EDITION 6: DECEMBER 2021
THE OFFICIAL TRADE MAGAZINE FOR THE POOL & SPA INDUSTRY
For the industry, by the industry
All the award winners for 2021
AQUA MAGAZINE | EDITION 6 - DECEMBER 2021
1
Add to your profit pool.
SWIMJET
SWIMROLL
Increase your revenue up to 40%. Reduce your clients costs up to 70%. Everyone’s 100% happy. Remco has been manufacturing high quality pool covers and products for over 30 years, with a range of European style, award-winning designs to meet every need and budget.
POOL GUARD
When you add a Remco product to your pool construction you can earn up to 40% more revenue by increasing the scope of the project. Your customers will also get to enjoy all the good things about a pool with far less cleaning and heating costs and can rest assured they have one of the safest products on the market. Contact Remco today to find out what we can do for you, and your customers.
www.remco.com.au I 1800 609 986 I
FRONT COVER: 2021 Remco Pool of the Year Aquarius Pools
Table of Contents Looking forward to an exciting & busy 2022 - Chris Samartzis , MPBAA .....................5 The Industry’s Night of Nights: the Awards of Excellence 2021.......................................7 Meet the final two Judges............................................................................................................12 2021 Remco Pool of the Year..................................................................................................... 20 2021 Spa of the Year......................................................................................................................24
Subscribe to AQUA Magazine!
2021 Product of the Year..............................................................................................................26 Award Winners in detail................................................................................................................28 Full listing of Award Winners ..................................................................................................... 50
mpbaa.com.au/aqua-subscribe
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 | EDITION 6 - DECEMBER 2021
3
Display Centre 5 Hamilton St, Oakleigh, Victoria Contact Us 1300 855 851 saistone.com.au info@saistone.com.au * Custom corner with 1 piece coper
‘One-Piece Corner’ Pool Coping Made Easy by SAI Stone. Easy Installation Traditionally, you need to cut a lot of copper pieces to match pool corners. Today, SAI Stone’s ‘one-piece corner’ saves your time and efforts.
Aesthetic Pleasures Compared to traditional pool corner with 3 pieces copers with 'one piece corner', our design is also an effective way to aesthetically enhance the pool at your home.
* Traditional corner with 3 pieces copers
As a stone customization specialist, SAI Stone is devoted to simplifying the curved pool jobs with an 'on-site templating' system. Servicing both concrete and fibreglass pools.
Quote SAISPASAVIC in your enquiry email to receive the first 'on-site templating' service for free, valued at $600 per full curved pool.
2021 Remco Pool of the Year Aquarius Pools
Looking forward to an exciting and busy 2022 Chris Samartzis, CEO - MPBAA It’s hard to believe, but here we are at the end of another Covid interrupted year. Hopefully we can put 2021 behind us and look forward to an exciting and busy 2022. As I write this introduction, our industry has never been busier with many builders, retailers and technicians commenting on how full their books are - some booked out well into 2022. Many factors have come together to drive this activity including low interest rates, the backyard revolution and no overseas or interstate travel among the key contributors. For decades we have been planting seeds in the community through our annual advertising in Victoria and we know that this has also helped to keep our industry offerings top of mind. Over the coming months and years, we will expand this model into other states and continue Australia’s enduring connection with the backyard pool and spa.
“In this summer edition of AQUA Magazine, we celebrate our 2021 award winners and congratulate everyone who entered their fabulous spas, pools, retail stores and employees into the awards.”
In this summer edition of AQUA Magazine, we celebrate our 2021 award winners and congratulate everyone who entered their fabulous spas, pools, retail stores and employees into the awards. The swimming pool and spa industry is truly blessed to have such committed, innovative and professional operators that elevate the humble backyard into an oasis of captive memories. Now more than ever, the value of having a backyard that is landscaped with a spa or pool, is top of mind for families all around Australia. Its part of the alfresco aspirational lifestyle that the enduring connection with the consumer, via our master pool and spa family, grows stronger and stronger. I must also make mention of our wonderful partners who give of their time and resources to make valuable contributions to this industry across Australia. Without them, a lot of initiatives simply cannot proceed. It is with their help that we all forge ahead and remain able to continue our work to keep pools and spas top of mind in the community.
Subscribe to AQUA Magazine: www.mpbaa.com.au/ aqua-subscribe
The relationship with the consumer is paramount to success and as we continue to build the trust and innate connection with them, including advocacy at the highest levels of government, I know that we have made a significant contribution to the sector now and into the future. If you haven’t already done so, don’t forget to check out our Pool and Spa + Outdoor Living Expo at the iconic Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre at South Warf on February 4th, 5th and 6th 2022. It promises to be a bumper crowd with consumers desperate to engage as they turn their attention to their backyards. Buy tickets at spasashow.
com.au.
Goodbye for now and from all of us here at Master Pool Builders Association Australia (MPBAA) , we wish you and your families a wonderful festive season and some deserved holiday time. Yours , Chris Samartzis, CEO MPBAA
“The swimming pool and spa industry is truly blessed to have such commited, innovative and professional operators that elevate the humble backyard into an oasis of captive memories.”
