SPLASH 136 June-July 2021 by The Intermedia Group

Swimming Pools / Leisure / Aquatics / Spas / Health

Issue 136 June/July 2021

Making pool covers More convenient New disinfection technology Improves swim academy water Consumers flocking To pool and spa expos

Ideas for better Pool filtration

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Simply advanced technology to enhance the freshwater* swimming experience • Compatible with sandstone feature tiles • Less corrosive on metal fences & fittings • Gentler on eyes, skin and hair • Operates at industry low salinity of 900ppm • Integrated acid dosing • 3 years warranty with no hidden terms *AIS defines freshwater swimming pools as pool water with salinity levels below 1000ppm.

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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 Just around the corner

Contributors: Veda Dante, Cal Stanley. Advertising Manager: David Stennett Phone: 0404 725 554 Email: david@spasa.com.au

It nearly three years ago that the industry last got together for the SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show on the Gold Coast. As we’re all aware, the past three years have been quite dramatic, with fire, flood, pestilence and pandemic. It’s been a very difficult time for a large number of people, but at the same time it has been quite good in business terms for many people in the pool and spa industry, because of the increased interest in holidaying (and working) at home. But what the industry hasn’t been able to do is gather in large numbers as they did in 2018. That event was the biggest of its kind at the time – the largest dedicated swimming pool and spa trade show in the region and in the southern hemisphere. The 2021 event is destined to be even bigger – in fact, it will be the largest pool and spa industry event in the world since covid disrupted the global event scene. Already 150 exhibitors are lined up and eager to show their wares, and the whole SPLASH! Week will be bristling with events. These include the ASSA National Convention, the SPLASH! Golf Day, the ALFA Queensland Conference, the WAVES women’s leadership forum, the SPASA National Awards of Excellence including the Pool of the Year presentation, and the networking drinks – as well as dozens of seminars, workshops, professional courses and debates. The best part of the show for me is always seeing people I haven’t seen in years – at least three years in this case! – as well as learning about new ideas and just generally getting excited about our industry. The enthusiasm is infectious and always leaves me smiling. It’s easy to understand why people say if there’s only one industry event you go to, make sure it’s SPLASH! This event will be even more special because of the delay due to covid, and I’m sure I’m not the only one keenly waiting for August. Do yourselves a favour and make your arrangements early so you can be sure to make the most of your time. I look forward to seeing you there.

Senior Designer: 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.

Chris Maher Managing Editor chrismaher@ intermedia.com.au

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.

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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.

Issue 136 June/July 2021

This issue’s cover

Making pool covers More convenient New disinfection technology Improves swim academy water Consumers flocking To pool and spa expos

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.

Ideas for better Pool filtration

www.splashmagazine.com.au

The cover shows a pool by Brisbane Prestige Plunge Pools, whose water- and energy-saving filtration system helped it become Australia’s first Climate Care Certified installation. There is more on filtration on page 33.

June/July 2021 SPLASH! 9

Contents 47 27

Moving water, old school Cal Stanley looks at the ancient method of moving water at the Pont du Gard and ponders that there is a solution for every problem, even if it takes 15 years to get it right.

29 33

Big consumer crowds highlight demand for pools and spas The recent consumer pool and spa expos in Sydney and Brisbane thronged with crowds of eager purchasers, highlighting expectations of a good season ahead to match the busy time already facing the industry.

Choosing the right filtration system Veda Dante looks at the available swimming pool filtration options, and asks which types are best suited for which applications, and what needs to be taken into consideration to make the most of the chosen system.

The increasing convenience of pool covers While pool covers have become an essential part of swimming pool ownership, none of their benefits can be realised if the cover is not used. Fortunately, there ways to make them even more convenient and maximise their utility.

regulars News �� 12

Commercial news �� 56

Pool DAs �� 13

New products �� 64

Calendar �� 15

Ad index �� 66

Swim academy trials new disinfection technology In the quest for excellence, Somerset Swim Academy has been trialling new swimming pool disinfection technology at its three swimming pools, resulting in a better experience for swimmers as well as staff. June/July 2021 SPLASH! 11

news

Construction

SPASA Australia rejects draft temporary swimming pool fencing standard SPASA Australia has emphatically rejected the draft standard AS4687.4:2021 Temporary swimming pool fencing as unworkable, and likely to cause serious damage to the swimming pool construction industry. The objective of the draft standard is to set out requirements for the construction and installation of temporary pool fencing in order to provide protection to the public and to restrict unauthorised access to swimming pool construction, repair or renovation sites. SPASA Australia has a number of concerns about the draft standard, in particular that it replicates the completed pool requirements of AS1926.1 for the temporary fencing standard, and by doing so treats pool excavation more stringently than other excavations that pose the same or greater risks. The proposed changes are highly impractical and will create considerable expense and difficulty for swimming pool builders and their clients. SPASA COO, Spiros Dassakis says that the draft standard will not work if published without amendment. “SPASA Australia’s submission raises many valid and significant concerns that would add thousands of dollars onto the cost of every swimming pool construction project in Australia, with no added benefit to safety,” he says.

Submission

In their submission, SPASA says that the AS4687.4 – Temporary swimming pool fencing draft, if approved unamended, will make it unfeasible and impractical for the swimming pool and spa industry to satisfactorily comply with the requirements set out within the regulations. The statistics indicate that swimming pool construction in residential backyards is significantly much safer than other general construction and yet the stringency proposed in the draft is more onerous for one sector of the construction industry compared to other sectors. SPASA Australia does not support the draft without amendment for the following reasons: • Concepts such as NCZs and other AS1926.1 requirements are for permanent and compliant barriers only. • Applying NCZs to a construction site does not work. • Duplicating AS1926.1–2012 requirements into AS4687 is fraught with significant and negative unintended consequences. • Safety control measures on a construction site are often temporary and always dynamic in nature. 12 SPLASH! June/July 2021

• Testing under AS1926.1 is for permanent barriers and is not possible for AS4687 products, systems and associated infield application and testing. • Temporary fencing is installed to provide a visual cue and restrict unauthorised access to a site under construction only. • Temporary fencing is regularly relocated on site due to the dynamic nature of construction sites. • Not all temporary fencing requires a gate unit (and should not be required to have a gate unit in many instances). • The impost to the swimming pool and spa industry would be crippling if the current proposed standard was published without amendment. • The construction of a swimming pool and/or spa is no different to that of a car park or building, excavation or any other work involving the removal of soil or rock from a site. • A swimming pool or spa under construction is not yet a swimming pool until it has been completed and approved for use as a swimming pool.

Alternate path forward

SPASA proposes in the submission that the standards committee should immediately pause any further work on the draft and create a swimming pool and spa industryspecific working group. The working group should consider all possible options including reporting back to committee with a workable alternative using the AS4687.2 -Temporary fences and temporary pedestrian barriers as a base. “Construction site work conditions and processes are complex and dynamic in nature,” he says. “The working landscape of a construction site changes as the project progresses. So do the risks, hazards, maintenance, and review of control measures. “The draft standard is seeking to replicate the same exact requirements of AS1926.1 Safety barriers for swimming pools insofar as non-climbable zones and other permanent barrier requirements, which is problematic and can never work on dynamic construction sites. He says that like carpark and building excavations, swimming pools heavily rely on temporary fences and other control measures during construction. “The problems identified within the draft standard are that they treat the same excavation risks differently for different building types across the other temporary fencing standards.

“While SPASA Australia supports a safe and practical approach to temporary fencing standards for swimming pools construction, the current draft is overly stringent, and this level of stringency will have a significant financial cost and impact to the swimming pool and spa industry and consumers if the draft standard is published without amendment,” he says. Dassakis implores industry members to provide feedback to Standards Australia.

Providing feedback

Industry members are encouraged to carefully review the draft standard and SPASA’s submission and provide feedback. You can view, download and comment on the above draft standards by: 1. Visiting the Standards Australia Public Commenting page at https://comment. standards.org.au/ or go to www. splashmagazine.com.au/QuickLinks136 for a direct link. 2. Register. 3. You may be directed to sign in once you have registered. 4. Enter 4687.4 in the search area. 5. You will then be able to review the draft and comment online. You can also download SPASA’s submission following a link at www. splashmagazine.com.au/QuickLinks136. Feedback deadline: 09/07/2021 Submitting feedback prior to the deadline is the best way to have your voice heard, but if the deadline has passed send feedback to spiros@spasa.com.au.

Applying NCZs to a pool construction site will not work.

news

A space to cool off and reflect. Image courtesy of Taylor Knights and James Carey

46 per cent jump in three-monthly figures

Feb Mar

A beautiful architectural installation, replete with a pink pond evocative of Australia’s inland salt lakes, has been revealed as the winner of the NGV’s 2021 Architecture Commission in the Grollo Equiset Garden at NGV International. Designed by a Melbourne-based team comprising architecture firm Year old Year new 2500 Taylor Knights in collaboration with artist James Carey, the installation, entitled pond[er], offers a space for visitors to cool off during the 2000 summer months and reflect on their relationship with the environment. Referencing Sir 1500Roy Grounds’s open-air courtyards in the original design of NGV International, this architecture and landscape 1000 installation comprises two key design elements: a body of indigenous plants and a body of water. The body of water is coloured pink, 500 making direct reference to Australia's many inland salt lakes while highlighting the scarcity, importance and political implications of 0 Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May water as a natural resource. “Through an elegant interplay of architectural and landscape elements, this work draws our attention to the challenges facing Year old Year new Australia’s many catchments and river systems,” says NGV 6000 director Tony Ellwood, adding that the design itself has minimal 5000 environmental impact by considering the future lifecycle of the materials used. 4000 Each year, the annual commission is selected via a two-stage 3000 national competition, in which architects or multi-disciplinary teams 2000 are invited to submit a design for an engaging temporary structure or installation to activate the NGV’s Grollo Equiset Garden, one of 1000 Melbourne’s great civic and cultural spaces. 0 Commission been VIC has previously QLD WAdesignedSA Apr The May NGV ArchitectureNSW by Yhonnie Scarce and Edition Office (2019), muir + Openwork (2018), Retallack Thompson and Other Architects (2017), M@ studio Architects (2016), John Wardle Architects (2015). The 2021 NGV Architecture Commission will be on display from November 2021 – April 2022 at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne. Free entry.

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Pondering the importance of water

Three-monthly comaparison

Water features

Yearly comparison by month

The available pool DA figures have jumped again in the three months to May, with a national increase of 46 per cent showing a continuation of the catch-up to the anecdotal evidence that began in the previous reporting period. The March-May numbers from Cordell show Western Australia up 154 per cent, Victoria up 104 per cent, Queensland up 40 per cent, New South Wales up 28 per cent, and South Australia down 19 per cent. Comparing the 12 months to May with the same period last year, annual applications are up 17 per cent nationally, with Western Australia up by 96 per cent, New South Wales up by 20 per cent, Queensland up by 19 per cent, Victoria up by one per cent and South Australia down by 12 per cent.

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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. *Please note the May 2020 figures for Queensland have now been updated to the new figures.

Contact: www.ngv.vic.gov.au June/July 2021 SPLASH! 13

news

expos

World’s largest post-covid pool & spa trade event coming to the Gold Coast this August

The 2018 event was the largest such event ever – until this one! The SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show will be the largest pool and spa trade event held in the world since the outbreak of covid-19. The previous SPLASH! expo, which was held in 2018, was the largest such event held in the region and in the southern hemisphere with more than 120 exhibitor stands. The event to be held on August 25-26 will be even larger, featuring 150 exhibitor stands showcasing their latest products and services as well as educational and motivational speaker sessions. SPLASH! Week will include a full seminar program and a host of ancillary events. The expo will be held in conjunction with the Australian Swim Schools Association annual conference and the Australian Leisure Facilities Association Queensland conference, offering all aspects of the aquatic industry under the one roof.

