 | Web: www.goldenc.co

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Telephone: 0161 477 9010 Email: info@pooldivingsolutions.co.uk Website: www.pooldivingsolutions.co.uk

ABOUT POOL DIVING SOLUTIONS

SERVICES YOU CAN EXPECT

Since opening in 2011 our objective has been to offer underwater swimming pool repairs and maintenance at competitive prices, without sacrificing excellent quality workmanship. September 2015 we entered into our fourth year of trading and we are confident that we have executed our objective thus far. This is reflected in the relationships we have built and maintained with councils, management companies, schools, Universities and contractors across the UK over this short period.

• Dry Coring, Underwater Coring and Drilling: Pneumatic and Hydraulic (Bio Oil) • Plastics: Inlets, Outlets, Striker Plates etc • Underwater Grouting • Blanking and sealing/Temporary sealing of Swimming Pool • Underwater Tiling • Maintenance and Condition Surveys • HSE Registered and Fully Insured

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CONTACT OUR OFFICE WE WILL BE HAPPY TO DISCUSS ANY QUERIES IN MORE DETAIL OR ARRANGE A MEETING.

delifol • We are the Sole UK Distributors for delifol • delifol material is guaranteed for 10 years • We have our own on‐site ﬁ ers • We have a wide range of colours/pa erns

01709 542128

Email: dave@on‐sitepoollinings.com www.on‐sitepoollinings.com www.delifol.com

REPAIRS & RENOVATION

Safe, Useable And Looking Good Again! Keeping any kind of swimming pool in tip top condition and always available can often be a challenge, with repairs and renovation often necessary to ensure continual use. Thankfully, advances in processes and products combined with expert skills and knowledge mean that downtime for pools is no longer the concern it once was and this issue we take a look at the specialist companies ensuring interruptions are kept to a minimum By Jon Wadeson

t goes without saying that pools require ongoing maintenance to keep them in useable, safe and fit for purpose – ideally in tip top condition. Whilst out of date or inefficient equipment that needs upgrading is an issue, it’s one that can be hidden away behind the scenes, but there’s no hiding a tired looking liner pool or worse still, a pool that quite obviously needs repairs due to damaged tiling, broken drains and more and is therefore no longer safe. A pool that can’t be used is an expensive asset that is essentially going to waste. That’s perhaps not so much of a problem for domestic owners, but it’s a serious one for a commercial operator. Thankfully though, there are companies offering products, expert skills and tried and tested knowledge which means that downtime for pools is no longer the concern it used to be and this issue we look at some of the specialist companies and solutions that are ensuring interruptions to pool use are kept to a minimum.

REPAIRS AND RENOVATIONS MADE EASIER WITH UNDERWATER DRILL The requirement for repairs and renovations to swimming pools can often mean lengthy

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On-Site Pool Linings deal with the UK distribution and installation of delifol liners, a product which is suitable for both indoor and outdoor pools of any purpose

BIG ENOUGH TO COPE, SMALL processes of draining the pool, and a long lead time to carry out the repairs. With the ENOUGH TO CARE Nemo underwater drill from Fairlocks, repairs Tiling & Pool Projects (UK) Ltd work all over to the swimming pool shell or cover pit can the UK and carry out projects that include be carried out in half the time, with the drill full re-tiles, repairs, re-grouting to areas using that works underwater. The drill has been cement based and epoxy materials, expansion tested to depths up to 50m and operates at joints and Sika products. the same capacity as the traditional dry-land The company have also recently become an version. The unique underwater cordless drill applicator of Aqua Bright/Eco Finish offering utilises a simple drive train which makes it an alternative to tiling or marblite pool finishes a fraction of the cost and very comfortable and which comes with a ten year guarantee. to use. Aqua Bright is truly a revolutionary pool It comes complete with an 18V 3Ah finish that virtually eliminates all of the rechargeable battery, 13mm keyless chuck and two reversible speeds. It has 16 torque settings for every application. At only 3kg it is easy to handle, but strong enough to cope with most things you will need it for. Forget about linking to a compressor or tank on the surface while using the drill below the water line, the Nemo drill works perfectly with no With the Nemo underwater cables, no external tanks and drill from Fairlocks, repairs no requirement for power for to the swimming pool shell or cover pit can be carried a couple of hours after a full out in half the time charge.

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REPAIRS & RENOVATION

Tiling & Pool Projects (UK) Ltd have also recently become an applicator of Aqua Bright/Eco Finish, a revolutionary pool finish that virtually eliminates all of the plaster and paint coating shortcomings

plaster and paint coating shortcomings. It is highly resilient to chipping, peeling and scratching, cures in seconds and is extremely durable. Aqua Bright is eco-friendly as it reduces the use of chemicals to balance pH. Ideal for use in new pool or renovation projects, Aqua Bright is the pool finish of the future and is available in eight of the most popular colours with specific colours available on request (subject to factory approval and surcharges). Pools can be finished in more than one colour should it be required including race lanes, edge definition, non slip coating on access areas or motifs. It is a system brought over from the USA and is a thermal powder coat finish which is seamless and comes with a ten year guarantee. Tiling & Pool Projects have carried out works for many local authorities, schools, hotels, health clubs and private clients. According to Managing Director Tony Crank, the thing that makes the company different is that clients who have used them always come back. That’s because although they are a small team, they always turn up on time,

work very hard, work weekends and nights, always use well established quality products and finish a job to a very high standard. Tiling & Pool Projects can offer references to prospective clients who can then listen to their comments rather than them telling them how good they are. The company may not be the cheapest on the market, but as the saying goes you get what you pay for and that includes peace of mind knowing a good job will be done.

REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE THAT WON’T DISRUPT THE OPERATION OF POOLS Since opening in 2011, the objective of Stockport based Pool Diving Solutions has been to offer underwater swimming pool repairs and maintenance at competitive prices, without sacrificing excellent quality workmanship and the Stockport based company are confident that they have executed their objective thus far. This is reflected in the relationships they have built and maintained with councils, management companies, schools, universities and contactors across the UK over this relatively short period.

