AQUA Awards Edition - National Trade Magazine for the Pool & Spa Industry

AUGUST 2022 AWARDS EDITION

THE OFFICIAL TRADE MAGAZINE FOR THE POOL & SPA INDUSTRY

For the industry, by the industry

AWards EDITION

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Table of Contents CEO Update: Chris Samartzis , MPBAA ...................................................................5 6 Decades of Advocacy............................................................................................... 6 The Industry’s Night of Nights: The Australian Pool & Spa Awards 2022...............................................................................................9 FRONT COVER: 2022 Remco Australian Pool of the Year: Personal Pools

2022 Remco Australian Pool of the Year................................................................10 2022 Australian Spa of the Year................................................................................ 12 2022 Australian Product of the Year........................................................................14 Award Winners in detail...............................................................................................16 Full listing of Award Winners ....................................................................................36 Behind the scenes with Chris Jackson of Aquarius Pools & Spas................ 38

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A game changer for Greenhouse Pools & Spas.................................................41 The importance of investing in your business with staff education & training.................................................................................43 2022 Pool & Spa Show + Backyard & Garden Show.........................................44 MPBAA Training and Events......................................................................................46

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Published by Master Pool Builders Association Australia (MPBAA), December 2021 Contact: Chris Samartzis Chief Executive Officer ABN 66 076 867 091 Reproduction of the contents of this magazine is strictly forbidden unless approved in writing by the Master Pool Builders Association Australia (MPBAA).

The material contained in this publication has been compiled by Master Pool Builders Association Australia (MPBAA) for the benefit of its readers. MPBAA does not warrant or represent that the material is free from errors or omission, or that it is exhaustive. The material is provided without SPASAVIC assuming a duty of care to readers. MPBAA is not in the business of providing professional advice and gives no warranty, guarantee or representation about the accuracy, reliability or timeliness or otherwise, of the information contained in this publication.

MPBAA disclaims, to the full extent permitted by law, all warranties, representations or endorsements, express or implied, with regard to the material including but not limited to, all implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. The material is made available on the understanding that MPBAA and its employees and agents shall have no liability (including but not limited to liability by reason of negligence) to readers for any loss, damage, cost or expense whether direct, indirect, consequential or special incurred by, or arising by reason of, any person using or relying on the material and whether caused by reason of any error, omission or misrepresentation in the material or otherwise. Readers of this publication are responsible for making their own assessment of the material and should verify all relevant representations, statements and information with their own professional advisers.

AQUA MAGAZINE | JULY 2022

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25/7/2022 4:49 pm

CEO Update

Chris Samartzis, CEO - MPBAA

So here we are, with more than half the year already gone. In the past six months, we have dealt with Omicron, a federal “Our industry election, rising interest rates and a continues to grow at booming construction sector during a levels not seen for many profitless boom. years and it is imperative that we have an idea of what We have recently corresponded with small the next 12 - 18 months This edition of Aqua Magazine also business ministers at both a federal and state could look like with highlights the Australian Pool and level, outlining to them the dire need for a ‘Rise rising inflation and Spa Awards which were held at the and Fall’ clause in domestic building contracts. interest rates.” glamorous Melbourne Convention and Our advocacy efforts are important to align our industry with potential policy formation at all levels of government. This important progressive update to legislation is required immediately to help alleviate further erosion of construction sector insolvencies.

Notwithstanding the cost pressures experienced by many in our industry, it is important to point out the outstanding work that our members have been doing throughout this period to meet their obligations.

Our industry continues to grow at levels not seen for many years and it is imperative that we have an idea of what the next 12-18 months could look like with rising inflation and interest rates. This will undoubtedly have an impact on consumer sentiment in the short to medium term.

In the same vein, I find it extraordinary that others may seek to disrupt proven and decades long consumer events that encourage industry growth. With supplier exhibitors being forced to choose only serves to divide and confuse, with no obvious benefit.

It’s incumbent upon not-for-profit organisations to champion good governance and as custodians of member funds, there is a fiduciary duty to ensure that strategic objectives align with the best interests of the member base. Here at MPBAA, we take our stewardship seriously and decisions are always made with members’ best interests in mind.

As our brand continues to grow and gain momentum interstate, we envisage that pool and spa builders will embrace a new direction and attitude to representative bodies and seek out alignment with an organisation that champions their interests first and foremost. For those with an interest to join a progressive and focused peak member body, we invite all pool and spa builders - plus associates - to visit our website and register their interest.

Exhibition Centre (MCEC) in July. With the cover band QUEEN Forever entertaining guests, our award winners were once again in the spotlight and we would like to congratulate all the entrants who have shown a superior level of skill and craftsmanship that does justice to Master Pool Builders Association Australia.

In this issue you will find all the award winners who continue to raise the bar when it comes to design, ingenuity, innovation, enduring quality and craftsmanship. It’s also important to note that not just anyone can become a member of MPBAA. We have always ensured that only those who align with our values, ethics and standards can utilise our branding, which is seen by the consumer as a bright and shining beacon in the Australian aquatics industry.

This deliberate strategy of pursuing high standards honors Australia’s enduring connection to and love of, the pool / spa, and sustains the strength of the industry that enables it.

Our team is comprised of a range of pool and spa builders and we lean on their expertise to engage, learn, consult and mentor our members by sharing meaningful insights and expertise. Join the best in the industry and separate yourself from others as true professionals by elevating “In this issue you will yourself as a Master find all the award winners Pool / Spa Builder in who continue to raise the Australia.

bar when it comes to design,

For membership ingenuity, innovation, enduring enquiries please visit quality and craftsmanship. www.mpbaa.com.au It’s also important to note or contact Heather on that not just anyone can heather@mpbaa.com.au. become a member of

MPBAA.”

