SPN (Swimming Pool News) December 2020

DECEMBER 2020

POOLS SPAS HOT TUBS SAUNAS CHEMICALS ACCESSORIES & MORE

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR THE UK INDUSTRY

SPATEX VIRTUAL

We preview this unique event which will take place online in February

DOSING PUMPS & CONTROL SYSTEMS

Automation options to make ownership easier

ENTRY LEVEL SWIM SPAS

Budget-friendly options to swim, relax or party in

FILTRATION

Solutions that improve performance and reduce water consumption

PLUS SPN_December_20_Cover.indd 3

STA Pool Plant – Heating & Ventilation | Pool Safety | Wellness | Opinion Pool & Spa Industry | Company Profile | 11 Pages Of The Best Industry News 12/01/2021 15:20

FAIRLOCKS FP DEC20 Dehum.qxp_Layout 1 08/01/2021 12:38 Page 1

A FEW PRACTICAL BENEFITS: Professional quality “made in Germany” – originally produced by Trotec Dehumidifiers specifically developed for use in wet rooms

Introducing Trotec’s DS Series Dehumidifiers Ideal for swimming pools, spas, whirlpools and more!

High dehumidification performance with optimum heat recovery Low specific energy consumption – extremely high economic efficiency Corrosion-protected design with maintenance-friendly housing Powerful air circulating radial fan Heat exchanger with corrosion-resistant CDC coating Infinitely adjustable hygrostat Fully automatic operation High and low pressure switch Prepared for wall mounting Available with optional external condensate pump

DS 30 The dehumidifiers of the DS series are also ideally suited for use in fitness areas.

DS 60

Our reliable Trotec solutions provide fully automatic dehumidification, leaving spas, whirlpools and indoor swimming pools free of condensation

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE, QUALITY PRODUCTS 3 Landscape Close, Weston on the Green, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX25 3SX, UK T: 01865 988346 | E: info@fairlocks.co.uk | W: www.fairlocks.co.uk

EDITOR’S LETTER

Editor’s LS ACCESSORIES & MORE POOLS SPAS HOT TUBS SAUNAS CHEMICA

DECEMBER 2020

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.

within this issue – I hope it will provide a flavour of how this digital event will work and what visitors can expect to see online whilst it runs.

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR THE UK INDUSTRY

Also inside, we’ve a look at dosing pumps and control systems, products which tend to operate quietly behind the scenes, but which play an essential part in efficient water treatment systems, and by doing so, help to make the lives of pool and spa owners that little bit easier. Other products which are nearly always hidden from view are those that deal with filtration and we’ve a feature which explores the latest innovations which have lead to improved performance plus a reduction in water usage and therefore costs.

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

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.

SPATEX VIRTUAL

We preview this unique event which will take place online in February

DOSING PUMPS & CONTROL SYSTEMS

Automation options to make ownership easier

ENTRY LEVEL SWIM SPAS

Budget-friendly options to swim, relax or

party in

FILTRATION

Solutions that improve performance and reduce water consumption

PLUS

letter

Safety | Wellness | Opinion STA Pool Plant – Heating & Ventilation | Pool Pages Of The Best Industry News Pool & Spa Industry | Company Profile | 11 12/01/2021 15:20

SPN_December_20_Cover.indd 3

With this issue coming out later than planned, the first thing I’d like to say is that after such a testing 2020, I hope that everyone reading it managed to have a great Christmas break in spite of the challenges that still exist. Sadly, 2021 hasn’t started well with further lockdowns meaning that most of the country now finds itself pretty much where it was some nine months or so ago. Clearly, the unpredictable roller-coaster ride that is living and working through the COVID-19 pandemic will continue for some time yet, but with various vaccines now available, there is some light at the end of what has been a longer than anticipated tunnel.

As I mentioned in the last issue, fortunately our industry on the whole has been somewhat lucky when compared to many others, but sadly, the latest lockdowns have of course once again hit those that operate on the commercial side of it. So I hope an easing of restriction happens sooner rather than later to assist companies who have been affected both in our industry, and across many other sectors too.

This issue was scheduled to carry the EUSA (European Union of Swimming Pool and Spa Associations) Award Winners, however the postponement of Piscine Global (which is where they were to be announced) has meant they will now be revealed in our February edition. As one of a number of Judges for them, I’m as keen as anyone to see if there has been further British successes. The same issue would traditionally also carry a SPATEX Preview feature, however with numerous challenges and delays plus a rearranged SPATEX Virtual now taking place, we have included our preview

At the other end of the product spectrum, we look at a number of wellness options, and in particular, sauna and steam products. It’s a sector which is growing year on year thanks to some increasingly accessible options. Pool Safety goes under the spotlight as we take a closer look at various options on the market, plus we highlight same great value for money entry-level swim and party spas that have proven to be really popular with many families in the last year.

As if that wasn’t enough, we have a piece on distributor Lighthouse who are celebrating ten years in business, Golden Coast’s Jamie Adams gives his opinion on what the new ‘normal’ may look like once the pandemic subsides, and the STA take a look at the importance of heating and ventilation and how it has an important role to play in preventing the spread of COVID in swimming pool settings.

As always, there’s also useful information from the BSPF, SPATA and BISHTA plus, we’ve got our round up of all the latest industry, product, people and eco news from both here the UK and further afield.

So with everything covered, hopefully we have provided a little of something for everyone to get their teeth into at the start of this new year. I hope you enjoy it and stay safe in the weeks and months ahead.

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

You can now 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 2020 1 12/01/2021 15:27

CONTENTS

Inside This 23

39

63 COVER

36

SPATEX VIRTUAL

39

ENTRY-LEVEL SWIM SPAS

44

DOSING PUMPS & CONTROL SYSTEMS

57

We preview this unique event which will take place online in February

Counter-current equipped swim and party spas for the budget conscious

Unsung automated heroes that simplify the life of owners and operators

FILTRATION

Products that help to provide effective water management and cost savings

63

FEATURES

POOL & SPA INDUSTRY

27

STA POOL PLANT

32

POOL SAFETY

49

WELLNESS OPINION

The industry’s associations dedicated pages

2-3_SPN_December_20_Contents.indd 2

04-10 12

PRODUCT

15

52

HOT TUB, SWIM SPA & WELLNESS

18

72

All the latest news from around the world

WORLD

23

We look at a selection of pool products that feature safety as their key selling point

Jamie Adams wonders what the new ‘normal’ may be like after the pandemic

2 December 2020 SPN

INDUSTRY

The latest industry news, info, projects and gossip

PEOPLE

Robbie Phillips discusses the importance of heating and ventilation in pool settings

Sauna, steam and other wellness products to relax the body and mind

NEWS

New appointments, personnel updates and training Innovations and new products on the market

Dedicated news for this important sector

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 12/01/2021 15:26

CONTENTS

Issue Of SPN 44

49

52 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 68

SUBSCRIPTIONS Ensure you receive a regular copy of SPN (Swimming Pool News).

Subscribe online today at www.aqua-publishing.co.uk

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

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 2-3_SPN_December_20_Contents.indd 3

57 Next Issue

• UV systems • Hot tubs – the new season • Pool and spa pumps • Pool cleaners • Pool water treatments and systems • EUSA Award winners Plus much, much more!

SPN December 2020 3 12/01/2021 15:26

NEWS

NEWS

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

In At The Deep End With Mermaid And NIVEKO! Given the brief to create a family sized pool with a deep end, the beautiful one-piece NIVEKO pool, with its huge versatility, instantly came to mind for Kent pool dealer, Mermaid Pools.

NIVEKO custom-built monopools combine all the benefits of a concrete pool with those of a traditional one-piece pool, offering high-end aesthetics, bespoke design and speedy installation. The brand’s exclusive construction guarantees no osmosis, a problem often associated with its fibreglass equivalents. All NIVEKO pools are preplumbed and pressure tested at the factory, ready to plug and play with the customer’s filtration system.

Mermaid’s Steve Russell said: “Along with a deep end, the customer requested a pool with a modern contemporary look, so I immediately thought the NIVEKO custombuilt monopool fitted the bill.”

A stunning 9.5m x 4m pool, with a depth varying from 1.5m to 2m, was duly installed without any hitches, to form a centrepiece in the garden. Steve used Certikin to supply all the additional equipment such as a Lacron filter and a Clever Pool Pump Inverter. The latter being a low-cost solution to help minimise the running costs of pool circulation pumps and improve the efficiency of swimming pool filtration.

A Calorex ProPac heat pump was also installed. Steve said: “We always work closely with the guys in Certikin’s H&V department and love the Calorex heaters.”

“The project took around four months to complete. As this was a winter build, there were some stoppages for the weather but there were no problems having it ready for the summer,” added Steve. “The client has told us on several occasions that she is over

the moon with it and delighted they made the decision to have a pool.”

Certikin International 01993 777200 www.certikin.co.uk Mermaid Pools 01580 753031 www.mermaidpools.co.uk

Wates Starts On Carlisle Leisure Hub Redevelopment

National contractor Wates Construction has now started on site at the Sands Centre, after being appointed by Carlisle City Council to deliver the £21.5m leisure and community hub.

The project will see the redevelopment and expansion of the current facility at The Sands Centre, incorporating state-of-the-art facilities.

Set across two storeys and accessed by a bespoke, internal street, the new build extension will add 40,000 sq ft to the existing building, with the redeveloped centre offering various new facilities including a 25m swimming pool with spectator seating and a 20m learner pool complete with an innovative moveable floor.

Wates has been appointed to deliver

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all build works, to be carried out in strict accordance with COVID-19 operating procedures, and carefully planned to avoid disruption to the existing Sands Centre which will remain open and active throughout. As part of its enabling works, Wates has supported Carlisle City Council and their leisure provider GLL by creating a temporary leisure facility at the nearby Newman’s School to support capacity for the

community.

Other delivery partners appointed to the project include Pick Everard, GT3 Architects, Buro Happold and FT Leisure.

The project has been procured via SCAPE, the UK’s leading public sector procurement authority. It marks Wates’ third major leisure project to be secured under the SCAPE Construction framework, and full completion of The Sands Centre is expected by October 2022.

The SCAPE Construction framework accelerates construction project delivery, allows for more considered project planning through early contractor engagement, as well as creating better value for the taxpayer and measurable economic benefits.

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 12/01/2021 17:37

AQUASPEED

A new generation of an industry favourite The popular Aquaspeed pump, which is available exclusively from Certikin As well as a modern look, the new model has an upgraded motor which is manufactured using the latest technology to provide an efficient and powerful pump. Despite this upgrade, there are no changes to the dimensions meaning it will still fit in perfectly to the original pump’s footprint and pipework connections.

Aquaspeed Pump

Aquaspeed ECO-V Variable Speed Pump

• Available in a choice of sizes from 0.5hp to 3hp • Solid clear lid for easy inspection of the basket • Comes with 2” quick connect unions • 316 high grade mechanical seal • Suitable for salt chlorinated pools • Hydraulically efficient impeller and diffuser design • Limited 2 year warranty • UV stabilised and corrosion resistant pump body • Straight swap for all old style Aquaspeed pumps

All the features of the Aquaspeed Pump plus: • State of the art permanent magnet brushless motor which uses components chosen for their quality performance and reliability • 3 variable programmable speeds for efficient and cost effective performance • Direct replacement for single speed Aquaspeed pumps • Rapid payback due to huge reductions in running costs

 01993 777200  info@certikin.co.uk

www.certikin.co.uk

POOL

EQ

P M ENT

Photo credit : shutterstock • jpe 2019

UI

THE STRENGTH OF A GLOBAL OFFER DEDICATED TO COMMERCIAL POOLS

PUMPS

FILTERS

SANITIZATION

SCP Head Office & Distribution Centre 1 Church Road - Lowfield Heath Crawley - West Sussex - RH11 0PQ Tel : 01293 546 126 / 01268 273 040 Fax : 01293 528 442 / 01268 273 041 info.uk@scppool.com - www.scpeurope.com

HEAT PUMPS

WHITE GOODS

CLEANER

NEWS

IN BRIEF COUNCIL APPOINTS MAIN CONTRACTOR FOR GREAT YARMOUTH PROJECT Construction of Great Yarmouth’s exciting new state-of-the-art Marina Centre will soon get underway on the town’s famous Golden Mile, as the Borough Council appointed Morgan Sindall Construction as the main contractor in December.

The council’s £26m investment will be a major boost to the economy and community for decades to come, acting as a catalyst for potential further investment and seafront regeneration, whilst supporting health and wellbeing for the whole borough.

Following site set-up, piling of the foundations will commence this winter and the steel structure will go up in spring, with cladding going on during summer and internal works then getting underway. It is scheduled to open in summer 2022.

The new Marina Centre will be a truly year-round anchor attraction, and its wet leisure facilities include a six-lane 25m pool with full disabled access and suitable for competitions, a confidence water area and learner pool with moveable floor, leisure water with fun play features, two water flumes and a splash pad.

COUNCIL REMAINS COMMITTED TO PITSEA POOL PROJECT Basildon Council has reaffirmed its intention to continue with plans to build a pool in Pitsea in Essex after a Councillor commented that the council remained committed to progressing with the development.

The project has again had to pause as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, however, Councillor Jack Ferguson said: “We are absolutely committed to moving forward with proposals for a pool in Pitsea and have already completed a public consultation and found a viable site at Eversley. The budget for the development of this also remains in place.”

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Certikin Provide The Magic At Hampshire Pool Renovation Magic? Well almost. Instructing Certikin’s on site lining team is possibly the closest thing to waving a magic wand. A fine case in point is this 30-year old dilapidated swimming pool in Liss, Hampshire, which after the team had set to, bears no resemblance to its former self.

With the renovation of their house complete, the McGarry family turned their attention to the garden’s derelict leaf-covered swimming pool.

Since moving in five years ago, the family hadn’t even taken the old ripped cover off the pool, and indeed didn’t have any idea how deep it was. On investigation, a 12m by 6m concrete tiled pool appeared from out of the gloom. This constant slope pool varied in depth from 1.1m to 3m.

Given the job of transforming it into a stateof-the-art 21st century pool, was award winning Simplex Pools, based on Hayling Island in Hampshire. Without further ado, they called on the services of Certikin’s on site lining team.

Simplex’s Gareth Lancaster said: “We have used the team on many occasions and they always do a

fantastic job so it seemed the perfect solution for this pool.”

The team set about renovating the tired pool with a beautiful Touch Marble-effect liner topped off with a ceramic effect tile band. The original pool’s square steps were removed and replaced with half circle steps by Simplex. The lining was completed within four days leaving Simplex to add all the other essential ingredients that make it a Certikin pool from top to bottom.

Gareth added: “On site lining has really changed this pool from being tired and redundant, to a centre point for exercise, entertaining the children and social gatherings.”

Certikin International 01993 777200 www.certikin.co.uk Simplex Pools 0345 576 1084 www.simplexpools.co.uk

Alukov Enclosure Is Perfect Height For London Pool Owner With a wide range of enclosure solutions on offer, Alukov are experts in covering swimming pools, spas and more and one of the company’s recent projects was to comply with the customer’s wish for a ‘not too low, not too high’ enclosure for his London pool. The client was very specific about having the whole enclosure in glass effect polycarbonate to achieve a polished look for his upmarket house.

As a specialist operator within the enclosure sector, Alukov can provide a full service from manufacturing to transport to installation. Their preference is that the enclosures are fully preassembled in factory and then transported in complete sections. Not only is the installation itself incredibly fast (half a day to one day, depending on size)

it is also very clean. In the case of Mr Amit’s London pool, the access to his back garden was not as large as the company would have liked, therefore a crane was used to lift each segment into place. If a crane is not an option due to bad access or any other reason, the enclosure can be delivered unassembled and the team will carry out the complete assembly and installation on site.

The final result of this installation was exactly what the customer wished for – an enclosed garden swimming pool which can be fully open in a matter of seconds thanks to the easy gliding system. The height was crucial for Mr Amit and the 1.65 metre height was exactly what he wished for… ‘not too low, not too high’… indeed!

Alukov UK 0118 909 9844 www.alukov.co.uk

SPN December 2020 7 12/01/2021 15:17

SPATEX2021 A4 REGISTER VIRTUAL FINAL.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 15:23 Page 1

FO RE R GI FR ST EE ER NO W !

AN ONLINE

EXHIBITION

MAKING RIPPLES - FEBRUARY 2021 SPATEX represents all sectors of the wet leisure industry from pools, spas, saunas to hydrotherapy, steam rooms and play equipment, in both the domestic and commercial arena. Enjoy all your favourite SPATEX experiences but in a digital environment in 2021.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER FOR FREE VISIT:

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

NEWS

IN BRIEF PLANNING APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED FOR READING PROJECTS Plans to deliver modern new leisure facilities for Reading have moved forward with the submission of two major planning applications.

The Council’s commitment to provide modern and much-improved facilities for swimmers is once again gaining momentum, after the unforeseen setback of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Applications for sites at Rivermead and Palmer Park are due to be considered in March.

The Council’s chosen leisure provider, Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL) – who currently manage Rivermead Leisure Centre on behalf of the Council – has submitted the planning applications and will operate the new facilities on the Council’s behalf should they be successful.

The planning applications provide a detailed spec of the proposed new wet leisure facilities at each site. They include a modern new-build leisure centre at Rivermead, with a 25m eight-lane competition pool with moveable floor and 300 spectator seats. A combined teaching and diving pool plus splash pads are also detailed.

At Palmer Park, a modern new 25 metre, six-lane community pool has been proposed.

£17M REVAMP OF HISTORIC BELFAST BATHS UNDERWAY Work has started on the £17m restoration and expansion of Templemore Baths in east Belfast. The facility is the sole surviving Victorian public baths on the island of Ireland that still operates as a wet leisure facility.

The project will see many of the historic building’s original features sympathetically restored, and a new extension will provide an additional six lane 25 metre pool, spa facilities and an 80 station fitness suite.

Belfast City Council is investing £12m in the project, with the remaining £5m coming from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

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Viron Is A Pure Solution For Somerset Pool Builder

Pure delight was the reaction from the owner of this pool after diving into it for the first time. The project in Taunton is the result of the craftmanship of Stewart Skinner of Purepools in Somerset who knows a thing or two about building pools having been in the business over 30 years. Quality comes high on his list of priorities so it’s little surprise that Certikin was his first port of call and one item that was high on Stewart’s shopping list was a Viron variable speed pump.

The energy saving Viron eVo Pumps are a range of fully variable speed energy efficient pumps to suit all pool sizes, filtration systems and budgets.

With 8 star energy rating, the Viron Pump reduces CO2 emissions, promises a quiet operation and long equipment life. Compared to conventional single speed pumps, the Viron eVo pump makes dramatic savings on operating costs.

Most swimming pools are effectively filtered and sanitised with flow rates ranging from 7-12 m3/hr. In fact, they will never require more than 15 m3/hr – 18 m3/hr for tasks such as cleaning the filter or

vacuuming the pool, and for these the Viron P320 eVo is ideal. However, for larger pools, multiple spa jets, water features or in floor cleaning systems, a larger capacity pump may be required. For these applications, the Viron P600 eVo pump offers an impressive 36 m3/hr flow rate.

The Viron eVo has been carefully designed for ease of operation. Three programmed speeds are factory pre-set and will suit most pools and most applications. Each speed, however, can be adjusted with a simple press of a button. Operation is intuitive to make the Viron eVo as user friendly as possible.

Certikin International 01993 777200 www.certikin.co.uk Purepools 07802 301043 www.purepools.co.uk

Business Expansion Started With A Incorrectly Addressed Email When Phil Stevens sent an email to the wrong address, little did he know it would change the future direction of his entire business.

“I was looking for a pump, thinking I was contacting an existing supplier and accidently sent it to Golden Coast. Mitch Percy from their Technical Sales department replied saying ‘We supply that’, and we’ve been working closely together ever since,” said Phil, Director of Specialist Pools Services (SPS).

SPS, based in Tadworth, provides design, refurbishment and maintenance services to both domestic and commercial clients throughout the UK. Phil Stevens continued: “I used to do everything from scratch, but now I always consult Golden Coast for recommendations. If I want to buy a pump, I tell them what size pump I need, and Mitch advises which is most suitable, saving me hours of searching.

It’s not just the products that Golden Coast supply, it’s the service and advice that comes

with it too. They are truly experts in their field.”

To help customers like SPS, Golden Coast organises factory visits to European manufacturers – allowing visitors to gain a greater insight into the design and build of the products that Golden Coast offers. It also provides a great opportunity to meet with fellow installers.

Phil Stevens said: “Visiting the DEL and SPECK factories allows me to understand the design philosophy behind each product and see it through to final production. That means I’m able to wholeheartedly recommend those products, knowing they are perfect for a particular installation.”

Although the initial contact with Golden Coast was by mistake, the new relationship has helped SPS transform from a small business into a leading installer of swimming pools, spas, saunas and steam rooms.

Golden Coast 01271 378100 www.goldenc.com

SPN December 2020 9 12/01/2021 15:17

NEWS

Heatstar Revamps Online Presence For 40 years Heatstar have pioneered the innovation, design and manufacture of modern, highly energy efficient, climate control systems for swimming pools. During this time, the Isle of Wight-based business have become a market leader in this field with an enviable reputation for quality.

To celebrate this important milestone the company have launched a new comprehensive website.