A great example which demonstrates the capabilities on offer from Pool Diving Solutions is a job completed at 1escape in Dublin where the company were required to replace 85m2 of de-bonded tiles. With such a vast area affected, conventional repairs such as a drain down may have been an easy recommendation. However, Pool Diving Solutions’ experience and expertise allowed for the entire operatio n to be completed underwater. In turn one of Dublin’s busiest health clubs was able to remain fully operational throughout the repair process. In addition to their wide range of pool repair and maintenance services, the company also offer condition management surveys and reports. These begin with divers completing a full inspection of the pool tank. The inlets and outlets are examined to ensure they comply with the BS EN 134511 2011, the steps to comply with BS EN 13451-2:2001 and to inspect the condition of expansion joints, channel grating, grout and tiles etc. The inspection is then concluded with a report, which is supported with photographic evidence. The objective of the report is to provide those responsible for

CASE STUDY: MAKE-OVER MAGIC AT BIRMINGHAM POOL When it comes to the fast and effective refurbishment of an old pool, on site lining is the preferred option for Staffordshire pool dealer, West Midlands Swimming Pools, as this pool in Edgbaston, Birmingham demonstrates. This old leaking concrete pool with a roman end had definitely seen better days and was in dire need of refurbishment. West Midlands Swimming Pools pressure tested all pipework before making their assessment that on site lining was the way forward. West Midland’s Kay Cunningham says: “We regularly undertake this type of project, in fact on site lining is becoming a core part of our business as it really does transform an old pool in the easiest and quickest way possible. The whole

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project took about four weeks and gave stunning results.” The pool’s happy owner, Peter James says: “I hunted the internet for weeks looking for the right pool lining but there really aren’t that many choices out there. Then, by chance, I started following a company on social media and the lining they were using was exactly what I was looking for so I contacted West Midlands and they got the boys in to do what can only be described as a first class job! It’s soft under my feet and has turned the pool into a real feature. Amazing results.” The choice of pool fittings can make or break the overall impression of a pool so adding the finishing touches to this pool are Certikin’s attractive Optimus Flow Fittings.

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REPAIRS & RENOVATION the pool with detailed understanding of the pool condition. Experience has shown Pool Diving Solutions that an annual survey is a sufficient way for pool owners to manage their duty of care, as defects that may have been left unattended over longer periods are identified much sooner, in turn eliminating the risk of hazard to pool users.

CERTIKIN’S INFINITE SITE LINER IS FIT FOR PURPOSE Site lining is a very versatile option for both the renovation of old pools and new pools of a domestic and commercial size. It can accommodate complex shapes, steps, ledges, pits etc and as a commercial grade material the longevity of the product when compared to other refurbishment options, such as thinner linings or paints is a major advantage. The process is generally quick and efficient and gives a tailor made, heavy-duty liner that when finished, allows pools to be used immediately. As Certikin complete the full installation, it also means that the pool trader can still earn on other projects while Certikin’s team are working on their behalf. The range of colours and patterns mean that a tile effect can be recreated and areas of contrasting colour (such as racing lines) can easily be added at what is usually a fraction of the price of a fully tiled pool. Certikin purchases swimming pool vinyl from three of the world’s largest manufacturers, Canadian General Tower, Elbtal and Renolit. As such, they have wide access to both conventional and contemporary colours and patterns. In terms of cost, site lining falls between

cheaper options such as paint and thinner, bag style, liners and more expensive options such as tiling or spray applied products, so it is often seen as excellent value for money as the materials used are both attractive and varied in colour and pattern, but also extremely durable and versatile. Certikin offer a general warranty of ten years, but the life expectancy can be double this in a well maintained pool.

AQUAFLEX ‘TOUCHES’ THE REFURBISHMENT MARKET’S IMAGNATION A lining system is ideal for both commercial and residential pools – and comes into its own particularly on renovation and refurbishment sites. Aquaflex provide the Alkorplan pool lining system which features exceptional strength as its main seling point. The material which incorporates a polyester reinforced mesh is 1.5 mm thick which enables it to withstand intensive use and severe knocks from even the most enthusiastic swimmers. It also has a special formula that includes a UV stabilising treatment which can withstand exposure to all extremes of weather, retaining its properties year after year. An exciting addition to Aquaflex’s Alkorplan range in recent years is the ‘Touch’ range of patterns which are designed to offer a natural feel and appearance, giving the sensation of swimming in a natural pool or lagoon whilst never compromising on the high protection aspect expected from all Alkorplan products. The product is reinforced with the same polyester scrim as the traditional Alkorplan, but the thickness of the foil has been

increased to 2mm which is necessary to maintain mechanical strength while allowing for the deeper emboss. The UK market has been quick to appreciate the quality and aesthetics of the material and a significant number of pool renovations have benefitted from the product. Installation of the Touch material requires a high level of technical ability as expected from Aquaflex’s teams of principle installers who are renowned for their professionalism. Compared to the cost of tiling, the Aquaflex Touch system works out more cost effective and provides a long lasting natural looking finish that meets clients’ needs.

DELIFOL WAKES UP TIRED LOOKING POOLS On-Site Pool Linings deal with the UK distribution and installation of delifol liners, a product which is suitable for both indoor and outdoor pools of any purpose. The linings can be used for renovation of an old tired shell and can be installed on top of any existing pool finish with the minimum of preparation. delifol features a tough 1.5 mm thick PVC membrane which is reinforced with a strong woven webbing set into the material during manufacture, this gives it the stability to resist stretching under the extreme pressure of water. The chemical formulation, constantly checked and monitored gives it the perfect balance to protect it from damage from sunlight, pool chemicals and the extremes of weather and temperature whilst keeping it supple enough to be laid into the most awkward of shapes. The edges of the material are over-

The Aquaflex Touch system is a cost effective solution and provides a long lasting natural looking finish that meets clients’ needs

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SPN December 2015 69 20/11/2015 17:18

REPAIRS & RENOVATION

CASE STUDY: NOTHING BUT THE BEST FOR COUNTRY

CLUB REFURBISHMENT Cheshire based Tiling & Pool Projects (UK) Ltd were approached by Cottesmore Hotel Golf & Country Club, a privately owned establishment in West Sussex to fully re-tile the club’s swimming pool and its edge tiles. The leisure facilities are part of a luxury complex and have a very high standard of clientele who expect nothing but the best. After meeting on site and discussing the options available, Tiling & Pool Projects (UK) Ltd then provided references so that the client could be sure they were dealing with a professional company and soon after that the decision was made by the client that the pool would be drained and fully refurbished.