AQUA MAGAZINE | JULY 2022

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6 Decades of advocacy International Business View Oceania interviews Chris Samartzis, CEO of Master Pool Builders Association Australia , for our Construction View.

Formed in 1961, the Master Pool Builders Association Australia (MBPAA) is Australia’s premium body organisation for leading pool builders, retailers, technicians, manufacturers, designers, and industry associates.

Originally established in Victoria to support the state’s industry landscape, MBPAA has evolved over the last six decades to support members through advocacy, brand credibility, mentorship, networking, marketing, and events opportunities, training discounts, participation in the Awards of Excellence Program, social media support, regular industry updates, and information and resource distribution. MBPAA currently represents 300 company members across Pool Builder, Retail, and Corporate membership tiers.

Chris Samartzis, CEO of MBPAA, shares his insight into the association’s work and benefits for members. He begins, “We are the peak body organisation for leaders in our industry.

Many of our members are small to medium sized businesses, and they’re very state centric. We view ourselves as the umbrella serving Australia’s state markets, planting seeds in their communities for industry growth. We also foster relationships with other industry bodies such as Master Builders Australia, Master Plumbers, SPASA, and Aquatics & Recreation Victoria, to help shape the future of our industry and influence policy that is beneficial to our members and our market.”

MBPAA’s primary goals are to champion world-class industry standards and advocate on behalf of members. The association believes strongly in positive incremental change, making consistent yet manageable improvement and innovations and keeping members up to date throughout the journey.

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This approach has been particularly important in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Samartzis explains. “Our involvement has been critical in maintaining consumer education and sustainable development following the boom we’ve experienced during the pandemic. Low interest rates, ‘staycation’ trends, and the backyard revolution have all contributed to the massive growth of our industry- Australian backyards are no longer just a humble lawn, clothesline, maybe a cricket pitch or a veggie patch. They are aesthetic gold, and the pool / spa is at the centre of it all.

More homeowners are putting in pools and spas now than they ever have, which is great for our members, but it also means there is a level of strain on the industry that we need to keep a very close eye on. Supply chains at the moment are shaky at best, so we are doing everything we can to keep our members abreast of any changes and provide them with the means to build their own support networks as well.”

In 2021, MBPAA celebrated their 60-year anniversary with an awards and recognition event that not only honoured the association’s longevity, but that of its members and partners.

On their history, Mr. Samartzis says, “Everything has to start somewhere. From our first ever meeting in St Kilda in 1961 as The Swimming Pool Association of Victoria right through to our rebranding as MBPAA and 60-year anniversary in December of last year, we have championed only the best standards for our industry. Sometimes, it can be too easy to brush aside the history of an organisation such as ours to focus entirely on the new. Of course, we are excited “Australian backyards for the future and we are continually are no longer just a looking towards the next big thing for our humble lawn, clothesline, members, but we believe it is important maybe a cricket pitch or to respect where we came from. Our a veggie patch. They are awards night did just that- we even had a aesthetic gold, and the past member who was 98 years old and pool / spa is at the still a part of our industry! So, being able centre of it all.” to honour our roots, our evolution, and the people that made it happen was wonderful, despite having to postpone a few times.”

“MPBAA aims to extend their brand story throughout the entirety of Australia, and provide their services to a higher number of quality pool and spa industry players.”

MBPAA looks forward to the Melbourne Spa & Pool Show 2022, set to be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre on the 9th and 10th of July. The association has partnered with Landscape Victoria Master Landscapers, to co-locate the Backyard and Garden Show, as they bring the expo to life this winter. It promises to be a fantastic event featuring a wide variety of exhibitors for spas, swim spas, and plunge pools, swimming pools and lap pools, saunas, equipment supply, tile, stone, and paver supply, landscaping services, outdoor products, solar heating and pool technology, and fencing and safety supply- everything from the back door to the back fence.

The show will present a free seminar program covering topics such as smart pool and landscape choices, engaging designers, evaluating materials, pool technology, pool safety, and more. Industry experts will also be in attendance to provide their advice, inspiration, and expertise for consumers and industry associates.

The team of six at MBPAA value respect, confidence, success, influence, and inspiration. Mr. Samartzis elaborates, “Our core principles extend from us to our member base, and also to consumers. Therefore, it’s extremely important that we hold ourselves to an incredible standard. We have a strict code of conduct for our members that holds them to those values as well- they are the consumer-facing representatives of our industry, after all.

Not everyone who applies for a membership with MBPAA is successful. There’s a very strict process they have to go through to be called a master pool builder by us. That has been a difficult path to take, because at the end of the day we are turning down potential members, but it’s worth it.

There is a real sense of trust between us and the consumer that, when they choose an MBPAA member to design, build, or manage their pool, they are working with a quality business provider.

As a whole, the swimming pool and spa industry is very well regulated, as it should be. We sit on the Standards Australia Swimming Pool and Spa Committee to help shape the way those standards are drafted and delivered, so we are confident in our ability to identify quality businesses and mitigate the risks presented by inferior workmanship.”

Looking to the future, MBPAA aims to extend their brand story throughout the entirety of Australia, and provide their services to a higher number of quality pool and spa industry players.

The association hopes to introduce standard uniformity across state and territory lines in the long-term, to ensure a quality of care and ethical standards that protect consumers, business owners, and industry associates. Mr. Samartzis concludes, “We are definitely on the right path. We don’t want to take over the world, but we’d certainly love to see a pool or spa in every backyard across the country. And we are blessed to have the passionate staff, knowledgeable partners, and committed member base to facilitate that growth moving forward.”

“We don’t want to take over the world, but we’d certainly love to see a pool or spa in every backyard across the country.”