Keep informed by subscribing to the free online newsletter. Federal Court orders Jump Loops to pay $23 million in compensation to swim school franchisees In a judgment handed down in proceedings brought by the ACCC, the Federal Court has ordered Jump Loops to pay millions in compensation to its deceived franchisees. 14 SPLASH! June/July 2021

When Silver Is Gold – Believing, Succeeding and Achieving This year’s SPLASH! expo will feature a special guest speaker, swimming star and Olympic gold medallist Brooke Hanson (OAM) who will engage the hearts and minds of the attendees with her bubbly personality and authenticity. Hanson has become a source of inspiration to many people through her story of resilience and determination, overcoming much heartache while maintaining a positive outlook. Her extraordinary personal journey makes audiences smile, laugh, cry and leaves individuals inspired to live a purpose-driven life. Following a host of disappointments and narrowly missing out on making the Olympic squad for both the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games, Hanson’s determination paid off, claiming three Gold and a Silver medal at the 2004 Athens

Olympics. This was followed by six more gold medals at the World Short Course Championships and several other medals at an international level. Throughout her sport and personal life, she has been through many challenges, overcoming each bout of adversity with determination. As she shares her personal journey to Olympic glory, the audience will be empowered by her perseverance and help them reach their own goals, hopes and dreams. Being an inspirational mother, businesswoman, and ambassador of causes close to her heart, Hanson continues to be a source of admiration for women throughout Australia. She will also address the Women Attaining Vision, Excellence and Success (WAVES) forum with her motivational topic Striving for Excellence, whilst Striving for Balance. This session is part of the Success module of the 2021 RISE (Resilience, Influence, Success & Empowerment) program. Hanson will provide tips for juggling the daily pressures of a full workload and share tips

on how she copes with the fastpaced life of an active mum. In addition to Brooke Hanson, there will be several other professional speakers as well as many opportunities to attend conferences and training sessions ranging from business management tools through to latest equipment and technology talks. Delegates will be able to see the best of the best at the National SPASA Awards and be updated with the latest in pool industry trends. The expo is the centre piece of a week of activities providing many networking opportunities including a golf day, a site visit to SeaWorld, the awards night as well as a host of business meetings and workshops. Register for free: www.splashexpo.com.au/register

SPLASH! will feature special guest speaker, swimming star and Olympic gold medallist Brooke Hanson (OAM)

Making an even bigger SPLASH! Held at the usual venue at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre from Wednesday August 25 to Thursday August 26 2021, the SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show will be 30 per cent larger than the previous event, which was the first SPLASH! under SPASA Australia ownership and was at the time the largest such event on record.

Top five online news stories

The online stories that made the news over the past two months. Expanded Sydney pool and spa show bustles with buyers Forced by covid restrictions to add another hall, the Sydney Pool & Spa Outdoor Living Expo nonetheless was packed with enthusiastic pool and spa buyers.

Waterco combines electrolysis and hydrogen peroxide to form new disinfection method Nick Briscoe says their new disinfection product is a revolutionary breakthrough as it combines electrolysis with hydrogen peroxide to form a bacterial killing weapon.

Pool builder named Champion Business of the Decade Crystal Pools Thornleigh has been named Champion Business of the Decade at the Australian Small Business Champion Awards.

news

Upcoming events 2021 July 16

SPASA Australia Victorian Awards Virtual

July 17

SPASA Australia Victorian Awards Gala Evening, Melbourne

July 17

SPASA WA Awards Gala, Perth

July 24-25 Melbourne Pool & Spa Lifestyle Sale, Melbourne Showgrounds July 30

SPASA NZ Summit and Awards Gala, Auckland

July 30-31

SPASA Australia NSW/ACT Awards Virtual Event and Gala, Sydney

July 31

SPASA Vic Gala Night, Melbourne

Aug 3-6

Expolazer & Outdoor Living, Sao Paulo Brazil

Aug 10-13

IAAPA Expo Asia 2021, Shanghai New International Expo Centre

Aug 24

SPLASH! Golf Day, Gold Coast (SPLASH! Week Event)

Aug 24-26

Australian Swim Schools Association National Conference, Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre (SPLASH! Week Event)

Aug 25

Women in Industry Breakfast, Gold Coast(SPLASH! Week Event)

Aug 25-26 SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show, Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre(SPLASH! Week Event) Aug 26

National Awards of Excellence, Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre (SPLASH! Week Event)

Sep 18-21

ASCTA Con 21, Sea World, Gold Coast

Sep 29-Oct 1 Japan Build, Intex, Osaka Sep 11-12

Perth Pool, Spa and Outdoor Expo, Claremont Showgrounds

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.

June/July 2021 SPLASH! 15 Electrochlor Mineral Chlorinator 2020 Ad 270mm x90mm.indd 1

10/14/20 8:18 AM

news

Manufacturing

AIS Water to triple capacity with new $7.5 million anode production facility Brisbane-based AIS Water has broken ground on its third production facility as the business continues to expand its capacity. AIS has two existing production facilities at its Tingalpa headquarters, and the third factory will be the first dedicated anode production facility in the southern hemisphere. An anode is an electrode which allows an electrical current to enter into a device. Anodes form an integral part of AIS’s inline chlorine generation via electrolysis process and form the “heart” of each chlorinator. CEO Elena Gosse says the new facility will produce enough anodes and anode material to permit AIS to triple its production capacity, which in turn will satisfy its own growing demand and strengthen its position as a global supplier of anode material. “Since we could not find an anode supplier that could meet our exacting standards, we’ve been manufacturing our own anodes since 1998. We are now well known for producing superior quality, commercial grade anode material using high quality titanium,” she says.

Supplying to more markets

Gosse says that demand for AIS products is growing at such a rapid pace, the company decided to expand its production capacity not only to satisfy

CEO Elena Gosse with SPASA Australia’s Luke Daly at the new AIS factory site

its own needs, but to supply to other manufacturers and industries. The new anode production facility is expected to be operational by late 2021 and will support as many as 140 construction jobs and offer 55 full-time skilled and unskilled jobs over the lifetime of the project. “As the economy continues to recover from the effects of covid-19, we’re proud to be creating jobs and enhancing the reputation of Australian manufacturing,” she says. “Our new facility will be world-class and enable us to continue our leadership role in the swimming pool chlorinator industry as well as open the door to new industries and markets.” Local Queensland company, JBS Building and Development has designed and is building the facility. Contact: www.aiswater.com.au

Safety

Does your electrical equipment comply with the safety requirements? The Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) aims to increase consumer safety through regulating household electrical equipment. Affected “in-scope” equipment includes equipment that is: • rated at a voltage greater than 50 V AC RMS or 120V ripple-free DC; and • rated at a voltage less than 1000V AC RMS or 1500V ripple-free DC; and • is designed or marketed as suitable for household, personal or similar use.

Selling electrical equipment in Australia The Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) is a framework that regulates the supply chain of in-scope electrical equipment (low voltage equipment for household, personal or similar use). The purpose of the framework is to increase safety of electrical equipment for the consumer. In Australia, legislation which governs the supply chain is state based. Each jurisdiction can make an independent decision to adopt the framework. Recognised in Australia and New Zealand as a way for suppliers to meet legislative requirements, the EESS is expected to be adopted by most jurisdictions. To legally sell in-scope electrical equipment under the EESS, Responsible Suppliers (onshore manufacturer or importer) must meet all 16 SPLASH! June/July 2021

the requirements of the EESS, including: • That the electrical equipment offered for sale is categorised as risk Level 1, 2 or 3 and is electrically safe. • Ensuring that any in-scope risk level (Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3) electronic equipment offered for sale meets the safety requirements of the EESS (including the Equipment Safety Rules). • The Responsible Supplier and any in-scope electrical equipment offered for sale are correspondingly registered. • Pay all corresponding registration fees. • The product is marked with the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) in accordance with the requirements listed in AS/NZS 4417.1 & AS/NZS 4417.2.

Swimming pool/spa equipment A feature of the EESS is the provision of a more proactive risk-based approach to regulating electrical equipment. The EESS provides for in-scope electrical equipment to be classified into three levels. Swimming pool equipment is covered under Risk level 3: An electrical appliance or device that – 1. is a transportable spa pool or transportable spa bath; or 2. is for circulating air or water in a conventional bath; or

The RCM mark will be the symbol used to show the equipment is linked to a responsible supplier 3. i s for use in the operation or cleaning of a swimming pool, non-transportable spa-pool or non-transportable spa-bath. but does not include – 4. a n appliance or device exclusively promoted for commercial use; or 5. a heat pump. To sell any In-scope electrical equipment, Responsible Suppliers must be registered on the EESS Registration Database. Level 2 and 3 Inscope electrical equipment must be registered. The Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) has changed the marking requirements to a single Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM). The authorisation to apply the RCM resides with the Responsible Supplier. Upon registration, the Responsible Supplier is granted authorisation to place the RCM on the product for sale. The certificate holder is no longer required to mark the unique approval number issued by the Regulatory Authority or the Recognised External Certification Scheme.

Contact: www.eess.gov.au

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news

Associations

ASSA and SPASA Australia announce working partnership The Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) and the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Australia (SPASA) have announced an agreement that will see the bodies work more closely together. While the associations support different aspects of the aquatics, swimming pool and spa industries, the partnership aims to collaborate and innovate to provide new services to better the industry. SPASA CEO Lindsay McGrath says that it is a fantastic opportunity for the two associations to collaborate for the benefit of both membership groups, improving the value that each association provides to their members through mutual effort and future innovation. “Covid has highlighted the opportunity to form alliances with other like-minded associations to improve the understanding by government and authorities of the importance of the aquatic, recreation and leisure industry,” he says. ASSA general manager Emily McNeill says that the two associations will see great

benefits to their members through shared knowledge and learning. “ASSA are excited to confirm this new partnership with SPASA, as there are so many ways we can collectively progress the industry and benefit our members,” she says. “This is a great starting point – watch this space.” ASSA and SPASA both have seats on the National Aquatic Industry Committee (NAIC) and are committed to practical implementation of reducing drowning and improving the safety message. McGrath says the natural synergy of the two associations will open up ways for their respective members to work together, with operational benefits for members through vertical integration. The ASSA National Conference will be taking place on August 24 to 26 in conjunction with the SPLASH Pool & Spa Trade Show (August 25 and 26) at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.

ASSA general manager Emily McNeill and SPASA CEO Lindsay McGrath

Construction

Record year of house building is underway HIA’s economist, Angela Lillicrap, says that a record number of detached housing starts will occur in the 12 months to September 2021 with more than 146,000 detached houses commencing construction. “This is more than 20 per cent higher than the peak of the previous boom in 2018,” she says. This forecast is contained in HIA’s National Outlook Report which includes updated forecasts for new home building and renovations activity for Australia and each of the eight states and territories. “This large volume of work will ensure that the industry remains very active through until at least the second half of 2022,” says Lillicrap. “Renovation activity is also at an all-time high and likely to remain elevated for a number of years due to the nature of the covid recession and house price growth. “This level of activity is not likely to be seen again for many years, if not decades. The combination of factors that have led to this boom is unprecedented and are driven by HomeBuilder and low interest rates as well as a change in consumer preference away from high density areas. “The key challenge for the industry has shifted from a slump in demand this time last year, to having sufficient supply of materials, labour and land to satisfy this demand.” 18 SPLASH! June/July 2021

She says the extension of HomeBuilder’s commencement deadline will help limit the impact of constraints imposed by land, labour and materials and ensure the elevated volume of detached homes will be sustained for longer. However, apartment numbers are declining in stark contrast to the detached sector, and multi-unit starts are anticipated to decline in 2020/21. “The timing and speed of a recovery in overseas migration will have a significant impact on these forecasts. If overseas migration returns sooner, or faster, than anticipated, then the trough of 93,500 new housing starts in 2023 will not be as deep as currently forecast,” she says. “Equally, if the restrictions on skilled migration continue into 2022 the depth of the emerging slowdown in new detached starts will be exacerbated. “The return to stable and certain population growth is central to stable economic growth.”

Housing values jump

At the same time, Australia’s national home values have lifted another 2.2 per cent in May, according to CoreLogic’s national Home Value Index. The rise in May was a stronger result compared with April (1.8 per cent), but weaker than the 32-year high recorded in March when values surged 2.8 per cent.

CoreLogic’s research director, Tim Lawless, says that growth conditions remained broad based both geographically and across the housing types and valuation segments. “Values were up by more than 1 per cent across every capital city over the month, with both house and unit values lifting across the board. Of the 334 SA3 sub-regions analysed by CoreLogic, 97 per cent have recorded a lift in housing values over the past three months. Such a synchronised upswing is an absolute rarity across Australia’s diverse array of housing markets.” For the second time in three months, growth conditions in capital city home values outpaced the regional markets. The combined capital city index rose 2.3 per cent in May compared with a 2.0 per cent rise across the combined regional areas. Across the capital cities, the monthly change in dwelling values ranged from a 1.1 per cent rise in Perth through to a 3.2 per cent jump in Hobart. Across the non-capital city regions, conditions were more diverse. Regional NSW led monthly gains (2.5 per cent) while values in regional WA had the weakest result (-0.1 per cent). Rising house values provide greater equity for homeowners, which can be spent on renovations and improvements, including swimming pools and spas.