Tiling & Pool Projects (UK) Ltd completed the works within the time scale allowed and upon completion, the client was extremely pleased with the finished result. “We were confident we chose Tiling & Pool Projects to carry out the works due to the excellent references we had back from previous customers who had used them for similar projects. The team of men who carried out the works were fantastic from start to finish and any problems that did occur were dealt with and fixed quickly. I am more than happy to recommend them to anyone else who is looking for a professional tiling company,” said Mr Porter, co-owner of the complex.

guaranteed to remain watertight for a full ten years and is suitable for pools heated up to a maximum of 34°C (94°F).

TRUSTED TECHNICAL FINISHES FROM LATICRETE®

delifol from On-Site Pool Linings is perfect for the renovation of an old tired shell and can be installed on top of any existing pool finish with the minimum of preparation

lapped, welded and sealed with the very latest hot-air welding tools. The material remains flexible to absorb any slight movement of the shell and existing cracks and can be installed on top of any existing pool finish with the minimum of preparation. The product can only be installed by specialist fitters. The work is quick and clean and with no ‘curing time’ to wait for so re-filling can begin whilst the finishing touches are being made. The pool can be back in action very quickly, making it very economical. delifol is treated to protect against damage from sunlight, pool chemicals and algae growth and meets the highest European physical and chemical standards. It is also

The LATICRETE® range of products offers globally proven solutions for the installation of tile and stone for the widest possible range of building structures and environments. For over 50 years LATICRETE® technology has been the reliable asset and trusted partner for architects, engineers and contractors in over 80 countries around the globe and the product range is capable of meeting all technical challenges. One of their specialities is swimming pools and with their wealth of knowledge and products, they are able to offer the complete solution. Starting with LATICRETE® Fortified Mortar for the render/ screed to meet tight tolerances found in competition swimming pools, to complete peace of mind by using LATICRETE® Hydro Ban, which is a thin, load bearing, single component, waterproofing/isolating membrane, applied as a two coat application by brush or roller directly to the concrete shell or the render/ screed. It forms a flexible, seamless liquid rubber membrane, therefore does not

A pool that can’t be used is an expensive asset that is essentially going to waste. That’s perhaps not so much of a problem for domestic owners, but it’s a serious one for a commercial operator” 70 December 2015 SPN 67-70_SPN_Dec_15_Repairs_&_Renovations.indd 70

require the use of fabric tapes at the wall/ floor junctions, corners or light fittings. In addition Hydro Ban will inhibit any unsightly efflorescence from travelling from the concrete background to the finished tiled surface. LATICRETE® have a range of tile adhesives suitable for use in swimming pools to suit all tiling requirements and finally LATICRETE® Spectra Lock Premium Pro Grout, which is the most user friendly, chemical resistant grout on the market today. LATICRETE® warranties, system guarantees and worldwide technical support have ensured the success of the brand as a key project partner.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS: Aquaflex 01722 328873 www.aquaflex.co.uk Certikin North 0113 393 4545 www.certikin.co.uk Fairlocks Pool Products 01865 988346 www.fairlocks.co.uk Laticrete UK 0151 486 6101 www.laticrete.co.uk On-Site Pool Linings Ltd 01709 542128 www.on-sitepoollinings.com Pool Diving Solutions 0161 477 9010 www.pooldivingsolutions.co.uk Tiling & Pool Projects (UK) Ltd 0161 969 0660 www.tilingandpoolprojects.co.uk

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 20/11/2015 17:18

SPN DECEMBER 2015_Layout 1 20/11/2015 17:15 Page 71

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EUROPEAN INDUSTRY AWARDS

Celebrating Industry Excellence in 2015 We report on the winners of prestigious European Pool & Spa Awards and showcase the four UK entries which achieved success at this year’s event

he third European Pool & Spa Awards hosted by the European Union of Swimming Pool & Spa Associations (EUSA) took place in the opulent surroundings of the Palacio de Pedralbes (a former Royal Palace) on Wednesday 14 October, during the Piscina & Wellness exhibition in Barcelona. The awards had five categories, with 14 winning entries announced across the 13 countries that comprise EUSA. EUSA represents over 3,000 swimming pool and spa companies across Europe, and so the competition was of the highest standard. The awards are judged by top industry professionals representing each of the EUSA members. With such superior standards, understandably tensions were high in anticipation of the results, with the invited audience cordially acknowledging each of the winners as they were announced, securing their places as the 2015 industry leaders. Being judged a winner by the leading industry voices of the Pool & Spa Associations across Europe, is important recognition for every award recipient. Each of the UK award recipients was able to gain entry to the European awards by previously winning either a BISHTA or a SPATA award (as part of the British Pool & Hot Tub Awards). SPATA members, London Swimming Pool Company, were overjoyed with their gold award won in the Domestic Spas category and Horsham based Home Counties Pools & Hot Tubs also lead the way with a gold award in the Domestic Above-Ground Pools DOMESTIC OUTDOOR POOLS Gold Winner: Diffazur from France

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category. Lancashire based company Portrait Pools & Enclosures won bronze in the fiercely contested Domestic Indoor Pools category and Surrey based Falcon Pools (who are BISHTA members) scooped silver in the Domestic Hot Tubs category. Award winners visited the Piscina & Wellness Exhibition in Barcelona to collect their awards with BSPF Managing Director Chris Hayes in attendance. Chris Hayes commented: “These are wonderful results for our members, and we are pleased that they have received this well-deserved recognition. We are very proud that our members won four of the awards that were presented. The judges had some tough decisions to make, with a shortlist of 79 entries across five categories.” Hayes continued: “This year, seven countries provided entries, and seven countries also judged the categories. The exemplary work displayed by our members and those of the other relevant National Associations defines the industry and celebrates the exceptional standards of all of our respective members and their professionalism. I am sure that consumers across Europe can be secure in the knowledge that a company in a national association who are members of EUSA are a business to trust and who provide superior standards.” The current development of European standards for domestic pools and spas will reinforce this desire for safety and performance to become uniform across the Continent. Founded in 2006, EUSA is registered in Brussels and spearheaded by the current President Philippe Bach, who presented DOMESTIC OUTDOOR POOLS Silver Winner: Diffazur from France

the UESA Awards to the recipients. EUSA’s objective is to strengthen and coordinate the spirit of European unity among all its members and to be the voice of craftsmen, the trade, wholesalers and the wet leisure industry across Europe.

