SPLASH February-March 2021 by The Intermedia Group

Swimming Pools / Leisure / Aquatics / Spas / Health

Issue 134 February/March 2021

Best of the commercial pools Delving into the 2020 winners Pools from above Dramatic pool photos from drones The Kiwi swim school Purpose-built for champions

Smart pool and spa systems www.splashmagazine.com.au

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Published by The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd ABN 940 025 83 682 41 Bridge Road, Glebe, NSW, 2037 Australia Ph: (02) 9660 2113 Fax: (02) 9660 4419 On behalf of The Swimming Pool & Spa Association of Australia Ltd (SPASA Australia) Publisher: Simon Cooper Managing Editor: Chris Maher Phone: 0412 048 639 Email: chrismaher@intermedia.com.au

editorial The relentless march of time

Contributors: Veda Dante, Cal Stanley, Tony Rogers. Advertising Manager: David Stennett Phone: 0404 725 554 Email: david@spasa.com.au Art Director: Adrian Tipper Production Manager: Jacqui Cooper Subscriptions: 1800 651 422 Email: subscriptions@intermedia.com.au Copyright All material in this publication is copyright to the publisher and/or its contributors. No material may be reproduced without the express permission of the publishers.

Disclaimer: This publication is published by The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd (the “Publisher”) on behalf of SPASA Australia. Materials in this publication have been created by a variety of different entities and, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher accepts no liability for materials created by others. All materials should be considered protected by Australian and international intellectual property laws. Unless you are authorised by law or the copyright owner to do so, you may not copy any of the materials. The mention of a product or service, person or company in this publication does not indicate the Publisher’s endorsement. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Publisher, its agents, company officers or employees. Any use of the information contained in this publication is at the sole risk of the person using that information. The user should make independent enquiries as to the accuracy of the information before relying on that information. All express or implied terms, conditions, warranties, statements, assurances and representations in relation to the Publisher, its publications and its services are expressly excluded save for those conditions and warranties which must be implied under the laws of any State of Australia or the provisions of Division 2 of Part V of the Trade Practices Act 1974 and any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof. To the extent permitted by law, the Publisher will not be liable for any damages including special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages (including but not limited to economic loss or loss of profit or revenue or loss of opportunity) or indirect loss or damage of any kind arising in contract, tort or otherwise, even if advised of the possibility of such loss of profits or damages. While we use our best endeavours to ensure accuracy of the materials we create, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher excludes all liability for loss resulting from any inaccuracies or false or misleading statements that may appear in this publication. This issue of SPLASH! magazine published by The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd (Intermedia) may contain magazine or subscription; offers, competitions, forms and surveys (Reader Offers) which require you to provide information about yourself, if you choose to enter or take part in them. If you provide information about yourself to Intermedia, Intermedia will use this information to provide you with the products of services you have requested and may supply your information to contractors that help Intermedia to do this. Intermedia will also use your information to inform you of other Intermedia publications, products, services and events. Intermedia may give your information to organisations that are providing special prizes or offers that are clearly associated with the Reader Offer. Unless you tell us not to, we may give your information to other organisations that may use it to inform you about other products, services or events or to give it to other organisations that may use it for this purpose. If you would like to gain access to the information Intermedia holds about you, please contact Intermedia’s Privacy Officer at The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd, PO Box 55, Glebe, NSW 2037. Copyright © 2021 - SPASA Australia.

Chris Maher Managing Editor chrismaher@ intermedia.com.au

Don’t be shocked by what you see to the left of this letter – SPLASH! hasn’t got a new editor, he’s just got older! Throughout my youth my father had a sports column in the local paper. Week in, week out, there was his picture beside his 650 words. But as the years wore on, his headshot remained defiantly youthful. The kids at school even wondered if it was actually my father! Eventually the paper updated his image, and he jumped many years in a single edition. Now I face the same situation, and I had to bite the bullet and update my headshot before it got ridiculous. It will also help you more easily identify me at the next trade show! Of course, the media has changed dramatically since my father’s day. He was a compositor by trade, laying out the big metro newspapers by day, while studying at night to be come a journalist. He’d type up his articles on small squares of green paper to make it easier for the compositor to lay out the metal letters, which had to go upside-down and back-to-front. Times change, and compositors' skills have faded into history. And if my father were still alive, he’d be flummoxed by the recent (thankfully short-lived) ruckus around social media news postings. SPLASH! of course is much more than a publication printed on paper and sent out to our loyal readers. It appears in digital form, disseminated through a variety of electronic channels, and also includes online articles and newsletters, videos on SPLASHTV and as a brand includes the face-to-face component of the SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show. The latest addition to our quiver is the podcast Ready. Set. SPLASH! hosted by David Stennett and Luke Daly. We have many ways to get this information to you so you can read, watch or listen wherever you are, in the manner that best suits you: on the phone, at your computer, reading through the printed publication at your leisure or, in the case of the podcast, listening in your vehicle. Social media is one of the ways we help get important industry information to you. And while Facebook is our most popular platform, we post equally regularly to Twitter and LinkedIn – so please follow us on those platforms, and also ensure you’re getting our free newsletter. That way, you’ll get the industry news in the timeliest way possible. I hope you enjoy this edition, whichever way you are accessing it.

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The views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily represent those of the above supporters, nor should any product advertised in SPLASH! magazine be seen to be endorsed by the above.

This issue’s cover The Intermedia Group takes its Corporate and Social Responsibilities seriously and is committed to reducing its impact on the environment. We continuously strive to improve our environmental performance and to initiate additional CSR based projects and activities. As part of our company policy we ensure that the products and services used in the manufacture of this magazine are sourced from environmentally responsible suppliers. This magazine has been printed on paper produced from sustainably sourced wood and pulp fibre and is accredited under PEFC chain of custody. PEFC certified wood and paper products come from environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of forests. The wrapping used in the delivery process of this magazine is 100% biodegradable.

The cover shows an integrated pool and home that takes advantage of the new connected world. Veda Dante looks at how the Internet of Things is changing the humble swimming pool on page 30. Image: TCL

Contents

60 25

The old Olympic pool of my youth Cal Stanley looks back at his days as a teenager in Merredin, and the part the local public pool played in his salad days.

Sintered stone and swimming pools An Italian manufacturer of sintered stone for swimming pools and surrounds is getting to know the local market.

A family affair Tony Rogers talks with Anthony Scaffidi and reveals the evolution of a family-run South Australian pool builder into a pool and landscaping business. Going face to face Matthew Booth shows us through the one of the new Fluidra training centres, built to help educate trade customers.

Swim school purpose-built for champions The prestigious AquaGym facility was purpose-built in 1988 by two of New Zealand’s leading elite swim coaches: Brett Naylor and Clive Power.

The making of a great commercial pool We highlight some of the top commercial swimming pool projects in Australia and New Zealand from the 2020 award season.

The connected swimming pool Veda Dante looks at how the Internet of Things is impacting the swimming pool and spa industry, and how it is changing consumer expectations of technological convenience.

regulars

Pools from above We look at Brad Walls’ amazing drone photography, showing swimming pools from an entirely different angle.

Supervision is the key, distraction is the danger Research from Dr Amy Peden highlights the importance of not letting yourself become distracted when looking after children near water.

News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Pool DAs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Commercial news . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 New products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Ad index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

February/March 2021 SPLASH! 9

news

The very first Plungie Original at Yandina Creek, Sunshine Coast

Plungie Max at Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast

Construction

Plungie eyes 10,000 new pool installs in Metricon deal Brisbane-based modular pool manufacturer Plungie has formed an exclusive partnership to supply their prefab splash pools to Australian home building giant, Metricon. As part of the partnership, Metricon will offer customers the option to include a Plungie concrete pool as part of their new home package. The arrangement will start in Queensland before rolling out across the country. Plungie managing director Ty Hermans is looking for a pool inclusion rate of at least 90 per cent on all Metricon homes – and believes that will create an additional 10,000 pools on top of current traditional builds. “The industry talks about 25,000 pools built in Australia per annum and we see a very clear path for us to exceed 10,000 pools a year within the next four years,” he says. “That’s not because we are taking a big chunk out of the 25,000 new pools a year across Australia. We firmly believe we have created a new segment in the market which will see more homes with a pool.” He says that Plungie was established in 2018 to create an advanced, scalable pool solution with a straightforward business model that could be seamlessly integrated by builders nationally and internationally.

“In two years, we’ve successfully disrupted and challenged a global industry that had remained largely unchanged for more than a century,” he says. “We’re proud to make pool ownership possible for more families.” Readymade package Metricon’s Queensland marketing manager Matt Emmerson says the partnership means homeowners can enjoy a new pool sooner than usual. “As Australia’s largest homebuilder, Metricon prides itself on innovating in home design for changing lifestyles,” Emmerson says. “By teaming up with Plungie, we’re able to provide an affordable pool in all new Metricon homes without build delay.” Hermans says the beauty of the partnership is that they produce their concrete pools in a controlled factory environment. “This means Metricon can include the product in their build,” he says. “This allows huge cost savings because the construction of a concrete pool in a backyard can usually take up to three months or longer. “So with Plungie, the hole can be dug in the morning, base preparation done throughout the day, our truck turns up in the afternoon with the pool and lifts it in and the kids can be

swimming that night. By allowing the home builder to include it as part of the process we’re also eliminating waste and reducing costs.” Helping meet growing demand SPASA Australia CEO Lindsay McGrath says investing in and improving outdoor spaces is a growing trend among homeowners. He says this is driven by changing priorities and more time spent at home as a result of covid-19 – and it means demand for pools has never been higher. “Many pool builders and installers are fully booked up until Christmas 2021, so innovations like the Plungie are providing more people with the option to enjoy a better lifestyle at home,” he says. Hermans says Plungie’s mission is to become the world’s largest manufacturer of concrete swimming pools and the Metricon partnership places the start-up on track for success. “We’re well on our way, having recently launched in the US with plans to launch in Canada and Europe this year,” he says. Plungie’s first factory was established in Brisbane, Queensland, and its latest factory in Dallas, Texas is due to commence manufacturing imminently.

Contact: au.plungie.com; www.metricon.com.au

Industry moves

Bryce Steele moves on from SPASA WA Bryce Steele, CEO of SPASA WA for the past six and a half years, has called time on his role with the Western Australian association. Steele had a number of successes over that time including overseeing growth in membership and bringing the successful Pool, Spa & Outdoor Living Expos under SPASA WA ownership. He has been credited with helping keep the WA industry in a strong position, despite difficult economic headwinds and the fallout from the covid crisis. Mark Harper, president of SPASA WA, thanked Steele for his work during the past six and a half years. 10 SPLASH! February/March 2021

“On behalf of all the members I would like to thank Bryce for how he has supported and continues to support our members during this time. Bryce’s passion, enthusiasm and determination for our industry cannot be questioned and he leaves SPASA WA having had significant impact during his time with us.” Steele says that he really enjoyed working with some amazing people at SPASA WA whom he calls friends, while growing and developing the Western Australian swimming pool industry. He has since taken on the role of CEO of Barrier Reef Pools (WA).

Bryce Steele

news

Construction

Sep Oct Nov Dec

5000 4000 3000

The HIA expects the residential boom to last throughout 2021 but be over by 2023

2000 1000 0

NSW

VIC

QLD

Yearly comparison by month

The available annual DA figures for the calendar year January to December from Cordell show relevant applications relatively steady (down by two per cent nationally), but the figures may be expressing a lag in data over the holiday season. The data shows Western Australia up by 19 per cent, New South Wales up by 11 per cent, Queensland up by two per cent, while South Australia was down by 10 per cent and Victoria was down by 27 per cent. In a stark contrast to the previous highly positive reporting period, the three months of October-December show DA numbers declining by 20 per cent. The only state up was Western Australia (up by 60 per cent), with New South Wales level, and South Australia down by 19 per cent, Queensland down by 41 per cent and Victoria down by 47 per cent.