AQUA MAGAZINE | EDITION 6- DECEMBER 2021
5
Now available down under! EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN A ROBOTIC POOL CLEANER
B200
D300 APP
P600 APP
B200
D300 APP
P600 APP
Pool size
For pools up to 8 m long
For pools up to 12 m long
For pools up to 15 m long
Cleaning type
Floor, walls and waterline
Floor, walls and waterline
Floor, walls and waterline
Cleaning cycle
1.5 or 2 hours
1.5, 2 or 2.5 hours
1.5, 2 or 2.5 hours
Remote control
-
Yes, Mobile App
Yes, Mobile App
4D, hyperfine microfibre
4D, hyperfine microfibre
4D, hyperfine microfibre
Easy top access
Easy top access
Easy top access
Filter type Filter Access
-
Premium Caddy
Premium trolley
Weight
10.5 kg
11 kg
11 kg
Warranty
2 Years
3 Years
3 Years
Storage accessory
Always ahead of the curve!
www.linc.com.au
Victoria 03 9580 9016
Queensland 07 3279 0083
New South Wales 02 9674 6008
AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE The SPASAVIC 60th Anniversary Awards of Excellence were held live in the Melbourne Room at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday 10 December 2021.
Acknowledging those that have come before us is a key component of understanding where our industry has come from, and where it is heading. Respecting the decades of achievement and contribution will help drive the industry into the future to all of our benefit.
Congratulations to Aquarius Pools, Beechworth Custom Pools and Pentair for taking out the coveted Pool of The Year, Spa of The Year and Product of The Year Awards. Also, a very big congratulations to all other award winners and entrants who have raised the bar in design, quality, craftsmanship and ingenuity. You truly are all world-class and should be extremely proud of your people who have made your organisations’ masters in their fields. We look forward to seeing you again at the Inaugural Australian Master Pool & Spa Industry Awards to be held in July 2022.
AQUA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2021
It was a fabulous night with close to 400 people in attendance. We were entertained by Sam Kekovich and BABBA who played all their favourite songs. One of the highlights was to hear from Greg Fell and John DÁrcy who took us through the 60 years of excellence, innovation, progress and contribution that has influenced and helped to make this great industry what it is today.
7
AQUA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2021
AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE
9
10
We love you but... you’re paying too much for Builder’s Warranty Insurance.
At AB Phillips, we love the Pool and Spa industry. It’s why we have worked so hard to bring you a warranty product outside of the Victorian government offering, to make sure we are looking after your industry. We’re the only insurance broker that has access to this exclusive facility, which is why we are confident in saying we can look after you. Our rates are often lower than what you’re paying and you can still access and lodge your certificates online. Ask another pool builder insured with us, and they’ll tell you it’s also our advice that sets us apart. Talk with one of our Account Managers. You’ll soon see how much we love you. Call 1300 242 136 or email insurance@abphillips.com.au
abphillips.com.au In issuing this Policy, AB Phillips Pty Ltd act under an authority given by the Insurers. This means that when issuing this Policy AB Phillips will be acting as agent for the Insurer and are therefore not able to consider your personal circumstances. This applies only to this Policy, AB Phillips Pty Ltd are your Insurance Broker on all your other Policies unless stated otherwise. AB Phillips Pty Ltd Australian Financial Services Licence No. 234457 ABN. 91 007 075 934
Meet the M final E E two T judges T H Eof JtheUSPASAVIC D G E 60th S Anniversary Awards of Excellence. In this, the final edition of AQUA for 2021, we are proud to introduce you to the final two Pool and Spa Judges of the prestigious 60th Anniversary SPASAVIC Awards of Excellence 2021. You met Mr Brad Baxter of Award Pools NSW in the Autumn Edition of AQUA (March 2021) and Ms Georgia Harper of Georgia Harper Landscape Design in Spring (September 2021). We are now delighted to introduce you to Mr Patrick Jost of Jost Architects, and Mr Colin Sloggett of East Coast Pools.
Patrick Jost
Director Jost Architects Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do once I finished school. Mum was and still is an architect, Dad was a journalist in print, radio and TV being the original anchor for the 7:30 report when it started. When mum asked me years ago and her response was asking me what I enjoyed at school, which was art and maths and Mum, probably with some bias, suggested Architecture. I used to read Mum’s Domus magazines that were lying around and visualise things I saw in the magazine in places I knew, like our own house. In hindsight, I was probably gearing up for architecture before I really knew it. The course work didn’t come easily at the start and it wasn’t till about half way though the course before it clicked and understood what I was doing.
AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2021
When I completed the two degrees I headed up to the mountains and went snowboarding for a season much to the distress of my folks!
12
My first role was at Nation Fender Katsalidis (NFK - now Fender Katsalidis) and I gained an enormous amount of experience there and still consider it a great start to my career. I then went to a small practice and worked there for 6 years becoming a Associate Director. I then went back to the larger office environment working for Plus Architecture and a director who I worked with at NFK who ids a good friend who I consider a mentor. I started my own practice, Jost Architects, in 2005 and while still working at Plus 4 days a week. In 2008, I got a bit crook right at the start of the GFC. I had been working really hard prior to this.
It took 12 months to fully get over the illness and in that time I had picked up a couple of jobs right before and after the stock market crash. I worked on these whilst recuperating and knew that I wasn’t going back to work for anyone from that point. I thought that if I can get through the apocalyptic economic crash of 2008 then I should be able to get through anything and went full time on my own practice. Over the last 14 years I have worked mainly in residential but also doing some commercial work as it came up. I have had some really great projects and clients over the years and I feel they have developed for the better over the years.
If any issues arise, which they always do in one way or another, having the ability to have plan b and plan c as well as understanding that the best apparent solution to a problem can in often be optimistic and not realistic. I find it incredibly important to really think about how a solution can be used for the best possible outcome which is something I learnt at NFK and try to teach the staff.