AQUA MAGAZINE | JULY 2022

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AUSTRALIAN POOL & SPA AWARDS The Australian Pool & Spa Awards 2022 marked life affirming work for members of Master Pool Builders Association Australia (MPBAA). Recognition of one’s achievements through the Australian Pool & Spa Awards, cements our members as progressive and ethical beacons of the Pool & Spa industry across the country.

Our members make dreams happen for aspiring clients that look for enduring quality.

The Australian Pool & Spa Awards were held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on 23rd of July 2022. The annual event is the largest of its kind in Australasia and is highly anticipated by all in the industry. With 40 awards up for grabs, including the highly sought-after REMCO Australian Pool of the Year (POTY), Australian Spa of the Year and Australian Product of the Year, the night was always going to be special.

Without doubt members of Master Pool Builders Association Australia are some of the most talented, ethically minded and professional craftsmen in this sector of the building industry. Our members continue to push the boundaries of design, innovation, ingenuity and sustainability. We ensure that awards are judged on merit and due to our smaller number of categories, even highly commended awards are truly world class.

These Australian Pool & Spa Awards embrace the best of the best from around the country and they continue to champion the professionalism, standards and enduring quality of our sector as they push the boundaries of design and build quality to come up with some extraordinary projects.

AQUA MAGAZINE | JULY 2022

So, take your time to carefully look at these award winners and always remember, that not everyone who applies, becomes a member of the Master Pool Builders Association Australia.

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2022 REMCO AUSTRALIAN POOL OF THE YEAR GOLD AWARD Personal Pools A remarkable build for a forever home.

This amazing design was created by Chris Cloutt Designs from Noosa. The entire build is focused on the curve of the pool house. This is the central point from which everything else radiates, including the house.

AUSTRALIAN POOL & SPA AWARDS 2022

As prepared, the entire design only has one straight wall which is that of the fire pit.

The build includes 3.3 kms of steel, 72 cubic metres of concrete and 462 metres of pipe. The curved acrylic wall for the pool was shipped from overseas and the pool features a round acrylic spa. The pool is fully tiled in a pale green, small format ceramic tile, imported directly from Italy.

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The pool is fully automated with Wifi total control automation, Cooke Industries Quickclean extreme in floor system, Solar and gas heating, multi colour led lights, Waterco 36” filtration system, Pentair pumps , Spa King blowers and a Poolab mineral salt system. The highlight of this swimming experience are the underwater speakers so that swimmers can hear their music clearly wherever they are.

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AQUA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2022

2022 AUSTRALIAN SPA OF THE YEAR GOLD AWARD Neptune Swimming Pools With stunning views of the city, this rooftop spa in Toorak is adjacent to the house’s cocktail and outdoor lounge and is the perfect addition to this area.

The continuation of the travertine stone from the bar inside to the spa exudes luxury, as you look over the Melbourne city skyline. With the water from the infinity edge overflowing into the surrounding moat, gives the ultimate seamless blend between house and spa.

AUSTRALIAN POOL & SPA AWARDS 2022

Sitting on acoustic mounds prevents any sound from the spa travelling into the rooms below. The spa is fully automated and is set up for the offsite monitoring of chemicals and equipment making maintenance very easy for the client.

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AQUA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2022

2022 AUSTRALIAN PRODUCT OF THE YEAR GOLD AWARD Waterco - Oxiswim Dual Sanitation System

The Oxiswim sanitisation system revolutionises - and simplifies - how a swimming pool or spa is managed and maintained. It results from many years of research looking for healthier alternative sanitisers to chlorine.

Where other sanitisation systems may use one or a combination of two sanitisers, Oxiswim makes the best use of several different sanitisers to create a unique bathing experience for the swimmers and bather.

Dual Sanitisation

Oxiswim combines the use of electrolysis with hydrogen peroxide to form a bacterial killing weapon. The combined power of two sanitisers provides an oxygen-rich swimming environment that is exceptionally efficient in neutralising pathogens.

Oxiswim allows the users to run their pool and spa in two completely different operational modes: 1.

AUSTRALIAN POOL & SPA AWARDS 2022

2.

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Freshwater pool: a lovely and silky-smooth bathing experience, minus the chlorine irritants Winter or chlorine pool: operate your pool with no extra sanitisers, reducing off-season costs

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However, as it is a dual solution, the users can flip the system in winter to run as a saltchlorinated pool and get the added benefit of lower running cost (sanitiser).

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AQUA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2022

Dual Sanitisation System

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BEST RESIDENTIAL CONCRETE POOL UNDER $75,000

GOLD AWARD Coastal Pools and Spas

HIGHLY COMMENDED Seaspray Pools This Award is sponsored by

BEST RESIDENTIAL CONCRETE POOL - UNDER $150,000 GOLD AWARD Kings Gardens and Pools

HIGHLY COMMENDED Icon Pools This Award is sponsored by

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BEST RESIDENTIAL CONCRETE POOL - OVER $150,000

GOLD AWARD Personal Pools

HIGHLY COMMENDED Neptune Swimming Pools This Award is sponsored by

BEST RESIDENTIAL FIBREGLASS POOL - UNDER $70,000 GOLD AWARD LDR Pools and Landscapes

HIGHLY COMMENDED Swan Hill Pool & Spa This Award is sponsored by

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BEST RESIDENTIAL FIBREGLASS POOL - UNDER $100,000

GOLD AWARD Compass Pools Melbourne

HIGHLY COMMENDED Compass Pools Melbourne This Award is sponsored by

BEST RESIDENTIAL FIBREGLASS POOL - OVER $100,000 GOLD AWARD Compass Pools Melbourne

HIGHLY COMMENDED Compass Pools Melbourne

Swan Hill Pool & Spa This Award is sponsored by

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BEST CUSTOM RESIDENTIAL COURTYARD / PLUNGE POOL UNDER $70,000

GOLD AWARD Coastal Pools & pas

HIGHLY COMMENDED Out from the Blue This Award is sponsored by

BEST CUSTOM RESIDENTIAL COURTYARD / PLUNGE POOL OVER $70,000 GOLD AWARD Neptune Swimming Pools