BEST OF BRITISH IN EUROPEAN POOL & SPA AWARDS The accomplishments of the UK winners in Europe are testament to the hard work of each company, the existence of EUSA and the combined support of its member countries which has an immense impact on the wet leisure industry. The message is clear in providing wet leisure companies across Europe with a unique way of celebrating their achievements. Jamie Smith from the London Swimming Pool Company commented: “It’s a huge honour to be awarded gold at the European Pool and Spa Awards. The entries were judged by top industry professionals with exacting standards, so receiving this accolade means a great deal to our company and highlights the passion that our team puts into every project. We have seen an increase in the number of people wanting the whole ‘wellness’ experience and they are having spas, saunas, steam rooms, hammams and even ice rooms installed in their homes.” Craig Trusson of Sussex based Home Counties Pools & Hot Tubs said: “We are thrilled with our European win. To be highlighted in the EUSA Awards alongside such strong competition across Europe is a significant acknowledgement for our company DOMESTIC OUTDOOR POOLS Bronze Winner: Progreen from Italy

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 20/11/2015 11:20

EUROPEAN INDUSTRY AWARDS

BSPF Managing Director Chris Hayes and SPATA Chairman Richard Carrington join the happy UK EUSA Award winners in Barcelona

and our entire team.” A silver award went to Falcon Pools in the Domestic Hot Tubs category and Managing Director Ian Storr said: “We are delighted to be recognised at the 2015 EUSA awards. This recognition is a testament to the hard work of all the team at Falcon Pools, taking home an award in the Domestic Hot Tubs category from EUSA is a great acknowledgement for us.” Andrew Rutherford from Portrait Pools & Enclosures, who won a bronze award

in the Domestic Indoor Pools category said: “We are delighted to have received such a prestigious accolade at the EUSA awards. Being recognised in the top three by Europe’s leading industry voices, who represent some of the world’s most respected Pool and Spa Associations is an amazing achievement. The end product we produce is a real team effort, and this award is dedicated to all of our team. I am sure they are as proud as I am to be flying the flag for the UK pool industry.”

DOMESTIC INDOOR POOLS Gold Winner: BL / sprl from Belgium

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 72-75_SPN_Dec_15_Feature_EUSA_Awards_rev.indd 73

These are wonderful results for our members, and we are pleased that they have received this well-deserved recognition”

DOMESTIC INDOOR POOLS Silver Winner: Krause Schwimmbadtechnik from Germany

SPN December 2015 73 20/11/2015 11:20

EUROPEAN INDUSTRY AWARDS

DOMESTIC INDOOR POOLS Bronze Winner: Portrait Pools & Enclosures from the UK Portrait Pools & Enclosures were asked to provide a luxury, constant water depth, steel reinforced, concrete swimming pool with a set of walk-in steps, a spa pool and a sauna. The client wanted a deluxe pool hall to be created that really possessed the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;wowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; factor. The client needs were met by designing and creating a leisure facility with luxurious finishes, along with top of the range facilities that really makes this a stunning bespoke project.

Andrew Rutherford collecting the Bronze Award in the Domestic Indoor Pools category

DOMESTIC SPAS Gold Winner: London Swimming Pool Company from the UK The spa was part of a larger swimming pool installation and the project was completed in 22 months. The client wanted to use the space for entertainment when the moving floor on the pool was raised, so they asked for a rigid spa cover to support people standing on it as well as a lighter cover for daily use. A scaffold had to be erected to hang a block and tackle pulley, in order to raise and lower the spa during leveling. The coping stones were water jet cut from 20mm thick porcelain tiles and then a pencil edge was put on.

Jamie Smith collecting the Gold Award in the Domestic Spas category

DOMESTIC SPAS Silver Winner: Diffazur from France

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DOMESTIC SPAS Bronze Winner: Diffazur from France

DOMESTIC HOT TUBS Gold Winner: Piscines 15 from France

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 20/11/2015 11:20

EUROPEAN INDUSTRY AWARDS

DOMESTIC ABOVE-GROUND POOLS Gold Winner: Home Counties Pools & Hot Tubs This project demonstrates that through correct product selection and design, an above-ground pool can present a cost effective solution for those looking to enhance their lifestyle and wellness, whilst wishing to remain within specific budgetary parameters.

Craig Trusson collecting the Gold Award in the Domestic Above-Ground Pools category

DOMESTIC HOT TUBS Silver Winner: Falcon Pools from the UK This hot tub installation maximises the use of the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s garden through thoughtful positioning and planning. Making the best use of late sun in this part of the garden, incorporating environmentally friendly, anti-slip and low maintenance decking. The hot tub installation and complementary landscaping has created a beautiful place to relax and unwind.

DOMESTIC HOT TUBS Silver Winner: JPS Piscines from France

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DOMESTIC HOT TUBS Bronze Winner: ADH piscines from France

SPN December 2015 75 20/11/2015 11:20

WORLD NEWS

Certikin Headlines In Malta Not only is Certikin the largest supplier and manufacturer of wet leisure equipment in the UK, it also has an impressive international presence. Take, for instance, Malta where the company has built up a long-standing relationship with its distributor and the island’s leading pool dealer, Charles Micallef Swimming Pools Ltd. The company is behind some very prestigious developments including The Radisson Golden Sands Hotel & Spa, The Seabank Resort and Spa, Tigne Point Pool, Fort Chambridge Pool as well as installations in Libya and the island of Gozo. Based in central Malta in the village of Iklin, the Micallef showrooms have this autumn undergone an extensive refurbishment, adding two more floors to the original building to give 240 sq m of space. A family run business, it was started in 1969 by Charles Micallef and his wife Mary in

The Micallef team – at the front are founding members Charles and Mary Micallef, to the right, their daughter Antoinette and her husband Bruce (behind in the blue polo shirt)

a small shop in Msida with a workforce of three. Their daughter, Antoinette joined the company in 1992 followed by her husband, Bruce in 2002 and the company has grown to employ 16 full time workers now and one part timer.