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Obituary

Vale John Konrads Swimming champion and Sports Australia Hall of Fame inductee John Konrads passed away at the age of 78 on Anzac Day 2021. Born in Riga, Latvia, Konrads emigrated to Australia with his parents and sisters Eve and Ilsa following Latvia’s occupation first by German and then Soviet troops during World War II. They were housed in a camp at Uranquinty near Wagga. Konrads dominated the Australian swimming scene for a brief but brilliant time in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Across his career, he set 26 individual freestyle world records between 200m and 1500m. His Olympic medal tally was one gold and two bronze, all of them won in Rome. But it was the early days that held the sporting world in thrall. Konrads was at his record breaking best in 1958, the year of the Cardiff Empire and Commonwealth Games. He won three gold medals – the 440yds, 1650yds and the 4x220yds relay. This came after he and sister Ilsa had dominated the national championships in

January that year. He set the 800m and half mile records for men, then followed with 200m, furlough, 400m and quarter mile records during the next week. He dominated the world swimming scene, John Konrads. Image by Nationaal Archief, Den breaking every Haag, Rijksfotoarchief freestyle world record between 200m and 1500m by the time he was 15. His career tally is an incredible 26 individual world records. Sports Australia Hall of Fame chair John Bertrand says that Konrads was a proud Hall of Fame Member with an extravagant sense of humour who will leave a lasting legacy around the world. Read John Konrads’ full biography at https://sahof.org.au/

Industry moves

Changes afoot at Supreme Heating There have been a number of changes at Supreme Heating. Bianca Horewood has joined the company as marketing coordinator, following Bree Daniel moving on after many years. Horewood has a degree in communication and journalism and has worked in media and hospitality for more than six years. “Supreme Heating has been paving the way towards a sustainable future for more than 30 years, investing resources to ensure quality products and innovation,” Horewood says. “It’s so exciting to be a part of a company that wants to make a difference.” Anthony Denahy recently joined Supreme Heating as a business development manager, after more than 25 years’ experience in a diverse range of fields including project management at the Olympics, the Australian Open, and the Grand Prix, as well as business development for technology and events. With a keen focus on sustainability, he is looking forward to working with Supreme Heating’s clients to achieve a clean energy future. Shannon Wong has been appointed business development manager in Western Australia. He has been working in the electrical and solar PV industry for more than 20 years, selling sustainable solutions. “This is a fantastic opportunity to be able to work with a distinguished, Aussie-owned, family business that is significantly leading the way in pool heating,” he says. Contact: www.supremeheating.com.au

Bianca Horewood

Anthony Denahy

Shannon Wong

Industry moves

Poolwerx grows in New Zealand

Poolwerx has appointed the brand’s first master franchise partner in New Zealand, as the brand announces plans to grow to 40 stores across the ditch in the next decade. Poolwerx has seen New Zealand sales jump 50 per cent year on year and two new stores set to open on the North Island. Garth Parker will oversee the growth of the local market, taking charge of franchise development and growing the capacity of current franchise partners, as well as identifying potential acquisitions, growing the brand’s commercial presence on both islands and managing brand compliance. He is also set to open his first retail store on the Whangaparāoa Peninsula on the North Island later this year. New Zealander Parker brings a strong background in franchising, having spent the past five years as general manager and director of Nando’s NZ, a $NZ50 million retail brand he took from the red into the black, doubling sales in five years. Prior to this, he held a range of managerial positions with fast food brands Red Rooster and Oporto, and health products retail chains Healthzone and Healthy Life in Sydney. Parker and his wife Emily also ran their own successful chain of gourmet burger restaurants in Sydney in early 2000. CEO John O’Brien says that over the past 12 years, Poolwerx has grown to become the largest national pool servicing brand in New Zealand, and that the first master franchise marks a significant step in the brand’s expansion plan. “It was really important for us to have a Kiwi owning our New Zealand master franchise. It’s a significant commitment to the growth and success of our brand in New Zealand, coming off the back of phenomenal growth in the last 12 months,” he says. “Garth’s experience as a multi-site franchise partner and manager and director across a range of franchising brands has seen him build considerable knowledge across all areas of franchising and business functions.” June/July 2021 SPLASH! 21

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Industry moves

Meet new SPASA WA executive officer, Sadie Davidson “I’m very lucky as I’m surrounded by a great team – the staff at SPASA WA are fantastic. We’ve got a great committee that help no end, so I’m very lucky to be surrounded by a wealth of experience and knowledge and hands-on help when needed too, so it’s been fantastic. “I came over to WA from London in 2009 in my late teens – a stroppy teenager, you can imagine! I absolutely loved it, it was home almost instantly for me – there is something unique about Western Australia – it gets under your skin. It’s a beautiful place. “I went to university, did my masters degree and started out life as a journalist and then did corporate comms for an industry group in the property space. I moved over into advocacy and all things government, which ultimately led me here. “I don’t think teenage Sadie would have guessed that I’d be in this role but I’m very glad that I am. “I’ve learned so far that the industry here in the West is a unique beast – just like the West’s unique economy. We’re not alone in having to enjoy the booms when they come, but also to try and predict and prepare for the busts when they do inevitably come as well. “At the moment, we’re in a bit of a counter-cyclical situation. When covid hit, everyone thought doomsday was upon us, and business would be non-existent – but in fact the opposite has happened. And so our biggest challenge as an association is, how can we plan events when everyone is so busy! Which is a great problem to have.”

and prosperous within that new world, that’s exactly what we’ll do. As an association, I see our role as assisting our members to be able to do exactly that, and to provide those services and expert knowledge and whatever else our members may need. So our role as an association is adapting and changing just as much as the businesses we service. “I definitely believe the virtual world will have huge ramifications. You know, the days of flying over East for an hour meeting and flying back are gone. Why would you, when things like Zoom are available? So I think there’s a lot of ways businesses can cut costs by embracing technology, and the benefit of that is those cost savings can be passed on to the consumers. “We are in a unique position at the moment where things like transport and logistics are becoming real issues for our members because of covid and a range of other factors, so embracing technology to keep costs down will be beneficial for business’ bottom line and of course the consumer at the end of the day as well. “Thanks to everyone for such a warm welcome - I am absolutely thrilled to be here and to jump in the deep end, to use a pool pun!”

Becoming more tech savvy

“Our top priority is to be as nimble and adaptive as possible. As I said when I opened the AGM, nobody could have predicted the year that was, and I think we’d be silly to think we can predict the year that will be. “I think we need to embrace things like technology moreso than we have ever previously. The world is changing around us, so if we need to change the way we do business to be able to continue to be sustainable

Sadie Davidson at the SPASA WA office

A brief background Sadie Davidson has a wealth of experience in advocacy, memberbased associations and not-for-profit organisations. Her most recent role was as advocacy and policy manager with the Real Estate Institute of WA (REIWA). Prior to that she worked for the Property Council of Australia (PCA) as policy and communications officer.

Ready. Steady. SPLASH! SPLASH! sales manager David Stennett interviewed new SPASA WA executive officer Sadie Davidson for the podcast Ready. Steady. SPLASH! This page features an extract from the interview. For this and other great podcast content, go to https://splash.buzzsprout.com/

22 SPLASH! June/July 2021

She has also held committee positions with the Salvation Army, Metronet, the Housing Advisory Roundtable and has been a member of the board of the Finance & Property Service Training Council. Additionally, she has worked as a journalist, winning the 2015 Rising Star Award for graduate journalists. She has a BA from UWA and an MBA in business leadership from Curtin University.

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Standards

Join the solar pool heating roundtable to discuss new standard SPASA Australia currently sits on the Australian standard AS3634 Solar pool heating committee which covers materials, design, performance, testing and broad-based installation practices for solar pool heating. Work on AS3634 is continuing with a projected finish date of late 2021. In anticipation of this standard being published, SPASA is seeking to establish a roundtable for solar heating companies to consider the following: • What are the current solar heating infield installation practices? • What does an industry solar heating installation benchmark look like? • Is there industry support for a solar heating installation course? • What industry solar heating installation resources are available? • And to develop a working group for next steps. Please register your interest to attend a future roundtable meeting by emailing spiros@spasa.com.au. Image courtesy of Sunbather (illustrative purposes only)

The courses were fully subscribed and the attendees gave positive feedback Training

Diagnostics and chemistry on the training menu In May, qualified IRLearning trainers Michael Brennan and David Stennett, both from SPASA Australia, delivered professional development training to a full house in Melbourne. The courses covered were “Testing and Controlling Pool Water Chemistry” and “Diagnostic Maintenance of Pool Systems”. Attendees included staff from Sunbather and Swimart among several other local businesses. Feedback from course attendees was that the information was valuable as well as being presented in a practical and engaging manner. Mak Construction & Design provided the training location.

Contact: www.IRLearning.com Manufacturing

Boss Solar increases factory space by 61 per cent Noel Stunden introduced the first one-piece fibreglass swimming pool to the Queensland market

Australian solar pool heating manufacturer Boss Solar have expanded their Victorian manufacturing plant. Located adjacent to Boss’s current plant, the 910m2 facility will increase their floor space by 61 per cent, helping refine efficiencies in the production line. General manager Callum Ross says the additional space was essential as the solar pool heating division continues to expand, as well as the expansion of the industrial rubber and plastic product lines. Ross says that earlier this year they committed to bold plans to reimagine the way they do business: transitioning from a rubber and plastic component manufacturer to a marketing-led solutions provider.

Community hub Passings

Vale Noel Stunden

Sadly, Noel Stunden owner of Stunden Pools in Zillmere, Queensland passed away in May. He was a part of the industry for more than 40 years before closing Stunden Pools in 2007. Originally a master cooper, Noel got into fibreglass in the 1960s. In January 1970 he designed, manufactured and introduced to the Queensland market the first one-piece fibreglass swimming pool. As well as manufacturing swimming pools, he made architectural fibreglass facades (including the orange arches of the Toombul Shopping Centre), and chemical and water treatment plants. He also exported fibreglass pools to the Solomon Islands. Sadly, Noel’s sister Mabel, who also worked in the business, passed away earlier in May. Everyone at SPLASH! passes on their sincere condolences to Noel and Mabel’s friends and family. 24 SPLASH! June/July 2021

As part of this transition, Boss has committed to developing a community hub within the new facility. The hub will be a 180m2 space including a trade counter, training room, consulting spaces and product/retail displays. “We are looking to build a community where our customers can connect with our team and their peers within the industry,” Ross says. “This will allow them to share ideas, ask questions and access the training and support they need.” Training will be provided in areas such as product sales, operations, marketing and installation. The hub will also be home to a physical catalogue of Boss Solar’s products, with an area for retail and product displays. “Once finished, we would love to see our clients utilising this space as their own. Taking full advantage of the training facilities and product displays, and to train their employees and customers,” says Ross.

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Moving water, old school

thought this article about an ancient method of moving water would be good to remind us that there is a solution out there for every problem you encounter in the pool industry. I just hope it doesn’t take 15 years to fix it. I discovered this fantastic “water feature” when travelling in France. It is called the Pont du Gard and is located in the Occitanie region of southern France. It was built by the Romans 2000 years ago, and while it no longer operates, in its day it definitely did its job of moving water. It was also constructed without the plethora of machinery at our fingertips today. About 50 BC the Romans invaded southern France and around 28 BC they started to occupy and colonise the area around Nimes. By 40 AD, Nimes had a population of 50,000 to 60,000 and was the Roman capital of the area. However, they had a water problem – there was just not enough of it for all the households, and the many fountains and water features they were so fond of. They found a good source of water at Fontaine d’Eure – in a straight line about 20 kilometres north of Nimes. They decided to move the water, rather than the town. Construction on the project is believed to have commenced in about 35 AD and Nimes got its first water about 50 AD – a 15-year project. I learned about it in 2018 when on a river cruise in southern France, we took a land tour to the only remaining part of the project, the Pont du Gard, or in English, the bridge of the Gardon river.

The Pont du Gard

The Pont du Gard has three levels of arches, with the water flowing through a closed in aqueduct right at the top. The most difficult problem to solve was the 17 metre difference in altitude between the water source and Nimes. Pipes, pumps and valves had not been invented, and Nimes needed some 4,000,000 litres of water per day, delivered at a manageable rate to a catchment area.