Year old

Year new 6000

2500

5000

2000

4000 1500 3000 1000 2000 500

1000

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Year old

Yearly comparison by State

According to the Housing Industry Association, 2021 could be one of the best years for the residential construction sector – the very type of dwelling most likely to include a swimming pool. “It is anticipated that almost 130,000 new detached homes will commence construction in 2021,” says the HIA’s chief economist, Tim Reardon. “The previous record of 120,000 starts in a calendar year was set in 2018.” This forecast is contained in HIA’s economic and industry outlook report. The state and national outlook report includes updated forecasts for new home building and renovations activity nationally and in each of the eight states and territories. Reardon says that all leading indicators show a record volume of detached homes about to commence construction in almost every location across Australia. He credits HomeBuilder for much of this expected construction. “This has not only secured the employment of the 500,000 people employed in detached home construction, it will also absorb tens of thousands of workers from across the rest of the economy,” he says. “The extension of HomeBuilder in November is the primary cause of this significant upgrade in our forecast but the demographic shifts are also driving demand for detached homes. Regional locations in many states are showing a larger increase in activity than capital cities as the population moves away from inner city living. “The strong conditions for detached homes are in stark contrast to the outlook for multi-units, which will continue to cool. The loss of overseas migration hit the multi-unit sector immediately and the number of new unit starts is falling rapidly. The population shock is yet to flow through to detached.” He expects one constraint of new land but Year oldcould be the Yearavailability new 2500 believes the demand for skilled trades will be met by those moving on from the slowing apartment construction sector. 2000 “Demand for detached homes has been particularly strong amongst first home buyers 1500who now account for 43 per cent of new home loans. We expect that this demand will continue into 2022 as the significant shift 1000 in population continues and as investors return to the market,” he says. 500 However he believes the boom in detached home building will not continue. 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec “The record year has been facilitated by HomeBuilder, low interest rates and a significant shift in population. We anticipate that all of Year old Year in new2023 along with the these trends will move against home building 6000 impact of the loss of overseas migration,” he says.

Pool DA numbers steady as anecdotal rise continues

Three-monthly comaparison

2021 to be a record year for detached home building

Jul

Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Year new

6000

5000

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4000 3000 3000 2000 2000 1000

1000 0

NSW

Old Quarter

VIC

QLD

New Quarter

5000

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While these figures give an indication of the way the market is trending, they are not comprehensive and don’t include all pools built or even all DAs lodged. By some estimates, the total national numbers including all types of pools could be almost double these figures. They do not include pool projects that are approved as part of a new home, smaller projects under the cost threshold, renovations that don’t require a DA, or some aboveground pools. Additionally, not all councils are forthcoming with data or report on time; councils in some states such as Queensland and Victoria are particularly reluctant. For further information, call Cordell Information on 1800 80 60 60.

February/March 2021 SPLASH! 11

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Environment

Three new pool packages added to Climate Care Program Quantum, Riverina and ALT have added new swimming pools to the Climate Care program, while Hychlor has added a new product. The list of companies with certified products continues to grow, including AIS for their EcoLine and AutoChlor, Eczen Pools + Landscapes for their Ecozen Pool, Lo-Chlor for its Solar Shield product, Sunbather for its Thermal Pool Blanket, Neptune Benson with their Defender ultra-fine filter, Sancell for their Streamline Dome pool cover, Supreme Heating for the Heatseeker Dualsun hybrid system, Remco for their Swimroll pool cover system, Abgal for their Oasis pool cover, NCS for their pool cover, Sealed Air for their Suncap pool cover, Daisy for their ThermoTech and Ultradome pool covers and AquaSaver invisible solar shield, Sunline for their Aquavent pool cover, Waterco for their MultiCyclone pre-filter and dual filtration system, their Hydrostorm 100 Eco-V Pump, their 50mm sweep elbow, their Micron 50mm port ECO filters and their glass bead filtration, Hayward for their Super II ECO VS pool pump range, Zodiac for their CV cartridge filter with sweep elbow, Crystallite clear glass media, EvoluX iQ robotic range and AstralPool’s Viron QT1000. The pool packages Aqua Technics Pools, Riverina Pools and Quantum Composite Pools have all had their own specialist pool packages certified as meeting the stringent requirements of the Climate Care Certified Program. The Climate Care Certified option is a completely environmentally friendly package. It provides consumers with the ability to purchase a pool with confidence knowing that their swimming pool delivers verifiable water and energy savings that have been certified by the peak industry body.

The pools are anticipated to save thousands of litres of water every year while at the same time reducing energy consumption, saving hundreds of dollars. Hyclor’s K+ sinking open cell media Hyclor’s K+ open cell media has met the stringent requirements of the Climate Care Certified program. K+ is completely different to traditional filter media. Each K+ open cell works by settling debris within and on each of the tiny but hugecapacity chambers resulting in improved water clarity, while also providing water and energy saving opportunities.

filter media before a backwash is required, leading to a reduction in the frequency of backwashing. • Consumes considerably less power for delivering the same filtration performance in comparison to traditional filter media.

Media

Welcome to the new SPLASH! podcast Ready. Set, SPLASH! is a new podcast that showcases the best of our industry as featured in the SPLASH! magazine, newsletter and website. The podcast is hosted by David Stennett and Luke Daly and has already acquired a loyal audience in its first few outings. Dive on in and enjoy. You can access it via the website or: The SPLASH! newsletter: www.splashmagazine.com.au/ subscribe Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3qETLCj Apple: https://apple.co/3p4cWp4

Key Benefits: • Significant water clarity characteristics lead to turbidity reduction efficiency of 93.7 per cent. • Has a retention efficiency capability of 96.1 per cent, resulting in exceptional ability to retain debris. • Continues to filter without a noticeable change in the system’s pressure or flowrate. • Holds more debris than other traditional

Top five online news stories

Keep informed by subscribing to the free online newsletter. Plungie eyes 10,000 new pool installs in Metricon deal Brisbane-based modular pool manufacturer Plungie has formed an exclusive partnership to supply their prefab splash pools to Australian home building giant, Metricon.

All the pool packages include the following equipment: • Chlorinator: Waterco Electrochlor Chlorinator • Pump: Waterco Hydrostorm Eco-V Pump • Filtration: Waterco Opal Cartridge • Pre-Filter: Waterco Multi-Cyclone • Solar Pool Cover: Sunline Aquavent Breathable or Daisy Pool Covers • Robotic Cleaner: Maytronics S, M & X40 or Zodiac Evolux IQ 4000/5000/6000 • Lighting: LED Pool Light • Plumbing: 50mm Hydraulic Efficient Plumbing.

The online stories that made the news over the past two months. Equipotential bonding explained for NZ industry A clarification about what and when equipotential bonding of swimming pools and ancillary equipment is required.

12 SPLASH! February/March 2021

Sydney’s largest pool since the 2000 Olympics opens at Green Square The state-of-the art sustainable Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre opened as the recreational focus of Sydney’ fastest growing urban area.

LaMotte Pacific appoints new general manager Ben Coyne was appointed general manager of Seven Hills based swimming pool diagnostic and testing equipment supplier La Motte Pacific.

Bryce Steele moves on from SPASA WA The CEO of SPASA WA for the past six and a half years called time on his role with the Western Australian association.

news

Upcoming events 2021 Mar 27-28

South Australian Pool Spa & Outdoor Living Expo, Adelaide

Apr 9

SPASA Australia Awards entry deadline

Apr 23

WA Golf Classic

Apr 23

Chris Dorrity Memorial Golf Day, Southern Golf Club, Keysborough

Apr30-May2 NZ Pool Spa & Outdoor Living Expo, Auckland May 1-2

Sydney Pool & Spa Outdoor Living Expo, Rosehill Gardens

May 14-16

Melbourne Summer Pool & Spa Show, MCEC

May 17-19

AALARA Conference, Gold Coast

May 22-23

Brisbane Pool & Outdoor Expo

June 4-5

SPASA Australia Queensland Virtual Awards

June 11-12

SPASA Australia South Australian Virtual Awards

June 17

World’s Largest Swimming Lesson, Global

June 18-19

SPASA Australia Victorian Virtual Awards

June 25-26

SPASA Australia NSW/ACT Virtual Awards

July 16-18

Melbourne Winter Spa & Pool Show, MCEC

July 17

SPASA Australia WA Virtual Awards [Tentative]

July 24- 25 Melbourne Pool & Spa Outdoor Living Sale, Melbourne Showgrounds Aug 10-13

IAAPA Expo Asia 2021, Shanghai New International Expo Centre

Aug 24

Andrew Simons Golf Day, Gold Coast

Aug 25

Women in Industry Breakfast, Gold Coast

Aug 25-26

SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show, Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

Aug 26

National Awards of Excellence, Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

Sep 11-12

Perth Pool Spa & Outdoor Living Expo, Claremont Showground

Sep 18-21

ASCTA Con 21, Sea World, Gold Coast

Sep 29–Oct 1 Japan Build, Intex, Osaka Oct 26-29

IAKS 27th International Congress, Cologne Germany

Nov 13-18

International Pool Spa Patio Expo, Dallas, Texas, USA

Nov29-Dec2 Piscina & Wellness, with BBConstramut, Barcelona, Spain

More details at splashmagazine.com.au. Dates are subject to change and should be checked with the relevant organisation. Send calendar submissions to info@splashmagazine.com.au.

February/March 2021 SPLASH! 13

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Industry moves

SPASA New Zealand appoints new GM In Brief SPASA Australia has reached a major milestone – breaking the 1000-member barrier. With a 13 per cent growth in membership for 2020 alone, Lindsay McGrath says SPASA Australia is proud to be recognised for the relevance and value that a national association brings to businesses, people and the industry as a whole. “As our membership base increases, we look forward to further expanding our repertoire of benefits, training and advocacy efforts and promoting to the community that members of SPASA Australia are the best in the business.” The Sydney Pool & Spa Outdoor Living Expo has been moved to May 1-2, 2021. The decision was made as a cautious approach to provide sufficient time for state governments to ease restrictions and provide more certainly in planning. Any questions can be directed to Vee Johnson at vee@ auexhibitions.com.au or on 0422 399 818. Another important date for the diary is April 9, 2021: the deadline for entries for the SPASA Australia Awards of Excellence. US-based publisher and data company Hanley Wood has been rebranded to Zonda. The company is active in the pool and spa industry, publishing US titles Pool & Spa News and Aquatics International and organising industry

14 SPLASH! February/March 2021

Jonty Mills SPASA New Zealand general manager

SPASA New Zealand now has a general manager with the appointment of Jonty Mills, who will be based out of Wellington. A born and bred Kiwi, Mills was CEO of memberbased organisation Water Safety New Zealand for the previous five years, preceded by a lengthy career in the private sector. He has a wealth of leadership and advocacy experience across diverse stakeholder and membership groups. “There were a lot of synergies between my work at Water Safety New Zealand and that of SPASA,” he says. “And a lot of focus on leadership and advocacy, membership, education and policy,” he says. Describing himself as fundamentally about people and partnerships, Mills has a specialist background in commercial business, communications and relationship management across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. CEO Lindsay McGrath says SPASA is delivering on its promise to invest in New Zealand. “There is no better investment than the talent Jonty brings,” he says. “We are very excited in this

next stage of our growth and promotion of the pool and spa industry in New Zealand. “The synergy between Jonty’s work at Water Safety New Zealand and that of SPASA is strongly aligned.” Mills says it is a great time to be joining SPASA as it delivers on its commitment to invest and grow across all facets of the New Zealand industry. He is looking forward to being on the ground and working with existing and prospective members, as well as all industry partners. “The opportunities in New Zealand for a strong and united industry are exciting for both existing and new members, as well as the wider community,” he says. To learn more about Jonty Mills, tune in to the Ready. Set. SPLASH! podcast Trendy Predictions, available at www.splashmagazine.com.au. Contact: jonty@spasa.co.nz.

SPASA name spreads across the Tasman As part of its expansion into New Zealand, SPASA Australia has recently registered the trademark for the acronym “SPASA”. “While the business name across the Tasman remains the Pool and Spa Association Ltd, the company will now be trading as SPASA New Zealand,” says Lindsay McGrath. “This will provide consistent branding for promotion, marketing and advocacy for SPASA and its members in both Australia and New Zealand.”

Media

SPLASH! caught in social media stoush Like all Australian publications, SPLASH! was caught between a rock and hard place when Facebook reacted to the federal government’s proposed News Media Bargaining Code with a ban on news stories. Although that ban seems to be over for the moment, it’s worth making sure you are following SPLASH! in a number of ways to avoid any repeat of that behaviour from any of the social media companies. 1. The best way to ensure you get our stories quickly is to have them delivered straight to your inbox. Please subscribe for free to our fortnightly newsletter directly from the homepage or by going here: www.splashmagazine.com.au/subscribe 2. When you go directly to www.splashmagazine. com.au a pop-up appears asking if you want notifications. Click yes and you’ll receive a notification about new stories on your browser. 3. Follow us on the B2B social platform LinkedIn. We post all our stories there as well. www.linkedin. com/company/2412855 4. Follow us on Twitter too. https://twitter.com/ SPLASHmagonline

5. Continue to follow us on Facebook: www.facebook. com/splashmagazineaus. 6. Ensure you are getting the print and digital versions of the magazine: www.splashmagazine. com.au/subscribe Be assured that whatever happens in the future, SPLASH! will endeavour to keep our stories coming to you in a timely and convenient manner.