How many years have you been a judge in the SPASAVIC Awards? I’ve been a judge for about 5 years of the Awards. In this time I think the level of quality of the pool designs design has definitely got better. Some years are better than others but each year there are some stand outs. I think that especially in the last 3 years, there have been noticeable changes and improvements. What I’d really like to see in the awards is more in the sustainable category. It would be great if the pool builders could shift how people look at their pools and achieve a more sustainable pool. I know how hard this is to do but I think that utilising an electric boiler powered by both tubes and a PV system for instance would be a great start. The entries numbers in this area have always been low so there are good odds at the moment but seriously, it should be a full category.
I know you are a fan of the Instagram #uglymelbournehouses – what do you think should never be seen or repeated? Mock period architecture should never be seen; in particular mass produced, mock Neo Georgian foam architecture. There is no respect for context or the environment the building sits within and we don’t live in that period. The period features of these buildings were brought from England and Europe before they realised how out of place they were functionally. I would like to see people build something that is going to last more a lot more than 10 years, more like 100. A well-designed building feels different, because everything works, its comfortable and shouldn’t date. After living in a mass-produced house as a student in Queensland, it made me realise how much architecture can change the way you feel by what you live in.
What are the new trends and what is on the way out in architecture? (In Australia) Materials come and go, there is a lot of brick and timber being used currently but I suspect that this may because they are more sustainable material. Definitely there is a big sustainable push. Instead of just making stuff look cool and using unnecessary ornament, we try to integrate sustainability into design and I think that this approach is evident in Australian architectural design. From an aesthetic point of view, probably buildings acknowledging the context in which they sit. I do feel there is an Australian style coming through, it is a bit earthier and abstract than it used to be, but I find it difficult to define. I can tell very quickly when looking at whole collection of buildings online which ones are from Australia.
Can you share what you are working on right now? We are quite busy at the moment; we’ve got a beach house that just finished, an extension in Sandringham and a new house project to do in St Kilda (right near the bay), a “shed” in Red Hill and a third one in East Augusta in Western Australia, starting next year. We’ve also working on an exciting project for a golf club with driving range in the coastal western Victoria. We are hoping that it will become a real project not only for the client who has spent almost 3 years preparing a report and submission but also that it could result in being a real destination for the local town and give tourists a reason to pull off the Great Ocean Road and stop to have a hit.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? My kids! Apart from the kids, I think I’m still working on it, whatever IT is!
Where to from here? Improving what we do in the office and what we produce. That is something that is definitely in the game plan. I’m not a big one for goals which may, or may not, surprise some people and would rather constantly improve what we do. But I do know that I can’t really see myself not working as an architect!
AQUA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2021
We use 3D modelling from the start of a project from the concept design right through to the structure, linings and fixtures putting the building together virtually. I like to produce good, thorough documentation on all of our projects and modelling everything goes towards minimising problems on site which is very important for me, less stress!
13
EXTEND YOUR POOL SEASON WITH A HIGH PERFORMANCE HEAT PUMP ULTRATEMP
TM
Pentair UltraTemp heat pumps will automatically heat your pool to your desired temperature so you can swim in comfort. The UltraTemp essentially steals heat from the air and transfers it to your pool with incredible efficiency. Unlike solar pool heating, UltraTemp heat pumps can reliably heat your pool rain, hail or shine and can be sized so you can swim in comfort year round, or even just extend your pool season.
AQUA magazine is proudly brought to you by our sponsors who value the pool & spa industry in Australia:
Training & Events in 2022
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.
MPBAA Office closes Friday 24 December and reopens Monday 10 January 2022. Pool & Spa Expo + Outdoor Living
Friday 4 February - Sunday 6 February 2022
Spa & Pool Show + Backyard & Garden Show
Saturday 9 July - Sunday 10 July 2022
Justin Hatfield, Director of Naughtons Pools & Spas
Follow MPBAA on Socials!
ISSUE ISSUE
PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS IN MELBOURNE’S LEADING POOL MAGAZINE. Email dirk@umg.com.au or phone Dirk on 0418 348 808 for further information.
28
27
INC GST
INC GST
’S BOURNE OF MEL SCAPES ATION ND CELEBR ACULATE LA POOL ROUND L A BOLD ABOVE-G R POO D IMM WITH AN ON YOU COVER E POOL OLS AN E ABOVE THE RESOFTHAV SID ING A PO A SEA RIS S UCTING OLADES GL TAKING STR BENEFIT AM E THE ON CON OUACC RECENT TING RO EXPLOR BREATH ADVICE MES’ MOST L HEA US AR POO ERS AND SIONALLBOU PO H EXPERT S OF SOL THE COV PROFES AN WIT ER RN AGE RY OCE E’S om.au OLS AND LAND INDUST GET UND TO THE L ADVANT design.c FINEST TO OUR ESCAPE NMENTA SCAP utdoor A GLASS ENVIRO INDUST PEER THR E: RAISE ICAL AND oolando STE RY PROF ES FROM OUGH L OF FAM ECONOM P www.p THE GLA R THE ING POO TALK FIBR UP YOUR GAM ESSION SS INTO DISCOVE SWIMM E WITH CREATE EGLASS GOOD: THE WOR CELEBR EXTRAV THE SUS ALS TO ME: AR, SO ATE LD AGA SOL
THE SKIL L AND
TAINABL INDUST OF MOD NT ADD RY EXP E OASIS ERN POO ITIONS ERT VERSAT OF YOU TO YOU L ILITY OF R DREAMS S WEIGH IN ON POOL AND FENCING MELBOU THE BEN WITH CLE ALFRES RNE’S EFITS OF CO VER DES BUSINES FIBREGL IGN AND SES WIT ASS UNIQUE H THE 2020 AWA MATERIA www.p LS RDS OF ooland EXCELLE out NCE
doorde
sign.com
.au
/poolandoutdoordesign |
@poolandoutdoordesign
www.poolandoutdoordesign.com.au
Meet the final two judges of the SPASAVIC 60th Anniversary Awards of Excellence.