By Cal Stanley To get it there they had to cross the Gardon River and negotiate irregular falls in altitude across difficult terrain. The direct route was too steep, so 20 kilometres became more than 50 kilometres, as they had to take a route that involved a zigzag section, a tunnel and six smaller bridges to ensure a constant velocity. The gradient of the aqueduct varies. Though its average fall is only 1:3000 or 10 mm over 30 metres, for various reasons it is not constant. Apart from an empty tunnel through rock, the Pont du Gard aqueduct bridge is all that remains of the system. It received some minor patching up in 1702 and a matching road bridge was built alongside it in 1747. But basically, what I saw was what the Romans built 2000 years ago. It is 49 metres high above the river, 274 metres long and the width varies from nine metres at the base to three metres at the top. And guess what? Not one bit of cementitious material was used to hold it all together (although they did smear the aqueduct itself with a smooth substance that has mostly deteriorated). The Romans cleverly used a combination of friction and weight that was so good it is still standing today. Looking carefully at the photograph, protruding stones can be seen on the middle structure. These were to support scaffolding. It is also worth noting the blocks of limestone were up to six tonnes in weight. Yes, it took 15 years for Nimes to get its water, but the Snowy Mountain scheme, with all the modern equipment the Romans never had, took 25 years to complete. A bigger project no doubt, but you have to admire those Romans. n

The Pont du Gard is the most famous part of the roman aqueduct which carried water from Uzès to Nîmes until roughly the ninth century when maintenance was abandoned. At 49 metres high it is the highest Roman aqueduct, and also one of the best preserved. Image Credit: Benh Lieu Song (Flickr)

“The direct route was too steep, so 20 kilometres became more than 50 kilometres, as they had to take a route that involved a zigzag section, a tunnel and six smaller bridges to ensure a constant velocity.”

For these columns, Cal Stanley draws on his experience and success in pool construction, having run awardwinning 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. June/July 2021 SPLASH! 27

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feature

Big consumer crowds highlight demand for pools and spas

orced by NSW covid restrictions to add another hall at Rosehill Gardens exhibition centre, the Sydney Pool & Spa Outdoor Living Expo in May was packed with enthusiastic pool and spa buyers. Event owners SPASA Australia say the buoyant pool market continued to deliver for consumer expos, with many exhibitors judging this show an outstanding success. SPASA Australia COO Spiros Dassakis says that visitor attendance was in line with expectations with many exhibitors saying it was one of the best expos they had exhibited at over the past few years. “The pool and spa market has been experiencing strong growth and sales throughout covid-19,” he says. “Demand is expected to continue with many pool builders booked up for months ahead.” He adds that spa manufacturers and suppliers are experiencing stock shortages due to strong sales. The expo had to be reconfigured and expanded into two halls to meet the current covid-19 capacity restrictions, and all the outdoor displays were moved inside which effectively doubled the size of the show. Perfect weather saw visitors

The Sydney Pool & Spa Outdoor Living Expo was packed with enthusiastic pool and spa buyers

pour through the doors, the car park was full and exhibitors reported excellent sales and a high number of quality leads. Dassakis says he was delighted with the turnout for the event and the exhibitors were extremely happy with results.

Comments from the Sydney show

Colin Mauger, director of Supreme Heating, says he found the experience at the pool and spa expo to be very refreshing. “The show was well attended and there was a genuine interest in pools, spas and associated products,” he says. “Most importantly it was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with fellow industry people and the consumer face to face. After the experiences of covid last year the team is feeling invigorated.” Paul Martin from Black Onyx Plunge and Jacuzzi Company also had an excellent show. “We’ve had a fantastic experience at the show, we’ve had great traction and numerous expressions of interest. We would have pre-orders for at least 10 spas so far,” he said early on Sunday, with hours of trading still to go. “We make a 365 day a year experience – you can run it cool in the summer and run it warm in the winter at 38 degrees. We’ve set ourselves apart from other spa manufacturers by offering a product that is less intrusive and more aesthetically pleasing. So we couldn’t be more happy. The show organisation’s been great too, it’s been a really, really good experience. This is our first year but absolutely we’ll come again and we’ll jump into Brisbane and also the SPLASH! pool and spa trade expo at Surfers.” Darren Milne director of Naked Pools says they got a lot of good consumer enquiry. “A lot of them are just looking to build at the moment – so we see that flow through from the show a few months later when we get the enquiry from the builder.

A family seeking advice on pool heating options

An extra hall was added for the Sydney show

June/July 2021 SPLASH! 29

feature

The consumer talks to the builder when the pool’s getting done to upgrade their salt system to a freshwater system. I think the show’s been worthwhile, the flow of people’s been consistent, and the leads have seemed pretty genuine. No tyre-kickers.” Remonda Rose from Blue Haven Pools says the show has been really busy. “The Sydney pool expo was a huge success with a great number of quality attendees as usual. It seems that with the social distancing measured put in place by SPASA the event organiser, the pace at which people were coming through the show was really manageable by exhibitors allowing more time to present products and allowing visitors to talk more about their ideas. The Blue Haven Pools display was honey to the bee with staff members having to book appointments for visitors to return to their stand because of the high volume trying to get on the stand and order their pools.” Reclining in the Arabian lounge area

Blue Haven team created this engaging lifestyle-enhanced stand

Amazing Morocco in Sydney Blue Haven teamed up with RiRe Interiors and Overlook Tiles to produce a captivating stand at the Sydney show. The theme was styled as Moroccan, with a plunge pool and a sunken Arabian lounge complete with an elevated fire pit and cushion seating.

Gordon Clarke, director of Skypebble, says it was the busiest show he has ever been involved in. “I have been doing shows and been in the industry for a long time and this one has been fantastic.” Anne Badr, franchise support manager from Narellan Pools says the show was amazing with a lot of people coming through. “The feedback from all the staff that worked this weekend is that it has been better than other years.” Paula Cowell-Yench, director of Europe Imports says the show was absolutely fantastic. “We had an extremely busy day yesterday and even more today. It has been truly magnificent, and we are so glad we made the decision to come back this year after such a turbulent 2020.”

Record crowd for Queensland pool and spa expo

Remonda Rose and Richie Hamawi at the completed Moroccan styled plunge pool

The stand was complete with a functional pool with waterfall blade cascading over a golden regal urn; tiled arches, cushioned seating, white drapes hanging from the tiled columns of the cabanas. There were Moroccan trays filled with fruits and dates and pretty flowers that made their way around the moving pool water. Managing director Remonda Rose says they set out to find a way to help show visitors immerse themselves in the new world of holidaying at home. “Our purpose was to help them dig deeper into their creativity to imagine a magical space that’s unique not only their home but also a space to reflect the character and soul of the family,” she says. General manager Richie Hamawi and his team of apprentices built the display ensemble in a fortnight at their warehouse space at Lansvale. The pool was then transported on a car stacker to the show and was filled and dressed up within a matter of hours. Their in-house 3D designer brought Hamawi’s vision to life and then piece by piece the pool was handcrafted. Everything was done in-house from the structure build, carpentry, waterproofing, tiling, column tiling, arches, painting and flooring. Hamawi says the team worked very hard for long hours to make this happen amidst a full customer schedule on various sites all over Sydney. With backyard space being limited these days; concrete plunge pools remain in vogue and practical. Rose says a smaller pool means you can do more for less. “A plunge pool is perfect to dress up with unique tiling, feature walls, lighting, and lower costs on fencing, heating and surrounds. Plus there’s some room left over for a gorgeous garden, furniture and space.” Blue Haven Pools reported hundreds of Instagram reposts and likes from attendees at the Sydney show.

30 SPLASH! June/July 2021

The Brisbane Pool Spa & Outdoor Living Expo also saw a great crowd of eager consumers

The Brisbane Pool Spa & Outdoor Living Expo held in May was also seen as a resounding success according to organiser, Noel Gray from Australasian Exhibitions & Events (AEE). “Following a turbulent year for exhibitions the Brisbane expo followed the recent trend of the Adelaide and Sydney expos with another exceptional result for exhibitors,” Gray says. “From the time the doors opened‚ visitor numbers exceeded all expectations with the busiest show in years.” Gray says exhibitors were kept busy with many rostering on extra staff for the Sunday to cope with the demand. “Exhibitors were unanimous in their praise for the expo with several long-term participants claiming it was the best pool show they had ever attended in Brisbane,” he says. “A new visitor promotion campaign that focussed on the fun times, enjoyment and lasting memories a pool or spa creates for the whole family appeared to hit the mark with many people commenting they had seen extensive advertising for the show.” He says they noticed an increase in consumers renovating and upgrading their own homes, due to record low interest rates and the fact that overseas travel is off the radar for the foreseeable future. An exhibitor networking function that was held on Saturday directly after the show was also well attended with many continuing their celebrations well into the evening. “We could not have been happier with the overall result and once again showed the pent-up demand from visitors, and the importance that exhibitions play in generating face to face sales and leads for exhibitors.” The next consumer pool and spa show is the Melbourne Pool & Spa Lifestyle Sale on July 24 -25 at Melbourne Showgrounds. n

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Choosing the right filtration system By Veda Dante

iltration, together with disinfection, is considered the most important system you can install to ensure that your swimming pool is good for a splash anytime, regardless of whether you own a small plunge pool or operate a popular municipal facility. The role of swimming pool filtration is to purify water of suspended particles, which it does by passing it through a porous material. This process also prevents the growth of algae. It consists of closed-circuit circulation by a pump and filtration equipment. In some ways they pair together like the human heart and our cardiovascular system – both of which are essential for a healthy life. Generally speaking, roughly 80 per cent of pool water maintenance is performed by filtration (physical treatment) and 20 per cent by cleaning products (mechanical or chemical treatment). “Development of pool filtration has been slow moving for a number of years, with media filters and cartridge filters the two most common types,” says Hayward Pool Products Victoria technical manager Andrew Waldron. “These have remained relatively unchanged, which is testament to their filtration performance – they do a great job, are reliable, simple to use and relatively low cost.” Rather than trying to re-invent the wheel, Waldron says pool equipment manufacturers have preferred to concentrate resources on other areas of the pool equipment pad, prioritising innovations that can make a bigger difference to the pool ownership experience. “For manufacturers, most developments in filtration have largely been focussed on improving reliability,

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ease of install and cost of equipment, rather than innovations in the method of filtration,” he says. When it comes to actual filtration performance, to the naked eye there is very little to tell them apart, whether using a media filter or a cartridge filter your pool will look clear and clean. But media filters will actually filter down to around 20 microns while cartridge filters can go even finer at under 10 microns. “Whether you go for a cartridge or a media filter, there is regular maintenance required to keep a pool filtration system operating at peak performance. Which method of filtration is chosen may be depend on the regularity of maintenance and work required during maintenance that a user is happy performing,” says Waldron.

Hayward Powerline sand filter

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Good filtration is essential for clean, clear water

34 SPLASH! June/July 2021

The maintenance of a cartridge filter requires the user to open the body of the unit, remove the cartridges and clean them with a hose. “This can be a messy experience and if the pool is in an area of high debris, it can require this to be done fairly regularly to maintain performance,” he says. A media filter on the other hand generally requires less frequent maintenance, however when it is required it can be slightly more work. “Backwashing a media filter is a relatively straightforward process, but it does lower the water level of your pool and some of the chemicals in the pool will be lost, so the pool may also require rebalancing when it is topped back up,” Waldron explains. In order to backwash, access to a sewer is also required as it is illegal to dump wastewater into stormwater drains. “This can have an effect on the type of filter that can be chosen for a site,” he says. “If the site doesn’t have access to a stormwater drain, then a cartridge filter may be the only option available.” To maximise filtration efficacy and achieve the correct turnover rate for your swimming pool, Waldron says it is important to pair the right pump with the right filter. “The turnover rate is the number of hours it takes for the total volume of the pool to pass through the filtration system. Ideally, your pool filtration system

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“For manufacturers, most developments in filtration have largely been focussed on improving reliability, ease of install and cost of equipment.” should have the ability to turn the pool water over completely one and-and-half to two times per day. “If you have an undersized pump, it won’t have the power required to circulate the water through the filtration system and achieve the required turnover rate. However, if you have a pump that is too powerful, it can put too much pressure on the equipment, potentially causing the filter to malfunction or even breakdown.”