HIGHLY COMMENDED Kings Gardens and Pools This Award is sponsored by

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BEST PREFABRICATED RESIDENTIAL COURTYARD / PLUNGE POOL

GOLD AWARD Aqua Dreamz

HIGHLY COMMENDED Compass Pools Melbourne This Award is sponsored by

BEST RESIDENTIAL VINYL-LINED IN-GROUND POOL GOLD AWARD Albatross Swimming Pools

HIGHLY COMMENDED Albatross Swimming Pools This Award is sponsored by

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BEST COMMERCIAL POOL - OVER $400,000

GOLD AWARD Aloha Pools

HIGHLY COMMENDED Aloha Pools This Award is sponsored by

BEST RESIDENTIAL CONCRETE SPA

GOLD AWARD Neptune Swimming Pools

HIGHLY COMMENDED Striking Pools This Award is sponsored by

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BEST FIBREGLASS, ACRYLIC OR VINYLLINED POOL BY A COUNTRY MEMBER

GOLD AWARD Swan Hill Pool & Spas

HIGHLY COMMENDED Swan Hill Pool & Spas This Award is sponsored by

BEST POOL & SPA INSPECTOR BUSINESS

GOLD AWARD Oz Safe Pool & Spa Inspections

This Award is sponsored by

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BEST RESIDENTIAL CONCRETE LAP POOL

GOLD AWARD Neptune Swimming Pools

HIGHLY COMMENDED Neptune Swimming Pools This Award is sponsored by

BEST RESIDENTIAL FIBREGLASS, ACRYLIC OR VINYL-LINED LAP POOL GOLD AWARD Compass Pools Melbourne

This Award is sponsored by

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BEST RESIDENTIAL CONCRETE POOL & SPA COMBINATION UNDER $100,000 GOLD AWARD LDR Pools and Landscapes

HIGHLY COMMENDED Kings Gardens and Pools This Award is sponsored by

BEST RESIDENTIAL CONCRETE POOL & SPA COMBINATION OVER $100,000 GOLD AWARD Personal Pools

HIGHLY COMMENDED Aloha Pools This Award is sponsored by

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BEST RESIDENTIAL FIBREGLASS, ACRYLIC OR VINYL-LINED POOL & SPA COMBINATION GOLD AWARD Compass Pools Melbourne

HIGHLY COMMENDED Compass Pools Melbourne

LDR Pools and Landscapes

This Award is sponsored by

BEST POOL BY A NEW MPBAA MASTER POOL BUILDER MEMBER

GOLD AWARD LDR Pools and Landscapes

This Award is sponsored by

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BEST POOL AND LANDSCAPE COMBINATION

GOLD AWARD Coastal Pools and Spas

HIGHLY COMMENDED Kings Gardens and Pools This Award is sponsored by

BEST INNOVATIVE POOL OR SPA

GOLD AWARD Personal Pools

HIGHLY COMMENDED Aloha Pools This Award is sponsored by

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Presented by Jemma Chuter

BEST RESIDENTIAL POOL RENOVATION UNDER $50,000

GOLD AWARD LDR Pools & Landscapes

HIGHLY COMMENDED Striking Pools This Award is sponsored by

BEST RESIDENTIAL POOL RENOVATION OVER $50,000 GOLD AWARD Personal Pools

This Award is sponsored by

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BEST WATER FEATURE

GOLD AWARD Icon Pools

HIGHLY COMMENDED Aqua Dreamz This Award is sponsored by

BEST SAFETY BARRIER

GOLD AWARD Striking Pools

This Award is sponsored by

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BEST CONCRETE POOL BY A COUNTRY MEMBER

GOLD AWARD Kings Gardens and Pools

HIGHLY COMMENDED Kings Gardens and Pools This Award is sponsored by

BEST RESIDENTIAL ENCLOSED / INDOOR POOL

GOLD AWARD Neptune Swimming Pools

This Award is sponsored by

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BEST LANDSCAPE DESIGN OVER 200SQM FEATURING A POOL OR SPA

GOLD AWARD Kings Gardens and Pools

HIGHLY COMMENDED Neptune Swimming Pools This Award is sponsored by

BEST PAVING OR STONE PROJECT

GOLD AWARD Kings Gardens and Pools

HIGHLY COMMENDED SAI Stone This Award is sponsored by

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BEST PORTABLE / RELOCATABLE SPA

GOLD AWARD Spa World Australia

This Award is sponsored by

BEST LANDSCAPE DESIGN - UNDER 200SQM FEATURING A POOL OR SPA GOLD AWARD Kings Gardens and Pools

HIGHLY COMMENDED Out from the Blue This Award is sponsored by

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GOLD AWARD SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT AWARD

Boss Solar - Rhino Panels

GOLD AWARD Supreme - Performance System Plus

This Award is sponsored by MPBA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE Category 37 : Best Sustainable Product HEATSEEKER PERFORMANCE PLUS SYSTEM

1

WATER NEUTRAL POOL PROGRAM AWARD

GOLD AWARD Rainwise Pools Melbourne This Award is sponsored by

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BEST LIGHTING FEATURE

GOLD AWARD Personal Pools

This Award is sponsored by

System

Dual Sanitisation

BEST AUTOMATED SYSTEM OR CONVENIENCE PRODUCT

GOLD AWARD OXISWIM by Waterco This Award is sponsored by

s

ng at your finger tip

Freshwater swimmi

www.waterco.co

m

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SERVICE TECHNICIAN EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR AWARD