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Industry moves

Industry moves Lo-Chlor Chemicals has appointed Holly Jeffries to its growing team in Europe, taking responsibility for further developing Lo-Chlor’s expanding range of products in France alongside its distributor SCP Europe. Jeffries had previously worked for both Waterco and Plastica, speaks fluent French and is based in the Vendée region. Lo-Chlor has also launched a new .fr website (www.lo-chlor.fr). Laticrete’s technical sales representative Corey Downes has transferred from Victoria and is now enjoying the heat in Brisbane, Queensland where he has joined forces with Shane Anderson. Daisy Pool Covers has moved its WA warehouse and head office to a much larger facility in Welshpool, after it outgrew its previous facility. It allows them to manufacture more pool covers and rollers, and also to store more raw materials, which may reduce lead times during peak periods. The new facility is located at 8 Granite Place, Welshpool. Former beach volleyball Olympian Zara Pitman has joined the Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) in the newly created role of member experience co-ordinator, focussing on improving the experience of member swim schools. Pitman has a law degree and a masters in international development research.

16 SPLASH! February/March 2021

LaMotte Pacific appoints new general manager Ben Coyne has been appointed general manager of Seven Hills based swimming pool diagnostic and testing equipment supplier La Motte Pacific. Previous general manager Jason Leach has moved across to another of LaMotte’s sister businesses within their holdings group. Coyne was previously national sales manager from 2016, a role which comprised looking after retail and commercial markets in Australia and globally, and managing all key accounts in both sectors as well as establishing new business while leading the sales team to achieve targets and KPIs.

Ben Coyne, general manager LaMotte Pacific

Prior to that he worked as account manager and BDM at a number of major businesses and corporations including corporate account manager at Qantas. He says that his first major initiative as general manager will be to announce a decrease in LaMotte Pacific’s pricing. “Yes, you heard that right,” he says. “A decrease!”

Sponsorships

Protector Aluminium partners Sunshine Coast Lightning The Suncorp Super Netball League includes eight teams from around Australia, all made up of the best players from around the world, with Netball being Australia’s and New Zealand’s number one sport for women and girls. Protector Aluminium’s group general manager Grant Symes says he is excited to enter this new partnership with such a high performing team. “We saw great appeal in collaborating with such a strong, internationally recognised women’s sporting team with a formidable, local grass-roots focus,” he says. “The club’s community outreach really drew our attention and provides this partnership with a core foundation of shared values. “We continue to advocate strongly for safety around water and Protector’s expansion to partner with SCL allows us to reach a broader

Successful Super Netball team, Sunshine Coast Lightning

audience to convey our message of innovation, safety and protection for families and children.”

Chemicals

Win for non-chlorine sanitisers The Federal Court of Australia has set aside an order that would have stopped the use of swimming pool and spa sanitising products containing hydrogen peroxide and polyhexanide hydrochloride. The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) issued a Notice of Cancellation in the Gazette notice of 28 July 2020. Following an appeal by Waterco to overturn the APVMA’s decision, the Federal Court applied an injunction until a final decision was made. That decision has now been handed down in favour of Waterco. As a result of the Federal Court’s decision Waterco can continue selling Poppits and Perox products without any restriction. It’s important to mention that the previously affected products must be used

in accordance with their label instructions. “Waterco was always of the view that the decision was unlawful and ultimately commenced proceedings to have the decision set aside,” says Victor Quijada, water treatment product manager. It also means Lo-Chlor’s chlorine-free products Aquaspa and Aquafresh may continue to be sold across Australia and New Zealand and used in accordance with their label instructions. “This is a fantastic result not only for our company and our customers but the thousands of families out there who are constantly seeking alternatives to chlorine and bromine for spas, hot tubs and swimming pools,” says Paul Simons, managing director of Lo-Chlor. Fluidra also has products that will benefit from this decision.

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Branding

Boss gets facelift for 30th birthday Boss Solar parent company Boss Polymer Technologies Group has implemented a group wide branding update to coincide with its 30th anniversary. Paul Kremer, CEO of Boss Polymer Technology Group, says that while Boss has been 30 years in operation, the company now has bold plans to reimagine the way they do business to set them up for the future. “Our evolution from a rubber and plastics component manufacturer to a solutions provider has resulted in a significant step forward for the group,” says Kremer. He says they are now ready to take another step forward. To mark the new era for the organisation, the marketing team gave the group a facelift, starting with a new logo and icon for the division. “The team worked diligently to collectively capture the essence of who we are, what we stand for, and why we do, what we do,” he says. Head of marketing, Madelyn Mills, says the rebranding exercise is driving a different look, streamlining the many markets and different solutions they offer underneath a single, unified group identity. The Boss Group includes four subsidiary companies: Boss Rubber and Plastics; Boss Solar; Boss Marine and Boss Innovation Hub. All the Legislation

Automatic mutual recognition of occupational registrations The Commonwealth Government has agreed to introduce a uniform scheme for the automatic mutual recognition (AMR) of occupational registrations to assist Australia’s economic recovery. AMR will allow a person who is licensed or registered for an occupation in one jurisdiction to be considered registered to perform the same activities in another, without going through further application processes or paying additional registration fees. Among the occupations proposed to be included in the changes are architects, builders, building surveyors, electricians, gasfitters, painters and decorators, and plumbers. National Cabinet has now released draft legislation for consultation which will amend the Mutual Recognition Act 1992, enabling AMR to commence from July 1, 2021. You can download the consultation paper and SPASA Australia’s submission at www. splashmagazine.com.au/QuickLinks134.

logos share a similar font and design aesthetic. However, each logo has a unique element, with meaning specific to that company. “For example, the O in the group level Boss logo is made of a chain-like circle, representing togetherness, not only as a series of brands, but also of its people, customers, suppliers and the wider community,” says Mills. With the launching of the new logos, Mills says the team looks forward to embracing whatever challenges 2021 will bring.

The chain-like O represents togetherness, bonding the series of brands, people, customers, suppliers and the wider community

Weather

Cold Texas In Australia, February is usually the month for cleaning up after bushfires, or managing the summer floods, but it was different in Texas this February. The normally hot US state (which isn’t even that cold in winter) was hit with a sudden, unprecedented deep freeze, knocking out the pumping infrastructure on natural gas utilities, leaving millions of Texans in darkness and stopping the slow turnover of the winterised pools. Without steady water flow to protect them, the pools and equipment iced up. Frank Disher of Poolwerx North Richland Hills, Texas, told US trade magazine Aqua they were inundated with calls asking for help with their frozen equipment, cracked pipes and even split sand filters. “I fielded 100 to 120 phone calls on Monday — while I’m already in backyards, because my staff could not make it into work due to the harsh weather conditions. I was even FaceTiming customers, trying to walk them through a problem,” he says. “If I had to guess, I would say there are 10,000 to 20,000 equipment sets that are frozen solid, and in places with broken plumbing, that number is probably double, triple that amount.”

In Brief A swimming pool came to the rescue in January, thanks to the quickthinking of tradies who used the pool’s water to put out an encroaching scrub fire. Stuff NZ reports that Cheyenne Salter was working on a roof in Christchurch’s Port Hills when he spotted flames heading towards a house. He raced to the property and joined a group of other tradies who used buckets and a sprinkler to tackle the “tornadoes of fire” heading towards them. At one point, Salter had to fully submerge himself in the pool to escape the scalding heat. The tradies stopped the home catching alight until emergency services arrived to extinguish the fire. Fluidra has signed on as Platinum Sponsor for SPASA Australia for 2021. This valuable commitment by Fluidra includes supporting the SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show; Awards of Excellence programs across Australia and New Zealand; regional member networking events, meetings and forums; leadership events; WAVES women in industry events; and industry training and education events. Sadly, US swimming pool and spa data pioneer Bil Kennedy has passed away. Since 1992, he had been reporting data and researching trends in the US pool and spa industry. His son Max says the staff at PK Data will carry on Bil’s legacy.

February/March 2021 SPLASH! 19

news

Construction

Fire ant pilot on Gold Coast

IPART released its final report in December Insurance

HBCF changes on horizon for pool builders In June 2020, the NSW Government asked the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) to review the effectiveness and efficiency of the NSW Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) in protecting homeowners currently covered by the scheme. IPART released its final report in December following a significant consultation process which included advocacy from SPASA Australia. The final report acknowledges and supports many of SPASA’s recommendations. These include: Supported • iCare makes clear any adjustments that have been made to take into account any industry-specific circumstances, for example, the adjustment for a pool builder in determining their eligibility to account for “sleeper pools”. • For contracts that require HBCF cover, whether items such as soft landscape works and pool equipment can be excluded from HBC requirements. • iCare reviews its dispute resolution processes to resolve eligibility issues in a more streamlined and timely manner. • Investigate ways to better support new entrants. Not Supported • HBCF cover should be voluntary for swimming pool and spa building works. COO Spiros Dassakis says SPASA Australia will continue to lobby the NSW Government to adopt the recommendations made, though the NSW Government has absolute discretion about whether it implements IPART’s recommendations. The full report and SPASA’s submission can be downloaded at www.splashmagazine.com. au/QuickLinks134. 20 SPLASH! February/March 2021

Originally South American natives, “super pest” fire ants have been in Australia since 2001. As they become more prevalent and move further south, construction trades may come into contact with them, as may the general population while enjoying outdoor recreation. The ants also affect more than 52 different agricultural crops and may potentially cause death in some humans. The $400 million National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program is working on eradication of the pest, and as part of that program some residents of the Gold Coast will soon be invited to take part in a fire ant treatment pilot. The pilot program complements treatment underway in the Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim and parts of Ipswich. Program general manager Graeme Dudgeon says fire ants could have devastating consequences on our environment, economy and way of life. As part of the pilot, Gold Coast City Council will conduct treatment on property it owns and manages.

Registrations for the Gold Coast pilot will open soon, with treatment scheduled to begin in May 2021. Households can register to take part and will either have their property treated by the program or receive free fire ant bait, along with directions on how to handle it safely. The bait used to kill fire ants is non-toxic to humans and pets. A number of sports and recreational facilities on the Gold Coast are also participating in a fire ant treatment pilot. Contact: daf.qld.gov.au/fireants; 13 25 23.

Image NSW Department of Primary Industries

Fundraising

Get in the pool this March and swim laps to save lives Australian swimming legend Ian Thorpe is getting behind the initiative to get people swimming in March, in an effort to help young people with mental health issues. Thorpe is the patron of Australia’s most accessed online mental health service for young people, ReachOut, and is calling on people across Australia to jump in the water in March for Laps for Life – a month-long swimming challenge. Laps for Life raises funds and awareness for young people in Australia living with mental health difficulties and to help prevent youth suicide. “The mental health of young people across Australia has been profoundly impacted by issues such as covid-19 lockdowns, high unemployment levels, financial stress and uncertainty about the future,” he says. ReachOut research shows one in four people in Australia aged 14–25 live with a mental health difficulty. “Despite the countrywide lockdowns, the Laps for Life community swam more than 35,000 kilometres in 2020. An incredible achievement. “This year, I’m challenging everyone to help us smash that record by jumping in the

pool or the ocean and get swimming to raise funds to support our young people,” he says. Laps for Life is open to everyone across Australia and is simple to take part in. Participants set their own lap or distance goal and then dive on in and log the laps to record their progress.

Contact: www.lapsforlife.com.au.

Fluidra forms a team Nineteen staff members from Fluidra Australia have formed a team and will be swimming as part of Laps for Life The Fluidra Swimmers have already raised more than $5000 blitzing their original fundraising target of $2000 before they even start their swim in March. If you would like to support the Fluidra Swimmers in the Laps for Life challenge, please donate via the Fluidra Swimmers page on the Laps for Life website: Contact: www.lapsforlife.com.au/ fundraisers/FluidraSwimmers

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Phil Colburn

Some of the happy students finishing their course Training

More than 100 students become barrier inspectors Wendy Donaldson Awards

Wendy Donaldson wins National Franchise Woman of the Year Narellan Pools’ general manager of franchising, Wendy Donaldson, has won the National Franchise Woman of the Year award at the Franchise Council of Australia’s Excellence in Franchising Awards for 2020. Narellan managing director Chris Meyer says Donaldson’s award is recognition for her tireless commitment to the franchise sector and her passion for developing relationships and supporting others to collectively drive results. “My focus is on maintaining an excellent culture, nurturing team development and supporting the global growth of the business,” Donaldson says. Since becoming general manager of franchising in May 2019, she has had considerable success. Narellan Pools adjusted its sales and digital engagement strategy as covid-19 hit, and she supported the Narellan Pools network to produce record-breaking sales since the global pandemic began. “We have achieved record monthly sales for six months and in May 2020 achieved the all-time record in the peak of covid-19,” she says. Other industry winners in the national awards include Phil Colburn from Poolwerx who won Field Manager of the Year, and Poolwerx also won the Excellence in Marketing award.

