Boasting an industry leading Coefficient of Performance of up to 20.
ADVANCED HEAT EXCHANGER
Optimises heat transfer efficiency, ensuring superior performance and energy savings.
TURBO HEAT MODE
Boosts the heating capacity, resulting in faster heat-up times & efficient heat recovery.
TURBO
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)
Managing Editor: Chris Maher
Phone: 0412 048 639
Email: chrismaher@intermedia.com.au
Contributors: Veda Dante
Brand Manager: Declan Gillard-Martin
Phone: 0404 725 554
Email: declan@spasa.com.au
Graphic Designer: Leanne Hogbin
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.
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.
editorial
The importance of meeting people face to face
In this increasingly digitally connected world, we seem to have lost something fundamental about our relationships with each other. Human contact.
Don’t get me wrong, there are many wonderful things about being able to reach out to family, friends, colleagues and customers wherever they may be, and have a very good virtual experience.
But you can’t shake hands. Can’t make real eye contact or read each other’s body language. And you can’t share a drink!
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.
Chris Maher Managing Editor chrismaher@ intermedia.com.au
That’s why, every now and again, we need to make the effort to go and see our family and friends in person; and also to meet likeminded people to discuss business and make deals, and see what’s happening in our industry.
One of those times comes around every two years on the Gold Coast, as the SPLASH! Trade Show opens its doors to the whole industry here in Australia and New Zealand, as well as to people from around the region and the world.
I meet literally hundreds of people over the two days of the show, and each one has some interesting information to impart, or something intriguing to show me. And most have a warm smile to offer as well! In fact, that’s one of the best things about the SPLASH! expo, catching up with people you’ve formed a bond with, or share common interests and knowledge with, and enjoying the mutual exchange of information and goodwill.
What more can you ask for?
And when you’re there, face to face on the exhibition floor, able to see and touch the offerings, deals may be done quickly and easily.
Have a look at page 50 onwards for the SPLASH! Product Showcase, where exhibitors have displayed some of the products you will find at the show. This is only a tiny, tiny sample of what is on offer, but hopefully it will whet your appetite.
Of course, SPLASH! is more than just the exhibition floor, there are seminars, third party conferences including the ASSA conference, meetings, breakfasts, workshops, drinks, the National Awards Gala and finally, when all is done, the After Party!
Make sure to register online to gain free entry to the show floor, and to book for other associated offerings.
See you there, with a smile!
The cover
The cover shows architect and builder Sarah Waller’s amazing acreage pool on the Sunshine Coast. There is more on this project on page 30. Photographer: Alyne Media
In Control
A complete pool and chemistry controller that includes pH monitoring and acid dosing, ORP control, temperature and salt measurements, for effortless pool balancing.
Wifi enabled with fully integrated app for control of schedules, modes and adjust set points.
Davey. Proudly Australian since 1934.
20 Let there be light
Veda Dante looks at some interesting developments in pool lighting, including new systems that can turn a swimming pool into a sea of twinkling stars.
30 Capitalising on acreage with a beautiful swimming pool
Sarah Waller walks us through some of the unique considerations that make pools on large rural and semi-rural sites so special, including her very own Sunshine Coast build.
38 2024 SPASA State Pool & Spa Awards of Excellence
We list the winners and highly commended projects, services, people, products and businesses from the States, setting the scene for the big National Awards Gala at SPLASH!
50 SPLASH! 2024 Product Showcase
A selection of products and services being presented at the 2024 SPLASH! Trade Expo, to whet appetites for the big event.
76 Bringing the European wellness experience to Mullum
The Banya is an immersive social, bathing and dining experience in the heart of the beautiful New South Wales northern rivers town of Mullumbimby. This project won the 2023 National Commercial Spa Award for Dynamic Pool Designs in 2023.
83 The hard road to Paris
Veda Dante looks at the inspiring story of Alexa Leary’s incredible journey to Paris following a horrendous bike accident, providing dramatic insight into what it takes to be a Paralympic swimmer.
Sponsorship
Poolwerx elevates Brisbane Heat commitment
Queensland-based national and international pool and spa maintenance network, Poolwerx, has again partnered with the Brisbane Heat – this time increasing its commitment to become one of their major sponsors.
The Poolwerx brand will feature on the front of the playing and training apparel for the Brisbane Heat teams in the Weber Women’s Big Bash League and KFC Big Bash League for the next two seasons, while also having major signage and activation rights at all Heat home games.
Brisbane Heat CEO Terry Svenson says the club will take a strong offfield sponsorship team into the coming summer.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Poolwerx as our new major partner,’’ he says.
“As a Queensland-born organisation performing on the national and international stage, and with a focus creating backyard memories, we see a great correlation to the Brisbane Heat and our purpose of bringing families together.
“Partnering with Poolwerx means we are well placed to deliver an outstanding result for the game in Queensland. This level of investment in the Heat helps us grow cricket in the community at a grass roots level and support our volunteers,” Svenson says.
Poolwerx CEO Nic Brill is enthusiastic about teaming up with the Heat for two more years.
“As two iconic Queensland brands, we share many of the same values making this partnership a natural fit,” he says.
Education
and memorable experiences for fans and franchise partners, both on and off the field.”
Poolwerx will continue to engage Brisbane Heat fans and clients through its Classic Catch competition over the summer, aligning perfectly with memorable moments in the backyard pool throughout the season.
Poolwerx was an Official Partner last summer, its first with the Heat, and has increased that commitment as one of the club’s most prominent sponsors.
The Brisbane Heat won last season’s BBL, beating the Sydney Sixers by 54 runs in the final.
Legends in the making with IRL Scholarship
Legend Products and Services recently hosted an annual trade night where industry members gathered to discuss advancements and opportunities in the field.
At the event, Legend partnered with IRLearning to highlight the importance of qualifications in the industry, particularly focusing on the Certificate IV in Swimming Pool and Spa Building, a certification that signifies proficiency and shows a dedication to mastering the intricacies of pool construction.
Legend managing director David Webber demonstrated his commitment to fostering talent by sponsoring a scholarship for the Certificate IV program.
Webber is dedicated to raising awareness around the pool building qualification and has committed to sponsoring the scholarship for the next three years. He is enthusiastic about promoting the educational pathway for aspiring pool builders and believes this initiative is an effective way to achieve that goal.
This generous initiative was awarded to Cooper Larkin, a deserving individual nominated by his employer, John Findlay of Just Add Water Pools Pty Ltd.
Findlay spoke highly of scholarship recipient Larkin, emphasising his exceptional dedication and curiosity in his work over the past seven years.
“Cooper has not only showcased his skills across a variety of challenging projects, including large-scale commercial and remote area installations, but also his leadership qualities among his peers,” he says.
“His proactive approach to learning and understanding the nuances of pool building has earned him the respect of colleagues who recognise his contributions far beyond his years.”
IRLearning general manager Wendy Donaldson says they were thrilled to support Larkin in his educational journey.
“This collaboration with Legend underscores our shared commitment to nurturing talent and ensuring that industry standards continue to grow higher,” she says.
“Cooper’s achievement serves as a testament to the value of ongoing education and professional development in the pool and spa building sector. His success not only highlights individual accomplishment but also sets a benchmark for aspiring pool builders looking to make their mark in the industry.”
Poolwerx now has front of men and women’s shirt rights, as well as signage and activation rights
Cooper Larkin receiving his scholarship, joined by Rachael Bambry IRLearning’s RTO manager, David Webber managing director of Legend Products & Services, his partner Rachael, and Cooper’s employer, John Findlay, owner of Just Add Water Pools
Rate of decline steadies at minus 15 per cent
The rate of decrease has held, as the available pool DA figures for the 12 months to June show that annual applications continued to be down by 15 percent nationally. South Australia is up by 118 per cent, while all other states are down: Queensland by 17 per cent, New South Wales by 12 per cent, Victoria by 18 per cent and Western Australia by three per cent.
The DA numbers over the most recent three months were down by 11 per cent nationally when compared to the same period last year. The April-June numbers from Cordell show Victoria up by 13 per cent and Western Australia up by four per cent, with all other states down: South Australia by 12 per cent, New South Wales by 16 per cent and Queensland by 25 per cent.
Daisy Pool Covers buys The Acoustic Box
Daisy Pool Covers has acquired The Acoustic Box, the Australian manufacturer of premium soundproofed pump and filter enclosures.
Daisy managing director Derek Prince says the strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to diversifying its product range and enhancing its trade offering.
“The acquisition of The Acoustic Box represents a natural progression as we continue to expand our footprint and explore new avenues for growth,” he says.
Both the Acoustic Box and Daisy Pool Covers are Australian-made products. The pump and filter soundproof enclosures are easy to install, protecting pool equipment while reducing noise by up to 80 per cent.
Prince says the companies' shared dedication to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction will see the integration deliver unparalleled value to existing and future customers.
“By combining our expertise in pool covers and rollers with The Acoustic Box’s reputation for excellence, we are poised to deliver even greater value while helping our trade customers sell more.”
He says that existing customers of The Acoustic Box can look forward to continued support and service, with the added benefit of access to Daisy Pool Covers’ extensive distribution network and industry-leading expertise.
Keep informed by subscribing to the free online newsletter.
Changing of the guard at SPASA’s Pool & Spa brand
Bree Bensley took over as manager of SPASA’s consumer brand, while Daena Bougoure-Latchford accepted a position with Davey Water.
Safety
Fluidra voluntarily recalls Zodiac Z400 MD model heat pumps
Fluidra is initiating a voluntary product safety recall on Zodiac Z400 MD model heat pumps, effective immediately in the interest of customer safety.
Fluidra has been engaging with the relevant product safety regulators and the product recall was announced on July 8, 2024.
To see the recall notice go to www.splash.online/articles/links155.
The following Zodiac Z400 heat pumps sold by Fluidra between 1st December 2018 and 31st October 2023 are affected:
MODEL PART NO
DESCRIPTION
1. WH000287 Z400 MD4 Aluminium Grey
2. WH000288 Z400 MD4 Beige Grey
3. WH000289 Z400 MD5 Aluminium Grey
4. WH000290 Z400 MD5 Beige Grey
5. WH000291 Z400 IQ MD7-ALU Grey-Wifi
6. WH000292 Z400 MD7 - Beige Grey
7. WH000295 Z400 IQ MD8-ALU Grey-Wifi
8. WH000299 Z400 IQ MD9-ALU Grey-Wifi
9. WH000348 Z400 IQ MD4 Grey-Wifi
10. WH000350 Z400 IQ MD5 Grey Wifi
11. WH000374 Z400 MD4 - Grey Wifi (Plug & P)
12. WH000382 Z400 IQ MD4-AG R32
13. WH000383 Z400 IQ MD5-AG R32
The Zodiac Z400 TD models are NOT affected by this recall.
More details of affected heaters can be accessed online at www.zodiac.com.au/productrecall.
Anita Begic, quality director for Fluidra APAC, says “The reason for the product recall is that the heat pump’s capacitor fails to disconnect from the circuit, which could lead to the unit catching fire. This poses a risk of serious injury, burns, or even death if the capacitor ignites. Additionally, there is a risk of serious property damage.”
Pool owners should stop using the heat pump immediately. Press and hold the ON/OFF button for 2 seconds to switch off, then disconnect the plug. If it is hardwired, turn off the isolator switch. Consumers should contact Fluidra to arrange for a technician to repair the heat pump at no cost.
Instructions on how to turn off the power are available at www.zodiac.com.au/ProductRecall.
Through the same website, a Booking Rework Registration Form is available for consumers to schedule the rework activity.
Assistance with this process is available through Fluidra’s dedicated Product Recall Information Team: Recall hotline: 1300 859 605 between 8.30 AM and 5.00 PM AEST, Monday to Friday
E-mail: au.recall@fluidra.com
Top five online news stories
The online stories that made the news over the past two months.
Maytronics launches Australian-made Mineral Swim V2
Maytronics Australia officially launched their Mineral Swim V2 as units came off their new production line at the Queensland head office.
SPASA farewells two longstanding executives SPLASH! brand and advertising manager David Stennett and SPASA COO Luke Daly left SPASA after seven years and six years respectively.
Fluidra voluntarily recalls Zodiac Z400 MD model heat pumps
Fluidra initiated a voluntary product safety recall on Zodiac Z400 MD model heat pumps, effective immediately in the interest of customer safety.
Community pool fined over Year 2 student drowning
A community pool’s management and the education department were fined a total of $180k over the drowning of an eight-year-old boy.
Zodiac Z400 MD model heat pump
Upcoming events
2024
Aug 15-18 LIWA Conference, Perth
Aug 20-22
Aug 20
Aug 21
Australian Swim Schools Association National Conference, Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre
SPLASH! Golf Day, Gold Coast
WAVES Breakfast at SPLASH!, Gold Coast
Aug 21-22 SPLASH! Trade Expo, Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre
Aug 21 IRL Workshop, Gold Coast
Aug 21
SPLASH! Industry Drinks, Gold Coast
Aug 21 SPLASH! CEO Lunch, Gold Coast
Aug 21 SPASA National Awards Gala Evening at SPLASH!, Gold Coast
Aug 22 SPLASH! After Party, Gold Coast
Aug 22 Master Pool Builders Forum, Gold Coast
Aug 23-25
Melbourne Home Show
Sep 18-20 ARV Metro Conference, Melbourne
Sep 20-22 Swimcon SCTA Conference, Caloundra
Sep 27-29 Brisbane Home Show
Oct 18-20 Sydney Home Show
Oct 22 Master Pool Builders Meeting, Melbourne
Nov19-22 Piscine Global, Lyon France
2025
Jan30-Feb1 Aquafun-Atrax, Istanbul, Türkiye
SPLASH! After Party
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.
Theron Vassiliou wins Jim’s Franchisee of the Year for the second time
Theron Vassiliou of Jim’s Pool Care Balwyn has won Jim’s National 2023 Franchisee of the Year Award. This is his second time winning the award despite only being a franchisee for four years.
Before entering the industry, Vassiliou had been looking at various businesses to invest in – but hadn’t initially considered the pool industry.
“The idea was first suggested by my pool builder who told me a bit about the market,” he says.
After carrying out research he decided that being a retail franchisee with Jim’s was a good fit for him, given the level of autonomy while still being backed by support, training and the brand.
“New clients came in hard and fast from day one, and I was able to build the business to a sustainable level quickly,” he says.
“It’s enjoyable work and the rewards are tangible. Providing solutions for clients is satisfying and it’s often not hard to make a difference to the way pools operate to make them healthier and better looking. Working outdoors is so much better than sitting at desk or in an air-conditioned office – and healthier. And knowing that it’s my business – that every hour spent benefits my business – is a great motivator too.”
Vassiliou says he loves the freedom.
“I’ve done corporate, I’ve had responsibility for people. Now I start work when I want, work where I want, with who I want, and for as long as I want. When you love what you do, it really doesn’t feel like work.”
He says the most important skills for the job are technical knowledge to do with pool water chemistry, plumbing and equipment, all of which are taught and the training is ongoing.