The role of regular servicing

Regular servicing of a pool filter plays an important role in the performance of a pool. The key role of servicing is to clean the filter. “If this is not carried out on a regular basis, filters can clog and restrict the flow of water throughout the system,” says Waldron. “This will cause the pump to work harder and use more energy, which puts increased pressure on the filter and other equipment on the pool. It also reduces the filtration performance.”

LEFT: Hayward Swim Clear Quad ABOVE: Hayward Swim Clear C200S

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BELOW: Davey Crystal Clear cartridge filters FAR RIGHT: Davey Crystal Clear 2140 media filter

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It is also very important to ensure that the pressure gauge on a filter is working correctly to make it easy to recognise when a filter needs to be cleaned — something that’s often overlooked by pool owners. “It is far easier and cheaper to stay on top of filter maintenance, than to pay it no attention and suffer high energy bills and servicing costs when an issue becomes apparent,” he says.

“If the site doesn’t have access to a stormwater drain, then a cartridge filter may be the only option available.”

Filter media options

Davey product manager Tori Caskie says advancements in filtration media is outperforming traditional filter media such as sand and diatomaceous earth. “For example, Zelbrite is a porous material that has a large surface area and higher dirt holding capacity and the ability to remove fine particles,” he says. “Cartridge filters are likely to be more efficient as they do not require backwashing and quality cartridges can filter down to a finer micron level. They also take up less space and have less flow restrictions on your filtration system.” He says that while one advantage of using a cartridge filter is less flow restriction, it also means you are able to run a smaller pump, meaning lower electricity costs. “Another benefit of using a cartridge filter is that it uses less space in your pool equipment room and there is no need for plumbing backwash to sewerage,” he says.

Filter maintenance is essential. Image: Swimart Jindalee

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Getting the flow rate right

With sand filters, Pentair Aquatic Systems product manager Robert Sterland says it’s very important to get the flow rate right. “If the pump selected is too small, it will have insufficient flow to properly backwash the sand filter,” he says. “If the pump is too big, then it might cause channelling in the filter. Channelling is where the water is actually pushing the sand out of the way, creating channels and the water is essentially bypassing the filter media.” Also, slowing the flow of water through a filter media leads to better performance. That means you need to select a pump that can deliver between the backwash rate and the maximum flow rate. “This information will be in the data tables provided by the manufacturer,” says Sterland. “Otherwise, backwash rate is normally calculated at 35m3/hr per m2 of filtration area and the maximum flow rate is calculated at 50m3/hr per m2.” What about variable speed pumps? “With a variable speed pump you get the best of both worlds as you can run the pump really slow to get better lower filtration rates — even below the backwash rate — and then use a fast speed to deliver the performance required to backwash,” he explains. Cartridge filters, he adds, are a little more forgiving.

Great filtration makes your pool ready to use anytime. Image: Brisbane Prestige Plunge Pools

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“It is far easier and cheaper to stay on top of filter maintenance, than to pay it no attention and suffer high energy bills and servicing costs when an issue becomes apparent.” “There is a maximum flow rate for a given surface area, but there is really no minimum flow rate providing you are keeping the air out of the system,” he says. “So put on the biggest cartridge filter your budget allows.”

Purifying the world’s water

Waterco is best known for manufacturing pool and spa equipment, but recent innovations have caught the attention of industrial water treatment industries around the world — resulting in ongoing adaptions for the aquatic sector. From plants that treat PFAS-contaminated water to aquaculture and agriculture facilities, Waterco’s Micron commercial fibreglass filters are purifying millions of litres of water each day for demanding large-scale operations. “With no moving parts to service, chemically robust materials impervious to corrosion and customisable features, these vessels are being adapted to a wide range of applications including aquatic parks, aquaculture

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programs, cooling towers, drinking water systems, food and beverage processing, industrial processes, water features, zoos and aquariums,” says Waterco’s commercial and water treatment sales manager, Andy Gale. “This has a flow-on effect where specific requirements initially made by one industry is then adapted for another.” Robustness is one example. The Micron commercial fibreglass filters engineered for the industrial water treatment sector need to be extremely hardy due to the types of applications and loading that can be placed on the vessels themselves. “Those advancements now mean Waterco’s swimming pool filters are more robust and boast a higher level of performance today than they were five to 10 years ago,” says Gale. Waterco also continues to improve the hydraulic filter efficiency of its filters by finessing the distributor and collector systems. “The durability and efficiency of our nozzle plate designs are widely relied on in the water treatment sector,” he says. “This industry has also spurred a range of improvements to lateral design that will soon be seen in the pool industry,” he says.

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Troubleshooting Pentair Aquatic Systems product manager Robert Sterland shares three common troubleshooting tips: 1. C larity – if your pool starts to become cloudy it could be a sign there is a problem with the filter. 2. S weating – filament-wound sand filters will often weep water in an effect called “sweating”. Don’t be concerned by this as it’s just moisture getting squeezed out from between the inner tank and the wound filament shell. 3. Scale – if the pressure gauge stops moving, remove it and have a look at the hole in the brass fitting, they often become clogged with scale. Source: Pentair

efficiency of the hydraulic design, which essentially means a reduction in the differential pressure of the product. Waterco group marketing director Bryan Goh says he believes the company’s research and development division can increase the percentage of particles trapped before the water reaches the filter, further extending the filter’s service cycle while saving more water. “I think Waterco introduced one of the biggest changes to filtration with an entire new filtration category of centrifugal filtration with MultiCyclone,” he says. “We have also witnessed the introduction of various alternative filter media to sand, such as Zeolite, crushed

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glass and glass beads. Also, the introduction of perlite as a safe alternative to DE powder for DE filters.” Goh foresees filtration and hydraulic efficiency further evolving with variable speed pumps operating at lower speeds. “We will also see automated filters growing in sophistication whereby they will be able to backwash themselves along with self-cleaning cartridge filters,” he says.

Microfiltration technology

Global 500 company Saint-Gobain has developed Crystar FT membranes, a new microfiltration technology with diverse applications in the filtration industry. According to liquid filtration business manager Fabiano Rodrigues, cleaning and disinfection processes of swimming pools, spas and splash pads can be drastically improved by using Crystar FT as an alternative to granular media filters and pre-coat technologies. “They enhance the water quality through a fine and consistent filtration of suspended matter, a reduction of micro-organisms such as legionella, cryptosporidium, giardia, and contribute to the reduction of chloramines and trihalomethanes.”

“We will also see automated filters growing in sophistication whereby they will be able to backwash themselves along with self-cleaning cartridge filters.”

RIGHT: The Saint-Gobain filtration system

Backwashing and cleaning tips Swimming pool pumps, filters and chlorinators work hard to keep pool water looking fresh and clean – usually out of sight down the back of the property in the pump house. For water that sparkles, they need to be in optimum working condition but as with most things in life, wear and tear reduces their efficiency and what can’t be repaired needs to be replaced. While there are many factors that contribute to these valuable pieces of pool equipment breaking down, there are a few warning signs that signal a potential problem.

Poor water quality No matter how many chemicals you throw in the pool, they only work as well as the equipment they pass through. If you notice the pool water looking murky or dirty, check the water chemistry with a testing kit to ensure it is balanced correctly. If you notice the water quickly lose its clarity, it’s time to look at whether your pool pump, pool filter or chlorinator is faulty.

High water pressure

bottom of their pool, the sand filter laterals, or diatomaceous grids may be faulty. If that’s the case, it’s time to call a professional pool technician. Sand filters trap dust, dirt and fine particles of debris in a bed of sand and so, in time, they become clogged. The water can’t pass through the filter as easily as it should, and the filter becomes less efficient in doing its job. The pump will probably be fitted with a pressure gauge and when this rises to 0.5 bar above its normal clean operating pressure, then it’s time to backwash the filter. This is something a pool owner needs to do once a week in any case. Backwashing pushes water in the opposite direction through the filter and so the accumulated particles are cleaned out and sent out through the waste pipe. In order to backwash the filter the pool owner should: • First turn the pump off and other equipment such as the heater then turn the filter setting to “backwash”.

When we have high blood pressure, the heart is forced to work harder to pump blood around the body, which weakens it. The same can be said, to some extent, about a pool’s filtration system. An increase in the PSI (per square inch) pressure reading is a sign that the cartridge filter is under strain, either through a blockage or old age.

• Turn on the pump and let it run until the water coming out of the waste pipe or that you can see flowing through the sight glass is clear. This generally needs a couple of minutes.

If a quick clean with a hose does not fix the issue, try soaking it overnight with a filter cleaner. If it still registers high PSI levels afterwards, then the cartridge is definitely due to be replaced.

• Set the filter to “closed” and close the suction valves. Open the leaf trap and remove the basket and clean it out. Replace the basket, set the filter to “filter” and turn the pump back to its operating position.

Excessive backwashing

• For cartridge and DE filters, the procedure is different but the instructions received from the manufacturer will explain what to do.

As a pool filter begins to age, the media inside it starts to disintegrate, creating the need for excessive cleaning and backwashing to avoid dirty pool water. If this is the case, the owner knows it’s time to replace the filter media. However, if they notice sandy deposits or diatomaceous earth on the

• Turn off the pump, set the filter to rinse to clean out the pipes and then run the pump again for 30 seconds.

The sand in your filter will need to be changed once every three to five years depending on pool use. Source: Swimart

June/July 2021 SPLASH! 43

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Crystar ceramic membranes filter pool water through a unique honeycomb dead-end architecture of parallel channels with stable and well-engineered porous microstructure. This specific geometry features a high filtration area in compact filtration membrane elements (16m2 in a filtration membrane element of 149 mm x 149 mm x 1000 mm). The honeycomb geometry also allows for fast backwash cycles with low water consumption. He says that only 30 litres to 80 litres are needed during a backflush of 3-5 seconds to clean a Crystar membrane. Crystar FT membranes are also instrumental in the manufacture of state-of-theart pool water treatment installations using compact filtration systems with low water and energy consumptions. “Our ceramic membranes must be operated with variable frequency driven pumps,” he says. “The performance of the process relies on a good operation of the feed pumps.” Membrane systems do require the occasional use of clean-in-place (CIP) procedures, which Rodrigues says are not common in the pool water industry: “Most questions are related to the frequency of the CIP and best practices to ensure its efficiency.” As far as the recreational water market is concerned, Rodrigues says end users are becoming more demanding regarding pool water quality and safety standards. “Pool owners have been facing the challenge to reduce the environmental footprint of public and commercial pools, especially those installed in indoor environments,” he says. “As a consequence, original equipment manufacturers [OEMs] and water treatment providers have been looking to adopt new, advanced filtration technologies which can at the same time improve water quality and reduce water and energy usage to lower levels.” Rodrigues says Saint-Gobain’s Crystar HiFlo membranes offer the best trade-off in terms of filtration productivity and retention efficiency for commercial and public swimming pools. “While capital expenditures are still a hurdle for the residential pool market, some OEMs are actively working on the development of compact and cost-effective filtration systems equipped with Crystar membranes for the high-end portion of this segment,” he says.

Rodrigues believes technology developments will see an increase of the filtration capacity of ceramic membrane modules. “Achieving higher filtered water throughput will make the technology more affordable and allow for its faster and wider adoption,” he says. n

Contacts:

AstralPool: www.astralpool.com Backwash Recyclers: www.backwashrecyclers.com.au Davey: www.daveywater.com Hayward: www.hayward-pool.com.au Pentair: www.pentair.com Saint Gobain: www.crystarfiltration.saint-gobain.com Swimart: www.swimart.com.au Waterco: www.waterco.com.au

Cartridge filter cleaning checklist Flattened pleats: The pleated ridges in the cartridge are designed to trap the dirt, debris and finer particles that pass through it and, when they flatten out due to wear and tear, they are no longer able to do their job properly. Flattened pleats also restricts water flow, which reduces the cartridge’s ability to clean the pool efficiently.

Broken bands:

Saint-Gobain Crystar FT dead-end

AstralPool OC1 filter media

Pool Backwash Recycling System

Bands play an important role in keeping the pleats from flattening out when under pressure. They are under considerable (and constant) pressure and can break over time. When one or more of these bands is broken, the effectiveness of the cartridge filter can be compromised.

Cracked endcaps:

• Custom recycling tank with unique design base directs all debris to a common area;

Over time, the plastic endcaps of a filter, which are designed to keep the material compact, can become brittle and weaker from constant pressure and chemical exposure. Once an end cap begins to crack or chip, it’s best to replace the cartridge right away to prevent any broken pieces from circulating through the filter system and potentially causing equipment damage.