SPASA Training's IRLearning delivered the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) course in Swimming Pool and Spa Barrier Inspection (VBAISP2020) in Melbourne over December, with the more than 100 students completing the course prior to Christmas. IRLearning manager Peter Holland says that thanks to hard work and a positive relationship with the VBA, they managed to deliver a world class course. “The student interaction has been fantastic and we have received positive feedback on how well the course is being delivered via Zoom sessions,” he says. “Students mention it being fun, interactive and educational while aligning well with our face-to-face component. We continue to seek feedback from all involved to ensure that we continue to meet the needs of the industry.” The IRLearning course includes: • Three days of intensive online learning and engagement. • Three days of 15 face-to-face Pool Barrier Simulations under supervision of VBA-accredited inspector. • Catering during three days of simulations. • Complete set of Australian Standards (AS1926.1-1986, 1993, 2007, 2012 and AS1926.2-2007) valued at over $600. • After-course support. Holland says members and other industry participants who have an interest in becoming a VBA-registered pool barrier inspector should book their 2021 spots early as spaces are limited. Contact: training@irlearning.com or call 1800 802 482.

Retailing

Be on top of consumer rights The small business team from Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) is reminding retailers, especially those who have enjoyed buoyant Christmas sales, to be fully aware of their obligations relating to refunds and returns under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). The ACL creates a basic set of guarantees for consumers when purchasing products. If a product fails to meet a guarantee, the consumer has the right to a remedy from the seller. Generally this will be a repair, replacement or refund. The remedy that must be provided will depend on whether the problem with the product is major or minor: • If the problem is major, the consumer can choose a repair, replacement or refund; • f the problem is minor, the seller can choose which of these remedies to offer.

22 SPLASH! February/March 2021

Consumers who received products as gifts are entitled to the same rights as consumers who bought the products directly. Some businesses may choose to offer specific warranties with their products. However, these operate in addition to the ACL consumer guarantees and they can’t override the consumer guarantees. Make your returns policy clear Some retailers have policies that allow for returns or exchanges if a consumer changes their mind and no longer wants the product. These policies are not required by the ACL consumer guarantees. If you have an existing returns policy, you should make the terms of the policy clear to consumers and honour it. Retailers must not mislead consumers about their consumer guarantee rights.

This means you need to be careful about what you say to consumers and the wording you use in signs, advertisements or any other representations. It’s important to remember that consumer guarantee rights are automatic and cannot be excluded, modified or restricted. This means you should not: • Display “no refund” signs. • Represent that faulty items cannot be returned or exchanged, except at the seller’s absolute discretion. • Tell consumers that they are only entitled to a repair, when in fact their rights include a refund or replacement. • Make decisions about providing a repair, replacement or refund on the basis of the terms of the product warranty, or the terms of your returns policy only. You must make such decisions on the basis of your obligations under the ACL consumer guarantees.

Contact: www.accc.gov.au

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When teenaged Cal Stanley had a week off to study for his exams, he spent nearly all of it in the Merredin swimming pool

The old Olympic pool of my youth By Cal Stanley

lthough my career in the swimming pool industry commenced in 1980, my connections to the industry go back as far as 1955. In 1953 I came as a teenager to Merredin in country Western Australia. Merredin is a wheatbelt town almost half-way to Kalgoorlie. In the 1950s it was also an important railway junction for all the steam trains going east and west and out into the surrounding wheat belt areas. A cool summer day in Merredin was 35 degrees and a hot day was over 40 degrees. I was only there for about four-and-a-half years, but it seemed like forever at the time. I attended the local high school where I attained my Leaving Certificate in 1957 (a pre-requisite for higher education at the time). I had a week off to study before the exams, but I spent nearly all of it in the Merredin swimming pool. My father worked in the town as a carpenter, involved in the construction of state housing in the town.

“The Merredin pool was the second Olympic pool built in WA. Today it remains the oldest such pool.” In 1953, the town council decided it was time to provide residents with a swimming pool. They also decided there would be no short cuts – the pool would be an Olympic swimming pool – 165 feet in length. The budgeted cost was 30,000 pounds (a straight conversion is $60,000 – but bear in mind that the average adult wage at the time was equivalent to $14.00 per week). The state government provided 10,000 pounds and the balance was raised by donations from residents, local businesses and farmers. The pool opened in 1955 and Dawn Fraser swam in it in 1957. My connection is twofold. My father worked on the pool in its early construction, no doubt in the provisions of form work for the concrete, and I was one of the first to swim in it. I left Merredin for greener pastures in early 1958.

A trip back in time

I’ve driven through Merredin a number of times since, but two weeks ago I visited it again for a more in-depth look around. There has been some substantial changes as one would expect, the railway workshops are long gone but the swimming pool remains virtually unchanged. Yes, the old gravity sand filter and original equipment has gone, the 10ft and 3ft diving boards have been removed (courtesy of our interfering Health Department) and the raised brick coping has been covered with a more user friendly fibreglass capping. In all other respects the main pool, the wading pool and the office/entry building have not changed one iota. The internal tiling remains and looks immaculate. It has never really been a competition pool and there are no plans to shorten it. The first Olympic pool in Western Australia was constructed in Kalgoorlie and opened in 1938. It was decommissioned in 1999. Their new pool is an indoor pool, I guess to cut down the sunburn. The Merredin pool was the second Olympic pool built in WA. Today it remains the oldest such pool. It has been very well maintained and continues to service the town and surrounding farms. The third Olympic swimming pool in WA was the Beaty Park pool constructed in time for the 1962 Empire Games. It underwent a major $17 million rebuild in 2011 to 2013. If readers are aware of other old Olympic pools in other states, please email me any contact details or just their location. I have more time than my readers, so would like to research them too. n For these columns, Cal Stanley draws on his experience and success in pool construction, having run award-winning Neptune Pools in Western Australia for three decades, as well as sitting on many standards committees and industry boards, and working as a pool consultant, trainer and delivering hydraulics courses for the swimming pool industry. If you have a question regarding his columns, email him at cal@westnet.com.au. February/March 2021 SPLASH! 25

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The winning lap pool had to complement the period cottage

Anthony Scaffidi with wife Sallie Scaffidi

The sloping site was used to good effect and helped minimise the need for fencing

A family affair By Tony Rogers

met with Anthony Scaffidi at the offices of Elite Pools and Landscapes. He is a personable and articulate man. Initially I was impressed by his enthusiasm, and I quickly became even more impressed by his knowledge and dedication. His company received a number of accolades at the 2020 SPASA National Awards, including being named Concrete Pool Builder of the Year and gaining a number of high commendations. He is proud of their success and is particularly proud of the Gold for a Concrete Lap Pool. One reason for this is that the company has expanded from simply building pools to providing a complete pool and landscaping service – and the winning pool was the first where he designed both the pool and its setting.

The dramatic lap pool

Scaffidi says the lap pool owners were lovely clients. “We started off with literally a blank canvas for the space. We sat down and had a conversation and I asked them questions such as: What do you plan on doing? What is it for? Is it for you, or the grandkids or the neighbour down the road? How will you use it and when? What will it add to your lifestyle? Are running costs a factor? “Then I listened,” he says. “Because it wasn’t about what I thought they needed – but about what they wanted.” And what they wanted was a modern interpretation of a swimming pool that would fit seamlessly with their period cottage. “As retirees, they wanted a pool that they could use every single day and which could be used by their family who lived in adjacent properties. They also wanted to take advantage of the sloping site to minimise fencing while creating a dramatic pool.” After that conversation, the Elite team developed an idea, followed by a first draft which the clients approved. “That in itself was unusual,” he says. “In fact, to be honest, it’s never happened since. There is always something that needs to be changed.” Scaffidi says the result was dramatic. “It’s got that real bling. All the colours of the pool match the stonework of the cottage – including the pool tiles. We even did the rendering in the old style so

that it matched the existing structure. When you look at the photos, you can see how the existing cottage and the pool are all integrated into the landscape.” The project was part of a big learning curve for him and the company. “This large and complex task was a massive, massive learning curve in a very short period of time. It was about learning how to understand scheduling, how to coordinate multiple trades and how to get different trades involved such as steel fixers, landscapers and foreign suppliers. We learned a lot without actually having to suffer. It was fun!”

From salesman to pool builder

Scaffidi had worked for a number of years in sales and IT before he joined his father’s company in 2010 at the age of 27. His father enjoyed building top-quality pools but as he was less interested in the sales aspect of the company, he needed a good salesman. His son proved to be that person. Then the job started to evolve. He became involved in other aspects of the work and developed an interest in design. It was an emotional investment too. Today, the father is thinking of retirement and cutting back on his involvement, while the son is playing a central role. “It’s more than a fulltime role. It’s a double shift,” he says. He is not complaining. He enjoys what he does and being able to move the company forward as he carries on what his father started. “We pride ourselves on being at the forefront of what can be done, of being at the leading edge to ensure we get the best result for the client. That has always been my father’s approach and I hope it is mine too.” n Contact: www.elitepoolsandlandscapes.com.au

“The existing cottage and the pool are all integrated into the landscape.” February/March 2021 SPLASH! 27

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Fluidra’s training centre initiative

The Virtual Trade Show SPLASHTV features a large number of informative videos relating to the swimming pool and spa industry, including the interview here with Matthew Booth. SPLASHTV also includes the Virtual Trade Show series, where suppliers explain the benefits and uses of some of their new products. Go to www.splashmagazine.com.au/videos for more.

Play video

SPLASHTV Virtual Trade Show featuring Pentair’s IntelliCenter pool automation system Matthew Booth and David Daft at the Fluidra Training Centre at Smithfield, New South Wales

luidra is opening a series of training centres around the country to help educate their trade customers on the features and operation of their swimming pool and spa products. “One of the key things that we’re doing here at Fluidra is actually investing a lot of time and money into training,” says Matthew Booth, Fluidra Australia’s national training manager. He says they have developed training sites around the country, which will be used more extensively in 2021 as the pandemic subsides, to facilitate face-to-face sessions about their products. Currently they have training centres in Willawong in Queensland, Seven Hills and Smithfield in New South Wales, and they’re soon to have one in Keysborough in Victoria. “We also have some displays at our trade stores too,” says Booth. “Over the coming year we’ll see a lot of development in our pro stores, they’ll be refreshed and be more inviting, allowing our customers to come in and learn more about our products on site. “In the training room here at Smithfield, for instance, we recently held some training events on our heating range.” This involved a teardown of an AstralPool Viron iHP inverter heat pump, going through the system and educating the customers on how the unit operates. “That’s what these rooms will be used for,” he says. The training centres also include shelves of products, showing how they will be displayed in-store at the pro centres. “This also allows us to easily grab products off the shelf and discuss them within these rooms,” he says. Another initiative Fluidra is implementing is developing the Fluidra Pro Academy online. “Over time we’re launching new content pieces there, so our customers can jump on and learn about our products’ features and benefits, and also technical information such as teardowns and reassembly videos as well.” n Fluidra Pro Academy: https://proacademy.fluidra.com 28 SPLASH! February/March 2021

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The connected pool and home

Smart swimming By Veda Dante

30 SPLASH! February/March 2021

pool systems

onnected objects have multiplied in our homes and around our swimming pools over the past few years and have now become a near necessity. As the sophistication of both hardware and software in the consumer electronics industry escalates, a growing proportion of electronic devices produced around the globe are manufactured with internet connectivity. By using the Internet of Things (IoT), manufacturers, distributors, retailers and consumers can transmit signals between objects through dedicated internet networks, and so control them and retrieve useful data about them. Statista’s research department reported that at the end of 2018 there were an estimated 22 billion IoT connected devices in use around the world. Forecasts suggest that by 2030, around 50 billion IoT devices will be in use around the world, creating a massive web of interconnected devices spanning everything from smartphones and televisions to pool cleaners and chlorine dosing units. With constant maintenance required to control pH and chlorine levels, temperature and auxiliary functions, savvy manufacturers and suppliers are turning to the Internet of Things (IoT) to help streamline these often-tricky aspects of pool and spa ownership. And it’s this growing connectivity between computer software, the network of servers known as The Cloud and the devices we use at home and work, that promises to maximise the time spent enjoying these investments.

