SPN (Swimming Pool News) June 2018

JUNE 2018

POOLS SPAS HOT TUBS SAUNAS CHEMICALS ACCESSORIES & MORE

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR THE UK INDUSTRY

HEAT PUMPS

Environmentally friendly water heating solutions

SHOWS ROUNDUP Recent shows plus what’s on and where

ABOVE-GROUND POOLS Cost effective solutions to ensure garden fun

TILING & MOSAICS

Durable products that provide superb and bespoke finishes

PLUS SPN_June_18_Cover.indd 3

STA Pool Plant – Play Equipment Risks | NIVEKO Factory Visit | Water Testing Hot Tubs – Covers & Lifters | Opinion | 15 Pages Of The Best Industry News 01/06/2018 16:10

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EDITOR’S LETTER

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.

Cover image courtesy of Portrait Pools &

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.

Enclosures – www.portraitpools.com

Editor’s For an industry that is still somewhat reliant on decent weather to ensure a good start to the season, the last couple of months have not been particularly good news. A amazingly hot spell in April and back-to-back, sunny May Bank Holidays have been pleasant surprises, but they haven’t managed to detract from the fact that over the last two months, we’ve seemingly had just about every possible type of weather condition appear in the UK and a quick glimpse at temperature charts for the period tells you all you need to know – they resemble the screen on a hospital cardiograph!

Despite this extended hangover from what was already such a long and unsettled winter, the wet leisure industry appears to have been given a clean bill of health, and business has been brisk for many within the trade. That, of course is great news, but I just can’t help but think how much better it would be if a decent period of dry, settled and even hot weather arrived – after all, surely even by the UK’s standards, we’re long overdue one now!

Concentrating on this edition, we’ve products that are suitable for the many of types of unpredictable weather this country gets. We explore what’s new in the above-ground pools market, a sector that’s coming under pressure from other wet leisure options but one that is so important at providing back garden memories for many families throughout the (hopefully warm) summer months ahead.

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Still on pools, we report on a recent visit to NIVEKO and uncover details about their unique pool production methods in their brand new factory, a trip which was kindly organised by their new exclusive UK distributor – Certikin International.

We’ve also an in depth look at the latest efficient and environmentally friendly heat pumps that are on the market – products which will definitely take the chill out of the water on grey days and which can extend the season for pool and spa owners.

Fabulous and hardwearing tiling and mosaic solutions also have the spotlight upon them this issue plus we’ve a feature on hot tub covers and cover lifters – products which are increasingly being seen as must have items for the majority of spa owners.

Trade events, both in the UK and around the world, are also looked at as we roundup what’s taken place recently and look at what’s on the horizon in the months ahead.

As if that wasn’t enough, the testing experts at Lovibond Tintometer take a look at the latest ‘Swimming Pool Water’ book from PWTAG, Golden Coast’s Jamie Adams reflects on a recent bucket list adventure and the STA highlight some of the risks posed by water play equipment.

There’s also useful further information from the BSPF, SPATA and BISHTA plus we’ve also got our roundup of all the latest industry, product, people and eco news from both here in the UK and abroad too.

So, that’s this latest issue of SPN broken down – as ever, I hope you enjoy reading it.

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

You can follow SPN on:

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

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SPN June 2018 1 04/06/2018 00:05

CONTENTS

Inside This 06

48

51

58 COVER

HEAT PUMPS

51

HOT TUBS – COVERS & LIFTERS

58

FEATURES

POOL & SPA INDUSTRY

39

STA POOL PLANT

45

Essential items that are taking the strain out of hot tub ownership

The potential health risks posed by swimming aids and water play equipment

ABOVE-GROUND POOLS

60

Cost effective solutions to ensure garden fun for families this summer

WATER TESTING

Reviewing water analysis in PWTAG’s latest ‘Swimming Pool Water’ book

46

TILING & MOSAICS

65

COMPANY VISIT

48

SHOWS ROUNDUP

71

OPINION

80

The latest environmentally friendly water heating solutions

Products that provide superb and bespoke finishes for pools and spas Recent events plus what’s on and where in the months ahead

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The industry’s associations dedicated pages

A unique production process was on display at NIVEKO’s brand new facility

Golden Coast’s Jamie Adams reflects on a recent bucket list adventure

NEWS

INDUSTRY

06-17

The latest industry news, info, projects and gossip

PEOPLE

19

PRODUCT / ECO

20

HOT TUB, SWIM SPA & WELLNESS

27

WORLD

33

New appointments and updates on industry personnel Innovations and new products on the market

Dedicated news for this important sector All the latest news from around the world

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CONTENTS

Issue Of SPN 60

33 71

1

65 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 74

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_June_18_Contents.indd 3

Next Issue • Water testing products • Lighting – products that really shine • The alternative approach – no and low chlorine solutions • Water play equipment • Stainless steel pools, spas and accessories Plus much, much more!

SPN June 2018 3 04/06/2018 00:15

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NEWS

NEWS

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

World Leisure Wins Four Seasons Contract Leyland-based swimming pool company World Leisure (UK) Ltd has won a contract to provide splash pool and water play facilities at the historic Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire.

Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire is a five star restored Georgian manor house within an hour of London, with a wide range of luxury facilities.

World Leisure has been commissioned to provide the additions to the hotel’s pool and wet areas as part of a comprehensive enhancement programme that has already included restoration of the hotel arrival experience, Library, a new Drawing Room and launch of a new Restaurant and Bar concept

‘Wild Carrot’.

World Leisure Managing Director Simon Smith said: “We are looking forward to delivering a new splash pool at this very exclusive hotel in Hampshire. The new facility will be an exciting addition to the hotel’s existing high-end leisure and spa provision.

“The new splash pool which is aimed at

the younger generation includes some bright and interactive play equipment, specified and supplied by White Water, and is intended to provide a more comprehensive family offer from the hotel’s swim facilities.”

World Leisure 01772 284883 www.worldleisurepools.com

ISG Appointed To £17.5m Bradford Leisure Centre Scheme Bradford District Council has appointed ISG to deliver the new £17.5m Sedbergh Sports and Leisure Facility. The scheme is part of an ongoing investment programme by the council to replace outdated and inefficient leisure facilities, with modern, purpose built amenities that better serve local communities and encourage greater participation in sports.

The highspecification new build leisure centre includes a 25-metre swimming pool, eight-court sports hall, fitness suite and numerous other leisure facilities.

The two-storey steel frame building also boasts a 12-metre learner pool with a moveable floor,

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to help younger or less able swimmers enter the water safely.

Designed to complement its surroundings on the Sedbergh Playing Fields site, the 55,660

sq ft building features a large expanse of glazing to its façade, with solar shading panels and timber cladding elements, as wells as a striking aluminium roof design that wraps around the structure. The project is scheduled for completion in summer 2019.

Tim Harvey, Operations Director for ISG, said: “This

latest investment in community leisure facilities underscores the importance Bradford District Council places on fitness and wellbeing across the region.

Increasing participation in sporting activities is a key aim of the new centre, as well as creating a hub that becomes a focal point for the local community, and as a Bradford-based contractor this is a great aspiration for this influential project.”

ISG has strong leisure credentials at a national and regional level. The contractor is currently on site in Rhyl, North Wales delivering a new leisure pool, has commenced a project in Monmouth, South Wales and has recently completed a scheme at Hambleton, North Yorkshire.

ISG Plc 020 7247 1717 www.isgplc.com

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NEWS WATER BABIES WINS NATIONAL AWARD Water Babies has picked up two prestigious national awards in recognition of helping make the lives of parents and parents-to-be that bit better.

The UK’s leading baby and toddler swim school won the Best Family Friendly Children’s Activity Provider at the Tommy’s Awards in London. Water Babies were also given a special Community Award for raising £3.2m through the biennial Splashathon campaign.

Water Babies’s co-founder and Chairman Paul Thompson said: “We are super chuffed to win this award. We have long been supporters of Tommy’s and the groundbreaking and life-changing work they do to help thousands of British families.

“We have been lucky to win quite a few awards in our 16 year history, but this one will hold a special place for us.

Tommy’s are a charity that Water Babies and the parents who swim with us feel a huge affinity to.”

STA Pool Plant Award Gains CIMSPA Endorsement The STA Level 3 Award in Pool Plant Operations is the latest qualification to be endorsed by CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity). With CIMSPA’s aim being to develop a UK wide, vibrant and professional workforce through the provision of quality qualifications, endorsement gives added credibility to STA’s newest qualification.

Luke Griffiths MCIMSPA, STA’s Technical Manager for Pool Plant and the editor of the new Level 3 qualification said: “It is fantastic to achieve endorsement from the sector’s single chartered professional body. It further highlights the high quality of the qualification, its relevance to a modern leisure industry and most importantly, how it serves to promote safe pool, spa and interactive water feature operations.”

The new Pool Plant Operations qualification, which only recently launched following a year’s development and consultation with industry groups, has been produced by the STA to ensure it is fit-for-purpose and relevant to the industry and all different pool types – from sports and leisure centres to hotels, spas, and interactive water features.

Written with the whole industry in mind, it is more user-friendly, robust and has a technically advanced syllabus that importantly covers all aspects of running a pool, spa or interactive water feature plant.

Luke explained: “Today’s commercial swimming

pools come in a variety of forms, shapes and sizes, with all having a diverse range of uses and users.

We therefore wanted the qualification’s syllabus to reflect this, and by working with and listening to STA tutors, pool operators, health professionals, regulators and professional groups involved in the health and safety management of swimming pools, we have created all-encompassing content and learning outcomes. Gaining endorsement from CIMSPA serves as testament to this.”

The units covered in the syllabus include principles of healthy and hygienic pool water; principles of water testing; principles of disinfection, pool chemistry and dosing in pool plant operations; principles of mechanical pool plant operations; swimming pool heating, ventilation and energy efficiency; management practices and health and safety in pool plant operations.

STA 01922 645097 www.sta.co.uk

HULL FACILITY OPENS AFTER £6M REDEVELOPMENT

REL Brings Light To Romford Leisure Centre

Woodford Leisure Centre in Hull, East Yorkshire has reopened after undergoing refurbishment and extension works costing £6m.

Works at the City’s flagship centre included the installation of a new 25m six-lane swimming pool, a new learner pool, family water slide, all new sauna and steam facilities plus numerous other facilities.

Owned by Hull City Council and operated by Hull Culture & Leisure, the centre has also been equipped with new environmental systems to reduce operating costs.

The reopening of Woodford Leisure Centre has meant the end for the historic East Hull Pools site, which opened in 1898. The ornate Victorian building closed its doors for the final time in April and will be put up for sale by the local council.

REL Building Services has completed the electrical works for Romford’s £28m Sapphire Ice & Leisure Centre.

Constructed by Willmott Dixon for The London Borough of Havering, the facility is in the heart of the town centre and includes an eight-lane swimming pool and a 56m x 26m ice rink with a 900-seated spectator area.

Appointed by Kershaw Mechanical Services, REL was responsible for the £2m electrical elements of the project, which took 12 months to complete.

Both the ice rink and swimming pool were in a double height space, so the lighting had to be installed seven metres high. In the

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ice-rink, REL used high-bay LED luminaires coordinated with AV equipment gantries to ensure uniform lighting over the rink and minimise glare, which is essential for sports events.

Outside of the building, REL was responsible for delivering the lighting which emphasises the architectural cladding. The team had to create a vertical ribbon of light at specific points, comprising a watertight LED strip just 16mm wide.

REL also advised on the use of cool-white LED lights to set off the blue panelling and give maximum impact.

Toby Buckley, Managing

Director of REL Building Services said: “This was a complex project as it is only one of three in the UK to have an ice rink above a swimming pool and the outside of the building has a very unique appearance.

“The facility’s location in the town centre was another major challenge. As there was limited space and no car parking, very accurate programming was required to ensure that the electrical items were delivered at exactly the right time to enable us to install them straight away as there was no storage space.

“We’re proud to have played a part in bringing this fantastic new facility to Romford, which is set to have a huge impact on the local economy.”

REL Building Services 020 7515 5154 www.relbuildingservices.co.uk

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NEWS BIRMINGHAM LEISURE CENTRE OPENS AFTER £7.7M REBUILD Birmingham’s newest swimming pool and leisure centre has opened and includes a 25m pool, teaching pool and other modern facilities.

The £7.7m replacement of Northfield’s pool and fitness centre is part of a city-wide investment of nearly £40m by Birmingham City Council and is the third brand new complex to be completed.

Birmingham Community Leisure Trust (BCLT), working in partnership with Birmingham City Council and Sport England, has overseen the project and will manage the new centre once it opens its doors.

BCLT Chair, Brian Taylor, said: “Whether you are a budding athlete with eyes on future Commonwealth Games or simply looking for a fitter, healthier life through swimming or visiting the gym, the opportunity is waiting for you at Northfield Leisure Centre.”

As a ‘nod’ to the old swimming pool building which opened in 1937, some of the old stones from the original facility have been used in the construction of the new centre.

DROWNING STATISTICS GIVE CAUSE FOR OPTIMISM The latest UK drowning statistics show that prevention efforts appear to be working, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

The figures from the National Water Safety Forum, of which RoSPA is a member, show that 255 people drowned accidentally or through natural causes in water in 2017 – a drop of 15% from the 2016 figure of 300.

Errol Taylor, RoSPA Chief Executive, said: “We are still in the early phases of the UK’s Drowning Prevention Strategy, which was launched by the forum two years ago, however these figures give us encouragement, and we hope that we can continue to address the burden of drowning.”

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ISG Award Monmouth Swimming Pool Contract To World Leisure Swimming pool provider World Leisure (UK) Ltd has been appointed by global construction services company ISG to install a new 25-metre, five-lane swimming pool as part of a £7.4m refurbishment and extension of Monmouth Leisure Centre in South Wales.

ISG was appointed by Alliance Leisure to deliver the full contract, with this being the 18th awarded to ISG by the leisure provider through a longstanding framework agreement.

The multi-phased project sees ISG refurbish the existing leisure centre building and deliver a new steel-frame, glass-fronted extension, housing a children’s play area and café. The refurbished leisure centre will retain the existing squash courts and house a toning suite, group cycling studio, exercise studio and 65-station gym, which is scheduled to open to the public in summer 2018.

World Leisure has been contracted to provide a new 25-metre, five-lane pool, which will open in winter 2018. The project is the second one awarded to World Leisure by ISG and follows the

installation of the structural pool and finishes, water hydraulics and filtration at the new £14.8m seafront water park in Rhyl.

The full project involves the construction of a temporary sports hall to allow Monmouth Comprehensive School and the local community to continue to use sporting facilities whilst work is carried out. Once completed, the centre will be run

by Monmouthshire County Council.

World Leisure Managing Director Simon Smith said: “We are extremely pleased to have been contracted again by ISG on this major contract. It’s great to be part of the continued partnership between ISG and Alliance Leisure, which is responsible for transforming and revitalising many existing local authority leisure amenities to a standard that now rivals facilities in the private sector.”

World Leisure 01772 284883 www.worldleisurepools.com

Extreme Cleaning Specialist Steps In To Tackle Slips And Trips Bill A campaign is being launched to remind businesses across key sectors – including wet leisure and hospitality – of the urgent need to safeguard staff and customers by applying an anti-slip coating to high-risk floors.

It follows the acquisition by extreme cleaning specialist CleanSafe Services (UK) Ltd of the floor treatment arm of Bonasystems Europe, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers and providers of floor care chemical products.

The deal gives CleanSafe Services exclusive rights in mainland UK to apply Bonasystems Grip, the marketleading anti-slip treatment for tiles, stone, and other cementitious surfaces.

CleanSafe Services Managing Director Steve Broughton said the company will spend £250,000

over the next two years to develop the floor product application service and promote the safety benefits of Bonasystems Grip.

There are more than 20,000 RIDDOR reported slip and trip incidents every year in the UK, costing employers an estimated £500m a year in management costs, legal bills, compensation, and fines.

Steve Broughton said: “New sentencing guidelines have greatly increased potential fines for slip and trip incidents. This makes it more vital than ever before for businesses to reduce these risks and the associated costs.

“Bonasystems Grip is the

go-to product for supporting workforce and customer safety, demonstrating due diligence, and reducing the risk of the potentially huge management and legal costs associated with slip and trip incidents.”

CleanSafe Services, which specialises in emergency and specialist cleaning, will also provide a contract service for Bonasystems’ other industryleading surface treatment products for cleaning, maintaining, and sealing floors.

Bonasystems Managing Director Steven Phillips said the deal is a perfect fit for both businesses, and for customers, and is a key element of their business growth strategy.

CleanSafe Services (UK) Ltd 0800 668 1268 www.cleansafeservices.co.uk

SPN June 2018 11 03/06/2018 23:46

NEWS

JC Leisure Solutions Achieve Legionella Control Association Membership Leading Water Management Engineering Company, JC Leisure Solutions are proud to announce that they are now official members of the Legionella Control Association (LCA).

In their mission to improve the operating of the nation’s leisure facilities, JC Leisure Solutions have displayed their commitment to this cause once again, by achieving LCA membership and being the very first pool company in the UK to achieve this accolade. Recently appointed Managing Director Graham Brown said: “When I began working with JC Leisure Solutions in September 2017, I immediately recognised an unwavering drive to consistently improve their portfolio of services to achieve their company mission and service their clients better.

They were already supporting clients with legionella risk services and so the next step was to formalise this with LCA membership.”

The LCA is an organisation whose membership comprises companies providing services and products associated with the control of legionella bacteria in water systems. The primary aim is to keep water systems safe and minimise the risk of cases of Legionnaires’ disease caused by poorly maintained water systems and storage tanks. From JC Leisure’s perspective, being a member of the LCA shows their

App Leads To 50% Increase In Swimming Income

existing and new clients that they are a trustworthy and responsible business that takes pride in ensuring they do everything by the book. It also shows that they want to keep up to date with the latest legislation and techniques used across the industry. Further still, it should install confidence in all of their clients that their staff are suitably trained and competent to deliver the agreed services.

To celebrate this achievement JCL are offering customers a reduced price, for a temporary period, across all of their water related / LCA products.

JC Leisure Solutions 01376 513246 www.jcleisuresolutions.com

With around 85% of staff unable to access a computer during working hours, North Lanarkshire Leisure was actively looking for a secure and cost effective communications tool to manage its remote workforce.

The leisure trust, which manages 18 venues across a wide geographical area, went live with the Our People workforce management platform for its aquatics team in January 2018, enabling management to communicate directly with more than 50 aquatics employees who work across a number of venues on a variety of days and at different times.

Graeme Morrison, Operations & Business Development Manager for North Lanarkshire Leisure said: “Our biggest challenge was reaching our staff to efficiently cover swimming lesson classes. Key staff were spending up to two hours each day trying to communicate with the wider aquatics team to arrange lessons cover, relying on multiple communication methods to get in touch with instructors, including Facebook, WhatsApp, text messages, emails and phone calls. It was very time consuming and

certainly not the best use of our staffing resource.

“But it was also ineffective, often leading to disrupted programmes and cancellations to swimming lessons, which had a significant direct cost to the business each year.

Our People has surpassed all our expectations. Mass communication can be completed in minutes, freeing up personnel for other, more productive duties and we are already seeing real term improvements, with a 50% lift and subsequent protection of crucial income streams, as well as improved customer confidence and retention.”

North Lanarkshire Leisure offers more than 400 swimming lesson classes for over 5,500 children each week, as well as 800 fitness classes a week, and employs around 860 contracted staff, as well as relief and voluntary staff.

Our People 020 3893 2145 www.ourpeople.com

STA Named As ukactive Double Awards Finalist STA is riding high after becoming a ukactive 2018 Awards Finalist in two categories, for Supplier of the Year and for Outstanding Leader of the Year. ukactive’s annual awards are the most prestigious within the physical activity sector; they recognise facilities, suppliers, operators, educational institutes, health practitioners and large corporations that have demonstrated exceptional standards in driving forward the physical activity agenda.

Zoe Cooper, STA’s Sales and Marketing Director said: “The team at STA work diligently to supply and deliver the highest standards of swimming teaching, lifesaving,

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first aid and pool plant training, so for us to be recognised by ukactive, and to be chosen as a finalist in the Supplier of the Year awards category is really special.

“As a team we are also delighted that our CEO, Dave Candler, has been named as a Finalist in the Outstanding Leader of the Year awards category,” added Zoe. “Dave is truly passionate about the leisure industry – he understands it and has a real affiliation with what operators need out of their training programmes. Since becoming STA’s CEO he has used this experience to not only enhance STA’s brand reputation and growth, but to positively forge new

partnerships that will help to transform the future of the leisure industry. We are very proud of his achievements and that they have been recognised by ukactive.” ukactive will announce all the winners at a glittering awards ceremony during Active Uprising, which is being held in Manchester on 21–23 June.

STA 01922 645097 www.sta.co.uk

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NEWS

STA Launch Two New Teaching Qualifications In April, STA’s Awarding Organisation, Safety Training Awards, launched two new Level 2 Teaching Swimming qualifications.