“Other important skills are being able to communicate with clients and suppliers, and having a natural curiosity to understand how equipment works and to diagnose solutions to problems,” he says.
“There are few businesses with opportunities like the pool industry – if you have the drive and desire to succeed, you will!”
Contact: www.jimspoolcarefranchise.com.au Industry
Industry moves
New faces for Poolside North Shore
New Zealand’s Poolside North Shore has welcomed two new members to their team.
Michael Snook has joined as their new retail manager, coming from a strong background with years of sales and trade experience.
General manager Rainbow Morris says Snook is already forming great relationships with suppliers and clients.
“We look forward to him leading our retail store and team into a great future,” she says.
Poolside North Shore has also welcomed Serena Howard in the role of service and valet supervisor.
“Serena has a bubbly and vibrant personality with an excellent history of sales, and a fantastic work ethic. She is improving processes in the company and leading the team to provide fantastic service to our customers,” says Morris.
“The Ultimate Pools family is growing, and we would like to congratulate our marketing and executive assistant, Dev Morris, who has recently welcomed her new baby Lilah. We are excited to have the next generation of pool industry joining the Ultimate Pools team!”
Partnerships
Maytronics
partners with Pool
Site Quote
Maytronics Australia has formed a strategic partnership with Pool Site Quote, the award-winning site feasibility, pool quoting and design software provider. This collaboration aims to bolster Maytronics’ Elite Pool Builder business segment by offering a dedicated, state-of-the-art pool quoting system.
Pool Site Quote offers an intuitive, all-in-one sales platform specifically designed for pool builders. The software boasts unlimited site address lookups, a high-resolution dynamic map browser and comprehensive site planning tools. These features allow for precise crane lift length calculations and excavation width access measurements, ensuring streamlined and accurate project planning.
“With Pool Site Quote, our Elite Pool
Builders will be able to deliver faster, more efficient quotes, impressing customers with seamless service and professional expertise,” says managing director Dan Kwaczynski.
“Their award-winning software will significantly enhance our ability to provide top-notch service to our dedicated team of Elite Builders, strengthening their positions as leaders in the pool building industry.”
Developed by pool professionals for pool professionals, Pool Site Quote recently received numerous highly commended awards in the regional SPASA Awards of Excellence for Best Professional Services Business.
“This recognition underscores the software’s quality and effectiveness in supporting pool builders,” he says.
Theron Vassiliou
Michael Snook and Serena Howard, getting acquainted with the stock
SuperFit II
Single or Variable Speed Filtration Pump
•
•
Industry moves
Changing of the guard at Pool & Spa
SPASA’s Pool & Spa consumer brand is continuing its evolution under new manager Bree Bensley, as Daena Bougoure-Latchford takes up a consumer marketing position with Davey Water.
Initially brought into SPASA to help establish a footprint in the Vic/Tas region, BougoureLatchford’s role evolved to lead the growth of the Pool & Spa brand for nearly four years, with a remit to reach more consumers through expanded digital presence, consumer expos and magazines.
She established Home Show and TV
Events
partnerships, helping spread the word about pools and spa to a much wider audience.
Bensley comes with a solid industry background, holding a number of roles across brand strategy and commercial pools and spas.
She brings a wealth of experience to the role and makes a welcome addition to the team.
“I am thrilled to join the dedicated team at SPASA to collaborate with the exceptional pool and spa industry professionals across our Australian and New Zealand markets,” she says. “I look forward to using my experience and expertise to amplify the Pool & Spa brand.”
Hayward’s cool conference
Hayward Australia departed from their usual choice of warm and sunny climes for their annual conference this year, instead opting to embrace the refreshing June weather in Tasmania.
The four day trip was packed with enticing food, wine and cultural experiences, providing an excellent backdrop for the Totally Hayward Dealers to enjoy a good time while also discussing more serious matters during the brief business sessions.
Narellan Awards
During the Narellan Pools 2024 conference, held in Cairns this July, the unique contributions of their outstanding teams and individuals were recognised.
Australian Award Winners:
Excellence in Sales:
Nepean – Dean and Chontelle Douglas
Excellence in Installation:
Fraser Coast – Adam Hall and Shane Burke
Excellence in Client Experience: Townsville – Graham Coyle
Excellence in Local Territory Engagement:
Gippsland/Pakenham – Alex Windsor
Narellan Pools Team Award – Administration Excellence: Wollongong – Shellharbour – Sutherland Shire – St
George – South Coast – Kristy Sommers
Narellan Pools Team Award – Top Gun Sales: Wollongong – Shellharbour – Sutherland Shire – St
George – South Coast – Tim Kelly
Narellan Pools Team Award – Top Gun Installer:
Camden/Southern Highlands – Jason Wood
Narellan Pools People’s Choice:
Camden & Southern Highlands – Dayle Casey
Narellan Pools Business of the Year:
Gippsland/Pakenham – Alex Windsor
Pool of the Year:
Southern Highlands/Camden – Scott and Dayle Casey
New Zealand Award Winners:
Excellence in Sales:
Canterbury – Andrew and Nicole Hanning
Excellence in Installation:
Nelson – Glen and Julie Berkett
The guests stayed at the luxurious Grand Chancellor Hotel, with stunning views of the Hobart marina, and the trip kicked off with welcome drinks at Hobart Brewing Co, famous for its extensive selection of beers and its cool climate specialty, mulled cider.
Managing director Rob Emmett says the visit to Lark Distillery was one of the trip’s most memorable experiences.
“We enjoyed a fantastic whisky tour and delicious food cooked over an open fire, surrounded by mountains and paddocks,” he says.
Other excursions included a trip to Bonorong Sanctuary to have close encounters with Tasmanian devils and wombats; an optional day at Port Arthur, where participants explored Australia’s convict history; and a recital by shanty singers.
“We received positive feedback from our attendees, and look forward to creating more unforgettable memories with our Totally Hayward Dealers in the future,” says Emmett.
Contact: au.hayward.com
Excellence in Client Experience: Coromandel – Gary and Olivia Down
Narellan Pools Team Award – Administration Excellence: Waikato/Taupo – Sheena Thompson
Narellan Pools Team Award – Top Gun Sales:
Auckland South – Gregg Imlah
Narellan Pools Team Award –Top Gun Installer:
Canterbury – Mike Van Wyk
Narellan Pools Business of the Year:
Canterbury – Andrew and Nicole Hanning
ANZ Award Winners:
Narellan Pools ANZ Rookie of the Year:
Gisborne – Ashley Roberts
Narellan Pools ANZ Woman of the Year: Waikato/Taupo – Jacque Patterson
Contact: www.narellanpools.com.au
Bree Bensley
Hayward dealers enjoying the refreshing Tasmanian experience at the Lark Distillery
Awards
Narellan Conference delegates
Milestones
Sunrise Pools celebrates 50 years
Sunrise Pools is celebrating half a century of designing and installing premium swimming pools in every corner of Sydney and throughout New South Wales.
Way back in 1974, Peter Moore was contracting as a structural engineer, when he decided his family needed a swimming pool.
Moore’s experience in engineering, together with his inborn determination to produce work only of the highest standard, led him to the decision to build the pool entirely on his own.
Starting with his own design, and after the normal local government approval process, he laid the steel himself for the formwork, did the plumbing, installed the equipment and finished the pool all by himself. This had to be managed outside working hours, as he still had a regular nine to five engineering job.
When the pool was finished, a neighbour dropped by to have a look at the finished result. He was so impressed, he immediately asked Moore to build him a new pool.
And Sunrise Pools was born.
As this second pool was taking shape, more neighbours dropped by to see what was going on. Word of mouth created such excitement around his pool designs, that within eighteen months Moore had a list of ten pools waiting to be built.
By virtue of public demand, he made the decision to stop contracting as an engineer and venture into pool building full time.
Sunrise Pools grew rapidly on the strength of customer recommendations, so he searched out and found a set of young subcontractors who were willing to learn the techniques that Moore himself had honed from day one of building his own pool.
He trained these young, highly competent and enthusiastic tradesmen to build pools the way he wanted them built – to the highest standards in quality and aesthetics. Those excavators, concreters and plumbers who started with Moore, then formed the nucleus of the Sunrise Pools crew of today: a highly competent,
TOP LEFT: Peter Moore back in the early days of Sunrise Pools
TOP MIDDLE: The pool that started it all, at their Winston Hills family home
TOP RIGHT: Paul Bellifemine, Peter Moore and Janine Bellifemine on site
LEFT: A more recent Sunrise pool overlooking Narrabeen Beach
professional team of skilled tradesmen who take great pride in their work and the finished product.
As Moore’s young family grew up around the pool business, they also became a part of the Sunrise Pools crew in the office and out on the construction sites.
Today, his daughter Janine Bellifemine is at the helm, who, together with a small and dedicated team, continues to create beautiful custom-designed swimming pools and spas designed and built to each customer’s requirements and the highest pool construction standards.
Contact: www.sunrisepools.com.au
Let there be light!
By Veda Dante
The right pool lighting can improve a swimming pool from a functional, daytime feature into a captivating centrepiece that completely transforms the surrounding space.
Beyond just illuminating the water for evening swimming, strategically placed lights can enhance safety, set the mood, highlight design features and extend the usability of the pool.
The evolution of swimming pool and landscape lighting has seen it progress from a functional afterthought into a central design element. Traditionally, pools were lit with a single but stark 12-inch, 500-watt incandescent bulb, with the occasional addition of a second bulb for larger pools or extra brightness.
Nowadays, the focus has shifted towards creating a bespoke atmosphere, driven by greener technology and increased consumer interest in landscape design and architecture. This shift reflects a broader trend towards sustainability and aesthetic sophistication in residential spaces.
Spa Electrics’ pool lighting range has evolved significantly over its 48-year history, marked by continuous innovation and responsiveness to industry needs. What began with basic halogen spa lights has transformed into a diverse lineup of LED products tailored to fit pools and spas of all sizes and constructions.
Sales support and marketing supervisor Jessica Rust says their products have been designed and engineered in Australia with extensive input from local pool builders and experts.
“Spa Electrics now offers an extensive range of LED options, including surface-mounted and recessed lights for concrete, fibreglass and vinyl installations,” she says.
“Our retrofit solutions simplify replacements for all major brands, while products like the Matrix strip lights provide synchronicity with water features and landscape lighting.
Spa Electrics’ signature MultiPlus LED has become an industry favourite; ever evolving into richer, more brilliant
The Doonan Glasshouse pool by Sarah Waller. Facing the lights away from the house means occupants only see the glow of the water, and don’t view the lights directly
Photography: Paul Smith
The Blur Architecture pool makes not only the pool, but the soft lighting the focal point of the home
hues, highlighting our commitment to quality and innovation in pool lighting solutions.”
Rust says pool lighting is indispensable in swimming pool design for two main reasons.
“First, it significantly enhances the outdoor space’s aesthetics, allowing customisation for various occasions and creating a visually appealing atmosphere. Second, it plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of residents and guests by illuminating the pool area, thus reducing the risk of accidents and providing clear visibility of pool edges and features during the evening.”
Light and shadow
Rust says it’s not just about the output of the lights – it’s important to consider several factors when planning the location and quantity of lights.
“For example, incorrect light placement of steps, swim outs and ledges can create shadows and dark spots which detract from the overall aesthetic,” she says.
“Ensuring even distribution of light can prevent these issues while enhancing the surrounding ambiance.”
A pool’s interior colour also needs to be factored into the equation as it can significantly influence the outcome.
“Darker pool interiors absorb more light, requiring additional lights to achieve desired brightness levels. Understanding how light interacts with different pool surface materials is also crucial for achieving functional lighting along with the required aesthetic.”
For Rust, lighting should not only focus on the pool itself but also complement surrounding elements such as water features, decking, stairs and landscaping.
“Coordinating lighting across these elements creates a cohesive and inviting outdoor environment,” she says.
“The correct spread of colour is crucial to maximising the overall effect.”
Particularly for large scale and commercial projects, Rust says a lighting plan, based on the size, shape and orientation of the pool, is an important step in the planning process.
“Lighting specialists like Spa Electrics can provide technical advice and design support to customers, ensuring a safe, bright and evenly illuminated pool,” she explains.
Getting smarter
A growing preference among homeowners is for smart solutions that enhance convenience and control of pool equipment through home automation systems.
“This is why our MultiPlus LED has nine built-in operating modes, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with major brand automation systems and controllers,” says Rust.
This light will be displayed for the first time at this year’s SPLASH! Trade Expo– the region's largest dedicated industry event – together with their brand new iRIS Wi-Fi controller and their Argon fibreglass LED series.
“The iRIS Wi-Fi controller brings colour control to the next level with new and improved features accessible directly from your smartphone,” she says.
Suitable for new or existing installations, the very convenient iRIS Wi-Fi enables owners to select from a spectrum of colours, adjust the speed of colour
The Noosa Valley pool by Sarah Waller, featuring white Quantum LEDs. At night, there’s nothing more comforting than overlooking your lit-up backyard with the pool setting the scene
Photography: Jason Smith
shows, and control the LED brightness to create the desired ambiance. Pool owners can experience the convenience of fully customisable schedules, allowing them to automate their pool lighting to suit any occasion.
"Our new Argon fibreglass LED series has been purpose-built from the ground up with the industry in mind,” says Rust.
“Featuring premium German-engineered LEDs and advanced optics, the Argon is our brightest luminaire to date. Coupled with an industry-first, forward-facing heat-sink design, it delivers a slim, modern profile while maximising efficiency and longevity.
“Innovative features, such as our IPX8 Quick-Connect Plug, ensure seamless installation and hassle-free servicing throughout the year, while the newly designed niche features a 90-degree take-off for versatile alignment with the conduit,” she says.
Mood setting and scene stealing
externally. In many ways, it’s a focal point of the project and the pool can be viewed from the bedroom and the lighting creates a soft, borrowed light.”
Futuristic fibre optics
The use of fibre optics for swimming pool lighting represents the latest advancement in a sector that is continuously innovating and pushing the boundaries of creativity. This technology offers unique and flexible lighting solutions that enhance the visual appeal and functionality of pools, allowing for stunning and customisable illumination effects that were previously unimaginable.
Fibre optic pool lighting works by transmitting light from a remote illuminator (the light source) through PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) fibre optic cables to various points around the pool.
There are two types of fibre optic cables used: side-emitting cables, which emanate light 360 degrees along their length and are used for strip lighting, and end-emitting cables, which focus light at the cable’s end and are used in the StarEFX star lighting and wall lights.
LightEFX is a manufacturer of high-tech fibre optic lighting and daylighting solutions. Chief executive officer Ivan Tutic says that before beginning a fibre optic installation, it’s crucial to identify the location of the illuminator storage.
“This will help determine the lengths and sizes of the conduits needed for the fibre cables,” says Tutic.
“Typically, illuminators can be stored in the pool’s pump
Side-emitting fibre optic cables emanate light 360 degrees along their length and are used for strip lighting.