Improving the user experience

When Pentair was founded in 1966, swimming pools weren’t even equipped with salt chlorinators says pool range product manager Robert Sterland. “Everything was completely manual. The first big change was when salt chlorinators incorporating timeclocks started to appear on the market,” he says. “While this may not be regarded as automation by today’s standards, it would have made a big difference at the time.” Sterland says Pentair was the first to market a complete pool automation system with IoT capability. “IntelliTouch was just as functional then, but bigger and more expensive,” he says. “Nowadays, everything can be integrated much more easily with smaller and less expensive devices.” Pentair continues to invest heavily in IoT, not only in adding features to pool products but also in helping the way the company interacts with customers — from pool builders planning their builds, to ordering products and processing warranty claims. While technology continues to influence Pentair’s product development division, Sterland says it’s something that needs to be thoughtfully considered. “It is not worth adding an IoT feature needlessly; it has to offer the customer some benefit,” he says. “If the feature is just a novelty, then it will get used once and forgotten about. Any IoT needs to improve the user experience and not make it more complicated.” Technology is fast becoming a key driver in influencing and changing consumer behaviour and for Sterland, that means offering more than your competitors. “In a world where new technologies pop up all the time, companies that put consumer needs first are in a position to win,” he says. Pentair foresees sensor technology, which detects events or changes in its environment and sends the information to other electronics, as the next big industry trend. “More reliable and cheaper sensors will allow all aspects of pool chemistry to be meticulously controlled,” he says.

Intuitive technologies that save time and money

Hayward managing director Tony Sharpe says automated products gives us endless possibilities to manage, monitor and control the

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What is the Internet of Things? The Internet of Things — known as IoT — is a system connecting any device with an on-and-off switch to the internet, and/or to each other. This includes everything from smartphones, fridges and washing machines to wearable gadgets. These autonomous devices collect data, which is accumulated across the network, aggregated, and then fed into business applications.

Water has never been easier to control from the side of a pool

functions of the pool, spa and the outdoor space. “Most recently are the advances in chemical automation and sanitisation, which for the consumer is the hardest part to get right,” says Sharpe. “This can even be monitored in data measured via automation products like OmniLogic, where you can save and store that information in case you want to share it with a pool professional for further advice.” He says Hayward’s OmniLogic Automation System was designed to minimise pool and spa maintenance and make the backyard easier to enjoy. Customisable to fit your lifestyle, it includes adjustable Favourites buttons that allow you to set the features you use the most at your fingertips. “This automation system can even accommodate you with simple expansion hardware for adding ancillary products from water features to pumps and lighting,” he says. “You can seamlessly access your backyard from your mobile device, or the base unit itself depending on where you are or what you’re doing. “These days we prefer to sit back and let technology do all the heavy lifting for us.” Sharpe says that basically, we want what we want, when we want it. “We want apps that take the place of additional devices. We want sleek, contemporary, intuitive technologies that save us time, work and money. We carry those exact attributes readily available to us on our smartphones, tablets, TVs, as well as in many other consumer electronics on the market.” The biggest time and money saver for us today, says Sharpe, is when we can combine and command multiple functions from a single intelligent device. 32 SPLASH! February/March 2021

“It is not worth adding an IoT feature needlessly; it has to offer the customer some benefit.” “I don’t think these kinds of technologies will be the last of the IoT movement in the pool industry. We plan to grow and change with our consumers’ needs – and convenience is at the front of everyone’s mind at the moment.”

Blue sky thinking

Jonathan Bristow, product manager for Fluidra’s Automation category, started working in the industry in 2005 when pool and spa automation was in its infancy. “The speed of research and development into understanding what pool owners want has been going at breakneck speed,” he says. Bristow says significant change occurred when technology advanced to the point that data could be transmitted and then utilised. “It led the way for blue sky thinking to become reality,” he says. “Adding small or sophisticated sensors to certain pieces of pool equipment allowed for realtime feedback of what the pool was doing, delivered right to the pool owner’s smart device.” Fluidra released iAquaLink — what it considers as its first real IoT product — in 2011, which Bristow says has grown to be one of the world’s popular IoT user platforms for pool connectivity. “It started off as basically a WiFi antenna that could be added to your AquaLink control system to allow

BE BRIGHT, CHOOSE SOLAR Recent research shows that 93.7% of residential swimming pools in Australia are outdoors. It won’t come as a surprise to know that more than 80% of Australians prefer to use their swimming pool during the warmer months of the year, on sunny days. Whilst there are a variety of heating solutions available, usage patterns confirm that solar pool heating is by far the most suitable and cost-effective way of heating an outdoor swimming pool. This is why 79.7% of households use solar as their primary source of pool heating, delivering a heated and comfortable swimming experience when pool use is desired.

HOUSEHOLDS WITH SWIMMING POOLS

1.5%

14.1%

34.4%

35.9%

14.1%

Lone person

Couple

Young family

Mature family

Retiree

90.6%

OUTDOOR POOL

6.3%

93.7%

3.1%

Wellness

INDOOR POOL

design featu me/ re Ho

Leisure

PRIMARY POOL USE

1.6%

SOLAR

ELECTRIC HEAT PUMPS

6.2% AL YE L AR

≥28°C

79.7% 17.2% 3.1%

95.3%

82.8% 54.7% NO V

0% AU G

28.1%

0% JU L

SE P

0% N JU

3.1% MA Y

MA R AP R

FE B

IDEAL POOL TEMPERATURE

JA N

85.9%

34.4%

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OC T

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DE C

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for control or monitoring of certain features from your phone,” he says. “Fluidra then incorporated WiFi chips directly into many of its products, such as chlorinators, cleaners, pumps and heaters, allowing the owner to take control of each one without the added expense of a full automation system. “Then a couple of years ago we released Blue Connect, which gave owners the ability to see water chemistry parameters directly in real-time with advice on corrective action and recommend their closest pool shop to collect the necessary chemicals.” All this occurred alongside the rise of home automation, with smart devices such as Google Home and Amazon’s Alexa that many homes have now incorporated, enabling homeowners to engage with their pool via voice commands. “Some of our products already have this capability and we are working to have all our connected products communicate to these devices in the future,” he says. “From a future roadmap perspective, let’s just say that Fluidra has IoT front and centre for all our new product development. Connectivity is the future; it’s what our consumer base wants so it’s what we will deliver.”

Live data and smart sensors

Forty years ago, when Soon Sin Goh founded Waterco, technology had yet to disrupt the swimming pool industry.

34 SPLASH! February/March 2021

“More reliable and cheaper sensors will allow all aspects of pool chemistry to be meticulously controlled.” “Most automation came in the form of the chlorinator equipped with an analogue timer, which operated the pump and salt cell,” recalls the company’s group marketing director Bryan Goh. Today, Waterco is evolving from a manufacturing company to a technologically savvy enterprise that is using IoT to improve its product innovations. “Pool owners expect pool equipment to be smarter and aspire for pools to be easier to maintain,” says Goh. “Traditionally, Waterco has been strong in conventional products such as pumps and filters, however, over the past few years, we have invested heavily in controllers, automation and more sophisticated chlorinators.” Goh says consumers are looking for smart pool equipment that can provide them with live data on their pool environment. “As more and more smart application connected products are released in the home, there is a growing

Hayward’s OmniLogic can save and store information in case you want to share it with a pool professional for further advice

The pool world is increasingly connected now

Poolware streamlines everything from water chemistry calculations to recommending dosage amounts

Smartphones make connecting to home and pool equipment much more convenient

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Connected smart indoor/ outdoor TV from TCL

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As more and more smart application connected products are released in the home, there is a growing expectation that the same level of technology is available for their pool equipment says Bryan Goh

36 SPLASH! February/March 2021

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expectation that the same level of technology is available for their pool equipment,” he says. Since the beginning of 2017, Waterco has been developing a cloud-based system known as Poolware to replace its legacy Windows PC-based application for customer management and pool water testing. By equipping saltwater chlorinators to connect to the IoT and developing cloud-based software to support it, the project will allow remote monitoring and diagnosis. Poolware is utilised extensively throughout Swimart pool and spa stores to streamline everything from water chemistry calculations to recommending dosage amounts. During the course of Poolware’s evolution, Waterco has expanded its offering so that it is also suitable for various types of businesses outside of the pool maintenance sector. “This led to the establishment of a separate company, Ezera Systems, that will continue the development of the Cloud platform, commercialise it and provide it as a standalone offering to other industries,” says Goh.

“These days we prefer to sit back and let technology do all the heavy lifting for us.”

“We hope to see sensors that can monitor pH, Alkalinity and Free Chlorine, which will help pool owners with the management of their pool water chemistry,” he says. “Plus, accurate digital flow monitors, which are affordable and therefore viable for the pool industry. All of this will help make pool maintenance easy and provide a better experience for the end user.”

Pool handover intelligence

Swimart marketing manager Tatiana Radzim says Poolware’s cloud-based technology has become an invaluable platform for its Australasian network of pool and spa technicians. “Franchise partners get access to Poolware when they are part of the Swimart network, which not only makes it easier for our water experts to locate important information quickly, such as a pool’s last service date or equipment upgrade but is also a valuable asset for the pool owner,” she says. “Just like a car’s service manual, Poolware contains data that can be used in the handover when a homeowner sells the property. This provides peace of mind to both parties while also adding value to the investment.” Swimart Runaway Bay owner-operator Martin Ruiz says smart tech like Poolware enables his team to better respond to customer needs — without having to constantly re-invent the wheel.

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“We want sleek, contemporary, intuitive technologies that save us time, work and money.”

“Whether it’s troubleshooting issues with customers on the phone or recommending products on the showroom floor, Poolware collects, displays and analyses valuable intelligence that vastly improves our daily workflow,” he says. “This is especially critical when we have a store full of customers during the peak swimming season or need to attend to emergencies caused by extreme weather events.”

Smart living ecosystems

TCL is a leading consumer electronics manufacturer and one of the largest manufacturers of TV panels in the world. It is also an innovator in smart technology, and a pioneer in 5G applications. TCL Australia’s digital marketing specialist Ullash Tiwari says the continued rollout of 5G technology will allow for even more smart home devices to seamlessly connect as the speed of data transfer increases exponentially — further turning the home into a fully integrated entertainment hub.

38 SPLASH! February/March 2021

At the beginning of 2019, TCL formulated a new “AIxIoT strategy”, which included establishing its Eagle Lab to focus on innovation applications of AI, IoT and cloud services. In 2020, the company launched a new infrastructure project which provides unprecedented opportunities for the development of hardware especially with the continuous interaction and integration of 5G, AI, IoT, cloud computing, OTT (over-the-top refers to the practice of streaming content to customers directly over the web) and ultra-high-definition and other technologies. Tiwari believes the connection of all things in the world will converge on smarter screens, which essentially means seamless communications between people and screens, and screens and screens. Enhancing product “intelligentisation” and introducing a new generation of smart engines led TCL to develop functions such as AI scene recognition and AI face recognition. This means TVs can automatically recommend content for users based on their preferences to provide personalised services. In addition, by using the IoT cloud platform as the core and building up its capabilities of cloud, channel and device, TCL has established an open smart IoT platform, which has realised voice control over full categories of smart products. “Whether that’s saying, Hey Google turn up the volume, or asking Alexa to turn down the pool lights,

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The ease of poolside control. Image: Seko

Pentair’s IntelliCenter automation system

The SekoWeb app enables immediate access to userappropriate data and settings

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Swimart captures essential data to streamline servicing

using TCL Home technologies enables you to control devices from one centre touchpoint,” says Tiwari. “We want all of our products to harmoniously interact with one another and provide a real simplicity to the end user when it comes to controlling smart TCL devices around the home.” Innovation, says Tiwari, will become the new norm over the next couple of years as consumers seek smart technology in their day-to-day electronic devices. “We are already seeing connected coffee machines that start brewing a couple of minutes after you wake up,” he says. “The sky really is the limit when it comes to cloud-based applications.”