The launch included a new Level 2 Certificate which has received endorsement against CIMSPA’s new employer-led Swimming Teacher professional standard.

The new qualifications will replace STA’s current Level 2 Award and Certificate and are titled: • STA Level 2 Award in Teaching Swimming • STA Level 2 Certificate in Teaching Swimming

Ramside Spa Bubbling With Excitement Over Award A leading North East spa has been recognised as one of the best in the industry with a prestigious award.

The Spa at Ramside, at County Durham’s Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa has been named Hydrotherapy Spa of the Year by the Luxury Travel Guide Awards.

The awards follow a strict criteria and recognises those who excel in their industries, to champion the very best spa and wellness facilities.

The Spa at Ramside is renowned for its five pools, including one of the largest hydrotherapy pools in the UK. John Adamson, owner of Ramside Estates is delighted that the spa’s facilities have been recognised with a top accolade.

“It is wonderful to be awarded Hydrotherapy Spa of the Year and to have the spa recognised for our very special facilities,” said John.

“This award is a great achievement for our hardworking staff who always go the extra mile to ensure that all of the guests at the spa receive the very best service.”

The Spa at Ramside boasts a sophisticated thermal suite, five pools – including the hydrotherapy pool and an outdoor infinity pool – plus state-of-the-art gym facilities.

In support of the launch, STA has also created a brand-new range of learner-friendly resources, colourful print-bound teaching manuals, Tutor materials and an online Tutor Upskill CPD. Kayle Burgham, Head of Aquatics at STA says the team were thrilled to launch two new redeveloped swimming teaching qualifications.

She said: “The launch of CIMSPA’s professional standard last November provided an exciting opportunity for us to re-evaluate our Level 2 Certificate as well as the Level 2 Award and all the supporting resources.”

“While our existing higher-level Certificate only required minimal changes to meet the new professional standard, we wanted to go one step further and take time to fully review both of our Level 2 qualifications. Importantly, we also consulted with our industry working group and partners to ensure the educational and practical elements of both qualifications, as well as the supporting resources, reflect the needs of today’s employers and are fit for purpose.”

STA 01922 645097 www.sta.co.uk

Certikin Seals The Deal To Become NIVEKO’s Exclusive UK Distributor Certikin International and NIVEKO have agreed a contract making the Witney-based company the exclusive distributor of the brand in the UK. Established in 1991, Czech Republic-based NIVEKO is widely regarded as the home of premium quality one-piece pools, installing around 450 pools across Europe each year.

The stunning custom-built pools combine the advantages of one-piece pools with the best features of traditional concrete pools.

The main benefits being a quick and easy installation, a pool delivered in one piece, an extensive portfolio that includes skimmer as well as overflow pools plus perhaps most

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importantly, no limitations on the pool size or shape. The pool shells are made from a special, highly durable material which represents the latest technology in the field.

On signing the contract, Certikin Sales Director, Richard Way said: “Certikin is proud to be the UK distributor of this stateof-the-art one-piece pool which is the finest of its kind in the wet leisure market. We are delighted to cement our strong partnership with NIVEKO and we look forward to many more years of collaboration.”

Talking about a recent trip to the company’s new purpose-built factory in the town of Uherský Brod, in the south east of

the country (which is covered on pages 48 and 49 of this issue), Richard said: “I was totally impressed with NIVEKO’s factory and showroom, plus the organisation and the courtesy and respect they show towards their customers. It is both a wonderful company and stunning product to work with.”

Certikin International 01993 778855 www.certikin.co.uk NIVEKO s.r.o. +420 572 693 246 www.niveko-pools.com

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NEWS LEISURE CENTRE AND POOL OPENS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE A £13.5m leisure centre and swimming pool has opened in Ely, Cambridgeshire, two weeks ahead of schedule.

The Hive was built by contractor Pellikaan and project managed by MACE and it boasts a 25m pool, a learner pool, 120-station gym and a number of further sports facilities. It will be managed by GLL under its Better brand on behalf of the council.

Pellikaan Director Gert-Jan Peeters said: “By working closely together with our client and their team, our goal is always to achieve the best possible sports facility. With The Hive, we have set a new level for all our future projects.”

The Hive completes the second phase of the new Ely Leisure Village, which also sits alongside neighbouring sporting clubs.

The project was funded by East Cambridgeshire District Council with the help of a £1.5m National Lottery grant from Sport England.

POP STAR’S POOL PLANS PUT ON HOLD A dispute over plans for a swimming pool between Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page and his pop star neighbour Robbie Williams has failed to reach a resolution, with Kensington and Chelsea Council’s planning committee deciding to defer a decision on the matter.

The dispute goes back to 2015, when Williams sought permission to carry out renovations at his London home which included the building of a basement swimming pool and gym complex. Page took exception to the plans, telling the local council that the works were likely to have “catastrophic consequences” for the integrity of his own home – a Grade 1 listed building.

Commenting on the decision, Page said: “I think the deferment was a very good conclusion.”

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Work On Derby’s Ambitious New Pool Complex Moves Ahead Significant progress continues to be made on Derby’s ambitious New Swimming Pool Complex that will be built on the Moorways site. Demolition of the old buildings is now complete ahead of construction commencing later in the year. The New Swimming Pool Complex will include a 50m ten lane pool, learner pool, leisure water, sauna and steam, gym, exercise studios, soft play and multi-use rooms.

On the progress Councillor Baggy Shanker, the Cabinet Member leading on the New Swimming Pool Complex, spoke positively about the project: “This is an ambitious facility for our City and it will make a great replacement, delivering far more than our

previous swimming facilities. I’m proud to say that we remain on track to open this New Swimming Pool Complex to the public in 2020. It will be a successful project that will make Derby an even greater place to live, work and visit.”

The New Swimming Pool Complex is one of the Council’s 50 pledges and Derby City Council has set aside £33m for the ambitious facility. The project has already successfully completed a number of key milestones. This includes the designs receiving overwhelming support during public engagement exercise, planning permission being granted and the appointment of a preferred contractor.

Swimtag Partners With ReferAll To Enhance Patient Care SWIMTAG, the world’s leading platform for pool operators keen to motivate and support swimmers, has teamed up with the UK’s number one referral software provider, ReferAll. The integration allows medical professionals who prescribe pool based physical activity to access real time activity data on individual patients at the touch of a button.

ReferAll offers a fast and efficient online referral pathway for exercise on referral schemes.

The company is currently working with over 350 services, including exercise referral schemes, health trainers, weight management services and condition specific services, to ensure referred patients receive the professional support they need to integrate physical activity effectively and safely into their lifestyle to achieve positive health outcomes.

Until now, pool-based activity has been difficult to track and monitor, with GPs and other Allied Health Professionals

reliant on the word of the patient when it comes to activity undertaken. An integration with SWIMTAG means medical care and treatment plans can be prescribed based on evidence, increasing the effectiveness and relevance to the individual.

Speaking about the integration, Kieran Sloyan, MD at SWIMTAG, said: “The health benefits of an active lifestyle are well documented and utilising technology to

better enable a cross-sector approach to patient care is a positive move. Swimming is still one of the most accessible activities making it popular for GPs and AHPs to prescribe.

This partnership brings the physical activity and health sector closer together, enabling a more effective, patient-centred service.”

Once a patient gives their consent, usually on their first visit to a leisure centre at the start of their referral programme, the medical professional who made the referral is granted access to the patient’s SWIMTAG data via the ReferAll app.

They can then access detailed information relating to the type and frequency of activity the patient has undertaken.

Future prescription can then be built on factual information, increasing the effectiveness of the prescription.

SWIMTAG 01225 282117 www.seeyourswim.com

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With over 30 years of experience, PoolLock is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of automatic and manual safety covers, automatic slatted covers and heat pumps for swimming pools.

Thousands of satisfied customers in Britain over the past 10 years bear testament to the quality, service and reliability of PoolLock products.

In 2013, PoolLock opened its first UK production facility in Gatwick, London, with installation teams that are available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. The result: even better service and faster delivery times for our UK customers.

For more information on our complete range of products, please contact us at

www.poollock.com

PEOPLE NEWS

JC Leisure Solutions Director Announced As Awards Finalist LEFT to RIGHT: RLSS UK President Ian Hutchings, Lord Norrie, Lord Storey CBE and RLSS UK CEO, Di Steer (with thanks to The Royal Over-Seas League)

A New Patron And Chapter For RLSS UK The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) are delighted to announce that Michael John Storey CBE, has become their new patron.

Lord Storey takes over the role as patron from Lord Norrie, who retires after 24 years.

Lord Storey joins RLSS UK as patron after a long and distinguished career in both the education and political spheres. He is a leading exponent of ensuring no child leaves school without being able to swim.

Having first joined the House of Lords in February 2011, Lord Storey has served as the Liberal Democrats’ Education spokesperson since 2015 and is already a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), for Water Safety and Drowning Prevention.

As well as campaigning to ensure school pupils all leave school with the ability to swim, Lord Storey is seeking a change in the law to make it a legal requirement for all public buildings

in England, to have an AED on site.

“It is a great honour to become a patron of the Royal Life Saving Society UK. The work they do towards getting our youngsters swimming, is vitally important, additionally; their passion and commitment to educating and training people from all walks of life, on how to enjoy the water safely, mirrors my own. We have an exciting future ahead and I am looking forward to playing my part.”

RLSS UK President, Ian Hutchings welcomed the appointment and said: “I’m delighted Lord Storey has agreed to join us as patron. It is a huge boost for us to have an engaging and passionate politically-active figure on board, I’m optimistic that our relationship will go a long way towards achieving our aim of a world without drowning.”

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

Nicole O’Callaghan of JC Leisure Solutions Ltd has been shortlisted for the ‘Family Director of the Year’ at the 2018 IoD London & South Director of the Year Awards. Nicole has held the position of Business Development Director at JC Leisure Solutions for the past ten years and has dedicated her career to improving the nation’s swimming facilities through the development of the company’s core services.

Company CEO and Nicole’s father, Alan Lester said: “Nicole is a valuable asset not just to JC Leisure but also to the leisure industry. Every day she displays an admirable commitment to helping and supporting our clients and our business. She thoroughly deserves this acknowledgement and we are all very proud of her achievements.”

The finalists were chosen from the hundreds of directors that entered or were nominated across nine different categories.

The expert judging panel will now convene to decide the overall winners to be announced at the awards ceremony on Thursday 14 June 2018 at the iconic 116 Pall Mall, the home of the Institute of Directors.

Alan Fitzwater, IoD Regional Engagement Director said: “After a big change to our categories and criteria, it is inspiring to see such a diverse amount of entries from across the London and South region. Through a thorough and comprehensive judging process, this year’s selected finalists demonstrate exceptional quality across a range of business sectors within and I am looking forward to celebrating their success at this year’s event.”

The winners from each of the nine categories will be automatically entered into the UK finals of the IoD Director of the Year Awards.

JC Leisure Solutions 01376 513246 www.jcleisuresolutions.com

Aqua-Blue Founder Retires After Almost 60 Years Within The Industry Having been within the industry for 58 years, Ronald Stempfer, FISPE, founder of Aqua-Blue Designs has announced his retirement.

Ron joined United Filters & Engineering Limited (UFEL) in April 1960, as an Engineering Draughtsman designing filtration schemes for local authority swimming pools.

Leaving UFEL as a Section Leader he joined Gazelle Swimming Pool in Kingston-uponThames as a Pool Designer & Engineering Manager on nationwide contracts.

In March 1970, he joined Nor-Cal Engineering as Sales Manager rising to

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Sales Director. One of the main tasks was to expand the ‘Arneson’ pool cleaner and ‘Laars’ gas boiler sales which both became market leaders. He was also a member of the design team of the first UK produced GRP filters by Lacron Limited.

He left Nor-Cal in December 1976 to launch Aqua-Blue Designs – architectural designers and engineering consultants for all types of swimming pools, spa pools, saunas, steam rooms, water features and swimming pool buildings.

Having previously been an ASPC (Association of Swimming Pool Contractors) member, he took Aqua Blue Designs into SPATA in1970. He was a very active SPATA South East Regional Chairman and as Chairman of the Standards Committee, he was

heavily involved in the updating of Standards during 1999. He joined ISPE in 1980 as a Full Member and was made a Fellow in October 1989. He is the joint author of ISPE Deck Level Pools Technical Paper Part 3 and won ISPE Engineering Design Gold Awards in 1988, 89, 92, 93 and 95. During the same period he also won several SPATA awards for Aqua Blue Designs.

In December 1999, Aqua Blue Designs was joined by Michael Cormacey, MISPE and Ron eventually sold his equity in the company to Michael. In December 2003 Ron resigned as director but was retained as an Associate Design & Engineering Consultant until March 2017.

Ron was the second founder member of JLP Ltd, now National Leisure, and he is currently researching the history of this organisation.

SPN June 2018 19 03/06/2018 23:29

PRODUCT / ECO NEWS

Flexible Construction – Easy Block Systems From SolidPOOL Used in over 25 countries worldwide SolidPOOL offers an innovative, lightweight, permanent shuttering and construction block system which allows users to build pools, spas and water features like never before.

The product provides a continuous reinforced concrete wall which is suitable for above and in-ground pools in all soil conditions. At just 3.5kg per block, it’s lightweight and features simple clip together technology, meaning the need for skilled labour is virtually eliminated. This makes it ideal for self-builders and a fast solution for pool builders too.

Being only 150mm thick, and with no need for props outside the shell, excavation costs are

greatly reduced and the project can be back filled before water is added.

Perfect for limited access sites, SolidPOOL can be built in any weather and the system can also be used for indoor pool builds – it meets all the current building codes and U-values when constructed with 100mm of insulation.

The revolutionary flexible block is available for free form pools and makes the SolidPOOL ideal for any pool imaginable.

The liner lock and ring beam are fixed to the pool before being filled with concrete completing the pool shell. Once poured the blocks are so smooth there is no need to render the pool, saving more time and money.

Fittings are simply and

Changes By Menerga Mean Greater Efficiency With Less Refrigerant Heat pumps in Menerga systems featuring ThermoCondHP heat recovery for public indoor swimming pools are to be standardequipped with the refrigerant R410A. This conversion will achieve not only greater efficiency in these systems but will also enable especially significant reduction of up to 40% in the refrigerant charge. The special benefits offered by the refrigerant R410A include – in addition to greater volumetric cooling capacity than with refrigerant R407C – its excellent characteristics as well in heat transfer in the evaporator and the condenser. A system optimally designed to match these characteristics enables achievement of extremely great unit efficiency. This coordination assures a minimum of operating costs for the dehumidification and heating of indoor swimming pools.

Heat pumps in Menerga solutions for the air conditioning of public indoor swimming pools are equipped with micro-channel condensers. These specially coated condensers satisfy strict requirements for corrosion protection and make a key contribution to the reduction achieved in the refrigerant charge. This in turn represents a major advantage with respect to the European F-Gas Regulation.

Menerga GmbH +49 (0) 208 9981 120 www.menerga.com

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SolidPOOL’s revolutionary flexible block

precisely cut out of the block prior to the pour. Any type of filtration can be used with the SolidPOOL wall system, and a one-piece filtration unit is now available that simply attaches

to one end of the pool and eliminates a lot of pipe work.

Orbro-Reed Landscapes 01903 905447 www.orbroreed.com

A Cost-effective Solution For Water Accessibility The Pool Lift Company is developing its range of pool lift products to appeal to all budgets and has introduced the new Eco Pool Lift, a portable and cost effective disabled access pool lift solution that also delivers on design and performance.

The new Eco Pool Lift enables the operator to transport the user manually from the changing area to the pool side without having to use a wheelchair.

Safety features include a service brake on the rear wheels and 2-point safety belts (4 and 5-point harnesses are also available). The Eco Pool Lift has a removable leg support and comes with a headrest.

At the pool side the operator uses a simple mobile pushbutton panel to control the up and down movement. This smart device is battery assisted allowing the operator to lower and lift its user in and out of the water smoothly with minimal effort. The Eco Pool Lift has

a maximum capacity of 136 kg and an arm travel of 1260 mm. Lowering time into the water with weight is 20 seconds and lifting is 25 seconds.

The Eco Pool Lift has all the essential elements needed to ensure good performance in terms of reliability and safety for its user at a reasonable cost. Its compact design means it can be easily moved around in small spaces and neatly stored away when not in use. This portable pool lift device is suitable for any swimming pool which is ground level (no wall or raised edge) and the person is being lifted down into the water.

For more information about the full range of products or to arrange a full site survey please visit the company’s website where you will also discover a new Pool Lift finder tool.

The Pool Lift Company 01256 896000 www.poollifts.co.uk

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PRODUCT / ECO NEWS

A Crystal-clear Solution For Wet Leisure Facilities Calorex ‘Pac’s A Punch’ In Environmentally Friendly Pool The owner of this swimming pool in the Cotswolds gave SPATA award winning wet leisure experts, New Dawn Pools, the freedom to create the pool of her dreams with the only stipulation being that the project had to be environmentally friendly.

With a Calorex Pro-Pac designed to provide an industry leading coefficient of performance, saving CO2 and reducing operating costs; Richard Adams of New Dawn Pools had only one heat pump in mind for this project.

The Calorex Pro-Pac uses state-of-the-art green technology, meaning pools are heated at a fraction of the cost of gas, oil and direct electric heaters, but without the carbon footprint.

In line with the owner’s brief for energy efficiency, a Pro-Pac was installed as the plant room work horse and, in addition, two Certikin heat exchangers (one to assist the heat pump in the winter and one for the hot tub), were installed and connected to a domestic boiler to boost the pool’s temperature when they have parties and to heat the spa independently.

The swimming pool has now become the latest flagship pool for New Dawn’s array of projects – particularly for future customers wishing to pursue similar environmentally friendly solutions.

“This is probably the pool of my career… so far,” admitted Adams. “We were honoured and privileged to be awarded this project, which was an absolute joy to work on.”

The Calorex Pro-Pac has several features such as ‘Smart Pool Pump Control’ which synchronise a pool pump to run only when the pool requires heating, significantly cutting down on pool pump running time.

As well as this, the Pro-Pac also offers touch screen controls, which enable easy adjustments of the pool water set point temperatures, and comes with three-year on-site parts and labour warranty.

Certikin International 01993 778855 www.certikin.co.uk New Dawn Pools 01367 253333 www.newdawnpools.co.uk

More and more health clubs, spas and fitness facilities are discovering the benefits of outsourcing their dosing needs to automated systems…

Should you be taking a leaf from their book?

While automatic chemical dosing can be a blessing for those managing wet leisure facilities, not every company has the in-house knowledge or resources needed.

Golden Coast Managing Director Jamie Adams explained: “There are crystal-clear benefits to automatic dosing systems.

They allow you to eliminate valuable staff time spent testing, avoid dosing mistakes and – above all else – ensure that water is clean, clear and hygienic.

“But, it does require commitment from employers and facility managers to increase knowledge and understanding of the subject and ensure that staff are equipped with the appropriate training… and that can cost facilities time and money.”

Golden Coast set out to find a simple solution to this problem. “We wanted to develop an easy-to-use service which would give facilities the opportunity to outsource any (and every) step of the process.”

Designed to make life easier for those running wet leisure facilities, the third-party automatic dosing service allows companies access to a team of experienced, specialist engineers.

Jamie added: “These professionals possess the knowledge, skills and training necessary to do everything from conducting a free site survey to specifying equipment and service requirements, right through to delivering a planned maintenance schedule.”

Golden Coast 01271 378100 www.goldenc.com

Speck’s BADU EasyFit Has Universal Appeal Queues. Traffic jams. Delays. There’s no worse feeling than being stuck. Yet, for years, we’ve seen it happening in the pool industry – until now, as Golden Coast’s Jamie Adams explained.

“Traditionally, when a swimming pool pump was in need of replacement, pool owners and installers had little choice but to stick with same brand of pump… even if it wasn’t quite as efficient or affordable as other brands.

“The cost of replumbing was just too high for the majority of owners to consider. However, Speck has changed the game. Launched last year, the BADU EasyFit is the world’s first universally-

22 June 2018 SPN 20+22+25_SPN_June_18_Prod+Eco_News.indd 22

compatible circulation pump.

“We’ve seen a huge surge of interest among installers… and if our skyrocketing EasyFit sales are anything to judge by, it’s exactly what the market has been waiting for.”

Available exclusively through Golden

Coast, the UK’s largest independent wet leisure distributor, Speck’s versatile new pump offers a perfect fit with nine leading pump manufacturers including the Sta-Rite 5P2R and Hayward Superpumps, all thanks to its height adjustable feet and adaptable plumbing kits.

Corrosion resistant, reliable and maintenance-free, the BADU EasyFit consumes 20% less power than the industry’s leading pumps and is suitable for pool volumes ranging from 35 to 200 m³.