Images: LightEFX
Underwater Lighting Specialists
Aqua-Quip designs and manufactures in Australia, innovative underwater LED lighting systems for use in concrete and fibreglass swimming pools, spas, water features and catch tanks for the Australian and international pool markets.
Lights are compatible with all popular pool controllers and home automation systems. The innovative InstaTouch™ Smart Lighting Controller provides instantaneous control via a water-resistant handset to enhance the evening atmosphere in your pool and spa.
room. If a pump room is not available or accessible the stainless steel IP43 illuminators are suitable for outdoor storage.”
In the formwork stage, conduits are installed from the illuminator’s location to the pool. These conduits indicate where the fibre cables will be pulled through after the concrete is poured. This is an important step before installation to protect the cables and ensure they are routed accurately.
“LightEFX supports pool builders by assisting in preliminary designs to ensure the location of the illuminator and conduit sizes meet the project requirements,” he says. “Proper planning and installation ensure longevity, efficiency, and the desired aesthetic impact of the fibre optic lighting system.”
The right atmosphere
When integrating fibre optic lights into a new pool design and surrounding landscape, Tutic says it’s important to consider both the desired atmosphere and practical aspects.
“For personal relaxation, opt for soft, calming lights; while vibrant, dynamic lighting suits entertaining friends and family,” he explains. “Even when the pool is not in use, subtle, elegant lighting can enhance the ambient night setting and create an attractive view from inside the home.”
Positioning the lights so they highlight key design features, such as steps, seating and swimouts, is another element to bear in mind.
“With the versatility of fibre optic lights, you can create a ‘swim with the stars’ experience in a starrylit pool complemented by ambient perimeter strip lighting,” says Tutic. “This mesmerising setup looks incredible whether it’s purely for personal enjoyment or for when you’re entertaining.”
Thoughtful integration of fibre optic lights transforms the poolscape into a visually enticing, versatile space that enhances the owners’ lifestyle. From quiet nights at home to family celebrations, fibre optic lights introduce a versatile and enchanting dimension to the pool area.
This form of lighting also offers a high level of safety, as the light is transmitted through fibre optic cables from a remote illuminator, eliminating any chance of electrical current in the water.
“Incorrect light placement of steps, swim outs, and ledges can create shadows and dark spots which detract from the overall aesthetic.”
“The energy efficiency of fibre optic lights stems from their ability to illuminate multiple points from a single light source, thereby contributing to reduced energy costs,” he explains.
“The durability and minimal maintenance of fibre cables result from the absence of electrical components and no requirement for heat sinking in the pool environment, making them resilient to damage from pool chemicals and weather conditions.”
Illuminators operate from a wireless RF remote. However, integrating fibre optic lighting with automation systems allows for effortless control and customisation of lighting effects.
“Using WiFi or protocols such as RS232, these systems offer advanced capability, enabling a range of lighting options at the touch of a button,” he says.
StarEFX star lighting and wall lights elevate this design Image: LightEFX and Zephyr Industries
800 fibre optic lights create a sea of stars on this Franklin Group project
Photography: Patrick Redmond
Swimming with the stars
Reece Daniltchenko is the construction manager for Franklin Group, one of Victoria’s leading boutique landscapers and swimming pool builders. On a recent prestige project for which no expense was spared (see cover story on SPLASH! 154), the clients wanted a very special lighting effect.
After engaging LightEFX, an elaborate plan was hatched that would see their client’s swimming pool transformed into sea of twinkling lights, like stars reflected in the water.
Daniltchenko describes the construction process as like installing in-floor pool cleaning, where a series of 50mm pipes, which can have no greater than 45-degree bends, are strategically located per LightEFX’s specifications.
“There was an option that we could go with nine per square metre, which the client initially wanted, but we thought that might be too much – so we opted for five lights per square metre instead,” he explains.
“As it was, we ended up with 800 lights, and if we had gone with nine, it would have been up to 1300.”
Once the pipes were in place, LightEFX fed 50 fibre optic lights through each conduit. They then fixed the fibre optics into a randomised grid pattern, so each had its own location, and installed a small box (20mm tall by 40mm by 20mm) for each light.
“One of those fibre optics goes into each box, curled up,” says Daniltchenko. “We put them in the floor, on the top of the steps, across the beach areas and in all surface areas of the spa.”
Franklin Group then applied a 20mm render over the pool’s surface, leaving the tops of the boxes exposed.
“So, we had a fully rendered pool with heaps of dots exposed everywhere. Then we tiled but didn’t tile over the boxes,” he explains. “LightEFX came back and used spacers to slide into the boxes and poke the light up. The tilers then put the glue down and tiled everything while leaving the fibre optics sticking through.”
The result looked like worms poking out everywhere from the fully tiled pool.
“They were translucent, so hard to see, and because they snap easily, we had to be very careful and make sure people who didn’t need to be there didn’t go down into the pool,” says Daniltchenko. “Once fibre optics snap they’re done – you can’t join them together.”
Franklin Group then grouted the fibre optics and got LightEFX back on site to cut them off with a hot knife, leaving the tops exposed, clearly visible and flush.
“Then it’s complete and ready to go,” he says.
“The fibre optics all go back to a light wheel that has a rotating coloured disc with different modes for colours or twinkling – as the light wheel moves from light to dark it seems to twinkle – and you can also make the colours change in different areas of the pool, even right next to each other,” Daniltchenko explains.
“It was very eye-opening for me – and the tilers were cursing me, but they loved the finish in the end.”
Lighting fibreglass pools
Gary Clark from Aqua-Quip says their EvoFG LED pool lights are ideal for the fibreglass and aboveground vinyl pool markets, because their overall 118mm diameter makes them less obtrusive on the pool wall.
“Fibreglass pools account for approximately 70 per
“Darker pool interiors absorb more light, requiring additional lights to achieve desired brightness levels.”
Light emitted through the cable’s end creates the star effect, making the evening view of the pool something special
White lighting facing away from the home creates a peaceful dusk experience with this Access Pools/In The Swim pool
Photography: Patrick Redmond
cent of new pools being installed in Australia and the 60mm external thread allows for straightforward fibreglass installation with a simple hole saw,” he explains. “This standardisation means that you don’t have to modify the pool shell or use complex tools.”
“Fibreglass pools account for approximately 70 per cent of new pools, and the 60mm external thread allows for straightforward fibreglass installation with a simple hole saw.”
The EvoFG range, which is available in three fixed colours — Blue, White and Warm White – as well as multi-colour, are simple to install, fitting through a 60mm hole in the fibreglass pool wall.
“One metre of cable is factory-wound up inside the niche and features a Quick Connect plug kit, enabling detachment of pool light lamp when needed,” Clark explains. “This cable length provides the installer greater flexibility in the pool light positioning and allows EvoFG to be installed below ledges, eliminating shadows, and providing enhanced illumination. The Plug Kit is also fully serviceable and field re-wirable.”
Aqua-Quip’s Pro Series RGB+W technology incorporates cool white LEDs, providing a brighter and cleaner white light from a multi-colour light engine.
“Our new fibreglass Niche (available in White or Grey) incorporates two very important features: one, an internal cable seal that prevents water entering the conduit. This cable seal is accessible from the front – allowing for full cable replacement if needed. And two, an integrated 90-degree elbow for 20mm conduit connection. This reduces the niche depth and negates the need for excessive excavation.”
Multi-colour lights can be operated from Aqua-Quip’s InstaTouch smart lighting controller, a wall switch, or a variety of third-party control systems.
Energy efficiency and smart connectivity
From inefficient halogen to high performing Cree LEDs, Fluidra Group Australia senior category manager Jonathan Bristow says pool lighting technology has evolved significantly over the years.
“These changes have brought about considerable advancements in lifespan, brightness, colour correctness and colour choice,” he explains. “Gone are your standard single colour only, or even RGB – now you have a wide range of colours to choose from.”
While there are myriad options in the market, Bristow says proper planning and placement are required regardless of the
make or model installed.
“To ensure that your pool lighting is both effective and aesthetically pleasing, it’s important to get it right from the start, such as selecting the best locations in relationship to the home,” he says.
“The correct spread of colour throughout the pool is crucial to maximising the overall effect and making the difference between something that looks OK, to something that looks spectacular.”
He says all good pool builders will have a reasonable understanding of what type and how many lights you should have in any given area of the pool.
“Fluidra’s ability to integrate lights with the rest of the pool pad is based on defining the needs of users and developing products that meet them in the most optimal way. By understanding customer preferences and requirements, they can create solutions that ensure seamless integration and enhance the overall pool experience,” he says.
“For example, our award-winning Halo suite of products, which can effectively control up to 20 lights on a single chain, allows you to manage and control it all from your smartphone. These smarts coupled with our outstanding RGBW light range provide the absolute best user experience. No other manufacturer can cover the entire pool pad the way we can at Fluidra; it’s what sets us apart.”
Bristow believes this technology allows for truer representation of colours and brighter clearer lights.
“And being AstralPool Connect compatible, when you connect the FLX Lights to the Halo Connect + or Viron Connect, you can also install the Internet Gateway to get 24/7 access through the ConnectMyPool App or Virtual Pool Care,” he says. n
www.intheswim.com.au
www.aquaquip.com.au
www.fluidra.com.au
www.franklingroup.com.au
www.light-efx.com.au
www.momentumpools.com
www.spaelectrics.com.au
Fluidra’s RGBW light for concrete pools
Fluidra’s RGBW light for fibreglass pools
Capitalising on acreage with a beautiful swimming pool
Sarah Waller Architecture is a multi-disciplinary award-winning residential architectural practice based in Doonan, near Noosa on the Sunshine Coast. Here, she discusses the unique considerations that make pools on large rural and semi-rural sites so special.
Hailing from the United Kingdom with a multitude of qualifications including a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Architecture and an Open Builder’s Licence, Sarah Waller’s passion for architecture and design is allencompassing – especially when it comes to swimming pools.
“When I was growing up in the UK, nobody had a pool,” she says. “And while they’re commonplace in Australia, I still see them as a luxury. Consequently, I put a lot of time into designing my pools, including those on acreage lots,
to ensure they flow seamlessly with the overall build and form a cohesive part of the house.”
Revered for her dramatic, jawdropping resort-style projects, the multiaward-winning architect designed her dream home called Blackwood Doonan in Queensland’s Noosa hinterland, including a jaw-dropping 80 square metre, fully tiled swimming pool.
This resort-style retreat was designed by Sarah Waller Architecture and built by Sarah Waller Building.
Situated on an enormous and picturesque 7635 square-metre block,
By Veda Dante
the site offers unparalleled views overlooking serene dams, blending seamlessly with the natural landscape of the Noosa Valley Golf Course. Water, a central theme in the design, adds a sense of tranquillity and elegance to the property.
The new site prominently features the beauty of nature, and represents Waller’s belief in water as a calming influence and an essential component of the design. While the home’s architecture exudes a feeling of sturdiness and resilience, it is artfully balanced by the lush, cascading plantings and the carefully crafted landscaping that surrounds it.
The heart of Blackwood is the magnificent 21-metre pool, centrally positioned and visible from all living
The Blackwood Doonan design utilises the natural slope of the land to enhance its aesthetic appeal and avoid an alienated appearance
Photographer: Alyne Media
ABOVE: Swimmers and everyone lazing about the pool can have the full benefit of the surrounding natural environment
Photographer: Emma Sheldrake
BELOW: Waller believes water is a calming influence and an essential component of the landscaping design
Photographer: Alyne Media
Top 10 tips for designing acreage pools
Here, Sarah Waller shares her pool design tips for acreage properties.
1. Establish a strong visual and physical connection between the pool and the home, treating the pool as an extension of the living space.
2. Integrate landscaping elements strategically around the pool area to create privacy and define boundaries, ensuring that the pool space feels intimate and secluded within the vastness of an acreage property. This can be achieved using hedges, trees or privacy screens.
3. Consider incorporating bold and distinctive pool shapes to make a striking visual statement within the expansive landscape, creating a focal point that adds character and uniqueness to the property.
4. Design outdoor gathering areas near the pool, such as a fire pit or alfresco kitchen, that embrace the tranquil hinterland setting, allowing for memorable entertaining and relaxation opportunities while enjoying the pool and scenic surroundings.
5. Create distinct pool zones within the larger property by incorporating different features, such as a shallow lounging area or swim-up bar, to enhance functionality and provide recreational options for different purposes.
6. Incorporate outdoor living spaces adjacent to the pool, such as a patio or lounge area, to provide comfortable seating and entertainment options, further strengthening the connection between the pool and the home.
7. Carefully consider the surrounding foliage on an acreage property, strategically positioning the pool to minimise the impact of fallen leaves and other debris, reducing maintenance requirements.
8. Nestle the pool within the natural contours of the land to enhance its aesthetic appeal and avoid a disconnected, alienated look.
9. Utilise terracing techniques to minimise the need for pool fencing, creating a seamless integration between the pool and the surrounding landscape.
10. Build a strong connection between the pool and residence, treating the pool as an extension of the living space, to seamlessly integrate both areas and enhance the overall functionality and aesthetic appeal.
spaces. It includes several features that ensure its use by the whole family, making it a highly desirable place to simply spend time and enjoy the natural setting.
Scale and landscape
Waller says designing a swimming pool requires a careful balance between form and function to ensure it remains a timeless asset for years to come.
While your average pool requires numerous elements to come together – location, dimensions, materials,
“It’s important to consider the overall aesthetic theme of the property, ensuring it complements the architectural style of the house and the natural surroundings.”
There are several features such as the day beds and fire pits that make it a highly desirable place to simply spend time and enjoy the natural setting, all year round
Photographer: Alyne Media
Disinfection, heating and cleaning
Known for embracing new technologies, Waller chose some innovative products for her personal pool project, sourced from supplier Waterco.
She opted for Oxiswim, a dual-sanitisation system combining Perox sanitisers and Perox Safe & Clear to produce a fresh swimming experience.
Inventor Nick Briscoe says that hydrogen peroxide and chlorine dioxide are scientifically proven to sanitise water far more effectively than chlorine alone.
“The combined power of these two sanitisers provides an oxygen-rich environment that is exceptionally efficient in neutralising pathogens,” he says. The system is also ideal for swimmers with sensitive skin due to its low chlorine levels.
Pool owners can switch between the systems with a simple flick of a switch.
“We use the freshwater option during the
peak swimming season and switch over to the chlorine option in the colder months to reduce off-season costs,” says Waller.
She also prefers in-floor cleaning systems,
the pool makes finding a cleaner with a long
Waterco’s Adam Shelley says that in-floor systems with 360° rotating heads fitted into the pool floor automatically remove debris, enhance circulation and evenly distribute sanitisation chemicals, which is useful for acreage pools with design features such as beach entries and sharp corners, while eliminating the clutter of automatic cleaners and hoses.
Waller also looked to Waterco for the heating system to expand the swimming season and add value to the investment of her acreage pool.