Remote connectivity solutions

Seko managing director Vince Neal says that, in the age of IoT and 5G, remote communication with devices as diverse as home appliances, security equipment and wearable technology is becoming commonplace. “Whether it’s via smartphone, tablet or even watch, the expectation is now to be able to program, monitor and manage devices on the go, allowing them to fit seamlessly into our lifestyle,” he says. With the advent of IIoT (the industrial internet of things), remote connectivity is becoming increasingly valuable to operators in the commercial and industrial sectors, revolutionising processes in manufacturing, warehousing and transport, to name a few. “Within the leisure industry, where intense competition and tight margins make the latest innovations even more valuable, remote connectivity solutions for engineers and end users are increasingly coming to the fore,” says Neal. “The commercial and domestic swimming pool sector is no exception and has seen such innovations enter the market in recent years, which include dedicated platforms such as SekoLink and SekoWeb. “These applications are each designed specifically for end users and technicians respectively and enhance Seko’s range of disinfection systems by enabling immediate access to user-appropriate data and settings.” 40 SPLASH! February/March 2021

“Connectivity is the future; it’s what our consumer base wants so it’s what we will deliver.”

Don’t forget the environment

AIS Water CEO Elena Gosse says smart technology may be a growing trend in pool care, but it should never be at the expense of the environment. “As the world’s resources become more precious, and climate change continues to make headlines, we believe that customers will continue to look for more environmentally friendly water disinfection solutions, including water savings,” Gosse says. She says this is particularly the case for large, commercial scale swimming pools such as those found in resorts, hotels, aquatic facilities and public municipal pools. “Our company is very passionate about saving and enhancing life through greater access to water and playing a lead role in the water disinfection industry,” she says. “Independent university research shows that in just one 50-metre pool, AIS Water’s technology can save 1.6million litres of water annually when compared to conventional liquid or granular chlorine dosing, and $40,000 in water rates annually. “In a city with 100, 50-metre pools, that equates to over 160 million litres of water or $4 million per annum.” Contacts: AIS Water: www.aiswater.com.au Davey Water: www.daveywater.com Fluidra: www.fluidra.com Hayward: www.hayward-pool.com.au Pentair: www.pentair.com.au Seko: www.seko.com TCL: www.tcl.com Waterco: www.waterco.com.au

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Pools from above T here is a long series of tasks associated with building a swimming pool, from the initial client enquiry to all the way to the handover. But is there is one task that really puts a stamp on the project – and in many ways it can be the most satisfying of all, because it lets you save the project for prosperity (and marketing). It is of course, photography. There are many reasons to employ a professional photographer, and to also put aside time to ensure they have what they need to present the pool at its best, as well as making sure they’re able to photograph it at the right time of day and in the best weather. Evocative photographs are integral to an effective marketing campaign and are essential for doing well in industry awards. Nowadays there is a new tool available to pool photographers, and it is being used to great effect. Drone photography. You need look no further than the latest crop of premium Australian films that hit the cinemas this summer: The Dry, High Ground and Penguin Bloom. All made excellent use of drone photography. In the old days, to get an aerial view of a swimming pool you’d need a cherry picker or a helicopter. Neither are cheap options. Now, thanks to drone technology, you can have an image of your pool that shows how it sits in its environment and can literally provide a different angle to the usual images. 42 SPLASH! February/March 2021

ABOVE: The curves and tile pattern are even more appealing from the air. All images by bradscanvas.com RIGHT: A private pool in Byron Bay

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“I fell in love with the lines, curves and negative space of the pools, which – without alternate perspective from a drone – would have been lost.” An artistic perspective

BELOW: A quarter slice of water BELOW RIGHT: The symmetry of the landscaping and pool design is accentuated when viewed from above BELOW BOTTOM RIGHT: The variety of swimming styles turns this shot of an Olympic pool into a dynamic human landscape

Brad Walls is an award-winning aerial photographer who focuses on the artistic side of documenting swimming pools from the air. Walls, who uses the moniker Bradscanvas, has released a series called Pools From Above – an ode to the beauty found in the shapes, colours and textures of swimming pools. From this unique perspective and with his minimalist aesthetic, he showcases interesting pools from around the world. Inspired by his travels throughout Australia and Southeast Asia, his journey initially began by capturing the bodies of water simply to document holiday memories. It was only after he picked up the bestselling Annie Kelly coffee table book Splash: The Art of the Swimming Pool, that he felt inspired to invest time and passion into curating a series. “As I turned each page of Kelly’s book, a wave of childhood nostalgia washed over me, spending hours in the pool over summer,” he says.

44 SPLASH! February/March 2021

Paying homage to Kelly, Walls’ series chooses to focus on the elements of swimming pools composition from the air. “I fell in love with the lines, curves and negative space of the pools, which – without alternate perspective from a drone – would have been lost.” Walls says Pools From Above is also an integral part of a much larger project aimed at a book release in the not-too-distant future. “The response from viewers has been positive, asking for the series to be among their coffee table books,” Walls says. Looking ahead – once the world finally reopens – Walls plans to capture even more worldrenowned swimming pools across an array of idyllic locations including Palm Springs, Mexico and the Mediterranean. Since bursting onto the photography scene in early 2019, Walls has gone on to produce award-winning photographs and garner worldwide media attention, with a primary focus on capturing aerial portraits of sportspeople like synchronized swimmers, gymnasts and ice skaters from unique perspectives and angles that audiences are normally unable to see. Walls is a featured artist for the Inaugural 2020 Aerial Photography Awards and is shortlisted for the Drone Photo Awards in Siena, Italy. He is happy to receive enquiries from swimming pool builders, designers, managers or owners interested in photographing their pool projects. Contact: bradscanvas.com; instagram.com/ bradscanvas; hey@bradscanvas.com

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Supervision is the key, distraction is the danger

niversity of New South Wales (UNSW) research has shown that housework, socialising and miscommunication can become deadly distractions when young children are left alone in or near water. Leaving children unsupervised in or near water while checking a pot on the stove, hanging washing out to dry or monitoring other children can lead to fatal drownings, according to a study by UNSW, James Cook University and Royal Life Saving Society Australia (RLSSA). Indoor household duties alone were the main factor in almost one in three child drownings where a lapse in supervision led to the fatality, the research showed. Talking or socialising, and miscommunication between supervisors were also contributory factors in child drowning deaths, according to findings published in the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health. Lead author Amy Peden of UNSW Medicine and a senior research fellow with RLSSA, says drowning is a silent killer because children might not call out for help. “Drowning can happen quickly – anything that holds enough water to cover a child’s nose and mouth can cause a drowning,” says Dr Peden. “In Australia, although backyard pools and bathtubs are most common, we have had fatal drownings in pet bowls, nappy buckets and shallow fishponds. Anything that can hold water is a risk to young children and that’s why active, continuous supervision is so important and summer is a good time to remind families of this.”

Study of 15 years of data

The study analysed all closed cases of fatal accidental drownings of children under five between 2002 and 2017 in the National Coronial Information System, excluding cases where there was no distraction from supervision in the chain of events leading to the child’s death. Dr Peden says this age group had the highest risk of accidental drowning in most countries, including in Australia, and the home was a common location. The researchers examined the circumstances which caused the distractions and consequent lapses in supervision leading to these deaths. According to the coronial data, 447 children drowned and 53.3 per cent of the fatalities involved swimming pools. Of the 426 closed coronial cases (95.3 per cent), common causes of breaks in supervision included: indoor household duties (27.6 per cent), outdoor household duties (12.6 per cent), talking or socialising (11.9 per cent) and miscommunication between caregivers (seven per cent). Dr Peden says supervision was a leading preventative measure for drowning and often failed in preventable child drownings. “In almost all cases, it is an unsupervised child who has drowned, either during a short or long lapse in supervision,” she says. “The child might have slipped under the water in the bath or entered the backyard 46 SPLASH! February/March 2021

swimming pool – these are the most common scenarios. “Of the 447 children under five who drowned between 2002 and 2017, there was no lapse in supervision in only 14 cases.” While drowning deaths of under-fives in swimming pools were down a dramatic 50 per cent in the most recent National Drowning Report 2020 (six drowning deaths compared to 12 in the previous year), much work still needs to be done. “We will continue to promote the professional tradespeople in the swimming pool industry that take drowning prevention seriously, alongside promoting the health and wellness that swimming pools and spas bring across Australia and New Zealand,” said SPASA Australia CEO Lindsay McGrath on the release of the most recent National Drowning Report.

Smartphones as a distraction

Dr Peden says she was surprised that smartphones were a less common distraction leading to children drowning, but this might change in future. “We were expecting smartphones to be almost the top cause of distraction because of the prevalence of such devices,” she says. “But the category they fall under, electronic distractions, was only the fourth most common scenario: there were 51 cases of electronic distraction. “This included using computers, landline or mobile phones, watching television, movies or playing computer games. “So, it would be interesting to run this study again in a few years to see if smartphones have crept up the list, because our data started in 2002-03 before smartphones became prevalent.” In addition, an unusual finding was how, in seven cases, a medical issue affected the ability of the parent or caregiver to supervise a child who drowned. Dr Peden says these rare, tragic situations were difficult to prevent. She warns that these outdoor tasks were especially known to cause a break in supervision of children near home swimming pools. “The adults and the children are outside together, but an outdoor activity – even looking after other children – distracts the caregiver and their supervision lapses,” she says. “Unfortunately, that’s when a child gets into a pool, usually one that was unfenced or had a gate that was deliberately propped open.” Download the full report at: www.splashmagazine.com.au/QuickLinks134

“If you’re supervising children in or near water, wait until they are out of the proximity of the water or out of the bathtub before doing your chores.”

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Sintered stone and swimming pools

tudio Apostoli is an Italian firm committed to the world of pools, spas and wellness, and has won both the Italian Spa Award and the Italian Pool Award. These pages feature projects from Studio Apostoli featuring a new pool cladding and surround product: Lapitec, a hi-tech sintered (or heated) stone surface produced in Italy. Lapitec has a luxurious appeal while at the same time meeting fundamental requirements in terms of hygiene and resistance to moisture, water corrosion and sunlight. Large Lapitec slabs allow for wellness areas to be designed down to the last detail: from paving and cladding to walkways and steps. Ivan Granolla from Lapitec’s press office Design Fever, says that thanks to Lapitec’s high resistance to

LEFT: It is an ideal surface for wellness areas RIGHT: Lapitec can be used indoors and outdoors

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ABOVE: Lapitec provides a modern, sleek style LEFT: The luxurious look of sintered stone. Images: Studio Apostoli

outdoor environmental conditions and its non-slip performance, the material is perfect for the surface of both indoor and outdoor pools, as well as for the paving around the swimming pool. “Lapitec is a 100 per cent natural sintered stone, widely used in architecture and interior design. Its absorbance coefficient is 0.03 per cent (ASTM C97) or 0.1 per cent (EN 14617-1), making it perfect for pool usage, both indoor and outdoor,” he says. “It’s a non-porous material, so it resists bacteria and mould. It has no toxic additives, inks, or resins and is available in XXL slabs of more than three metres x 1500 mm.” Additionally, he says it is highly stain-resistant, scratch-resistant, as well as resistant to abrasions, high temperatures, frost, acids, bases and solvents. The Lux, Satin and Lithos finishes create tactile sensations for swimming pools, while the Vesuvio and Fossil finishes offer the greatest non-slip performance and are therefore most recommended for swimming pool surrounds or for sauna cladding. Each finish comes in a range of different shades, which are all soft and modern. Lapitec has an agent in Welshpool in Western Australia, and is looking at strengthening ties with the Australian market. Contact: (08) 9458 6199; www.lapitec. com/en; www.albertoapostoli.com

February/March 2021 SPLASH! 49

Commercial Pool Technician Program The program is based on the following units of competency; • SISCAQU001 - Test pool water quality The new Commercial Pool Technician Program (CPT) is proudly delivered by IRLearning and is endorsed by the peak swimming pool and spa industry body, SPASA Australia. The Program meets the various requirements nationally for commercial pool technicians and those charged with maintaining lower risk levelled aquatic centres.

• SISCAQU003 - Maintain aquatic facility plant and equipment • SISCAQU004 - Develop and implement pool water maintenance procedures • SISCAQU005 - Develop and implement aquatic facility maintenance procedures • BSBRSK401 - Identify risk and apply risk management processes

Only $600 Visit www.irlearning.com to check state and territory requirements. IRLearning also offers the full Certificate III and Certificate IV in Swimming Pool and Spa Service - as in some states (Victoria and Queensland) for higher risk pools, operators require the full qualification.

Wherever you want to go, IRLearning will help you get there!