Golden Coast 01271 378100 www.goldenc.com

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PRODUCT / ECO NEWS

Grayfox Pools And Heatstar Stylishly Enhance Club’s Facilities When you mix, high quality design and build with probably the best energy efficient pool environmental control system in the world, you get the Clifford Health Club & Spa. Based near Nottingham, the club is a stylish mixture of the old and the new with 25,000 sq ft located across four floors of a converted lace mill building, plus a recently opened £2,000,000 extension which added a further 24,000 sq ft. The club is light, airy and spacious with an impressive range of gym equipment. Grayfox Pools built all the wet leisure facilities in the new extension including a 22 metre swimming

pool, a hydrotherapy pool, steam room, sauna, heated loungers, foot spas, an ice station and air purifiers.

To ensure the environmental control system reflected the same high quality of the stateof-the-art facilities, Grayfox specified their preferred supplier – Heatstar. Grayfox have been working with Heatstar on prestigious pool projects for over 25 years. This alone represents the fact that Grayfox have a very high level of trust and satisfaction with Heatstar products and services. It also means that Grayfox can offer its clients lower operating costs thanks to Heatstar units

Control The H7 Duo Pool Cleaner From Your Mobile Using the new AQUABOT RC App with a Bluetooth connection, owners can now control AstraPool’s H7 Duo pool cleaner from any smart device.

Mobile phones can now become a remote control that will make it possible to direct the robot, set the start-up time, programme different cleaning cycles, define a pool’s shape, receive alerts if the filter is full and see relevant information about the pool cleaner’s status.

The H7 Duo App is AstralPool’s leading model of electronic pool cleaners and features the most advanced, state-of-the-art technology.

It has a built-in transmission system that combines two traction motors and a suction motor in a single block. Thanks to this innovative system that runs on gears, every movement made is reliable and efficient.

The pool cleaner is equipped with the Gyro Navigation and AquaSmart® systems so that it takes the shortest route across a pool shell and automatically adjusts to its shape and specifications. These systems deliver a thorough clean in every cycle, avoid all types of obstacles and prevent the power cable from getting tangled.

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renowned energy efficiency credentials.

The environmental control unit which Heatstar and Grayfox specified for the project was the XF EC 12000 Super Plus. This is a high efficiency heat recovery ventilation system. Centred upon a high efficiency ‘Cross Flow’ plate air to air heat recuperator, the XF utilises fresh air introduction to provide natural dehumidification and utilises the recuperator to maximise heat extraction from the expelled room air. The XF utilises the latest ‘Blue-EC’ ultra-efficient, intelligent digital inverter fan technology and is fully compliant with the latest building control regulations for both residential and non-residential applications.

The club and Grayfox were delighted with the finished installation and the client stated that it had fulfilled the brief in

every way. Nigel Gray of Grayfox Pools commented that the client had shown their satisfaction in the best possible way by continuing to offer the company more projects.

Grayfox Pools 01427 788682 www.grayfoxswimmingpools.co.uk Heatstar 01983 521465 www.heatstar.com

HygroMatik introduces Spa Touch Control For Steam Baths The H7 Duo App scrubs and cleans a pool’s floor, walls and water line in all types of pool of up to 100m2. This range of robots comes with an efficient 3D filter plus PVA brushes which adapt to any surface while adjustable nozzles enable them to absorb heavier particles.

There is also a central vibrating brush to scrub dirt before vacuuming.

The robots have a LED indicator that shows when the filter is full and the transparent windows on the filter make it possible to see dirt levels.

In addition, the top access to the cartridges keep users from coming into contact with the dirt.

AstralPool UK 01329 514000 www.astralpool.co.uk

One of the leading manufacturers of steam generators, HygroMatik, has extended its spa product offering with Spa Touch Control.

An optional upgrade for electrode and heater type steam generators, the fixed 5” display makes it easy to adjust the temperature, fragrance and lighting of a steam bath.

Ideal for private and suite spas, the state-of-the-art touch display provides precise and convenient control that can be used in conjunction with all HygroMatik steam bath generator controls.

The control layout can be adjusted according to a user’s spa needs. Notification errors and alerts that indicate when

the steam generator requires a servicing means increased reliability, as well as peace of mind that the bespoke requirement of a given spa environment is being met.

Easy to read and user friendly, the Spa Touch Control display is presented in an 800x480 resolution with 65k colours and has a real time clock with run time and timer programmes.

The display’s IP65 enclosure protects against dust and powerful jets of water and is also resistant to scratches and abrasion.

Operating since 1970, HygroMatik is well positioned to offer advice and support to meet specific steam requirements.

HygroMatik 02380 443127 www.hygromatik.com

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HOT TUB, SWIM SPA & WELLNESS

Demand For Sauna And Steam Heating Up While many countries in Europe have long appreciated the therapeutic health and relaxation benefits of steam, Britain has been slow to catch up... But, now, saunas and steam rooms are becoming the UK’s must-have addition to spas, gyms and leisure facilities.

To the uninitiated, steam rooms and saunas might appear to be one and the same: hot, humid rooms in which to relax. But they offer two very different experiences.

Taking inspiration from the ancient Roman baths, modern steam rooms utilise ‘wet heat’ to produce a steamy, subtropical atmosphere. Because they operate at near 100% humidity, the optimum, comfortable temperature is around 41 degrees.

By contrast, saunas, where small quantities of water are applied to hot stones, produce ‘dry heat’ of significantly higher temperatures of typically between 70 and 100 degrees.

For leisure facilities, there are practical advantages to saunas and steam rooms, as Jamie Adams, Managing Director of Golden Coast explained: “Modern options are very versatile in design and, because they are often of a modular design, you can adapt the design

The Tylö Elyseé offers the stylised design and quality demanded by hotels, spas and corporate hospitality settings

to fit perfectly in the space you have available.

“Our extensive range of quality Tylö saunas and steam rooms provides prefabricated, selfassembly packages in all shapes and sizes – from compact bathroom models to large, exclusive designs for commercial facilities.

“Another important asset, and certainly a relevant benefit to UK markets, is that these types of wet leisure facilities are not season specific – making them excellent value.”

Steam baths, such as the Tylö Elyseé, offer the stylised design and quality demanded by hotels, spas and corporate hospitality settings. Featuring tempered safety glass, durable plastic and anodised aluminium, installation is about more than aesthetics, it’s exceptionally durable too.

Designed with flexibility in mind, the unit is available in 11 sizes and, with a number of customisable features – including a wheelchair accessible door – this sophisticated steam room is suitable for all applications. The prefabricated kit is supplied in ready-to-assemble, wall and ceiling sections – with integral seating, complete with a recessed downlight above each seat.

Kits also include lighting, air outlet vent and all assembly hardware required.

Golden Coast 01271 378100 www.tylolife.co.uk

Vancouver Hosts UK Beachcomber Hot Tub Dealers Conference Beachcomber Canada, in conjunction with SCP UK, gathered their dealers from around the UK to attend the Horizons Summit in Vancouver recently. The event saw the unveiling of the new Anniversary model – the Beachcomber 730 – with it’s all new Signature Cabinet and Star Trail lighting, plus all the other refinements you would expect of a Beachcomber hot tub.

There was ample opportunity to network with peers within the Canadian Beachcomber retail stores and presentations made by Beachcomber Management and Sales Leaders shared ideas as well as the latest innovations.

During the three days of events, one highlight was the visit to the Beachcomber Factory & Development Centre with its signature mural, which was commissioned specially by Keith Scott the CEO and founder of Beachcomber.

While there, dealers were able to experience first hand the manufacturing process of a Beachcomber hot tub, which highlighted the finest quality craftsmanship that goes into the build of one of the most energy efficient hot tubs in the world. Keith Scott was on hand with his own style of presentation as well as sharing the emotions of his relationship with the brand’s hot tubs over the decades. Keith also hosted an evening with a social networking party at the Scott family’s city home. The house covers three floors and is cut into the solid rock face of a cliff, with a lift to all floors with a Beachcomber hot tub taking prime position within the beautifully landscaped property.

Beachcomber and SCP UK staff along with UK dealers at the Beachcomber Factory & Development Centre

The trip also included a visit to a premier local Beachcomber dealership which had some of the top sales figures within the region, then travelling to the offices of the financing and marketing arm of Beachcomber – EMC Business Solutions.

EMC specialise in driving growth for customers by building integrated strategies that help transform businesses for the digital age and connect them with prospective leads on a global scale. UK dealers witnessed first hand the operations of EMC and enjoyed the evening’s hosted cocktails and canapés.

A team bonding event day was also held with a trip to the Whistler Mountain Resort taking in a full day of activities including snowboarding, snowmobiling and walking the snow trails in the beautiful landscape of the mountain retreat. The accommodation for the trip was in downtown Vancouver in the heart of the city centre at the exclusive Boutique hotel, The Sutton Place Hotel.

SCP UK 01293 813215 www.scpeurope.com

The Beachcomber 730 Anniversary model

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SPN June 2018 27 03/06/2018 23:24

HOT TUB, SWIM SPA & WELLNESS NEWS

‘Be Executive’ With New Range From Superior Spas Unveiled earlier in the in year at SPATEX, the Canadian manufactured Be Well Spas brand is the latest offering from Chesterfieldbased Superior Spas. The brand’s ‘Be Original’ line up consists of six series of hot tubs, each of which offers a variety of models accommodating from three to seven people. In addition, their ‘Be Executive’ line offers a further three high-end models with seating for five to seven people and it’s these models which are sure to appeal to hot tub purchasers who are looking for a premium model featuring the latest quality components.

As the name would suggest, the Be Executive series comes fully equipped with the best available technology on the market.

with backlighted chrome jets, decorative LED lights, a powerful volcano jet, bromine salt treatment, 4 speakers and subwoofer high quality audio system plus WiFi and Bluetooth communication technologies with apps to control the spa remotely.

The E585 accommodates five and features two loungers, the E680 has room for six and includes a single lounger while the E770 is an allseater model with space for seven people.

All Be Well spas are built using the most durable materials and the company has specifically chosen suppliers including Lucite, Waterway, Gecko and CMP to provide the highest quality of spas possible.

These high-end spas are an exclusive design and come as standard with 3 x 4hp water pumps and 1 blower. They are also equipped

Superior Spas 01246 559071 www.superiorspas.co.uk

Spa Brand Looks For Guncast Announces KLAFS Partnership For The UK UK’s First Official new chapter in Guncast’s Guncast has announced its long history, meaning we partnership with premium ‘Hot Tubologist’

There’s nothing better than relaxing in a hot tub – it’s one of life’s little luxuries – but for one lucky person in the UK, it’s going to become a paid job in the very near future.

Lay-Z-Spa – the world’s first premium, inflatable hot tub and UK’s bestselling spa brand – is looking for the country’s biggest hot tub fan to become their official tester, or as they’re calling it, their ‘Hot Tubologist’.

The brand’s Hot Tubologist will review the company’s latest hot tubs and officially take over the Lay-Z Spa social media channels this summer.

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It’s clearly a unique opportunity and to secure the role, the company has set up a competition with the winning entrant receiving a cheque for £500, one brand new Lay-Z-Spa Miami inflatable hot tub and a prize package of accessories, just in time for the summer season to begin.

All Lay-Z-Spa models are inflatable and portable. They don’t require professional installation or tools and can be set up (using the included pump) in just 10 minutes.

That’s a bonus for the lucky winner as with a number of new models introduced for 2018, there’s plenty of testing to be done!

Lay-Z-Spa UK 0345 576 0116 www.lay-z-spa.co.uk

sauna and spa brand KLAFS. The partnership allows for the design, supply, installation and service, of the complete KLAFS brand wellness suite, or each component, for the whole of the UK. “KLAFS’ range of products is present in the most luxurious hotels, clubs and properties around the world thanks to their superior quality and design,” said Jack Harding, CEO of Guncast Group. “Our new KLAFS partnership incorporates the world leading KLAFS brand under the Guncast banner, delivering KLAFS saunas, steam and other wellness products for our private and commercial clients.”

Guncast is well known for its swimming and vitality pools, having developed an unrivalled reputation for superior design and build quality, working on some of the most prestigious and unusual projects in London and across the UK. “We have delivered a number of outstanding wellness projects in recent years, featuring KLAFS’ saunas and steam cabins, complementing Guncast’s swimming pools,” said Jack.

“With the new partnership architects and developers can commission one specialist, from the outset, to support the design of the complete wellness facility, through to project completion, commissioning and handover.

“The KLAFS partnership is an exciting

now have clients that don’t necessarily have a swimming pool,” added Jack.

Established in the 1970s, Guncast is a familyrun business with its Head Office in Petworth, West Sussex, and an office in Thame, Oxfordshire.

KLAFS GmbH & Co. KG is one of the global market leaders for the design and delivery of an entire range of hydrothermal solutions, including snow cabins, ice fountains, steam baths, mud baths, hammams, caldariums, SANARIUM®, saunas and more.

Guncast 01798 343725 www.guncast.com

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HOT TUB, SWIM SPA & WELLNESS NEWS

Rapidly Expanding O-Care Reduces Chemical Consumption Since O-Care launched their spa cleaning products in the UK in late 2015, the company has been taking the market by storm.

O-Care removes and prevents biofilm whilst constantly cleaning the spa meaning less chemicals are needed. Using O-Care can reduce the amount of chlorine or bromine used by up to 78%, therefore it’s safe and it helps to protect the main components in a spa or hot tub.

Made from a mixture of high quality minerals, it makes the water more natural, is odourless and leaves the skin of the spa user in a soft condition. It also negates the need to shower after bathing, which is important when using chemical water treatments alone.

The company started back in 2009 as a small brand in the Netherlands, but that changed when the decision was made to introduce their products to different international markets. An effective water

maintenance product in conjunction with creative marketing and a smart sales concept has helped O-Care expand rapidly.

Even-though the O-Care concept is being adapted and integrated in many different

countries, Roel Fassbender, the CEO of O-Care Spa Water Care, believes that growth needs to be sustainable and not a goal in itself. To support the brand name, O-Care provides free tools for both retailers and consumers such as a water maintenance app, animations and training programs to name just a few.

“We focus on both the retailer and the consumer in every aspect,” said Roel.

“Customer loyalty is key and with the various O-Care tools we aim to help our retailers excel at that.”

In 2018 O-Care will have a very busy schedule with shows in the US, UK and France so you can be sure to meet them somewhere and maybe even be persuaded to give O-Care a try.

O-Care 01329 640060 www.o-care.com

Wellness Academy A Hit For SCP UK SCP UK opened its doors for 2 days in March and hosted a Wellness Academy in its dedicated Academy Seminar Room and newly created showroom area, which will form part of the new Trade Counter being built at the company’s Gatwick Head Office.

All four of SCP’s spa/hot tub brands were displayed along with 5 Sentiotec Saunas plus a large range of Spa Enhance accessories and water treatment products.

Ian Pratt, Sales, Sourcing and Marketing Director commented: “The event was very well attended by over 50 Companies with a good mix of existing Wellness customers and new prospects. Many customers chose their 2018 flooring stock resulting in over 50 spas/hot tubs being sold and eight saunas.”

Karen McCleave, Beachcombers European Customer Care Representative, attended to support SCP with dealers of the brand. Specific interest was shown in the new 730AV hot tub featuring the all new Signature Cabinet with Star Trail lighting. New cabinets also featured on the 2018 Week End Spa range which were well received by all that viewed them.

A Cove Retreat Spa with a ‘Holiday Park’ upgrade package was also on

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display and featured the key items that are standard for the holiday park sector and which are available on all five Cove Spa models.

Robert Bikic was in attendance to support SCP with the presentation of Sentiotec Saunas which are part of the Harvia Group. A lot of interest surrounded the 3 infrared models on display and customers had the opportunity to try each out, resulting in immediate sales. Two traditional saunas were also displayed and all models demonstrated the impressive build quality of Sentiotec products.

During the evening, a number of Beachcomber dealers were taken to a well-known local Indian restaurant which specialises in great food and entertainment.

Ian concluded that: “The event demonstrates SCP’s huge capability and portfolio of products for the Wellness sector of the market. We look forward to bringing on new dealers throughout 2018 as well as continuing to support existing Wellness customers to grow their businesses.”

SCP UK 01293 813215 www.scpeurope.com

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RESIDENTIAL POOLS

COMMERCIAL POOLS

THE STRENGTH OF A GLOBAL OFFER DEDICATED TO RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL POOLS

PUMPS

FILTERS

LIGHTING

SANITIZATION

CLEANERS

HEAT PUMPS

WORLD NEWS

Calorex Part Of 5-star Bluewaters Development

Currently under construction, the Bluewaters development in Dubai when complete will boast a spectacular skyline – and with the world’s largest observation wheel as its unique centrepiece, it’s poised to become one of the world’s major tourism hotspots.

Bluewaters is a man-made mixed-use island located off the coast of Jumeirah Beach Residence. The island will feature distinctive retail, residential and hospitality zones that includes 13 swimming pools.

With Calorex being such a well-known and reliable brand in the UAE, contractors Desert Leisure Group didn’t hesitate to contact them to be part of this project. Calorex swimming pool heater chillers were selected for all 13 swimming pools, a total of 22 machines varying in size from Pro-Pac 30s to ProPac 140s and providing a total 1600 kWh heating/1150 kWh of cooling.

Calorex were delighted to be chosen for this project in recognition of their ability to meet all the project criteria.

Reverse cycle heat pumps are a great

means of heating and cooling swimming pool water, and all from one unit.

Efficient use of power, performance and durability were all taken into account during the design stage of this project; values embedded within every Calorex product.

The company’s heat cool pumps are specifically designed for swimming pool heating and cooling – they are not converted air-conditioning units.

This means that all components used in their construction are designed to provide maximum efficiency and reliability in swimming pool environments, even in the toughest of climates like in the Gulf States.

The units were chosen due to their excellent reputation in the market and Calorex’s ability to provide industry leading pre-sales technical support to the consultants and contractors.

Calorex 01621 856611 www.calorex.com

Fluidra Gets Behind Spanish Swimming Competitions Fluidra is stepping up its commitment to the principal swimming competitions in Spain in 2018. The listed Spanish multinational, which is dedicated to the development of applications for the sustainable use of water for Pools and Wellness, is providing the competition pool for the 2018 Mediterranean Games due to begin in Tarragona on 22 June.

The company’s project for the Games consists of an Olympic pool featuring a groundbreaking and versatile design with a moveable wall to divide it into five different areas, thus making it eminently adaptable. The pool will be used for the swimming and water polo competitions, and after the Games, will be available to all members of the Camp Clar sports club in Tarragona.

In addition to ensuring its geometric standards, Fluidra has fitted the pool with all accessories required for competitions and it will be responsible for water quality maintenance, using the Freepool treatment and disinfection system. This will ensure top-quality water for athletes at the competitions and its efficient use.

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The presence of Fluidra’s core brand AstralPool at top-level swimming competitions in Spain will be stepped up through the recent agreement with the Real Federación Española de Natación, RFEN, (Royal Spanish Swimming Federation), which will see the company becoming the federation’s new Platinum Sponsor. Under the agreement, the RFENorganised national competitions will be called the “AstralPool Open Championship of Spain”.

One has already been held in Malaga (7–11 April), and two further events are scheduled – Seville (11–15 July) and another city yet to be decided (15–18 November).

Fluidra’s commitment to water competitions in Spain is completed by its backing, as the main sponsor, of the AstralPool Club Natació Sabadell water polo teams, a relationship that has been in place for over ten years.

The Olympic swimming pool being constructed in Tarragona

Polin Announces New Group Structure A milestone for the Polin brand took place recently when the process required to finalise the establishment of Polin Holding under the brand name Polin Group was completed. All of the companies and brands incorporated within Polin Group will continue to be housed under one of four main umbrellas: Amusement Attractions, Composites Manufacturing, Park Development and Funtastic Parks.

Founded in 1976, Polin Waterparks has served as a world leader in the design, production, engineering and installation of waterparks and water play structures while differentiating itself from competitors with its innovative solutions and R&D focus.

“This change recognises the new role that our company plays in the global amusement industry today,” said Dr Baris Pakis, President of the Polin Holding.

“Our company is a worldwide and recognised leader in the market. Many know us as the ‘game changer’ due to our innovation and success in completing 3,000 waterpark projects in 105 countries. We expect that our company can become even more successful in the future.”

The company’s knowledgeable and creative team of engineers and designers has helped Polin gain invaluable experience worldwide. Each team member shares its intelligence and successes with all other service units within the company, each now organised within its own structure and working toward the overall vision: to be ‘Always Innovative,’ deliver ‘Worldwide Superior Quality’ and maintain a level of ‘Technology Leadership’ for each individual brand.

With this renewed organisational plan, Polin Group aims to increase profitability, efficiency and the scope of the group by offering more integrated solutions.

Ultimately, the new organisation will allow the business to meet the varying expectations for best-of-class products and services in the amusement parks industry.

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WORLD NEWS

IN BRIEF PROPOSED BARRIER LAWS REVERSED IN AUSTRALIA Following a long-running safety campaign by SPASA Victoria and other key stakeholders, Australia’s Victorian government has agreed to implement a mandatory pool and spa barrier inspection programme.

Six months ago, SPASA Victoria along with many others in the industry were shocked at the government’s announcement of proposed legislation that would have compelled pool and spa owners to comply retrospectively with safety barrier laws.