Colin Sloggett East Coast Pools
You do Contract and Construction Training for builders and their staff through MPBAA training. How many years have you been doing this for? I have been assisting with training now for 10 – 12 years. I really enjoy taking the training, I get satisfaction from being able to give attendees a practical pool builder’s view, especially with contract training.
This was your first year as judge in the SPASAVIC Awards, how did you find the judging process?
AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2021
It was both an interesting and enjoyable experience. I enjoy giving back to an industry that I have been involved with for so many years. I feel it is quite an honour to be able to view the work of other builders and rate it in comparison to what is available in our field. As a builder I understand the difficulties and complexities of each project.
16
What you see with the Awards is the end result of the project but as the saying goes “a pictures paints a thousand words” so whilst some people dismiss Awards as a beauty contest, coming from a pool builder background rather than a design background, you understand the intricacies and complexities in the construction. I understand the time and effort that has gone into a build not only structurally but from a material, physical and emotional point of view. I understand the planning and designing that takes place before a pool project gets started.
How many years have you been in the Swimming Pool Industry? I have spent 35 years, nearly 36 years in the industry. I qualified as a primary school teacher specialising in Physical Education. That gave me a good educational grounding and organisational skills. I had always wanted to be a builder, but my parents thought a tertiary education was the way to go so I went to Burwood Teacher’s College (now Deakin University). I thought I would like to work outdoors so I secured a position in landscaping where I worked for 6 – 7 years. I was then offered a position as a Construction Supervisor for a swimming pool company in Ashburton. After that I then went to Natural Swimming Pools as a Landscape Construction Supervisor, and I worked alongside Frank Morden and Carl Decker from Waterview Pools along with many others.
For instance, a lot of homeowners have been a slave to their pool, so I provide them with information regarding sanitation, automation, Infloor cleaning etc and let them make the decision on whether that is right for them.
East Coast Swimming Pools started in February 2001; it was our twenty-year anniversary this year.
I find it is better not to prejudge the consumer but to educate them and assist them through the decisionmaking process.
What is the current fashion in pools and where do you see this heading?
Can you share what you are working on right now?
There has been a shift in the last few years to circular and curved pools and it appears that we are heading back into more freeform shapes and designs.
We work on many and varied projects. Currently we have pools ranging from a 4m x 2m plunge pool/swim spa with a Remco Swim Jet at one end that will have an Electric Heat Pump on it and a Remco cover at the other end, to a 13m x 4m pool with a negative edge and a 15m x 5m pool with a negative edge with spa.
At Natural Pools, every year we built a large number of freeform pools with rocks – the original “natural pool.” As time went on it was more rectangular pools, then more formal shapes took over and freeform shapes disappeared. When I started my own business, the pools were very much formal and rectangular in design. We would still do the old freeform pool with rocks and river pebbles made to look like a billabong, but they were in the minority at that time. Landscape designers and architects now seem to be returning to designing more freeform pools. Many of the pools on the Peninsula (where we build the majority of our pools) are in natural settings and are more informal in shape with free form paving. However, there are now more free form shapes that are designed for the inner city such as curved pools with circular spas that are not out of place. I think that the more information we can give our clients during the consultation process places them in a better position to make an informed decision and one which is the right decision for them. I endeavour to provide people with the right information to help them decide what to build and how. Whether they end up building with us or another pool builder I am comfortable with the advice I have given. If as an industry, we can assist the customer in making the right decision which is not totally based on price then I believe we have done the right thing.
Sometimes the simplest looking project can be the most satisfying ones, even though it may have taken a lot of work and effort to get there. We did a project in Boneo that was in sand, so it had to be fully formed, but it filled with water every day during construction which had to be continually pumped out. The end result was a stunning freeform pool with random stone paving, but it took a lot of challenging work to create the end result. We endeavour to treat every client and pool project equally in that every job is as important as one another. We look at each project on its own merits and achieving satisfaction for both the clients and ourselves in doing a good job. It is a great industry to be part of. It is enjoyable for people within the industry and we get a lot of pleasure from our work. The client gets a beautiful pool and landscaped garden at the end of the project, and we get the satisfaction of a good, completed project. If as a builder, you view each project just as an income stream then perhaps there are other industries you should be in. In my view we should all have a commitment and passion to our industry, for the people we employ and to our clients.
AQUA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2021
I worked there for nearly 7 years. I then moved to the Mornington Peninsula where I worked as a rep selling swimming pool equipment and Infloor cleaning systems before obtaining my own building licence and moving back into construction and opening my own business.
17
Y
AV6_Print_Ad_HalfPage_.pdf 1 14/07/2021 12:52:11 PM
ONE BRILLIANT IDEA CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING. SO WE HAD THREE.
SPINTECH
HEXADRIVE
TM
FILTERLESS TECHNOLOGY
TM
ADAPTIVE TRACTION
TOUCHFREE
TM
DEBRIS CANISTER
® AQUAVAC 6 SERIES CLEANERS FEATURE THREE BREAKTHROUGH TECHNOLOGIES. With 18 hydrocyclones to ensure constant suction, the new AquaVac 6 Series cleaners are reinventing the robotic cleaner category in more ways than one. Six variable-speed-driven rollers feature adaptive traction for wall-to-wall cleaning on any pool surface, and a unique debris canister empties and rinses itself at the touch of a button. For customers who want the smartest technologies, there’s only one solution—AquaVac 6 Series from Hayward.