• Recycled pool water is already filtered and chemically treated as it re-enters the pool;

Furry fabric:

• Environmentally friendly as less water is the being discharged into the sewer;

Cartridges are generally made of polyester that eventually wears out. A common sign they’re getting old is when the material starts to look “furry”, which is caused by the tiny fibres tearing apart and standing upright. Small tears or microscopic holes will eventually turn into one giant rip, so it’s best to replace the cartridge before this happens.

Backwash Recyclers Australia’s system collects and recycles all pool backwash water that would otherwise be completely discharged to the sewer. Installation is easy as the system can be quickly installed during pool construction or retrofitted to already existing pool sanitation equipment.

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Source: Swimart

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The ultimate in convenience – an automated security cover. Image: Sunbather

The increasing convenience of

pool covers

ool covers have become an essential part of swimming pool ownership – attesting not only to the role they play in reducing water and chemical loss through evaporation, but also heat retention and keeping leaves, insect and dirt out of the water. However, none of these benefits can be realised if the cover is not used. So how can consumers become more inclined to use them? There are a number of ideas to make them even more convenient and maximise their utility. Anthony Lestani, Sunbather’s national sales and marketing manager, says that one thing to consider is the shape of the pool. “While some freeform pools can look fantastic, consideration at pool design stage should be given to the pool use requirements. If the pool owner is seeking to swim regularly and deep into the season or all year, then they will want a pool heater. If they are using a pool heater and are seeking to minimise running costs and heat loss, then a pool cover is essential. Straight edged/geometrically shaped pools will provide far less bottlenecks/issues for the pool owner than a freeform pool,” says Lestani. He says that after the pool design has been agreed, the most convenient and easy-to-use cover is a fully automatic hard cover such as Sunbather’s CVX cover. “For a pool cover to be fully automatic it will need to be made from a hard material so the cover can be automatically pushed onto the pool and pulled off the pool with a motorised roller,” he says. “Apart from being the easiest to use, these covers also provide superior heat retention, are hidden away when off the pool and can be used as a security cover to prevent anyone or animals from accessing the pool while the cover is on.”

Sunbather’s Downunder roller system with a thermal cover

He says the next easiest to use is a motorised roller with a soft cover, such as a bubble or thermal cover. “These are what we would call semi-automatic systems,” he says. This is because while they will automatically retract the cover off the pool, they will only assist the cover going on the pool – that is, they require manual handling to pull the cover back on the pool. The least convenient are fully manual bubble or thermal covers, but choosing the right roller can help. “Small tube rollers with inadequate frames and with no way of preventing them from moving when in use all contribute to a poor experience,” says Lestani. He recommends strong stainless frame and large diameter tubes to prevent them from sagging, which is

“The most convenient and easy-to-use cover is a fully automatic hard cover.”

June/July 2021 SPLASH! 47

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Daisy’s Under Bench roller system hides the cover, and offers seating as well

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called deflection, and where applicable lockable castors or drop bolts to prevent any movement. Hidden rollers, like their Downunder range, also make the pool covers more convenient and at the same time make the poolscapes much more attractive. “While there has been a real shift to the adoption of pool covers due to their obvious benefits,” says Lestani, “the pool roller, up until now, has been intrusive and cumbersome around the pool. By hiding the roller underground (and hiding the cover when not in use), pool owners can enjoy all the benefits of a pool cover without an aboveground roller taking up space and detracting from the pools aesthetically pleasing surrounds.” Lestani also offers advice for cover longevity. “While putting a pool cover on the pool is always recommended as it will save on evaporation, heat loss and chemical loss, it’s important the pool owner or service tech ensures the cover is taken off the pool when chemicals are being added, and it is critical the chlorine levels do not increase to a high level and remain high for extended periods of time,” he says. “Regardless of the cover type, high chlorine levels will cause premature damage to the cover, which can be so easily avoided.”

Going underground

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Derek Prince from Daisy Pool Covers agrees about the benefits of putting the cover underground. “There are now a variety of roller and storage systems that can be used to make using the pool cover easy,” says Prince. “From the Below Ground Box solution whereby the cover is hidden underground and has a simple handle to wind the cover up, or the Under Bench Rollers that offer poolside seating as well. There are also the standard roller systems that give the user a simple and safe way to remove and store the cover off the pool.” He also agrees that rectangular or geometric shapes are easier for pool owners who have a cover. However, other more awkwardly shaped pools – or those with intrusive landscaping that can prevent the ease of deploying and returning the cover – can cover the majority of the pool, and omit the hard-to-reach places. “It is better to have most of the pool covered and get most of the benefits, instead of covering all the pool but making it too hard to operate so it does not get used as much.

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Pool covers can also be enclosed in a custom box system. Image: Supreme

The Future of Water Testing A convenient automated Remco Swimroll cover

“By speaking to your local pool cover expert you can generally get good advice on making each installation work as easily as possible,” he says.

Keeping warm with a blanket

Colin Mauger from Supreme Heating says that pool blankets can be a vital way retain heat in your swimming pool. “Blankets allow customers to use their pool at their desired set temperature and maintain that heat year-round. Not only that, the covers minimise pool maintenance, conserve water, and lower ongoing operating costs. The operational costs to run a heat pump are nearly three times the cost compared to a pool with a blanket,” Mauger says. He says that blankets reduce evaporation heat loss by up to 75 per cent, saving money on heating bills as well as valuable energy sources. Supreme Heating are re-launching their Australian-made Heatseeker Diamond Pool Cover, enhancing the convenience for the end-users in the design. “The diamond shape maximises the blanket space and the insulation value,” he says. “Additionally the Space Age cover will be reintroduced, featuring a silver/aluminium heat shield that allows the collection of heat from the sun’s rays, reflecting otherwise lost heat back into the pool.”

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He says their easy-to-use roll-away system comes with a wheel, handle, and brake to ensure the cover is easy to wind on and off. “The heavy-duty castor wheels allow for full mobility and the ease to store away from the pool if necessary.”

In the cooler months

Mauger also says that pool covers help homeowners use their pools more often while lowering their operating costs. “Operating costs, in the colder months, can be expected to be higher. There are chemical costs, ongoing costs of the clients’ chosen heating solution (whether that be gas or a heat pump) as well as cleaning. A pool blanket lowers these costs significantly as it maintains the pool’s chemical balance and retains heat. Meaning the starting temperature is higher and closer to its set temperature. Also, debris commonly found in pools such as dirt, leaves and insects are minimised, reducing maintenance.” Derek Prince agrees that pool covers help keep the pool cleaner during winter, especially the specialty designed mesh style covers that allow the water to pass through the cover but stop the dust and debris from entering the pool. “All pool covers still work as normal during the off season, for those that swim all year round with the aid of heating, a pool cover is an absolute must to retain the heat and reduce energy while maintaining the chemicals in the pool. “A note for winter use of pool covers is to remove them once a month to help the water ‘breathe’,” he says. n

Contacts:

Daisy: www.daisypoolcovers.com.au Sunbather: www.sunbather.com.au Remco: www.remco.com.au Supreme: www.supremeheating.com.au

Daisy’s Below Ground system 50 SPLASH! June/July 2021

Chlorine levels with pool covers Below, Simon Boadle, founder of Sunbather, has offered his thoughts on chlorine levels in pools that use pool covers. Pool covers of all types are becoming increasingly popular throughout Australia. This is due to the ever-rising costs of pool heating, increasing concern about water evaporation and the cover’s ability to reduce general pool maintenance for the average family. However, using a pool cover does require a greater level of care when it comes to operating the pool’s sanitising system as the chlorine demand for a covered pool is much lower than an uncovered pool. If the cover is left on the majority of the time, then chlorine demand can be reduced by as much as 90 per cent. This is because a quality opaque cover seals the water surface and has the effect of converting your pool into a fully enclosed water tank Industry water quality advice found in the Australian Standard AS 3633, State Health Department articles and SPASA general pool industry articles are targeted at public aquatic amenities that cope with heavy bather loads while maintaining a high level of swimmer protection against water borne disease and contamination. There is not one authoritative article that addresses the effect of using a pool cover on pool sanitisation. To apply the same levels of sanitisation recommended for public pools to an average domestic pool can very quickly result in dangerous levels of over chlorination and corrosive water quality if a pool cover is in regular use. As the number of pool covers grow, our service departments are seeing an increasing number of seriously over-chlorinated pools. Winter is the time when most pools are not used but pumps and unregulated chlorinators remain on summer settings. If covers are left permanently on the pool during these conditions their useful service life will be greatly reduced by the poor water quality. Sunbather believes the solution is to install a sanitising system that self-adjusts when the pool cover is either on or off the pool. An ORP controlled sanitising system is a good example for this purpose, as it continually measures and adjusts the sanitiser levels throughout the day. Pool covers are obviously here to stay, and it is most important that the Australian pool industry keeps its high reputation by providing pool owners with correct advice on how to maximise the benefits of pool covers while maintaining safe and healthy water quality.

Dealing with employees? Use People Matters Advice. The industry-leading HR Consulting service Included as part of your SPASA Australia membership. Become a SPASA Australia member today for immediate access to exclusive member benefits. Join now at www.spasa.com.au/industry-info/join-spasa-australia

Get help with your employee problems SPASA Australia are excited to announce that one of our great member benefits has just been renewed - People Matters Advice. People Matters Advice is an on-call HR consulting service that provides you with expert advice via phone and email on everything to do with HR, Workcover and Workplace Safety & Wellbeing. Brought to you by SPASA Australia’s preferred insurance supplier, AB Phillips; People Matters Advice is the affordable, efficient way to handle employee problems. Lindsay McGrath, SPASA Australia CEO feels that the renewal of this agreement and the increase in the scope of the service is a great step forward for SPASA members. “In the last few years, more and more of our members have been asking for assistance with the complicated area of handling employees and minimising the risks around being an employer. It’s why we’ve renegotiated our partnership agreement with AB Phillips to include their industry-leading HR consulting service, with the three core elements of HR, Workcover and Workplace Safety & Wellbeing as part of our membership benefits package.” If you’re a SPASA Australia member and you’re struggling with employee problems or simply looking for guidance on something to do with HR, Workcover or Workplace Safety & Wellbeing, contact the People Matters Advice team and get the advice you need.

abphillips.com.au www.abphillips.com.au

REGIS Largest pool & spa show SCAN ME

Free expo 30% larger than 2018 & free education seminars on show floor

Commercial Pool Technician Program

Women In Industry (WAVES Breakfast), speaker Brooke Hanson

Sea World Back of House Tour

SPLASH! Golf Day at Royal Pines Resort

ALFAQ Aquatic Manager’s Conference

SPASA Awards of Excellence

Australian Swim Schools Conference

TER NOW in the world in the past year!

www.splashexpo.com.au

WORLD’S LARGEST POOL AND SPA EXPO 2021 has three new features: INNOVATION

HEALTH AND WELLNESS BENEFITS OF SWIMMING

GROWTH IN SEMI COMMERCIAL POOLS

SPLASH! Week will include a full seminar program and a host of ancillary events. The expo will be held in conjunction with the Australian Swim Schools Association annual conference and the Australian Leisure Facilities Association Queensland conference, offering all aspects of the aquatic industry under the one roof. The expo will be 30% larger than the previous event, which was the first SPLASH! under SPASA Australia ownership and the show continues to grow and develop. This August will see 150 exhibitors and it is set to be the biggest aquatic event in the world since covid-19.

WOMEN IN INDUSTRY (WAVES Breakfast)

SPLASH! GOLF DAY Tuesday 24 August 12:00pm - 5.30pm RACV Royal Pines Resort A great way to ease into a fantastic week of pool & spa industry events. A bus will depart from the Convention centre at 11:30am. RACV Royal Pines Resort is a golfer’s dream and the home of championship golf in Queensland. The course is proudly home to the Australian PGA Championship and the RACV Australian Ladies Masters. Three distinct 9 hole layouts inspire, motivate and challenge the very best in golfers. The Golf Course has also recently been nominated ‘Australia’s Best Golf Hotel 2017’ by the World Golf Awards.

Join other women for breakfast on Wednesday 25 August at 7.30am and listen to leaders in the industry talk about their success and strategies, including special guest speaker, swimming star and Olympic gold medallist Brooke Hanson (OAM). Brooke will address the Women Attaining Vision, Excellence and Success (WAVES) forum with her motivational topic Striving for Excellence, whilst Striving for Balance. This session is part of the Success module of the 2021 RISE (Resilience, Influence, Success & Empowerment) program, she will provide tips for juggling the daily pressures of a full workload.