Following the announcement, SPASA Victoria with other stakeholders including Kidsafe Victoria and Life Saving Victoria waged a long and intense campaign including heavy media promotion and strategic behindthe-scenes advocacy.

“It is with great delight that the decision to implement a mandatory barrier inspection programme and reverse the proposal of retrospective barrier legislation has been made by the state government. Our voice of reason has finally been heard,” said SPASA Victoria CEO Brendan Watkins.

NEXTPOOL EXPANDS WITH SPANISH ACQUISITION After recently welcoming the Hydra System and Sokool brands, French company NextPool is now accelerating its expansion internationally.

Faced with the accelerated growth of the Spanish and Portuguese markets, the group had been considering an acquisition to enable it to increase its industrial and commercial impac rapidly and efficiently on the Iberian Peninsula. This was achieved in April with the purchase of the Spanish company IberCoverPool, a major player in the Spanish market and producer of solar blankets, reels and various related products.

IberCoverPool has grown significantly over recent years and has developed quality equipment and trusted relationships with its customers.

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Master Pools Guild Dives In To New Partnership With Adtrak Leading digital marketing agency, Adtrak Director Ian Cromie (left) and Managing Adtrak has announced its latest Director Chris Robinson have further plans to increase their services to the USA international partnership, with the Master Pools Guild – a global network of luxury pool designers.

The partnership between Adtrak and the Master Pools Guild (MPG) is the latest development in Adtrak’s plans to expand their services to the USA. The Nottingham agency was selected as the Guild’s newest Essential Service Provider – a program which works with and recommends external businesses to Guild members, following a unanimous vote from the Guild’s Board of Directors. same for Master Pools Guild members.

The exclusive collaboration aims to provide Master Dick Covert, Executive Director at Master Pools Pools Guild members with market-leading web Guild, said: “We are excited to announce that design and digital marketing advice, helping them Adtrak has joined our Essential Service Provider to promote and grow their businesses online. programme. Chris Robinson visited the Guild office Based predominantly in the USA and Canada, but and shared a presentation that blew us away, but he with over 100 elite members across the globe, the also spent time with us explaining how everything Master Pools Guild specialises in luxury commercial works from a digital perspective. Our industry is and domestic pool design. It is a selective, invitebuilt on strong relationships and the Adtrak team only group, with members placed carefully to avoid is ready to work with Guild members, helping them competition. build and maximise their customers’ bases while Chris Robinson, the Managing Director at Adtrak, building the ultimate relationship of a lifelong said: “We are delighted to join the Master Pools client.”

Guild Essential Service Provider programme.

Through performance-driven web design and digital Adtrak marketing strategies, we have helped our clients 0115 828 0602 achieve fantastic results and we can’t wait to do the www.adtrak.co.uk

15th Annual WAHC Registration Is Open Registration is now open for the 2018 World Aquatic Health™ Conference (WAHCTM) at thewahc.org. Hosted by the National Swimming Pool Foundation®_ (NSPF®), WAHC 2018 will be held 10 – 12 October in Charleston, South Carolina. Advanced Price registration is valid from 1 June– 31 July at $495, followed by Regular Price at $595.

Attendees of the Charleston-based WAHC will enjoy over 40 seminars this year. 2018 tracks include topics, such as Advanced Service Concepts, Design and Engineering, Elements of WAHC, Facility Management & Design, Improving Water & Air Quality, and Increasing Fun While Reducing Risk. More than 400 aquatic specialists convene at the WAHC to network with industry leaders, develop professionally, and help shape the future through aquatics. Annual attendees represent all segments of the aquatics industry, including pool operators, service technicians, aquatic managers, environmental health officials,

academia, pool builders/ designers/engineers, health professionals, aquatic therapists, retailers, and manufacturers, all from around the world.

This year’s WAHC preand post-conference events will include opportunities to participate in NSPF’s Advanced Service Technician Certification, CPO Certification, Environmental Health Leader’s Symposium, and the ever-popular Insider’s Tour of local Charleston aquatic facilities. USA Swimming Regional Build a Pool Conference will take place following the WAHC, 13–14 October. Other aquatic organisations are invited to host meetings surrounding the dates of the WAHC and may contact the Conference Team to schedule a room and time.

Convenient registration, seminar schedule, presenter bios, special conference events, poster presentation applications, and links to the hotel room reservation group rate can be found at thewahc.org

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COMMERCIAL FILTRATION

Setting New Benchmarks In Commercial Filtration With over 35 years of manufacturing experience in the sector, Waterco Europe’s range of Micron Commercial Fibreglass Filters are providing solutions in the most demanding environments and it’s easy to see why

S

etting new global benchmarks in durability, versatility, reliability and longevity, Waterco’s range of Micron Commercial Fibreglass Filters are quickly becoming the number one choice for many of the leading commercial builders, consultants and specifiers throughout Europe who demand a superior product with years of trouble free operation, as well as outstanding water quality. Rapidly replacing other brands available in today’s market, the revolutionary Micron range is available in side mount, top mount and horizontal configurations.

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. They are also ideal for seawater applications. 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 wind 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.

Manufactured from a material that is resistant to both mechanical and chemical influences, Waterco’s Micron fibreglass filters are adapted to a wide range of applications including large commercial swimming pools, aquatic parks, hotel/resort pools, aquaculture, cooling towers, drinking water systems, food/ beverage processing, industrial processes, water features, zoos, and aquariums.

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 models are available with either the nozzle plate or ‘Fish Tail’ lateral arrangement of under drain design. The conventional star lateral configuration of under drain are not considered suitable for the larger commercial filters as ‘dead legs’ exist between the laterals and water flow is not optimised through the filter bed. Waterco’s ‘fish tail’ configuration eliminates any ‘dead leg’ areas by improving water flow throughout the filter bed.

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.

Manufactured from a material that is resistant to both mechanical and chemical influences, Waterco’s Micron fibreglass filters are adapted to a wide range of applications”

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They also come complete with a sight glass and lifting eye as standard. The SMD comes with the benefits of quick connectunions and the SMDD range with PN10 eight bolt flange bulkheads, a large side access hatch and an easy reach air bleed.

Both models are available in both metric and imperial connections.

So why choose a Waterco Micron Filter for your next project? There are numerous reasons why, including: • Superior design and durability • Seamless one-piece vessel • Stocked in the UK – between 100 and 150 pieces at any one time!

• Available in a variety of sizes, pressure ratings and configurations – bespoke filters available • Full in-house product support team • Waterco have been manufacturing commercial filters for over 35 years.

The Micron filter range complements the growing range of commercial product lines currently available from Waterco Europe which includes the high performance Hydrostar and Hydrostar Plus range of commercial pumps, along with 4 bar rated, 2 ½”,3” and 4” size multiport valves.

For more details and information on the Micron range of commercial filters and other Waterco product lines, visit the Waterco Europe website or contact them direct and one of their sales team will be happy to assist with any enquiry.

Waterco Europe 01795 521 733 www.waterco.eu

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 03/06/2018 22:48

Transform your pool room into a multi-use event space

Pool-dek is a pool covering system designed to convert a swimming pool room, or outdoor pool area & transform it into a functional event space without the need to drain the pool.

Availble to hire or buy – Pool-dek comprises a bespoke, made to measure, stylish floor finish over the water’s surface. The system utilises the existing space of a concrete shell or tiled finish swimming pool, covering it and producing an individual floor surface to create an amazing and unique additional event space. We can accommodate other types of pool construction and decommissioned pools.

Simple transformation:

Pool-dek is constructed using stainless steel frames with adjustable feet, ensuring that the framework is level and ready to accommodate the water resistant deck panels. Frames hook together without the need of tools and are braced to the pool side to provide a rigid substructure.

• Modular components

We offer a bespoke design and installation service to the finest detail such as edging, corners and special cutting requirements. We can also accommodate sloping floors, steps and jacuzzis.

• Multiple finish options, to complement individual spaces

• No need to drain the pool • Average install time 2-4 hours • Initial site survey and installation included (UK only) • Supplied worldwide (survey and installation available) • Easy to install, dismantle and store • Compact storage • Multi-functional, creates a dual purpose room • Strong and secure • Over 20 years of worldwide installations

Pool-dek is a patented and trademarked product supplied by Stage Systems, based in Loughborough (part of the Havelock Europa Plc Group of Companies).

Stage Systems has been trading for 50 years.

www.pooldek.co.uk For friendly, expert advice contact 01509 611021 or info@pooldek.co.uk PD_SP_News_FullP_AD_297x210 AW.indd 1

14/03/2018 10:45

POOL & SPA INDUSTRY

The Power Of Partnerships BSPF Managing Director Chris Hayes highlights some of the key partnerships that are helping to strengthen the industry

F

or most of us, life is about working in partnership to achieve more than might be possible alone. This theme of partnership is also fundamental in business, and it will recur throughout this page below as a reminder of some of the work that we are doing to strengthen the industry.

BISHTA has been working in partnership with other European Pool and Spa Associations from Finland, France, Spain and Sweden (who have all contributed funding support and experts) and there have also been experts from a number of other European countries including the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands directly contributing to the standards.

Essential relationships have also been formed with colleagues from America and Asia to develop the European standard for domestic spas and hot tubs (EN 17125). Based on the excellent teamwork, this standard is heading towards its latest phase, where it is expected to be made available for a Final Vote. Subject to a positive outcome, then the standard should be available from October onwards.

The work on the domestic spa Standard (in CEN TC 402) has also encouraged the formation of a Working Group (in CEN TC 136 WG16) to develop a commercial spa Standard (amongst other Standards yet to be finalised). This will be important work, as it ensures that the excellent work of CEN TC 136 WG8 on public (commercial) swimming pools can be built upon. The WG8 members are busy revising European Standards EN 15288 on the design and operation of public pools and also a number of the swimming pool equipment Standards (EN 13451).

Through the generous sponsorship of a number of BISHTA and SPATA members, the Trade Associations can work with members entering the annual British Pool & Hot Tub

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Awards to recognise the achievements of the work undertaken by members. Sallie Leslie-Golding can then work on behalf of PIP to generate publicity within the trade and consumer press to get our message out which in turn creates more business for the industry. The 2019 British Pool and Hot Tub Awards entries are due to be live by the end of this month. Please make sure that if you are eligible to enter that you do so. It will give your company a chance to benefit from the kudos of these long-established awards.

Based on the new European Standard above and the HSG 282 guidance, the BISHTA Technical Committee has been hard at work updating BISHTA Standards. A series of online meetings have been providing some modifications, and it is hoped to have the BISHTA Standards available for the annual learning and information days (including the AGM’s) in October. Please see page 43 for further information on these days.

Partnerships also continue to grow through initiatives such as BISHTA and APSP working together to deliver the Certified Hot Tub Technician (CHTT) course in the UK. Chris Brady from SpaTech Training (and 1 Stop Spas) has been instrumental in getting these courses running. Of equal importance, has been BISHTA’s work with NICEIC to deliver recognised electrical awareness training/ qualifications for making final connections to hot tubs. Over 90 people have received training on either the two or three-day courses, and more sessions will be rolled out in the autumn and next spring.

SPATA is also working closely with the STA on various initiatives, including attending some STA Roadshows to promote important messages about swim teachers looking to build their own pools. A factsheet has been jointly produced with the STA to give even more information to swim teachers.

There is also exciting work happening with SPATA supporting the desire by the ISPE for more work-based training to promote Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Courses in liner installation and also on sauna and steam continue to develop, and it is hoped that these will be available later this year to supplement the existing heat pump course. My thanks to all of the SPATA members that have been involved in some / all of these courses (Aquaflex, Calorex Heat Pumps, Certikin International, Golden Coast and Plastica).

Every year at this time, there are campaigns to raise awareness of the importance of learning to swim and to prevent drownings. Read more about this on page 40 regarding the responsibilities for our industry to promote swimming safety and to support the work of the National Water Safety Forum and their Drowning Prevention Strategy.

Working together is also a theme in Europe with EUSA, and despite BREXIT, there will continue to be close cooperation between the 13 National Pool and Spa Associations. Work is also ongoing regarding the World Alliance of Pool and Spa Associations (WAPSA). The next meeting is scheduled to be held in Lyon at Piscine Global later this year.

Good luck with all of your partnerships this summer and beyond.

DIARY DATES 2018 12 June

SPATA National Council, WebEx 14 June PIP Committee, Andover 21 June Swimming Advisory Group, Loughborough 29 June BSPF Board, WebEx 3 July Swimming Pool Design Forum, Manchester 13 July BISHTA Committee WebEx 17 July SPATA Technical Committee, WebEx 11 Sep TC 402 Board, Paris 18 – 19 Sep EUSA Meeting, Stockholm

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

SPN June 2018 39 03/06/2018 22:45

POOL & SPA INDUSTRY

Working Together For Drowning Prevention In this issue, we take a closer look at some of the initiatives that are being undertaken to reduce the number of drowning incidents in the UK, especially in wet leisure environments

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very summer the popularity of recreation in water grows, but with this, the risks to safety increase too. Last year (2017) 378 people drowned in the UK (the figures do not include those incidents where murder or suicide was confirmed). As an activity, ‘Swimming’ accounted for nearly 10% of these drownings (35 people) and most of these were at outdoor locations, such as rivers, lakes and at the coast. However, six people drowned in a swimming pool, and it is for this reason that the industry must continue to be vigilant and provide suitable guidance and advice to ensure that pools remain safe places to learn to swim (to reduce further the likelihood of drowning in other locations).

In our industry, we are all very much aware that water can bring amazing benefits to people’s lives. However, we are also just as aware that if the right safety prevention measures are not in place, the results can be catastrophic. A person can drown in as little as 2cm of water, so reducing the drowning risk by the implementation of safety devices for pools (and hot tubs) should be an essential discussion point for any installer and their customer.

With more than an estimated 250,000 domestic pools (and at least as many hot tubs) in the UK, we must continue to highlight the importance of informed choice for pool and hot tub owners. Of course, adult supervision is always going to be crucial in keeping people safe around pool and spa water, and this is very important to reinforce with customers. However, if our industry can be confident that more domestic products and facilities are better protected with a safety device, this will increase the layers of protection on offer to customers. These layers include (but are not limited to) signage, safety devices, supervision awareness and swimming ability. The industry needs to continue to work together to safeguard consumers.

The most apparent devices that customers should be made aware of are; safety covers, enclosures and fences. Some people may choose to use additional devices such as alarms. SPATA has also ensured that the European standard for domestic pools (EN 16582) recognises the potential importance of having a boundary property fence/wall to

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reduce the chances of unauthorised access to a swimming pool. BISHTA has also worked with industry experts to ensure that safety devices are referenced in the soon-to-bepublished European standard for domestic spas and hot tubs (EN 17125).

This voluntary self-regulation by the industry at European level on safety has been the fundamental principle by which BISHTA, SPATA and many other Pool and Spa Associations across Europe have acted when developing these Standards. Although the Standards are not law, they are considered the relevant guidance that professionals are expected to follow. The imminent arrival of BREXIT will not impact on these standards, as they are industry standards, not EU standards.

With so many preventable drownings, we can all have a role to play in drowning prevention and swimming awareness.

Managers of pool and spa facilities are

being encouraged to take part in a national drowning prevention campaign to help ensure families know how to have fun and stay safe near water all year round.

The annual Drowning Prevention Week campaign will run between 15 – 25 June 2018. The campaign, created by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) and this year run in partnership with the RNLI and Swim England, aims to reduce the number of drowning and near-drowning incidences that occur in the UK every year, by showing people how to be safe and have fun near water. The campaign encourages schools, clubs, leisure centres and communities, to promote water safety education through events, lessons, games and activities, in a bid to make people more aware of the dangers of water. These type of campaigns all help to contribute to the National Water Safety Forum’s (NWSF) UK Drowning Prevention Strategy. The aim is ‘To reduce accidental drowning fatalities in the UK by 50% by 2026, and reduce risk amongst the highest risk populations, groups and communities’.

For more information on this strategy, please visit www.nationalwatersafety.org.uk/strategy where a copy can be downloaded as a PDF free of charge.

The summer months mean an increase in the public use of water facilities, products and public places with water and therefore an increase in fatalities through unsafe use unfortunately ensues. These types of incidents are quite sobering, but they should not detract from the fact that our industry provides people with an unrivalled opportunity to get fit, have fun and lead more stress-free lifestyles. While we must be vigilant about safety, we also must help to ensure that the growing demand for our products is met with high-quality versions, impressive customer service and a desire to keep on improving and educating customers on the safe use of wet leisure equipment.

A person can drown in as little as 2cm of water, so reducing the drowning risk by the implementation of safety devices for pools (and hot tubs) should be an essential discussion point for any installer and their customer” www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 03/06/2018 22:46

POOL & SPA INDUSTRY

Managing Health And Safety In Swimming Pools The latest industry guidance document was recently released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) at the CIMSPA conference in February 2018. More commonly referred to as ‘HSG 179’, we take a closer look at ‘Managing Health And Safety In Swimming Pools’

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SG 179 applies to all types of ‘public’ pools, as defined in BS EN 15288 (such as communal pools, leisure pools, hotel pools, camping pools, etc.). The guidance does not apply to private pools in domestic premises, stand-alone children’s paddling pools in public parks, or stand-alone spa pools. It is imperative to refer back to the website http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg179.htm to check the latest version (which at the time of writing this article is ‘02/18’).

In keeping with the advice from HSE, it states that “Following the guidance is not compulsory unless specifically stated, and you are free to take other action.

However, if you do follow the guidance, you will normally be doing enough to comply with the law. Health and safety inspectors seek to secure compliance with the law and may refer to this guidance”. It is crucial to read HSG 179 in full to get a complete understanding of what is required, but this article highlights a number of the key headings.

INTRODUCTION There is reference to essential industry standards and guidance, including European standards BS EN 15288 (in 2 parts) and BS EN 13451 (parts 1 – 11). Sport England has very important Design Guidance and some handy appendices, and PWTAG’s Code of Practice and ‘Swimming Pool Water’ publication are also referenced.

WHAT THE LAW REQUIRES Mention is made of key legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSW Act), the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (MHSWR) the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences (RIDDOR).

MANAGING FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY The importance of undertaking risk assessments is detailed in this section, and having a written risk assessment is a ‘must’ if you have five or more employees.

It is vital that employers assess the competence of their staff to determine what training and supervision (for instance) are required.

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ENSURING POOLS USERS’ SAFETY The topic of poolside supervision is covered in this chapter, and while it states that constant poolside supervision by lifeguards provides the best assurance of pool users’ safety, where a risk assessment shows this may not be reasonably practicable, then other robust, alternative measures ‘must’ be implemented to ensure the safety of pool users. There is an acknowledgement that using technology to help existing lifeguards may be applicable. This technology can come in various forms, such as drowning detection systems, poolside CCTV, poolside mirrors, motion sensors and user-worn detection systems.

LIFEGUARDS This chapter deals with the requirements of what lifeguards need to do to perform their duties effectively. Training is a vital part of the initial and ongoing competence of a lifeguard.

POOL EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES A number of items are covered in this chapter, such as diving boards, starting platforms, teaching platforms, water slides, wave machines, inner tube rides, slow and fast rivers, falling rapids, inflatable play structures, movable floors and bulkheads, spa pools and emergency equipment. Advice is given on how to manage these to ensure the safety of users.

MAINTENANCE OF PLANT AND EQUIPMENT The key message is to undertake regular

and correct maintenance of buildings, plant and equipment, according to manufacturer’s instructions. Cleanliness is essential, while heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems should be effective and suitable.

SWIMMING POOL DESIGN The role of the designer needs to be considered under the Construction Design and Management Regulations (CDM). In the section on ‘Building materials and specifications’ there is advice on the pool tank profile (e.g. to avoid abrupt changes in depth and steep gradients) and the pool tank edge (e.g. consider colour-contrasting the edge with the pool water to make it clearly visible to pool users).

The relevance of Sport England’s Design Guidance is also highlighted in this chapter.

THE POOL WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM This chapter highlights that the “treatment of pool water is essential to ensure that employees and pool users are not exposed to risks of infection from contamination of the pool water by microbiological organisms”.

References are made to PWTAG’s Code of Practice and Swimming Pool Water book.

With regards showers, HSE’s L8 publication (Legionnaires’ disease. The control of legionella bacteria in water systems) is a valuable resource. The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DESAR) are mentioned in this chapter.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES HSG 179 states that “You should develop a procedure for dealing with emergencies”.

Training is also a vital part of implementing any emergency procedures.

SUMMARY At 60 pages, HSG 179 is a must-read and with various other links to additional resources, this guidance needs to be read by the industry to ensure that everyone involved in the design, project management, construction, maintenance and operation of these public pools is aware of what is required to ensure a safe environment for employees, contractors, visitors and bathers. To read the full assessment of HSG 179, please visit www.spata.co.uk/category/spata-blog/

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POOL & SPA INDUSTRY

Joint Insurance – Are You Covered?