The ground floor of the premises is a varied showcase of Certikin products, including cleaning equipment, water testing kits etc, salt chlorinator, MultiCyclone, pumps, robotic cleaners, sauna heater and LED Lights. The first floor is given over to a fantastic display of Caldera spas and an infrared sauna, which has boosted sales enormously. Antoinette says: “A showroom of this size is definitely a first for Malta and we are constantly receiving admiring comments from clients. As agents for Certikin products in Malta for 40 years, we can proudly say that we have made the Certikin brand synonymous with swimming pool products in Malta. So inter-linked are the two companies that we have customers coming and asking for a ‘Certikin’. But you always need to keep ahead and we are positive that this refurbishment and the special spa floor will do just that.”

Pool Water Treatment System Improves Swimmer Well-being Fluidra, Hospital Clínic and UAB have launched a pool water treatment system that improves the well-being of swimmers and reduces water consumption by 66%. FreePool, the first system of its kind in the world, combines the already existing disinfection system known as Neolysis with the injection of high-performance CO2. The project is the result of a public-private partnership, in which Hospital Clínic and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) were involved. They simultaneously studied the impact of the system on people and the air. Other partners included the sports industry’s industrial cluster in Catalonia, INDESCAT, and the swimming club, Club Natació Atlètic-Barceloneta (CNAB). “Innovation is a major strategic priority for Fluidra. We invest 1.5% of our turnover in R&D. In recent years, we had focused on the development of new products for residential pools, but as part of our strategic plan we have shifted our focus on public pools and the FreePool system is our greatest exponent of this,” explained

Xavier Tintoré, Fluidra’s General Corporate Manager. The study conducted by Hospital Clínic on the impact on the health and well-being of swimmers concluded that the new FreePool system achieved a significant reduction in the discomfort felt by them on the skin, eyes and nose in comparison with conventional systems. Specifically, the system reduces the rate of sore eyes by 59% and discomfort in the nasal passages by 33% in sports people. The UAB’s study showed that the quality of pool environments improved with a reduction in oxidants of 75%, water savings of 66% and 20% less combined chlorine in the water. This revolutionary system, unique in the world, successfully combines the Neolysis disinfection system with pH regulation thanks to the injection of high-performance CO2 through the GVG system. In its development, Fluidra drew inspiration from the natural presence of CO2 in rivers, lakes, seas and groundwater. This resulted in a treatment that delivers a perfect quality of water and air.

NIVEKO Impresses At Germany’s Aquanale Exhibition Custom-built monopools producer NIVEKO were just one of a number of companies whose stands stood out at this year’s Aquanale exhibition which took place in Cologne, 27–30 October. The exhibition is increasingly seen by many, including NIVEKO, as one of Europe’s most significant industry events, and the company made a real statement with their stand which was again equipped with a fully functional overspill Whisper pool. The overspill edge of the pool ended with a white overspill stone and the Apollo stairs in a very atypical and distinctive violet colour dominated the whole pool. To complement the pool, the NIVEKO

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stand was designed in white shades with elements highlighted by distinctive violet elements. During the exhibition, the NIVEKO team was constantly busy with both current business partners and new potential clients visiting the impressive stand, and the company would like to thank all of the participants for the friendly meetings that were held. The duration of the exhibition was continuously published via the company’s NIVEKO POOLS Facebook page. NIVEKO s.r.o. +420 572 693 246 www.niveko-pools.com

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 19/11/2015 18:41

WORLD NEWS

IN BRIEF FAMILY SUES THOMAS COOK OVER CRETE POOL DEATH The family of a Londoner who drowned at a hotel pool party while on holiday in Crete is suing Thomas Cook for up to £100,000. Shane Virmani, from Ilford, died in the resort of Malia after a night out with friends whilst celebrating his 26th birthday. CCTV footage at the Mirage Studios Complex allegedly shows him being pulled into the water by a friend, who the family is also suing, at 5.50am. He is then dragged out 20 minutes later by hotel staff, who try to resuscitate him. People are seen partying and getting in and out of the pool without noticing that Mr Virmani, who could not swim, was unconscious and floating in it. His family says the death could have been avoided and allege that no staff were manning the water as required by Greek law plus that the pool was not properly lit and should not have even been open at that time. They accuse Thomas Cook of breaching its contract and duty of care to select accommodation that would follow local laws and protect Mr Virmani’s welfare.

2016 AUSTRALIAN TRADE SHOW 85% SOLD OUT Even though Australia’s SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show is nine months away, organisers are reporting that floorspace for the event has already almost sold out. The 2016 event is to be held in a bigger, single hall at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) and will have more floor space than the previous show at Jupiters, which was the biggest ever Australian swimming pool and spa show. Next year’s event already seems likely to break that record and takes place on 17-18 August 2016.