The program covers: • Correct water testing procedures and recording results • Water quality issues and corrective actions • Microbiological testing procedures and parameters of safe operation. • Responses to various bather incidents – faecal and non-faecal

Get Qualified through IRLearning and receive the Commercial Pool Technician Certificate. Flexible delivery allows students to complete the CPT program via correspondence or face to face instruction (where offered).

• Disinfection requirements for commercial operations • Maintenance requirements of plant and equipment – including maintenance log completion and designing site-specific maintenance checklists and plans • Troubleshooting plant and equipment issues – initiating appropriate corrective actions • Record keeping for site-specific pool water testing and maintenance procedures • Having site-specific identification and management process to eliminate or minimise risk

Visit: www.irlearning.com | Call: 1800 802 482 Email: training@irlearning.com | RTO: 6235

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Largest pool & spa show in Southern Hemisphere Expanded exhibition area now encompassing all available expo space in Convention Centre New education format with training outside of expo hours Enhanced SPASA Awards Increased collaboration with other aquatic industry sectors

commercial news

Commercial News Victorian State of the Sector report �� 57 Self-regulating water chemistry for prestigious swim school �� 59 Australian and NZ award-winning commercial projects �� 60

Aquatics

City of Sydney’s most sustainable and largest pool since the 2000 Olympics opens at Green Square The state-of-the art sustainable Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre opened in February as the recreational focus of the fastest growing urban area in Sydney – the Green Square high density precinct. It is part of a 278-hectare urban renewal project to replace the former industrial zones of Zetland, Beaconsfield, Rosebery, Alexandria and Waterloo with high density housing for as many as 62,000 residents. When completed in 2031, it will be one of the highest density residential areas in Australia. The aquatic centre and surrounding sports fields will be the recreational focus of the new precinct, and have been designed to take the growing population into account. It is located a 10-minute walk from the Green Square train station and the expectation is most visitors will use public transport; or will walk or cycle to the centre. The $106.5 million City of Sydney facility features a 50m pool set within recreation areas inspired by Sydney’s ocean pools, a 25m pool with the third largest moveable pool floor in the world, a kids’ water playground, hydrotherapy pool, gym, creche, café and sports field.

Budget beat up There has been some controversy in the tabloid press about the budget for this recreation facility. The actual budget passed by the council was just under $103 million, although the tabloid media had been confusing that figure with the architects’ initial competition budget 54 SPLASH! February/March 2021

The outdoor 50 metre pool which includes a lagoon partially around the perimeter. Image credit: Chris Southwood, City of Sydney from 2014, which did not include a finalised scope, remediation or earthworks. “Council endorsed the project budget of almost $103 million in 2017 to deliver the best possible facility for the community,” says a City of Sydney spokesperson. “This came after the scope of the project was finalised, including the number of pools, and size and function of the gym and other facilities, sports field and park. The Council decision also followed the design and construction tender process. “The final cost of the centre, including the pools, gym and multi-purpose sports field, is $106.5m. The additional cost was due to extra remediation of the site, installation of more reliable and environment-friendly energy systems, and delays due to covid-19.”

Sustainability features Design features, including waste, water and energy initiatives, have contributed to the centre’s 5-star rating under the Green Building Council of Australia design rating scale. The building uses a combination of rooftop solar panels and cogeneration systems to produce electricity for the centre and park operations. The heat by-product of the cogeneration system is used for warming the pool water. Surplus electricity will power neighbouring buildings in the Green Square community and cultural precinct. Water from the Green Square urban water recycling centre is used for toilet flushing

and irrigating the surrounding parkland. Earth berms made from excavated material surround the aquatic centre to provide insulation for internal spaces during warm Sydney summers. The aquatic centre’s timber and ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) roof adds to the building’s sustainability rating by reducing the building’s reliance on artificial lighting. The pools have accessible entry options including ramps and hoists and changing and toilet facilities for people with disability. Specialty accessible fitness equipment is also available. The facility is the first aquatic centre in New South Wales to have a fully accredited Changing Places toilet and to implement an Access Key. The aquatic centre was designed by Andrew Burges Architects and Grimshaw with landscape architects Taylor Cullity Lethlean. The concept was chosen from more than 140 other entries in an anonymous design competition run by the City of Sydney. CPB Contractors built the new centre following an extensive competitive tender process. Construction began in 2018. Belgravia Leisure will operate the new facility. The name Gunyama translates to “wind from the south-west” in the local Dharug language and refers to the strong southerlies that blow through the area. There will be a more detailed story on this pool in the April/May edition of SPLASH! (Issue 135).

commercial news

Waterparks

Paul Chutter replaces father at WhiteWater WhiteWater celebrated its 40th anniversary with leadership changes, including the move of Paul Chutter to succeed his father Geoff as president of the company. Paul Chutter left his successful global banking career more than seven years ago to join his father at WhiteWater, starting in sales operations before becoming the chief business development officer, where he streamlined processes and forged strategic alliances, and was instrumental in bringing WhiteWater’s technology company, Vantage, to market. He is also a founder of Endless Surf which is already disrupting the surf pool market just a year from its launch. “What we do, together with our clients, is very significant,” he says. “We make moments that bring families together, something everyone recognises and values more than ever after the past year. To be able to work alongside my father and ensure that continues long into the future is a huge responsibility and honour that I’m Paul Chutter excited to take on.”

Waterparks

Glassy loop ride picks up innovation award Polin Waterparks’ Glassy Looping Rocket, the world’s first fully transparent composite waterslide, has been chosen as the winner of Best Product Innovation at the Park World Excellence Awards 2020. The Looping Rocket is a high-adrenaline ride that, with the fully transparent glassy option, becomes even more intense. Polin says riders can expect one of the highest and most adrenaline-filled drops it is possible to experience. The Glassy Looping Rocket at an installation in Turkey

February/March 2021 SPLASH! 55

commercial news

In Brief The Cologne-based International Association of Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS) has been the leading global non-profit organisation for professionals from the sports, leisure and recreation facilities industry since 1965. It focuses on enabling international networking for the exchange of planning, design and operational expertise. As the largest peak swimming pool and spa industry body in the Southern Hemisphere, SPASA Australia was invited to join IAKS and is now an association member. CEO Lindsay McGrath says SPASA Australia is pleased to become a member of IAKS. “As a not-forprofit association dedicated to the swimming pool and spa industry across Australia and New Zealand, we feel that this is an excellent fit for us, in that we promote and grow our members who focus on leisure and recreation in the community.” Award-winning holiday facility the Big Banana Fun Park is set to extend its list of attractions including expanding its water park. The existing footprint in Coffs Harbour only uses a portion of the available land and the plan is to add 50 accommodation cabins, a duelling raft ride, more kids’ slides, water play equipment and a wading pool; a

coaster that will loop around the hillside and through the banana plantations; a brewery and restaurant; and a Demolition Derby amusement ride. Austswim, the national body for the Teaching and Licensing of Teachers of Swimming and Water Safety, announced it has achieved its highest ever volume of licensed teachers of swimming and water safety with more than 32,000 teachers currently holding an Austswim Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety licence, while more than 12,500 new teachers are in the process of gaining accreditation across all states and territories. The Inner West Council has won the 2020 Local Council of the Year at the recent Sport NSW Community Sports Awards, in part for delivering new and upgraded sport and recreation infrastructure, such as Ashfield Aquatic Centre and Dawn Fraser Baths; and for promoting inclusion by diverse communities through recreation programs, grants, and partnerships including the new inclusion business plan for Leichardt Park Aquatic Centre.

HEEL FRIENDLY

56 SPLASH! February/March 2021

commercial news

Aquatics

Victorian report on the State of the Sector Life Saving Victoria (LSV) and Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV) have released the Victorian Public Pools: State of the Sector Report. This is the third time the two bodies have collaborated to support a better understanding of the Victorian public pool landscape, with the aim of ensuring the industry’s contribution to the wider Victorian community is well documented and communicated. It provides a broad snapshot of the industry, enabling better tracking and comparison of key metrics such as industry size, breadth and social/health/economic value, while acting as a source of information and enabling improved analysis and more informed decision making. Key information includes that there are 288 council-owned pools in Victoria, plus an additional 280 public access pools. In a typical non-covid year there are more than 70 million visitors to these centres. More than 40,000 employees are trained in water safety. They estimate the direct value to the Victorian economy provided by swimming is $1.8 billion dollars, while swimming pool operation provides $304 million of that value. A further $247 million is added via the supply chains to the public pools.

Public health benefits in Victoria alone are estimated at $36 million each year, while the lifetime benefits are put at $1.1 billion. The benefit of public pools to regional Victorian economies is put at $110 million, with metropolitan economies benefiting to the tune of $194 million.

National and general statistics The report also highlights a few key statistics worth referencing to see the importance of swimming and the industry to the general population. Swimming is Australia’s largest participation sport, and Australia’s most successful sport at the Olympics and Paralympics (Swimming Australia, 2020) Each swimming pool visit generates $26 in health benefits to the community (RLSA, 2017) The average aquatic facility creates $2.72 million a year in value to the community (RLSA, 2017) Increasing the activity of physically inactive Victorians would save $245 million in health costs in a lifetime (Victoria State Government, 2017)

The Victorian State of the Sector report includes very useful data

Download the report: www.lsv.com.au/state-of-the-sector-report

February/March 2021 SPLASH! 57

SHOW YOUR COMMITMENT TO

PRESERVING THE ENVIRONMENT

The Climate Care Certification Program is an initiative of the Swimming Pool & Spa Association of Australia Ltd (SPASA). It is the industry’s efficiency and sustainability certification program. SPASA is proud to deliver an industry wide program to support, protect and promote the way the swimming pool and spa industry operates and strives for best practice sustainable solutions.

BENEFITS OF CERTIFICATION CONSUMER BENEFITS ü Purchase with confidence knowing that you are choosing a certified environmentally sustainable solution ü Enjoy the benefits of choosing a solution which utilises water efficiency, energy efficiency, noise reduction measures, environmentally sustainable designs or efficiency/sustainability innovations ü Reduce your overall carbon footprint whilst saving money

INDUSTRY BENEFITS ü Highlight your product/system/installation’s environmentally sustainable qualities ü Show your commitment to preserving the environment and to industry best practice ü Demonstrate your investment in the industry’s sustainable future and inspire others to do the same

THIRD-PARTY VERIFICATION All Climate Care Certified products undergo independent third-party testing and/or verification to assess and report on claims being made such as water efficiency and energy savings. Only credible and trusted local, national and international testing and verification bodies are considered by SPASA to ensure that claims being made on energy and water efficiency and sustainability are substantiated.

SWIMMING POOL & SPA ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA TEL 1300 021 482 WWW.SPASA.COM.AU

commercial feature

Swim school purpose-built for champions

AquaGym was purpose-built in 1988

ew Zealand’s prestigious AquaGym facility was purpose-built in 1988 by two of New Zealand’s leading elite swim coaches: Brett Naylor and Clive Power. Naylor and Power have for many years coached New Zealand swim teams to Olympics, Commonwealth Games and World Championships. Until Naylor’s retirement from national swimming in 2000, AquaGym has placed a swimmer and coach on every international, Commonwealth and Olympic games team. AquaGym is now fully owned by Brett and Colleen Naylor, and while the competitive swimmers are still showing strength at all levels, an enormous amount of energy has been put into their learn-to-swim program. “Living in a small country surrounded by water, we believe that every child should be given the opportunity to gain the lifetime benefits of being able to swim,” says Colleen Naylor.

Clean water for the young tots

As with all swim school owners, a major consideration was to maintain consistently clean and healthy water without saturating the pool with harsh chemicals. They needed a reliable, high-quality automatic controller that would help maintain hygienic water for their new 16 metre x 10 metre water babies and preschoolers swimming pool.

A major consideration was to maintain consistently clean and healthy water without saturating the pool with harsh chemicals

ABOVE: A lot of energy has been put into the learn-to-swim program ABOVE RIGHT: VSD control sets the recirculation pump motor automatically while the pool is being used, based on biocide demand

“We believe that every child should be given the opportunity to gain the lifetime benefits of being able to swim.”