“For acreage sites, the Electroheat ECO-V inverter heat pump delivers a massive heat output for larger-than-average size swimming pools,” says Shelley. “And while solar is only effective during the warmer months, it is another option for property owners wanting to reduce their carbon footprint and energy costs.”
Contact: www.waterco.com.au
Australian made Daisy has a solution for everything
Find out more today at daisypoolcovers.com.au AUSTRALIA’S FAV URITE.
No better place to relax Photographer: Sarah Waller
finishes, filtration and landscaping to just mention some – acreage pools like those designed by Waller demand extra considerations due to their larger scale, higher operational costs and surrounding landscape.
still reaching into the broader landscape. The use of select plantings is crucial in implementing this aim: foliage should strategically considered to minimise the impact on the pool while adding to the overall environment.
“Design outdoor gathering areas near the pool, such as a fire pit or alfresco kitchen, that embrace the tranquil hinterland setting.”
“It’s important to consider the overall aesthetic theme of the property when designing this type of swimming pool, ensuring it complements the architectural style of the house and the natural surroundings,” she says.
This includes combining the look of the property and pool to extend each into the other – accomplished by strategically integrating landscaping elements to create a comfortable, safe space, while
On acreage, it is important to make the most of the outdoor space. After all, it’s not every swimming pool that has the great outdoors at their beck and call. This can be done by incorporating alfresco eating and cooking areas that bridge the pool and the greater landscape. Outdoor living areas also help draw people to the pool and the views, helping connect pool, home and environment.
Similarly, the pool itself should enable prolonged leisure and relaxation, and features such as lounging areas for adults and play areas for the younger members of the family should be incorporated to enhance the quality and quantity of time they spend in and near the water.
Acreage sites tend to have natural contours which should be considered, so the pool and built landscape complement it, rather than clashing with it. Additionally, in some jurisdictions, terracing can reduce pool fencing requirements, while enhancing the joy of the landscape. n
Contact: www.sarahwallerarchitecture.com.au
ABOVE: This aerial views shows integration between pool, house and landscape Photographer: SWA
BELOW: The pavilions link seamlessly to the pool area Photographer: SWA
Rapid Pro Heat Pumps
The Rapid Pro heat pump has a coefficient of performance (COP) of 20.
RapidHeat Technology.
Achieving
Over 35 years of experience in the industry makes us the expert choice for advice, quality products and after sales support.
PV Ready Heat Pumps
NSW Awards of Excellence
Pool of the Year: Dazzling Emerald, Transform Pools & Spas
Business of the Year: Local Pools & Spas
Best Pool Store: Swimart Frenchs Forest
Commercial Project of the Year: Symbio Wildlife Park Penguin Pool, Cronulla Pools
Product of the Year: Oasis PV Ready Heat Pump (iX Series), Sunlover Group
Professional of the Year: Luke Bruni, Transform Pools and Spas
Spa of the Year: All Glass, Transform Pools and Spas
Business
Best Concrete Pool Builder: Pinnacle Pools. Highly Commended: Coastline Pools & Spas; Dynamic Pool Designs
Best Fibreglass Pool Builder: Local Pools & Spas. Highly Commended: Narellan Pools Hills District & Upper North Shore; Aquify Pools
Best Mobile Service Business: Halogen Pools. Highly Commended: My Pool Butler; Poolside Coastline Pools
Best Prefabricated Composite Pool Builder: Prestige Plunge Pools
Best Professional Service Business: Pool Site Quote (PSQ). Highly Commended: Pool and Spa Approvals; Canibuild Best Spa Retailer: Alpine Spas Sydney. Highly Commended: Spa World Alexandria
Best Supplier: Sunlover Group. Highly Commended: Europe Imports Glazed Co.
Best Vinyl-Lined Pool Builder: Paul Sciberras, Vinyl Lined Pools Service
Multi-Location Pool Store: Poolwerx Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, Beaumont Hills & Emu Plains. Highly Commended: Spa World New South Wales
Online Pool Store: Swimming Pool Kits Direct Single Location Pool Store: Swimart Frenchs Forest. Highly Commended: Refreshing Pool Services and Installations; Poolside Coastline Pools
Person
Construction Tradesperson Award: David MacDonald, Local Pools & Spas. Highly Commended: Dean Edwards, Wisdom Pools & Landscapes; Alan Lawson, Aquastone Pools and Landscapes
In-Field Service Technician Award: Tim McDougall, Poolwerx Dubbo. Highly Commended: Nathan Williams, Sunlover Group; Brett Singleton, Poolside Davison Pool and Spa Operational Excellence Award: Waranya (Rani) Wattana, Sunlover Group. Highly Commended: Sarah Smart, Local Pools & Spas; Fiona Phelps, Kinetic Pools
Pool & Spa Barrier Inspector Award: Granville Harris, Certified Pool
Pool Designer Award: Luke Bruni, Transform Pools and Spas. Highly Commended: Fiona Phelps, Kinetic Pools
Pool Sales Representative Award: Julian Bittar, Wisdom Pools
Business of the Year: Local Pools & Spas
and Landscapes. Highly Commended: Michael Coleman, Local Pools & Spas; Adrian Garofali, Sydney Poolscapes
Retail Service Technician Award: Raeleigh Karakashian, Pristine Pool and Spa Service. Highly Commended: Lachlan Akhurst, Clark Rubber Maitland
Rising Star Award: Maddison Moustafa, Local Pools & Spas. Highly Commended: Stephen Benjamin, Kinetic Pools; Kartik Singh, Alpine Spas
New Product Award: Ezarri 24ct Gold Glass mosaics collection, Europe Imports. Highly Commended: Dolphin Liberty 400 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner, Maytronics Australia; FreeRider FR1000 iQ Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner, Fluidra Group Australia
Portable Spa: Tropical oasis with the perfect Vortex Titanium spa for entertaining, Spa World. Highly Commended: Kingston Spa Pool, Alpine Spas
Sustainable Product Award: Ezarri glass mosaico, Europe Imports. Highly Commended: EcoStar VS 1 HP Pool Pump, Hayward Pool Products; EnviroPro Dual Filtration System, Waterco Limited
Commercial Pool (Aquatics) up to $1,000,000: Bendalong, Endeavour Pools and Spas
Commercial Pool (Aquatics) up to $500,000: Symbio Wildlife Park Penguin Pool, Cronulla Pools
Commercial Water Display: Forecourt Entry Waterwall, Waterforms International
Concrete In-ground Spa: All Glass, Transform Pools and Spas. Highly Commended: The Oasis, Local Pool Builders
Concrete Lap Pool: Skyscraper, Rogers Pools. Highly Commended: Lap Pool Envy, Endeavour Pools and Spas; Jamberoo house, Zen Building Pools Landscapes
Concrete Pool & Spa Combination: Dazzling Emerald, Transform Pools and Spas. Highly Commended: Padman, H2O Custom Pools; The Byron Hinterland Retreat, Dynamic Pool Designs
Concrete Pool over $240,000: Turquoise Dreams, Mullum Pools. Highly Commended: Pacific House, Zen Building Pools Landscapes
Concrete Pool up to $120,000: Killarney Hts, Urban Escape Landscaping + Pools. Highly Commended: Seaside Haus, Coastline Pools & Spas; Cabarita Beach, Rainforest Retreat, Dynamic Pool Designs
Concrete Pool up to $180,000: Padman, H2O Custom Pools. Highly Commended: Dazzling Emerald, Transform Pools and Spas; The Byron Hinterland Retreat, Dynamic Pool Designs
Concrete Pool up to $240,000: Tropical Nirvana, Mullum Pools. Highly Commended: Croudace Bay Project, Coastline Pools & Spas
Concrete Pool up to $60,000: Overlooking the Ocean, Endeavour Pools and Spas. Highly Commended: Chester Le House, Coastline Pools & Spa; Project Greenhills, Pinnacle Pools
Courtyard/Small Pool over $80,000: Project Loftus, Cronulla Pools. Highly Commended: Quaint Courtyard Charm, Poolside Co; Small backyard family pool, Aquify Pools
Courtyard/Small Pool up to $40,000: Optimism Street, Sydney Poolscapes. Highly Commended: Rooty Hill Fibreglass Pool, Kinetic Pools; Project Bangalow, Prestige Plunge Pools
Courtyard/Small Pool up to $80,000: Chester Le House, Coastline Pools & Spa. Highly Commended: Courtyard Pool Manning Street, Endeavour Pools and Spas; Cyan Bliss, Mullum Pools
Hills District. Highly Commended: Morumbi Road, Sydney Poolscapes
Fibreglass Lap Pool: Manyana, Nowra Local Pools and Spas
Fibreglass Pool & Spa
Combination: Compass Pool spa wader, Achievable Pools and Spas. Highly Commended: Dowd, Local Pools & Spas; Balmoral, Grandeur and Spa Combination, Narellan Pools Southern Highlands & Camden
Fibreglass Pool over $120,000: Compass Pool Spa Wader, Achievable Pools and Spas. Highly Commended: Bringing Innovation Home with Advanced Pool Automation, Aquify Pools; Balmoral, Grandeur and Spa, Narellan Pools Southern Highlands & Camden
Fibreglass Pool up to $120,000: Luxury Barn House Brooklyn Pool and Spa, Barrier Reef Pools Sydney South. Highly Commended: Cini, Local Pools & Spas; Colebee, Achievable Pools and Spas
Fibreglass Pool up to $40,000: Optimism Street, Sydney Poolscapes. Highly Commended: Rooty Hill Fibreglass Pool, Kinetic Pools; Gecko Street, Sydney Poolscapes
Fibreglass Pool up to $80,000: Scambary, Local Pools & Spas. Highly Commended: Narrow Pool, Wide Possibilities, Aquify Pools; Lake Cathie Great Grandeur, Narellan Pools Mid North Coast Freeform Pool over $120,000: Freeform Oasis, Queen Pools. Highly Commended: Turquoise Dreams, Mullum Pools
Freeform Pool up to $120,000: Oasis at the Ranch, Mullum Pools. Highly Commended: Seaside Haus, Coastline Pools & Spas Hotel/Resort Pool up to $500,000: Project Bangalow, Prestige Plunge Pools
Innovative Project: Bayview Automated Pool Enclosure, TPEC Pool Enclosures. Highly Commended: Jubilee Park, Cootamundra NSW, Waterforms International; Queenswood School, EvoHeat Pool Landscape Design: Killarney Hts, Urban Escape Landscaping + Pools. Highly Commended: Chester Le House, Coastline Pools & Spa; Dazzling Emerald, Transform Pools and Spas
Prefabricated Composite Pool up to $30,000: Project Bangalow, Prestige Plunge Pools
Renovation over $80,000: Re-imagined Newport Oasis, Focus Pools
Renovation up to $40,000: Rouse Hill Renovation, Aquastone Pools and Landscapes. Highly Commended: A Touch of Maui in Menai, Vinyl Lined Pools Service
Renovation up to $80,000: North Balgowlah, Urban Escape Landscaping + Pools. Highly Commended: Killara Renovation, Aquastone Pools and Landscapes; St Ives, Aquastone Pools and Landscapes
Residential Lighting Feature: Emerald Lights, Transform Pools and Spas. Highly Commended: Kirrawee I Project, Pinnacle Pools
Residential Water Feature: Stone waterwall, Transform Pools and Spas. Highly Commended: Eleebana Haven, Coastline Pools & Spas; Tranquil Sounds of Relaxation, Poolside Co.
Sustainable Project: Picton Climate Care Certified Pool, Kinetic Pools. Highly Commended: Queenswood School, EvoHeat Vinyl Lined In-ground Pool up to $60,000: Just in time for Christmas!, Vinyl Lined Pools Service
See the state award winners face off at the SPASA National Awards of Excellence at the SPLASH! Trade Expo on the Gold Coast, August 21. n
Commercial Project of the Year: Symbio Wildlife Park Penguin Pool, Cronulla Pools
Queensland Awards of Excellence
Pool of the Year: Resort Style Living, Queensland Family Pools and Spas
Business of the Year: Queensland Family Pools and Spas
Commercial Project of the Year: Canvas, Ezy Living Pools
Product of the Year: Autochlor Neo, AIS Water Professional of the Year: Ricki-lee Rogers, Rogers Pools
Spa of the Year: Penthouse Paradise, Queensland Family Pools and Spas
Best Pool Store: Allans Pool Shop
Business
Best Concrete Pool Builder: Queensland Family Pools and Spas. Highly Commended: Rogers Pools; Ezy Living Pools
Best Fibreglass Pool Builder: MFP Easy
Best Mobile Service Business: Halogen Pools, Halogen Pools. Highly Commended: Peachy Pools; Jim’s Pool Care Victoria Point
Best Prefabricated Composite Pool Builder: Pools. Highly Commended: Queensland Plunge Pools
Best Professional Service Business: Building Approvals and Advice (BA&A). Highly Commended: Pool Site Quote (PSQ)
Best Spa Retailer: Spa World Underwood. Highly Commended: Alpine Spas Brisbane
Best Supplier: The Pool Tile Company. Highly Commended: Legend Products & Services; Sunlover Group Display Pool/Centre: Brisbane, Queensland Showroom, The Pool Tile Company. Highly Commended: Musgrave, Prestige Plunge Pools
Multi-Location Pool Store: Allans Pool Shop. Highly Commended: Poolwerx Albany Creek; Spa World Queensland Single Location Pool Store: Poolwerx Wavell Heights. Highly Commended: Halogen Pools Burleigh; Poolside Cairns
Person
Construction Tradesperson Award: Brandon Webb, Queensland Family Pools and Spas. Highly Commended: PJ Prendergast, Peachy Pools; Ian Stacey, Sunshine Pool Heating In-Field Service Technician Award: Brendan Moelands, Jim’s Pool Care Victoria Point. Highly Commended: PJ Prendergast, Peachy Pools; Corey Kulick, Halogen Pools
Operational Excellence Award: Gaynor Heaven, Hopgood, Building Approvals and Advice (BA&A). Highly Commended: Joshua Williams, Legend Products & Services; Dean Rogers, Rogers Pools
Pool & Spa Barrier Inspector Award: Neil Sharp, Brisbane Pool Safety. Highly Commended: Mitch Bernardin, KP Building Approvals Pool Designer Award: Danica Vansleve, Norfolk Pools. Highly Commended: Ricki-lee Rogers, Rogers Pools
Retail Service Technician Award: Steve Menkins, Clark Rubber Toowoomba. Highly Commended: Annette Beech, Poolside Cairns
Rising Star Award: Billie Rezek, Halogen Pools. Highly Commended: Courtney Prendergast, Peachy Pools; Kathryn Elliott, Queensland Family Pools and Spas
Spa Sales Representative Award: Michelle Pratt, Spa World. Highly Commended: Harry Whyte, Spa World; Luke Grundell, Alpine Spas
Supplier Salesperson Award: Sherwyn King, Sunlover Group. Highly Commended: David Webber, Legend Products & Services; Bryan Shorrock, Pool Systems
Product
Commercial System: Mareeba Splash Park, Kirratech Lifestyle Pools
Education & Training Excellence Award: Halogen Pools. Highly Commended: Poolwerx; Fluidra Pro Academy
Innovative Product Award: TDI Ultra Inverter Heat Pump, Australian Energy Systems. Highly Commended: Evo Edge-i pool heat pump, EvoHeat; Autochlor Neo, AIS Water
Marketing Campaign Award: Mobile Showrooms – Bringing the Range to you!, The Pool Tile Company. Highly Commended: The Revolutionary ClearLift Automatic Cover System, Spa World; Summer Starts Here, Clark Rubber
New Product Award: Autochlor Neo, AIS Water. Highly Commended: 60 Degree Fence Wedge, Climb Stop; TDI Ultra Inverter Heat Pump, Australian Energy Systems
Portable Spa: Kingston Spa Pool, Alpine Spas
Pool of the Year: Resort Style Living, Queensland Family Pools and Spas
Commercial Project of the Year: Canvas, Ezy Living Pools
Sustainable Product Award: EnviroPro Dual Filtration System, Waterco Limited. Highly Commended: EcoStar VS 1 HP Pool Pump, Hayward Pool Products; Ezarri glass mosaico, Europe Imports.