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New Guide To Designing HVAC Systems Desert Aire Corp., a Milwaukeebased manufacturer of commercial and industrial humidity and climate control systems, has published a new guide that provides owners, mechanical contractors and engineers with a valuable resource for designing and retrofitting the HVAC systems of indoor pool facilities, natatoriums, aquatic centres and indoor water parks. ‘A Guide to an Integrated HVAC System Design for the 21st Century Natatorium’ is a 24-page, full colour publication that reviews pool room design considerations including recent breakthroughs in understanding the complexities of maintaining the indoor air quality of an indoor pool facility. The Guide

describes how to overcome challenges in existing HVAC system designs as well as new construction by taking an integrated, sustainable approach to creating the best indoor pool facilities for all stakeholders. The integrated approach helps engineers and other planners achieve 21st century design goals of protecting the health of swimmers, divers, coaches and spectators; promoting the long-term structural integrity of the building and supporting systems; and conserving energy, water and water treatment resources. The Guide is available for download as a PDF document from the Desert Aire

website or to receive a printed copy of the Guide, email sales@desert-aire.com Desert Aire Corp. +1 262 946 7400 www.desert-aire.com

Twelfth Annual WAHC Successfully Inspires The Aquatic Industry The 12th annual World Aquatic Health™ Conference (WAHC) was successfully held in Scottsdale, Arizona, in early October by the National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF®). People came together to speak, learn, and network to shape and promote growth within the aquatics industry. A record-setting 46 states were represented along with 11 different nationalities; the United States, Austria, Australia, Canada, China, Germany, Mexico, Norway, Sint Maarten, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. “People are safer and the future looks more prosperous as a result of the industry, government, and academic leaders coming together to prevent injuries, illnesses, and drowning, while also promoting the health benefits of aquatics,” stated Thomas Lachocki, Ph.D., CEO of the NSPF. “It is eye-opening to see how much people can benefit from our industry. The future is bright!” The WAHC is a scientific conference, attracting a wide range of professionals involved

in the aquatic industry. These include, aquatic facility owners and operators, service providers, consultants, parks and recreation, water parks, manufacturers, academia, associations, builders, community organisations, hotels, government, media, retail, distributors and health/ medical field professionals. WAHC guests were able to attend two keynote addresses and pick from over 50 different seminars that focused on Drowning Prevention, Facility Management, Health Benefits, Health Codes, New Industry Technology, Advanced Chemistry/Disinfection Byproduct Prevention (DBP), Recreational Water Illnesses (RWI) Prevention, and two new WAHC tracks: Market Growth and Water Immersion Works. The debut tracks were designed to encourage the theme of the conference: ‘Shaping the Future through Aquatics.’ Both tracks forged new thinking about how the many niches of the industry can come together and ultimately change the future of health and prosperity around the world.

SPN December 2015 77 19/11/2015 18:41

SPN DECEMBER 2015 BUYERS GUIDE_SPN BUYERS GUIDE TEMPLATE 20/11/2015 14:43 Page 78

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Slatted cover with above ground rollers

Axelle roll-up security covers manufactured in the UK by aquamat

The best retro fit systems made by aquamat in the UK

security cover works as a winter debris cover heat retention

24v DC systems powered by a solar, rechargeable battery or direct from a control panel

closed cell chemically bonded polyethylene foam available in 6mm and 8mm

Bubble covers

available in two colours, mid-blue & white

Heat retention foam covers

thermal conductivity ASTM C177 0.0420 w/mK @ 40°C

Roll-up security covers

incorporates Ultra•Fresh® bacteria protection 3 year warranty

Winter debris covers

material lies flat when welded

Slatted covers

totally inert having no effect on water quality

Electric and manual rollers

eco friendly with 42°C max temperature

Contact aquamat on:

sales@aquamatcovers.co.uk tel. 01453 884411 fax. 01453 884499

POOL COVERS

POOL ENCLOSURES

Commercial pool cover and roller systems

Replacement Slats

Submersible slatted cover systems

Top quality heat retention foam covers 6mm and 8mm in blue or white. All systems are designed and manufactured in our own factories

24v DC systems for total safety full repair and service available nationwide suppliers to the 2012 Olympics over 50 years of making pool covers

aquamat replacement slats made to measure in the UK 60mm replacement slats that fit all the old systems available in PVC white, blue, grey, duck egg blue, beige, cotswold green, solar cap and translucent blue

and also available in polycarbonate crystal clear, solar cap, granite, ruby, lagoon, sandstone and emerald

24v DC in-tube motors Full range of colours in PVC and polycarbonate Manufactured in the UK in our own factory

Contact aquamat on:

sales@aquamatcovers.co.uk tel. 01453 884411 fax. 01453 884499

80 December 2015 SPN

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SPN DECEMBER 2015 BUYERS GUIDE_SPN BUYERS GUIDE TEMPLATE 20/11/2015 14:43 Page 81

BUYERS GUIDE POOL ENCLOSURES

POOL ENCLOSURES

POOL HEATERS

PRESSURE TESTING & LEAK DETECTION EQUIP

AMAZONE FOLDING POOL ENCLOSURE

For a completely open air pool in minutes - release the anchors and gently push.

Swimex Enclosures Ltd – for schools, private and commercial customers – is an approved UK distributor for Galaxy Fixed Buildings & Telescopic Enclosures. A specialist since 1998 under the EasyGlide, Pool Cover and Eureka brands, our SwimTech installation division is also a rubber floor specialist on new and old surfaces and provides after sales service to over 1,100 buildings in the UK (in partnership with pool professionals).

AS IT ROLLS, IT FOLDS, SIMPLE AS THAT! Tel/Fax: 01525 874868 E: sachon@pool-enclosures-unlimited.co.uk W: www.pool-enclosures-unlimited.co.uk

POOL ENGINEERS

UKʼs #1 – 0800 804 8025 visit www.swimex.co.uk

POOL ENCLOSURES

Retractable and static glass pool enclosures for domestic and commercial use

Thermalec Pool & Spa Heaters have been manufactured at our factory in the UK for nearly 50 years, to the highest standards and have been installed in the harshest environments because they are the reliable heater for industrial use. • THR models from 3kW to 120kW • Zenith models from 8kW to 168kW Titanium elements are used in both THR and ZENITH models. Suitable for sea / salt water pools and spas. Bespoke heaters are also available for: Ponds, under- floor heating, central heating, cheese vats, baptismal fonts, diver training pools, luxury yacht spas. Buy your Original spare parts direct from us. Parts available for all our existing range of heaters as well as many of the heaters previously manufactured by Thermalec.

SAUNAS

We are also distributors for Salt Chlorinators, Electrochlorinators and Anodes (a must for all salt water pools).