In an industry where sub-contracting is common, Michael Hiscock, a Partner and member of the Construction and Engineering Team at commercial law firm Wright Hassall, takes a look at single project insurance policies and their potential effect on subrogation rights

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t is becoming increasingly common practice, particularly in the construction industry, for parties to agree that a single project insurance policy will cover all the parties interested in a project. Insurance has a key role in facilitating projects, obtaining funding, but also quantifying and identifying the parties’ legal risk to protect their businesses. A standard insurance policy allows subrogation which means that if you are insured and you have to pay damages to somebody, but part of those damages were caused by a third party, your insurer can effectively step into your shoes and pursue the third party for a contribution. In a project insurance policy, it is common to waive those subrogation rights, so all of the co-insured parties cannot claim against each other, and therefore the risk is shared across the parties within a project without complicated allegations of blame.

A recent fire at Haberdasher Askes School has helped to understand the interaction between a project insurance policy and sub-contracts further down the chain which contains insurance obligations. In this particular case, Lewisham Borough Council used the Priority Schools Building Programme to engage an SPV (special purpose vehicle – a new company with one purpose and no assets) to build an extension to their school in Lewisham. That contract required the private sector partner to purchase project insurance covering the Council, the SPV, the main building contractor and sub-contractors of any tier, and furthermore that the insurer should waive all rights of subrogation against any

insured party. Lakehouse was engaged as the main contractor and, in turn, they employed Cambridge Polymer Roofing as the specialist roofing sub-contractor. It was an express term of the sub-contractor that Cambridge Polymer obtained its own insurance.

During the course of the works there was a fire, allegedly caused by hot works on the roof. The Council sued Lakehouse who settled for £8.75m provided by the project insurer, who then attempted to run a subrogated claim against the sub-contractor for a £5m contribution. The sub-contractor argued that it was entitled to cover provided by the project insurance, and so the subrogated claim should not proceed. The judge concluded that the sub-contract obligation on Cambridge Polymer to maintain insurance was an express term that governed liability in that area. The analysis was that their project insurance contained a standing offer for sub-contractors to join that cover and if they chose to do so, it became an implied term in their sub-contract that they were insured by the project policy. However, as a matter of general law, implied terms cannot conflict with express terms. Therefore, the implied term did not exist in circumstances where the sub-contract itself contained an express insurance obligation. Thus, the subrogated claim proceeded against the sub-contractor’s insurers for a £5m contribution.

From a practical perspective, all businesses carry insurance (or should do so), not only to protect themselves but to comply with mandatory rules on Employer’s Liability and Public Liability cover. For that reason, it is almost routine for an insurance

Insurance has a key role in facilitating projects, obtaining funding, but also quantifying and identifying the parties’ legal risk to protect their businesses” 42 June 2018 SPN 42_SPN_June_18_Join_Insurance.indd 42

clause in a contract to be accepted subject to a correct description of the insurance involved. For example, if you are given a JCT contract, do you check the amount of insurance required in the particulars? Are you aware that JCT 2016 now includes an ability within Option C to implement bespoke works insurance arrangements using the Replacement Schedule? If you are working as part of a much bigger project, and you are told that there is a central project insurance policy, then not only might this reduce your premiums for your own insurance, but you will actually have to take affirmative steps to delete the express insurance obligation in your sub-contract because, for the reasons stated above, the existence of that term requiring you to carry your own insurance prevents any implication that you are covered by the project policy. It would, therefore, be sensible to ask detailed questions at the beginning of a job, to identify how the project will be insured and then obtain evidence that the insurance is effective and in position so that you can delete your sub-contract clause that might otherwise prejudice that protection. Then your brokers can advise on policy coverage, and your lawyers can advise on contract requirements.

Wright Hassall 01926 880739 www.wrighthassall.co.uk

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POOL & SPA INDUSTRY

Stay Ahead Of The Game – BISHTA And SPATA Style!

In early October, BISHTA and SPATA will be hosting their annual conferences.

Open to all members of each association, each day provides a great opportunity to gain essential knowledge and network with Industry peers

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his autumn, BISHTA and SPATA will be hosting their annual conferences (including the AGM’s) but they are being rebranded as ‘Learning’ and ‘Networking’ days to promote the message that these days are for all members, not just the volunteers on the Committees, Boards and Councils.

The two specialised days will take place at SPATA and BISHTA headquarters in Andover, Hampshire on 3 and 4 October, respectively.

Both days will provide a range of handpicked training topics from industry specialists to offer specific and informative content tailored to the members. Based on attendees’ feedback from previous years and consultation with committee members, the AGM part of the day (while very important) will be condensed into less than 25 minutes of the day to cover the requirements for trade associations and their members. The rest of the day provides educational sessions as well as a networking lunch, where delegates can meet with fellow industry professionals and industry experts to chat about topics relevant to them.

The format for each conference day / learning session is as follows:

SPATA – 3 OCTOBER 2018 • Session 1: What are the latest changes to Standards?

An update session for Members on the latest British and European standards and updates on SPATA Standards.

• Session 2: Managing Health & Safety Protecting your employees, sub-contractors, clients and yourself is a major undertaking, so can you do it more effectively?

• Session 3: How good are your T & Cs? With the help of our friends at Wright Hassall, this session will explore some key items to ensure are part of your terms and conditions to protect you.

• Session 4: Updates on industry guidance & regulations With so many changes occurring in our industry, this session will give members brief updates on the relevant information that you need to be aware of. There will also be updates on the key messages from the new version of HSG 179 on ‘Managing Health & Safety in Swimming Pools’.

• Session 5: Networking in Europe and across the world The UK has a role in both the European

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Union of Swimming Pool and Spa Associations (EUSA) and the World Alliance of Pool and Spa Associations (WAPSA) but what does this mean for SPATA members and what would you like to achieve from these networks?

• The day closes with an Open Forum (Please note: the above agenda could be subject to change).

BISHTA – 4 OCTOBER 2018 • Session 1: Raising Standards in our industry The new British and European standard (BS EN 17125) is expected to be released in the autumn, what is included in it? The new BISHTA Standards are also due to be available this year, what else do they contribute to industry standards?

• Session 2: Trading Standards We welcome back Hampshire County Council Trading Standards to explore how they can assist members to deal with customers fairly and comply with the law.

• Session 3: Improving workforce education This session will explore the various training opportunities now in place and what is planned for the coming years, including at SPATEX. • Session 4: H & S and key regulations This session looks at the importance of health and safety in relation to: • HSG 282 • the Electrical Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) - 18th Edition • The day closes with an Open Forum (Please note: the above agenda could be subject to change).

When asked about last year’s conferences and why they feel it is essential to attend, Aquaflex’s Neil Dalziel said: “Don’t be put off

by the ‘AGM tag’ – this was a very small part of the SPATA conference day. The talks were generally both entertaining and informative.

The one concerning the consumer rights of end users was especially eye-opening and provided essential information for anyone dealing directly with the general public – i.e. existing and potential pool owners!”

Mike Robinson of Euphoria Lifestyle commented: “Not having been able to make the BISHTA AGM / Conference for a few years, I was glad I had attended again this year! It was a great day, full of relevant information and industry updates.

Of particular interest to me was the session with Howard Gosling on HSG 282 bringing us up to date on recent changes, and also the session with Hampshire Trading Standards where I learnt a lot about consumer rights in respect of warranty claims and rejection of goods. For anyone thinking the BISHTA Conferences are dull and pointless I would advise going to them in future as they are informal and they give you a chance to take a day away from the office and learn/refresh your core skills as a hot tub business owner.”

The Trade Association Conference Learning Days are an excellent opportunity to network with your industry peers and hear from industry professionals about topics which affect your industry. Moreover, for non-trade association members, it is also a chance to meet the BISHTA/SPATA team and find out how membership can help your business.

Both days run from 9 am to 4 pm – booking is essential and each day costs £20.00 (inc VAT) per person, including lunch (or is free if just attending the AGM). Please book by calling 01264 356211/0 or emailing admin@bishta.co.uk / admin@spata.co.uk.

Bookings close on Friday 21 September.

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STA POOL PLANT – PLAY EQUIPMENT RISKS

How Clean Is Your Pool Equipment?

Following the recent spate of news stories about the hygiene risks associated with certain children’s bath toys, Robbie Phillips, STA’s Pool Plant Consultant, discusses why water play equipment and swimming aids used in public water-based facilities also pose an equal health risk if not managed correctly

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he use of equipment in and around any water-based facility is a constant risk, as wetted items have the potential for bacterial growth. Water is the ideal medium for transmitting nutrients; this can be in the form of dirt, human debris and cosmetic oils etc. which are nearly always present if cleansing regimes are not appropriate and frequent.

To manage this, operators must consider both external and internal surfaces; the latter is often unseen and overlooked.

• Particles being expelled from sealed toys.

• Green, brown or black slime like deposits on surfaces.

• Discolouration of foam items – floats, belts, woggles etc.

BIOFILMS

RISKS

Biofilms are organic ecosystems that play a very important role in the provision of hygienic conditions for all water-based systems.

Simply put, if biofilms are not prevented from infecting water-based systems, they can rapidly develop into high risk, unhygienic colonies and this results in the growth of huge numbers of bacterium. This includes pathogens, which if left to spread into other systems will infect exposed bathers and poolside equipment.

The risks derive from bacterial and microorganism infection. Some common species found in water-based environments are: • Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common bacterium that can cause disease in humans. It is a multidrug resistant pathogen recognised for its ubiquity (found everywhere).

It causes infections, including folliculitis, ear, eye and urinary tract infections.

• Cryptosporidium can cause serious diarrhoea and illness.

• Escherichia coli can cause outbreaks of gastric illnesses.

• Legionella pneumophilia is transmitted by a contaminated vapour/aerosol e.g. any object that produces a vapour and causes severe respiratory infections.

CONDITIONS CONDUCIVE TO BACTERIAL GROWTH The following should be considered: • Firstly, it is wise to think about the preferable conducive conditions which can easily exist in pool water treatment systems; it is these that allow biofilms to form initially.

• The heat from any warm water system is conducive to bacterial growth – water is also an ideal transport medium.

• Surfaces where the floating bacteria can attach.

• Nutrients in the form of body fats, skin particles etc.

• Low levels of disinfectants that allow the establishment of biofilm. This includes incorrect pH, which can reduce the effectiveness of chlorine-based disinfectants.

• Hidden areas where biofilms can establish, for example the internals of toys and inflatables etc. This is often caused by lack of maintenance and/or knowledge and/or lack of effective cleansing.

RECOGNITION Indicators and signs of biofilm growth include: • Combined chlorine odours around equipment.

• Musty odours around equipment.

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These are a few examples of microorganisms that can cause medical problems for bathers.

PRECAUTIONS AND CLEANSING The keys to preventing infection of bathers are: • Check whether the equipment being used is suitable for its use.

• Consider what might be the best toys to use before purchase. If toys are unsealed (not water tight) they can carry a reservoir of potentially contaminated water, which makes them very difficult to cleanse.

• Consider how staff inflate items, e.g. arm bands. Inflation should be carried out using an air blower or pump and not by mouth.

• Monitor foam items, e.g. woggles, floats carefully. Foam can degenerate through wear and allow infiltration into the foam by infectious microorganisms. Foam items with this infiltration after the covering has eroded, are difficult to cleanse and should be discarded.

• Rubber crumb flooring (typically used in water fun areas), whilst providing soft landing areas for bathers, can also be

an ideal harbour for bacteria. The inter spaces need careful monitoring and cleansing regularly.

• Cleanse all equipment after-use with suitable chlorine-based disinfectant and brush to breakdown any surface contamination.

• Regularly check all equipment for biofilm, contamination.

To reduce contamination significantly, regular cleansing and scrubbing regimes should always be applied.

CLEANING METHOD AND STORAGE How equipment is stored and maintained is another vital aspect of managing crosscontamination: • Invest in secure, well-drained baskets/ boxes for storing equipment i.e. arm bands and toys. Use different storage baskets for foam items, i.e. floats, woggles.

This allows for the items to be stored in relatively dry conditions. Also ensure the storage boxes are regularly disinfected.

• Ensure floats are sprayed weekly with an approved disinfectant after bathing.

• Cleanse and sterilise all cleaning utensils, brushes and cloths etc. after each use.

• Stock dilute solutions can be mixed from hypochlorite based commercial disinfectants – however careful mixing is essential to dilute correctly and, ensure bather and staff safety. Mixing should only be carried out following a thorough risk assessment and stringent risk controls being applied.

• Suitable personal protective clothing should always be worn as per risk assessment.

TIP: Operators could consider Milton sterilising fluid as a chlorine based cleaning agent, providing a risk assessment is carried out and necessary risk controls are applied.

Knowledge is essential, which is why training is so important. Such safety in swimming pools is covered extensively in the STA Level 3 Award in Pool Plant Operations, which is endorsed by CIMSPA. Find out more at www.safetytrainingawards.co.uk or email luke.griffiths@safetytrainingawards.co.uk – Safety Training Awards is STA’s Awarding Organisation.

STA 01922 645097 www.sta.co.uk

SPN June 2018 45 04/06/2018 10:45

WATER TESTING

Does Your Water Analysis Live Up To The Book?

In this edition, the testing experts at Lovibond Tintometer provide an overview of what the latest edition of PWTAG’s ‘Swimming Pool Water’ book says about water testing • SWIMMING POOL WATER

TREATMENT AND QUALITY STANDARDS FOR POOLS AND SPAS

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he new PWTAG book covers everything required for all types of pools including lots of material about chemical handling, storage edition of Swimming Pool Water, the book that you read it etc, so weAthatnew would recommend has defined pool treatment for two decades.

Authoritative, comprehensive, a fine balance of technical thoroughly.

But what does it say about water detail and clarity.

Producedsummary by the uniquely independent Pool Water testing? This will ensure your testing Treatment Advisory Group. PWTAG: over 30 years of definitive guidance and standards. regime is as good as, or better than, the book’s This third edition is updated throughout and expanded – 33% longer than the 2009 edition. New information recommendations. on important issues including Cryptosporidium, baby swimming, pool management, UV validation, upgrading Everyone responsible for testing should be pools, balance tank design, birthing pools, swimming ponds, hydrotherapy pools and new horizons. trained. The training should be professional, accredited and relevant. Once qualified, the operator should be competent in: testing the £65 water; understanding the parameters and levels needed; recording the readings; and implementing relevant corrective actions. The book also recommends a written procedure, guaranteeing everyone measures properly and follows the same rules. www.pwtag.org.uk The testing system should be a professional and accurate photometer or comparator – test strips are only suitable as a guidance. Before testing, everything should be scrupulously clean. Tablets should be within the use-bydate and applicable to the system. Finally, instruments should be checked / calibrated regularly, preferably weekly.

Remember why it is important to test the water. Every bather has the right to safety and the water should look inviting.

Consider testing the incoming water – some parameters (calcium hardness; alkalinity; total dissolved solids (TDS); pH; phosphates and sulphates) that change in source water may affect the treatment.

Testing itself starts with taking the sample.

This should always be taken 100-300mm below the surface of the pool using a clean, dry, plastic container.

According to PWTAG, the parameters to test are: disinfectant (chlorine); pH; total alkalinity; calcium hardness; TDS; turbidity and sulphate. It also recommends a Balanced Water calculation.

• Disinfectant (e.g. chlorine): The amount of chlorine and frequency of testing is governed by your operating procedures.

Testing must be frequent and carried out using a photometer/comparator and DPD

Swimming Pool Water Treatment and quality standards for pools and spas

•

•

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No1 and No3 tablets. Beware of possible ‘tablet bleaching’ by high chlorine levels.

• pH: This must be tested at the same time as the disinfectant since chlorine’s effectiveness is dependent on the pH – increased pH = less effective chlorine.

The ideal pH range is 7.2 – 7.4 but a level between 7.0 – 7.6 is generally acceptable.

Again, measurement is recommended using a photometer/comparator.

• Total alkalinity: This measures the alkaline salts in the water. A level of alkalinity is required to help ‘buffer’ the water to prevent pH bounce as chemicals are added. Levels need to be controlled – if they are too high, they may cause pH lock.

PWTAG recommends a range between 80 – 200mg/l (ppm).

• Calcium hardness: This is the amount of calcium dissolved in the water. Water likes to contain calcium – if levels are low, it actively looks for it. In pools, this could be from the grout or concrete base, causing both structural and cosmetic damage. If levels are too high, the water can ‘drop’ the calcium, forming hard-water lines.

Ideally, the level needs to be balanced.

This summary will ensure your testing regime is as good as, or better than, the book’s recommendations” 46 June 2018 SPN 46_SPN_June_Tintometer.indd 46

•

PWTAG recommend a range between 80 – 200mg/l (ppm) Both total alkalinity and calcium hardness can be measured by a photometer or the traditional tablet count method.

TDS: All water contains dissolved solids and, as the desired level is no more than 1000mg/l (ppm) above the incoming water, you should regularly test your supply water.

Additional TDS within the pool comes from users and chemicals. As TDS is dissolved, it cannot be filtered out. The only way to reduce levels is by dilution.

Turbidity: Turbidity is caused by particles in the water – a cloudy pool is not a safe pool. Not only do these particles also make the pool unappealing, they also give bacteria and other contaminants somewhere to ‘hide’ from the disinfectant.

Turbidity should be measured using a meter measuring light scattered at 90o.

PWTAG says the maximum should be 0.5NTU, i.e. as good as drinking water!

Sulphate: Sulphate levels should be kept as low as possible, certainly below 360mg/l(ppm). At high levels, water becomes aggressive and can cause structural damage, especially in concretebased pools. The use of some chemicals, e.g. sodium bisulphate, can increase levels. Sulphate can be tested using simple kits or photometers.

PWTAG also suggests that Balanced Water (Langelier Index) is calculated weekly, based on some standard pool tests and temperature, giving each one a factor and using a formula to give a value: pH + alkalinity factor + calcium hardness factor + temperature – TDS factor.

The result can be calculated manually or via freely available apps, e.g. PoolM8. A –ve value indicates aggressive water and +ve scale forming. Ideally, the result should be slightly +ve.

As previously mentioned, the book covers a lot more information – the above is only a summary of the basics so we do recommend reading the book. Do not guess!

Remember the 3R’s: READ – RECORD – REACT. Lovibond TIntometer 01980 664800 www.lovibondwater.com

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COMPANY VISIT

NIVEKO Impresses On Visit To New Factory

With a number of quality one-piece pools available in the UK, the Monopools produced by Czech Republic-based NIVEKO offer something a little different from the other brands. So when an invitation was received from Certikin International for SPN to discover more about the company and its products during a two-day visit to NIVEKO’s brand new factory, we jumped at the chance to see why the company has become such a success By Jon Wadeson

I

t’s late March, still fairly cold and teams from some of the UK’s best known pool builders, best known wet leisure magazine and best known wet leisure company are landing at Vienna Airport. The group is lead by Certikin International’s Endless Summer Sales Manager David Steptoe and Sales Director Richard Way and we’re on our way to see Czech Republic-based pool manufacturer NIVEKO. Located in a small town called Uherský Brod in the south east of the country, NIVEKO is some 300 kilometres from the capital Prague, so Vienna offers the nearest main airport for anyone on the trade to visit. However a lengthy coach journey, which cuts through neighbouring Slovakia, is still required to reach the company’s brand new, purpose built factory.

En route, we pass the company’s old premises, which is just a short drive away from the new location, meaning minimum disruption to the company’s 70 or so qualified employees.

Arriving at lunchtime, we are welcomed by CEO Šimon Janča, along with Sales Director Jiří Zemek, UK Sales Manager Martin Machala and other staff.

A superb lunch is accompanied by an overview of the company which was established over 25 years ago and which has been manufacturing swimming pools since 1995. Some eight years later, the company broadened its horizons and started to export pools across

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Western Europe and since then, hasn’t looked back. Having won the trust of customers from across Europe, it now installs around 450 pools every year.

We learn it’s not just volume which the company prides itself on – through the use of using cutting-edge technologies, NIVEKO has systematically kept up with the latest trends and the brand has become synonymous with uncompromising, high-quality pools and each type that the company produces is explained in great detail by Martin Machala.

After a short break, a tour around the factory follows and this for me is a real insight into why NIVEKO pools really are very different than other products within the one-piece sector. The company’s custombuilt pools combine the main advantages of one-piece pools with the best features of traditional concrete pools. The main benefits being a quick and easy installation, a pool delivered in one piece, an extensive portfolio that includes skimmer as well as overflow pools for more demanding customers plus perhaps most importantly, no limitations on the pool size or shape.

NIVEKO achieve this ‘best of both worlds’ solution as their pool shells are made from a special, innovative material which has been custom-modified for the purpose of building pools and which represents the latest technology in the field. From designs, every part of the pool shell, including any integrated steps (and the company offer a variety of

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COMPANY VISIT Inside the impressive purpose built factory

Overview of the new NIVEKO factory in Uherský Brod

The indoor demo pool will be joined by four outdoor demo pools for summer

NIVEKO CEO Šimon Janča (left) and Certikin’s Richard Way confirm an exclusive contract between the two companies

Certikin arranged for some of the UK’s best known pool builders to visit the factory

options), are precision cut from a sheet of material and then welded by hand by experienced professionals – no moulds are used at all.