The newly designed site offers quick and easy access to essential information and features that provide a more comprehensive understanding of Heatstar’s product range and services. The primary objectives of the redevelopment were focused on putting out up to date information, simplified content and increased mobile compatibility so the site can be accessed easily, whether from in the office, or on site with a customer.

Visitors to the site will notice a clean, uncluttered and modern design, improved functionality and enhanced content focused on Heatstar’s mission to provide industry leading products, systems and services that meet the toughest standards for energy efficiency and compliance. Other website features include: A detailed Products page gives visitors the ability to see each system in the Heatstar product range with key features highlighted, along with essential downloads like product brochures.

An Innovation section gives the user a detailed look into the market leading technology behind Heatstar systems that put the company at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.

A Support page dedicated to the company’s unique after sales support including extensive information on maintenance agreements, as well as the industry training courses Heatstar offer.

A blog section whereby all the latest Heatstar news updates and company stories are displayed in one place is also included along with case studies which highlight the company’s solutions at a variety of locations.

Heatstar 01983 521465 www.heatstar.com

Neil Murray, Certikin International’s Managing Director, on site Inset: Visualisation of the new HQ by HTC Architects

Certikin Secures Its Future With A Move To A New HQ The site has been cleared and the first spade has been sunk in Certikin’s newly acquired site. If all goes to schedule, the business will be moving some two miles down the road from its current location in Witney, Oxfordshire to its bigger, state-of-the-art 125,000 sq. ft premises in 2021.

Since 1990, Certikin’s headquarters and main distribution hub has been based in the busy thriving market town of Witney, where from its location on the Station Lane Industrial Estate over 8,000 product lines for both domestic and commercial pools are held in stock including wellness, spas, water park slides and equipment as well as a huge range of products for both new build and retro-fit markets.

The new HQ for Certikin is located on Witney’s Downs Road and is part of the 24-acre site being developed by Tungsten Properties. Located just 500

metres from a new junction on the A40, it allows easy access to Oxford and Cheltenham and, in turn, the main arterial routes of the A34, M40 and M5 motorways.

Neil Murray, Managing Director for Certikin commented: “Having outgrown our existing premises, we knew we needed to move to a bigger, better site but we were determined to stay in Witney with its excellent infrastructure and pool of labour. As well as being an ideal location, Tungsten Park offers us the space and enhanced facilities that we need to suit all the complex needs of our growing business.

This, along with the improved access provided by the new A40 junction, should improve our operational efficiency and secure Certikin’s future as well as that of our 130-strong workforce.”

Certikin International 01993 882602 www.certikin.co.uk

Twinscape Expands Its UK Operation Twinscape Group, the leading innovator of Hydrofloors® bespoke movable floors for swimming pools and spas has continued its growth with a move to a much larger UK facility in Ipswich, Suffolk. In addition to extensive office and presentation space, the new premises include dedicated Hydrofloors production space that is more than five times the size of the former site. There is also a dedicated assembly and testing area for the control panels and hydraulic systems, and an indoor stainless-steel demonstration pool measuring 4m x 9m with an integrated Hydrofloors moving floor system.

Robertus Plompen, Chief Executive of Twinscape Group, explained: “Our business has come a long way since we moved from Belgium to the UK and established Twinscape Group Ltd in 2015 and opened our first UK production facility in Colchester, Essex.

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“It is certainly an exciting time for us. As well as moving into our spacious new site in beautiful Suffolk we are also expanding and developing our world-class team of designers and engineers. We are incredibly proud to say that, here in the UK, we have a full in-house design team, with mechanical and structural design engineers who do all of our R&D, design, production, drawings, 3D modelling and more.

We also keep our manufacturing firmly in-house, pre-assembling and testing all of our stainless steel and industrial plastic components, as well as each and every one of our Hydrofloors control panels. We expect to continue this level of ownership over our processes to ensure the best service and quality in the future.”

Twinscape Group Ltd 01473 938689 www.twinscapegroup.com

The new premises include dedicated Hydrofloors production space that is more than five times the size of the former site

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 11/01/2021 16:03

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PEOPLE NEWS

Grundfos Appoints Poul Due Jensen As New CEO

Golden Coast Welcomes New Generation

Grundfos Holding’s Board of Directors has appointed Group Executive Vice President Poul Due Jensen as the new CEO of Grundfos.

“After a thorough process where a number of highly qualified options were assessed, it became clear that Poul was the right choice,” said Jens Moberg, Chairman of the board of Grundfos. “Poul has been an invaluable part of Grundfos since the turn of the millennium and since 2015 he has been a central part of the Group Management. Crucial to the decision has been Poul’s global experience, strong results, leadership qualities and values. We are pleased that Poul wants to take on the position of CEO and we see it as an opportunity to build on and accelerate on the great results that have been created in recent years.”

“Grundfos is in excellent shape,” commented Poul Due Jensen. “We have a well-defined and ambitious strategy and above all we have a strong management and fantastic employees who are focused on doing their best every day.

In a challenged global economy impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have major tasks ahead in the short term, but at the same time we must look ahead: The strong economic results of previous years give us the best starting point for implementing a new and ambitious strategy. I want us to strengthen our focus on a new and customer-oriented structure and focus more on innovation and digital competencies. And then I am passionate about developing Grundfos, so that we continue to be an attractive workplace for talents from all over the world.”

Grundfos Pumps Ltd 0845 200 0912 www.grundfos.com

Leading wet leisure distributor Golden Coast is strengthening its customer support with the addition of two new members to its Technical Sales team.

For Sophie Dodge, joining the company meant following in her father’s footsteps.

Sophie said: “My dad used to work for Golden Coast back in the 1980s, before the company moved into distribution. He worked with them for ten years building swimming pools and he absolutely loved it.

There is a real sense of family here at Golden Coast and it’s something I wanted to be a part of. They showed me old photos of my dad working on pools and it was nice to see the different generations.”

At Golden Coast Sophie will specialise in water treatment products such as ultraviolet systems and chemical dosing.

“I have experience of working within water treatment and I’ve had technical training on various aspects of it,” added Sophie. “I’m able to build on that knowledge and I’m enjoying learning about the products.”

Fellow recruit Nicole Long started shortly after and has joined the Technical Sales team for the TylöHelo range of saunas and steam rooms.

“It’s been busy and there is quite Sophie a bit to learn but I like a challenge,” Dodge said Nicole. “I’ve worked in account management previously and it’s all about building relationships as well as providing quality customer service. I’ve been speaking with customers already and it will be nice to see them when we can.”

Golden Coast Sales Director Adam Nicole Clark said: “Both Sophie and Nicole Long are proving to be excellent additions to TeamGC. It has been a very busy year for Golden Coast and we are making the most of the opportunity to grow.”

Golden Coast 01271 378100 www.goldenc.com

Funding Extended To All RLSS UK Approved Training Centres And Providers In England RLSS UK are thrilled to announce that following the success, of Phase 1 qualification funding through the CIMSPA ReTrain scheme, Phase 2 has been launched and it allows all RLSS UK Approved Training Centres and Providers (ATC/Ps) in England to apply for funding for RLSS UK and IQL UK qualification candidate packs.

RLSS UK understands the challenges the industry faces, and this funding is designed to help, by providing ATC/Ps in England with free qualification candidate packs to help reduce the cost of essential training required during COVID-19.

All ATC/P Coordinators in England will have received an email from RLSS UK with details of how to apply for the funding.

Applications must be completed, by the ATC/P Coordinator or the Applicant must

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have gained permission from the ATC/P Coordinator to complete the application on their behalf.

Applications are managed on a firstcome-first-served basis until funding is used up. Qualification candidate packs awarded, must be used, and submitted to RLSS UK

by Friday 30 April 2021 (payment will be required for any qualifications not used).

If Pool Plant Operators are needed, the £1.5m allocated in Phase 2 of the ReTrain training initiative funded by The National Lottery through Sport England can also be taken advantage of.

All training provided through ReTrain must be delivered by CIMSPA Training Provider Partners.

RLSS UK’s partners, Institute of Swimming, who deliver courses for Pool Operators including the Pool Plant Operator Certificate, are an approved supplier of the scheme. Their courses cover everything needed for the safe maintenance of swimming pools, spas and other water features.

RLSS UK 0300 323 0096 www.rlss.org.uk

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PRODUCT / ECO NEWS

Vertical Invertech Model Joins SCP’s Heat Pump Offering

Cranbourne Stone Brings Cotswold Charm To Any Garden The Cotswolds is well-known for its quaint chocolate box cottages made from beautiful rustic stone, which give its buildings and the surrounding landscape its distinctive look. This popular stone has the creamy coloured hues and uniqueness that is proving a must-have in current swimming pool and landscape trends.

Although charming, the famous Cotswold limestone, which originates from the rural area, is prone to weathering, making it unsuitable as a sustainable paving choice. Cranbourne Stone has found the solution with its unique Cotswold Mint Sandstone which retains the beauty and charm of the traditional Cotswold limestone while overcoming its proneness to weather damage and degradation.

“The colour and look of Cotswold stone is extremely popular for the coming season,” explained Jo Standfield, Cranbourne Stone’s Sales Director. “It has the warm cream and honey-coloured tones that are catching

the attention of landscapers and designers around the country.”

Cranbourne Stone’s Cotswold Mint Sandstone is a hard-wearing and practical material, which creates stunning patios, terraces, paths and even swimming pool surrounds.

It has the unique traditional look, texture and colour of natural Cotswold limestone but also the longevity required for areas of high use.

Importantly it is also non-slip, making it perfect for the wet, winter season.

For those looking to achieve the same Cotswolds charm but with a modern edge, Leckford Sandstone fits the bill. This elegant sandstone with buff tones and a lightly sandblasted textured surface for added slip resistance is the ideal material to construct beautiful contemporary paving and swimming pool surrounds.

Cranbourne Stone 01264 810813 www.cranbournestone.co.uk

SCP UK offer a number of heat pump solutions and one of their popular lines has been the InverTech series from Garden Pac. Covering pools with volumes of water from 35m3 to 95m3 and introduced in 2020, the Vertical Invertech Turbo range has also been a huge success, perhaps as the result of one of its special features.

During standard use, each heat pump runs at the capacity needed to maintain heat levels and keep running costs as low as possible.

However, as the name suggests, each Vertical Invertech Turbo model has a unique booster function meaning heating performance can be 20% higher than the label capacity. By pressing the ‘boost’ button, the heat pump can run at full capacity which allows for the quick heating of any pool. This is possible thanks to larger compressors and evaporators.

With an average COP 10.6 at 50% capacity (Air 26°C / Water 26°C / Humidity 80%) and a maximum COP 15.5, double energy savings are provided.

The Mitsubishi DC inverter compressor and Full Inverter Fan motor offers owners a six times quieter swimming environment when maintaining pool temperatures and with heating and cooling functionality, owners can heat up the pool water or cool it down during hotter weather, or if maintaining exact Produced using robust aluminium casing, the Vertical Invertech Turbo is built to last and also comes with a seven year warranty on the Titanium Heat Exchanger and Compressor, plus a two year parts warranty.

Soft start standard on all models, as is Wi-Fi too, meaning real-time monitoring and control from a smartephone or device any time and from anywhere.

SCP UK 01293 546126 www.scpeurope.com

Pool Tiger – An Innovative And Effective Water Enhancer As a100% natural way to purify water, Pool Tiger is one of the most revolutionary, innovative and efficient technologies on the market!

With a budget of US$20m, Pool Tiger technology was originally developed for the oil industry, to sanitise wastewater from drilling operations. In 2015 (after 15 years of research and development), the product’s inventor decided to commercialise the technology.

After one further year of design and development, Pool Tiger finally became a device to purify the water within swimming pools and was released to the market in 2017.

Featuring a number of benefits that will enhance the water in any swimming pool, Pool Tiger:

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• Kills bacteria, algae, viruses and parasites • Reduces chlorine/bromine use by up to 75% • Helps balances pH of pool water and helps to keep acidity levels low • Lowers corrosive effects of high acidity, increasing life of pool equipment and finishes • Causes suspended particles to aggregate, so they are removed in the next filter cycle, making your pool water sparkle!

Activated by flowing water driven by the pool pump, the impressive product requires no electricity or chemicals to operate. It installs in minutes and with no assembly required or replacement of parts needed, maintenance

time is cut to a minimum.

By installing Pool Tiger, the capabilities of the pool filter are improved and a safer and cleaner swimming pool experience is achieved. In addition, the product infuses water with negative ions to help boost serotonin levels and reduces the risk of illness and the use of acid.

Pool Tiger Europe +46 40 42 10 00 www.pooltiger.eu

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PRODUCT / ECO NEWS

HeatSeeker® – An Environmentally Friendly Solution

Introducing The New Gemma Collection From Ezarri Ezarri starts the season with its new Gemma collection. Inspired by the outstanding Spanish swimmer Gemma Mengual, it is a mosaic collection which combines the sporting and artistic virtues of the discipline in which she has been champion so many times.

And as you would expect, in this collection the Ezarri mosaic shines with its own light. Exactly like the exploits of Gemma Mengual herself in swimming pools around the world.

Gemma, a name of Latin origin, encompasses all the different types of precious stone, perfectly imperfect and ideal for incorporating into a new mosaic collection with which to cover swimming pools, spas and wellness areas.

Inspired by these wonders of nature, the new Gemma collection shares many virtues with them including uniqueness, brilliance, durability, respect for the environment and extraordinary beauty. The result is that each Ezarri mosaic in the Gemma collection has unique veins and an infinite number of reflections. This

makes it an ideal tile to achieve the highest possible expression of beauty.

Always unique.

With this collection, Ezarri immerses itself in nature, both taking inspiration from it and using 100% recycled glass. In this way, projects can be created that blend harmoniously into any environment and which are extraordinarily beautiful and environmentally friendly too.

Another of the specific features of Ezarri’s new Gemma collection is its outstanding durability, due to the quality of the materials, the most advanced manufacturing technologies and Ezarri’s exclusive JointPoint® panelling system.

Twelve style references are grouped into four tones in the collection, so there are three style references in Sand tones, three in Green tones, three in Blue and the same number in Grey.

Ezarri Mosaico +34 943 164 140 www.ezarri.com

Inverter heat pumps have quickly become more widespread as customers become aware of fuel price increases and they prefer more cost effective and energy efficient ways to heat their swimming pools. Plastica’s latest HeatSeeker® Inverter Heat Pumps can consume less than 12% of the electricity of conventional electric pool heaters maintaining the same heating capacity.

Models in the HeatSeeker® range produce a COP of an average five times for every one kW of electricity consumed, running with an air temperature of only 15°C. If the air temperature available increases, the efficiency can be over eight times the supply power.

Plastica’s latest range comes with inverter technology that not only gives a low start-up current eliminating any power surge, but also the variable fan speeds allow it to keep the pool water at an optimum temperature while maximising efficiency.

Another benefit of this is a much quieter operating noise level than any previous ranges, making conforming to environmental legislation no problem.

The integral variable fan draws air across an evaporator, heat from the airflow is captured by the refrigerant flowing through the body of the evaporator.

This refrigerant is of an R32 type that is acceptable under all new regulations. Having extracted the heat from the air, the refrigerant is condensed and its heat then transferred to the passing pool water via the titanium heat exchanger.

Plastica’s comprehensive range of HeatSeeker® Inverter Heat Pumps will cover the full heating requirements of pools from 25m³ up to 85m³ of water volume and will work efficiently for the whole season.

Plastica Pools 01424 857802 www.plasticapools.net

Will 2021 Be The Year Of The Stretch Ceiling?

Stretch ceilings provide a number of advantages in the pool hall environment but there’s been an increased focus on their use recently due to a plaster shortage during lockdown combined with a desire for greener building materials.

With this in mind, Easy Ceiling boss, Elena Likhodaeva, predicts that the stretch ceiling market in the UK will see rapid growth in 2021.

Stretch ceilings are the perfect choice for swimming pools. They are incredibly strong, waterproof and bacteria resistant, so are ideal for the humid and moisture heavy environment of an indoor swimming pool.

They offer a huge choice of design options and due to their strength and impermeability, stretch ceilings are incredibly low maintenance too. However, one of the most compelling

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arguments for stretch ceilings versus other ceiling materials should be the single fact that they are 100% recyclable. None of the other commonly used materials can lay claim to being even 10% recyclable let alone 100%.

Stretch ceilings are also more energy efficient.

Because they are fitted below original ceilings, they create an air layer like the effect of double glazing, minimising energy loss. Stretch ceilings also reduce the air in the room to be heated and even better, you can put additional

insulation into the air layer.

Due to these sustainable attributes, Easy Ceiling is working with the University of Brighton’s award-winning Green Growth Platform to help spread the word about stretch ceilings. Green Growth Platform’s Commercialisation Manager Lorraine Bell was so impressed that she installed a stretch ceiling in her conservatory and commented: “Stretch ceilings are 100% recyclable, they create less waste, and you can put insulation above them to conserve energy. They also look cool. Why wouldn’t you want one?”

Easy Ceiling 01825 873525 www.easyceiling.co.uk

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HOT TUB, SWIM SPA & WELLNESS NEWS

Introducing The New Solstice Leisure Collection Of Hot Tubs Launched at the end of last year, the Solstice Leisure Collection is a range of four all new hot tubs from Aqua Design & Leisure.

The Sarsen is the largest model in the Solstice Leisure range and named after the largest stones of Stonehenge.

The Sarson’s comfortable ergonomic design is complemented by 40 pinpoint hydrotherapy jets, which target the body’s pressure points and offer an unbeatable massage experience.

Featuring seating for six with a lounger, the Sarson has a host of exciting features, including Bluetooth music, LED lighting and water features – all of which are sure to impress.

The smaller Tropic model also has seating for six with a lounger, but 35 pinpoint hydrotherapy jets.

The Equinox features seating for five people and as with the other models mentioned, also sports a host of entertainment features. With a comfortable moulded design which is enhanced with 30 hydrotherapy jets, the all-seater Equinox offers an incredible hot tub massage experience.

Lastly, there’s the Eclipse, a six-seater model that is due to arrive in March.

Inside the contemporary LED cabinet of each of these models, owners will find a corrosion resistant aluminium frame, shell, base and cabinet insulation plus Balboa control system.

With in impressive list of specifications, this competitively priced range of hot tubs have proven to be extremely popular since their launch with orders flooding in.

For peace of mind, all models come with a warranty of five years on the shell and structure plus two years on the equipment and plumbing too.

Aqua Design & Leisure 01980 611555 www.aquadesignandleisure.com

Spa Cocktails – Intoxicating, Exhilarating And Relaxing Following the launch of their Spa Cocktails at SPATEX almost a year ago, Darlly – one of the leading spa filter brands in Europe – are pleased to announce it has been an intoxicating year for the new spa product.

If you have yet to discover the range of fragrances, they are available in the following: • Gin & Tonic • Blue Lagoon • Margarita • Moscow Mule • Daiquiri

• Purple Rain • Pink Gin Fizz Intoxicating, exhilarating and relaxing, the Spa Cocktails are available in boxes of six bottles.

Darlly Europe’s Gil Gingell, said: “The Spa Cocktails were crafted to create the ultimate experience for use in spas.

Our aromatherapy spa crystals include essential oils, fine fragrances and other natural substances including Dead Sea Salts;

working together to awaken the senses,” He added: “Darlly’s Spa Cocktails will enhance the spa experience, nurturing the body and spirit. Our hand-crafted blends will immerse you in a soothing environment creating a caring and emotional wellbeing experience.

“Embracing our Intoxicating Spa Cocktails, with their gorgeous aroma, will turn the spa into a blissful sanctuary.”

Darlly Spa Cocktails provide a superior aromatherapy experience and samples of the range are available on request.

A New Name For Superior Spas With continued growth and with their business model evolving, in November Superior Spas officially became Superior Wellness – a move which better reflects what they do.

As a market leader, the company is the UK’s largest hot tub distributor and it creates premium, high quality products focused on improving health and wellbeing. The new name will also help to avoid confusion with the Superior Spas brand of hot tubs which will remain the same.

From their base in Chesterfield, the Superior team works with over 90 partners across the UK and Europe, serving thousands of customers worldwide. The company puts their customers first and offers a wide choice of products.

The company has also purchased a new 130,000 square foot office and warehouse in Chesterfield which will be the new home of Superior Wellness. The team will relocate to the new base early in 2021.

As an innovative manufacturer and distributor, Superior Wellness import from several countries to offer the widest choice of hot tubs, swim spas and other related products to trade and retail customers. They pride themselves on the close relationships they have built with their partners – they work as one team – and help their partner network and team members grow.

Their brand values are quality, choice, care and innovation – this is their focus every day to the highest standard.

Rob Carlin, Managing Director at Superior Wellness said: “The name change reflects what we do, we don’t just sell hot tubs and swim spas; our purpose is to improve the health and wellbeing for both our customers and team members too. Our vision is to become the world market leader in hot tubs and swim spas, offering the widest choice of high-quality products and commended for our focus on wellness and best in class customer experience.”

Superior Wellness 01246 932448 www.superiorwellness.co.uk

Darlly Europe 01952 580500 www.darllyeurope.com

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HOT TUB, SWIM SPA & WELLNESS NEWS

Shoreline Spa Packs – A Plug And Play Installation Solution A Unique Cover Solution For Hot Tubs – T&A’s RollOver The RollOver is a unique, high-end automatic cover solution for aboveground and integrated spas – it’s the result of multiple years of in-house engineering and testing of different designs.