®
Visit hayward-pool.com.au to learn more about AquaVac 6 series cleaners. Hayward, Hayward & Design, the H logo and AquaVac are registered trademarks and HexaDrive, SpinTech and TouchFree are trademarks of Hayward Industries, Inc. © 2019 Hayward Industries, Inc.
Boss Solar Quarter Page - Rhino In Stock -PRESS READY.indd 2
26/11/2021 4:10:54 PM
Oak TileDeck
Melbourne Showroom 79 Bazalgette Crescent, Dandenong South VIC 3175 P: 03-9798 2631 Brisbane Showroom/Head Office 7 Westringia Road, Brisbane Airport QLD 4008 P: 07-3854 0462 W: www.pooltile.com.au
Ash Marblano
Achieve a similar water colour by fully tiling in Dark Grey Ceramics. Dark Grey Ceramic CMC305
Your Outdoor Tile Specialist With a wide range of affordable and quality products in stock, ready for immediate dispatch and supply Australiawide, we are Australia’s No #1 Supplier of Swimming Pool Tiles, Natural Stone, Outdoor Tiles and Wall Cladding.
Sell more pools ‘on the house’.
Imagine how many more customers you could sign up for a pool if you told them it was ‘on the house’. Of course, you can’t give them a pool for free, but you can show them how refinancing their home with Outdoor Finance can free up enough money to fund the pool they’ve always wanted. The Outdoor Finance team are specialised mortgage brokers who help refinance loans to fund outdoor projects like pools, spas and landscaping, showing your customers how refinancing can save enough money to fund their dream outdoor space. Help your sales reps sell more pools and close deals earlier by showing customers how they can get their pool ‘on the house’. Find out more www.outdoorfinance.com.au Outdoor Finance is a collaboration between SPASA Victoria and AB Phillips. Credit services provided by AB Phillips Pty Ltd Authorised Credit Representative number 465469 of Australian Finance Group Ltd Australian Credit Licence Number 389087.
AQUA MAGAZINE | EDITION 6 - DECEMBER 2021
19
2021 REMCO POOL OF THE YEAR GOLD AWARD Aquarius Pools
The scale, complexity & detail of this project, produced an exceptional result that delighted the clients.
AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2021
Whilst achieving a beautiful aesthetic, this pool and spa also has the ‘the lot’. The innovative design features an infinity edge on 3 sides of the pool with a large spa at the opposite end and the clever addition of a Remco Swim-Jet housed into a 730mm wall between the pool & spa. Due to the sloping block, the 16.39m pool is suspended 5 metres above the ground. Complex engineering has enabled a generous plant room to be located under the pool - more than meeting the brief for a fully automated, low maintenance, pool for family fun, swimming laps and entertaining.
20
The curved sculptural form of the house is designed to wrap around the pool. All the rooms of the house point north over-looking the swimming pool & out towards the city. The pool & spa are a stunning water feature at night with the LED lights.
Proudly sponsored by
The attention given to achieve this result was of the highest level, both above ground and below. Below, the plantroom layout which houses so much equipment is millimetre perfect. Above ground, the wet edge has a 5-metre drop over a stone clad wall. This required complete form work and reinforcing with the balance tank and gutter all having to be built as part of the foundations and sprayed separately before the pool shell could begin. The balance tank wall on the underside of the pool was a staggering 650mm thick. The boundary side infinity edge and associated gutter has drainage to the balance tank and required a 440mm thick wall for the length of the pool.
..... continued over page
21
AQUA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2021
2020 Spa of the Year Gold Award
2021 REMCO POOL OF THE YEAR GOLD AWARD Aquarius Pools .... continued from previous page The 300mm thickness pool floor required considerable engineered propping to support the weight of reinforcing and concrete. The pool and spa water cleverly sit at the same level, whilst still being separated to enable spa heating. This is achieved by a small open tiled gutter, which required a high level of detail. The pool & spa have an extensive range of equipment & the highest quality materials. A playful landscape design incorporates a clever wave-shaped pool fence. Bluestone crazy paving highlights the curved lawn areas and lush garden beds. Beautiful limestone paving surrounds the inviting fully tiled pool & spa.
AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2021
Enjoyment for life! A gorgeous family pool & spa with all the bells & whistles.
22
Proudly sponsored by
23
AQUA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2021
2021 SPA OF THE YEAR GOLD AWARD Beechworth Custom Pools The site for this spa is situated in North-East Victoria, overlooking the King River. The design brief from the owners was very specific - the view of the river was the over-arching consideration. There was to be uninterrupted sightlines from the bedroom, the bath, and the spa area across to the bend in the river.
In conjunction with the Building Surveyor, Beechworth Custom Pools were able to design and build some low planter boxes along the edge, categorising that area as a non-walkway. This meant that the entirety of the river-facing section of the project (around 9.000m) was unencumbered by any visual obstacles.
As the land between the house and the riverbank was flat, the design challenge was to comply with isolation pool fencing requirements. The solution - excavate the front section of the spa area to provide a minimum 1200mm wall along the front, which was then raked back to meet the ground level and planted out. This meant that there was no interruption to the sight lines at the front of the spa area.
The spa itself was orientated entirely towards the view of the river. There are seats along the house sides only, with 16 spa jets connected to two boost pumps. There is also a filtration/heating line, a separate silkflow waterfall with its own pump, plus a separate suction and return for the heat pump line.
AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2021
The spa was then surrounded with Murray Pine decking to match the existing house. The pool fence was installed in a stainless channel, top set down to disappear into the decking level. There were minimal gaps in the fencing to provide protection against snakes making their way from the river into the spa area.
24
The deck around the spa ran up to the 1200mm drop, which also created a challenge for designers to ensure protection for pedestrians from toppling over the wall edge.