“We required remote off-site access via the internet along with a low maintenance automatic chlorine and acid testing solution,” she says. “The entire system also needed to be sealed tight to withstand the harsh environment of the equipment plant room where temperatures fluctuate and there’s high levels of humidity and chlorine.” The Naylors went with Waterco’s Chemflo Pro, which is equipped with the capability to connect up to four sensors of any type with appropriate analogue outputs and relays. It is also equipped with data logging as standard and multiple PID loops as options, and is able to control complex water treatment processes at a fraction of the cost of other controllers. It also has optional VSD control which sets the recirculation pump motor automatically while the pool is being used, based on biocide demand. Biocide demand is directly linked to the number of people using the pool or spa, therefore it can reduce pump speeds and electricity costs during periods of fewer bathers. Contact: www.aquagym.co.nz; www.waterco.com.au February/March 2021 SPLASH! 59

commercial feature

The making of a great commercial pool

he 2020 award season brought some excellent commercial projects to the fore, and in this article we’re going to highlight a few of them. These include the National Gold Commercial Project of the Year by Horizon Pools (Victoria), the Fibreglass Commercial Pool up to $250,000 by Aqua Technics Commercial (WA), the Commercial Pool over $250,000 by Freedom Pools (NSW) and the New Zealand Commercial Project of the Year by Alfresco Pools (NZ).

National Gold Commercial Project of the Year

Allan and Alla Wolf-Tasker’s Lakehouse in Daylesford has been one of Australia’s most highly-regarded culinary destinations for three decades. In 2018 it was voted Australian Gourmet Hotel Guide’s Regional Hotel of the Year, The Gold List’s Best Food & Wine Property and was inducted into The Wine List’s Hall of Fame. When Horizon Pools was selected to craft the resort’s newest attraction – an elevated lake-side pool with a 17-metre infinity edge and a seamless panoramic lakeview – it was clear they had serious expectations to meet. “The Wolf-Taskers see the Lakehouse as an ever-evolving work in progress; designed to delight guests with the highest quality and most innovative accommodation,” says Horizon Pools managing director Daniel Cutugno. “It’s no understatement to say that we were delighted to be selected,” he says. The client’s brief was for a commercial-quality pool integrated into the bushland on a lakeside slope. Key to the success of the project was the 17-metre wall underpinning the infinity edge on the lakeside slope. Engineered along the longest edge of the triangulated pool, this wall is set at exactly the right elevation to provide swimmers and poolside loungers the perfect panoramic view. 60 SPLASH! February/March 2021

The panorama is enhanced by a seamless visual integration from pool to lake. The natural-toned deephued materials including rare Cosmic Black pebblemix helped make the pool water highly reflective. The eucalypt-grey tiles and timber decking help meet the brief of perfect integration with the landscape.

A slippery site

“Often damp and always slippery, the elevated site provided perhaps our greatest challenge,” says Cutugno. “Our first priorities were to eliminate workplace dangers and enhance time efficiencies in the face of an extremely tight schedule. Elevated approximately 15 metres above the lake, the site’s accessibility was further debilitated by the season, as we weathered with the first heavy dews and early rain of Autumn.” Dictated by the demands of a heavily booked hospitality business, the pool was constructed to a rigid schedule designed to minimise down-time for the

TOP: The panorama is enhanced by a seamless visual integration from pool to lake. Horizon Pools ABOVE: At night the pool shines bright. Horizon Pools

commercial feature

resort and interruption to guests. Excavation was undertaken over just nine April days on a site with difficult access. Curing was over a six-week period while rendering and tiling were timed around the needs of guests in the quieter winter months. “To achieve an on-schedule result over such a large pool area, at times we were required to run multiple construction, render and tiling teams – all carefully co-ordinated to ensure peak efficiency. “For instance, our concrete pour was a two-team effort with the individual teams working from outer edges to pool centre to complete the job in record time. Add to this a location almost two hours from Melbourne and the need to accommodate workers and trades during the project, and the logistics of managing staff was almost as great as the effort to manage the construction,” says Cutugno. “Part of the reason we were recommended was our ability to create bespoke solutions on a large scale and we worked closely with suppliers to design and install tailored equipment solutions. For instance, our commercial-quality Paramount in-floor cleaning systems required specialised equipment and plumbing installation, and we worked closely with our solar heating supplier to reduce costs and increase output.”

A taste of luxury

Cutugno says there were really two sets of clients: first they had to meet the expectations of the Wolf-Taskers and their leadership team in building on the Lakehouse’s reputation for excellence; and second they had to fulfil the Lakehouse guests’ expectations to enjoy distinctively Australian luxury in a serene bush setting. He says that with this project, he feels they exceeded the expectations of both sets of clients. “Designed for perfect serenity with a consistent 1.3 metre depth, the pool invites gentle movement and quiet reflection. It is designed to encourage poolside loungers to extend their visual horizon and to beckon swimmers to the infinity edge to dive into the view and perhaps swim laps if they so desire.” “Our first priorities were to eliminate workplace dangers and enhance time efficiencies in the face of an extremely tight schedule.” Horizon Pools

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Call 1800 625 331 or visit naked-pools.com February/March 2021 SPLASH! 61

commercial feature

RIGHT: A sophisticated heated spa and sunken lounge beds adds a modern touch to the apartment complex. Freedom NSW TOP LEFT: As the client was concerned about energy efficiency, they installed a solar heating system for the pool to conserve energy and reduce running costs. Afresco Pools ABOVE: A full length lap pool helps the homeowners to relax and unwind. Freedom NSW

New Zealand Commercial Project of the Year

Tim Hall has been in the trade for 22 years started Alfresco Pools 14 years ago, specialising in bespoke concrete pools with a focus on quality and an aim to have zero call-backs on workmanship. Alfresco won several PASA New Zealand awards including Concrete Builder of the Year and Commercial Project of the Year for a functional swimming pool for an inner city apartment complex, including lane swimming for fitness and a shallow area for kids, designed so people of all ages could enjoy it. They were referred to the job and worked with lead contractor Ockham Construction. “The site was extremely busy with over 100 tradesmen on site,” says Hall. “It was very congested with lots of health and safety restraints which required careful management. As well, the pool was built fully inground and as the substrate consisted of bluestone lava flows, enormous diggers were required to punch through the rock and excavate the pool. “There were variations around the excavation into rock and over-excavating meaning we had to bring in a lot of back fill material.” As the client was concerned about energy efficiency, they installed a solar heating system for the pool to conserve energy and reduce running costs. Other equipment includes two Speck 80/50 pumps, two FT340 sand filters with 65mm multiports, Chemigem D10 and three surface skimmer boxes.

62 SPLASH! February/March 2021

The pool was made with shotcrete concrete with waterline tiles, natural stone copings and Hydrazzo pool plaster finish. The client decided to do a mosaic tile pattern on the floor of the pool which was not included in the original plans. “It was very rewarding as the mosaic detail including patterns and step edges that were challenging and really made the pool pop. This is a very bespoke finish which is not seen on many pools, so it was nice to do something different,” says Hall. “The clients were stoked, and we have gone on to work with them on multiple projects. They believed that the pool had a big impact on selling the apartments and greatly helped the complex be a success.”

Fibreglass Commercial Pool up to $250,000

Aqua Technics Commercial won the Australian Fibreglass Commercial Pool up to $250,000 for a Hamptons Blue pool installed on the second level Hay Street terrace of Perth’s Adnate Hotel. “With an early 7:00 am Saturday morning installation start, the pool was carefully craned up to the second level terrace, which sits to the left of the 27-storey hotel tower,” says marketing manager Maree Voss. “The pool was installed into a concrete pit and 34 bags of sand and cement backfill were craned up with it. The first stage of the installation was completed by 11:00 am, with the backfill completed the following day followed by the waterproofing and landscaping.

commercial feature

“Some hard work and patience was needed to complete the equipment install,” says Voss. A unique feature of this project is the location of the plant room, which is located five metres above the pool, with the floors below the pool terrace level consisting of retail outlets. The pool is 9.8 metres x 3.4 metres with two integrated stainless steel ladders for easy access in and out of the water. The pool has a constant depth of 1.5 metres and 7 LED lights along one wall.

Commercial Pool over $250,000

Freedom Pools (NSW) won the category Commercial Pool over $250,000 with a stylish commercial pool for a luxurious strata development. Fusing luxury with practicality, the Freedom Pools commercial swimming pool makes a bold statement for all the property owners to enjoy. It includes a full length lap pool, a sophisticated heated spa and sunken lounge beds. It adds a modern touch to the apartment complex, allowing homeowners to relax and unwind. Contact: Alfresco Pools (NZ): www.alfrescopools.co.nz Aqua Technics Commercial (WA): www. aquatechnics.com.au/commercial-pools Freedom Pools (NSW): www.freedompools.com.au Horizon Pools (Victoria): www.horizonpools.com.au

The inner city second floor location required an early morning crane lift. Aqua Technics Commercial

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Where the service is!

Make the call today – 07 3849 5385 Our team is ready to welcome you! February/March 2021 SPLASH! 63

new products

Eco swimwear supply

The Someday Co is an e-commerce platform housing more than 55 brands and more than 1500 products specialising in environment friendly Australian swimwear. Created by an entrepreneurial Australian couple and supportive of local brands, more than 80 per cent of the brands on The Someday Co. are Australian owned. Co-founder Tegan Kirkby says: “My husband and I tried searching for swimwear and surfwear that is sustainable and eco-friendly – but it just was so hard to find. It took hours of manual research, reading reviews and shortlisting. We saw a gap in the market and created the solution.” Contact: www.thesomedayco.com

Naked’s NKD-R now ready for delivery

Now available for delivery is Naked’s NKD-R domestic freshwater system, featuring a new look with a top cover, redesigned user-friendly membrane and door, and updated software to make installation and start-up even simpler than before. Other changes include new installation and start-up guide for installers; new user guide assisting customers to easily understand their pool; a barcode and serial number on the box and user guide so customers can easily register their product, and a new water test bottle with QR and recommended water chemistry guidelines. Naked strongly encourages customers to download their app which provides extra pool maintenance information and can put them instantly in touch with the manufacturer. Contact: www.naked-pools.com

A touch of Vogue

VogueWall is a new product from the ModularWalls range helping perfect a poolside area. Exhibiting a smooth, sophisticated finish that emulates the look of rendered masonry wall, this versatile system means you can customise your VogueWall to suit your needs including pool walls, boundary walls, front walls, noise reduction walls and more. This Australian wall system comes with a 15-year warranty. Contact: www.modularwalls.com.au

64 SPLASH! February/March 2021

new products

Micro cement pool decks from France

Marius Aurenti Australia is importing the micro cement render for outdoor spaces from French company Marius Aurenti who has been in the market for more than 35 years. The outdoor range can also be anti-slip and is very cool under foot even on very hot days. The range is available in 71 colours. Contact: www.mariusaurenti.com

New smaller below ground box

The Daisy Below Ground roller range has recently expanded to include the new Below Ground Box Small, made for smaller or narrow pools up to nine metres in length. Due to the box being smaller to accommodate shorter pool cover lengths, the Below Ground Box Small model is more cost effective (due to the cost of production being lower) than the original made for larger pools, so now smaller pools can benefit from the clutter-free environment the Below Ground Box brings. It is important to note, the maximum length for the pool cover is measured with Daisy Ultradome material. Other pool covers may have different bubble profiles and may not fit correctly within the Below Ground Box range when rolled up. Contact: www.daisypoolcovers.com.au February/March 2021 SPLASH! 65

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Sunbather. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Supreme Heating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Swimart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Sydney Pool Robotics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

www.intermedia.com.au or call 1800 651 422

Waterco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 55 66 SPLASH! February/March 2021

PARAMOUNT IN-FLOOR CLEANING SYSTEMS THE WORLD’S NUMBER 1 IN-FLOOR CLEANING SYSTEM BROUGHT TO YOU BY POOL-WATER PRODUCTS

Paramount’s custom built in-floor cleaning systems are engineered to automatically clean any pool you design, including floors, steps, benches and spas. Minimising maintenance and maximising enjoyment.

Aquarius Pools – Mornington VIC

AUSTRALIA’S LEADING POOL BUILDERS CHOOSE PARAMOUNT

Pool-Water Products | P: 03 9873 5055 Email: info@poolwaterproducts.com.au www.poolwaterproducts.com.au

SMART POOLS CREATING SMART SOLUTIONS MEANS TAKING A HOLISTIC APPROACH As new technologies emerge, people compare the experience of buying from you to your competitors and the experience that they receive. At Pentair we have a strong emphasis on putting our customers first. In a world where new technologies pop up all the time, the companies that put customers needs first are in a position to win. We win, but only the right way.

No one puts the total performance package together for residential swimming pools like Pentair does. Recognised for energy efficiency, outstanding dependability and ease of opperation. Pentair products are designed to help you save energy, eliminate or reduce noise, conserve water and save money.

Pumps / Filters / Heaters / Heat Pumps / Cleaners / Sanitizers / Automation / White Goods / Water Features / Maintenance Products