The cover unrolls automatically using no ropes nor rails, making it very easy to install. This simple approach also means it adapts to virtually every model of portable spa on the market today.

The product puts the cover on the spa without shifting the slats. This way it avoids scratching the edge of the spa. To make this possible, T&A had to develop a unique drivetrain which is now widely patented.

The RollOver uses slats with significant advantages over other covers frequently delivered with spas. The base of the slat is made from silicone rubber and is therefore water-repellent. This also means algae gets no chance to grow on the bottom of the cover. This is in stark contrast to the covers that are often supplied as standard. Over time, they absorb water, becoming not only heavier but also unsanitary!

The slats on the RollOver only roll up in one direction, making them impossible to lift when lying flat on the edge of the spa. They can easily carry the weight of an adult, making the product safe for children.

The RollOver is installed on a table next to the spa. Made to size, this table supports the cover when the spa is in use and stores towels.

A lift is integrated in a cabinet next to the spa: when rolled up, the RollOver sinks away into the cabinet thus hiding the cover completely.

This solution is more aesthetically pleasing, and allows for a 360° view when sitting in the spa.

The cover is operated via key switch, which also ensures safety.

Business is going really well for Splash-Tec at the moment and the Cornish firm are seeing more and more demand from clients than ever before for their spa systems. They offer a specialist service that really adds value, delivering exciting projects from superyacht spas to holiday park spa projects.

They have tried to simplify the process of installing a spa for the client and developed a solution called Shoreline.

The Shoreline Spa packs provide a plug and play solution to installing a spa or a swim spa, whether it be for domestic, business or commercial use.

Each spa equipment pack is pre-assembled onto an aluminium frame with everything needed to run the spa. The control panel incorporates a touch screen interface that is pre-configured to operate all of the equipment on the frame. Options are available for either electric heating or heat exchangers.

They have developed the Shoreline product range so that it’s as simple as possible to install – the labour required on site is minimal and this offers clients considerable savings in terms of both money and time. The concept is plug and play and Splash-Tec make sure each package of equipment is tailored specifically to each project.

As a company, Splash-Tec are specialists in spa systems for any situation and use, offering both design and specification services and a supply only service – leaving the final installation and connection to on site contractors.

Splash-Tec 01326 375610 www.splash-tec.co.uk

T&A + 32 14 23 74 95 www.t-and-a.be

Superior Add A New Exclusive Spa Range With the current climate as it is, forecasting for 2021 has become increasingly important, not just for manufacturers and distributors, but also for dealerships. As most across the sector are aware, the demands for hot tubs worldwide has seen a squeeze on the supply chain and lead times have continued to extend outwards. With this in mind, forward thinking team at Superior Wellness have signed an exclusive agreement to supply a new range of spas to the UK market in 2021 and beyond.

Thermals by Superior Wellness sees a wellbalanced range offering stylish moulds and a mixture of single and dual pump spas covering an array of sizes

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with the top of the range Emerald, which accommodates seven, retailing for well under £10,000. Three swim spas are also available and complete the impressive new line-up.

Built using a corrosion free steel frame, Aristech acrylic and Gecko equipment, the

At the top of the new Thermals range, the Emerald accommodates seven people

Thermals by Superior Wellness range delivers fantastic hydrotherapy and represents great value for money.

Due to their unique buying power, Superior have forward ordered over 4,000 units for delivery throughout 2021. Adapting the usual business model they have yet again brought you a range of high quality spas designed for a partner to make a good return on their investment.

If you are looking at alternatives to fulfil your supply during 2021, look no further than Superior Wellness and their ever growing portfolio of products.

Superior Wellness 01246 932448 www.superiorwellness.co.uk

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WORLD NEWS

IN BRIEF ITALIAN POOL SHOW DELAYS EVENT UNTIL MARCH In light of the latest developments surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic, ForumPiscine, the Italian fair for swimming pools and spas along with its authoritative Congress, has not cancelled its 2021 event. Instead, it is proposing a small shift in time and a delay of the event of about two weeks.

ForumPiscine makes the commitment to offer a tangible contribution to help and support the sector and as the first physical event on 2021 wet leisure calendar, it plans to be the main point of reference regarding the latest product news and innovations released by companies throughout these tough months. In addition, there will be an extensive programme of high level contents aimed at operators, managers and designers.

Organisers have confirmed the revised dates as 10-12 March 2021 and are looking forward to the Bologna-based event.

UNITED AQUA GROUP MAKE ENABLE REBATE MANAGEMENT DECISION Enable, a leader in cloudbased B2B rebate management software, have announced that United Aqua Group (UAG), one of the largest organisations in the US pool and spa industry, has chosen its software to optimise its supplier program management and provide greater visibility of its trading agreements for their members.

Jon Damaska, Director of Sales, United Aqua Group said: “We are striving to increase our efficiency in ways that will benefit both our members and our vendor partners, and it is hard to imagine a program better suited to that task than Enable. We will be shifting from spreadsheet-based rebate calculations – which consume huge amounts of time and energy – to an automated solution that has already earned us kudos, and we aren’t even fully set up yet!”

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Every Day Is A Holiday For Pool Owning German Family With a fondness for swimming combined with a special emotional relationship which had developed through taking holidays which featured a swimming pool, for the Sommers family, the decision to invest in their own pool for their German home was an obvious one. They had specific and clearly defined requirements though and based on the recommendations of a friend with good experience, they decided on a swimming pool from NIVEKO. “We were inspired by years spent on holidays. We wanted particularly a swimming pool with wide steps and shallow depth in the front part

of the pool, which would be suitable for small children in the future.

In order to fulfil our idea to the last detail, we needed a custommade pool manufacturer,” said Mr Sommers. He continued: “My wife comes from France, and we used to go to southern France regularly on holiday. There we rented a house with a swimming pool, which was always nice. And the general warming here in Germany added to this, so having a swimming pool is just worth it for us.”

The family decided upon the NIVEKO Skimmer Invisible option.

The 8.5 x 2.65 metre pool with white outer square steps – the

perfect option for any customer who wishes to make the most of the size of their pool. The location of these is fully down to each customer too meaning maximum design flexibility.

“We have spent the first season with our NIVEKO pool.

We had a total of three weeks to completely prepare the terrace and we personally helped with it all the time. We are absolutely satisfied; the delivery was very timely!” concluded Mr Sommers.

NIVEKO s.r.o. +420 572 693 246 www.niveko-pools.com

Studio Apostoli Spa Project Wins International Award

Located in the beautiful setting of the Gulf of Trieste, Portopiccolo Spa has recently been proclaimed the winner of the ‘2020 World Luxury Spa Awards’ in the ‘Luxury Destination Spa’ category.

Portopiccolo Spa is an oasis of well-being overlooking the sea. With panoramic terraces rich in vegetation, light-coloured stone surfaces and large windows allowing breathtaking views, it represents an important piece of the village of Sistiana and a wellness location of international significance due to the quality of its services, sustainable orientation and the elegance of its architecture.

Designed by Studio Apostoli, the Spa is spread over three levels. On the ground floor a more collective and choral dimension is created, while intimacy and privacy increase on the floors above.

With a fan shaped structure and colonnade, the ground floor houses the training pool and changing rooms plus other non-wet leisure related facilities.

On the first floor, an in-out pool is the main focus of the space, completely glazed to enhance a continuous dialogue with the landscape. The pool is equipped with various kinds of water

games; alongside is completed with emotional showers, Kneipp path, hammam, biosauna and Finnish sauna, as well as a salt cave. Outside there’s a green terrace with sunbeds from which to enjoy the view of the sea.

The last floor houses the beauty Spa, with numerous cabins that offers a wide variety of beauty treatments, a Panoramic Spa Suite for couples and a private Spa, with Kneipp path and an ice facade, a sauna, a steam bath, emotional showers, relaxation room, a cold water tubs and an area for iodine cures.

Studio Apostoli +39 045 8779 190 www.studioapostoli.com

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WORLD NEWS

Fluidra Consolidates Its Pool Headquarters In Spain Industry Gains Another European Leader!

Fluidra, a global leader in the swimming pool and wellness equipment sector, has rented a 4,480m2 building in the Grupo Catalana Occidente’s Catalana Parc business park in Sant Cugat del Vallès, located just outside Barcelona.

With this lease, Fluidra will bring part of its corporate and sales staff (more than 400 people) to the same headquarters under a new working model adapted to current requirements.

Eloi Planes, Fluidra’s Executive President,

said: “This new location will give us a place to carry on our business more efficiently while adapting to new ways of working. These new facilities will enhance our corporate image and help us simplify processes, increase interpersonal communication, be more sustainable and encourage collaborative, flexible working.”

CBRE, the leading international real estate consultancy and services company, has overseen the leasing operation between Fluidra and Catalana Parc. In addition, to set the new working model in motion, CBRE Workplace has developed a consultancy to help define and analyse the needs of all its workers, a ‘smart working’ model where they can choose between different types of spaces as and when necessary.

Catalana Parc is strategically located in a consolidated, dynamic business park that is headquarters for many companies. It is also well connected with the city of Barcelona as it is located next to the AP7 motorway and the Sant Joan railway station. It has several catering establishments and a 4-star AC hotel in the neighbourhood.

In addition, the six buildings that make up the Catalana Parc complex are state-of-theart offices with high-level energy efficiency, a car park and garden areas that correspond to the new, more balanced working models to which companies such as Fluidra are openly committed.

T&A Expands Its Manufacturing Capacity For The 2021 Season Thanks to their constant investing in the future, Technics & Applications (T&A) has experienced considerable growth over the past few years and in order to keep up with their own success, the company have started the construction of a new unit. This 5,000m² building will be used as a production hall as well as an extra warehouse with construction works being completed at the end of 2020.

Situated in the North of Belgium, T&A’s automatic swimming pool and spa covers are distributed in more than 20 different countries and the subsequent production increase will make the manufacturers lead times even more reliable and will allow them to optimise their logistics and service.

The company produces high quality made-to-measure products using only high-end raw material and sub-assemblies. It controls the production process from A to Z making it possible to supply highend and stable quality products.

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This has resulted in T&A becoming one of the leading manufacturers of automatic pool covers in Europe.

The company has been manufacturing since 1995, meaning that in 2020, it celebrated its 25th anniversary! However, with the current COVID-19 situation, like many companies around the world, they haven’t been able to organise any of their planned actual celebrations as yet.

T&A +32 1 423 74 95 www.t-and-a.be The new T&A building taking shape in the autumn

LPW Pools, Covrex® and Walter Piscine – three experts within the swimming pool sector – have joined forces in order to found a new corporate family group called TSPH – The Swimming Pool Hub. The affiliation of the companies will strengthen the qualitative approach by offering customers a wider range of products. With the birth of TSPH, comes an opportunity for pool businesses across Europe to benefit from the vaste experience of these three players.

Covrex®, the manufacturer of automatic pool covers, distributes in more than 35 countries. Its product range includes a unique foam filled insulating slat and solar slats in polycarbonate and PVC. Covrex® also supplies 15 different types of stainless steel drive systems for swimming pool covers.

Walter Piscine is a specialist in swimming pool covers. As one of the market leaders, it has been developing, producing and selling products for over 28 years. Not only does it supply a wide range of swimming pool covers in France and neighbouring countries, but it also provides bar supported covers, mobile terraces, summer and winter pool covers, pool liners and other equipment for swimming pools and spas. The production site is based in Brumath in France, a strategic position at the heart of Europe.

LPW Pools, is a Belgian manufacturer with over 55 years of experience in the making of one-piece pools in vinyl ester resin. LPW is a company capable of providing top of the range quality. These swimming pools are available through a network of certified pool builders in Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK through Fairlocks Pool Products.

TSPH +32 1 662 26 16 www.tsph.com

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 11/01/2021 16:26

Garden Pac 2021 Ad_Project7 14/12/2020 14:18 Page 1

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Tel 01293 546 126 / 01268 273 040 Fax 01293 528 442 / 01268 273 041 email info.uk@scppool.com / Head Office & Distribution Centre / 1 Church Road / Lowfield Heath / Crawley / West Sussex /RH11 0PQ

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POOL & SPA INDUSTRY

Summing Up A Challenging Year BSPF Managing Director Chris Hayes reflects on a COVID-19 impacted year, thanks those that played their part in ensuring industry continuity and looks forward to events at the start of a new year

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fter a challenging 2020 for many, I hope everyone enjoyed a great, albeit somewhat different than usual, festive break. What an incredible year we have just witnessed. With the latest news of virus cases increasing, and Governments across Britain again tightening restrictions, it is likely that business will be challenging for many during the first quarter of 2021. However, with vaccines being produced and rolled out, there is much to be optimistic about going forward.

COVID-19 has significantly shaped the way that we work in many ways, and online meetings (used by many) have now come of age. No longer are they a lesser option to keep in contact with other businesses and end-user clients. Although more people will now be used to this way of working, given human nature is for contact with other people, 2021 will likely see a resurgence in face-to-face meetings when it is deemed safe to do so. Our industry has adapted and changed, with more information being shared online in webinars. It has also helped that many of the representatives who sit on the industry committees have been doing so for a long time.

An online presence was the agreed way forward for both the BISHTA and SPATA Information Days (rather than had been initially planned for events in Andover and also in Doncaster). The speakers provided some excellent topics, and you can read a follow-up from some of them in this issue of SPN (please see pages 30 and 31 for an article by Sarah Barrett, who is based at the Home Office, and also Mike Kearney

and Susan Winsor, who are from the Office for Product Safety and Standards). Future issues of SPN will feature some of the other speakers and their contributions. Please note the presentations are available in the members’ hub on the respective websites.

With the uncertainty for hosting physical events and with the government announcement that indoor exhibitions would not be possible until at least March 2021, SPATEX swiftly moved into action (having been exploring online options behind the scenes). Following a vast amount of research from Michele Bridle and Helen Mulingani, a shortlist of possible providers made a presentation to the SPATEX Board and a preferred supplier was asked to provide details to the exhibitors on what we could offer in 2021. Nick Brake at vFairs organised a very successful online meeting with the exhibitors present, with very positive feedback. Following this, SPATEX 2021 was approved to be a virtual show which provides the opportunity to maintain business engagement with each other at a broader industry level along with the educational opportunities and to showcase winners of the 2021 British Pool & Hot Tub Awards (hosted by BISHTA and SPATA).

The winners of the British Pool & Hot Tub Awards will be announced online on Tuesday 2 February during the SPATEX Virtual event.

Hopefully, many of the entrants will be arranging safe (if virtual) ways to get-together with their staff while the awards are taking place to celebrate their achievements. Some of the British Pool & Hot Tub Award winners have also been waiting to find out if they have won a Gold, Silver or Bronze award at the 2020 EUSA European Pool and Spa Awards. With the awards initially scheduled to be announced in Lyon as part of Piscine Global Europe (was cancelled), discussions have taken place with EUSA and winners were

COVID-19 has significantly shaped the way that we work in many ways, and online meetings (used by many) have now come of age�

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announced in early January, so congratulations to Rigo Spa and Tanby Pools for their respective Bronze awards (and to all of the other Gold, Silver and Bronze winners from across Europe). The trophies will be formally presented at aquanale in October 2021.

SPATEX will be promoting the 4th meeting of WAPSA which has also been rescheduled due to the cancellation of Piscine Global Europe. This is an exciting opportunity to bring all of the national pool and spa associations together for an online event.

WAPSA (The World Alliance of Pool and Spa Associations) will provide updates on the progress to date regarding the subgroups looking at data (statistics), education, safety, and environmental impacts.

Finally, and with this issue being delayed due to COVID-19 disruption and therefore coming out at the start of a New Year, I would like to thank the dedicated team that provided the support to our members and exhibitors/ visitors throughout last year; Jan Hardy, Sallie Leslie-Golding, Isabel Lock, Caroline Cross and Debbie Thornton all play a vital part in the Andover office on behalf of the BSPF, BISHTA, SPATA and PIP. I would also like to thank the SPATEX team for all of their hard work, especially in relation to the forthcoming Virtual Show: Michele Bridle, Helen Mulingani, Penny Farmer and Thay Castro, Howard Gosling (SPATEX Chairman and to the rest of the SPATEX Directors). To the other dedicated Chairs of the respective Boards, Committees and Councils and all of their respective colleagues: Jamie Smith (BSPF), Richard Carrington (SPATA), Pete Grinnall (BISHTA), Dyfed Thompson-Smith (PIP), and Patrick Thorpe for his role as Company Secretary (for BSPF, SPATA, BISHTA and PIP).

The many dedicated members, of the BISHTA and SPATA technical committees, who worked tirelessly again in 2020, under the respective chairmanship of Howard Gosling and Peter Lang. SPATA is also very fortunate to have five inspectors to call upon (Peter Lang, Tim Bareham, Ian Betts, Dennis Freeman-Wright and Steve Conway). My thanks to you all.

SPN December 2020 27 11/01/2021 16:26

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POOL & SPA INDUSTRY

Everydaycation Campaign Evaluation After a busy year for the industry, Sallie Leslie-Golding provides a summary of this year’s PIP campaign

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he Pool Industry Promotions (PIP) campaign to promote the UK hot tub and pool industry for 2020 started in June this year. In October, the PIP committee met online with our campaign agency (Speed Communications) for an evaluation and to assess the KPI achievements which are outlined below.

As we are all aware, the surge in demand for water leisure products this year has been outstanding. This can be attributed to ‘lockdown’ and people spending more time at home, focusing on their homes, gardens and lifestyle, also in a majority of cases having a holiday budget that could be repurposed.

But the great weather in the UK also had a significant influence, with all of these creating the ‘perfect storm’ for the demand for water leisure products.

However, strategically, although there was a surge in demand for these products this year, the opportunity to have an influential voice through the press and media, to help convert consumers into buying customers is evident from the #everydaycation campaign results.

You may have read in previous issues of SPN full details on the content of the various elements of this year’s campaign so I won’t go into the detail of these, but I wanted to share with you a summary of the campaign evaluation.

THE RESULTS

Social Media Ad Performance • 55,838 clicks • 2,169,194 people reached • Women 45-54 most engaged • Pools – an even split between men and women, when compared with hot tubs, though still skews female. Engagement continues into the 65+ category, likely due to price • Hot Tubs – attracted an overwhelmingly female audience. Most engaged demographic is female 25-35 – limited interest in the 55+ category

The majority of the top-level campaign marketing was designed to promote the industry as a whole to provide awareness and information for consumers to make informed purchase decisions. PIP initially planned the campaign in March 2020 as a safety net for the industry, but as mentioned, it soon became apparent that the industry was experiencing a surge in demand for water leisure products. Therefore, the purpose of the campaign was altered to ensure the ‘right’ information was shared with the media and any myths were dispelled, and ultimately to be a voice for the UK’s hot tub and pool industry.

PERFORMANCE

www.bishta.co.uk (compared to 2019): • 100% increase in traffic from Facebook • Improvement in bounce rate (3% lower) • Top-performing page – Where to Buy (find a member)

www.spata.co.uk (compared to 2019): • 54% more visitors • 186% increase in traffic from Facebook • Improvement in bounce rate (15% lower) • Top-performing page – Where to Buy (find a member)

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED? Our campaign agency (Speed Communications) provided some of the key findings from this year’s campaign results: • We were aware from the beginning of the campaign that the audiences for the pool and hot tub sectors were very different; however, this became more apparent from this year’s campaign. In 2021 we would recommend an audience-specific approach, with two separate campaigns with different tactical activations to appeal

to the various media outlets – mainstream media for hot tubs and high-end and luxury media for swimming pools.

• Providing we can start activity earlier; we can tap into the long-lead print opportunities with our summer content.

• Costs are a consideration when it comes to working with influencers – they all want paying, and so we need to consider how important this channel is to the audiences and if it is worth the financial investment.

• The Metro competition has worked well to give BISHTA mass exposure that is measurable. But this would not be an element that we would include for 2021.

• There was minimal appeal from the mainstream media for a pool competition, as the perception is that there would be space and running cost considerations.

That said, we did have some interest from regional luxury magazines.

• Digital photography is key – a combination of aspirational, and inspirational. Celebrity endorsements work well. Pool and hot tub audiences are quite distinct; we would like to dig into the data further for more detailed targeting in 2021.

The PIP Committee recently met to discuss the annual PIP Strategic Planning to review the effectiveness of the strategy for 2020 and also to plan activity for 2021. The Speed Comms team joined the meeting to present their proposal for next year so that PIP can consider this as part of their own, overall strategy and I will be sharing news of this in a future issue of SPN. BISHTA / SPATA 01264 356211 / 01264 356210 www.bishta.co.uk / www.spata.co.uk

WEBSITE PERFORMANCE

www.everydaycation.co.uk – the campaign website launched on 10 June 2020, to straddle the pool and hot tub industries, providing a destination website for the campaign to drive consumers to for engagement, information and a route to purchase through the BISHTA and SPATA websites: • Visits to the website during the campaign period (June – October): 47,192 • Organic and direct traffic: 8,749 • Social traffic: 38,506 • Average time on the quiz page: 1m 41s

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 29_SPN_December_20_PIP_Campaign.indd 29

The majority of the top-level campaign marketing was designed to promote the industry as a whole to provide awareness and information for consumers to make informed purchase decisions” SPN December 2020 29 11/01/2021 16:27

POOL & SPA INDUSTRY

Suspicious Activity Around The Purchase Of Chemicals In this issue, Detective Inspector Sarah Barratt at the Home Office provides insight for our industry on the sale of Regulated and Reportable Chemicals

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s a seconded police officer within the Office for Security and Counter Terrorism, part of my role is to provide education and training to industry around the sale of Regulated and Reportable Chemicals and ensure that they are aware of their legal responsibility to report suspicious transactions.