Bond with your team and bring your clients along for an opportunity to win prizes and establish yourself as the Pool & Spa industries best golfer!

2021 SPASA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE: Thursday 26 August The SPASA Awards of Excellence are the swimming pool and spa industry’s most prestigious awards, attracting entries from every region in Australia and showcasing achievements in construction, design, manufacturing, supply, products, retail and service. The annual awards acknowledge the best, boldest and most creative in the swimming pool and spa industry. Regional winners from across the country compete for Australia’s top prize of national winner in each category: the ultimate recognition as leaders in their field.

SPASA SPEAKER SESSIONS There will be a stellar line up of speakers headed by Brooke Hanson with her key speaker session; ‘When silver is gold – believing, succeeding and achieving’.

SEA WORLD BACK OF HOUSE TOUR Will be held Thursday 26 August 9.30am. The back of house tour of Sea World will involve a talk from the technicians regulating the aquatic environments for sharks and mammal enclosures. Some interesting insights into the type of plant equipment used and maintenance involved in comparing the two environments. Places are limited to 30 people, book early so you don’t miss out!

Topics include: • a health and • people from wellness panel problem to profit • spa suction and • hydraulics skimmer safety • tactical • water marketing chemistry 101 techniques….. • climate care - and much more the next crisis – check the website for full program and speaker details.

Brooke Hanson

Keynote Speaker - Women In Industry Breakfast

Check website for details www.splashexpo.com.au or for any enquiries

Visit the Following Exhibitors – Showcasing the Best New Products For the Industry 3D Stone A T Fluid management AB Phillips ABGAL LINERS + COVERS AIS Water Albatross Pools AQUA Idea Aqua -Quip Aquarius Technologies Aquea Ascon Pools Australian Energy Systems Australian Plunge Pool (APP) Australian Spa Covers Autopool BIOLAB Australia | Dryden Aqua Bisazza Australia Blue Glass Pebble Company Boss Solar Brauer Industries Building Approvals & Advice (BA & A) Cirralto Business Services ClearWater Acrylics (Aloha Pools) Compass Pools | The Little Pool Co Conductor Hub Cooke Industies Dab Daisy Pool Covers Davey Water Products Designer Beadcrete Driclad Pool Technology Eco Solar Pool Heating Australia | Real Aussie Pools Elite Pool Covers Everhard Industries EvoHeat

Owned By

Platinum Sponsor

Evolution Water and Lighting Evolve Group Fastlane Pools Fluidra Australia Focus Products Hanna Instruments Haolide (Cadiston Pool Equipment) Hayward Heliocol Pool Heating Hi Tech Pacific Hotspring Spas Australasia INSNRG International Quadratics Jewels for pools Just Spas (Spa Industries Global) La Motte Pacific Pty. Ltd. Life Floor Lincoln Pool Equipment Luxapool Maytronics Naked Pools Narellan Pools Neptune Benson Nymet Innovations (Splash Me Controllers) Pacific Pool Products Australia | SIP Topology PAL Lightning Palintest Pentair Phoenix Oceania Plunge Pool Company Pool Controls Pool Pro Pool Ranger Pool Service Solutions | Riptide Pool Vac Pool Systems Pool Water Products

Media Partner

Gold Sponsors

Pool Werx Poolpower Australia Professional Certification Group Prominent Fluid Controls Reece Remco Australia Rheem Thermal River Sands | Quartzon Robo-Tek International Select Chemicals Ltd Skimmer Lids Pty Ltd Sky Pebble Smart Pool Products (spaNet) Spa - Craft Spa King Blower Co SPASA SPATEX SR Smith Sterns Pools Structerre Consulting Sunbather Sunline Australia Sunlover Heating Pty Ltd Supreme Heating Swimart Swimplex Aquatics TBWS Aquatic | Pulsar The Acoustic Box The Pool Tile Company Unicum Transmission De Puissance | Soprefa Waterblade Waterco Limited Waterlilly Australia | Hychlor Waterlink (Commercial Pool Systems) Watermaid

*Correct at the time of printing

Organised By

Silver Sponsor

about the event, please call 1300 789 845 or email info@interpoint.com.au

commercial news

Swim schools

Commercial News Ancient sharks helps propel athletes on their Paralympic journey �� 58 Gold Coast to get Endless Surf park �� 59 Swim academy trials new disinfection technology in quest for excellence �� 61

Belgravia Group’s purchase in 2019 after Campbell’s assets were frozen prevented the network from collapsing

Federal Court orders Jump Loops to pay $23 million in compensation to franchisees

n a judgment handed down on May 19, in proceedings brought by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the Federal Court ordered that Jump Loops pay $23 million in compensation to its deceived franchisees. The Federal Court declared, by consent, that the franchisor Jump Loops Pty Ltd (in liquidation) ( Jump Swim) falsely represented to 174 franchisees that they would have an operational swim school within 12 months of signing a franchise agreement. Most of those franchisees never received an operational swim school. The founder and former managing director of Jump Swim, Ian Michael Campbell, was also ordered by the Court to pay $500,000 in compensation and to pay a penalty of $400,000. The court made orders restraining Campbell from being involved in carrying on a business as or of a franchisor in Australia for three years and from making representations about timeframes or wrongly accepting payment relating to a franchise for a period of five years. The court found he had been knowingly concerned in Jump Swim’s contraventions, being the false and misleading representations made to franchisees who had signed up to operate a swim school, and wrongful acceptance of payments from franchisees.

“We all just want to move forward from this and get on with the work of teaching thousands of kids across the country life-saving swimming skills.” Jump! Swim Schools welcomes ruling

Belgravia Group purchased the franchise rights for more than 60 Jump! Swim Schools in the second half of 2019, preventing the network from collapsing after then owner Ian Campbell’s assets were frozen in connection with an ACCC action alleging he misled over 90 franchisees by failing to deliver their fit-outs. Jump! Swim Schools current CEO Mark Collins says he is happy there was finally some justice for those affected by the irresponsible actions of the former franchisor owner and says they will continue to fight for more compensation for those impacted. “We all just want to move forward from this and get on with the work of teaching thousands of kids across the country life-saving swimming skills,” says Collins. “There are a group of very hard-working and dedicated franchisees who make up the Jump! Swim Schools network across Australia, and they are very keen to put this behind them, as are we. “It’s important though that there is justice and we maximise compensation for those who were most impacted by negligence and deception under the previous ownership.” Collins says he and his team have assisted throughout the legal process to-date and remained committed to helping where they can. 56 SPLASH! June/July 2021

commercial news

“We are still working with the affected group to help fund other avenues of legal recourse to obtain further settlements for them, if possible.” Since taking over the network, Belgravia Group has opened five sites and has another four in development. “Jump! Swim Schools today is thriving with enrolments increasing 27 per cent throughout 2020, despite the impact of lockdowns. Most of our schools are at capacity, which is a fantastic position for our franchisees to be in,” says Collins.

“We are still working with the affected group to help fund other avenues of legal recourse.” Compensation

ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh says they took this action to help franchisees achieve some compensation and to seek orders preventing Campbell and Jump Swim from signing up further franchisees to Jump Swim or another future franchise. “Mr Campbell has been ordered not to be involved in a franchise for three years. Unfortunately, because the companies have been put into liquidation, many franchisees are unlikely to be ever fully compensated for their loss, and the corporate penalties are unlikely to be paid. However, we consider the penalties ordered by the Court send a strong deterrence message.” Additionally, the compensation order made against Campbell means that 131 franchisees will be eligible for some partial compensation for the loss they suffered. “Unfortunately despite the ACCC seeking freezing orders shortly after becoming aware of the conduct, the money paid by franchisees had already been largely dissipated,” Keogh says. The ACCC will attempt to contact all qualifying franchisees at their last known mail or email address, through the Australian Government Solicitor. Franchisees are not obliged to participate in the compensation scheme.

Background

Jump Loops Pty Ltd was an Australian-based franchisor that sold franchises to those wishing to operate their own Jump Swim School to supply learn-to-swim services. On 17 June 2019, the ACCC instituted court proceedings against Jump Loops Pty Ltd and its parent company Swim Loops Holdings Pty Ltd, and its director, Mr Ian Michael Campbell. On 7 June 2019, the ACCC obtained a Federal Court order freezing the assets of the companies associated with Jump Swim Schools and Mr Campbell to ensure some assets remained available to compensate franchisees. In July 2019, the Court separately ordered that Jump Loops Pty Ltd and Swim Loops Holdings Pty Ltd be wound up as insolvent and liquidated. On 21 December 2020, the ACCC discontinued proceedings against Swim Loops Holdings (in liquidation) with the leave of the court, to enable a swifter resolution of the enforcement proceedings against Jump Swim and Mr Campbell.

“Unfortunately despite the ACCC seeking freezing orders shortly after becoming aware of the conduct, the money paid by franchisees had already been largely dissipated.” June/July 2021 SPLASH! 57 Climate Care h=270mm x w=90mm.indd 2

30/04/2021 2:43 PM

commercial news

Competition

Ancient sharks help propel athletes on their Paralympic journey

peedo has unveiled its exclusive aquatic sports uniform range for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic and Olympic Games. Paralympians Ellie Cole, Brenden Hall, Tiffany Thomas Kane, along with Kiera Stephens and Col Pearse aiming for their first Paralympics this year, joined a host of able-bodied athletes from across all aquatic sports disciplines at the launch in Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. The pool competition wear features the latest tech race suits – Fastskin Pure Intent and Fastskin Pure Valor, both designed to combine 20 years of pioneering performance with innovative new technologies and new fabrics to make the ideal suit for every type of competitive aquatics athlete. Speedo says the suits mimic how sharks and other fish reduce drag when they swim, saying they have not only looked at the skin features of existing fish, but also at the ancestors of modern day sharks, in concert with the Natural History Museum in London. According to Speedo, Fastskin Pure Intent is designed around a deeper understanding of hydrodynamics and the biomechanics of swimming, with its flexible zoned compression, giving the swimmer a wider range of motion in the legs and making it easier to put on and more comfortable to wear. These include three new fabrics which directly target flexibility, compression and drag reduction in the areas that need it. Speedo says the Fastskin Pure Valor is their most lightweight technical swimsuit and features moderate compression along with bonded seams for comfort and speed.

From left to right: Brenden Hall, Keira Stephens, Ellie Cole, Col Pearse and Tiffany Thomas Kane. Image Credit: Paralympics Australia

In Brief Excavation equipment is moving onto the site of Parramatta’s stateof-the-art aquatic and leisure centre where work will commence on the removal of dirt for the 40,000 square metre facility. Expected to be completed in early 2023, Parramatta City is investing an extra $11.6 million on top of its initial commitment of $38.5 million to future-proof the facility for Parramatta’s rapid growth in population. The project is being co-funded by the NSW Government, which is investing $38.5 million from the Restart NSW Fund. The Otago Times reports a petition has been raised by one of Christchurch’s most iconic swimming clubs, the Wharenui Amateur Swim Club which was founded in 1911 to celebrate the coronation of King George V. Thousands of people have signed a petition to stop Christchurch City Council decommissioning the Wharenui swimming pool once the Parakiore Metro Sports Facility and Hornby Pool open in the next two years. Wharenui Swim Club president Chris Averill believes the benefits of the pool far outweigh any financial savings the city council may get from closing it, as they’ve had 22,000 people use the pool in February alone and visitation has been increasing over the past two years. Additionally, they’ve had more Olympians than any other club. Averill disputes the city council forecast that it would cost about $700,000 per year over the next decade to maintain the pool.