What customers particularly appreciate about the material used is that it is extremely durable and highly resistant to chemicals. It contains UV stabilisers, so it does not age and still looks like new after many years of use.

Once designed and with the material cut, all pools effectively start their life in kit form and are then welded together – so it is only when this process is complete when you can really call the pools one-piece!

This unique process and the flexibility it provides means each pool is essentially a bespoke design, produced to suit a customer’s individual requirements with the main aim of finding the perfect combination of functionality, unique design and timeless technology and the factory tour perfectly illustrates this point with a variety of different pool colours, shapes and sizes being worked upon. There are currently seven pool types in the current range, plus NIVEKO also offer a noise-reducing ‘Whisper’ option on four of those models.

As you would imagine with it being new (the company only started operating from it in February this year) the factory is very impressive and the move to new premises has drastically improved the production efficiency and workflow whilst also increasing the potential manufacturing capacity too.

On the ground floor there is a fantastic show pool which perfectly illustrates the quality of the company and its products. A further four

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A tour around the factory follows and this for me is a real insight into why NIVEKO pools really are very different than other products within the one-piece sector" fully functioning outdoor pools are planned for June, meaning a variety of pool types can be demonstrated to visitors.

The offices are no less impressive either with staff operating the very latest equipment in immaculate and contemporary surroundings which somewhat mirrored the theme of the last talk of the day – the company’s marketing activities in the UK which always present the company in a stylish and effective way.

After a long first day, which had started with the party meeting at 5am at Heathrow, the group then headed off for our hotel in the next village.

A very enjoyable meal and drinks at a local steakhouse then followed along with the chance to unwind and socialise after a busy first day.

Day two saw the group return to NIVEKO for a further talk from Martin Machala on the finer details of installation. The trip was rounded off in style with Richard Way signing a contract for Certikin International to become the exclusive distributor of the brand in the UK. It was time to say our goodbyes to our fantastic hosts and board the coaches again for our return journey to Vienna. Arriving just in time for lunch, the party got a chance to discuss the factory visit in more detail and give their positive views to Richard Way and David Steptoe.

With lunch finished, our plane awaited and a tired looking party boarded after what had been a fantastically educational visit and insight into a company which is providing a truly unique and quality product – many thanks for the invite and hospitality from both NIVEKO and Certikin International!

Certikin International 01993 778855 www.certikin.co.uk

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

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HEAT PUMPS

Popular Pumps That Are Providing The Heat

For a while now, heat pumps have been a firm favourite within the UK industry and they’re often the go-to choice for heating the water in pools and spas in an environmentally friendly way. With manufacturers constantly refining technologies and releasing increasingly efficient models, it’s a sector that boasts a wide range of options. Choosing the right one is essential though so this issue, we put various heat pump options under the spotlight By Jon Wadeson

F

or pools and spas across the UK, heat pumps have, for a long time now, been accepted as the ideal solution to heat water efficiently, and in many cases, extend the season for their owners. With models producing up to several times more energy than they consume, they often effortlessly outperform some more conventional heating methods and that makes them an easy choice for both owners and installers alike.

With impressive energy and therefore cost savings to be made, the latest heat pump models on offer are becoming increasingly sophisticated and intelligent in their

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operation, with many designs increasingly featuring some form of inverter technology – something which only adds to their appeal and use.

With various brands, models and options available from a variety of sources, careful research and professional advice is a must, but there’s usually a perfect heat pump solution on offer for virtually any pool or spa configuration and we take a closer look at the various options on offer.

HELIOTHERM – THE AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP FOR ALL SEASONS According to Earth Save Products (ESP),

swimming pool designers and installers can sometimes struggle to utilise air source heat pump technology to heat pools and the pool environment, but the company believes it has the perfect solution.

Their range of Heliotherm units reliably achieve flow temperatures of 62°C at their normal setting with no significant reduction in efficiency. This allows pool designers to use flow temperatures of 55°C+ enabling all year round heating without any issues. These products are designed and manufactured in Austria and perfected to work in extreme weather conditions – more severe than could ever be experienced in the UK – and still

SPN June 2018 51 04/06/2018 00:35

HEAT PUMPS The Heliotherm range from Earth Save Products are designed and manufactured in Austria and perfected to work in extreme weather conditions

The latest addition to the Certikin line up is the newly launched Dantherm HPP heat pump

achieve industry leading performances. ESP advise that they’re the only unit that can be directly fed from PV and will always use this energy first before drawing from the grid. They can be monitored remotely by the manufacturer and constantly ‘tweaked’ to optimise performance. These units were originally designed for space heating and hot water production for domestic and commercial buildings but their scope and performance makes them ideally suited for the swimming pool market. ESP believe this is the first real air source heat pump which can satisfy the demands of an all year round pool.

Heliotherm heat pumps range from 4kW – 110kW, but if designed in a modular configuration, an unlimited kW output range can be achieved. Operating at 62°C with no ‘wear and tear’ or reliability issues, they are designed to work at high temperatures with minimal stress and no over-gassing. ESP say their Heliotherm heat pumps achieve what no other air source heat pump can because of their revolutionary patented technology.

Therefore, if you have a client requesting a heat pump to heat their pool and pool environment, you can now choose one of the most reliable and economical solutions available.

consumes. The low energy consumption coupled with high heat production makes the HPP heat pump an environmentally friendly way to heat swimming pool water.

Not only is it competitively priced, its other credentials include a reverse cycle defrost, quiet operation and an impressive three year warranty (1st year on site parts and labour, followed by 2nd and 3rd year parts only).

There are four models (6, 8, 12 and 15 kW) in the range with a fifth larger model (20kW) coming shortly.

The new heat pump comes in an attractive graphite grey ABS cabinet and has a scroll or rotary compressor (dependent upon product size), a titanium heat exchanger plus a reverse cycle defrost enabling operation down to 3°C air temperature. The HPP heat pump

has an integrated controller with a touchscreen user interface.

INTELLIGENT HEATING – HEATINVERTER-PLUS FROM FAIRLOCKS POOL PRODUCTS A traditional heat pump either works at maximum capability or is switched off as the compressor’s speed cannot be varied. In order to regulate temperature a thermostat is used to measure the ambient air temperature and switch the compressor on when the water temperature is too far from the required temperature. The Heatinverter-plus The Inverter-plus heat pump from Fairlocks matches the pool water heating needs intelligently with continuous and optimal efficiency

THINGS ARE HOTTING UP AT CERTIKIN When it comes to choice, Certikin have a wide range of heat pump solutions and the latest addition to their line up is the newly launched Dantherm HPP heat pump.

Supplied exclusively to the pool trade by Certikin, it is already proving to be a huge success.

Specifically designed for heating small and medium sized outdoor pools and spas, it’s super easy to install and is an affordable option for water heating and extending the season for owners. The HPP heat pump can produce up to five times the energy it

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HEAT PUMPS The Aquarius from Heatstar demonstrates the company’s commitment to energy saving and product efficiency

Unlike conventional heat pumps, the ZS500 has a vertical blower system, allowing it to be concealed behind a wall or trees

uses a rectifier to convert the incoming AC current to DC and then uses pulse-width modulation of the DC current within an inverter (electrical) to produce AC current of a desired frequency. With Fairlocks’ new and improved inverter technology, the heat pump very cleverly has the ability to regulate its own thermal power flow continuously, which can add 15% – 20% efficiency when compared to conventional technology.

The Heatinverter-plus is a full-inverter swimming pool heat pump which features a stepless inverter powered by a full-inverter compressor and a full-inverter fan motor, which adjusts the compressor and fan speed. It matches the pool water heating needs intelligently with continuous and optimal efficiency. The Heatinverter-plus adjusts the heating capacity from 25% to 100% automatically according to pool demand, but most of the time, it only runs at middle and low speed for maximum efficiency.

When run at middle and low speeds to maintain the pool temperature, the compressor and fan run super quietly. Its average COP is 7.0 at Air 15°C/Water 26°C/ Humidity 70% and 11.0 at Air 26°C/Water 26°C/Humidity 80%.

The range consists of four models with all models operating down to an ambient air temperate of -7°C and benefiting from ultralow noise levels.

DESIGNED AND BUILT IN THE UK – THE HEATSTAR AQUARIUS Heatstar’s (and possibly the UK’s) flagship heat pump is the Heatstar Aquarius – an aerothermal heat pump of exceptional quality which demonstrates Heatstar’s commitment to energy saving and product efficiency.

The Aquarius was designed and developed

by Heatstar, one of the original creators in the UK of heat pumps for swimming pools.

Utilising ‘direct contact’ technology whereby

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heat from the refrigerant is transferred directly into the pool water the Aquarius is designed to be used specifically on swimming pool applications. Today’s Heatstar Aquarius heat pump has built on the company’s pedigree and taken full advantage of all the changes in materials and technology to produce a state-of-the-art heat pump that is the highest quality heat pump on the market.

The Aquarius is only manufactured in the UK and uses the very best European components. It is clean, easy to install and simple to operate and maintain. The Aquarius’ reputation is built on durability.

These ‘top of the range’ heat pumps maintain their visually unique appearance due to the utilisation of an anodised aluminium frame chassis. Specified and applied for its long-term corrosion resistance and physical strength this eye-catching aluminium profile serves to reflect the true quality instantly offered from the Aquarius.

Underscoring this quality, Heatstar offer a 20 year anti corrosion guarantee on the Aquarius’ heat exchanger and a 20 year guarantee on the anodised aluminium chassis. Accordingly, Heatstar pride themselves on their outstanding warranties and proven on site after sales support and assistance using only Heatstar technicians.

ZODIAC’S ZS500 – A GOOD LOOKING AND SILENT OPERATOR Becoming ever more popular in the UK, the Zodiac ZS500 range of heat pumps is continuing to please pool customers across the

land. The elegant modern clean shape of the ZS500 allows it to be placed into the garden and not look like the blocky chunk of steel which this sector seems to be burdened with.

The vertically mounted, top venting fan allows for the machines small footprint (610x670mm and 980mm high) to make the most of its clean lines. Located centrally in the front of the ZS500, there’s a large, easy to read digital display which shows the set point and current running temperature.

The unit is ideally placed into tight corners where a conventional heat pump would struggle to perform, and as the ZS500 only requires a 500mm air gap around its base, its cold discharge air is blown into the sky where the 5m clearance is usually not a problem.

Add to this an inverter driven fan and compressor and you get a machine that doesn’t wake the neighbours when it comes on in the evening. In fact, it is so quite it easy to forget that it is even there!

The unit has an active defrost system so at the start of the season or if owners are swimming all year round maybe in an indoor pool, the time spent removing frost from the radiator is minimised. Its vapour cloud as the system defrosts is a sight to be seen!

With a winterisation cover included in the price plus a three year warranty (five years on the compressor), who could ask for more.

the latest heat pump models on offer are becoming increasingly sophisticated and intelligent in their operation, with many designs increasingly featuring some form of inverter technology” SPN June 2018 53 04/06/2018 00:35

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HEAT PUMPS DURA RANGE EXPANDS WITH MODEL FOR LARGER POOLS Building on the success of its ultra energy and cost efficient Dura heat pumps for domestic pools, Golden Coast has expanded its range of heat pumps for larger residential and commercial pools with the addition of DuraCom. DuraCom, which is available exclusively in the UK through Golden Coast, offers yearround heating and cooling in pools up to 615m3 and in air temperatures as low as -10°C. Built to the highest specification from Belgian manufacturer Propulsion Systems, DuraCom makes use of PVC and other durable materials to ensure outstanding reliability. For example, the two models (95 and 145 kW) features titanium heat exchangers which are highly resistant to corrosives, such as salt, chlorine and bromine. What’s more, they are covered by a two-year warranty.

Like its stable mates, these new heat pumps have been developed with efficiency and longevity in mind, as Golden Coast Managing Director Jamie Adams explained: “For our customers, Propulsion’s domestic solutions have been a real game-changer – offering better performance and leaner running costs… which is exactly what customers are looking for – whether it’s a new build or an update.

“Commercial customers have very similar goals, so DuraCom is looking set to do the same for commercial facilities. They keep your running, energy and maintenance costs low, while delivering a consistently exceptional performance… and that’s exactly what the market is looking for…”

INVERTER MODELS PROVING POPULAR FOR BOSTA When it comes to heat pumps, there is a wide range available on the market for every type

Golden Coast has expanded its range of heat pumps for larger residential and commercial pools with the addition of DuraCom

of pool and Bosta UK has a model to suit each type. Their extensive range includes five different models of unit but their range of inverter models have proven to be very popular recently – a fact which the company was predicting a while back.

The Hydro-S Inverter is their entry-level inverter heat pump for pools up to 65m3.

This unit gives owners the efficiency of inverter technology at standard heat pump prices. The Hydro-S inverter has a variable speed compressor to help maintain pool temperatures at lower speeds using up to 15% less energy over the season. Bosta have been offering this model with a two year parts and labour warranty and they guarantee you

will not find an equivalent model for less anywhere else.

At the other end of the spectrum, Bosta UK offers the brand new Norsup Inverter heat pump. Designed with the Scandinavian market in mind, this unit works down to -20 degrees air temperatures but now has a staggering COP value of 16! This unit is 16 times more efficient than an electric heater in the summer season. Exclusively available to customers who install heat pumps or have a showroom to display the range, there is the additional benefit of being an approved dealer with an extended three year warranty.

This model is extremely quiet and perfect for use all year round.

CASE STUDY PRO-PAC EXTENDS THE SEASON FOR ESSEX POOL This stunning pool in Saffron Walden, Essex, is the handiwork of Cambridgeshire pool builders, Aqualeaf Ltd. It’s bristling with the very latest Certikin products including a ProPac heat pump from Calorex.

With a small footprint – the fully ERP compliant Pro-Pac range is designed with space in mind. The defrost system gives the units exceptional early and late season performance and all Pro-Pac heat pumps are designed to provide an industry leading coefficient of performance, saving CO2 and reducing operating costs.

Pro-Pac heat pumps can also synchronise a pool pump to run only when the pool requires heating, significantly cutting down

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on running time. Used with a time clock that operates the pool pump for a block period, minimum pool water turnover rates are maintained.

“The Pro-Pac is sensibly priced, super-

efficient and does a fantastic job of keeping the pool at the required temperature. The family are delighted with the end result and, finished towards the end of the swimming season, they are now eagerly anticipating a long hot summer in which they can make full use of their beautiful new pool,” said Aqualeaf Director, Paul Carman.

Built in the UK under ISO 9001 accreditation, Calorex’s Pro-Pac heat pumps feature a three year on site parts and labour warranty, together with a ten year anticorrosion warranty on the casing.

Aqualeaf 01223 930291 www.aqualeaf.co.uk

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HEAT PUMPS ELECTROHEAT ECO-V INVERTER HEAT PUMP ADDED TO WATERCO’S RANGE Greater interest in environmentally friendly and cost effective pool heating has seen an increase in the use of heat pumps to heat all manner of pools and Waterco’s wide range of ElectroHeat heat pumps offers solutions that cater for both public and private pool environments.

The newest addition to the Waterco ElectroHeat heat pump range is the Eco-V inverter heat pump. This impressively cost efficient new model has the flexibility to vary the rotation speed of the compressor and the fan motor, allowing it to use less energy when maintaining the desired temperature of the pool, but still allowing it to heat up the water faster at the set-up stage.

The heat pump adjusts the output from 50% to 100% depending on the heat demand and environmental factors thereby drastically reducing the amount of energy it consumes when running. The varied output enables a consistent temperature to be maintained whilst working at a lower speed meaning it is quieter and significantly more cost effective.

Easy to use, install and maintain, the ElectroHeat Eco-V uses the latest in inverter technology to reach an impressively high COP of 7.3, offering large savings in running costs along with ease of use.

Available in a 12kW and 24kW versions from UK stockists, the ElectroHeat Eco-V is the ideal choice for installations requiring the very best solutions in performance, durability and energy savings.

The newest addition to Waterco’s ElectroHeat heat pump range is the Eco-V inverter heat pump

INVERTECH JOINS SCP’S GARDEN PAC HEAT PUMP RANGE Fast becoming the heat pump of choice, the latest GardenPac Invertech is powered by a unique full-inverter technology fan motor, which adjusts the compressor speed hertz by hertz and the fan speed rotation by rotation.

A high quality inverter is designed mainly for low speed running which leads to minimum noise, maximum COP, and a long highly efficient working life.

When maintaining the pool temperature by

an average of 50% of the unit capacity, the average sound pressure of a GardenPac Invertech heat pump can create a sound environment ten times quieter and more consumer friendly than standard on/off heat pump models – quieter in fact than a lot of domestic fridges!

Every GardenPac heat pump has soft start technology which means the current will increase from 0A to the rated current over a 2 minute period thus eliminating any burden to the household electricity system. A unique warranty is applied to the compressor and the titanium heat exchanger of seven years giving peace of mind for many years of value for money and quality.

SCP also offer a variety of other brands and models including the UltraTemp-E from Pentair. The UltraTemp-E is a powerful heat pump that uses the ozone-friendly coolant R410A. This heat pump is userfriendly, has an excellent performance curve and a long life, while fitting in with Pentair’s policy of marketing increasingly sustainable products.

The UltraTemp-E is one of Pentair’s EcoSelect™ branded products. These products represent the ‘greenest’ and most efficient products produced by the company and contribute to a more environmentally friendly responsible equipment system.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS: Bosta UK Ltd 01284 716580 www.bosta.co.uk Certikin International H&V 01993 778855 www.certikin.co.uk Earth Save Products 01865 598158 www.earthsaveproducts.com Fairlocks Pool Products 01865 988346 www.fairlocks.co.uk Golden Coast 01271 378100 www.goldenc.com Heatstar 01983 521465 www.heatstar.com Lighthouse Pools 01752 253525 www.lighthousepools.co.uk

SCP’s Garden Pac range of heat pumps now includes the new InverTech – a new heat pump range that features Full-inverter™ Technology

With various brands, models and options available from a variety of sources, careful research and professional advice is a must” 56 June 2018 SPN 51-56_SPN_June_18_Heat_Pumps_2.indd 56

SCP UK 01268 273040 www.scpeurope.co.uk Waterco Europe 01795 521733 www.waterco.eu

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HOT TUBS – COVERS & LIFTERS

Quality That’s Taking The Effort Out Of Hot Tub Ownership Safely securing a hot tub and keeping the heat in when it’s not in use, covers are an essential piece of kit for every hot tub. And their perfect companion is of course a cover lifter. When combined, they make the lives of hot tub owners a great deal easier, help save on running costs and assist in preventing unwanted guests from accessing the water. With plenty of options on the market in the UK, this issue we examine what’s available By Jon Wadeson

F

or many, owning a hot tub or spa is a sizeable purchase so it makes complete sense to look after the investment and prolong its life with a quality cover. This will help protect against the elements, reduce overall running costs and providing a level of security too. But for many spa owners, covers can also be cumbersome and moving them a strain, so it makes sense to invest in some form of lift to help out with what can sometimes be a physically challenging task.

With numerous items available, it’s easy to fall into the trap of selecting or even supplying inferior products so this issue, we take a closer look at some of the quality cover solutions that are taking the effort out of hot tub ownership.

CORE COVERS QUALITY IS KEY FOR SPAEURO Spaeuro is the largest manufacturer of spa/ hot tub covers in the UK. From very small beginnings five years ago production has increased very quickly and last year they manufactured in excess of 5,000 covers and have targeted 5,500 – 6,000 units this year.

Peter Hogg, the Managing Director who also owns Magnum Filters in New Zealand, said that he, along with Spaeuro’s General Manager Jon Hicks decided early on to concentrate on the essential products – covers and filters.

The cover skins are imported from the USA, from Core

Covers who are by far the largest manufacturer in the world (they have recently acquired Sunstar covers), supplying most of the large spa brands with covers.

Spaeuro strives to keep to a 4-5 week delivery time, on standard covers, and in the main do. However, because of the competition with cheap imports they are always striving to be more efficient.

To this end, Peter has been more than happy to invest in replicating the automation machinery as used at the Core Covers manufacturing plant in the USA. Over the last two years three automated machines have been purchased. The latest is an automatic slicer that can slice up to ten polystyrene inserts in a single pass and this has increased output capacity and reduced labour.

The other two machines, consist of a CNC Profile Shaper that can cut any profile of cover plus a Sealing Press. The computer control for the profiler is connected directly to the design department at Core in the USA and downloads all its programs by simply inputting the cover reference number.

The 3 metre sealing press plays an extremely important part of the process as it provides an airtight seal to the moisture barrier fitted over all the cover inserts.

With the machines, Spaeuro now has the most up to date machinery in the world which allows them to manufacture a very high quality cover.

A RANGE OF HOT TUB SOLUTIONS FROM SCP With so many different sizes and shapes of hot tubs on the market in Spaeuro’s cover skins are imported from the USA, from Core Covers who are by far the largest manufacturer in the world

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SCP have a range of products from Cover Valet and options include cover lifters that fit directly to the cabinet such as the Cover Ex

Europe, the choice of covers is also extensive.