The hot tub, spa and swimming pool sector have a vitally important role to play in this process. The industry provides access to chemicals for pool, spa and hot tub owners across the UK both on the high street and online, and some of these chemicals will fall within the Poisons Act legislation as explosive precursors, and as such, they can be synthesised into homemade explosive devices.

Within our team, we look to conduct a yearly exercise to benchmark legislation compliance across a particular sector. In March 2020, we focused on a small sample of hot tub/spa/ pool stores. Under the Poisons Act, it is an offence not to report a suspicious transaction of a regulated or reportable substance, and this is what we were primarily testing. We went equipped with a list of desired chemicals but intentionally displayed very little knowledge around the products’ use.

It is clear that the staff were knowledgeable about the chemicals and products. This, alongside the presence of CCTV, did make us feel uncomfortable about selecting and insisting on particular products. This is not something average members of the public would notice, but will act as a deterrent for those with criminal intent. However, despite us asking for amounts, combinations and products that should have been overtly suspicious, no suspicious transaction reports were made to the police during our visits.

Maybe we didn’t fit your expectations of suspicious?

Maybe your perceptions are age, gender or ethnicity-based?

Whatever your preconceptions, I would encourage you to use your experience to consider the whole transaction when deciding if this was a novice customer or someone with an ulterior motive?

Was the customer nervous or unwilling to communicate?

A customer who only wishes to pay cash or pay for large quantities are indicators that their needs may not be as they seem

Was the customer asking for unusual amount and combinations?

Was the customer unfamiliar with the products and their use?

Did the customer refuse reasonable alternative product suggestions?

Does the customer only wish to pay cash or pay for large quantities?

Is the customer seeking to arrange unusual delivery or dispatch arrangements?

These may be small indicators that the customers’ needs may not be as they seem.

WHAT CAN YOU DO? Firstly, you are the subject matter experts and with this knowledge can already recognise when the products selected don’t quite add up or understand when product combinations and quantities seem unusual. You already engage with customers to understand their needs and ensure that the products and chemicals are both safe and suitable. This is the perfect opportunity to explore the products further with the customer. It need not be anything more than your usual sales interaction, but unconsciously you are gaining the information to process if the details of this transaction make sense.

The best advice I can give is if it doesn’t feel right, then it’s likely that it is not!

What do you have instore to support staff report when they think that they had a suspicious transaction?

The majority of the top-level campaign marketing was designed to promote the industry as a whole to provide awareness and information for consumers to make informed purchase decisions” 30 December 2020 SPN 30_SPN_December_20_BSPF_Suspicious_Activity.indd 30

Do you include Poisons Act training for your staff?

Do staff know what products are covered by the Poisons Act? Do staff know how to report concerns to the Chemical Reporting Service?

If your staff training could do with a revamp, there are several resources that you can utilise from the GOV.UK website that can inform and educate your teams. There are posters which can be placed in prominent locations in staff areas that identify the explosive precursor products you sell. There are leaflets available that give your staff indicators of common suspicious behaviours.

Any suspicious transactions (business to consumer and business to business) of regulated substances and reportable substances must be either: • Reported to the national contact point on 0800 789321, or • Emailed to chemical.reporting@met.police.uk Please remember, if you sell any regulated chemical, which most likely would be Sulphuric Acid, there are additional obligations on top of the suspicious transaction reporting that must be undertaken before any sale. Your staff must be familiar with this, as any contravention can result in a prosecution under the Poisons Act. If you have additional questions or concerns around the sales of hot tub, spa or pool chemicals, please feel free to contact the team at precursorsandpoisons@ homeoffice.gov.uk UK Home Office 020 7035 4848 www.homeoffice.gov.uk

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 11/01/2021 16:28

POOL & SPA INDUSTRY

Protecting Consumers From Unsafe Products After a busy year which resulted in many entry-level pool and spa owners, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) share news of action taken to remove unsafe products which have infiltrated our industry

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s part of the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, the OPSS exists for the purpose of making regulation work. Its mission is to be a trusted product regulator, protecting people and places, enabling businesses to thrive and empowering consumers to make good choices.

As a product regulator, a leader of good regulatory practice and a champion of local regulation, OPSS plays an essential role in protecting consumers from unsafe products and increasing demand and confidence in UK product markets, whilst reducing environmental impact. We work with local, national, and international regulators, with consumer representatives and with businesses to protect people and places and to support compliance.

Where compliance concerns emerge within particular sectors, or with specific product categories, we often work with relevant trade associations and businesses representative bodies to properly understand the issue and establish how best to intervene. We often rely on guidance and business support as a means of addressing problems, but where issues present significant risks, we are prepared to take additional steps, including product testing and formal investigation.

BISHTA and SPATA jointly contacted OPSS raising concerns around the safety of pool immersion heaters. Handheld immersion heaters have been on the market for a long time, such as those advertised for camping to heat a cup of water. However, the design of this product, mainly to heat inflatable paddling pools, is novel. OPSS agreed to investigate, as it tackles cases that are nationally significant, novel or contentious.

There have been two types of pool immersion heaters identified for sale online.

BISHTA and SPATA referred product type 1 to OPSS, but when doing our own sweep of Product type 1

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 31_SPN_December_20_BSPF_Product_Safety.indd 31

these products online, OPSS identified a second type of product, which has a guard around the heating element.

OPSS purchased 11 pool immersion heaters that were suspected of not complying with The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 across a range of online marketplaces.

These products are mainly being sold by third-party sellers based outside of the EU, most of which are located in China.

All 11 products failed testing. All failed on markings and instructions, including not having a CE mark. Most did not have a batch or serial number or the manufacturer’s name and address on the product, so the products are not traceable. Six of the products had accessible metallic parts, were unearthed and separated from live parts using single insulation. Of the products with a guard, in all cases the guard was in direct contact with the heating element, removing its functionality. Other failures included the mains plug not meeting the dimensional requirements of the Standard and the product being supplied with an adapter which did not meet the dimensional requirements of the Standard and having direct access to live parts as the adapter was un-shuttered.

Following testing, all products were risk assessed and identified as a serious risk.

Hazards included a scalding risk from being able to touch the bare element, and where the product is unearthed, electrocution from the consumer testing the water whilst the heater is plugged in. In addition, there is a risk of damage to an inflatable pool and likely melting and possible fire risk if the element comes into contact with the side of pools of this type.

Product type 2

OPSS ran a Summer Safety Campaign on Twitter and produced an A5 leaflet warning consumers to be wary of summer holiday bargains

The project had a positive outcome and is a good example of how collaboration between OPSS, trade associations, online selling platforms and their Primary Authority can lead to the removal of unsafe products from the marketplace.

All 11 products that were tested have been taken down from the online selling platforms and have been notified to EU Rapex Safety Gate. OPSS contacted all the sellers, to inform them that their product was a serious risk and to request that they recall their product.

OPSS ran a Summer Safety Campaign on Twitter and produced an A5 leaflet warning consumers to be wary of summer holiday bargains. This highlighted bargain electrical goods, including pool immersion heaters.

Office for Product Safety and Standards 0121 345 1201 www.beis.gov.uk / www.gov.uk

Where compliance concerns emerge within particular sectors, or with specific product categories, we often work with relevant trade associations and businesses representative bodies to properly understand the issue and establish how best to intervene�

SPN December 2020 31 11/01/2021 16:28

STA POOL PLANT – HEATING & VENTILATION

Preventing The Spread Of COVID In The Swimming Pool Setting

The inclusion of a quality ventilation system has always been critical for safe and comfortable pool hall conditions

In this latest issue, Robbie Phillips STA’s Pool Plant Consultant discusses the importance of heating and ventilation and how it has an important role to play in preventing the spread of COVID in the swimming pool setting

T

he obvious objective of swimming pool heating and ventilation is to provide a safe, comfortable environment for staff, users and the facility. Swimming pool heating and ventilation can also be a source of substantial energy cost savings. But can maintaining effective ventilation help prevent the spread of COVID? When air is at a lower temperature than water evaporation occurs and humidity increases.

Maintain air at or up to 1°C above water temperature and evaporation will not occur. The temperature should be no higher than 30°C for facility user comfort. For pools exceeding these temperatures then specialist dehumidification equipment should be considered.

Pool water in poorly managed or designed pools may contain corrosive and noxious gases that can degrade the structure of the building and be uncomfortable for facility users. Facilities with warmer water, for example hydrotherapy pools or parent and toddler pools will need specialised dehumidification to prevent excessive condensation.

DISTRIBUTION It is necessary to ensure that the air circulation system distributes the air effectively over the whole of the pool hall area to: • Provide comfortable conditions for occupants • Remove any chlorinous smells and prevent corrosion • Reduce the risk of condensation • Control air movement within the occupied area so it does not produce uncomfortable draughts • Ensure it will not cause infiltration to other areas

TEMPERATURES In 1984 the DoE guidelines on pool water remarked that water temperatures were then increasing to as high as 27°C! Typical temperatures nowadays appear to be commonly around 29°C and even 30°C or more in some instances.

Some pools do need to be warmer, e.g. hydrotherapy and parent and toddler pools, but operators tempted to join the move

Ventilation plays a key role in diluting airborne SARS-CoV-2 in respiratory aerosols.

Poorly ventilated spaces increase the risk of transmission and the potential benefits of increasing ventilation to a poorly ventilated space are greater than for an already well-ventilated space” 32 December 2020 SPN 32-33_SPN_December_20_STA_Rev.indd 32

towards higher temperatures should bear in mind that they do create a number of potential problems: • Micro-organisms multiply faster – up to twice as fast for a 10°C rise; filters are increasingly likely to become colonised • Bathers get hotter – limiting serious swimming and increasing sweat and grease in the water • Energy costs, direct and indirect, are higher whatever efficiency or conservation methods are used – the process of evaporation uses significant energy and hence is costly • Air temperatures, which are linked to those of the water, rise too – making the atmosphere less comfortable for facility users (as can the higher moisture levels) • There is more moisture in the pool atmosphere, even when relative humidity is controlled at the same level – with a risk of condensation and possibly corrosion and deterioration of the building fabric, structure, and equipment • Dissolved gases become less soluble – more bad smells (chloramines); plus the pH value rises as carbon dioxide escapes.

The temperature of the pool hall air should normally be maintained at around the water temperature – no more than 1°C above. It is recommended that air temperatures of 30°C or more should generally be avoided.

PWTAG also recommend that relative

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 11/01/2021 16:29

STA POOL PLANT – HEATING & VENTILATION PWTAG Recommended Pool Water Temperatures Ranges (By Use) • Competitive swimming and diving, training, fitness swimming 26-28°C • Recreational use, conventional main pools, and adult teaching 27-29°C • Leisure pools 28-30°C • Children’s teaching 29-31°C • Babies, young children, and disabled 30-32°C • Hydrotherapy 32-35°C • Spa pools 30-40°C

To support energy saving strategies, one useful programme for identifying heat loss in a leisure building is thermal imaging

humidity should be maintained at a level of 60% (no less than 50%, no more than 70%) throughout the pool hall area.

For multi-use swimming pools, clearly there may have to be compromises where, for example, parents and toddlers have to be accommodated in the same area as fitness swimming.

Where the pool water temperature is higher than the air temperature condensation will form. This could adversely affect the building structure, particularly if chloramines are present.

• Removing chlorinous smells (particularly trichloramines) and other disinfection by-products and contaminants from the air • Controlling the pool hall air quality, temperature, and humidity and hence evaporation from the pool surface • Controlling condensation • Maintaining comfortable environmental conditions for bathers, staff, spectators etc (relatively draught-free conditions).

VENTILATION AND AIR CIRCULATION

THE IMPORTANCE OF VENTILATION IN RELATION TO COVID-19

This is a complex and critical area, it is generally recommended that fresh or treated air is well distributed over the whole area and that air movement within the occupied zone is maintained within acceptable conditions for bather health and comfort (pool, changing areas etc).

This key factor has been under focus during the current pandemic.

The ideal ventilation rate for a pool hall, taking into account varying external conditions, bathing loads, evaporation rate, water quality, etc is very difficult to estimate and will, by necessity, change with varying circumstances.

An effective, well distributed mechanical supply and extract ventilation system, however, is recommended and essential to maintain satisfactory internal safe environmental conditions under all potential uses.

The ventilation system is normally the primary, or only means of:

The key actions are: • Understand your ventilation system • Understand where you may have poorly ventilated spaces or areas • Increase the ventilation rate as much as reasonably possible; this may require changes to CO2 set points (for both mechanical ventilation and automated windows) • Avoid recirculation/transfer of air from one room to another unless this is the only way of providing a sufficient rate to all occupied rooms • Recirculation of air within a single room where this is complemented by an outside air supply is acceptable as this helps to provide more outside air to occupants and can help to maintain thermal comfort.

VENTILATION COVID RESTRICTIONS Ventilation plays a key role in diluting airborne SARS-CoV-2 in respiratory aerosols.

It is necessary to ensure that the air circulation system distributes the air effectively over the whole of the pool hall area

32-33_SPN_December_20_STA_Rev.indd 33

Special thanks also go to Jo Catterall of Certikin International, Ian Jones of Circadian Trust and Luke Griffiths from Safety Training Awards for their input with this piece.

For information on all of STA’s COVID-19 resources please visit our website and follow the links from the home page. Alternatively, please join us online at SPATEX Virtual taking place 2-4 February 2021 – on behalf of STA, might I also say a huge thanks to SPATEX for pulling out all the stops to make sure the event takes place in 2021.

STA 01922 645097 www.sta.co.uk

Image courtesy of Swim Centre Wales

An effective, well distributed mechanical supply and extract ventilation system, is recommended to maintain satisfactory internal safe environmental conditions

Image courtesy of Swim Centre Wales

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk

Poorly ventilated spaces increase the risk of transmission and the potential benefits of increasing ventilation to a poorly ventilated space are greater than for an already wellventilated space.

Ventilation has always been critical for safe and comfortable pool hall conditions.

PWTAG’s guidance in their publication, Swimming Pool Water and Code of Practice is that pool ventilation systems should provide at least 12 litres per second of fresh air for each occupant of the pool hall – bathers, staff, and spectators.

During the pandemic – especially given the significance of COVID-19 transmission by respired aerosols as well as larger droplets – operators should aim for 20 litres per second of fresh air for each occupant of the pool hall, including bathers, staff and spectators. The best possible scenario is not to recirculate any stale air and to ensure there is 100% fresh air within the pool hall.

This entails assessing your ventilation system settings.

Information, advice, and guidance covered in this article can be found from the following organisations: • Safety Training Awards • Swimming Teachers Association • Carbon trust • Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) • PWTAG • SPATA

SPN December 2020 33 11/01/2021 16:29

COMPANY FOCUS

Increased Demand Results In Further Expansion For NIVEKO

NIVEKO are adding another 2,550m2 production hall (above left), which will be situated in the immediate vicinity of the existing complex (above right)

Following expansion into a new facility just two years ago, custom-built monopools producer NIVEKO has added further manufacturing capacity at its Czech Republic-based facility which will be operational this year

N

IVEKO, whose headquarters and modern production premises are situated in the industrial zone near Uherský Brod in the Czech Republic, is one of the leading pool manufacturers in Europe. However, the road to accomplishing this has been a long one.

The company was established back in 1991, when swimming pools were not yet its main focus, but even back then the manufacturer placed great emphasis on sustainability and respect for the environment. With an approach where the company reaches out and inspires not only their customers, but also their colleagues, partners and suppliers, NIVEKO pools did not take long to become successful within its domestic market and the next logical step was obvious – expanding product sales to markets abroad – and the company now operates in 18 countries.

2018 was a major turning point for NIVEKO, as the company became part of the international Pollet Pool Group based in Belgium. The advantages this gives them include a stable financial background and the support of a strong international group.

It is also no coincidence that in the same year NIVEKO moved into brand new premises equipped with cutting-edge production technology and administrative facilities.

The main reason for the move was the need to increase production capacity, as well as to create a pleasant working environment for the company’s numerous employees. The site includes a large production hall and an NIVEKO is constructing this building in response to unprecedented demand for private pools right across the continent

34 December 2020 SPN 34_SPN_December_20_NIVEKO.indd 34

administrative building. In addition, the move also facilitated an indoor and outdoor showroom with working demonstration swimming pools, combining various NIVEKO designs for both the pools and their surroundings.

With continued success, the manufacturer is now adding another 2,550m2 production hall, which will be situated in the immediate vicinity of the existing complex and the new hall will be fully equipped and adapted to increase production capacity. The company is constructing this building in response to the current situation within the sector, which is seeing unprecedented demand for private pools right across the continent. NIVEKO has taken the necessary steps to meet this challenge head on. The new hall will be fitted out with the very latest technology to increase production automation: two cranes, automatic CNC machine tools and a fully automatic rack storage system – the first of its kind in the Czech Republic.

In the first phase NIVEKO will increase its production capacity by 50–70%, which will cut delivery times considerably. This will improve the quality of the services offered by its business partners while guaranteeing that product quality will continue to be of

the highest standards – something which is synonymous with the brand. The new production hall will have been completed and is expected to be fully operational from 1 January 2021 – while this latest issue of SPN is at print.

NIVEKO pools are distributed to individual countries across Europe on the B2B principle through local trade partners. Cooperation with those partners is a crucial factor in ensuring satisfaction for all sides. NIVEKO partners are always carefully trained and are assigned sales representatives to assist them. Marketing is also a priority – there are so many different ways to present the quality of the company’s products and convey both the NIVEKO brand and its ethos to new customers. A strong emphasis is placed on the maximum effectiveness of partners and the best use of their time. Whether for commercial, technical or marketing aspects, NIVEKO always does everything it can to make the working life of each of the company’s partners easier.

NIVEKO s.r.o. +420 572 693 246 www.niveko-pools.com

The new hall will be fitted out with the very latest technology to increase production automation: two cranes, automatic CNC machine tools and a fully automatic rack storage system” In the first phase NIVEKO will increase its production capacity by 50–70%

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 11/01/2021 16:31

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COMPANY PROFILE

Lighthouse Celebrates A Decade Of Achievement 10 years of innovation, adaption and hard-graft has established Lighthouse as a trusted name within the UK pool industry. Whilst 2020 has certainly been a year to remember for all of us, it marks a successful milestone for Lighthouse and prompted company director, Daniel Phillips, to reflect back on how it all began

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aving spent his formative years working in the French pool industry, Daniel Philips moved back to the UK and setup DP Pool Services – a successful business serving customers in south Devon and the surrounding areas. As a confident and knowledgeable advocate of the premium Zodiac brand and having spotted a business opportunity, Daniel then decided to establish Lighthouse Pools (now known as just Lighthouse) in 2010 with the intention of bringing the brand to the UK market. Early negotiations with Zodiac Europe were fruitful and led to a secure and lasting partnership which has developed year on year. Initially focusing solely on the heat pump market, Lighthouse has since extended its portfolio considerably to include a number of other premium products plus additional brands too.

The latest Zodiac heat pumps to hit the market include the Z550 iQ and PX50. These top of the range, inverter driven heat pumps are some of the quietest on the market and boast sleek design, powerful performance and robust warranties backed up by after sales support from Lighthouse.

Other popular products that are available from the Zodiac range include market leading electric cleaners, a full range of pumps and filters and some of the most advanced

salt chlorination systems available, such as the EXOiQ. One of the newer additions to Lighthouse’s Zodiac offering – niche-less LED lights – also seem to be currently taking the market by storm.

In 2017, having been impressed with the revered German engineering found within the slatted cover designs by Rollo Solar, Lighthouse added these to their exclusive product range and has led several customer sales visits to the impressive factory in Bad Tolz, Germany.

Perhaps not coincidently, two of these trips have taken place alongside the famous Oktoberfest beer festival and the excursions – which followed an exclusive tour of the Rollo Solar facilities – provided some fun downtime for everyone!

Similarly, customers who signed up to the Zodiac Premium scheme also took part in guided visits to the Dominican Republic (2017) and The Reunion Islands (2019) and another trip is planned for 2022. Bi-lingual

There’s plenty of warehouse storage inside at Lighthouse’s second Plymouth site

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tour operators ensured the trips went smoothly and participants were treated to a host of activities from adrenalin fuelled zip lining to more sedate boat rides and sunset beach dining experiences!

For those unfamiliar with the Zodiac Premium scheme, it is recognised as arguably the number one loyalty scheme for swimming pool retailers and installers in Europe, if not the world.

A NEW CHAPTER STARTS WITH ADDITIONAL STAFF AND PRODUCTS With the company enjoying a good level of success and expanding rapidly, the wellknown and highly reputed Sales Executive, John Whiteside, joined the Lighthouse team in 2017. John brought with him an affable enthusiasm and drive which has enabled the company to grow and reach new audiences across the UK. Shortly after John’s arrival, a new chapter for Lighthouse began with Heatform. An innovative, eco-friendly pool panel system, Heatform has been gaining in popularity since it was launched in 2018.