GOLD AWARD Jason Holmes - Aloha Pools

This Award is sponsored by

TRAINING HIGH ACHIEVER AWARD

GOLD AWARD Darren Lay - Neptune Swimming Pools

This Award is sponsored by

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BEST POOL & SPA SERVICE BUSINESS

GOLD AWARD Aloha Plus

HIGHLY COMMENDED Willy Pools This Award is sponsored by

POOL STORE OF THE YEAR

GOLD AWARD Rainwise Pools

HIGHLY COMMENDED Poolside Melton This Award is sponsored by

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FULL LIST OF AWARD WINNERS 2022 Australian Pool of the Year Personal Pools

Australian Spa of the Year Neptune Swimming Pools

Service Technician Employee of the Year Jason Holmes – Aloha Pools

Australian Product of the Year Waterco - Oxiswim

Best Residential Concrete Spa Neptune Swimming Pools HIGHLY COMMENDED: Striking Pools

Best Residential Concrete Pool – Under $75,000 Coastal Pools and Spas HIGHLY COMMENDED: Seaspray Pools Best Prefabricated Courtyard / Plunge Pool Aqua Dreamz

Best Residential Concrete Pool – Under $150,000 Kings Gardens and Pools HIGHLY COMMENDED: Icon Pools Best Pool and Spa Inspector Business Oz Safe Pool & Spa Inspections

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Compass Pools Melbourne Best Portable or Relocatable Spa Spa World Australia

Best Residential Concrete Lap Pool Neptune Swimming Pools HIGHLY COMMENDED: Neptune Swimming Pools

Best Water Feature Icon Pools

Best Paving or Stone Project Kings Gardens and Pools

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Aqua Dreamz

HIGHLY COMMENDED: SAI Stone

Best Residential Fibreglass Pool – Under $70,000 LDR Pools and Landscapes

Best Pool & Spa Service Business Aloha Plus

AUSTRALIAN POOL & SPA AWARDS 2022

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Swan Hill Pool & Spa

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HIGHLY COMMENDED: Willy Pools

Best Residential Pool Renovation under $50,000 LDR Pools & Landscapes Striking Pools

Best Concrete Pool by a Country Member Kings Gardens and Pools

Best Pool and Landscape Combination Coastal Pools and Spas

Best Innovative Pool or Spa Personal Pools

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Kings Gardens and Pools

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Aloha Pools

Best Residential Courtyard or Plunge Pool - Under $70,000 Coastal Pools & Spas

Best Residential Enclosed or Indoor Pool Neptune Swimming Pools

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Kings Gardens and Pools

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Out from the Blue Best Residential Vinyl-Lined In-Ground Pool Albatross Swimming Pools HIGHLY COMMENDED: Albatross Swimming Pools

Best Residential Courtyard or Plunge Pool - Over $70,000 Neptune Swimming Pools HIGHLY COMMENDED: Kings Gardens and Pools

FULL LIST OF AWARD WINNERS 2022

Best Lighting Feature Personal Pools

Best Residential Fibreglass, Acrylic or Vinyl-lined Lap Pool Compass Pools Melbourne

Best Residential Fibreglass Pool over $100,000 Compass Pools Melbourne HIGHLY COMMENDED: Compass Pools Melbourne Swan Hill Pool & Spa

Best Fibreglass, Acrylic or Vinyl-Lined Pool by a Country Member Swan Hill Pools & Spas

Best Landscape Design – Over 200sqm Featuring a Pool or Spa Kings Gardens and Pools

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Swan Hill Pool & Spa

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Neptune Swimming Pools

Best Residential Fibreglass Pool – Under $100,000 Compass Pools Melbourne

Best Residential Concrete Pool – Over $150,000 Personal Pools

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Compass Pools Melbourne

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Neptune Swimming Pools

Best Landscape Design - Under 200sqm Featuring a Pool or Spa Kings Gardens and Pools

Best Residential Concrete Pool and Spa Combination - Under $100,000 LDR Pools and Landscapes

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Out from the blue

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Kings Gardens and Pools

Best Residential Fibreglass, Acrylic or Vinyl-Lined Pool and Spa Combination Compass Pools Melbourne HIGHLY COMMENDED: LDR Pools and Landscapes Compass Pools Melbourne

Best Commercial Pool - Over $400,000 Aloha Pools HIGHLY COMMENDED: Aloha Pools

Best Renovation over $50,000 Personal Pools

Best Automated System or Convenience Product OXISWIM by Waterco

Best Safety Barrier Striking Pools

Best Residential Concrete Pool and Spa Combination - Over $100,000 Personal Pools HIGHLY COMMENDED: Aloha Pools

Best Pool by a New MPBAA Master Pool Builder Member LDR Pools and Landscapes

Pool Store of the Year Rainwise Pools HIGHLY COMMENDED: Poolside Melton

Sustainable Product Award Boss Solar - Rhino Panels Supreme - Performance System Plus

Water Neutral Pool Award Rainwise Pools Melbourne

AQUA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2022

Training High Achiever Award Darren Lay - Neptune Swimming Pools

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Behind the scenes with Chris Jackson of Aquarius Pools

by Kylie de Boer

winner of the 2021 Remco Pool of the year award

We sat down with the 2021 Remco Pool of the Year award winner, Chris Jackson from Aquarius Pools, to find out more about the inspiration behind the winning pool, what the award has meant for Aquarius Pools and Chris’s journey to date.

What did it mean to win the Remco pool of the year award?

Exciting, from a business point of view. But for us, one of the big takeaways is how much the staff and our clients got out of it. Truly pleasing that it’s a recognition of the staff’s hard work, and the team’s hard work, and quite a good uplift in hard COVID times. Although we have won this award three times before, I think it meant more this time as it was nice to have some good news. It is a pool that was a particularly exciting project in its own right. Sometimes you can win (or lose) and wonder why, but this is a pool we are very proud of.