There are many different colours of cover to choose from as well as various thicknesses to complement every model. Thankfully SCP are able to manufacture covers to fit all shapes and sizes of hot tub to the exact original manufacturer’s specification and sometimes even better. The vinyl used for the handmade covers is treated with mildew and UV inhibitors for overall longevity and year round beauty.

As some covers can be very large and cumbersome, cover lifters have become a must have accessory and SCP have a range of products from Cover Valet to make the task of moving them easier. Options include cover lifters that fit directly to the cabinet such as the Cover Ex, and those that have a metal plate and are mounted underneath the floor of the hot tub like the Cover Rock It, which requires no fixings to the cabinet at all.

Hydraulic cover lifters are also available for the larger hot tub covers for ease of removal and operation.

The SCP range also includes products suitable for round spas and swim spas. A 38 page, dedicated spa accessory brochure branded ‘Spa Enhance’ is available from SCP covering the whole spectrum of accessories, including the leading ‘Life’ range from POOLCORP’s Australian business.

GOLDEN COAST KEEPS ANY HOT TUB INVESTMENT COVERED When you’ve spent a lot of money on a highend hot tub, you want to make sure that your investment is protected but without

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HOT TUBS – COVERS & LIFTERS a lifter, opening and closing must be done manually – which can be time-consuming and challenging.

For installers, specifying and fitting cover lifters can be equally as time-consuming and challenging… or it was until Golden Coast added an exclusive cover lifter which can work with any type of spa.

The Ultralift range of cover lifters is built to an exceptionally high specification across the board, and its intelligent design maximises its versatility, while minimising time and effort during installation.

Suitable for all major brands, Ultralift offers a perfect fit for free-standing, in-ground, or built-in tubs. What’s more, it can even be installed without drilling holes into the deck or hot tub surround.

The cover’s unique pivot design makes using your cover a breeze and the handle allows you to open and close from either side of the spa. And because it can be opened/closed that bit quicker, heat loss is minimised for a more energy-efficient spa.

The ground-breaking range includes Visionlift. Its powerful hydraulics and clever design mean that the cover drops alongside the tub when open – meaning spa users benefit from full, unobstructed 360° views.

Added to Golden Coast’s range this year is the SpaEscort Cover Lift, a product that offers the ultimate in strength and has been designed to last in the harshest of climates.

Its powder coated high-strength tubing, wide nylon straps and injection-moulded brackets offer ‘rust-free’ peace of mind. Installation is fast and easy and it’s compatible with spas up to 2.44 m wide.

For those looking for hydraulically assisted opening/closing, the SpaEscort Cover Lift is also available with dual hydraulic assist (SpaEscort Hydraulic Assist).

Covana systems are more than just hot tub covers. They are also completely automated gazebos which offer hot tub owners maximum comfort, safety and intimacy

COVANA TAKES THE EFFORT OUT OF LIFTING A COVER What if owners could access a hot tub with the simple turn of a key without ever again having to struggle with opening a cover or removing snow, ice or other debris?

Well, with Covana, owners can equip their spa with one of the highest insulation covers on the market and then transform it into one of the most easily accessible… all within a mere 20 seconds and with minimal effort.

Covana systems are more than just hot tub covers. They are also completely automated gazebos which offer hot tub owners maximum comfort, safety and intimacy. Made in Canada using the latest, state-of-the-art materials, the products are designed to endure the most rigorous climates, and thanks to a

water-tight seal, they’ll save owners money on unnecessary water, heating bills and maintenance products plus they’ll provide protection against undesired access too.

There are three models in the Covana hot tub range: The Oasis, Evolution and Horizon – each is available in Mocha and Slate colour options.

With its tilt device roof, the Horizon offers a wide range of solutions and is compatible with hot tubs from 2m to 2.36m. Its refined design gives it a sleek and streamlined look with its two column design giving owners fantastic uninterrupted views. The Oasis and Evolution both feature a four column design and each is suitable to have shades and screens fitted as optional extras. Featuring a traditional gazebo-style roof, the Oasis also includes a DEL lighting system which has been designed to create a warm, friendly atmosphere and relaxing ambiance based on a combination of seven carefully-chosen colours, whereas the flat roofed Evolution, with its refined design has a sleek and streamlined look and its adjustable size offers the greatest range of possibilities to fit larger hot tubs.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS: Aqua Warehouse Group 01245 477400 www.covana.co.uk Golden Coast 01271 378100 www.goldenc.com SCP UK 01293 813215 www.scpeurope.com The powerful hydraulics and clever design of the Visionlift from Golden Coast mean that the cover drops alongside the tub when open

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Spaeuro 01443 437915 www.spaeuro.eu

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ABOVE-GROUND POOLS

A Fun And Affordable Above-ground Dream

SCP’s Gardipool range can be semi in-ground, in-ground or aboveground and includes the rectangular Quartoo model (which is also available with overflow)

Despite increased competition from a variety of other wet leisure products, there’s still a lot of demand for pools that fall into the ‘above-ground’ category. Available in a range of materials, their straightforward installation can often be achieved by a skilful DIYer. Combine this with some excellent designs plus great value for money, and you can see why it’s a sector that looks sure to shine again this summer. We take a look at what’s on offer By Andrea Hartshorne

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he above-ground pool is a product which continues to show impressive growth, not because of the affordable price tag but because it is so flexible, easy to use and is very simple to install. The beauty of these pools mean that they are within reach of those families who dream of getting on the ‘pool owning ladder’. A little imagination and landscaping can mean that the options available for these versatile units can transform a garden and provide fun and relaxation for owners for a lower cost than that associated with a full sized swimming pool. If our weather is going to continue to be as warm as the experts predict, these varied and individual pools are destined to remain an affordable and top attraction for young families and households who want to take the first step to pool ownership.

Above-ground pools can also be a spur of the moment purchase, when the weather’s hot customers will want an instant pool that will last so while the sun is shining retailers who offer a range of above-ground options can also look forward to increased sales of chemicals and accessories too.

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Increasingly these high quality pools are sought by families or owners who want to make the pool into a real feature in their garden and so they are often sunk into the ground and landscaping, decking and planting really finishes the project off so each becomes individual and personal. The ease of building is a big advantage over other types of pools and can be installed in a few days and with (hopefully) prolonged weather just around the corner the above-ground pool is a great optional extra for any home or garden.

With so much going for them, perhaps the British public will start to look at the more serious above-ground and wooden pools as more of an investment for their families and gardens and if they do, this could be a great year for these products, their accessories and all the extras.

DELIVER THE POOL OF YOUR CUSTOMER’S DREAMS The dream of owning a pool, is now within easier financial reach than ever before, thanks to Swimmer Pool kits. And, because they’re available from Golden Coast, they’re an installer’s dream too.

For owners, Swimmer’s polymer and blockand-build kits permit them to tailor a pool to their precise requirements – including lifestyle and budget. Three models are available (Standard, Mercury and Platinum) – ensuring every customers’ needs are met.

Kits contain everything needed to create a pool – including high quality pool fittings. For example, the luxurious Platinum kit includes a liner, walk-in step unit, underwater light, solar cover, winter debris cover and telescopic roller.

Kits can be tailored further with additional products from Golden Coast, such as the high-efficiency DURA PRO heat pump.

Good for installers too, swimmer kits have been designed with installers in mind. Many features have been incorporated into the pool system to make the installation process as easy and speedy as possible.

Polymer kits, for example, are quick and easy to build and are assembled using fast-fit 48” high panels in lengths of one, two, four and six feet. Every panel size (except onefoot) includes cut-out details for skimmers and pool lights. Because the holes can be cut with a jigsaw after the panels are erected,

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ABOVE-GROUND POOLS

Plastica’s highly experienced team handcrafts many of the elements of their wooden pools Wooden pools from Plastica not only look great, they’re straightforward to install and affordable too

positioning decisions can be made at the last minute.

The advanced design features support buttresses which utilise a proven X-frame design that improves strength and rigidity.

Further security is offered by heavy-duty anchor stakes which ensure it stays in place.

For installers, however, one of the strongest arguments for choosing Swimmer Pool kits is the speed at which they allow a project to come together. Uniquely, Swimmer Pool kits are supplied in a single delivery, which includes high quality pool fittings, vacuum and chemical equipment. Furthermore, a multi-cyclone pre-filter helps improve water clarity and efficiency of the pool plant, while also saving thousands of gallons of water normally lost through traditional backwashing methods.

IASO RANGE FROM SWIMMING POOL ZONE Designed for a garden, terrace or patio, the IASO range of high quality detachable pools from Swimming Pool Zone are very easy to assemble and dismantle with the only tool required being an Allen key. As one of the best options in their class, the interlocking anodised aluminium structure together with the highly durable PVC liners results in a pool that is designed for repeated use year after year and can be easily stored during the winter months.

The compact design of the pools facilitates easy delivery with all items passing through standard doors or gateways. With a comprehensive range of models including circular forms in 3m, 4m and 6m diameters and rectangular forms from 4.5m in length up to 11m with depths of 1.1m, 1.2m and 1.5m together with the ability to supply custom models, there is a pool for everyone.

This deluxe range of above-ground pool packages has been put together to include

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everything needed to set up a swimming pool in your home or garden. They are supplied with high quality heating and filtration systems, plus the addition of a powerful counter-current machine enables these pools to be anything from children’s splasher pools right through to triathlete training pools which can be housed easily in garden buildings or garages, proving these above-ground pools to be highly versatile and affordable solutions.

THE WHOLE PACKAGE FROM PLASTICA Wooden pools from Plastica not only look great, they’re straightforward to install and affordable too. The company offers a range of British made premium wooden pools that can be located above, below or partially in-ground. Being one of the UK’s leading swimming pool manufacturers, their highly

experienced team handcrafts many of the elements from the company’s manufacturing centre in the South East.

A wooden pool package from Plastica includes a Redwood structure (with a ten year guarantee), an internal stainless steel ladder, an external wooden ladder, a blue liner with mosaic tileband, complete filtration kit, maintenance and water treatment kit, solar and debris covers and an installation DVD. There are optional extras which include LED lighting, Heatseeker heat pump, countercurrent exercise pool unit and more.

With a range of shapes and sizes to choose from, there will be a pool that works for customers in an assortment of sizes – from 3.3 metres up to 10 metres!

When it comes to installing the wooden pool, some skilful DIYers may choose to fit it themselves. Alternatively, pool dealers can undertake the straightforward installation.

Once up and running, expect only positive feedback such as this glowing report from one happy owner based in Berkshire: “We are very pleased with our wooden pool. The build quality is excellent. The pool has been

The IASO range of detachable pools feature an interlocking anodised aluminium structure together with the highly durable PVC liners

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ABOVE-GROUND POOLS great for our social life and the kids are kept entertained for hours! It heats really well and is an attractive, integral feature in our garden.”

Whole wooden pools and demo sections are available for showrooms too, plus as a Plastica Premium Wooden Pools dealer, there are fantastic cashback offers available for consumers too!

STRENGTH, FUNCTION AND BEAUTY – CERTIKIN WOODEN POOLS Made of attractive Scandinavian redwood (walls) and Iroko hardwood, the Certikin wooden above-ground pool is robust and shouts quality. The pool has no side buttresses or braces, making it more attractive and compact than other products of its kind. There are no ugly, concreted-in, steel supports which some pools require, making it easier to install. There are three standard sizes, 4.2m x 4.2m, 4.7m x 2.9m and a larger 6m x 4.2m. All the models below 6m x 4.2m are totally free standing and require no ground supports. All models have a steel support beam around the top of the pool underneath the Iroko top rail. Continuing with the high quality, the high specification includes the pool walls, steps, Certikin flow fittings, filtration, maintenance kit, cover and liner (30 thou mosaic and marbled at no extra cost). Fully foamed insulation covers the bottom and the side walls. For ease, these pools are suitable for both customer self-assembly and installation by pool retailers, whichever is preferred.

A 316 stainless steel entry ladder comes with double top tread and an added structural support bar to reduce the liner wear. The sturdy timber exit ladder provides easy access for swimmers and can be simply detached when not in use.

All models come with the option of a Walu safety cover – called the Woodstar. This is designed to offer the same level of safety and simplicity for above-ground pools (up to a maximum of 10m x 5m) as it does for in-ground. Secured with ratchets on preangled brackets and rolled with a convenient hand-wheel, the Woodstar is easy to install and operate. Manufactured to the stringent French NF p90-308 safety standard and comfortably holding a weight of 100kg, the Walu offers solar and heat retention benefits and acts as a first class winter cover.

OFFERING SOMETHING DIFFERENT – THE GARDIPOOL FROM SCP The Wooden Pool concept by Gardipool is developed from years of experience in

Made of attractive Scandinavian redwood (walls) and Iroko hardwood, the Certikin wooden aboveground pool is robust and shouts quality

the wood sector. The unique patented dovetail joint system features a stainless steel threaded rod that allows the joints to be fully adjustable. This unique system also makes the Gardipool one of the most aesthetically pleasing pools to fit into the garden environment. Each basic structure is manufactured from 45mm wood which is then pressure treated in autoclave and guaranteed for ten years. Choose from either pine coping or tropical hardwood to finish off your Gardipool. There are 13 different sizes in various shapes and three heights to choose from. These distinctive pools feature a 45mm wooden frame in treated grade 4 red pinewood, structural hardware fittings in stainless steel and coping in exotic hardwood.

The pools are self-supporting structures with galvanised metal supports, which are fixed into a reinforced concrete floor. This allows the structure to be semi in-ground, in-ground or above-ground. The range includes the

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rectangular Quartoo model (which is also available with overflow), the Rectoo, which features a rectangular shape at one end, and the octagonal Octoo, completes this exclusive range of wooden pools. Gardipool wooden pools come as a complete package (composition depending on the model) but further accessories are available as an option including a solar cover, winter cover, equipment housing, lights, and more.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS: Certikin International 01993 777200 www.certikin.co.uk

SCP’s Gardipool one of the most aesthetically pleasing pools to fit into the garden environment

If our weather is going to continue to be as warm as the experts predict, these varied and individual pools are destined to remain an affordable and top attraction for young families and households” 62 June 2018 SPN

With Certikin’s pools, there are no ugly, concreted-in, steel supports which some pools require

Golden Coast 01271 378100 www.goldenc.com Plastica 0800 699 0106 www.woodenpools.net SCP UK 01293 546126 www.scpeurope.com Swimming Pool Zone 01299 252577 www.swimmingpoolzone.co.uk

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TILING & MOSAICS

Tiles To Create A Perfectly Polished Look This beautiful pool was completed using hues of blue glass mosaics from the ocean inspired Aquastyle range from Waxman Ceramics

The options that exist today to finish off stunning looking pools and other wet leisure areas are as wide as its ever been and creating that all important bespoke finish is for many, the ultimate statement. Whether it’s some truly tremendous tile options or magnificent mosaic ideas, there seemingly is no end to the possibilities now on offer and we take a closer look at what’s on offer to add style and individuality to any project this year By Karen Witney

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here are always a number of factors to be considered when installing or refurbishing a pool or spa. Today’s customers both commercial and domestic are more discerning than ever and with the wealth of information available to them through browsing the internet or gleaning information from the experts, choosing a finish that is right for their particular project is paramount on their check-list. Commercial facilities have traditionally gone with the tiled option and for very good reasons. Tiles are hard wearing and whilst the initial outlay may

Luxury Pools & Mosaics supply standard products through to bespoke swimming pool mosaics for both residential and commercial projects

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be on the high side, if looked after and treated correctly the pool or spa offers longevity without problems, and therefore avoid incurring expensive maintenance. The much employed blue and white finish has been usurped by a huge variety of choices in both colour and shape and this has encouraged domestic customers to look more closely at the option of a tiled product, one that can be truly unique to them whether indoors or out. Quietly discreet or all singing all dancing, shimmering shout out ‘look at me’, there is a tiled finish to suit any style or installation.

Ranges from Luxury Pools & Mosaics are used in prestigious swimming pool and spa projects worldwide

LUXURY POOLS & MOSAICS… FROM STANDARD TO EXCLUSIVE As one of the sector’s leaders in the supply of bespoke luxury swimming pool mosaics, marble and limestone swimming pool copings and matching swimming pool surround tiles, Luxury Pools & Mosaics supply standard products through to bespoke swimming pool mosaics for both residential and commercial projects. Specialising mainly in bespoke mosaics, their mosaic ranges are used in prestigious swimming pool and spa projects worldwide, and the company will happily ship mosaics to any project, anywhere in the world!

All mosaic ranges are on the ‘LinkTec’ (BML) back mounted link, apart from artistic mosaics, which are still paper faced.

‘LinkTec’ (BML) is a polyurethane backing and allows the mosaics to be used in all applications from indoor pools, spas and steam rooms to outdoor pools.

New for 2018 is the Veneto Range, this is a 25 x 25 x 5mm glass mosaic to satisfy the demands of the swimming pool industry but also comes in 50 x 50 x 5mm and in 25 x 25 x 5mm hexagonals and 50 x 50 x 5mm

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TILING & MOSAICS hexagonals. There is also a 25 x 25 x 5mm anti-slip Veneto range which again features the ‘LinkTec’ (BML) back mounted link.

All the mosaics are light and colour fast, resistant to wear, frost, sunlight, chemical attack, thermal shock and water absorption.

In addition to mosaics for the pool tank, all the marble and lime-stones used in their pool surrounds are suitable to be installed in the pool tank too. The marble or limestone for any steps or depths of 800mm or less, will be sand blasted to ensure they exceed UK standards for slip resistance in an underwater environment. As with the mosaic range the company ship their tiles worldwide too.

Luxury Pools & Mosaics also offer bespoke pool surrounds made from marble and limestone, to include grates, copings and other bespoke items upon request.

Friendly and accommodating, the company are happy to talk with architects, specifiers and builders to see if they are able to assist and inspire for any given project.

DESIGNWORKS TILES – WORKING TO CREATE A VISION Designworks Tiles have a wide selection of mosaics and tiles for residential and commercial pools and spas and say that there is no ‘off the shelf’ project. Every one is different, with its own challenges and strengths, lows and highs. Every budget and every client is different too, adding their hopes, desires and expectations to the mix.

The constant factor is the huge range of options available. Now that can sometimes be a disadvantage, as too much choice can be overwhelming, without a guiding hand to advise and even gently direct a customer towards their vision.

At Designworks Tiles they have a fantastic selection of products for pools and spas but they always start at the beginning – who will be using the pool, what do they want, what do they need, where is the pool located, when

This amazing outdoor pool was finished using Designworks Aquila Fosfo Glow Mosaics to create a truly incredible effect’

do they expect it to be finished and what’s the budget?

Take commercial and community pool projects as an example. These are likely to be large pools needing robust products that meet strict safety restrictions, tight budgets and short deadlines.

Designworks Pool Bricks (in Gloss and Slip Resistant options) and Mouldings (for steps, edging or even skirting pieces) tick all the boxes and can be seen in schools and leisure spaces.

At the other end of the scale their luxury range of Cocktail mosaics add gorgeous shimmering effects. Zen is a collection inspired by natural materials of stone, marble and wood. New for this year are Fosfo, their glow-in-the-the dark mosaics, which gradually reveal random pieces of luminescence when the lights go off or sunlight fades, turning the

pool into an enchanted wonderland. All these pool mosaics are on the JointPoint System for superior grip and adhesion. Many of the mosaics come with Safe Step options too, allowing for a seamless transition from pool to pool side.

Also introduced in 2018 is the Trend range, exclusive to Designworks. The appeal of gold never fades, and Trend mosaics have real gold leaf encapsulated in glass to give the special glow that only comes from the real thing.

UP TO THE MINUTE WITH THE MOSAIC COMPANY The Mosaic Company is a specialist supplier of quality mosaic tiles, swimming pool surround tiles, wall tiles and dado tile mouldings. Their tile products are sourced from countries in Europe and across the world.

CASE STUDY WAXMAN ADDS FINISHING TOUCH TO LUXURY SPA When Smallshaw Cottages set about designing their very own spa facilities they turned to Waxman Ceramics to provide a luxurious setting for their guests. Set within the breathtaking countryside of the South Yorkshire/Peak District borders, Smallshaw offers a total of four five-star gold cottages which now include lavish spa and sauna facilities. Inspired by the relaxing yet revitalising aura owners Mary and Jim experienced in Asia.

Waxman Ceramics were tasked with creating the same tranquil effect across their sauna, steam and treatment rooms. Utilising a mixture of large format tiles including Garland and Lake Stone and natural stone and glass mosaic

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blends found in Accord – each tile was carefully selected to provide the perfect setting for guests to relax and destress.

Adding to the Asian theme, Waxman and Smallshaw Cottages worked together to

choose Origen – a porcelain tile available in authentic planks resembling the natural grains and colours found in real wood – perfectly suited to wet environments such as pools and spas.