As well as scooping a ‘Supplier of the Year’ accolade at an industry awards evening, Lighthouse was also awarded a Gold for ‘Best

The new Zodiac Z550 iQ heat pump is one of Lighthouse’s latest products

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COMPANY PROFILE

An innovative, eco-friendly pool panel system for above- and in-ground installations, Heatform has been gaining in popularity

Customers who signed up to the Zodiac Premium scheme enjoyed guided visits to the Dominican Republic in 2017 and another trip is planned for 2022

Lighthouse’s presence at SPATEX has grown year on year, culminating in an impressive and constantly busy stand in 2020

A new range of pool steps has been developed for Lighthouse’s Heatform pool system

Energy Efficiency’ for Heatform and it is this recognition of the benefits of the product from people right across the trade which has thrust the company into a rapid expansion, resulting in the creation of a brand new composite manufacturing unit to cater for demand.

“Being able to design, develop and test the system in-house, has meant we have full quality control of the product,” commented Dan, who then explained a little more about the product and the expansion of the business: “The Heatform pool system is simple yet effective and the recycled plastic insulation we use in the panels is a popular selling point with environmentally conscious consumers.

“It is a very versatile system equally suited to small as well as larger installations and spaces where access issues are a concern like sloping terrain.

“The manufacturing unit has also enabled us to develop a new range of pool steps. We are currently finessing a range of Heatform exercise pools and have a variety of other pool related products in the pipeline which we believe will be well received by the industry.”

In a normal year, Lighthouse would display, and in many cases demonstrate, all their latest products at the annual SPATEX event where they have been a regular exhibitor since 2014. Mirroring the business, their presence at the trade show has grown year on year, culminating in an impressive and

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constantly busy stand in 2020 that couldn’t be missed!

Keen to demonstrate the unique advantages of their products, Lighthouse have also held numerous seminars over their first decade in business. At the end of 2018, Dan and John even hit the road with a customer-focused concept where they kitted out a display trailer with the latest Zodiac equipment and visited trade businesses.

This unique initiative eliminated the need for customers to take time out of their busy days to travel to a seminar venue but also demonstrated the company’s customer-first approach.

WHAT DO THE NEXT TEN YEARS HOLD FOR THE COMPANY? From humble beginnings in a garden office, the company now has 13 full time employees working across two different sites in Plymouth and there are plans for further expansion.

Crucially though, the key challenge for Lighthouse, according to Dan, is to develop the business whilst maintaining the current

high level of customer care and satisfaction.

If the past decade is anything to go by, the trade can expect many more forwardlooking products, all backed up by a team of dedicated, enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff.

“Myself and the team at Lighthouse would like to thank all our customers for their loyalty and custom over the past ten years,” said Dan, who added: “We pride ourselves on the highest standards of customer service and the outstanding quality of our products.

We thrive by striving for the best, being innovative and adaptable. 2020 has been a challenging year for us all and I hope that 2021 brings some normality back and that the industry, as a whole, comes through unscathed.”

For companies not familiar with the Lighthouse range, visit their website for more information.

Lighthouse 01752 253525 www.lighthousepools.co.uk

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SPATEX VIRTUAL, ONLINE

SHOW PREVIEW

It’s SPATEX, But Not As We Know It

With the industry’s annual show unable to return to Coventry due to COVID-19 restrictions, its organisers are putting on a unique online event at the beginning of February. SPATEX Virtual will provide a safe networking opportunity for the pool and spa trade and will host the industry’s annual awards too. In this earlier than usual feature, we cover the news from both the organisers and exhibitors, highlight some of the products on display plus take a look at the educational options By Jon Wadeson

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PATEX – the wet leisure industry’s annual event – returns in early February, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year it will be held as a unique and online only offering.

Throughout most of 2020, there was still optimism that a physical show could take place, however as summer came and went, there was still no certainty of the exhibition industry opening up in the months ahead. So, as was the case with numerous exhibitions and trade shows across all sectors, SPATEX’s organising team were faced with the challenge of what to do regarding arrangements for 2021 – cancel completely, postpone or run with a completely new type of event – and after reviewing a number of options and considering the needs of the industry as a whole, the latter was chosen and SPATEX Virtual was born.

Commenting on arrangements, Organiser Michele Bridle said: “We hope SPATEX Virtual will rally the spirits and be a focus for bringing the industry together until we can all meet safely again.

“SPATEX has, for the last 25 years, acted as a magnet for uniting us each year, so it was imperative to find a virtual platform to replicate, as far as possible, the ‘live’ SPATEX will continue to host its popular seminar and workshop programmes, but naturally in a different format

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Awards Lounge – SPATEX Virtual will be hosting the British Pool & Hot Tub Awards at 17:00 on Tuesday 2 February

experience and in vFairs, the leading international virtual expo provider, we found the very best. With their expertise, we have created something unique.

“Interaction is the cornerstone of this platform, which ingeniously offers all visitors the opportunity to chat live with online exhibitors, direct message and hold video meetings. No travel, no waiting in queues, or running out of time to get around the exhibition hall, as can sometimes be the case

with a live show. With SPATEX Virtual you can make immediate contact, do business there and then, or arrange a future meeting.

“All the traditional ingredients are in place for the SPATEX that you have come to know and love. Albeit in 2021, it is experienced through your desktop, laptop, or tablet.

Live online for three days from Tuesday 2 to Thursday 4 February, visitors have the luxury of time on their side along with the option to dip in and out of the virtual exhibition halls as and when needed. A digital ‘show bag’ facility means that picking up information and literature has never been easier and there are even rewards on offer for those that explore the event fully via a points-based leaderboard system. With a full seminar programme still on offer this year, which will consist of both live and prerecorded content, there’s no excuse to miss out on this vital aspect of SPATEX either.

“No SPATEX would be complete without our loyal partner, ISPE, who have once again coordinated the most comprehensive, free educational workshop programme in the industry,” advised Michele.

The platform’s flexibility has also meant that SPATEX are thrilled to be hosting a virtual edition of the British Pool & Hot Tub Awards, scheduled for 5pm on the first day

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SHOW PREVIEW

SPATEX VIRTUAL, ONLINE

Approximately 40 virtual stands will be present, representing companies and products from right across the industry

of the show too.

So all in all, yes, all the traditional ingredients are indeed present. And whilst clearly it’s no substitute for the real thing, the partnership with vFairs has allowed SPATEX Virtual to have at least a somewhat genuine feeling of a fully rounded event, and this has meant many exhibitors have got behind the initiative and will use it as a platform to launch products for the season ahead – in fact a number of them are not releasing product information until the event goes live – so for that reason alone, it’s a must attend event. However, visitors can expect to see a lot more than just new releases as approximately 40 virtual stands will be present, representing companies and products from right across the industry, with many of the industry’s leading brands taking part.

“Huge thanks to all the exhibitors, old and new who, like us, believe the show must go on and have supported us in this exciting new venture,” said Michele, who added: “The final piece in the jigsaw is, of course, our visitors. So, when the virtual curtain rises on Tuesday 2 February at 9.30am, we hope you will honour us with your presence and find it a rewarding and enlightening experience.”

So, as with the physical edition, despite the current challenges brought about by the pandemic, there’s plenty to do and see

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After reviewing a number of options and considering the needs of the industry as a whole, SPATEX Virtual was born

at SPATEX Virtual and as always, it’s free to visit too – just register online at www.spatex.co.uk – it very straightforward.

Before you do though, we highlight just some of what’s on offer in the digital environment this year.

FAIRLOCKS UTILISE SPATEX VIRTUAL TO LAUNCH NEW PRODUCTS For Fairlocks, SPATEX will be different in many ways, however it will also mean the launch of several new and exciting products for the Oxfordshire-based distributor.

Firstly there’s the Walu Lock safety cover.

Fully compliant with the NF P 90-308 Standard and tested by LNE, the Walu Lock is suitable for all pool types. With four track options, automatic hydraulic motors and a choice of seven colours, it could well be the cover of choice for 2021.

Also newly available from Fairlocks is the Walu Deck Mobile safety deck – a timber deck and safety cover in one!

Suitable for both new and existing pools, swim spas and spas, the deck can be easily rolled into place to create an extra outdoor relaxation area.

It’s fully compliant with the NF P 90-308

safety standard and with no electrical connections required, the safety deck is simple to install.

In stock from February 2021, TROTEC dehumidifiers are another new product for Fairlocks. These units are ideal for all indoor pools and spas, manufactured using highquality German engineering these units are an exciting addition to the Fairlocks range.

Available in two sizes DS30 and DS 60, they can be simply wall mounted to provide high dehumidification performance and optimum heat recovery.

TAKE BACK CONTROL IN 2021 WITH GOLDEN COAST Golden Coast, the UK’s largest independent distributor of wet leisure products, will be showcasing some of its latest product developments at SPATEX Virtual.

This includes details of the new addition to GC PoolCop: Genesis − the pool management system designed to optimise maintenance and service call outs by remotely monitoring every aspect of a pool. Experts will be on hand to talk customers through the models available, including the original Genesis system and the brand-new Evolution system − an innovative solution to commercial pool management.

The team will also be sharing insights from the latest annual Wet Leisure Industry Survey, which identifies the challenges and opportunities facing businesses operating in the sector across the UK. Managing Director of Golden Coast, Jamie Adams said: “We have been working on a lot of exciting things for a while now and we are looking forward to sharing some of them with SPATEX visitors.”

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SPATEX VIRTUAL, ONLINE

SHOW PREVIEW

With SPATEX Virtual you can make immediate contact, do business there and then, or arrange a future meeting

All the traditional ingredients are in place for SPATEX virtual. An info desk and show guides are even present

We hope SPATEX Virtual will rally the spirits and be a focus for bringing the industry together until we can all meet safely again”

LIVE SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS SPATEX is well-known for its popular seminar and workshop programmes held

by ISPE, PWTAG, STA and more. This year the event will continue to host these important sessions, but naturally in a different format. In addition to a wide range of exclusive pre-recorded seminars which can be accessed at any time while the virtual exhibition is active, the following sessions will also be presented live across the three day show:

TUESDAY 2 FEBRUARY 11:00: SWIMMING POOL LINERS – HOW THEY ARE MADE AND WHAT CAN GO WRONG with Will Dando, FISPE of Plastica Ltd 12:30: IMPORTANCE OF MICROBIOLOGICAL MONITORING FOR HOT TUBS (Spa-pool systems − HSG 282) with David Ramsden of Complete Pool Controls Ltd 14:30: ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND MICRON FILTERS with Tom Devin of Devin Consulting 15:30: WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM POOL AND SPA ASSOCIATIONS AROUND THE WORLD? With Chris Hayes of the BSPF

WEDNESDAY 3 FEBRUARY A DIFFERENT SHOW EXPERIENCE FOR THE MOSAIC SPA COMPANY As strange a year as 2020 was, for The Mosaic Spa Company, it was also an exceptionally successful one. It saw the York-based company grow and go from strength to strength with a huge increase in orders, new product launches, expansion of their factory and major growth in staff levels. It was also a year of notable achievements and awards, with the company picking up several accolades throughout the year and topping their category in the LUX Life Resorts & Retreats Awards. All of this was to be put on show and emphasised at SPATEX 2021 with a sizeable stand, but plans have had to change due to the virtual nature of the show. However this has not dampened their enthusiasm as they remain optimistic of a great event, with high turnout

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and the chance to showcase their latest eye catching designs. Throughout the three days, The Mosaic Spa Company are looking forward to taking advantage of the various networking opportunities, furthering their popularity with trade customers and offering more opportunities for companies to be involved in their latest product – The One Pool – and its rapidly growing popularity and success.

The One Pool a fast, simple, and extremely efficient way of installing a full-length mosaic tiled pool into any area with ease.

Unlike the traditional concrete pool method, the one-piece pool is as simple as excavating a hole, installing a concrete slab then simply dropping it in to place to be installed. This dramatically reduces the total time of the project whilst maintaining the quality and finish of a mosaic tiled swimming pool.

11:00: WATER TESTING – BACK TO BASICS with Colin Day, FISPE of Lovibond Tintometer 12:30: POOL COVERS – DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL with Will Dando, FISPE of Plastica Ltd 14:30: HOW DOES BISHTA AND SPATA SUPPORT ITS RESPECTIVE MEMBERS? With Chris Hayes of the BSPF

THURSDAY 4 FEBRUARY 11:00: THE POOL WATER TREATMENT ADVISORY GROUP with Janice Calvert of PWTAG 12:30: HSG 282 – THE FACTS with Matt Roberts, MISPE of Complete Pool Controls 14:30: HEAT PUMPS with Rob Renton of Certikin International

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At SPATEX Virtual, Plastica will be focusing on their standard ranges of covers and liners and are adding some new patterns to their domestic liners plus their Extreme liner range too. The distributor will be mainly playing to their strengths in experienced product design, development and UK manufacturing, to produce competitively priced, top-grade British made products. Their virtual stand display will include: • A new Slidelock Max with upgraded and unique 138mm diameter anodised aluminium tubes giving Plastica a range from 6.0m to 8.0m for covers up to maximum 7.7m width.

• AG MINI – the ideal choice for heating

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The STA’s Pool Plant Seminar returns to a virtual SPATEX in 2021 with ½ CPD point for delegates who watch the Heating & Ventilation session held by Robbie Philips on the Tuesday and Wednesday. It’s a presentation not to be missed as it deals with

the importance of heating and ventilation and the role it has to play in preventing the spread of COVID in the swimming pool setting.

The STA team will also be available during the duration of the show, and via their stand will offer visitors expert advice on swimming pool and spa plant qualifications. This includes the Level 3 Award in Pool Plant Operations, which was the first qualification to meet the new Pool Plant Operative Professional Standard, and to receive professional endorsement by CIMSPA, the sector’s single chartered professional body.

The Pool Plant Operations qualification is the highest level of training available for those who are responsible for the management and maintenance of swimming pools, spas and interactive water features.

It reflects the most up-to-date requirements and standards for pool plant operations, with a robust syllabus which covers all aspects that are vital to running a wet leisure facility and maintaining healthy and hygienic water including: water testing, disinfection, pool water chemistry, dosing, mechanical operations, heating, energy efficiency, management practices, health & safety and more!

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above-ground pools up to 18 cubic metres.

They are light (23kg) and easy to install being plug and play with an inline RCD breaker.

• Newly developed Relax Filter Spa & Pool Cartridges plus HSG282 compliant Pod System which can be refilled with 20g chlorine, bromine or multipool tablets.

• Excellent value iFLO Junior 310 250kW 0.33hp pump. As the name suggests, it has a 310mm filter tank and a quality 7-way multi-port valve, connecting hose, pressure gauge and base plate.

New rectangular Nazca range of wooden pools which are designed to give a quick build time while also offering an affordable option to pool ownership.

In addition, Plastica are currently working on a small unique product that has the potential to be a huge success in the domestic pool market. The current prototype will be available once the final design has been tested and approved. Pop along to their virtual stand to find out more!

SPATEX 01264 358558 www.spatex.co.uk

For the latest up-to-date list of participating companies, please see the SPATEX website.

AWARDS EVENING SPATEX Virtual will be hosting the industry’s most prestigious awards evening with the British Pool & Hot Tub Awards (presented by SPATA and BISHTA) having an online presentation at 17:00 on Tuesday 2 February.

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SWIM SPAS – ENTRY-LEVEL

Budget Friendly Swim Spas To Swim, Relax Or Party In For customers that want to both relax and occasionally exercise in water, entry-level swim spas tick both boxes. Increasingly chosen as a replacement for a traditional small pool, these counter-current equipped products are often referred to as party spas and are aimed at budget conscious families rather than athletes that need a training aid for a serious workout. With prices starting at around £15,000, we take a look at what’s available By Jon Wadeson

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s a single product that offers all the benefits of both a small swimming pool and a hot tub or spa in an affordable and easy to own package, it’s no real surprise that entry-level swim spas have fared well in the UK. Their success has been propelled to even greater heights due to the current circumstances of the pandemic, the resulting lack of holiday opportunities and the need by many to try to enjoy the time spent at home during the periods of lockdown.

For families who need to keep an eye on the budget, there’s clearly a lot to like. The versatility of a swim spa means owners have a pool for exercising within and at other times, an area for the kids to have fun and mess around in too. When the kids have gone to bed, there’s a tranquil space to relax in alone – a real godsend in these trying times.

Even before COVID-19 surfaced, as an introduction to counter-current swimming and the wider world of swim spas, entrylevel options have provided a package which has always represented outstanding value for money and this, combined with their flexibility has ensured continued success.

With a number of manufacturers providing budget-friendly models, we look closer at what’s available as an entry point to the swim spa market.

PASSION’S ACTIVITY MODELS OFFER A UNIQUE BUT BUDGET FRIENDLY EXPERIENCE For the last three decades, Netherlandsbased Passion Spas has been engineering and manufacturing numerous spa and hot tub models and the company has perhaps one of the widest ranges of swim spas on the market.

All of the company’s models represent great value for money so it’s no surprise that their entry-level products have always been popular and they have been keen to always offer new models that keep up with the latest technology and trends.

One of the company’s newest series of swim spas is the Activity, and the range offers models with two different lengths and two depths, providing flexibility at a key price point. Whether the Activity 1, 1 Deep, 2 or 2 Deep is chosen, each model is a dynamic swim spa that is an excellent blending of two worlds. On one side there is all the comfort, pleasure and therapy benefits of a traditional spa or hot tub whilst on the other side, the swim function is equipped with Passion Spas’ unique River Swim System™ and Current-lift Technology™.

The River Swim system consists of five large swim jets, in a row, creating a steady flow of water over the entire width of the swim spa. Users can control the intensity of

the water stream and when doing so, the flow is equally divided over the whole width of the current. Because of this unique technique, the water stream covers a wide area and is effectively positioned below the water surface, enabling users to swim with their head comfortably above water. If the intensity of the River Swim System is decreased, the Current-Lift Technology is automatically activated, enabling the swimmer to remain in the prone position.

AN EXERCISE ONLY ENTRY-LEVEL OPTION FROM TIDALFIT Available through Artesian Spas, the TidalFit Core Swim 14 is one of the newer models to join the company’s successful line up, slotting in above the popular ActivePlus EP-12 model which starts the range.

This 14ft exercise only swim spa is perfect for the avid swimmer looking to maximise swim space, and is equipped with a powerful Quad Swim system, built-in spa steps, and a BellagioFall as standard. Whether users want to train professionally, or just increase their endurance, whether fitted with the Quad Swim Jet System or the optional Variable Flow Swift Water Trainer, both options offer workout choices that users desire.

TidalFit owners also have the additional option to have their own choice of inclusive music to enhance aquatic workouts.

The River Swim system on Passion Spas’ Activity models consists of 5 large swim jets, in a row, creating a steady flow of water over the entire width of the swim spa

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SWIM SPAS – ENTRY-LEVEL

For families who need to keep an eye on the budget, there’s clearly a lot to like. The versatility of a swim spa means owners have a pool for exercising within and at other times, an area for the kids to have fun and mess around in too”

Available through Artesian Spas, the TidalFit Core Swim 14 is one of the newer models to join the company’s successful line up

Artesian’s user-friendly stereo options allow owners simply to connect any smart device through Bluetooth to stream any favourite songs instantly.

Whether owners choose to add Diamond AOP, ProPure Ozone or Ozone to their TidalFit, each provides water purification for a crystal clean swim spa. Diamond AOP is revolutionary and is the company’s most advanced water purification system, incorporating both ozone, a mixing chamber and UV light to sterilise the spa water 24 hours a day.

Other options include DynaBrite LED Lighting and a variety of Aquatic Training Systems to provide maximum workout flexibility.

Available in semi in-ground and aboveground versions, the Core Swim 14 will also blend in to any environment thanks to a choice of three shell and six cabinet colours.

Rock cabinetry is a further option too.

All the TidalFit models, including the latest Core Swim 14, have been designed specifically with their own individual and unique systems to ensure that they suit various swimming capabilities and match specific exercise needs.

friends and family. With the powerful 4kW heater, users can go from swimming temp to hot tub temp in no time at all, owners and their guests won’t be kept waiting!

The GLP 13’ Party/ Exercise swim spa is available in Sterling Marble Acrylic colour and there’s a choice of three standard cabinet colours: Espresso, Grey and Black.

In addition to the Party/ Exercise, SCP also have the GLP 13’ Premium swim spa plus larger models from the brand. In addition to Garden Leisure models, SCP are now supplying Wellis swim spas too, meaning the company are able to offer a wide choice of models of various sizes across a variety of price points.

DANUBE W-FLOW PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE WORKOUT OPTIONS

Available through SCP, the GLP 13’ Party swim spa is a premium model from Garden Leisure

improvements.

The base model is now powered by an impressive W-Flow System where users can choose between six-speed levels from the slowest, most comfortable ‘floating’ setting, right up to the hardest exercise workout.

Similar to a modern treadmill, users can predefine the swimming speeds one after another, so slower stages can be inserted between swimming sprints and custom workouts can be created.

The width of the water flow within the W-Flow is only 50-60cm and the flow rate can be adjusted between 0.4-2.5 km/h.