How has winning impacted your business?

I think it gives you credibility when you’re selling. We’re lucky in the recreational industry at the moment to have gone through exceptionally busy times. In my 37 years, I’ve never seen anything quite like it. Something you wouldn’t have expected with COVID. Has it impacted directly on sales? It’s always hard to tell, but I don’t think good news about your brand, and even broader than that the industry - which these awards bring - is a bad thing. No doubt it’s been good. Good for our clients, our marketing, our business model, as well as our staff.

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What was the inspiration behind the winning pool?

The client’s brief for the pool and the spa provided a lot of inspiration in itself. That - combined with our team’s input - plus the team at Leone Constructions with whom we do quite a bit of work, all contributed towards the innovative design which was done by Cera Stribley Architects. It really was a collaborative team approach. Right from day one it wasn’t about getting the budget right, but the project right, and the budget to fit that. So we were lucky that the blinkers were off with the architects. We have also done a lot of work with the builder and the architect in the past, and they are both extremely supportive when it comes to what we need to actually pull off with a project like this, as well as the large equipment spaces required - which always helps. The end result definitely reflects the collective vision of all parties involved.

In terms of the design itself, from the start the clients were keen for a beautiful water feature, whilst also a low maintenance pool for laps and entertaining. The curved sculptural form of the house was designed to wrap around the pool and all the rooms in the house point north overlooking the swimming pool and out towards the city. LED lights were utilised to provide a stunning water feature at night. During the design process we actually played with the wet edges a lot, to enable us to achieve both the visual look that the clients were after, and also the functionality of the design.

The scale and complexity of this project is definitely a standout. There is an infinity edge on three sides and the entire pool extends the length of the neighbour’s garden.

The back and side have a five metre drop off into a balance tank. Swim jets were incorporated to allow lap swimming and there is a hidden gutter that stops the water from the pool and spa interacting. So, there is quite a lot of detail in it. The pool equipment is under the pool. You wouldn’t see anyone fit out a plant room to this level of detail on too many domestic pools.

It’s hard to talk about that, but the fact is it was all done to the millimetre. The aim was to make a pool that was completely self-cleaning and easy to use. It’s completely controlled by a phone app which we also have access to back at the office if needed. It’s fully automated with in-floor cleaning so that the clients can just enjoy.

Did you anticipate at the time of building the winning pool, that it would be a pool of the year award candidate?

I think that we always knew it was going to be a great project from very early on. I don’t think you ever know whether you’re going to win an award, so it’s a nice thing to receive. It’s not something I think you build for. We build to make sure we build the best, but this was a pool that you thought you’d be entering in awards as you went along. From day one it was going to be a great project. The design was good. The brief was right. Our input was right.

Could you give us a brief history of your journey with Aquarius Pools, how did it all begin? What launched your career?

To be honest, it was almost by accident. Back after finishing the VC in 1984, I was sailing on an international level chasing Olympic selection, coaching sailing and working in my father’s factory. The pool builders used to come and buy the formwork from my father and at the time, one of them said they were finding it hard to get labour. So I went out and started doing some work. I did a couple of years, then went out on my own. That was when my father, his partner and I, formed Aquarius Pools. When talking about what you can be proud of, I look back and think it’s been a 35-year build.

We started slowly out of the back of the garage, to what it is now. We now have quite reasonable facilities, storage, offices, boardrooms and we employ twelve people plus subcontractors. It’s just been step-by-step. The other thing which I think has led us to do all of that is the integrity we bring to it.

I have always been proud of being honest in business and I think that’s one of the reasons we have gone as far as we have.

It sounds like Aquarius Pools is very much a family business.

We are in a slightly transitional period now. My construction manager, Jonathan Edrupt, who has spent his career in the pool industry and has been with Aquarius Pools for the last eight years, has now become a director and is acquiring ownership of some of the business. I’ve now got a partner in the business, but it is still fundamentally a small family business.

Any particular career highlights?

A simple answer to that would be winning pool of the year three times in the last nine years. But I don’t actually see it as that. I think our vision and mission statement covers it really well. I have always said that I want to walk down the street and have clients come over and say hello, not cross the road. It may sound corny but it is really what I consider important - to be seen with integrity and honesty.

As our mission statement sums up, “To create premium quality pools and spas with our in-house team. We’re dedicated to providing pools that provide a lifetime of enjoyment whilst forming long lasting relationships with our clients and industry professionals.” ...CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

AQUA MAGAZINE | JULY 2022

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Behind the scenes

with Chris Jackson of Aquarius Pools

...CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

What would you say are some of the challenges you might face when creating designs, such as the pool that won?

Particularly pools that do push the creative boundaries.

I think that where you don’t have a full team of people that have the same vision, it’s difficult to do. Often people think they want to build a fantastic product, but they don’t allow you the input and/or the budget to do so. In the early days we didn’t have the reputation to get credibility with architects and builders, and we maybe weren’t listened to as much as what we are now. Perhaps that’s because we’ve gained experience along the way. But now that we tend to be involved with teams, we’re given the opportunity to do it properly, as well as the budget to do it. I think that getting a team that understands that we don’t take shortcuts and that building something properly is important. Business always has its challenges over the years, none more so than COVID, and this pool was finished during the start of COVID. But I believe if you stay true to your beliefs, you can get around most challenges.

Do you have any tips for young people entering the industry?

I think it’s a really interesting question because it’s hard to employ people at the moment. We’re trying to get young people to come and work for us. One of the things that struck me was that we are close to becoming a much better industry and we have far more training on offer now from Master Pool Builders Association of Australia (MPBAA). There is a career path, and I don’t think people necessarily realise that. If you want to get good at something, it’s not going to happen overnight. You’ve got to come and put the time and effort into it if you really want to create something. I think a lot of young people now come into it, and if they cannot set the world alight really quickly, they want to move on. But if I look at my own journey, I say that it’s worth sticking with it in the long term. It’s worth putting the hard effort in to get the rewards.