Commercial Pool (Aquatics) over $1,000,000: Northern Beaches Leisure Centre 50m FINA pool, Kirratech Lifestyle Pools
Commercial Spa: Canvas, Ezy Living Pools
Commercial Water Display: Nicola Margaret May, Kirratech Lifestyle Pools
Community Project: One Tree Hill, Satori Pools
Composite Pool over $60,000: Project Cedardell, Prestige Plunge Pools. Highly Commended: Tarragindi Delight, Queensland Plunge Pools
Concrete In-ground Spa: Penthouse paradise, Queensland Family Pools and Spas. Highly Commended: Fully tiled luxury, Queensland Family Pools and Spas; Serene Paradise, Rogers Pools
Concrete Lap Pool: Rural Luxury, Queensland Family Pools and Spas
Concrete Pool & Spa Combination: Kamares Sto Appia, Satori Pools. Highly Commended: Resort Style Living, Queensland Family Pools and Spas; Elegance, Rogers Pools
Concrete Pool over $240,000: Roberts, Ezy Living Pools. Highly Commended: Chambers, Flotech Pools
Concrete Pool up to $120,000: Highvale, Aesthetic Pools & Landscapes. Highly Commended: Casa Espri, Ezy Living Pools; Rio Vista, Flotech Pools
Concrete Pool up to $180,000: Elegance, Rogers Pools. Highly Commended: Inner city splendour, Queensland Family Pools and Spas; Sculpt, Ezy Living Pools
Concrete Pool up to $240,000: Resort Style Living, Queensland Family Pools and Spas. Highly Commended: Inner City Sanctuary, Rogers Pools; Project Saltwater, Pools By Design
Concrete Pool up to $60,000: Paradise Cove, Rogers Pools. Highly Commended: Project Entrance, Pools By Design; Murarrie Project, Folbigg Pools
Courtyard/Small Pool over $80,000: Serene Paradise, Rogers Pools. Highly Commended: Minimalistic Modern, Queensland Family Pools and Spas
Courtyard/Small Pool up to $40,000: Project Eighteenth!, Prestige Plunge Pools. Highly Commended: Kangaroo Point Court Yard Oasis, Queensland Plunge Pools; Project Lindon, Prestige Plunge Pools
Courtyard/Small Pool up to $80,000: Penthouse Paradise, Queensland Family Pools and Spas. Highly Commended: Wavell Heights, Courtyard Pool, Aesthetic Pools & Landscapes; Project Cedardell!, Prestige Plunge Pools
Enclosed/Indoor Pool: Casa Espri, Ezy Living Pools. Highly Commended: Family Fun, Queensland Family Pools and Spas
Fibreglass Pool & Spa Combination: Heritage Oasis: Restoring Elegance, Blending Tradition with Modernity, MFP Easy. Highly Commended: Backyard Paradise, Built Right Pools
Wilson’s Island Retreat, Leisure Pools
North Brisbane
Fibreglass Pool over $120,000: Heritage Oasis: Restoring Elegance, Blending Tradition with Modernity, MFP Easy
Fibreglass Pool up to $120,000: Definitely Schmick!, MFP Easy. Highly Commended: Backyard Paradise, Built Right Pools; Wilson’s Island Retreat, Leisure Pools North Brisbane
Fibreglass Pool up to $80,000: Acreage Retreat, Leisure Pools North Brisbane. Highly Commended: Resort Style Living!, MFP Easy
Freeform Pool up to $120,000: Back to Nature, Queensland Family Pools and Spas. Highly Commended: One-of-a-kind, Queensland Family Pools and Spas; Wilson’s Island Retreat, Leisure Pools North Brisbane
Freeform Pool up to $60,000: Acreage Retreat, Leisure Pools North Brisbane. Highly Commended: Curvalicious, Queensland Family Pools and Spas
Hotel/Resort Pool up to $500,000: Canvas, Ezy Living Pools
Innovative Project: Inner City Sanctuary, Rogers Pools. Highly Commended: Roberts, Ezy Living Pools
Pool Landscape Design: Back to Nature, Queensland Family Pools and Spas. Highly Commended: Resort Style Living, Queensland Family Pools and Spas; Highvale Pool and Landscape, Aesthetic Pools & Landscapes
Prefabricated Composite Pool up to $30,000: Paddington Pool, Queensland Plunge Pools. Highly Commended: Project Eighteenth, Prestige Plunge Pools; Project Goldberg, Prestige Plunge Pools
Prefabricated Composite Pool up to $60,000: Project Collingwood, Prestige Plunge Pools. Highly Commended: Project Grosvenor, Prestige Plunge Pools; Project Lindon, Prestige Plunge Pools
Renovation over $80,000: Feeling Fresh, Queensland Family Pools and Spas. Highly Commended: Pool and Spa with a View, Rogers Pools; Albany Creek in the Trees, Blue Phoenix Pool Renovations
Renovation up to $40,000: Clayfield Colours, Blue Phoenix Pool Renovations. Highly Commended: Hamptons Collection, Just Swimming Pool Renovations; King of Kangaroo Point, Blue Phoenix Pool Renovations
Renovation up to $80,000: It’s not just a Renovation, it’s a Total Face Lift!, Queensland Family Pools and Spas. Highly Commended: Twin Waters Beach Beauty, Just Swimming Pool
Renovations; Camp Hill Classic, Blue Phoenix Pool Renovations
Residential Water Feature: Inner City Sanctuary, Rogers Pools. Highly Commended: It’s not just a Renovation, it’s a Total Face Lift!, Queensland Family Pools and Spas; Resort Style Living, Queensland Family Pools and Spas
Safety Barrier: It’s all about the Curves, Queensland Family Pools and Spas. Highly Commended: Curvalicious, Queensland Family Pools and Spas; Hidden Oasis, Rogers Pools
Vinyl Lined In-ground Pool up to $60,000: Tanah Merah, Aqualon. Highly Commended: Yeronga, Aqualon
See the state award winners face off at the SPASA National Awards of Excellence at the SPLASH! Trade Expo on the Gold Coast, August 21. n
Best Pool Store: Allans Pool Shop
Western Australian Awards of Excellence
Pool of the Year: The Esplanade, Boardwalk Pools
Business of the Year: Pool Assist
Product of the Year: Liqtech silicon carbide (SiC) filtration, Waterco
Commercial Project of the Year: Bayswater Waves Aquatic Centre, Paragon Construction Solutions Professional of the Year: Natalie Horak, Countrywide Pools
Best Pool Store: Pool Assist Spa of the Year: Beach St, Imperial Pools
Business
Best Concrete Pool Builder: Boardwalk Pools. Highly Commended: Perth Concrete Pools
Best Fibreglass Pool Builder: Barrier Reef Group WA. Highly Commended: Countrywide Pools; Aquatic Leisure Technologies
Best Mobile Service Business: Bluewater Pool Solutions. Highly Commended: Wanneroo Pool Services, Pool Assist
Best Professional Service Business: tristanpeirce Landscape Architecture. Highly Commended: Fence Makeovers
Best Spa Retailer: Mega Spa Australia. Highly Commended: Spa
World Osborne Park, Spa World
Best Supplier: Fluidra Group Australia. Highly Commended: Green Star Solutions; Reece Irrigation & Pools
Best Vinyl-Lined Pool Builder: Add A Splash Pools
Display Pool/Centre: Relocation Sensation, Buccaneer Pools. Highly Commended: O’Connor Display Centre, Freedom Pools & Spas; O’Connor Display Centre, Barrier Reef Pools Perth Multi-Location Pool Store: Poolwerx Kalamunda (Kalamunda & Mundaring). Highly Commended: Southside Pool Service
New Pool Store: Barrier Reef Pools Bunbury & Factory Pools Bunbury, Barrier Reef Group Bunbury
Single Location Pool Store: Pool Assist. Highly Commended: Countrywide Pools; Splash Batavia Coast Pools and Spa
Person
Construction Tradesperson Award: Ray Locke, Barrier Reef Pools Perth. Highly Commended: Jayden Ketteridge, Freedom Pools & Spas; Mael Fachin, Bluvitalize
In-Field Service Technician Award: Nick Panagopoulos, Wanneroo Pool Services. Highly Commended: Michael Johnson, Southside Pool Service; Ashley Hale, Jim’s Pool Care – South Lake Operational Excellence Award: Nick Hubble, Countrywide Pools. Highly Commended: Gina Nicholson, Barrier Reef Pools Perth; Ruby Short, Splash Batavia Coast Pools and Spa
Pool Designer Award: Tristan Peirce, tristanpeirce Landscape Architecture. Highly Commended: Nick Hubble, Countrywide Pools Pool Sales Representative Award: Natalie Horak, Countrywide Pools.
Highly Commended: Caroline Wickes, Buccaneer Pools; Don Del Borrello, Factory Pools Perth
Retail Service Technician Award: Kellie Deeble, Clark Rubber Bunbury. Highly Commended: Jarrad Parry, Southside Pool Service; Jon Mercer, PK Pool and Spa Care
Rising Star Award: Denise McLeod, Barrier Reef Pools Bunbury & Factory Pools Bunbury. Highly Commended: Zane Shields, Freedom Pools & Spas; Ian Tanner, Green Star Solutions
Spa Sales Representative Award: Narelle Bartolone, Mega Spa Australia. Highly Commended: Ruby Short, Splash Batavia Coast Pools and Spa
Supplier Salesperson Award: Tylan Walters, Fluidra. Highly Commended: Greg Kean, Hayward Pool Products Australia
Product
Education & Training Excellence Award: Fluidra Pro Academy, Fluidra Pro Academy. Highly Commended: Knowledge is Power, Factory Pools Perth; Clark Rubber Academy, Clark Rubber Innovative Product Award: Liqtech silicon carbide (SiC) filtration, Waterco Limited. Highly Commended: The Chill Tub, Chill Tubs Australia; Evo Edge-i pool heat pump, EvoHeat Marketing Campaign Award: Davey Pool & Spa Lifestyle Expo campaign, Davey Water Products. Highly Commended: Pool Armour Protection Technology, Freedom Pools & Spas; Easy As/Clean As, Kreepy Krauly New Product Award: Hyrdotherapy Mobility Pool, Freedom Pools & Spas. Highly Commended: Helius Evacuated Tube System, Green Star Solutions; The Chill Tub, Chill Tubs
Australia
Portable Spa: The Great Escape, Splash Batavia Coast Pools and Spa. Highly Commended: Vortex Titanium spa for Luxury accommodation, Spa World; Oceanside Retreat, Hydro
Pool of the Year: The Esplanade, Boardwalk Pools
Max Spas by Mega Spa Australia
Sustainable Product Award: EnviroPro Dual Filtration System, Waterco Limited. Highly Commended: EcoStar VS 1 HP Pool Pump, Hayward Pool Products; Evo Edge-i pool heat pump, EvoHeat
Swim Spa: Portside Retreat, Hydro Max Spas & Swim Spas. Highly Commended: A dream come true, Spa World; Telethon 2023, Splash Batavia Coast Pools and Spa
Commercial Project of the Year: Bayswater Waves
Aquatic Centre, Paragon Construction Solutions
Photography: Bruno Chalaupka
Vinyl Lined Modular Pool: Small Space Sanctuary, Affordable Aboveground Pools. Highly Commended: Sisetaa, Classic Pools; McCarroll, Classic Pools
Project
Commercial Pool (Aquatics) over $1,000,000: Bayswater Waves Aquatic Centre, Paragon Construction Solutions. Highly Commended: Kellerberrin Memorial Pool, Distinctive Pools
Commercial Pool (Aquatics) up to $1,000,000: Beatty Park
Leisure Centre, Paragon Construction Solutions
Commercial Pool (Aquatics) up to $500,000: South Hedland Aquatics Centre, Paragon Construction Solutions
Commercial Renovation: Bayswater Waves Aquatic Centre, Paragon Construction Solutions. Highly Commended: HBF Arena, Distinctive Pools; Beatty Park Leisure Centre, Paragon Construction Solutions
Composite Pool over $60,000: East Vic Park, Villa Plunge Pools
Concrete In-ground Spa: Beach St, Imperial Pools
Concrete Lap Pool: WCD 2 windows, Imperial Pools
Concrete Pool & Spa Combination: The Esplanade, Boardwalk Pools. Highly Commended: The Fairways, Imperial Pools
Concrete Pool over $240,000: The Esplanade, Boardwalk Pools
Concrete Pool up to $120,000: Talus Infinity, Imperial Pools. Highly Commended: Branksome Gardens, Boardwalk Pools; The lighthouse, CSP Perth
Concrete Pool up to $60,000: Europa Place, Boardwalk Pools. Highly Commended: The Vines, Perth Concrete Pools; Mosaic Crest Pool: Where Art Meets Aqua, CSP Perth
Courtyard/Small Pool over $80,000: Round Relaxation, Sapphire Pools
Courtyard/Small Pool up to $40,000: Dudley Park, Perth Concrete Pools. Highly Commended: Proclamation, Imperial Pools; Bonfires & Starry Nights, Factory Pools Perth
Courtyar /Small Pool up to $80,000: Home Resort, Panas Pool Services. Highly Commended: Woodlands Wonderland, Factory Pools Perth; Wilson, Freedom Pools
Fibreglass Lap Pool: Project Folewood – The Ultimo, Countrywide Pools. Highly Commended: Phar Lap, Barrier Reef Pools Bunbury; Lapping Up the Good Life!, Barrier Reef Pools Perth
Fibreglass Pool & Spa Combination: Poolside Paradise, Barrier Reef Pools Perth. Highly Commended: Pool, spa & wine region – a match made in heaven..., Barrier Reef Pools Bunbury; Sorrento Showstopper!, Barrier Reef Pools Perth
Fibreglass Pool up to $120,000: White- haven!, Barrier Reef Pools Perth. Highly Commended: Resort Living!, Barrier Reef Pools Perth
Fibreglass Pool up to $40,000: Bali Sanctuary, Sapphire Pools. Highly Commended: A Modern Paradise, Aqua Technics Pools; A Majestic Idaho, Barrier Reef Pools Perth
Fibreglass Pool up to $80,000: Project Folewood – The Ultimo, Countrywide Pools. Highly Commended: Estuary Views from the Pool, Barrier Reef Pools Bunbury; Palm Springs Inspired Haven, Aqua Technics Pools
Freeform Pool up to $60,000: Modern Freeform, Reflections Pool and Spa Care
Hotel/Resort Pool up to $500,000: Riverside Oasis – Caravan Park Revamp, Countrywide Pools. Highly Commended: Wearne, Reflections Pool and Spa Care
Innovative Project: Natural Retreat, tristanpeirce Landscape Architecture. Highly Commended: Project Folewood – The Ultimo, Countrywide Pools; The Esplanade, Boardwalk Pools
Prefabricated Composite Pool up to $60,000: Witchcliffe, Villa Plunge Pools. Highly Commended: Yallingup, Villa Plunge Pools; Iluka, Villa Plunge Pools
Renovation over $80,000: River Deluxe, Panas Pool Services
Renovation up to $40,000: Pindari Renovation, Imperial Pools. Highly Commended: Claremont Renovation, Bluvitalize; Pool Renovation Project, Jadan Pool Renovations
Renovation up to $80,000: Home Resort, Panas Pool Services. Highly Commended: Wellington, Boardwalk Pools; An above ground Pool Renovation in Dongara, Bluvitalize
Residential Lighting Feature: Night Glow, Barrier Reef Pools Perth. Highly Commended: Chef Matt, Freedom Pools & Spas; Project Hillwood – The Valentina, Countrywide Pools
Residential Water Feature: Water Feature, Panas Pool Services. Highly Commended: Project Hillwood – The Valentina, Countrywide Pools; Water Acoustics, Barrier Reef Pools Perth
Safety Barrier: Curves in all the right places, TKL Contractors. Highly Commended: Project Folewood – The Ultimo, Countrywide Pools; Pool Perf fencing, JC Contemporary Fencing
Sustainable Project: Project Bonnie Rock, Countrywide Pools. Highly Commended: Natural Retreat, tristanpeirce Landscape Architecture; HBF Arena, Green Star Solutions
Vinyl Lined In-ground Pool over $120,000: Olive farms, Unique Freeform Pools