Inside the latest model, the appearance

A PERFECT PREMIUM PARTY SWIM SPA FROM SCP

Wellis have had great success with their swim spa range which has been enhanced regularly over recent years and their current entrylevel model – the Danube – has benefitted greatly from both design and technology

SCP UK have been developing their swim spa range over a number of years with their long standing American manufacturers Garden Leisure whose range includes the GLP 13’ Party/Exercise swim spa.

At the time of its launch, the 13ft model joined an already successful range of swim spas produced by Garden Leisure but the company said this new model was the biggest thing to hit the market and it has been a popular choice entry-level model ever since.

It features a great four River Jet swim system that is almost impossible to beat, plus there’s a swim tether and exercise equipment as optional extras. Despite its compact size, its design features bench seating all around the inside of the spa which can easily seat 10-12 people, making it (as its name would suggest) the perfect swim spa for entertaining

The base model Danube from Wellis is now powered by an impressive W-Flow System where users can choose between six-speed levels

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SWIM SPAS – ENTRY-LEVEL has been simplified, lines are much cleaner and more modern looking, plus the space has been optimised. Wellis have now included two massage seats which are located either side of the water flow system, meaning owners can use the Danube for professional swimming and to enjoy a relaxing massage too. Rear filter housings have also been placed at the end of the swimming area so that the active water area is more than 50cm wider than before.

As with all models in the Wellis swim spa range, a more expensive Turbine option is also available and both Danube variants feature UV-C water sanitisers, LED lighting, Thermo cover and Wi-Fi smartphone connectivity plus an AquaSoul 4.1 sound system as standard, meaning owning, entertaining within or working out in either Danube is sure to be a lot easier and a lot more fun too.

ADL OFFERS QUALITY SWIM SPA OPTIONS FOR BUYERS ON A BUDGET Available from Aqua Design & Leisure (ADL), the award-winning Catalina Mardi Gras is the original space saving swim trainer and party spa. Built in the US and originally launched in the UK in 2012, the Mardi Gras is now considered to be one of the most popular swim/party spas in the world. The newest incarnation features all of Catalina’s classic design cues including their tiled waterline and swimlane. It comes with six relaxing crystal water fountains, 11 seats and a total of 28 hydrotherapy jets that are spread over all seating positions. So, even when at full capacity all 11 bathers can benefit from the Mardi Gras hydrotherapy massage.

For exercise the Mardi Gras features two river swim jets powered by two pumps, giving the ideal counter-current for a relaxing swim.

The Platinum Spas Neptune is the ultimate swim and spa package with two volumes of water offering dual temperatures

But that’s not all. The Mardi Gras also comes as standard with both Catalina’s Pro-Swim tether system and their Catalina Exercise equipment pack which includes rowing arms, bungies, straps and handles that allows the user to take part in several different forms of aquatic exercise.

Standing at just over 1 metre tall and only requiring a 23amp power supply, the Mardi Gras is no more imposing and no more expensive to run than a standard hot tub, but offers much more functionality.

Joining the Mardi Gras for the 2021 season, and becoming the smallest swim spa within the ADL range, there’s also the new Soltice Leisure S-3900. With three seats and three river jets, this value for money addition is sure to gain interest from potential owners who are working within the tightest of budgets but who still want a maximum flexibility from their investment.

THE NEPTUNE DELIVERS A FANTASTIC VALUE FOR MONEY PACKAGE Superior Wellness offer four different brands of swim spas including models from Platinum Spas, Superior Spas, Bellagio and Thermal Spas – all to suit varying needs and budgets.

If potential owners are looking for a swim spa to provide light training as well as family fun, the company recommends the Neptune, part of the Platinum Spas range. It was hugely popular in 2020 due to the price point and all the benefits it provides. A winning

combination that delivered fantastic value for money for families right across the country.

The Neptune is the ultimate swim and spa package with two volumes of water offering dual temperatures to ensure the spa end is hot, whilst the swim end is at a lower temperature and is suitable for swimming against the powerful counter-currents. The spa end is the perfect space for up to five adults (four sitting + one lounging) with its powerful hydrotherapy jets and LED lighting system. The swim end has powerful and adjustable jets. When swimming against the counter-currents, there are three rest seats for if you are working out with friends and family. The Neptune is designed to a high specification with a wide range of features including cutting edge pump and heating technology to ensure it is economical to run.

They are more than just a swim spa too – they are actually an aquatic fitness centre – allowing for swimming, rowing, jogging, aqua aerobics and aqua gym workouts. With wellness high on the agenda the demand for swim spas or aquatic fitness centres is set to continue throughout 2021 and beyond.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS: Aqua Design & Leisure 0800 731 4601 www.aquadesignandleisure.com Artesian Spas 01302 730295 www.artesianspas.co.uk Platinum Spas 01246 559071 www.platinumspas.co.uk Passion Spas +31 577 456 040 www.passionspas.com SCP UK 01293 546126 www.scpeurope.com

Available from Aqua Design & Leisure, the awardwinning Catalina Mardi Gras is the original space saving swim trainer and party spa

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Wellis 01246 559071 www.wellisuk.co.uk

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POOL SAFETY

When Safety Is The Top Priority

With accidents in and around water always a concern, pool safety remains a top priority across the industry. An enclosure or slatted cover will guarantee increased security to a pool, but there are numerous other solutions on the market that will either prevent unauthorised access or protect people once they are in the water. This issue, we look at a selection of products that feature safety as their key selling point and by doing so, are making wet leisure environments safer for all By Jon Wadeson

S

afety measures in and around the UK’s swimming pools are high on the agenda for both the industry and owners because by their very nature, swimming pools hold a number of possible hazards with drowning, of course, being the most obvious one.

Sadly, hundreds of people drown in the UK every year and many more suffer injury, some life-changing, through non-fatal experiences.

Figures have been reducing though and thankfully, fatalities within a wet leisure setting only make up a small percentage of the overall figure. However, just one death within a pool is one too many, especially when there are so many safety options available.

Also, it is worth considering that with pool ownership and usage becoming more popular in the UK due to the lack of overseas holidays last year and potentially throughout 2021 too, there’s the potential for the number of incidents to increase short term.

Pools secured by a building, enclosure or raised moving floor can effectively eliminate the risks of unauthorised entry but there are

occasions when they aren’t employed or aren’t always an option. Plus 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. An obvious choice is a slatted cover, but putting those aside, there are many other options that have been specifically designed with safety being their top priority and in this issue, we take a closer look at a selection of them.

POOLLOCK COVERS PROVIDE SOLID SAFETY BARRIERS Due to their many years of experience designing and producing both automatic and manual covers, PoolLock is able to work with domestic customers and architects to create tailored safety solutions to cover almost any kind of pool.

If an automatic system is required, the company’s unique hydraulic-drive system means that the customer does not need any electrical components near the pool. The electrical power pack used to operate the cover and drive the two hydraulic motors can

be placed as far from the pool as required.

Opening and closing the pool is as easy as turning a key switch, meaning that the cover (and the pool) are much more likely to be used once installed.

PoolLock safety covers provide a solid barrier between the water and surrounding area, effectively preventing any access to the water and making them some of the safest covers on the market. In addition, all PoolLock covers will reduce the amount of heat, water and chemicals lost through evaporation, which means pool owners can save money on electricity and chemical usage.

In addition to the standard fabric options, PoolLock also offers HeatLock Thermofoam canvas with enhanced insulation properties.

Thanks to the foamed insulation layer applied to one side of the canvas, heat transfer across the membrane is reduced by a factor of three when compared to standard fabrics for similar applications. HeatLock’s closed-cell foam structure ensure that PoolLock covers are not only the safest, but also the most energy-efficient available on the market.

PoolLock Automatic Covers offer customers some of the safest, most convenient, most reliable and energy-efficient ways to cover the pool.

With over 30 years of experience, and installations in over 20 countries, PoolLock is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of automatic safety and slatted covers for swimming pools.

THE DEL ULTIMA GIVES A POOL COMPLETE COVERAGE

PoolLock safety covers provide a solid barrier between the water and surrounding area, effectively preventing any access to the water

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While making a pool inviting to use is often high priority for a build, when there are children and young people around it’s also important to be able to restrict access when needed.

DEL’s Ultima all-season automatic pool cover – exclusive to Golden Coast – can cover the pool at the touch of a button, not only helping to keep out external pollution, but leaving no access to the water.

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POOL SAFETY

Plastica’s Immerstar Battery Powered Pool Alarm is a clever system that can detect a body falling into a swimming pool

Plastica’s Rollaway Fence is designed to protect children and animals from the dangers of pool water

DEL’s Ultima all-season automatic pool cover can cover the pool at the touch of a button, leaving no access to the water

An optional Wi-Key remote means the Ultima can be opened and closed wirelessly, removing the need for cabling to a switch point.

Like all DEL products, it meets the stringent French safety standard NFP 90-308 ensuring the build and design is the highest quality. When closed, the cover’s material can take the weight of a person up to 100kg without tearing.

Available in six colours, the Ultima can easily be fitted to both above-ground and built-in pools, making it an ideal choice for new build and refurbishment projects, and can be easily adapted to free-form pools.

Jamie Adams, Managing Director of Golden

Coast commented: “The DEL Ultima has been one of our biggest sellers for years and it’s easy to see why. It’s safe, efficient, and provides great value for money as well as peace of mind.

“It’s this combination that has made it so popular for family pools as well as projects like school pools where children’s safety is paramount.”

PLASTICA’S RANGE HELPS TO KEEP POOLS SAFE With over 48 years of experience in the pool trade, Plastica know only too well the importance of safety around the pool and offer a wide range of safety products to the trade. The PoolsaverTM Safety Cover has been designed by Plastica to offer a tough construction to cover a pool and keep children or animals from entering it while it is not in use. High-grade stainless ratchet straps help achieve almost effortless tension of the

PoolsaverTM across the pool, ensuring this quality, yet low priced manual safety cover will safely support up to 100kg as per the latest French safety laws. Available in five colours, owners can choose the colour that best suits a pool and its surroundings.

Another common and safe way to keep a child from accessing a swimming pool is to install a mesh fence and Plastica’s Rollaway Fence is designed to protect children and animals from the dangers of pool water.

The fencing is a safe and easy to install protection system which conforms to the French AFNOR Safety Standards. The strong, tightly-weaved mesh is dark green and black in colour permitting the best transparency and therefore enhancing the look of a pool and surrounding areas. Thanks to rigidity and a lockable spring-loaded gate, unsupervised small children are unable to open or climb up this safety barrier.

Lastly, Plastica offer the Immerstar

CASE STUDY A SAFE SWIMMING POOL OF DREAMS COVERED IN GLORY This impressive pool and spa is the work of Surrey pool retailer, Falcon Pools Ltd who created a haven for peace and tranquillity, which fitted perfectly into the beautiful garden.

Composite decking at the far end of the pool conceals the pit for Certikin’s market leading safety cover, the Coverstar, which operates simply with the push of a switch. This was high on the owner’s shopping list, not only for its safety credentials, but because the pool is designed for all year round use and the Coverstar is first class in its heat retaining qualities − it can save up to 70% on heating and chemical costs.

The system is based on strength and this is echoed in the superstrong Eclipse mechanism, which is manufactured with almost all stainless-steel components. The sliders (traditionally the weakest part of the cover) are four times as

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strong as any other slider used in the industry. Furthermore, the pulley diameter is 2”, providing five times the load bearing capacity of commonly used pulleys. Such is the manufacturer’s confidence in the product that the cover’s mechanism comes with a 20-year limited warranty. The Coverstar features a superior vinyl composite, in a range of colours and instead of using sewn webbing, benefits from a heat-sealed process, which prolongs the life of the cover and improves the overall operation. This is colour matched to the Coverstar fabric to provide an aesthetically pleasing finish.

Certikin International 01993 777200 www.certikin.co.uk Falcon Pools Ltd 01932 353040 www.falconpools.co.uk

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POOL SAFETY Battery Powered Pool Alarm – a clever system that can detect a body falling into a swimming pool. The system has a sensor which sits in the water and analyses movement, distinguishing interference waves from those produced by a falling body. The system will emit a loud, 100dB siren, should a person or animal fall into the pool. The alarm is suitable for solid construction in − or above-ground pools, up to a maximum size of 12m x 5m and has a detection range of 7m.

POOLFENCE UK’S FIRST LINE OF ‘DE-FENCE’ Safety fencing around pools will certainly reduce the risk of disasters, and potentially fatalities, happening. As sole UK distributor of Protect-A-Child Pool Safety Fences, Poolfence 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.

Pool fence posts must endure ongoing forces of fence tension as well as shock whenever a child or pet runs into them.

Protect-A-Child’s Quad-Bilt™ fibreglass composite posts are the only fence posts guaranteed unbreakable and guaranteed never to become bent or crooked. The result – the fence stays straight and attractive and you never have to worry about your fence posts becoming broken.

Tough mesh and a marine-grade finishing border complete the fence itself.

The colour of the composite fibreglass pool fence post is built in with coloured resins − not painted or simply coated like aluminium posts. So it can never scratch off, peel off, or flake off maintaining the look and high finish

BlueFox ST1 monitors the depth of a swimmer and should the wearer remain too long beneath a certain depth, an alarm module will be released

quality for years to come. It will act as a wind break and a barrier to stop debris entering the pool too.

Mesh pool fence safety is dependent upon the child’s inability to open or remove the fence. A patented Point-Lock Secure Latch is the most foolproof way to prevent children from unlatching the mesh pool fence sections and gaining access to the pool. They are lockable, adjustable for fence tension, easier to use, and safer than other latches.

HIGH-TECH SWISS SOLUTION SAVES LIVES Deep Blue AG, a Swiss technology company headquartered in Hallwil, specialises in underwater technology and pool safety, and one the company’s more recent offerings is a drowning alert system – the Blue Fox ST1.

Unlike its predecessor, the Blue Fox ST1 works completely autonomously and does not require any installation in the pool.

The ST1 is a lifesaver for swimmers and can benefit non-swimmers too. Worn on the wrist, the watch-like product continuously

...by their very nature, swimming pools holds a number of possible hazards with drowning, of course, being the most obvious one”

monitors the depth of a swimmer. Should the wearer remain too long beneath a certain depth, an alarm module will be released from the bracelet. The module contains a balloon with a siren. The balloon forces itself towards the water surface, where the loud siren in the balloon attracts the attention of lifeguards or surrounding people and a rescue can be immediately initiated.

A bright flashing LED at the wrist unit helps to locate the victim even in great depths or dark waters.

With a striking design in four colours and a weight of 70 grams, the Blue Fox ST1 adapts from infants to larger wrists for maximum comfort and safety in the water. Providing more safety – for everybody – everywhere, the BlueFox ST1 can be programmed individually for any person, any age and any swim ability. It automatically calls for help in an emergency without limiting freedom of movement by chunky buoys or other buoyancy products. With a lithium polymer battery, Deep Blue guarantees 72 hours or three months of standby use.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS: Deep Blue AG +41 62 767 7799 www.bluefox-swiss.com Golden Coast 01271 378100 www.goldenc.com Plastica Pools 01424 857857 www.plasticapools.net Poolfence UK 01258 863663 www.poolfenceuk.com

As a stand alone physical barrier, a fence from Poolfence UK has a great number of qualities that make it something to consider installing

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PoolLock 01293 774414 www.poollock.com

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WELLNESS

A Sector That’s Just Hotting Up Until recently, the majority of heat and steam experiences were normally found either on holidays or in hotels and leisure environments, but that mindset is one that is changing, and according to suppliers, at a faster rate than many may think. Whilst still a niche sector, it seems that the temptation to invest in sauna, steam and a range of other temperature-based wellness products for both commercial and domestic settings is now proving irresistible and in this issue we focus on the various options on offer By Andrea Hartshorne

O

verall wellness encompasses both the physical and mental wellbeing so it’s important to ensure that both sides are provided for and sauna and steam solutions ensure both boxes are firmly ticked. The mind is free to wander and unwind whilst the warmth permeates the body core to relax and soothe tired muscles and joints whilst flushing toxins from the body through sweat.

Regardless of the type of wellness product your customers are looking to invest in to enhance their homes, leisure centres and spa facilities, interest continues to grow as more styles, varieties and materials become available.

Although the style of steam rooms and saunas change and develop, all of these products, are wonderfully flexible and can be tailored, personalised and installed to achieve the perfection that today’s customers demand. With advances in technology enabling smaller and more compact units to be developed, these products

Available from SCP UK – a range of outdoor barrel options from Almost Heaven Saunas

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are becoming more accessible to everyone, including those with a little less space or customers who are working with smaller budgets.

Whatever the requirement, wellness products are continuing to tempt both homeowners and commercial businesses alike, and this thriving side of the wet leisure industry seems set for continued growth.

Now that the colder weather is well and truly with us, the thought of switching off and enjoying a temperature-based wellness experience whilst the frost or snow glistens outside, is very appealing.

After a challenging year, the wellness and health side of our lives is more important than ever and this will no doubt continue to develop as a priority as we all aspire to improve our physical and mental wellbeing.

A PIECE OF ALMOST HEAVEN FOR OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS SCP UK have expended their sauna offering in the last year and for those looking for some heat therapy in an outdoor setting, now offer a range of barrel options from the Almost Heaven Saunas brand.

Almost Heaven have been at the forefront of setting the standard for quality barrel saunas for over 40 years. The company uses only the finest materials to create the best, most authentic sauna experience for true sauna lovers. Skilled, experienced artisans craft each sauna using only highgrade, thick sections of lumber.

Once fitted together in a traditional cooperage fashion, the cedar expands

to form a tight seal and constantly circulates the air for a sauna environment that heats quickly and consistently.

The company’s Barrel Saunas are designed to be used outdoors. When an authentic sauna experience is needed – a beautiful, high-quality sauna that performs beyond expectations – a barrel sauna from Almost Heaven Saunas is what’s required.

SCP have made three models available: the four person Pinnacle and Audra models plus the six person Weston. All three models come complete with a sauna kit which consists of a heater with integrated control unit, stones and sauna accessories.

Manufactured in the USA from rustic Western Red Cedar, each barrel sauna is easy to assemble and features: • Pre-assembled walls and benches • Interior LED light • Stainless steel banding and hinges • Tempered glass door • 35mm thick solid staves.

An optional floor kit and rain jackets are also available.

A SUPERIOR INFRARED AT HOME SAUNA EXPERIENCE With a continued upward trend on wellness, there has been a demand for saunas in the home, particularly in 2020 when time and money was spent on transforming properties and gardens to offset the lack of normally available leisure time options as a result of COVID-19.

To meet this demand, Superior Wellness have a range of competitively priced infrared saunas designed for indoor use. Infrared saunas unlike other saunas do not heat up the air around the user, but instead they use infrared lamps to directly warm the body up.

The heat helps to penetrate deeper into the body to target any problematic areas.

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WELLNESS

Vapac’s VS range has been the go-to steam generator for the steam bath sector for many years – offering outstanding reliability and versatility

At Superior Wellness, the best-selling sauna is the Calor two-person sauna – perfect for couples

With options available for one to four users, these infrared saunas provide a great at home sauna experience.

At Superior Wellness, the best-selling sauna is the Calor two-person sauna – perfect for couples. With dimensions measuring just 1300 x 1050 x 1900mm, it’s a compact solution that can be accommodated in a variety of locations, and one which won’t break the bank.

As with all the infrared saunas in the Superior range, the Calor is built from carefully selected Hemlock wood which originates from Canada. The type of Hemlock used is ‘vertical grain’, as this can expand and contract without warping and cupping.

Superior’s Hemlock timber is the best choice for a sauna – whether it’d be for your home or even commercial use.

All models in the range also feature built-in LED lights both inside and surrounding the sauna, as well as bluetooth which enables users to listen and relax to their favourite music.

STEAM GENERATION FROM HUMIDITY SOLUTIONS Humidity Solutions Ltd is the exclusive UK distributor for the British-manufactured steam humidifier from Vapac. Vapac’s VS range has been the go-to steam generator for the steam bath sector for many years – offering outstanding reliability and versatility.

Providing odourless steam, the generator controls on temperature offer a display indicating the room temperature and set point that it is operating to. The controller offers on/off room light switching, volt free

contract facility to provide interlock for an essence pump and cylinder change warning light. To save waste and aid sustainability, there is a choice of serviceable (cleanable) cylinders, or replaceable cylinders made from recyclable plastic.

It is essential to have a supplier with consistency of supply and technical advice over the phone or on site, as part of a planned maintenance programme. British manufactured and supported with technical back up plus off the shelf spares and units, the product offers a great package of reliable operation, efficient and professional support with ex stock supply of equipment.

Humidity Solutions has an established reputation in the market and offers an end-toend service from initial design and quotation, installation and ongoing maintenance,

CASE STUDY STEAM ROOM ADDS TO A BARNSTORMING TRANSFORMATION! Receiving the brief to convert an old dilapidated barn in Lutterworth into a stateof-the-art swimming pool hall could have been regarded as a daunting task but not for Northampton pool builder, Mosaic Pools.

“The family behind this pool were looking for a ‘sanctuary’ to relax in after a hard day’s work,” said Mosaic’s Managing Director Stephen French, and an added note of luxury was for a Certikin Harvia 3m x 2m steam room to be installed.

With more than half a century of experience in developing the best Finnish sauna and steam products, Harvia knows the key to wellness. The Harvia range, is exclusive to Certikin, and they offer eight different standard steam rooms as ‘off-theshelf’ products, suitable for domestic or commercial applications. They come flat packed, ready for assembly on site.