Proudly sponsored by
It was important to the client that there was no visual impact on the view to the river. Therefore, controls were hidden and designed using a “Smart Spa” with all pumps, lights, water quality and temperature controls managed via voice commands and an App through Google Home and Amazon Alexa. The spa is fully tiled in Sukabumi 100mm tiles, including the top coping level. All of the design works and surrounding works were carried out by Beechworth Custom Pools.
25
AQUA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2021
2021 PRODUCT OF THE YEAR GOLD AWARD Pentair - IntelliCenter
The IntelliCenter® is a swimming pool automation system. IntelliCenter systems feature up to ten electrical circuits (and expandable up to 40), to control all associated pool equipment. It also allows for separate scheduling of pumps and other features, such as landscape lighting, waterfalls, fountains, additional heaters and more. Pentair has also added multi-body control, allowing an IntelliCenter system to control up to 4 water bodies with separate filtration, sanitation and heating.
AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2021
The IntelliCenter systems can control users pool and spa heating using solar, heat pumps or gas heaters with seamless switching between pool and spa modes with the automated IntellValve valve actuators. Up to 10 valve actuators (and expandable to 20) can be controlled with the IntelliCenter.
26
Proudly sponsored by
Each IntelliCenter unit is iOT enabled, meaning that the IntelliCenter’s unique capabilities enable users to easily monitor and control multiple pool or spa functions using one interface. Manage water temperature, lighting, fountains, waterfalls and other pool features whenever and wherever they choose. Users can also easily access the operating history of their pool and/or spa or request specific information, such as the pH or ORP level. Compatible with Technologies such as Amazon Echo™ or similar devices and an Apple Watch®, the IntelliCenter makes managing the pool and/or spa environment easier than ever. This cutting-edge technology lets the client control the functions of their pool and/or spa with ease.
27
AQUA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2021
BEST RESIDENTIAL CONCRETE POOL - UNDER $60,000
2020 Spa of the Year Gold Award
GOLD AWARD Urban Swimming Pools
HIGHLY COMMENDED Striking Pools
This Award is sponsored by
BEST RESIDENTIAL CONCRETE POOL - UNDER $100,000 GOLD AWARD Esjay Landscapes + Pools
HIGHLY COMMENDED King’s Pools & Spas This Award is sponsored by
28
2020 Spa of the Year Gold Award
BEST RESIDENTIAL CONCRETE POOL - OVER $100,000 GOLD AWARD Enkipools
Aloha Pools
Seaspray Pools
HIGHLY COMMENDED
This Award is sponsored by
BEST RESIDENTIAL FIBREGLASS POOL - UNDER $60,000 GOLD AWARD Countrywide Pools & Spas
HIGHLY COMMENDED Ocean Breeze Pools This Award is sponsored by
29
BEST RESIDENTIAL FIBREGLASS POOL - OVER $60,000
2020 Spa of the Year Gold Award
GOLD AWARD Compass Pools Melbourne
HIGHLY COMMENDED Compass Pools Melbourne
This Award is sponsored by
BEST POOL BY A NEW SPASAVIC MEMBER GOLD AWARD King’s Pools & Spas
HIGHLY COMMENDED Striking Pools This Award is sponsored by
30
King’s Pools & Spas
BEST RESIDENTIAL COURTYARD / PLUNGE POOL - UNDER $70,000 GOLD AWARD Strking Pools
Striking Pools
Urban Swimming Pools
HIGHLY COMMENDED
This Award is sponsored by
BEST RESIDENTIAL COURTYARD / PLUNGE POOL OVER $70,000 GOLD AWARD Aloha Pools
HIGHLY COMMENDED Aqua Dreamz
This Award is sponsored by
31
BEST PREFABRICATED COURTYARD / PLUNGE POOL
2020 Spa of the Year Gold Award
GOLD AWARD Aqua Dreamz
HIGHLY COMMENDED Urban Swimming Pools
This Award is sponsored by
BEST COMMERCIAL POOL - UNDER $150,000 GOLD AWARD Striking Pools
HIGHLY COMMENDED Horizon Pools This Award is sponsored by
32
2020 Spa of the Year Gold Award
BEST COMMERCIAL POOL - OVER $150,000 GOLD AWARD Aloha Pools
HIGHLY COMMENDED Aloha Pools
This Award is sponsored by
BEST RESIDENTIAL CONCRETE SPA GOLD AWARD Beechworth Custom Pools
HIGHLY COMMENDED Baden Pools
This Award is sponsored by
33
BEST RESIDENTIAL FIBREGLASS, ACRYLIC OR VINYL-LINED SPA
2020 Spa of the Year Gold Award
GOLD AWARD Leisurescape Pools & Spas
HIGHLY COMMENDED Horizon Pools This Award is sponsored by
BEST RESIDENTIAL VINYL-LINED IN-GROUND POOL GOLD AWARD Albatross Swimming Pools (Aust)
HIGHLY COMMENDED Albatross Swimming Pools (Aust) This Award is sponsored by
34
2020 Spa of the Year Gold Award
BEST RESIDENTIAL CONCRETE LAP POOL GOLD AWARD Aquarius Pools
Icon Pools
HIGHLY COMMENDED Coastal Pools & Spas This Award is sponsored by
BEST RESIDENTIAL CONCRETE POOL & SPA COMBINATION UNDER $100,000 GOLD AWARD Apex Pools
HIGHLY COMMENDED King’s Pools & Spas
This Award is sponsored by
35
BEST RESIDENTIAL CONCRETE POOL & SPA COMBINATION - OVER $100,000
2020 Spa of the Year Gold Award
GOLD AWARD Aquarius Pools
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Falcon Pools & Landscapes
This Award is sponsored by
BEST RESIDENTIAL
FIBREGLASS, ACRYLIC OR VINYL-LINED POOL & SPA COMBINATION GOLD AWARD