Vinyl Lined In-ground Pool up to $120,000: Timeless Trapezoid, Add A Splash Pools. Highly Commended: Refreshing retreat, Add A Splash Pools; Greek aquarium, Unique Freeform Pools
Vinyl Lined In-ground Pool up to $60,000: Therapeutic tranquility, Add A Splash Pools. Highly Commended: Oh, the Tranquility!, Aurora Pools; Life’s a holiday, Unique Freeform Pools
Vinyl-Lined Lap Pool: Sunset laps, Unique Freeform Pools
See the state award winners face off at the SPASA National Awards of Excellence at the SPLASH! Trade Expo on the Gold Coast, August 21. n
Victorian Awards of Excellence
Pool of the Year: Treescape Oasis, TLC Pools
Business of the Year: Rainwise Pools Melbourne
Best Pool Store: Rainwise Pools Melbourne
Commercial Project of the Year: The Home of the Matildas, Aloha Pools
Product of the Year: Remco Retrofit Swimjet, Remco
Professional of the Year: Peter Garratt, Conquest Pools Albury Wodonga
Spa of the Year: Mills Beach Spa, TJ Pool Plumbing
Business
Best Concrete Pool Builder: Laguna. Highly Commended: Aloha Pools; Apex Pools and Spas
Best Fibreglass Pool Builder: Summertime Pools. Highly Commended: Rainwise Pools Melbourne; Horizon Pools
Best Mobile Service Business: Plus Pool Maintenance. Highly Commended: Pool Satisfaction
Best Prefabricated Composite Pool Builder: Eco Plunge Pools
Best Professional Service Business: AB Phillips. Highly Commended: Carter Marketing Project Management; Pool Site Quote (PSQ)
Best Supplier: The Pool Tile Company. Highly Commended: Sunlover Group; Fluidra Group Australia
Display Pool/Centre: Summertime Pools, Dandenong South. Highly Commended: Rippleside Pools Display Pools; Rippleside Pools and Outdoor Living Melbourne, Victoria Showroom; The Pool Tile Company
Multi-Location Pool Store: Spa World Victoria
New Pool Store: Poolside Yarrawonga. Highly Commended: Rippleside Pools and Outdoor Living
Online Pool Store: Poolside Cobram
Single Location Pool Store: Rainwise Pools Melbourne. Highly Commended: PoolCare Plus; Mornington Pool & Spa Superstore
Person
Construction Tradesperson Award: Michael Farnham, Laguna Pools & Spas. Highly Commended: Brendan Garratt, Conquest Pools Albury Wodonga; Ray Taylor, Aloha Pools
In-Field Service Technician Award: Wes Hilliard, Pool Satisfaction. Highly Commended: Steve Lawson, Plus Pool Maintenance; Tim Hall, Sunlover Group
Operational Excellence Award: Ahmad Gefe, Aloha Pools. Highly Commended: Sue Picknell, Sunlover Group; Sophie Shepherd, PoolCare Plus
Pool & Spa Barrier Inspector
Award: Rob Davidson, Pool Barrier Certification/Pool Boys Co. Highly Commended: Chris Thynne, Pool Safety Barrier Inspections; Dirk Nannes, My Pool Inspector
Pool Designer Award: Matthew Scrase, Laguna Pools & Spas.
Highly Commended: Michael Tancredi, Commercial Pool Consulting; Darin Bradbury, Mint Design
Pool Sales Representative Award: Peter Garratt, Conquest Pools Albury Wodonga. Highly Commended: Rachel Williams, Endless Pools & Spas
Retail Service Technician Award: Rhiannon Morgan, PoolCare Plus. Highly Commended: Jack Culhane, Poolwerx Albury; Luke Dunham, Clark Rubber Narre Warren
Rising Star Award: Phil Hickman, Sunlover Group. Highly Commended: Tegan Fowler, Plus Pool Maintenance; Ethan Nigsch, Conquest Pools Albury Wodonga
Commercial Pool (Aquatics) over $1,000,000: The Home of the Matildas, Aloha Pools
Commercial Pool (Aquatics) up to $1,000,000: Allura, Aquatic Designs
Commercial Spa: Walmer Apartments, Aloha Pools
Community Project: Very Special Kids, Aloha Pools
Composite Pool over $60,000: Wonga Park Hamptons Plunge Pool, Plunge Pools Plus. Highly Commended: Healesville, Swimco Aquatics; Inner city, Compass Pools Melbourne
Concrete In-ground Spa: Mills Beach Spa, TJ Pool Plumbing. Highly Commended: Dromana, Personal Pools; Mt Eliza, Personal Pools
Concrete Lap Pool: A lap of luxury in Hampton, Laguna. Highly Commended: Level-Up Laps, Seaspray Pools; Ruse lap pool, Enkipools
Concrete Pool & Spa Combination: Treescape Oasis, TLC Pools. Highly Commended: Mornington Peninsula Freeform, TJ Pool Plumbing; Luxury and Tranquillity Amidst the Rural Landscape, Coastal Builders; Safety Beach, Enkipools
Concrete Pool over $240,000: Foster, Apex Pools and Spas. Highly Commended: Archadian House, Aloha Pools; Luxury and Tranquillity Amidst the Rural Landscape, Coastal Builders; Mornington Peninsula Freeform, TJ Pool Plumbing
Concrete Pool up to $120,000: Sens de l’espace at Mornington, Exquisite Pools & Gardens. Highly Commended: Crystal-Clear Cove, Seaspray Pools; The edge of the world in Kew, Laguna Concrete Pool up to $180,000: Portsea, Apex Pools and Spas. Highly Commended: Ballara, H2O Custom Pools; Eco-delight amongst the vines in Wallington, Laguna Concrete Pool up to $240,000: Camberwell curves, Laguna. Highly Commended: Reflections, Coastal Pools and Spas; Mill Race Project, Kings Gardens & Pools
Concrete Pool up to $60,000: Mitcham – Pocket Rocket, PJ Pools and Spas. Highly Commended: Clifton Hill, PJ Pools and Spas
Courtyard/Small Pool over $80,000: Ultimate Invitation @ Mentone, Exquisite Pols & Gardens Australia. Highly Commended: Hawthorn Plunge Pool and Spa, Neptune Swimming Pools; Crystal-Clear Cove, Seaspray Pools
Courtyard/Small Pool up to $80,000: Dual-purpose Mills Beach Spa, TJ Pool Plumbing. Highly Commended: Small in Size, Big in Impact, Striking Pools; Mitcham, PJ Pools and Spas
Fibreglass Lap Pool: Sunbury – Panama, Narellan Pools South East and West Melbourne. Highly Commended: Swim with View, Compass Pools Melbourne
Fibreglass Pool & Spa
Combination: The Main Attraction, Blue Marlin Pools
Mornington Peninsula. Highly Commended: The All in One – Pool, Spa and Wet Deck!, Rainwise Pools Melbourne; Launceston Street, Rippleside Pools and Outdoor Living Fibreglass Pool over $120,000: The Main Attraction, Blue Marlin Pools. Highly Commended: Altona, Compass Pools Melbourne; Mount Eliza – Symphony and Spa, Narellan Pools Port Phillip
Fibreglass Pool up to $120,000: When More is More, Rainwise Pools Melbourne. Highly Commended: Gruyere, Compass Pools Melbourne; Ottrey, Horizon Pools
Fibreglass Pool up to $40,000: Drouin – Nirvana, Narellan Pools Gippsland. Highly Commended: Tropical paradise in Frankston South, Enchanted Pools; Townhouse Tranquillity, Summertime Pools
Fibreglass Pool up to $80,000: George, Horizon Pools. Highly Commended: Urban Oasis – Prioritising the Environment, Rainwise Pools Melbourne; Blairgowrie – Serene and Spa, Narellan Pools Port Phillip
Freeform Pool over $120,000: South Yarra’s pool of fluidity and form, Laguna. Highly Commended: Brighton, Apex Pools and Spas; Safety Beach, Enkipools
Freeform Pool up to $120,000: All curves, no corners, Striking Pools. Highly Commended: Gathering House, Aquarius Pools
Hotel/Resort Pool up to $1,000,000: Walmer Apartments, Aloha Pools. Highly Commended: InterContinental Sorrento, Aloha Pools; Hotel Sorrento, TJ Pool Plumbing
Hotel/Resort Pool up to $500,000: Serenity amidst Melbourne’s city skyline, Laguna
Innovative Project: Luxury and Tranquillity Amidst the Rural Landscape, Coastal Builders. Highly Commended: Poolside Portal, Seaspray Pools; Flinders’ diamond in the rough, Laguna Pool Landscape Design: Woodlands Projects, Kings Gardens & Pools. Highly Commended: Mentone, COS Design; Torquay Oasis, Mint Design
Prefabricated Composite Pool up to $60,000: Croydon Hills, Compass Pools Melbourne
Renovation over $80,000: South Yarra House, Aquarius Pools
Renovation up to $40,000: Renovation Finesse, Sunsetter Pools and Spas. Highly Commended: Mount Eliza Renovation, PJ Pools and Spas
Renovation up to $80,000: Wheelers Hill, Personal Pools. Highly Commended: Pool Revival – Camberwell, Striking Pools; Glen Iris, PJ Pools and Spas
Residential Lighting Feature: Drysdale, Apex Pools and Spas. Highly Commended: Mills Beach Spa, TJ Pool Plumbing; CrystalClear Cove, Seaspray Pools
Residential Water Feature: Foster, Apex Pools and Spas. Highly Commended: South, Franklin Pools Australia; Ballara, H2O
Custom Pools
Safety Barrier: Mount Eliza, Out From The Blue. Highly Commended: Southey St, Sandringham, The Outdoor Society; Esplanade, Blue Croc
Display Pool/Centre: Freedom Pools Display Showroom. Highly Commended: Display Home by the Lakes, Mermaid Pools
Person
Construction Tradesperson Award: Harrison Hawkins, Rainwise Pools Adelaide. Highly Commended: Sam Etherington, Everclear Pools SA; Jack Williams, Freedom Pools
In-Field Service Technician Award: Corey Gray, Freedom Pools. Highly Commended: Craig Hain, Everclear Pools SA; Karl Piteo, Advanced Pools; Marc Piteo, Advanced Pools
Operational Excellence Award: Tam Dean, Everclear Pools SA. Highly Commended: Ruby Steyn, Freedom Pools; Patty Poulopoulos, Waterco
Pool Sales Representative Award: Emily Donegan, Everclear Pools SA. Highly Commended: Nathe Harkin, Freedom Pools; Sarah Hartney, Freedom Pools
Retail Service Technician Award: Maddy Bell, Everclear Pools SA. Highly Commended: Karl Piteo, Advanced Pools; Marc Piteo, Advanced Pools; Clare Hutchings, Clark Rubber Enfield
Rising Star Award: Aise Dillon, Outside Developments. Highly Commended: Andrew Medlen, Everclear Pools SA; Vanessa Weniger, Freedom Pools
Supplier Salesperson Award: Chris Bray, Waterco. Highly Commended: Dana Whitbread, Fluidra
Product
Education & Training Excellence Award: Fluidra Pro Academy, Fluidra Pro Academy. Highly Commended: Clark Rubber Academy
Fibreglass Pool & Spa Combination: Luxury Living, Riverina Pools. Highly Commended: The Barossa Bliss Pool and Spa, Narellan Pools SA; Pools & Spa Combo, Freedom Pools
Fibreglass Pool over $120,000: Hahndorf, Outside Developments. Highly Commended: Port Elliot, Outside Developments
Commercial Renovation: Gawler Aquatic Centre, Hydrilla Community Project: Cowell Foreshore Redevelopment, Hydrilla Composite Pool over $60,000: Magill, Plunge by Elite
Concrete Lap Pool: Hyde Park, Elite Pools and Landscapes
Concrete Pool & Spa Combination: Negative Edge Pool & Spa Combination, Mermaid Pools. Highly Commended: Kensington Park JP, Adelaide Classic Pools; Toorak Gardens, Elite Pools and Landscapes
Concrete Pool up to $120,000: Kensington Park JP, Adelaide Classic Pools. Highly Commended: Negative Edge Pool With Pristine Views, Mermaid Pools; Hyde Park, Elite Pools and Landscapes
Concrete Pool up to $180,000: Toorak Gardens, Elite Pools and Landscapes. Highly Commended: Sellicks Hill, Adelaide Classic Pools; Highgate, Adelaide Classic Pools
Concrete Pool up to $240,000: Oakbank Bio Top Pool, Elite Building and Design Group
Concrete Pool up to $60,000: Grange, Adelaide Classic Pools. Highly Commended: Family Pool, Mermaid Pools
Courtyard/Small Pool up to $40,000: Seacliff Park, Outside Developments. Highly Commended: Hofmann’s Courtyard, Everclear Pools SA
Courtyard/Small Pool up to $80,000: Unley, Elite Pools and Landscapes. Highly Commended: Clapham, Plunge by Elite; Netherby, Outside Developments
Enclosed/Indoor Pool: Indoor Oasis, Narellan Pools SA. Highly Commended: Aquatic Lap Retreat, Everclear Pools SA; Sellicks Hill, Adelaide Classic Pools
Fibreglass Commercial Pool up to $250,000: Freedom Pools Commercial
Fibreglass In-ground Spa: Southern Spa, Pool Envy
Fibreglass Lap Pool: Lap It Up Webber, Everclear Pools SA. Highly Commended: Seaview Downs, Outside Development
Fibreglass Pool up to $120,000: Prospect, Outside Developments. Highly Commended: Picturesque Clare Valley, Pool Envy
Fibreglass Pool up to $40,000: Mottram’s Oasis, Everclear Pools SA. Highly Commended: Aldinga, Outside Developments; Modern Coastal Retreat, Rainwise Pools Adelaide
Fibreglass Pool up to $80,000: A Beautiful Front Yard
Freeform Pool up to $120,000: Leafy Leabrook, Mermaid Pools
Hotel/Resort Pool over $1,000,000: Kangaroo Island, Elite Pools and Landscapes
Pool Landscape Design: Unley, Elite Pools and Landscapes. Highly Commended: Richmond, Elite Pools and Landscapes; West Hindmarsh, Adelaide Classic Pools
Prefabricated Composite Pool up to $60,000: Clapham, Plunge by Elite
Renovation over $80,000: Glenelg, Adelaide Classic Pools. Highly Commended: Glenelg North, Elite Pools and Landscapes; Clarence Park, Adelaide Classic Pools
Renovation up to $40,000: Glenalta, Adelaide Classic Pools
Renovation up to $80,000: West Hindmarsh, Adelaide Classic Pools. Highly Commended: Party mode, Pleasure Pools
Residential Water Feature: Marion Water Feature, Outside Developments
Safety Barrier: Uleybury Safety Barrier, Fidus Pool Fencing
Sustainable Project: Sellicks Beach Project, TPEC Pool Enclosures
Vinyl Lined In-ground Pool up to $120,000: Bismark, Pleasure Pools
Vinyl Lined In-ground Pool up to $60,000: Tim at Seacombe Gardens, Pleasure Pools. Highly Commended: Lisa at Balhannah, Pleasure Pools
See the state award winners face off at the SPASA National Awards of Excellence at the SPLASH! Trade Expo on the Gold Coast, August 21. n
Commercial Project of the Year: Kangaroo Island, Elite Pools and Landscapes
ACT Awards of Excellence
Pool of the Year: Aranda, Leader Pools
Business of the Year: Leader Pools, Leader Pools
Product of the Year: Oasis PV Ready Heat Pump (iX Series), Sunlover Group
Professional of the Year: James Cain, EvoHeat
Spa of the Year: Obsidian Reflections, Precision Custom Pools
Business
Best Concrete Pool Builder: Best Fibreglass Pool Builder:
Person
In-Field Service Technician Award: Ryan Carroll, Total Pool Service Supplier Salesperson Award: James Cain, EvoHeat
Education & Training Excellence Award: Fluidra Pro Academy,
Residential Water Feature: Jerrabomberra, Leader Pools
Safety Barrier: Hotham, Leader Pools
Sustainable Project: Aranda, Leader Pools
See the state award winners face off at the SPASA National Awards of Excellence at the SPLASH! Trade Expo on the Gold Coast, August 21. n
SPLASH! 2024 Product Showcase
The SPLASH! Trade Expo is the largest pool and spa trade show in the Southern Hemisphere and the region. This year it will be even bigger and better, with thousands of innovative products and services on show at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on August 21 and 22.