Steve Parker, Contract Sales Director at Waxman Ceramics commented: “We were delighted to be chosen for such a fantastic project. We really enjoyed working with Smallshaw Cottages and we are immensely pleased with the results.” Adding to the Asian theme, Waxman and Smallshaw Cottages worked together to choose Origen – A porcelain tile with unique grains and colour variations that work together on 15x90cm ‘planks’ to achieve a realistic wood effect.

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TILING & MOSAICS The Mosaic Company is a specialist supplier of quality mosaic tiles and products are sourced from countries in Europe and across the world

Picking out the trends in the selections made by the Mosaic Company’s clients for pool mosaics is an important part of their planning when it comes to sourcing new products to add to their portfolio. Classic combinations of blues and whites continue to perform well, but increasingly they find that more freedom is being exercised by the end user. A general trend up market is apparent and increasingly mosaics with lustre glazes are being selected, along with choices in larger formats. The current trend to monochrome in architectural design is also influencing selection, and greys, blacks and whites are growing in popularity. Progress in production technology has also brought digitally printed glass mosaics into the portfolio of what is available to the swimming pool builder further widening the horizons of the specifier or private end user.

Establishing European sources of new products influenced by these trends continues to be company’s priority and new collections of glass mosaics are being added to their portfolio all the time.

There is also a growing interest in using larger format porcelain tiles in pool linings.

Manufacturers are producing ever growing selections of suitable product, with oversized formats and digital surface decoration to the fore. Natural looking tiles are popular as are tiles with metallic glazes which can produce stunning effects if used sensitively.

Ensuring the highest quality standards and continuity of supply remains the principal philosophy of the Mosaic Company. The

highest possible level of service from a highly experienced and dedicated team ensures that this is achieved.

AN EXTENSIVE RANGE OF SOLUTIONS WAXMAN CERAMICS EXTENSIVE RANGE Waxman Ceramics have been servicing the ceramic trade for over 30 years and are proud to be one of the UK’s leading suppliers of swimming pool tiles and mosaics. Designed specifically for swimming pools in a range of colours, designs and sizes their growing Pool & Spa Collection has been carefully selected to offer both style and practicality for a multitude of pool, spa and sauna environments.

With an extensive range of mosaics including anti-slip and large format tiles, their Aquastyle and Abalon glass mosaics have proved to be the showstoppers of 2018 so far. Made from 98% recycled glass, Aquastyle utilises digital printed technology to add a touch of serenity and calm to its seven ocean inspired shades. Perfectly designed for both indoor and external pool projects, Aquastyle is available in 31x46.7cm sheets with each mosaic measuring 25x25x5mm. Another new addition to their pool and spa range is glass mosaic Abalon available in a 25x25x5mm format. From the pale pastel elegance of Opaline and Celeste, to the deep purple hues of Azure, Abalon is available in six radiant shades with iridescent finish. Not only are Aquastyle and Abalon firm favourites when it comes to both

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sophistication and style, but they also benefit from a polyurethane dot backing. Suitable for use with all industry recognised adhesives, this durable yet flexible mounting system offers an easy install in any pool or spa.

With such a large range of mosaics, antislip and large format tiles suitable for both indoor and outdoor pools, choosing the right type of tile for your pool has never been easier. With a strong customer service team at its core, Waxman is committed to sourcing only the highest quality products – providing a total solution for both domestic and commercial projects. Waxman supply a designated pool and spa brochure totally free of charge.

AQUA STONE… STONE POOL FINISHES WITH MODERN AND NATURAL LOOKS Now the savvy homeowner can design a pool that is completely unique and which incorporates flexible design characteristics, traditional pool design limitations are a thing of the past, according to Aqua Stone Pool Finishes. A pool can now either blend with the landscape or demand to take centre stage as a design feature!

Today, combining natural products with cutting edge technology, pool finishes such as PebbleTec® and natural stone allow homeowners the luxury to create a unique, bespoke pool with limitless possibilities.

Homeowners can integrate water features, infinity edges or sloping beach style entrances amongst many other possibilities.

Using a number of natural materials – quartz pebble, rolled glass, Abalone shell and stone, one can create a seamless, natural, bespoke look.

“We are increasingly meeting clients who are looking for a modern but naturally sympathetic look for their pool build,” said Jane Waller, Managing Director of Aqua

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TILING & MOSAICS Stone Pool Finishes. “Clients are looking for something different from traditional mosaic tiling with lots of grouting. Our finishes give our clients the flexibility to determine the design, shape and style of their pool. They’re even able to choose the texture of the pool interior.”

Where once a stone lined pool was a luxury, today’s natural ranges provide a far more affordable option.

With advances in manufacturing, stone can be designed, cut and even curved to create a seamless arrangement of flooring, copings and deck level grilles for the pool surround and ancillary areas complementing the pool interior.

With these developments, a free form stone swimming pool is now a real possibility with colour tones to suit its surroundings perfectly.

The message from Aqua Stone Pool Finishes is not to limit the imagination – it’s time to think out of the box!

This lovely pool with a view is finished with Sandy Beach Pebble Sheen from the Natural Pebble Range and the step designation bands are ‘cut in’ using Black Pebble Sheen from Aqua Stone Pool Finishes

SPECTILE’S EXCELLENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Spectile are one of the market leaders in the leisure and swimming pool industry, providing specialist ceramic and porcelain tiles to a large percentage of the UK’s leisure facilities.

The company prides itself on the quality and reliability of these products, in an industry where safety, alongside style is imperative. This is why they choose to work with leading European manufacturers including Agrob Buchtal, experts at the very forefront of their field – extruded ceramic design and technology.

Is your customer thinking of having a new pool or updating an existing one? Everyone wants the best without having to spend a fortune and this is now possible by using the Spectile Agrob Buchtal range of pool tiles on the next project. Designed and made in Germany, these extruded tiles are some of

This indoor pool in a traditional setting was completed

by Aqua Stone Pool Finishes using Paradise Blue Pebble Sheen with some Abalone Shell and Aqua glass for the pool’s interior and the steps designation bands are seeded with Gold Pebble Sheen

the best of their kind. All tiles conform to British standards and are available in a wide range of colours, finishes and sizes. Whether it’s a 50-metre competition pool that’s being designed or a smaller residential pool, the Agrob Buchtal range has a collection of

styles that can be used, from contemporary large formats, mosaics and modern Olympic conforming tiles. Spectile are also able to match existing tiles with their ranges – something that’s particularly useful if a repair needs to be carried out. All their tiles are easy to keep clean and maintain their appearance for the longevity of the pool.

The company also provides a great deal of technical assistance should it be needed.

They can provide M40 specification writing, create guide layouts, take off’s and provide samples. All this and more is part of Spectile’s excellent service to their customers – and even better is the fact that it’s also complimentary.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS: Aqua Stone Pool Finishes 01666 841155 www.aquastonepf.co.uk Designworks Tiles 020 3751 2235 www.designworkstiles.com Luxury Pools & Mosaics 0800 756 1445 www.luxurypoolsandmosaics.com Spectile 01270 256666 www.spectile.co.uk The Mosaic Company 0117 955 6224 www.mosaiccompany.co.uk Waxman Ceramics 01422 371811 www.waxmanceramics.co.uk

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Designing safety. emco swimming pool gratings Safe, hygienic, durable – and unique: The rigid PVC insert type 723 DESIGN, onto which tile or natural stone strips can be bonded, is a market-unique solution for covering flood-waters. It is ideally suitable for private swimming pools and hotel pools in which the main focus is on the visually harmonious design of the swimming pool grate with the edge of the pool. This has been stressed by several awards: The cover of overflow channels has received the “Red Dot” award and the “Golden Wave” award. www.emco-bau.com Telephone: (+44) 01952 / 256446

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SHOWS ROUNDUP

Shows Roundup We look at recent events and what’s on and where over the coming months INDUSTRY EXPERTS DISCUSS EFFICIENT POOL OPERATION AT ELEVATE The two-day Elevate event, which was held at ExCeL London, attracted decision makers from across the leisure sector and is making efforts to expand upon its wet leisure offering.

In the business stream, Steve Nelson, Commercial Sales Director at Certikin discussed how to bring the costs of pool operation under control. The session provided insight into the potential for energy savings in swimming pool systems and explored various ways to reduce running costs – from pumps, filters and chemicals to lighting, heating and air handling systems.

Duncan Jefford, Director of Sport and Leisure Management at Everyone Active joined Martin Symcox, Director of IQL and Water Safety Management at the Royal Life Saving Society, to explore ways to increase the revenues generated by pools.

Over 300 leading equipment and service providers showcased innovative products and services within the international exhibition, but only a handful were from the wet leisure sector. They included Certikin International, Embers Aquatics, HippoLeisure, Nagi Smartpool, Poseidon-MG International and SWIMTAG. Kieran Sloyan, MD at 222 Sports, creators of SWIMTAG, said: “This is the third year we have exhibited at Elevate and the show is going from strength to strength. With a better representation of aquatic brands on the show

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floor this year, more operators have been attracted to the area and we have had several on-stand meetings which I am confident will lead to future partnerships.”

Elevate 2019 will return to ExCeL London on 8 – 9 May 2019.

INTERBAD 2018 REINFORCES ITS PROFILE AS A TECHNICAL PLATFORM FOR THE SECTOR The interbad concept which comprises an exhibition, congress and diverse framework programme has again persuaded the industry to present its products, practical solutions and innovations at the biennial event. “We are again expecting over 400 exhibitors. Already over 80% of the 35,000 square metres of surface area has already been booked, and we note great interest also on the part of exhibitors from abroad,” said Ulrich Kromer von Baerle, President of Messe Stuttgart back in March and at least 10% of those exhibitors will be there for the first time. So the signs for another successful interbad in Stuttgart are already in place.

One core pillar in the event concept for interbad is the Congress for Pool and Bath Technology, which is organised by the DGfdB (German Association for the Recreational and Medicinal Bath Industry). Thematically arranged specialist conferences and special events will impart valuable know-how for operators of public, hotel and privately run swimming pools. The main focus of the congress will be on the significance of the

By Jon Wadeson

digital transformation for the construction and operation of facilities. The Bath & Pool Alliance, which was founded in 2017, will also be in attendance. Various specialist associations joined forces to promote, together with their partners, the safeguarding and further development of the German pools and baths industry.

With its coherent mixture of a trade fair, a congress and an extensive accompanying programme, interbad, the international trade fair for swimming pools, saunas and spas, provides an ideal setting to exchange professional experiences and information, carry out networking and find out about technical developments and innovative trends relating to swimming pools, saunas and wellness. The next interbad will take place from 23 to 26 October 2018 at Messe Stuttgart.

PISCINE GLOBAL PREPARES FOR ANOTHER ‘NOT TO BE MISSED’ EVENT Piscine Global Europe, the international swimming pool and wellness exhibition, will open its doors to professionals from the sector from 13 – 16 November 2018 at Eurexpo in Lyon.

The organisers of what is now the leading show in its sector and the most important event on the global exhibition calendar are expecting another busy event following a healthy increase in visitors in 2016 of over 6%.

The next edition of Piscine Global

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SHOWS ROUNDUP

Europe will shine the spotlight resolutely on the swimming pool lifestyle, the customer experience and digital technologies.

“The next Piscine Global Europe will respond to the expectations of exhibitors and visitors in terms of customer experience.

Presenting pools as a lifestyle is now part of the exhibition’s DNA: a dependable event with quality as its watchword, showcasing French know-how and covering a global network,” explained Piscine Global Europe Director Noémi Petit.

Since residential pools have now become living areas in their own right, Piscine Global Europe is adopting a highly innovative, renewed approach spanning the complete sector including segments such as spas, the outdoor pool environment and wellness.

In a friendly, professional setting more than 600 exhibitors will welcome the 18,000+ visitors that are expected to attend this event, which is considered the world’s biggest meeting place for the pool, spa and associated sectors.

SPN will be running a full preview for Piscine Global in our October edition.

SPATEX 2019 – CUE THE NEW! After such a successful Exhibition at the beginning of the year, which saw an 8.5% increase in visitor numbers and exhibitors heaping praise on the Show with comments such as “It was like a small version of Piscine Lyon” and “We were so busy I made a note, we need more staff for next year”, the SPATEX team is re-grouping with the promise of returning in 2019 with an even bigger, better and stronger Show.

There is no shortage of new ideas to keep the three-day event fresh and relevant, and the campaign is kicking off this month with a brand new website featuring new graphics and up to the minute information on the latest Show news and exhibitors.

On the back of 22 years of successfully representing the wet leisure industry,

SPATEX Organiser Michele Bridle has been inundated with an unprecedented number of requests for larger stands. Only too happy to oblige, she has used her longstanding experience of running the Show to ingeniously restructure the floorplan to free up more space and allow a greater number of larger stands for companies such as Fairlocks, Superior Spas, Aqua Warehouse and Certikin. With over 60 companies already signed up and with some eight months still to go, it’s looking like 2019 will be a very impressive event indeed.

Michele said: “In 2018 we were rewarded with a fantastic cross-section of support from the wet leisure industry who backed us with heart and hard work to achieve an exceptional result. It brought people together and breathed new life into the industry and we aim to replicate that success in 2019 and stage an even bigger and better Show.

Exhibition space is selling swiftly so if you’re wanting a particular sized stand or position then now is the time to get in touch.”

WHAT’S ON AND WHERE – EXHIBITIONS AT A GLANCE AUGUST 1 – 2 August SPLASH! AUSTRALIA Gold Coast Convention Centre, Queensland, Australia Tel: + 61 (0)2 9660 2113 Email: info@splashexpo.com.au Web: www.splashexpo.com.au SEPTEMBER 16 – 18 September THE LEISURE SHOW Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai Tel: +971 4 445 3625 Email: tinaquraishi@dmgeventsme.com Web: www.theleisureshow.com OCTOBER 23 – 26 October INTERBAD Messe Stuttgart, Germany Tel: +44 (0)1732 525950 Email: info@lincolnwest.co.uk Web: www.interbad.de

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31 October – 2 November INTERNATIONAL POOL, SPA, PATIO EXPO Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, USA Tel: +1 972 536 6343 Email: info@poolspapatio.com Web: www.poolspapatio.com

3 – 6 December CANADIAN POOL & SPA EXPO Scotiabank Convention Centre, Niagara Falls, Canada Tel: +1 877 743 1393 Email: mette@rogers.com Web: www.poolandspaexpo.ca

NOVEMBER 13 – 16 November PISCINE GLOBAL Eurexpo, Lyon, France Tel: +33 (0)4 7817 6324 Email: visitorpiscine@gl-events.com Web: www.piscine-expo.com

JANUARY 2019 29 – 31 January SPATEX 2019 Ricoh Arena, Coventry, UK Tel: +44 (0)1264 358558 Email: info@spatex.co.uk Web: www.spatex.co.uk

DECEMBER 8 – 16 December SALON PISCINE & SPA Paris, France Tel: +33 (0)1 4756 6465 Email: piscine@reedexpo.fr Web: www.salonpiscineparis.com

29 – 31 January THE POOL & SPA SHOW Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA Tel: +1 609 689 9111 Email: pmccormick@nespapool.org Web: www.thepoolspashow.com

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BUYERS GUIDE CEILING SYSTEMS

DIVING – REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE

FILTRATION

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BUYERS GUIDE HOT TUB & SPAS

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SPN June 2018 75

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BUYERS GUIDE POOL COVERS

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76 June 2018 SPN

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SPN JUN 2018 BUYERS GUIDE.qxp_Layout 1 04/06/2018 09:14 Page 77

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BUYERS GUIDE SPRAYED CONCRETE

SWIMMING POOL EQUIPMENT

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78 June 2018 SPN

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SPN JUN 2018 BUYERS GUIDE.qxp_Layout 1 04/06/2018 09:14 Page 79

BUYERS GUIDE SWIMMING POOL EQUIPMENT

TILING & TILING REPAIRS

WATER TREATMENT

ADVERTISERS INDEX Alukov

73

Aquaflex

23

Aquatrac

15

Arch Enclosures / Lift’O

16

Artesian Spas

OBC

Certikin

23 & 54

Doughboy

63

Earth Save Products

54

emco Bau

69

Fairlocks Pool Products

IFC

Golden Coast

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TILED SPAS

Hanna Instruments

18

Heatstar Europe

57

Intopool

04 & 05

ISPE

63

Lighthouse

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WATER MONITORING & CONTROL

34 & 47

WATER TREATMENT

21, 24 & 50

Lovibond/Tintometer

47

Luxury Pools & Mosaics

64

NIVEKO

24

O-Care

10

On-site Pool Linings Ltd

18

Plastica Pools

63

Pool Trade Counters

44

PoolLock

18

Proof Vision

IBC

Raywood Graphic Designs

54

Ryam Steels

15

SCP UK

07 & 32

Spaeuro

34

SPATEX

70

STA

44

Stage Systems Stoneworld Superior Spas

21 & 38 64 26 & 29

VitrA Tiles

64

Waterco

37

Waterco/Certikin International 13 Waxman Ceramics Wellis UK

www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk

08 31

SPN June 2018 79

OPINION

Golden Coast’s Jamie Adams reflects on the highs and lows of a twelve-day bucket list experience and the support needed along the way

LEJOG 2018

L

EJOG. It’s not a quiet, sensibly paced run in France. It stands for ‘Lands End to John O’Groats’. It’s 1,027 miles in 74 hours, on a bicycle. Gives you time to think, I can tell you that.

It was something that I have always wanted to do and an opportunity came up to do it and it felt like this was one of those, ‘if not now, then never’ moments so, as Norman Tebbit – remember him – once suggested, I got on my bike. To be honest, I’m seldom off the thing anyway. I regularly ride to work and, just for the change, I go on long club rides at the weekends. I like riding. Perhaps a little more than that; I’m almost obsessed with it.

There were also a whole hill of reasons why I couldn’t or shouldn’t do this.

It’s a long way. It’s two weeks out of work and two weeks away from the family. I’d had a health scare 9 months ago. It is a very, very long way. It’s one thing to be good friends with the people you are going to share the ride with but staring at their lycra covered arses for 12 days is next level. Accidents and pitfalls. Pot holes. The rain and the wind. The heat and the cold.

Did I mention that it really is a very, very long way?

BUT… By 2:38pm on 19 May, I had done it.

Twelve days after starting off in the mizzle down at Lands End and, in what seemed like the blink of an eye, we had covered the 1,027 miles to arrive in John O’Groats on a beautiful sunny afternoon. You know that moment when you achieve something, something that you didn’t necessarily think that you’d be able to? That.

It had been an incredible and quite humbling experience to cover the length of the country on two wheels and I think that one of the first things I realised was that I couldn’t have done it without the support of a good wife, good friends and the other six riders.

BUTT… The second thing I realised was that I was

tired and sore; and that with the help of three tubs of chamois cream (Google it – or guess).

And it’s around about here that these sorts of articles dissolve into fairly obvious business analogies that are all to do with teamwork and effort, commitment and dedication. To be honest, I quite often find those analogies a bit painful, so I won’t inflict them on you. I’ll just share a few of the things I thought about while I was heading north.

SUCH AS...

Firstly, ‘the peleton’. In cycling it’s the pack that you ride with, the group that gives mutual support. I did LEJOG with people I liked the most, not necessarily the riders who I thought were the best. It worked out so well because of the team spirit and working with each other. We all had highs and lows (particularly during a caffeine deficit) but overcame them by working together; telling bad jokes, singing whatever sprang to mind and impersonating every form of wildlife known to man.

Secondly, the countryside. When you are riding, the view from the saddle is so much closer, you feel so much more involved.

You can smell the landscape, almost taste it. England and Scotland are big, rich and varied countries. From the modern domes of the Eden Project to monumental ruins in Scotland. For every tough, muscle burning

I did LEJOG with people I liked the most, not necessarily the riders who I thought were the best. It worked out so well because of the team spirit and working with each other” 80 June 2018 SPN 80_SPN_June_18_Opinion.indd 80

ascent there was the reward of breath-taking scenery – and over the 12 days we climbed 61,992 feet. Experiencing the wildlife every single day; red squirrel, capercaillie, woodpecker and cuckoo. Majestic deer, rare sheep breeds and Highland Coo. Then, the people. The general courtesy of other road users and the friendliness of random strangers we met to the low point of the trip; having the support van broken into and the fuel line cut and tank drained necessitating a recovery back to Devon. The pride some people displayed in their homes and the quirkiness of many that you only really get to see and enjoy from a bike.

So many things.

MILESTONES I have no idea what my abiding memories might be. It was such a big experience.

Perhaps a sense of scale? It was 6 days before we crossed into Scotland and then we were only half way there.

Pushing limits? On Day 10, I hit the wall. I could have fallen asleep in the saddle without a thought for the consequences (Thank you, team, for the support.)

It is, just what you can do if you try. It would have been so easy to be ‘sensible’ and not go. To jog on, in fact. But we planned and we trained and we worked together as a close group of friends and LEJOG got ticked off my bucket list.

I wouldn’t have missed it for anything.

Jamie Adams is Managing Director of Golden Coast, the current Chairman of Pool Industry Promotions (PIP) and a board member of the British Swimming Pool Federation (BSPF).

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