Compass Pools Melbourne
HIGHLY COMMENDED Ocean Breeze Pools This Award is sponsored by
36
2020 Spa of the Year Gold Award
Enkipools
BEST POOL AND LANDSCAPE COMBINATION GOLD AWARD King’s Pools and Spas
King’s Pools and Spas
Esjay Landscapes & Pools
HIGHLY COMMENDED
This Award is sponsored by
BEST RESIDENTIAL POOL RENOVATION GOLD AWARD Aloha Pools
HIGHLY COMMENDED Apex Pools This Award is sponsored by
37
BEST INNOVATIVE POOL OR SPA
2020 Spa of the Year Gold Award
GOLD AWARD Aloha Pools
HIGHLY COMMENDED Enkipools
This Award is sponsored by
BEST FIBREGLASS,
ACRYLIC OR VINYL-LINED POOL BY A COUNTRY MEMBER
GOLD AWARD Cookes Pools & Spas
HIGHLY COMMENDED Gordon Avenue Pools This Award is sponsored by
38
2020 Spa of the Year Gold Award
BEST CONCRETE POOL BY A COUNTRY MEMBER GOLD AWARD King’s Pools and Spas
HIGHLY COMMENDED King’s Pools and Spas
This Award is sponsored by
BEST RESIDENTIAL ENCLOSED / INDOOR POOL GOLD AWARD Enkipools
HIGHLY COMMENDED Striking Pools This Award is sponsored by
39
BEST WATER FEATURE
2020 Spa of the Year Gold Award
GOLD AWARD Cantwell Pools & Courts
HIGHLY COMMENDED Aquarius Pools This Award is sponsored by
BEST SAFETY BARRIER
2020 Spa of the Year Gold Award
GOLD AWARD Out from the Blue
HIGHLY COMMENDED Clear Brilliance This Award is sponsored by
40
BEST PORTABLE / RELOCATABLE SPA GOLD AWARD Aloha Pools
HIGHLY COMMENDED Leisurescape Pools & Spas This Award is sponsored by
BEST LANDSCAPE DESIGN UNDER 200SQM FEATURING A POOL OR SPA GOLD AWARD Enkipools
HIGHLY COMMENDED Esjay Landscapes + Pools This Award is sponsored by
41
BEST LANDSCAPE DESIGN OVER 200SQM FEATURING A POOL OR SPA
2020 Spa of the Year Gold Award
GOLD AWARD COS Design
HIGHLY COMMENDED King’s Pools and Spas
This Award is sponsored by
BEST PAVING OR STONE PROJECT
GOLD AWARD SAI Stone
HIGHLY COMMENDED SAI Stone This Award is sponsored by
42
2020 Spa of the Year Gold Award
BEST LIGHTING FEATURE
GOLD AWARD Striking Pools
HIGHLY COMMENDED Striking Pools This Award is sponsored by
BEST AUTOMATED SYSTEM OR CONVENIENCE PRODUCT GOLD AWARD
P LINE
For simply perfect pools!
Pentair - Intellicenter
P O W E R F U L , E F F I C I E N T, E R G O N O M I C , S I M P L E T O U S E , E A S Y T O M A I N TA I N .
HIGHLY COMMENDED Lincoln Pool Equipment - BWT P600
E x c e ll e n c e in s id e !
This Award is sponsored by
43
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT AWARD
2020 Spa of the Year FLEX POO IBLE SO SYSTL HEATI LAR NG EMS
Gold Award
GOLD AWARD Boss Solar - NanoTek
This Award is sponsored by ADA MOS PTS TO T RO OFS
HEAT
WATER NEUTRAL POOL PROGRAM AWARD GOLD AWARD Rainwise Pools Melbourne
This Award is sponsored by
44
AUST RA MAD LIAN E
ING
• LE IS
2020 Spa of the Year Gold Award
COLL WAR ECTOR RAN TY
URE
• LIF E
ST Y L
CLIM AT CERT E CARE IFIED
E
SALES PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD GOLD AWARD Waterco Darren Kane
Waterco Darrin Feldman
This Award is sponsored by
POOL BUILDER EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR AWARD GOLD AWARD Domain Pools - Jordan Tomas
This Award is sponsored by
45
SERVICE TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
2020 Spa of the Year Gold Award
GOLD AWARD Seaspray Pools David Van Hoorn
This Award is sponsored by
OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR AWARD
GOLD AWARD Seaspray Pools Micaela Jones
HIGHLY COMMENDED Spa Electrics - Katlin Mason This Award is sponsored by
46
2020 Spa of the Year Gold Award
BEST POOL & SPA SERVICE BUSINESS
GOLD AWARD Willy Pools
This Award is sponsored by
POOL STORE OF THE YEAR
GOLD AWARD Poolside Melton Pools & Spas
HIGHLY COMMENDED Poolside Beaconsfield This Award is sponsored by
47
BEST SPA RETAILER
GOLD AWARD Spa World
This Award is sponsored by
For 40 years, Cliff Cooke has been a Leader of the Victorian, indeed the Australian, Pool & Spa Industry. Unashamedly described as honest, empathetic, compassionate, loyal, hardworking, fair and generous – many know Cliff as the Pool Builder from Mildura. Although the time, energy and sacrifice Cliff has given to the representation of Country Members within the Victorian Industry is well acknowledged, what many don’t know is that Cliff is also very well regarded around the world. As the first Australian member of the USA Master Pool Builders Guild, Cliff has a truly Global Voice and is recognised as a voice of Authority; helping to educate some of the USA’s biggest builders constructing massive volumes and very high value pools from Phoenix to San Diego, Texas, Canada and beyond.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Cliff Cooke Cliff Cooke (centre) with Chris Samartzis, CEO MPBAA (left) & Sam Kekovich, Master of Ceremonies (right)
48
While we honour Cliff, let’s not forget that he has been able to do all that he does with the unwavering support of his beautiful wife Kate as well as his daughters Sally & Kelly along with their partners. If you could present any individual to your children or to your staff as an example of how to live your life, be a leader while still putting family first, point them toward Cliff, there is no better example.