Here is a small sample of some of those products which
AIS Water
Neo
AIS Water’s AutoChlor Neo follows three years of extensive market research and development including collaboration with AIS Water’s global customer base. It will be offered for sale to the home pool market in 2024.
CEO Elena Gosse says that Neo epitomises their commitment to innovation and excellence, taking their trusted AutoChlor brand and developing it even further.
suppliers are eager to show to the industry, providing a tiny taste of what you can peruse at the show.
Register online now at www.splash.online/expo to join our most exciting industry event without having to pay the entry fee.
If any of these products pique your interest, go directly to the stand or call the contact number to arrange an appointment. n
“Two standout features of Neo are its ability to operate across a wide spectrum of salinity levels, automatically detecting salinity and operating accordingly, and its Genuine AIS Water Cell Recognition, ensuring that only AIS genuine cells can be used, thereby ensuring optimal performance, longevity and customer investment.”
Neo comes with a user-friendly control with a single rotary encoder, a full colour LCD screen and a multi-stage power system.
STAND NUMBER: 43 and 132
CONTACT: www.aiswater.com.au
Australasia Stone Group BaliStone range
The alluring mosaic porcelain tile collection from Australasia Stone Group is inspired by Balinese luxury. Crafted for enduring resilience and longevity, the tiles boast a water absorption rate of under 0.5 per cent, ensuring exceptional durability with minimal upkeep.
Choose from a palette of serene blues, greens and earthy sandstone and grey tones to create spaces that reflect your unique style. The tiles are expertly crafted using an innovative dot-mounted system, available in sizes 48mm x 48mm x 6mm and 97mm x 97mm x 6mm, for enhanced flexibility and aesthetic excellence.
Each sheet features a captivating tricolour blend arranged in a random pattern for a natural, harmonious look that can help elevate outdoor and living spaces.
STAND NUMBER: 92
CONTACT: Pam, 0488 203 502
Aquea V-Lock lid range
The award-winning V-Lock lid range now offers VS Combo Kits, smaller S-Series lids, and the innovative V40 model.
VS Combo Kits come with a full-size V-Series lid, an S-Series lid for smaller applications like hydrostatic stand pipes, a V-Lock lid key and adhesive in one convenient package. These kits, available for 20mm and 30mm inlays, provide a simple and cost-effective solution perfect for fibreglass pools. Additionally, S-Series lid kits for 20mm and 30mm inlays are also available separately.
The V40 model is specifically designed for poured concrete and 40mm paver inlays. With a dual key design ensuring safe and ergonomic use, no electrical bonding required, and simplified setup, pouring and finishing.
STAND NUMBER: 36
CONTACT: www.aquea.com.au; 0481 875 870
Blue Glass Pebble Company Glass pool finishes
The Blue Glass Pebble Company manufactures market leading glass pebble interior finishes for concrete swimming pools Australia-wide and overseas, providing a stunning range of glass pool finishes that shimmer and sparkle with colourful vibrancy.
The premixed finishes are batched and bagged in Brisbane to the absolute highest industry standards. Durable, easy to install and even easier to maintain, the pebble is suited to residential and commercial applications, and has been very successfully used in large scale resort pools, council lagoons, swim schools, wave pools, lazy rivers and kids’ splash pools. They also stock a huge range of the highest quality glass beads, New Zealand pebble and tints to supply pebblecreters and pool builders in bulk.
STAND NUMBER: 98
CONTACT: Michael Kettewell, 0401 695 337
Brauer Swim V3 Brauer Swim B-Fresh
For 25 years, Brauer Swim has been pushing the boundaries of innovation in water sanitisation. Now they have released their new V3 Brauer Swim B-Fresh residential pool system.
Featuring revolutionary patented technology that delivers safe, healthy water that’s incredibly gentle on the skin and eyes, and a state-of-the-art touchpad that offers unparalleled ease of control, making pool management simpler than ever.
The Brauer Swim B-Fresh Pool System is where advanced technology meets ultimate convenience.
STAND NUMBER: 50
CONTACT: David Brauer, 1300 696 631
Cooke Industries Water Witch Smart Sense
The Water Witch electronic water leveller by Cooke Industries is an automatic solution designed to bring reliability and accuracy together. It features six operational modes to account for different tank types and is perfect for both commercial and residential projects, seamlessly adapting to specific project requirements – including infinity edge and balance tank installations.
The exclusive Smart Sense technology enables automatic real-time fault detection and shutdown to prevent accidental overfilling. Built-in logging captures recent faults, streamlining issue diagnosis and resolution.
Setup takes just minutes, and once configured, the unit operates reliably without the need for continuous monitoring. With minimal maintenance, the Water Witch will save owners and service technicians hours throughout its lifetime, and includes support easily accessed through a QR code.
The Classic Pools Igui range of fully tiled swimming pools utilises high-quality structural fibreglass, ensuring durability and longevity. One of the standout benefits of Igui pools is their innovative design being comparatively lightweight, allowing multiple pools to be easily stacked and transported together.
This reduces crane size and cost during the installation process. This efficient design significantly reduces logistics costs and simplifies installation. A 6m x 3.3m fully tiled pool weighs less than 1300kg. Its lightweight nature facilitates quicker and easier handling, reducing the need for heavy machinery and labour. This not only speeds up the installation process but also makes it more cost-effective.
The Igui range offers a robust, aesthetically pleasing swimming pool that is both practical and efficient.
STAND NUMBER: 23
CONTACT: Josh Chapman, josh@classicpools.com.au
Daisy Pool Covers Acoustic Box
Daisy Pool Covers has acquired Acoustic Box, the renowned manufacturer of premium soundproofed pump and filter enclosures. Acoustic Boxes come with a clever lift top lid on gas struts, and a removable front access panel for maximum clearance and internal space. They reduce noise by up to 80 per cent, complying with all state and council requirements for soundproofing.
The easy assembly can be done in as little as 15 minutes, and requires no nuts or bolts to build the box, while it has superior structural integrity.
They come in a wide variety of standard sizes, configurations and 10 standard Dulux Colourbond colours and are designed to suit almost any pump and filter installation. They can also be custom made. They include child safety features and are 100 per cent Australian made.
STAND NUMBER: 111A
CONTACT: 1300 55 18 11, daisypoolcovers.com.au
POOL PROTECTOR
SALTWATER CHLORINATORS
Reversed Logo
Davey Lifeguard
Davey’s Lifeguard complete pool and chemistry controller offers the option of a fully integrated app-based dashboard for remote monitoring, including a pH sensor and acid dosing, temperature and salt measurements, and ORP control. It even features a low-salt cutout to protect the cell and a boost mode for additional chlorination during heavy-bather load periods.
The user-friendly app allows pool owners to view and adjust schedules, modes and set points. It can also be by wifi or locally.
The Lifeguard controller seamlessly integrates with Davey’s compact saltwater chlorinator, the Nipper, and communicates with other Davey pool equipment, which can be easily connected through plugs on the back of the unit or through wifi connection. It is suitable for pools up to 175,000 litres and can be used for salt, low salt, or mineral pools.
STAND NUMBER: 39
CONTACT: www.daveywater.com
Focus Products
Liqua AI
Liqua AI is the next-generation cloud-based system from Focus Products to help build smarter pool and spa businesses. It’s new AI-powered features and a faster real-time engine provides essential business tools for: water testing and asset management; consumer marketing and engagement; and service and delivery booking, scheduling and management.
It is focussed on boosting business productivity by delivering powerful AI technologies backed by Google Gemini.
The new AI tools will help generate new communications, automate activity, create in-store marketing and provide intelligent problem solving – empowering businesses to adapt to an evolving consumer market.
STAND NUMBER: 113
CONTACT: John Charles 0404 036 185
Evolution Water & Lighting Solutions Low Salt Oxidiser
The Evolution Low Salt Oxidiser has been developed to meet the increasing demand for low salinity and mineral swimming pools. The system operates on a salinity of 1800ppm, effectively sanitising the pool water on half the salinity usually required by chlorinators. It is powered by a reliable toroidal transformer and controlled with a digital battery backup timer.
The unit is complete with a low salt compatible, long-life titanium anode cell. The Low Salt Oxidiser is manufactured in Australia and is backed by a three-year full warranty.
STAND NUMBER: 38
CONTACT: (07) 5565 0000, www.evolutionwls.com.au
Grated Drains
One Channel linear drains
Grated Drains announces the release of One Channel. It is an easy to install and specify linear drainage system, available in two channel sizes and five popular grate styles to complement any outdoor area.
It is heel guard compliant with marine grade anodised aluminium, stainless steel wedge wire and tile insert styles available. Suitable for use around salt water or chlorine pools, beach front homes, patios, driveways and more.
Available Australia-wide and affordable with no need for custom manufacturing costs or lengthy lead time.
STAND NUMBER: 115
Hanna Instruments
BL13x Series swimming pool controllers
The Hanna Instruments BL13x swimming pool controllers provide automatic control of pH and chlorine levels in pools, hot tubs, and spas.
Key features include: two built-in peristaltic dosing pumps with proportional control; manual control for pump priming; overdosing and password protection; automatic resumption of dosing after power failure; ORP (chlorine) dosing consent ensuring pH value is correct before dosing; external dosing capabilities; cloud connectivity for viewing measurements, trends, history, device settings, alarms and messages; user-selectable logging intervals; and programmable alarms.
Hide Skimmer Lids Concrete polymer kits
In a world-first innovation, Hide have introduced the combination concrete skimmer lid – the bond-free concrete solution they say the industry has been waiting for.
Hide combines its 316 stainless steel 40mm concrete cover with a 40mm polymer, non-conductive edge protector. It is available in 342mm and 206mm sizes.
The controllers enable remote access and data visualisation through cloud connectivity, with all measurements and events sent to Hanna Cloud via Ethernet.
AlgaeShield, distributed by Ixom, is a one-step solution that controls algae, slime and blackspot in pools all year long.
The AlgaeShield advantages include: cost effective low dosage; simple application – just pour directly into pool; low maintenance – eliminates existing algae and prevents regrowth for up to 30 days; works with chlorine, bromine and salt chlorinated pools.
The polymer edge protector insulates the stainless cover, providing the best of both worlds – a robust and reliable cover, perfect for wetpour concrete, safely housed within the non-conductive outer frame.
This year, Hide is celebrating ten years of servicing the pool industry.
STAND NUMBER: 105, 128
Jobe Valves, a company that specialises in the manufacture of float operated valves, has now developed a new automatic top-up valve for
The Top-Up Turtle is designed to sit on the pool edge and be connected to a standard garden hose. The nature-inspired design of a turtle shell is filled with water to give weight to hold the valve in position. A fully adjustable float level is easily set to maintain the desired water level in any pool to replace water as demand requires.
Top-Up Turtle is manufactured from non-corrosive, high impact materials with a working pressure up to 150psi.
+647 880 9090, www.Top-UpTurtle.co.nz
Luxapool
WB Epoxy Primer Membrane
The new WB Epoxy Primer Membrane enables you to paint a newly cement rendered pool without having to wait 28 days for it to cure.