Specialists in design and construction of new and complete or partial refurbishment of existing swimming pools for leisure, hydrotherapy and special needs. Complete service offered including filtration and chemical dosing systems, heating and ventilation and full after-sales service and maintenance. Contractors to Local Authorities, NHS Trusts, MOD, Facility Maintenance Companies, Schools, Leisure Centres, Clubs, Holiday Parks etc.

www.thermalec.co.uk Call: +44 (0)1752 313343

POOL HEATERS

Tel: 01277 225416 Fax: 01277 224761 Email: info@hydrospec.co.uk Web: www.hydrospec.co.uk

SPAS & HOT TUBS

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

E. TONY@AQUA-PUBLISHING.CO.UK

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk

SPN December 2015 81

SPN DECEMBER 2015 BUYERS GUIDE_SPN BUYERS GUIDE TEMPLATE 20/11/2015 14:43 Page 82

BUYERS GUIDE SPRAYED CONCRETE

SPRAYED CONCRETE

SWIMMING POOL EQUIPMENT

GUNCAST G U N C A ST S SWIMMING WIM MING P POOLS OOLS

Sprayed pool and spa shells for the trade X Quick,

clean, ef ﬁcient & r e l i a b l e s e r v i ce

X O ve r

4 0 y e a r s o f e x p e r i e n ce

X R esidential

& commercial

X Any

shape or size including cover pit & deck level

X Nationwide X

Struc tural design calculations

Full CAD designed drawings

X Full

PI insurance for design & construc tion

10 year guarantee

C Contact o nt a c t u uss ffor or a q quote u ote Working to all appropriate BS EN Standards

Tel: 01782 631204 Mob: 07799 660837 Or call Terry direct on: Mobile: 07799 660837 Email: info@sprayedconcreteservices.ltd.uk Web: www.sprayedconcreteservices.co.uk

SPRAYED CONCRETE

Unit Unit 4, 4, Hampers Hampers Common Common Industrial Industrial Estate, Estate, Petworth, Pet wor th, West Sussex GU28 9NR West S us s e x G U28 9 NR T el: 01798 Tel: 01798 343221 343221 Fax: 342341 Fax: 01798 01798 3 42341 Email: Email: zzoe@guncast.com oe@guncast.com

SWIMMING POOL EQUIPMENT

Certikin manufactures, distributes and exports a vast range of superb swimming pool and leisure equipment throughout the UK & overseas. As the UK’s largest distributor, dealing solely with trade businesses, Certikin has become synonymous with top quality products and service backed up with a level of expertise that simply cannot be beaten. Certikin International Ltd T: +44 (0) 1993 778855 F: +44 (0) 1993 778620 E: info@certikin.co.uk

SWIMMING POOL EQUIPMENT

Providers of all types of chemical dosing systems and pumps.

x Service maintenance x Breakdown cover x Training x Consultation Tel; 01526 322214 Email; sales@jakwater.co.uk www.jakwater.co.uk

SWIMMING POOL EQUIPMENT

Suntrap Systems supply Disabled Pool Lifts for swimming pools and spas, and also offer a drilling and installation service. Their range of specialised pool equipment includes KBE Moving Floors and Submersible Booms, STARK movable fibreglass Bulkheads, ALGE Timing Equipment, also Stainless Steel and Competition Equipment, Swimsuit Dryer, etc.

Suitable for Pools, Spas & many other applications. With Titanium Elements. SALT CHLORINATORS

ANODES & LADDER ANODES

Solution partners for Evoqua and exclusive agents for Melspring International.

www.certikin.co.uk

ELECTRIC HEATERS

PH CONTROLLERS

Suppliers of Pool plant Equipment, Measurement and Control Systems, and complete range of Chemicals.

The right product at the right price delivered on time is just a part of the customer service we offer. But it’s the part we get right ﬁrst.

A must for saltwater pools For full details of all our Swimming Pool Products Contact us on:

Tel: +44 (0) 1752 313343 Email: sales@thermalec.co.uk or visit our website

www.thermalec.co.uk 82 December 2015 SPN

158 Gordon Road, Harborne Birmingham B17 9EY

Trade Suppliers to the Wet Leisure Industry

Tel: 0121 428 1155 Fax: 0121 428 1166

01271 378100 | goldenc.co

Email: sales@suntrap-systems.co.uk Web: www.suntrap-systems.co.uk

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk

SPN DECEMBER 2015 BUYERS GUIDE_SPN BUYERS GUIDE TEMPLATE 20/11/2015 14:44 Page 83

BUYERS GUIDE UNDERWATER LIGHTING

WATER TESTING

UV SYSTEMS

SwimLine UV water treatment

www.EVAoptic.com Available in the UK & Ireland:

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

WATER MONITORING & CONTROL

WATER TREATMENT

Dr. A. Kuntze

Inline Monitoring and control

Design, supply, installation and service of filtration and water treatment equipment including new and refurbishment schemes

Dr. A. Kuntze

Call now on

01202 580007

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

E. TONY@AQUA-PUBLISHING.CO.UK

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk

Aquaflex

22 IBC

atg UV Technology

BISHTA

BTU Poolservices Ltd

Certikin International

Cheshire Wellness

Compass Ceramic Pools UK

Complete Pool Controls

Crown Pavilions

DaleSauna

Elecro Engineering

Elite Spas

30 IFC

FIBALON/Pool Supplies Ltd

Gaffey Technical Services Ltd

11 & 65

Grundfos

Gullberg & Jansson

Heatstar Europe

Hippo Leisure

IoS

ISPE

ITS Europe

Jacuzzi

Lighthouse Pools

DIVING LTD

www.specialised-diving.co.uk

Kuntze Instruments

& SPECIALISED

24/7 EMERGENCY CALL OUT Nationwide 07885 941969

Aqua Water Systems

Golden Coast

COMMERCIAL

Experts in all underwater tiling and grouting

Fairlocks Pool Products

E. TONY@AQUA-PUBLISHING.CO.UK

TILING & TILING REPAIRS

Aqua Spa Supplies

Artesian Spas

www.hanovia.com t: +44(0) 1753 515 300

s KƉƟ Đ /ŶƚƌŽĚƵĐĞƐ ƚŚĞ Į ƌƐƚ > ŵƵůƟ ĐŽůŽƵƌ ůŝŐŚƚ ƚŽ ĞĂƐŝůǇ ƌĞƉůĂĐĞ ϯϬϬt ,ĂůŽŐĞŶ͘ KŶůǇ ϱϬt ĞŶĞƌŐǇ ĐŽŶƐƵŵƉƟ ŽŶ͊