It’s an industry where you can move up, and you’re not just plumbing or you’re not just a chippy. We actually cover a lot of different trades and a lot of different facets. Every day is different. It’s about seeing it for what it is - enjoying a boutique industry - that is perhaps not initially seen as the most soughtafter trade, but is actually a niche industry. You can build to a high level in this industry and you can get very good at it, but you’ve got to allow yourself time to do so.

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What is on the horizon for Aquarius Pools?

We continue to be excited about where we’re going. I think Jonathan coming on board has been another step forward.

We’ve got a great team in-house now with preliminaries and drafting and design where it’s needed, whilst still using a lot of external designers as well. I have a saying: ‘standing still is going backwards.’ If you’re not making a conscious effort to move forward, you’re inadvertently going backwards. So for us, we still try to reinvent ourselves and be true to what we’ve done, and look forward to the next chapter.

Have you got any new or innovative pool designs currently in the pipeline?

Luckily, and I think this award has led to this, we are looking at a number of great projects with architects and builders that we’ve got great relationships with. We have just built a magnificent pool in Caveat, north of Yea, in country Victoria.

We’re looking at another one up there that we may get involved in. We’ve also got exciting new things happening in the western districts as well.

What are you seeing as the new trends in pool design?

One of the things that the pool industry perhaps has the ability to consider is the environment. How can we make a product that can be as environmentally friendly as possible?

Pool covers and variable speed pumps have been a great part of that. But I’ve been speaking to architects in Perth and in Sydney this week as part of one project where there’s a lot of effort being put into sustainable pools. I believe Melbourne, Australia builds the best pools in the world in terms of automation and the level we go to, but perhaps a component where Europe are ahead of us is environmentally friendly pools. If there was a trend that perhaps has opportunity that hasn’t yet been fully explored, that’d be it.

Is there anything else you’d like to add ?

We are just so proud. If I look back, I started out labouring on a pick and shovel and I think to build a business sometimes you can second guess yourself on what you achieve. It’s probably been a successful little journey that we should be very proud of. I know I’m pretty proud of that. We’ve slowly built up a little brand without getting too carried away and it’s nice to be recognised for the effort and the longevity.

A game-changer for

greenhouse pools & spas

Director of Greenhouse Pools & Spas, Fabio Marzella, challenges pool and spa industry members to introduce a new and different type of payment method.

“Not taking crypto is like not taking EFTPOS, it’s going to cost you sales.”

Imagine if someone walked into a luxury car dealership or high-end jewellery store - or your pool shop - and were told that they’d need to come back with cash.

Sounds crazy, right?

When EFTPOS was first rolled out in 1984, people had the same reaction.

Fast forward a few decades later and cash is all but dead.

Get ahead of the game and reach a whole new market!

The benefit of paying by crypto is that transactions rely on peer-to-peer processing, so no banks or regulatory authorities are involved, resulting in very low transaction fees and no excessive merchant fees.

Digital payment giants Mastercard and Visa have begun throwing their support behind physical bank cards that allow people all around the world – including Aussies – to shop online.

The process for payments in store process is simple. Retailers can accept crypto currency payments by integrating a QR code scanner or NFC terminal into their POS or consumers can easily open their crypto mobile wallet and pay in-store.

“Greenhouse Pools & Spas are proud to be trailblazers in the industry by accepting crypto payments for their goods and services”

I am not sure if we are the first pool or retail shop in Australia to accept crypto currency for goods and/or services but we understand that there are new ways that consumers wish to pay and crypto is one of them.

Accepting crypto currency isn’t the future, it’s here right now.

If appealing to consumers’ needs is not enough of a reason to accept crypto currency, there is an added benefit for retailers. Transaction fees for crypto currency is a fraction of your merchant fees and much lower than other forms of payments.

It does not cost retailers anything to start accepting crypto coins and there are no chargebacks or fees. Imagine picking up groceries at Woollies or Coles, or grabbing a takeaway coffee, or paying for your chlorine or pool service? Just whip out your crypto wallet or card and pay with cryptocurrency.

We asked Fabio to explain in simple terms what is crypto.

“Cryptocurrency is a form of payment that can be exchanged online for goods and services. Many companies have issued their own currencies, often called tokens, and these can be traded specifically for the goods or service that the retailer provides. Cryptocurrencies work using a technology called blockchain.

Interest in crypto currency has recently skyrocketed. The use of these digital currencies is evolving from just a speculative investment to becoming real money that people use in their everyday lives.

Greenhouse Pools & Spas are proud to be trailblazers in the industry by accepting crypto payments for their goods and services.”

AQUA MAGAZINE | JULY 2022

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clearwateracrylic.com.au

Innovative Design.

Seamless Construction.

Clearwater Acrylic specialises in the design, Industry Highligths from fabrication and supply of premium acrylic viewing panels for swimming pools and other architectural applications.

2021 (Fluidra, Latham Pools, other aquisitions)

Clearwater Acrylic are the exclusive Australian Distributors of Reynolds Acrylic Technology. Our Panels are sourced from Reynolds Polymer Technology, Inc. from their American and Thailand manufacturing Plants.

Reynolds are world leaders in the design,casting and fabrication of acrylic panels. This exclusive partnership enables us to successfully deliver on any acrylic design, from standard swimming pool windows to stunning sky pools like the one recently constructed by Reynolds at Embassy Gardens in London.

Exclusive Australian Distributors of Reynolds Polymer Technology

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The importance of

by Kylie de Boer

INVESTING in your business

through staff education & training As a business, your success is largely reliant on the skills and loyalty of your staff. Choosing to invest in your business and provide education and industry-specific training opportunities to your employees, can offer numerous long-term benefits, for both you and your staff.