55 Years of Membership
Aloha Pools
40 Years of Membership
Cooke’s Pools & Spas
40 Years of Membership
Waterco
30 Years of Membership
Falcon Pools
49
FULL LIST OF AWARD WINNERS 2021 Best Residential Concrete Pool – Under $60,000 Urban Swimming Pools
Best Residential Concrete Spa Beechworth Custom Pools Highly Commended: Baden Pools
AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2021
Highly Commended: Striking Pools
50
Best Residential Concrete Pool – Under $100,000 Esjay Landscapes + Pools Highly Commended: King’s Pools and Spas
Best Residential Fibreglass, Acrylic or Vinyl-Lined Spa Leisurescape Pools & Spas Highly Commended: Horizon Pools
Best Residential Concrete Pool – Over $100,000 Enkipools Highly Commended: Aloha Pools, Seaspray Pools
Best Residential Vinyl-Lined In-Ground Pool Albatross Swimming Pools (Aust) Highly Commended: Albatross Swimming Pools (Aust)
Best Residential Fibreglass Pool – Under $60,000 Countrywide Pools & Spas Highly Commended: Ocean Breeze Pools
Best Residential Concrete Lap Pool Aquarius Pools & Icon Pools Highly Commended: Coastal Pools & Spas
Best Residential Fibreglass Pool – Over $60,000 Compass Pools Melbourne Highly Commended: Compass Pools Melbourne
Best Residential Concrete Pool and Spa Combination - Under $100,000 Apex Pools Highly Commended: King’s Pools and Spas
Best Pool by a New SPASAVIC Member King’s Pools and Spas, King’s Pools and Spas Highly Commended: Striking Pools
Best Residential Concrete Pool and Spa Combination - Over $100,000 Aquarius Pools Highly Commended: Falcon Pools & Landscapes, Enkipools
Best Residential Courtyard / Plunge Pool - Under $70,000 Striking Pools Highly Commended: Striking Pools, Urban Swimming Pools
Best Residential Fibreglass, Acrylic or Vinyl-Lined Pool and Spa Combination Compass Pools Melbourne Highly Commended: Ocean Breeze Pools
Best Residential Courtyard or Plunge Pool - Over $70,000 Aloha Pools Highly Commended: Aqua Dreamz
Best Pool and Landscape Combination King’s Pools & Spas Highly Commended: King’s Pools and Spas, Esjay Landscapes + Pools
Best Prefabricated Residential Courtyard or Plunge Pool Aqua Dreamz Highly Commended: Urban Swimming Pools
Best Residential Pool Renovation Aloha Pools Highly Commended: Apex Pools
Best Commercial Pool - Under $150,000 Striking Pools Highly Commended: Horizon Pools
Best Innovative Pool or Spa Aloha Pools Highly Commended: Enkipools
Best Commercial Pool - Over $150,000 Aloha Pools Highly Commended: Aloha Pools
Best Fibreglass, Acrylic or Vinyl-Lined Pool by a Country Member Cookes Pools & Spas Highly Commended: Gordon Avenue Pools
Best Concrete Pool by a Country Member King’s Pools and Spas Highly Commended: King’s Pools & Spas
Sustainable Product Award Boss Solar - NanoTek
Best Residential Enclosed / Indoor Pool Enkipools Highly Commended: Striking Pools
Water Neutral Pool Program Award Rainwise Pools Melbourne
Best Water Feature Cantwell Pools & Courts Highly Commended: Aquarius Pools
Sales Person of the Year Award Waterco - Darren Kane Waterco - Darrin Feldman
Best Safety Barrier Out from the Blue Highly Commended: Clear Brilliance
Pool Builder Employee of the Year Award Domain Pools - Jordan Tomas
Best Portable/Relocatable Spa Aloha Pools Highly Commended: Leisurescape Pools & Spas
Service Technician Employee of the Year Award Seaspray Pools - David Van Hoorn
Best Landscape Design - Under 200sqm Featuring a Pool or Spa Enkipools Highly Commended: Esjay Landscapes + Pools
Office Administration Employee of the Year Award Seaspray Pools - Micaela Jones Highly Commended: Spa Electrics - Katlin Mason
Best Landscape Design – Over 200sqm Featuring a Pool or Spa COS Design Highly Commended: King’s Pools and Spas
Best Pool & Spa Service Business Willy Pools
Best Paving or Stone Project SAI Stone Highly Commended: SAI Stone
Pool Store of the Year Poolside Melton Pools & Spas Highly Commended: Poolside Beaconsfield
Best Lighting Feature Striking Pools Highly Commended: Striking Pools
Best Spa Retailer Spaworld
Best Automated System or Convenience Product Pentair - IntelliCenter Highly Commended: Lincoln Pool Equipment - BWT P600
Industry Awards 55 years: Aloha Pools 40 years: Cookes Pools & Spas, Waterco 30 years: Falcon Pools Life Membership: Cliff Cooke, Cookes Pools & Spas
AQUA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2021
FULL LIST OF AWARD WINNERS 2021
51