ADVERTISERS INDEX

CONTROLLER CONTR OLLER SENSOR

H ASSEMBLY WITH W DEFINED FLOW

Dr A Kuntz Kuntze e UK T: +44 (0)1788 422050 E: sales@kuntze.co.uk www.kuntze.co.uk

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Filters / Valves & Pipework Vessel Refurbishment / Re-lining Filter Media Replacement / Cleaning Chemical Dosing & Control Systems Plate Heat Exchangers Strainers / Circulation Pumps Flow Meters Anti-vortex Grilles / Pool Lining & Tiling UV Systems Inverter Drives / Pool Covers Integrated Control Systems Diving Services / Leak Detection Service Contracts / Spares

71 OBC

Lovibond/Tintometer

NIVEKO

On-site Pool Linings Ltd

Pleatco

Polygon

Pool Diving Solutions

PoolLock

Spaeuro

SCP

SPATA

SPATEX

STA

Suntrap Systems / KBE

Superior Spas

Surex Limited

Tiling & Pool Projects (UK) Ltd

UPS

Waterco/Certikin International 05 Wrightfield Ltd

SPN December 2015 83

OPINION

Is The Wet Leisure Industry Typical Of UK Business? “There are clear trends in business in the UK, some of which we follow and some we seem to avoid. Where does our industry differ, and is that a good thing or bad?” asks Jamie Adams, Managing Director of Golden Coast

hat comes to mind when we think about business in the UK? The media tends to focus on the banks and financial institutions that turn over billions. Oil companies with empires stretching across the world. Telecoms giants and big retailers. Those are the companies that have the highest profiles but are they typical of British business? There are 5.4 million businesses in the UK and over 99% of them are classified as SMEs. (Small to Medium Enterprise.) Eighty two per cent of SMEs employ less than ten people. So in terms of size of staff, wet leisure businesses are absolutely typical. Small businesses are so important to the British economy that there are lots of government and industry surveys done about them. That’s where I have looked for those trends, and these are some that I’ve found.

DON’T LOOK FOR A GAP IN THE MARKET, LOOK FOR A NICHE Niche businesses are highly focused. They look at one small section of a market where they can specialise and their customers are passionate about what that business can offer. A niche makes you stand out from the crowd. Perhaps a bicycle shop that specialises in the finest hand-crafted bikes. What about that Hipster café that only sells cereals or maybe it’s a new niche, like an e-cigarette shop. In the wet leisure industry, you might think of a business specialising in natural, outdoor pools or perhaps top-end, bespoke spa and sauna rooms. They may not have the biggest turnover, but their profit margin is usually high and their customers are loyal.

RESPECT YOUR ELDERS Baby Boomers have been the most influential group on British society since the sixties and most of those boomers are now in their 60s and 70s. They are relatively well off and they put greater emphasis on youth and vitality than any ‘pensioners’ before them. They are a big influence on retail and many other businesses in the UK. I think they are having an impact on the wet leisure business as well. Spas, saunas and even pools are being bought for their

84 December 2015 SPN 84_SPN_Dec_15_BSPF_Opinion.indd 84

contribution to health and wellbeing. ‘Hydrotherapy’ has become a marketing buzzword for our industry and it is a word that appeals to this group more than any other.

BE UPWARDLY MOBILE It seems as if we have always had rather a ‘love/hate’ relationship with the internet. But almost every wet leisure business has a web site and the vast majority of us are using social media for business. Which is just as well, because the internet isn’t going away; in fact I’d say it was the one thing that appeared to be influencing and changing SME’s the most. And the latest trend here is accessing the web via a mobile device. That now accounts for more than 50% of web traffic. For all of us, that means that our websites better work on a smartphone or a tablet as well as they do on a computer. But it means much more than that. Mobile devices are popular because they are convenient. What could be more convenient than a customer ordering chemicals or a service engineer looking for parts using their smartphone? People are controlling the heating in their homes using their smartphone. They will want to use it to turn on the sauna and heat up the spa as well. As an industry, if we aren’t coming to terms with mobile, then we are standing still.

GET A FEW QUALIFICATIONS Most businesses want to grow and SMEs are no exception. Of course, the question then is, how do you go about growing? In a government survey of those small to medium businesses, 81% of those who were trying to expand intended to do so by increasing the skills of their workforce. In fact, that was the most popular strategy. The other side of the coin is that in last year’s Wet Leisure Survey, not being able to find skilled employees was one of the most common reasons as to what limited business growth. Industry specific training and nationally recognised qualifications are common throughout the UK economy but the wet leisure industry has very few indeed.

DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE CLIMATE The economic climate was the biggest challenge for SMEs in that government survey. Our own industry survey reflected that, but saw the weather as a similarly important problem. Rather surprisingly, figures suggest that over 50% of UK businesses are affected by seasonality; good or bad weather has an effect on them. The thing is, it is possible to mitigate the problems of a seasonal business. Customer behaviour can change – ice cream and soft drinks were once only consumed in the summer. Business behaviour can change – garden centres become out of town shopping centres and seaside hotels promote out-of-season short breaks. I don’t know what the magic bullet is for our industry but there are ways that we can be less at the mercy of the weather and we should pursue them.

THAT’S JUST TYPICAL All in all, I think we are quite typical of UK business and I think we can learn things by looking at how other industries overcome problems or react to opportunities. Whether we look for niche markets or embrace mobile technology is probably down to individual businesses. Better training and better qualifications; isn’t that something that the industry as a whole needs to be looking at? And let me end with this. Until a few years ago, any picture that anyone drew of our industry would have been based on a few guesses and a hunch. The Wet Leisure Industry Survey has allowed us to see what is going on in our industry as a whole much more clearly. This year’s survey is now taking place so, whether you do it online or on paper, please take the time to respond and share your thoughts and ideas with the rest of your industry. Jamie Adams is Managing Director of Golden Coast, the current Chairman of Pool Industry Promotions (PIP) and a board member of the British Swimming Pool Federation (BSPF).

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