In addition, Certikin offers a whole variety

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of bespoke solutions for steam rooms from supplying the room only to all the main products needed for a project. Complete rooms with all the equipment include: ceilings, walls, seats, steam generator, LED down lights and transformer, vents and steam cover. Domestic and commercial rooms are available which come flat

packed in sections ready for assembly on site for tiling in the customer’s choice of tiles. Choose from a wide range of steam generators from 4.5kW up to 30kW. Mosaic Swimming Pools & Spas 01280 843101 www.mosaicswimmingpools.co.uk

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WELLNESS providing peace of mind to the end user throughout the life of the product.

CERTIKIN’S HARVIA RANGE HAS A FINNISH SECOND TO NONE! Certikin and Harvia, its Finnish supplier, are at the cutting edge of design and innovation with an extensive product range that caters for both the domestic and commercial sectors.

The wide selection caters for all wellness needs, from heaters and sauna benches, ready-made and bespoke saunas and even infrared cabins and steam rooms.

With more than half a century of experience in developing the best Finnish sauna products, Harvia knows how to combine the relaxing elements of nature – wood, stone and water – expertly.

The saunas, featuring beautiful tempered 8 mm safety glass in bronze or clear, are available in a large variety of sizes and finishes. Manufactured from slowly-grown wood, the trees are felled in accordance with strict EU environmental standards.

A Harvia sauna can be installed anywhere, including indoor spaces, bathrooms, basements or attics. Two models of outdoor saunas are also available complete with verandas.

The spacious Variant sauna is the most flexible of Harvia’s designs and it represents the modern Finnish sauna at its best. It is completely insulated and, therefore, very energy efficient. Wall and ceiling panelling comes in spruce as standard but pine, aspen and alder are also available, and there’s a variety of designs for windows and doors.

The benches and the sauna interior, are designed ergonomically and follow original Finnish sauna traditions. The benches, headrests and backrests are made from easycare abachi wood. High-quality bench design and soft sauna lighting guarantee enjoyment.

A wide selection of accessories includes sauna stones, buckets, thermo-hygrometers and sauna fragrances.

TylöHelo has launched a brand new online platform where customers and trade suppliers of Golden Coast can design customised saunas

After a challenging year, the wellness and health side of our lives is more important than ever and this will no doubt continue to develop as a priority as we all aspire to improve our physical and mental wellbeing” Bespoke modular designed saunas and infrared cabins can be ordered to suit a customer’s exact needs. Called Elements, Certikin is able to offer bespoke room and wet area solutions for: steam rooms, showers, laconiums, rasuls and heated loungers, etc.

TYLÖHELO LAUNCHES NEW SAUNA BUILDER PLATFORM World-renowned sauna and steam room manufacturer TylöHelo has launched a brand new online platform where customers and trade suppliers can not only design customised saunas, but they will also be able to view 3D images and plans that will bring their vision to life.

In just a few simple steps, customers can quickly and easily choose from a range of cladding options, interior fittings, lights, heaters and much more. They will also be able to specify the required width, depth and height of their sauna, and gain detailed plans that will give an accurate picture, allowing them to make informed decisions about their installation.

The configurator will be available to trade dealers purchasing through Golden Coast – the UK importer for TylöHelo. It will also act as a lead generator, as any customers using the configurator will be put in touch with local sellers.

“There are so many possibilities when it comes to designing a With more than half a century of experience, Harvia knows how to combine the relaxing elements of nature – wood, stone and water – expertly

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TylöHelo sauna,” said Erik Soderlund, Technical Sales at Golden Coast. “Customers can choose exactly what they want based on their available space, giving them a sauna that is unique to them and delivers the experience they are looking for.”

Jamie Adams, Managing Director of Golden Coast added: “We have been supplying TylöHelo commercial and domestic saunas and steam rooms for more than 30 years.

Our partnership has been driven by a passion for market innovation, and the online sauna configurator is a prime example of how we make it easy and efficient for customers to get the products that are right for them, whilst supporting local distributors in maximising their business.”

FOR FURTHER DETAILS: Certikin International 01993 777200 www.certikin.co.uk Golden Coast 01271 378100 www.goldenc.com Humidity Solutions 01327 571200 www.humiditysolutions.co.uk SCP UK 01293 546126 www.scpeurope.com Superior Wellness 01246 932448 www.superiorwellness.co.uk

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DOSING PUMPS & CONTROL SYSTEMS

Control Is The Key To Perfect Water Quality As dosing pumps and control systems quietly go about the business of applying regular and accurate chemicals to pool and spa water, it’s easy to overlook the fact that they have become essential pieces of equipment that make the lives of owners and operators significantly easier. In fact, the latest innovations mean ensuring pristine leisure time water has never been so simple and this issue, we roundup the increasingly advanced options on offer By Karen Witney

P

erfectly clear and safe pool and spa water is the holy grail for both owners and operators. So it’s great to know that the days of ‘bucket and chuck it’ are now a distant memory, and that’s largely thanks to today’s fabulous automatic systems which can now ensure tip top water perfection is both achievable and controllable.

Commercial facilities have enjoyed the comfort of automation for many years but domestic users have now got behind the concept and are enjoying a new found and simplified ease of operation with the bonus of extra leisure time. Automatic management can be extended beyond water supervision and maintenance to lighting, heating and even music to suit the mood. In many cases, remote operation can be controlled through a smart phone or tablet, or computer so that the pool or spa is primed and ready for use well before the user has even donned their swim gear. As you’ll see, today’s systems are uncomplicated and user-friendly meaning that the most technically unsavvy person can skilfully ensure perfect water management and beyond at the touch of a button or swipe of a screen.

SEKO’S WORLD LEADING IOTENABLED DOSING SYSTEMS For those with the luxury of having their own swimming pool, it’s a safe bet that they envisaged fun and relaxation rather than work and maintenance when having it installed.

However, it’s a fact that maintaining the delicate balance of water-quality values is essential to ensure clean, safe swimming conditions, with the unsung heroes being the dosing pumps and control systems that achieve this. So how do domestic pool owners with limited or no specialist knowledge know that the water is safe while leaving the technical side to the experts?

SEKO, manufacturer of world-leading IoTenabled swimming pool chemical dosing systems, has solved the problem by designing two distinct online tools for users and technicians – SekoAir and SekoWeb. SekoAir is the unique smartphone app that connects pool owners to their swimming pool

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Ideal for managing multiple installations, SekoWeb is an online portal that allows pool and spa technicians to set up and adjust water-quality parameters remotely

like never before. Compatible with iPhone or Android, SekoAir allows end users to access chemical parameters remotely and receive pool health updates as well as start or pause their dosing system. With the ability to identify dosing system defects immediately, even when away from home, users can ensure that issues are rectified quickly before they lead to system failure. This means more time spent bathing and less time spent worrying about pool health.

SekoWeb is an online portal that allows pool and spa technicians to set up and adjust water-quality parameters remotely for complete management of multiple installations. Created with engineers in mind, SekoWeb requires expert technical knowledge to navigate, with password protection ensuring only authorised users can access the portal. With live and historical data at their fingertips, engineers can adjust programmes 24/7, making SekoWeb ideal for management of professional installations within health spas, leisure centres and water parks.

for indoor or outdoor use. The panel comes with an installation kit including 2 valves and 6 metres of hydraulic tube. It is equipped with a probe compatible with stabiliser and a professional analysis chamber. Accurately measures pH and chorine on a measurement scale of 0 - 14 pH and 0 - 5 ppm chlorine.

The panel is pre-assembled and easily attaches to the wall. Can be operated remotely with an (optional) web interface.

The multipurpose Avady S20 pH or

STAY IN TOTAL CONTROL WITH PRODUCTS FROM SCP Offering a complete range of automatic dosing and control system products, SCP provides the power to manage water with solutions from Avady and Pentair.

Avady’s Physico PH CLM Panel is ideal for pH and chlorine control in public pools

Available from SCP, the Propilot Turboxy Duo pH regulates pH and chlorine in domestic pools

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DOSING PUMPS & CONTROL SYSTEMS

As well as expertly managing dosing, the Hayward control station from Bosta also manages pool heating, filtration and lighting

RX dosing pump doses and regulates pH or chlorine by Redox. Used alone the pump doses the product constantly. Coupled to a pH or chlorine regulator it automatically doses the pH or chlorine. The system is electromagnetic and requires little maintenance and is easy to use. It is also equipped with a noise reduction system.

Lastly, Avady’s Propilot Turboxy Duo pH regulates pH and chlorine in domestic pools from 10 to 150m3. It simultaneously regulates the pH and chlorine ppm amperometric and adjusts dosing depending on pH and chemical requirements.

When it comes to control, Pentairs Intellipool™ and new Maestro systems allow pool owners to monitor the water quality remotely within a pool from anywhere, and control various pieces of plant equipment and their functions, including dosing and a salt chlorinator (if fitted). Both systems allow for the adjustment of a pH set point and provide a digital display of pH value locally and remotely. With owners or pool professionals able to be informed in real time about the condition of a pool or the equipment, maintenance can be performed remotely from a computer, smartphone or tablet.

HAYWARD CONTROL STATION FROM BOSTA Automation systems for swimming pools have continued to be a significant area of growth for the pool industry over the past five years.

Pool owners want convenience, efficiency and easy management of their pool system to help avoid the necessity for constant maintenance.

Within this Hayward pool management system, there is the ability to monitor and maintain pool water chemistry, providing safe, crystal clear swimming conditions at all times.

Available from Bosta UK, the Hayward control station is a complete automated system to help pool owners manage their pool dosing. However, it will also manage the pool heating, filtration and lighting too. Automatic dosing systems have developed significantly

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over recent years and, for the traditional pricing of dosing systems, customers should also now expect to gain full automation of all systems. Why not control all aspects of the pool set-up via an easy-to-use mobile app that allows the user to switch on their heat pump remotely, or turn it off to save on electricity costs when they are away from home. Filtration levels can also be reduced if the pool isn’t going to be used for a period of time.

Supplied complete with all the necessary dosing pumps, probes and probe holders to monitor and dose liquid chlorine, the system will alert the pool owner and the installer running the service contract when pool readings are at incorrect levels. Therefore, once the control station is purchased there is everything needed without hidden further costs.

The system runs using the Hayward ‘Vistapool’ management system for carefree pool maintenance and allows pool owners to spend their time enjoying the important things in life.

CERTIKIN’S MULTIPARAMETER CENTURIO POOL 2021 will mark ten years of CertiDos, Certikin’s chemical dosing range and it will also see the release of a new product – CENTURIO POOL. An innovative and allencompassing multiparameter pool and spa controller. Certikin has worked closely with manufacturer, EMEC, and have listened to feedback from trade customers and end users. The product is the culmination of these conversations.

Equipped with a Linux operating system, a high-performance ARM A5 microprocessor and a large colour touchscreen, CENTURIO POOL offers everything needed to manage the most complex swimming pool or spa set up.

The system can simultaneously manage up to 10 channels to read the following parameters: pH, free chlorine, combined chlorine, active free chlorine, total chlorine, conductivity, ORP, NTU, tank levels and pool water level. For each channel CENTURIO The ChloriDes compact from Gaffey Technical Services automatically monitors water in real time and is suited to a wide variety of applications where consistent water quality is required

New for the 2021 season, the CENTURIO POOL from Certikin is an innovative and all-encompassing pool and spa controller

POOL has 2 digital setpoints (ON / OFF), 2 proportional setpoints (IS), 1 mA output setpoint and 1 Temperature setpoint; you can also set 6 timers with a maximum of 10 daily schedules each. It can also be set to work with pH priorities and can control flocculant output, shock chlorination and backwashing, pool covers, heating and lights.

It is possible to save and restore different configurations of set up. So, when you have a CENTURIO POOL installed and you turn up to perform a service and someone altered the settings, it is simple to restore the original commissioning settings quickly and easily.

CENTURIO POOL can be connected to the internet via Wi-Fi, GSM or ethernet and remotely controlled via ERMES, the online control system designed by EMEC. It is also equipped with the MODBUS serial communication protocol (optional) which allows connection with other devices within RS485 networks.

There is little that cannot be achieved with this controller. Certikin can supply the controller board mounted with a client’s choice of chlorine sensor(s) and a pH sensor. Chlorine sensors include membrane and non-membrane options such as Open Amperometric and Open Potentiostatic. There are also a number of other sensors available too.

GAFFEY’S VERSATILE WATER CONTROL FOR POOL APPLICATIONS Reliability and cutting-edge technology are essential requirements for any pool control system, and they are the hallmarks of the chloriDES® compact control system from Gaffey Technical Services. Introduced to the UK market in 2016, this unit has already become the system of choice for a growing number of pool water treatment installers.

The chloriDES® monitors water chemistry values in real time, and can control two metering pumps which dispense treatment chemicals when needed and in proportion to the level of demand. This creates great versatility, making the chloriDES® suited to

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DOSING PUMPS & CONTROL SYSTEMS

…it’s great to know that the days of ‘bucket and chuck it’ are now a distant memory, and that’s largely thanks to today’s fabulous automatic systems…” a wide variety of different applications where consistent water quality is required.

It features accurate potentiostatic-free chlorine, pH value and water temperature measurement capabilities, thanks to an integrated, automatic regulator which maintains a consistent sample flow across its chlorine and pH sensors. With a simple, easyto-use menu and on-screen display of logged data, plus a traffic-light status LED system which provides an at-a-glance indication of the pH and disinfection levels, the chloriDES® simplifies the task of optimising and managing water quality. A heavy-duty relay interface module is also included as standard in the chloriDES® package, allowing connection to virtually any type and size of chemical dosing pump.

While the standard chloriDES® package detects free chlorine levels using a potentiostatic method, plus water pH levels and temperature, an optional redox (reduction/oxidation) measurement and control system is also available to provide additional capabilities.

“Pools equipped with our chloriDES® controllers benefit from cutting-edge water treatment control technology which constantly monitors water values, and responds as required by dispensing water treatment chemicals in real-time when they are needed,” said a Gaffey representative, who added: “This makes the chloriDES® controllers ideal for many different water treatment situations, not just in swimming pools, but also in theme parks, water features and waste water treatment applications.”

HANNA’S ALL-IN-ONE CHLORINE AND PH DOSING CONTROLLER The Hanna Instruments range of controllers offer precise chemical control for optimum chlorine and pH levels in swimming pools,

hot tubs, spas and swim spas. Hanna pool and spa controllers automatically maintain the correct chlorine and pH levels and remove the need for frequent chemical checks and manual adjustments. Water quality is maintained regardless of bather load or levels of sunlight with chlorine only added as and when needed and only when the pH is at the optimum level.

All readings are automatically logged into the on-board memory and can be reviewed at any time on the controller’s display, or downloaded to a USB memory stick for evaluation and storage on a computer.

Alternatively, choose one of the internet enabled Hanna pool controllers and get results directly on a phone or tablet using the Hanna App from anywhere in the world, ideal for keeping an eye on a holiday home pool or hot tub!

Only Hanna pool and spa controllers benefit from a 3-in-1 digital sensor developed specifically for hot tub and swimming pool water. Manufactured to laboratory standards, the 3-in-1 digital sensor is able to detect minute changes in water quality.

Unlike conventional sensors, it doesn’t need changing as frequently, offers higher levels of accuracy and the digital output means long cable lengths can be used without loss of signal or plant room machinery electrical interference.

Hanna pool controllers are supplied complete with everything needed to install and connect to a pool or hot tub and even include chemical tubing, pipe clamp saddles, chemical injectors and chlorine and pH chemical dosing pumps. For complete peace of mind, Hanna Instruments also provide a free post installation commission and training site visit for all Hanna pool controllers, thus offering complete peace of mind to the customer and support to installers.

ETATRON – A BRAND WITH PROVEN RELIABILITY Etatron have significant expertise in chemical dosing pumps, chemical controllers and chemical dosing systems. They offer solutions in automated chemical dosing, chemical dispensing diaphragm pumps and peristaltic pumps.

The DLX dosing pump range Hanna pool controllers are supplied complete with everything needed to install and connect to a pool, spa or hot tub

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Etatron’s DLX MA/M is a versatile dosing pump for all oxidisers and acids

from Etatron is the all-in-one solution for wet leisure dosing systems.

For any chemical dosing system, it is imperative to have a reliable and controller friendly dosing pump, and the DLX covers all the bases. It offers chemical compatibility with a PVDF/FPM pump head and seal , so it can easily accommodate chlorine dosing with sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite. pH can also be controlled with acid dosing with no adjustment required at all. Flow rates of 1, 5, 8 and 15 litre per hour give optimum dosing ranges for a commercial spa, domestic pool, light commercial or large swimming pools.

Talking of control, in addition to MA/ MB digital control (10-100%) there is the MF/M that has a native support for 4-20 mA control. So, whether On/Off Relay switching or Proportional mA based controllers are used, the DLX range of dosing pumps is a great solution.

If a foot mounted option is required, the DLXB can be mounted on a chemical day tank for great convenience and space economy, this is of benefit for maintenance where space is at a minimum in cramped plant rooms. Also, for consideration is the DLX wall mount version that has the identical features of digital and mA control.

Whichever option is slelected, when choosing from Etatron’s DLX dosing pump range, owners and installers are opting for a dosing pump with proven reliability backed up with first class customer support.

GC POOLCOP: PROTECT AND SERVICE Maintenance can be time-consuming, stressful and not always as efficient as it could be, which is why the team at Golden Coast introduced a state-of-the-art pool management system: GC PoolCop. When installed, GC PoolCop remotely

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DOSING PUMPS & CONTROL SYSTEMS monitors all aspects of the pool, everything from disinfection levels and filters, to water temperature and lighting. All of this can be viewed from one central hub.

The system allows pool companies the ability to view the status of a customer’s pool, sending an alert when there’s an issue to be addressed.

This helps to minimise the need for callouts until there is a clear issue to fix, benefitting both the company and the customer.

GC PoolCop regulates treatment and water levels, and ensures auxiliary equipment is used in a more efficient manner reducing electricity use as well as excess chemical use.

Adam Clark, Sales Director at Golden Coast, explained: “Not only does it save time and money, but it lessens the environmental impact by minimising water waste and only using the right amount of chemicals when they’re needed. And those in the pool trade benefit by being able to offer profitable, proactive service contracts, meaning happier customers and higher loyalty.”

Golden Coast also offers a range of GC Crystal automatic dosing systems, which take the headache out of pool maintenance and give owners high-quality water while minimising dosing mistakes.

“We designed GC Crystal to be as simple and straightforward as possible,” said Adam.

“We didn’t want people to have to worry about lengthy treatments or making errors, just get the benefits of clean, clear water and receive the backing of expert advice should the need arise.

“Whether it’s help with on site surveys, making tailored equipment specifications, supporting customers with installations and staff training, or providing future maintenance schedules, the Golden Coast team is on hand.”

ZODIAC’S PH AND CHLOR EXPERT FROM LIGHTHOUSE The Zodiac pH and Chlor Expert really do take the worry out of chemical dosing and are perfect for domestic situations up to a maximum of 150m3, removing the need to

GC PoolCop regulates treatment and water levels, and ensures auxiliary equipment is used in a more efficient manner

handle chemicals around the poolside.

The very simple to operate control panel offers the end user an easy view backlit LCD screen interface which allows them to increase and decrease dosing levels as required. Of course, it is always important to understand that an auto-dosing system does need maintenance and probes need to be calibrated to ensure that levels correspond with the actual pool water. However, with this taken into account then the pH Expert will reliably dose liquid acids or alternatively alkali through a peristaltic pump into the pool return filtration line, ensuring that the water balance is kept stable.

Use of the Redox based Chlor expert is just as simple with the concentration similarly adjusted on the front panel of the unit, also using a clear view backlit LCD screen.

Sodium hypochlorite is then fed into the pool return filtration line by the peristaltic pump.

Both units have a maximum dose rate of 1.5l/hr and are controlled by a configurable ‘OFA’ three-level over-feed alarm. All the necessary saddle clamps, sensors and feed pipes are supplied with both systems, making installation easy for any pool technician.

These entry level inexpensive chemical dosing units would enhance any pool owners plant room, whilst removing the day to day worry of handling chemicals.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS: Bosta UK 01284 716587 www.bosta.co.uk Certikin International 01993 777200 www.certikin.co.uk Etatron UK 01522 852397 www.etatron.co.uk Gaffey Technical Services 01254 467131 www.gaffey.co.uk Golden Coast 01271 378100 www.goldenc.com Hanna Instruments 01525 850855 www.hannainstruments.co.uk Lighthouse 01752 253525 www.lighthousepools.co.uk SCP UK 01293 546126 www.scpeurope.com

Perfect for domestic installations, the Zodiac pH and Chlor Expert from Lighthouse completely takes the worry out of chemical dosing for pool owners

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SEKO UK 01279 423550 www.seko.com

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FAIRLOCKS PURIQ FP AUG19.qxp_Layout 1 12/01/2021 14:12 Page 1

The PURIQ Bright Series UV-C water purifier offers you assurance of crystal clear water with fewer chemicals

ALL THE INS AND OUTS The PURIQ Bright Series UV-C water purifier is available in 3 versions: Bright 40, Bright 80 and Bright 120 amalgam.

The recommendation is 1 watt per mÂł.