58 SPLASH! June/July 2021

Mildura Rural City Council is starting urgent repairs and upgrades to the 82-year-old Red Cliffs Swimming Pool to address major structural issues which could threaten the pool’s operation. It is the oldest of the council’s eight swimming pools and in need of most attention: the pool shell is in poor condition and at the end of its life, leading to excess water usage and structural problems. The following works are taking place: renewal of all pool decks; renewal and upgrade of the hydraulic system for the main pool and toddlers pool; structural and access upgrades to the main pool and toddlers pool; reinstatement of both pool shells. Once completed, the upgrades will reduce maintenance costs to the pool shell by 60 per cent, and water usage by 30 per cent. They will also ensure the pool is able to service the community into the future. This pool was also erected to commemorate King George V, who died in January 1936. Derek Harbison, formerly of SmartConsult, has launched a new venture. Negawatt Projects aims to assist councils and private businesses to transition to renewable energy powered systems. A “negawatt” is a term used to describe energy that is saved and not used. He will provide education, analysis and research to build cases for the transition, saying that data is key to these conversations. The Negawatt website has useful resources that will be added to regularly. Contact: www.negawattprojects.com.au.

commercial news

Australian Paralympic team chef de mission Kate McLoughlin says the Paralympic swimwear also incorporates a unique indigenous design, The Journey. “It depicts the genesis of the Paralympic family and how far we’ve all come together. I know it will be worn with pride,” she says. “I am very excited to be able to share it and of course, we are incredibly proud to be able to showcase this uniform on the global stage later this year.”

Waterparks

Why should you be getting

Naked

for your clients?

Gold Coast to get Endless Surf park

he Club at Parkwood Village, Gold Coast, Queensland, is planning to add an Endless Surf wave pool to its burgeoning sports and entertainment precinct. Parkwood serves the local resident community of more than 500,000 with a mix of sport and family activities from dining to golf and trampolining. As a hub for high performance sport, it is also the training centre of the Gold Coast Titans NRL team. Parkwood plans to add a $200 million mixed-use development bringing the community expanded hospitality, medical and commercial services, a new 200-bed hotel as well as residential apartments. At the centre of the development will be a showpiece Endless Surf pool, offering fun, exercise and a stunning view for the community. Luke Altschwager, managing director and founder of Parkwood says Australians love surfing and this technology that can create customised repeatable waves will revolutionise the sport. “I want to make sure Parkwood becomes the heart of the sport here on the Gold Coast. Not only is a world class surf pool a perfect fit for our active community, it anchors a whole new level of economic investment in the area.” Endless Surf is made by Canada-based aquatic entertainment provider WhiteWater. “Endless Surf represents the most cutting-edge surf technology today, offering an authentic vibe in an attractive and welcoming setting, while providing great, flexible waves for all types of surfers – which is why we’ve chosen Endless Surf,” he says. “Plus it is a family run company with an approach to business much like ours, driven by a sense of purpose to provide the very best experiences that enhance lives.” Parkwood anticipates the project will be complete in 2023. The Parkwood Village installation is expected to be completed in 2023

PURE & SIMPLE

The NKD-R Freshwater System

• The solution for environmentally conscious clients or those who just cannot tolerate chlorine. • Water so similar to the household tap can be recycled to the garden and holding tanks. • Set and forget installation with 80% less salt makes startup a breeze. • Customer support for your clients after handover, seven days a week via phone, online and app.

1800 625 331

www.naked-pools.com www.naked-pools.com June/July 2021 SPLASH! 59

PHOENIX OCEANIA IS HERE. Oceanix Water Tech Pool Equipment Phoenix Blue Pool & Spa Chemicals Great Products & Personal Service

FIND

OUT MORE

Visit us at stand 188 at SPLASH! Trade Show

www.phoenixoceania.com.au info@phoenixoceania.com.au 02 8924 1526

commercial feature

In the quest for excellence, Somerset Swim Academy trials

new disinfection technology

By lowering phosphate levels and eliminating algae blooms, water quality has improved

orrest Butcher is the head swim coach – and a former alumni – at the prestigious Gold Coast independent school, Somerset College. The college has been home to the wellregarded Somerset Swimming Academy since 1998, with two heated indoor learn-to-swim pools and a heated outdoor 10 lane 50 metre Olympic Pool. The academy caters for all ages from as young as six months right up to Olympic level athletes. It has been home to a number of Olympic swimmers who swim out of the club, trained by the Somerset coaches which include high performance coach and triple Olympian Ashley Callus OAM. Under Butcher the swimming academy is becoming force in the Gold Coast, Queensland and national arenas – and is even recognised internationally, as Somerset College was an official training camp venue for Canadian athletes competing at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. As part of his quest to develop champions of the future, he has also been on a years-long mission to replace traditional chloramine management with a healthier, more reliable solution. In light of this, the college has been trialling a new water treatment technology. Oxi Swim was developed by Waterco’s Nick Briscoe, who had previously invented Hydroxypure. He says Oxi Swim is a breakthrough in water treatment technology as it combines electrolysis with hydrogen peroxide to form a bacterial killing weapon – creating an oxygen-rich swimming

environment that is highly efficient in neutralising pathogens. “Oxi Swim takes sequential disinfection to the next level with multiple layers of pathogen deactivation taking place to ensure the ultimate protection for swimmers at all times,” he says. “The system also produces a long-lasting residual effect, so swimmers are protected even when it is not running.” He says it also prevents biofilms from flourishing, a first for prime disinfection, helping reduce sanitiser demands and improving water quality.

Furthermore, he says Oxi Swim’s flexible system helps cut operating expenses for commercial pools that close during school holidays or Christmas, significantly reducing their chemical costs.

“It has created a much more enticing environment for staff and swimmers to be in — there’s no acrid smell in the air and the water no longer irritates skin.”

Forrest Butcher supervising training at the Somerset Swim Academy June/July 2021 SPLASH! 61

commercial feature

“Running alternative sanitisers from time to time also prevents pathogens building resistance to the sanitiser used most often in the pool.”

Somerset Swimming Academy

Butcher says that chloramines are significantly more corrosive than chlorine and had caused some surfaces to rust at the college’s pools. “We also had swimmers who reacted to the chlorine — some with sensitive skin conditions who wouldn’t go in our indoor or outdoor pools. Also, the smell and side effects of an enclosed chlorinated environment had become a major issue, not just for our swim students and staff but also for the environment.” Somerset introduced Oxi Swim initially to their 14-metre 100,000-litre indoor pool in 2019. “Oxi Swim is a non-chlorine-based pool disinfection system which provides a safe and pleasant swimming environment without the harsh side effects of chlorine (chloramines),” he says. There are now two Somerset College swimming pools sanitised by Oxi Swim: a 50,000-litre infant pool and the 100,000-litre learn-to-swim pool.

R E W O L URIAL B lower

Bop Charged Spa B

ecial m our Sp eration o fr r e w Lo installed Spa Blo olute silence of op or abs Ground ivision...f D s t c je Pro

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62 SPLASH! June/July 2021

ABOVE: The staff have particularly noticed the improved water quality, as they are in it much more than the students LEFT: Nick Briscoe with the Oxi Swim system at Somerset College

WORLD CLASS

SPA

BLOWERS

www.spakingblowerco.com.au

commercial feature

“It has created a much more enticing environment for staff and swimmers to be in — there’s no acrid smell in the air and the water no longer irritates skin — without the potential harsh side effects that come when chloramines are present. This has been especially noticed by the staff who are in the water much more than the swimmers,” says Butcher. In addition to providing more comfortable swimming conditions, the system has also eliminated the products and processes needed to reduce chloramines, which he says had been time consuming and costly. Oxi Swim underwent strict testing at Somerset College before being approved by Gold Coast Council in 2019 for use in commercial swimming pools. Briscoe regards this as a huge achievement. “Most alternative sanitisation systems fail to get approval because very few meet all statutory requirements.” Briscoe says the system can be retrofitted to any existing salt chlorination system and converted to freshwater bathing at any time. n Contact: www.somerset.qld.edu.au; www.waterco.com.au

A schematic of the system

June/July 2021 SPLASH! 63

new products

ProSolar for the professional installer

ProSolar strip solar pool heating is new from Boss Solar, designed for the professional solar pool heating installer. It is a traditional single material PVCn profile, providing great UV resistance, chemical resistance and thermal conductivity. Boss Solar says the new ProSolar product is certified by the Solar Rating & Certification Corporation (SRCC) – an independent international certifier. This means that ProSolar has proven heating performance, proven durability and proven heating efficiency. They also say that ProSolar provides many competitive selling advantages while also being easy to install – making it the ideal choice for professional solar installers. Contact: www.bosssolar.com.au

Daisy gets new robotic cover cutter

Daisy now has a brand new pre-cut machine installed in the Daisy WA Factory. This allows pre-cut covers to be robotically cut and delivered on the West Coast, matching the speedy East Coast delivery service. Pre-cut covers can be ordered and made when the customer knows their fibreglass pool builder and pool size/name. They save time in double handling and provide a perfect fit. The installer can install the cover onto the roller right after the pool is installed, even when there is no water in the pool. Contact: www.daisypoolcovers.com.au

64 SPLASH! June/July 2021

Come join us at the last TRUE distributor in the Pool Industry

RAINBOW POOL PRODUCTS PTY LTD

Where the service is!

Make the call today – 07 3849 5385 Our team is ready to welcome you!

new products

Beach party in the backyard

Freedom has released a new Beach Pool design which beautifully replicates the slope and aesthetic of relaxing at the beach, right in your own backyard. A table can be installed into the pool as can an umbrella to further the relaxation potential while also offering protection from the sun – and the umbrella stand even doubles as a fountain. The beach area is made from non-slip fibreglass, sand-coloured and gradated to blend into the deep blue of the pool. The pool comes in two sizes: 7.2m by 4m wide, and 8.2m by 4m wide. Contact: www.freedompools.com

Poolwerx joins with Maytronics to launch new robot

Aquawize is a collaboration between Poolwerx and Maytronics, and the first launch for the new brand is the AW4 – a wifi-enabled robotic cleaner. The simple-to-use mobile app allows users to pick from a variety of cleaning cycles, helping them better control their energy usage, as well as control it remotely. Poolwerx says the AW4 robot is suitable for most backyard pools, featuring four cleaning cycles, intuitive navigation and manoeuvrability to target debris in hard to reach areas. Its multi-layer filtration system acts as a second filter to keep the pool cleaner, while reducing stress on the pool’s pump. The new robot also comes with a caddy for storage when not in use, an 18-metre cable with swivel to reduce tangles and a two-year warranty. It is anticipated the Aquawize range will grow to include smart equipment and heating. Contact: www.poolwerx.com.au

The Perfect Solution: Daisy’s Below Ground Box and 525 Solar Pool Covers. BELOW GROUND BOX

525 SOLAR POOL COVER

Slimline lid opening

Easy, single person operation

Stop evaporation

Choice of colours

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5 year structural warranty Below ground box – small model now available

Warm your pool by up to 8°C

10 year pro rata warranty

Fitted flush to concrete or paving

AUSTRALIA’S FAV URITE.

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1300 55 18 11 • daisypoolcovers.com.au June/July 2021 SPLASH! 65

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Everhard Industries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 ________________________________________________________________

Evo Industries Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Company:

_______________________________________________________________

Evolution Water & Lighting Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Address: _________________________________________________________________

Fluidra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Suburb/Town: _______________________ Postcode: ______________________

Hayward Pool Products (Australia). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Ph:_______________________ Fax: _________________________________________ Email: ____________________________________________________________________

International Quadratics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Jewels4Pools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 La Motte Pacific. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Lincoln Pool Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Yes! I wish to receive SPLASH! magazine Within Australia * $AUD65.00 – 1 year, 6 issues $AUD104.00 – 2 years, 12 issues – Save 20% $AUD136.50 – 3 years, 18 issues – Save 30% * Prices quoted include GST

Overseas Rates New Zealand $AUD75.00 – 1 year, 6 issues Asia Pacific $AUD80.00 – 1 year, 6 issues All Other Countries $AUD90.00 – 1 year, 6 issues We are committed to handling your personal information in

Lo-Chlor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . address sheet Naked Pools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48, 59 Pentair Aquatic Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OBC Phoenix Oceania. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Pool-Water Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC Poolwerx Australia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Pool Site Quote. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Rainbow Pool Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37, 64 Remco Australia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Spa King Blowers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

accordance with the privacy act.

Spa-Craft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Please Select one of the following:

Spatex. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Yes

No - Please send me information about special

offers and or events from SPLASH! The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd ABN 94002583682 PO Box 55 Glebe NSW 2037. Fax back your subscription to: (+61) 2 8580 6312 www.intermedia.com.au or call 1800 651 422

Sunbather. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Supreme Heating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Swimart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Waterco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15, 57

66 SPLASH! June/July 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

TAKE THE CHILL OFF PREPARE YOUR POOL FOR COLDER WINTER TEMPERATURES At Pentair, we work to deliver smart, sustainable pool and spa solutions that create magical, wonder-filled moments by your pool. As we head into winter and freezing temps, speak to our team to learn about what steps to take for peace of mind to enjoy your pool for years to come.

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