When employees feel supported and can see opportunities for growth and development within a company, it goes a long way toward improving performance, boosting self-confidence and increasing employee retention. As a business, your employees are also an outward reflection of your culture, values and your expertise. Therefore, creating a culture that encourages individual learning and development, will help to make your staff feel like an important part of the business and its success.

Investing in staff training and development also presents the valuable opportunity to promote within, further encouraging staff morale, whilst also benefiting you from a business perspective.

As a business in the pool and spa industry, have you thought of offering education and training to your staff?

At Master Pool Builders Association Australia, we offer industryspecific, accredited, flexible and affordable training courses, designed to provide education and training within the pool and spa industry. Our training program includes one-to-two-day short courses year-round, covering everything from basic to advanced chemistry, hydraulics, pool construction, domestic builder contract training and more. Our intimate class sizes, held face to face in Melbourne, provide an inclusive learning environment where participants learn up to date industry training and best practices, from our leading expert trainers.

As one of our recent participants, Darren from Neptune Pools said, “I found the Advanced Chemistry course gave me the opportunity to further expand my knowledge of pool water chemistry and its effects. Paul is a brilliant teacher, sharing his knowledge and experience in a way that is easy to understand and put into practice. Along with the odd witty remarks to make everyone laugh, it was a pleasure to have him teach me.”

To further close the gap, MPBAA are proud to announce our new training extension pathways for those looking to take their career to the next level. Together with Resolute Training, MPBAA are now offering Certificate III and IV in Swimming Pool and Spa Service. Resolute Training is a provider of nationally recognised training in swimming pool and spa service, first aid and white card. With a strong focus on both residential and commercial swimming pools and a blend of face-to-face, online and selfpaced training, it is the perfect training solution for employees and businesses alike.

Combined with on-the-job training, our courses offer flexibility and the ability for pool and spa technicians to further improve their skills and formalise their knowledge, education and training. With the addition of Certificate III and Certificate IV in Swimming Pool and Spa Service to our current course schedule, we provide a comprehensive training program that caters for all levels of career development.

In an industry that is constantly evolving and changing, it is vital to ensure both you and your staff remain up to date with the latest industry best practices and training. Overall, adding staff development practices and investing in educating your staff goes a long way toward ensuring the longevity and success of your business. Ultimately, it’s not just your business that benefits, but your staff as well.

We constantly receive positive feedback on our training courses from both employees and businesses alike. As Lewis, from Willy Pools stated, ‘’for me personally the course was very insightful and allowed me to understand a greater depth into water chemistry and the many ways to solve issues. Overall, I would recommend the course to any service technician or pool builder that would either like to expand their current knowledge or even start from no knowledge at all.’’

To find out more about our short courses and the Certificate III and IV in Swimming Pool and Spa Service head to https://www.mpbaa.com.au/spasavic-industry-training#mpbaaadvanced-chemistry, or contact one of the team at MPBAA today.

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- Design and Construction by LVML Member Landart - Pool built by MPBAA Member Striking Pools

2022

POOL & SPA SHOW and backyard & garden show Thank you to each and every company that exhibited at our Spa & Pool Show and Backyard & Garden Show the weekend of 9 and 10 July.

Chris Samartzis, MPBAA CEO, said that the Association was delighted with the over 8,000 visitors who attended the shows. Those in attendance were thrilled with the diverse offerings and the cross-over between the two shows which allowed them to spend more time browsing and speaking with the exhibitors.

“Showcasing our industry in a sophisticated and consumer friendly location, where the consumer experience is paramount for building expectation and desire is exactly why these shows thrive at the Melbourne Convention Centre.

Barry Du Bois presenting on behalf of Ryobi

Photography courtesy of Perfect Property Media https:// perfectproperty.com.au

Consumers want to embrace the Spa and Pool industry whilst seeking backyard inspiration. Planting these seeds amongst the community is critical for sustained growth.

Seeing the smiles on faces, from exhibitors to children and mums and dads is pure gold.”

Working together with Landscaping Victoria Master Landscapers was a wonderful experience and the LVML stand where visitors could have a one-on-one consultation with a landscape architect was very popular with the consumers who found these of great interest.

The feature gardens also drew many admirers and having 8 different displays to visit and gain inspiration from was a highlight for many visitors.

Congratulations to our award-winning stand exhibitors: Backyard & Garden Show • Best stand under 18sqm - Coolabah Turf • Best stand under 36sqm - Kwila Timber Products • Best Stand over 36sqm - Ryobi Australia • Best Garden Feature - Landart Design and Construction Spa & Pool Show • Best stand under 18sqm - Invogue Pools • Best stand under 36sqm - Waterco Limited • Best stand over 36sqm - Spa World Australia We strongly encourage all members to reach out to Conrad Patrick and reserve space at our Summer Expo which will be bigger and better than ever!

Email conrad@mpbaa.com.au

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AQUA magazine is proudly brought to you by our sponsors who value the pool & spa industry in Australia:

Training & Events 2022 Basic Chemistry Training

Tuesday 23 August 9am - 4pm

Advanced Chemistry Training

Thursay 25 and Friday 26 August 9am - 4pm

Hydraulics Training

Thursday 15 &Friday 16 September 9am - 4pm

MPBAA Industry Night

Wednesday October 12 5.30pm - 8pm

2023 Melbourne Pool & Spa Show & Outdoor Living

3 - 5 February 2023

Follow MPBAA on Socials!

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MPBAA’s Industry Training is important to the success of Naughton’s Pools & Spas. I recently sent 15 employees to hydraulics training and I am satisfied that the tuition my staff received will be an excellent investment in my business in the long run.

Justin Hatfield, Director of Naughtons Pools & Spas