The PURIQ UV-C water purifier contains intelligent electronics that alert you when it is time to replace the lamp, which ensures that the unit is always operating at peak efficiency and your water is clear. This way, you always have a perfectly working device you can rely on.

Utilizing the latest technology, the lamp emits very powerful UV-C light with a wavelength

of exactly 253.7 nm that kills practically all bacteria, viruses, algae and moulds.

This results in optimal purification, so the use of chlorine and other chemicals can be reduced by up to 80%! The PURIQ UV-C system, with its 100% eco-friendly operation, provides more natural, healthier water.

Visit our website for more information.

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE, QUALITY PRODUCTS 3 Landscape Close, Weston on the Green, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX25 3SX, UK T: 01865 988346 | E: info@fairlocks.co.uk | W: www.fairlocks.co.uk

FILTRATION

Filtration Solutions For Every Setting Some of the most important products that lie at the heart of any efficient water cleansing system are those which are associated with filtration. With recent innovations leading to improved performance and a reduction in water use, filters and filter media are now the first place to start looking when it comes to combining effective water management and making significant cost savings.

This issue, we take a closer look at a wide range of available filtration products that are on offer for a variety of applications By Jon Wadeson

W

ith a wide variety of conditions that filtration products have to operate within, it should come as no surprise that there is a vast list of options to choose from for providing clear water within pool and spa settings.

Whether it’s for the largest of commercial swimming pools or for a modest two-seater domestic hot tub, the importance of quality water filtration is the same for both owners and users alike.

Playing a critical role within any pool and spa setup, filtration products are normally out of sight, working away behind the scenes.

They can often be viewed as somewhat low tech or uninspiring products too, but make no mistake, there’s plenty of science, research and technology and that has gone into producing what can often appear to be quite straightforward and functional filtration products.

Thanks to advances made in recent years, some products have become more user-friendly too, others more flexible in their use, and some are adding green credentials to their list of benefits by helping to reduce the amount of water used. A lot of these factors lead directly or sometimes indirectly to lower operating costs – so the developments are very much welcomed by owners and operators alike.

With plenty of options already on the market, combined with an expanding range of products and technologies, it can often be hard to stay on top of what’s on offer, so this issue we highlight just some of the latest filtration options.

BUILT TO LAST – THE NORSUP SUPRA FILTER In 2018 Bosta UK launched their new range of pool equipment designed solely for swimming pool installers and showroom retailers. The brand is Norsup and it stands for quality, reliable equipment at competitive prices and extended warranty periods too.

The range has continued to develop and Bosta UK can now offer the Norsup Supra

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MAGNUM CARTRIDGE FILTERS BENEFIT BOTH SPAS, POOLS AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Available exclusively through Bosta UK, Norsup’s Supra filter is built to last

filter – a bespoke Norsup design that has been developed specifically with the installer in mind. The oversized inspection lid has been used to allow very easy maintenance of the filter.

The company has worked hard to produce a filter that offers guaranteed performance for the swimming pool retailer/installer.

Bosta’s units have been tested at pressures far exceeding their competitors which is why they are able to offer an extremely high working pressure of up to 3.75 bar, meaning . installers can feel safe in the knowledge that these filters are built to last. The filters offer a ten year warranty on the tank and an incredible five year valve warranty.

The company have ensured that the filter looks impressive too with a high quality gel coated finish in metallic grey which also matches their Norsup pump and heat pump to give a modern finish to any plant room.

Bosta also recommend using grey PVC pipe to give a professional looking finish to any plant room design.

For exceptional performance, warranty back-up service and promotion materials, the Norsup filter range is likely to be high on the list of choices for all installers and pool showroom retailers.

New Zealand company Magnum Filters has grown from its origins in 1982 and through a combination of exceptional product quality and innovative processes, has become a market leader in Australasia.

The company manufactures an extensive range of spa and swimming pool filter cartridges and the products produced include their own brand of Magnum filters as well as co-branded and custom branded products for many companies around the world. Here in the UK, Wales-based Spaeuro distribute supplies for both the British and European markets.

Over recent years, cartridge filtration for swimming pools has become more and more common especially in certain markets such as the USA and Australia. One of the main reasons for this has been water conservation, and as cartridges cannot be backwashed and have to be cleaned with a hose, far less water is used than in a normal backwash process.

Standard Magnum Filter cartridges Produced in New Zealand, standard Magnum Filter cartridges use Reemay fabric for the filtering media, which has a nominal micron rating around 30 microns

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FILTRATION the world’s best quality hot tub filters at a sensible cost and without having to modify the hot tub’s existing plumbing.

Today a number of spa manufacturers are using the innovative product as their preferred direct line filtration system.

use Reemay fabric for the filtering media, which has a nominal micron rating around 30 microns. However, over time and 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 even 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, owners 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, add too many pleats –resulting in a loss of performance and premature blockages – something that’s never the case with any of Magnum’s products.

WATERCO’S COMMERCIAL FILTERS ENSURE YEARS OF TROUBLE FREE OPERATION

SANISTREAM™ – SETTING THE STANDARD WITHIN DOMESTIC AND HOLIDAY LET SECTORS

Darlly’s SaniStream™ Direct Line Filtration system comprises an adjustable inline bromine or chlorine feeder called the SpaPod™

Since prototypes of Darlly Europe’s SaniStream™ Direct Line Filtration system were first shown at SPATEX in 2018, the revolutionary and innovative solution to hot tub disinfection has gone on to become an ubiquitous industry standard.

The SaniStream™ Direct Line Filtration system comprises an adjustable in-line bromine or chlorine feeder called the SpaPod™. This fits into a redesigned and exclusively adapted high quality Darlly filter to form a complete integrated hot tub filtration and disinfectant dosing solution in one. The SaniStream™ Direct Line Filtration system gives consumers the benefits of a highly effective adjustable chlorine or bromine dosing feeder which, unlike a floating dispenser, does not need to

be removed from the spa when bathers are using it. In fact, it is dosing disinfectant at precisely the time it’s needed most – when people are actually in the hot tub. Similarly, again unlike a floating dispenser, the owner doesn’t need to remember to put it back in the spa after all the bathers have left.

However, the greatest impact made by the product has undoubtedly been in the holiday let sector. When the infamous HSG282 regulations were introduced in early 2017, thousands of spas already installed and in use out in the field in holiday parks, lodges, caravans and cottages became non-compliant overnight. SaniStream™ Direct Line Filtration system solves this problem by combining an inline disinfectant feeder with some of

Setting new global benchmarks in durability, versatility, reliability and longevity, Waterco’s range of Micron Commercial Fibreglass Filters are a popular choice for many of the leading commercial builders, consultants and specifiers throughout Europe who demand a superior product with years of trouble free operation.

Manufactured from the highest grade of non-corrosive materials, the Micron filter vessels do not rust or deteriorate, and are able to withstand damage from a wide range of water treatment chemicals. Available in side mount, top mount and horizontal configurations, the Micron filters embody the latest in fibreglass winding technology.

The filtration vessels consist of an inner shell of fibreglass which is reinforced with polyester resin which in turn is over wound with fibreglass filament. Waterco’s digitally controlled filament winding machines faultlessly winds continuous strands of fibreglass filament in a 3-axis configuration, to create a vessel with refined consistency, superior quality and a smooth cosmetic finish not normally associated with bobbin filters.

The vertical side mount Micron commercial sand filters are designed with filter bed depths of 1m (SMD) and 1.2m (SMDD) providing enhanced in-depth filtration and increased dirt capacity to ensure sparkling clean water. Both the models are available with either the nozzle plate or ‘Fish Tail’ lateral arrangement of under drain design.

CASE STUDY OC-1 – PUREPOOLS’ FILTER MEDIA OF CHOICE FOR DEVON PROJECT Having been in the business over 30 years, quality comes high on the list of priorities for Stewart Skinner of Bridgwater-based Purepools and on this new build 11.5m x 5m liner pool located near Tiverton in Devon, to ensure the pool’s water was also of the highest possible quality too, Certikin’s innovative OC-1 Filter Media was specified.

Stewart is a great fan of the British manufactured product which, unlike traditional entrapment methods, works through settlement and harnesses advances in pump technology and variable speed pumps/controllers.

Reduced energy and water consumption (thus less chemicals and heating) coupled with 20

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times greater debris collection when compared to sand or glass, means it is fast becoming the filtration media of choice for many pool builders. It is light to handle, easy to install, low in maintenance and has a typical payback of just 12 months.

OC-1 reduces energy consumption and maintains constant flow rates, even when the media becomes dirty. No downtime is required for heating/ salt chlorinators/heat pumps going out on low flow. The constant flow means pumps can be run at lower speeds, thus saving energy.

Stewart said: “I am very impressed with OC-1’s performance – its efficiency and

the results it achieves. I think it fully justifies the title of a revolutionary product.”

Purepools 07802 301043 www.purepools.co.uk

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FILTRATION slot into the plant room with the original filters remaining. Furthermore, they are often installed seamlessly with no interruption or disruption to bathing.

As a smart choice for pool operators there are some big gains to be had in terms of sustainability. Ceramiflo removes more dirt from the pool and that dirt is frequently removed from the membranes, leading to a drop in chlorine usage.

Finally, since the membranes are cleaned mainly with air, backwash water usage is reduced by up to 60%.

Setting new global benchmarks in durability, versatility, reliability and longevity, Waterco’s range of Micron Commercial Fibreglass Filters

CERTIKIN’S OC-1 PERFECT DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL SOLUTIONS

Whether it’s for the largest of commercial swimming pools or for a modest twoseater domestic hot tub, the importance of quality water filtration is the same for both owners and users alike” Both the SMD and SMDD models are available in 2.5, 4, 6, 8 and 10 bar working pressures and are available in a variety of sizes: 750, 900, 1050, 1200, 1400, 1600, 1800, 2000, 2350 and 2500mm diameters, and come complete with a sight glass and lifting eye as standard. The SMD comes with the benefits of quick connect-unions and the SMDD range with PN10 8 bolt flange bulkheads, a large side access hatch and an easy reach air bleed. Both models are available in both metric and imperial connections.

TPF’S CERAMIFLO MEMBRANES PROVIDE ULTRAFILTRATION Danish company Liqtech have provided membrane filtration technology to a multitude of industries for many years and more recently they have pioneered a pool filtration system. Recognising the potential for microfiltration, Total Pool Filtration (TPF) established an agreement with Liqtech to develop the UK market under brand name Ceramiflo.

A three-year period of research and development has allowed TPF to make some improvements to the operation and the maintenance of the Danish system and fully automated membrane cleaning has been integrated into their package.

Ceramiflo membranes have a 3mu pour size which consistently filters out 85% of all 2-3mu particulates. This is an extremely robust strategy in the removal of crypto sized particulates which are understood to be 4-6mu in size.

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The membranes are made of silicon carbide which is extremely durable and resistant to degradation. This compares very favourably against traditional filters which require costly media changes and refurbishments.

There are currently two Ceramiflo systems installed in the UK and a six-membrane system is due to be installed in Trafford this autumn.

The systems are entirely automatic and are monitored over the internet as part of the Ceramiflo service contract. Staff intervention is now simplified with no need to operate and backwash their filters.

Ceramiflo is very compact so when old plant is due for replacement, they can often

In the UK, there are a range of filters available from Certikin that come supplied complete with the company’s lightweight OC-1 Filtration Media. The filters are specially designed to work in perfect harmony with OC-1 and complement the amazing advantages the product can provide.

Unlike traditional methods that use entrapment, OC-1 Filtration Media works through settlement which means that the debris settles within the cells of OC-1 throughout the entire bed rather than being trapped on top of the media. This British manufactured filtration media has some exceptional benefits – by replacing commonly used media such as sand and glass with OC-1 it is possible to reduce the head loss in the filtration system, filter with a constant flow and, most remarkably, significantly reduce running energy costs whilst still filtering to the equivalent standard as it can be used with a smaller pump, a variable speed pump or inverter.

As well as being popular across domestic installations, OC-1 also excels in the commercial sector. The Certikin SLX range of commercial filters are the workhorse of a commercial pool and with a wide range covering sizes from 1.05m through to 3.00m, and options for laterals and nozzles with various pressure ranges and accessories, any pool can be catered for. The standard SLX

Total Pool Filtration’s Ceramiflo systems are entirely automatic and are monitored over the internet as part of the Ceramiflo service contract

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FILTRATION There are a range of filters available from Certikin that come supplied complete with the company’s lightweight OC-1 Filtration Media

lateral version comes at 2.5 bar rating with commercial laser cut 50mm laterals making them robust for the commercial environment and all backed up with a ten-year warranty.

Potential savings in running costs come from the ability to reduce pump speeds and reduce backwashing. Add to that the advantage for new installations of the filter arriving with the media already installed and you can see that OC-1 is an obvious choice for commercial applications.

CARTRIDGE AND SAND SOLUTIONS FROM ZODIAC Through UK distributor Lighthouse, the Zodiac brand offers various filtration options including eco-friendly and ultra-efficient cartridge filters, plus simple and durable sand (or glass) filters.

Zodiac MS Filters are easy-to-maintain, hard wearing and durable filters with a bright

Thanks to advances made in recent years, some products have become more userfriendly too, others more flexible in their use, and some are adding green credentials to their list of benefits” blue exterior which is easy to keep clean.

The fibreglass-reinforced laminated polyester tank body carries a ten year warranty and can be used with both sand or glass filter media.

Zodiac’s ‘Crystal Clear’ glass filter media offers finer filtration and is easy to maintain.

The MS range starts at 475mm diameter with a flow rate of 8m3/hr and steps up through the 530mm, 650mm, 800mm up to the 950mm tank which is capable of handling up to 30 m3/hr. All have a maximum working pressure of 2.5 bar.

They use an industry standard domestic multiport valve: 6-way side mount valve (filtration, backwash, rinse, drain, circulation, closed) and come with a pressure gauge which is fitted to the top cover using a T-shape adaptor threaded into the lid, which allows for an air release vent to be incorporated.

All the connections are threaded for easy maintenance (multiport valve and piping).

The CS Ultra-fine cartridge filter, offers a filtration level of between 15 and 20 microns, twice as fine of that given by sand filters, giving translucent water in all circumstances and optimal bathing comfort. The filter tanks are simple and water efficient, and there’s no need for backwashing – simply rinse the cartridge in tap water. What’s more, owners will use at Zodiac MS Filters are easy-to-maintain, hard wearing and durable filters with a bright blue exterior which is easy to keep clean

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least ten times less water than when cleaning a sand filter.

Suitable for all installations the CS filter is very compact and gives easy installation in all types of technical plant rooms, particularly when there is no external drain.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS: Bosta UK Ltd 01284 716586 www.bosta.co.uk Certikin International 01993 777200 www.certikin.co.uk Darlly Europe 01952 580500 www.darllyeurope.com Lighthouse 01752 253525 www.lighthousepools.co.uk Spaeuro 01443 437915 www.spaeuro.eu Total Pool Filtration 01829 740290 www.totalpool.co.uk Waterco Europe 01795 521733 www.waterco.com

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BUYERS GUIDE CONTROL PANELS

AN ADVERT THIS SIZE IN THIS BUYERS GUIDE IS JUST £345!

THAT’S 6 ISSUES OR 12 MONTHS COVERAGE FORJUST UNDER £1 PER DAY! TO ADVERTISE CALL TONY WESTON ON 01474 813433 E. TONY@AQUAPUBLISHING.CO.UK

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BUYERS GUIDE POOL BUILDERS

POOL COVERS

POOL ENGINEERS

POOL ENGINEERS

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POOL ENCLOSURES

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BUYERS GUIDE POOL EQUIPMENT

POOL EQUIPMENT

POOL LIFTS & SPA HOISTS

PRESSURE TESTING & LEAK DETECTION EQUIP

SPRAYED CONCRETE

POOL EQUIPMENT

POOL FLOORS – SERVICING

POOL LIFTS & SPA HOISTS

AN ADVERT THIS SIZE IN THIS BUYERS GUIDE IS JUST £495!

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70 December 2020 SPN

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BUYERS GUIDE SPRAYED CONCRETE

TILED SPAS

WATER MONITORING & CONTROL

ADVERTISERS INDEX

Alpha Wellness Sensations

55

Aquaflex

21

Artesian Spas Certikin Int’l

OBC 35, 48, 61 & 67

Darlly Europe

19 & 67

Etatron UK

61

Fairlocks Pool Products Gaffey

56

Golden Coast

TILED SPAS

WATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS

19 & 55

Hanna Instruments

56

Heatstar Europe

43

Hot Tub Suppliers

26

ISPE

56

Lighthouse

SWIM SPAS

11, 16, 22 & OBC

NIVEKO

35

Ocea UK

14 & 22

On-site Pool Linings Ltd

14

Plastica Pools

48

Pool Tiger

16

PoolLock

13

SCP UK

AN ADVERT THIS SIZE IN THIS BUYERS GUIDE IS JUST £345!

THAT’S 6 ISSUES OR 12 MONTHS COVERAGE FOR JUST UNDER £1 PER DAY! TO ADVERTISE CALL TONY WESTON ON 01474 813433

E.TONY@AQUA-PUBLISHING.CO.UK

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk

AN ADVERT THIS SIZE IN THIS BUYERS GUIDE IS JUST £345!

THAT’S 6 ISSUES OR 12 MONTHS COVERAGE FORJUST UNDER £1 PER DAY! TO ADVERTISE CALL TONY WESTON ON 01474 813433 E. TONY@AQUAPUBLISHING.CO.UK

IFC & 62

06 & 25

Spaeuro

26

SPATEX

08

STA

38

Stoneworld

14

Suntrap Systems

13

Superior Spas

47

T&A

38

The Mosaic Spa Company

21

Waterco/Certikin Int’l

05

SPN December 2020 71

OPINION

Coronavirus: Changes On A Personal Level “We talk about how the pandemic has changed our businesses and our society but surely what matters most is how it might have changed us as people. I guess everyone thinks of himself or herself as ‘normal’ but what might the new sort of normal person be like?” asks Jamie Adams, Managing Director at Golden Coast

I

s there an aspect of modern life in the UK that this virus hasn’t touched and affected?

It’s hard to imagine that there is. As I write this at the start of December, there have been more than 1.6 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and nearly 60,000 people have died. For nine months we have lived our lives in a completely different way.

Do we now see light at the end of the tunnel? By the time you read this piece, we will have met up for Christmas, tiers will have replaced lockdowns, vaccinations will have been rolled out and, perhaps most symbolically, we will be into a brand new year. I don’t think anyone will look back at 2020 with much fondness.

But 2020 will have changed us. Our habits, our behaviours and probably some of our beliefs will never be quite the same again.

YOU SEEM DIFFERENT Politicians filled the media with sound bites urging people to declare war on the virus and fight the pandemic. Seeing the coronavirus through a macho and somewhat jingoistic lens probably wasn’t very helpful but it would be true to say that the UK hasn’t faced a threat that affects the whole country in the way that COVID has since 1939-45.

I don’t know whether there was a Blitz spirit or not but in the first lockdown, there was a real sense of community.

There weren’t many people on the street or in the shops but those you did see, you smiled at – and that worked because no one was wearing a mask – and you said hello and maybe passed a few words. To strangers, to people you didn’t know but who were living through the same disconcerting and worrying times as you. That sense of community, that shared togetherness is perhaps my strongest memory of those first three months.

THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS 2020 was a year of being kind to others, and kind to ourselves.

We did the shopping for the old lady who was self-isolating and shielding. We clapped the NHS. We cooked meals for children who were no longer getting free school dinners and we volunteered to pick up prescriptions for those who couldn’t go out.

And we were supposed to be kind to ourselves as well. Let the career goals slip a little. Put a little less pressure on ourselves.

Wear pyjamas while you Zoom to work. We learned to accept our lockdown haircuts and to give ourselves a hug when the stress and anxiety got too bad.

Along with the mental and emotional wellbeing we have seen an increase in a desire to be fit and healthy and we have had to find different ways of going about that.

HOME IS WHERE THE HEALTH IS Being forced to stay indoors has focused our attention on just how important our homes are. UK house prices have risen at their fastest rate in almost six years.

We work from home and we work out at home.

Homes have become synonymous with safety and with health. There might be more cyclists on the roads but there are a lot more exercise

Nine months has been long enough to reset people’s habits and behaviours and a lot of those changes are probably for the good” 72 December 2020 SPN 72_SPN_December_2020_Opinion.indd 72

bikes in garages and spare rooms too. People have been letting their gym membership lapse and investing in Peloton or a rowing machine, perhaps a pool, swim spa or a hot tub. (I’m sure many of you will have experienced the boom, especially in hot tubs and spas that happened in the middle of the year.)

GET BACK TO NORMAL. DO WE WANT TO? Nine months has been long enough to reset people’s habits and behaviours and a lot of those changes are probably for the good.

We drive less and we travel less. We shop less and consume less. We have been talking about why those things would be a good idea for more than a decade but it has taken the pandemic to make us change our behaviour and discover that it’s actually OK. Less is… not so bad. We have put greater focus on family during 2020 and we have become more engaged with ecology and sustainability – all great news for the wellbeing of the planet.

Are we better people? That’s hard to say but it does feel as if we have the opportunity to use the changes COVID has wrought in our society and in ourselves to become better people.

And that might be the best gift any of us could have asked for this year.

Golden Coast 01271 378100 www.goldenc.com

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 11/01/2021 16:50

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