It is designed to prevent seepage and dampness penetration through walls and floors, and is excellent for waterproofing swimming pools, water tanks, fish ponds, aquaculture ponds, retaining walls and even underground carparks.
The innovative 2-pack water-based epoxy primer/membrane confers resistance to hydrostatic pressure. The advantage is you don’t need to wait for the concrete to fully cure before you paint over it with this product, meaning you can complete the project within a shorter timeframe. WB Epoxy also meets the requirement of AS/NZS 4020 : 2018 for potable water.
STAND NUMBER: 42
CONTACT: 1300 LUXAPOOL; https://luxapool.com.au
Maytronics Australia
Mineral Swim V2
Maytronics Australia will be launching the Mineral Swim V2 at the 2024 SPLASH! Trade Expo. They say this is the next generation in ozone-to-oxygen purification, enhanced with 100 per cent Dead Sea minerals.
The award winning, advanced modular system promises a new standard in pool water quality, ensuring a healthier and more enjoyable swimming experience.
Additionally, at the show they are introducing strategic partner Pool Site Quote, a dedicated quoting system designed specifically for pool builders. This innovative tool streamlines the quoting process, providing accurate and efficient estimates to enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
They will also be showcasing their Liberty cordless robotic pool cleaners, offering superior cleaning performance with the convenience of cordless operation.
Maytronics invites all attendees to visit their stand and learn more.
STAND NUMBER: 9
CONTACT: www.mineralswim.com; 1300 693 657
Naked Pools Naked Mini
Naked Pools, a leader in innovative freshwater pool systems, will be launching their latest product, the Naked Mini – designed specifically for smaller pools and swim spas.
The Naked Mini (NKD-M) is built on the foundation of the award-winning Naked NKD-R System, which has been a market favourite for over six years for freshwater swimming pools, with tens of thousands of installations across Australia, New Zealand, and other parts of the world. Naked says the NKD-R system has set the standard for lowest chemical, eco-friendly pool solutions, and the Naked Mini brings the same cutting-edge technology and high standards of water clarity and safety to a new compact and efficient design, and at a lower price point.
Neptune
Neptune CRM
Neptune is launching its new customer relationship manager at SPLASH!, which they say offers a modern and highly intuitive experience, effortlessly easy to navigate through different features such as Customers, Proposals, Appointments, Reminders and Support.
The Neptune CRM includes a comprehensive set of features essential for effective customer relationship management, including capabilities for managing contacts, tracking leads and monitoring customer categories with customisable stages.
The ability to automate tasks and workflows further enhances productivity. It also has features designed to streamline customer relationship management, excelling in contract management, customer status management, and insightful analytics to monitor and optimise the sale process.
Naked Pools invites all expo attendees to visit their booth for a demonstration.
STAND NUMBER: 40A
CONTACT: Darren Milne, 1800 625 331, sales@naked-pools.com
Businesses can tailor Neptune to fit their unique requirements with custom fields and tags. The automation features simplify repetitive tasks like text and email templates, saving time and boosting efficiency.
STAND NUMBER: 20
CONTACT: Corey Phillips, 0415 699 086
When size matters.
The NEW NKD-M
Introducing the Mini, our all-new NKD-M freshwater system for small pools and swim spas.
Enjoy all the benefits of Australia’s favourite and most awarded freshwater pool system, tailored for pools and swim spas up to 30,000 litres.
The Mini is fully compatible with the Naked pH Controller and heater interlock and comes with our full 3 Year Warranty and Complete Customer Care Plan.
3
Come see us at the SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Expo to find out more. (Stand 40)
Pacific Pool Products Australia Eagle Eye
Pacific Pool Products Australia says the new Eagle Eye pool lighting series from Emaux is a game-changer in underwater illumination.
This ultra-slim, high-efficiency LED light boasts a powerful 18W output, seamlessly fitting into the narrowest pool walls. Its niche design allows versatile installation in PVC pipes, suction fittings or wall conduits, making it extremely adaptable. With an innovative convection design for optimal heat transfer and a lifespan exceeding 9000 hours, Eagle Eye ensures lasting brilliance.
The wireless colour-change feature and easy-change lens covers offer endless lighting effects, transforming a pool into a vibrant oasis.
STAND NUMBER: 71
CONTACT: Mark, 0425331871
Pool Inspector App Reporting software solution
Elevate your pool inspection business, automate tasks and expand your business with Pool Inspector App. It’s a complete reporting software solution that is compliant with all relevant Australian Standards and associated building codes, simplifying your workflow, delighting clients and boosting profitability.
A key part of the Reports is the advanced Online 3D Visual Library. The Library is a user-friendly, filterable reference to all related images from all related standards, providing both inspectors and the public with detailed, rotating 3D images that fully illustrate the elements, specifications and requirements.
The Visual Library images add professional and meaningful supporting diagrams to the Reports, with a consistent look and feel. Visible to everyone, they clearly explain the requirements with references to the state, the standard and hints about each scenario.
TAND NUMBER: 26
CONTACT: poolinspectorapp.com, 1300 552 008
Pentair PuraShield UV
Swimming pool water can be a perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria and pathogens that may cause illness when ingested. Pentair has launched the PuraShield UV to harness the power of ultraviolet light to neutralise chlorine resistant bacteria in pool water and prevent its reproduction.
The PuraShield UV works as a secondary sanitiser to boost the swimming pool’s protection to “zap” harmful waterborne pathogens, providing cleaner, safer pool swimming water.
Adding an additional layer of protection, the easy to use and manage, PuraShield UV+03 system from Pentair takes sanitation to the next level with the inclusion of an ozone unit.
Combining ozone’s proven oxidation and sanitising power with the PuraShield UV and traditional chlorine systems, this can produce the clearest pool water possible.
STAND NUMBER: 134, 80
CONTACT: Peter Kolomyjec, 0436 386 340
ProMinent ProCal
The iconic ProCal will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025. ProMinent Australia takes immense pride in the locally designed and manufactured ProCal, with a strong focus on quality and reliability.
In recent years calcium hypochlorite has risen as the preferred chlorine source, offering advantages such as lower WHS requirements for handling, storage, and transport. Boasting more than 800 installations nationwide, it leads the market in its category. Suitable for all pool sizes – from expansive outdoor 50m pools to intimate indoor plunge pools.
STAND NUMBER: 45
CONTACT: www.prominentfluid.com.au
Rheem Compact Series heat pumps
Introducing the new Rheem Compact Series heat pumps, setting a benchmark in efficient pool heating solutions. As a leader in hot water heating, Rheem brings its expertise to residential and commercial pool and spa water heating across Australia.
Key features include: compact design – fitting tight spaces with a minimal footprint; inverter technology – ensuring efficient and quiet operation; environmental responsibility – using environmentally sensitive refrigerants; durable construction – featuring a long-life titanium heat exchanger; advanced defrosting – maintaining optimal performance in all conditions.
The Compact Series is backed by Rheem’s national service network and a comprehensive warranty, guaranteeing reliability and peace of mind. Rheem says their heaters are of superior quality and performance, driven by rigorous research, development and testing.
Their expert team will be on hand at the Rheem stand.
STAND NUMBER: 8
CONTACT: 1300 132 950, sales@rheemthermal.com.au
Spa
Electrics
iRIS Wi-Fi lighting controller
Spa Electrics are launching their brand-new iRIS Wi-Fi lighting controller. Building on proven technology from their successful iRIS Remote range, the iRIS Wi-Fi allows pool owners to go-mobile with new and improved features, all accessible direct from a smartphone.
Developed for use with their MultiPlus LED pool and spa lights, with iRIS Wi-Fi you can select from a spectrum of colours, adjust the speed of colour shows and control the LED brightness to create the perfect ambiance. The convenience of fully customisable schedules allows you to automate your lighting to suit any occasion.
Spa Electrics are a leading manufacturer of premium underwater LED lights for new and existing pools and spas. Their award-winning products are designed and manufactured in Australia and sold worldwide.
STAND NUMBER: 35 CONTACT: (03) 9793 2299, www.spaelectrics.com.au
Finall y - comf or
t
able, modular st y le pool seating with ‘r eel’ purpose
Black ‘eco’ high density polyethylene ends finish a high quality aluminium plank bench seat, in a choice of powder-coated redcedar effect or traditional anodised silver
Standing 47cm tall, it’s the perfect height for comfortable seating, while still being large enough to accommodate a 550 micron solar cover up to 15m long! Clever design minimises the risk of freight damage, and DIY assembly is simple.
Scan the QR to explore ABGAL’s ‘reel options’ - email us@abgal.com.au or just give us a call and have a chat today!
Alr ead y an ABGAL cus t omer? L og int o your account at shop abgal com au and selec t ‘Hydr o t ools St orage Reels’ A bench seat r eel combo t ha t you’ll ac t uall y sit on
E A D O F F I C E 07 3803 9000 | Email us@abgal.com.au | www.abgal.com.au
SplashMe SplashMe Systems
SplashMe Systems say their Australian-designed, -made and -owned innovation is revolutionising the industry.
The smart automation systems redefine pool management by offering intuitive control over filtration, chemistry, temperature, lighting and more, all from the convenience of any mobile device.
Whether for new installations or retrofits, SplashMe seamlessly integrates to enhance efficiency and cut operational costs. SplashMe says the system that is in use worldwide enhances the pool ownership experience with its simple yet powerful pool and spa control capabilities. An affordable, best-in-class solutions that ensures optimal performance, easy support, and ongoing service for pool owners and professionals.
STAND NUMBER: 19, 130
CONTACT: Bec Buonsanto, 0422 221 685
Sunbather SunSwitch
Sunbather says you can elevate a pool experience with the allnew SunSwitch, meticulously crafted in Australia for optimal performance. This innovative controller seamlessly integrates with a new dedicated app, transforming a smartphone into a powerful solar pool heating management tool.
Also available is the wireless SunSwitch Plus. Whether the owners are away or at home, adjusting settings, monitoring temperature, or managing service needs is now at their fingertips.
The precise SunSwitch controller has a programmable time clock and lock-out mode, offering the control to set operational hours, ensuring efficiency without the hassle.
The hassle-free SunSwitch sets the bar high for what a solar pool heating controller can do.
STAND NUMBER: 65
CONTACT: Anthony Lestani, 1800 228 437
Swimart
Tailored partnership package
Founded by ASX-listed global company Waterco, Swimart is Australia and New Zealand’s longest running pool franchise brand.
Right now, they have created a tailored partnership package for independent pool store owners to join them. The package includes a generous incentive payment, free fit out, free POS and IT, plus much more. It also ensures the right amount of freedom to run your own business.
Contact Brett Reading to arrange a confidential meeting.
STAND NUMBER: 10
CONTACT: Brett Reading, 0432 088 264
Viewa Visualisation software
Viewa says seeing is believing, thanks to their AI, AR and 3D visualisation software. It enables potential customers to configure and visualise your products on the web and in their home at the start of the buying process.
This increases website dwell time by 10 times, leading to a 58 per cent surge in engagement and a subsequent 200 per cent increase in conversions.
STAND NUMBER: 110
CONTACT: Kyle Young, 0400 092 916
Waterlilly Australia
Lovibond Scuba3s
Waterlilly Australia’s Lovibond Scuba3s electronic pool tester is cutting-edge, with a passive NFC chip that enables contactless data transfer to a smartphone, instantly uploading all data records to the PoolAssistant app for real-time analysis.
TBWS Aquatic BECS
Technology controllers
BECSysLive is a web-based remote PC communication and phone app for BECSys controllers, is proving popular with council pools, splash parks, swim schools, hydrotherapy pools and resorts.
It enables monitoring of pool readings, creating reports and making changes via encrypted, internet enabled connection.
Key features include automatic superchlorination and low level night setpoints, booster chlorination, and timer-based addition of specialty chemicals. Additional sensors include TDS, Total Chlorine (UV control), Turbidity, Plant Flow, Pressure/Vacuum and Total Alkalinity (TA). TA sensing enables the controlled dosing of acid or CO2 for pH control, alternating dosing to automatically maintain constant pool TA levels.
STAND NUMBER: 51
CONTACT: Tim Batt, www.tbwsaquatic.com.au
Waterco Enviropro dual filtration system
The Enviropro dual filtration system combines Waterco’s best-in-class technologies for smarter, more efficient filtration, including the MultiCyclone centrifugal filter for superior dirt removal, a watersaving Opal cartridge filter for lasting clarity, and a Supatuf Eco-V variable speed pump to optimise energy use, the wifi enabled Electrochlor Plus mineral chlorinator which automatically measures and adjusts pH levels.
These highly efficient products, when combined and operated correctly, can reduce pool maintenance requirements and help pool owners achieve the highest levels of sustainability.
STAND NUMBER: 91
CONTACT: www.waterco.com.au
The PoolAssistant app accommodates up to three users and five pools. It transforms your data into intuitive diagrams, providing vital insights on pool care and water quality including light signals: green means safe, red signals caution. It has 11 tests including chlorine, pH, and calcium hardness, and is ergonomic, waterproof and the intuitive interface makes pool testing effortless and reliable.
STAND NUMBER: 85
CONTACT: Yvette Thommesen, 0418 660 133
FlowRider Edge
With a FlowRider surf simulator connected to the pool, your backyard can become action-packed.
Get the family off their phones and into the pool with a FlowRider Edge. With all that fun it won’t even feel like exercising. Guaranteed to capture an audience, the Edge becomes the focal point of your next pool party, making your garden the coolest hangout in the neighbourhood. Water supply is simply shared with the existing pool, saving cost on set up and filtration, and the compact footprint saves lawn space.
With a loyal global fan base, FlowRider has been the trusted name and leading supplier of stationary waves for decades. Finally, you can now bring surfing to backyards with the FlowRider Edge.
STAND NUMBER: 116
CONTACT: David Bogdonov, +16 0464 47018
Proudly Australia’s leading aquatic and disability equipment provider.
Pelican
Pool and Spa Hoist
• Caters for all levels of disability
• Mobile or fixed
• Easily installed
• Prevents manual lifting
Pelican Configurations
• Platform
• Sling
• Solid Seat
• Pelican Aquatic Chair
Kingfisher®
Pool Access Seat
• Easily installed
• Simple and safe operation
• Rechargeable
• Mobile or fixed
Platypus & Pelican
Aquatic Wheelchairs
• Lightweight and rustproof
• Self-propelled with brakes
• Built to withstand the elements
Platypus Pool Steps
• No deck modifications
• Easily removable
• Corrosion resistant
IBIS® Wheelchair to Car Access
• Completely portable
• Press button hand control
• Suitable for most vehicles
• Lightweight for easy handling
• No vehicle modifications required
Ceiling and Wall Hoists
• Fixed and portable
• One simple unit
• Hand control and wall charges
Adult Change Facilities
• Wall mounted change tables
• Powered
• Easily stored flat against a wall
• Ceiling Hoists to suit all applications
11:00AM - 6:00PM
WHAT’S ON COMPETE CHEERS
WAVES BREKKIE
WEDNESDAY
21ST AUGUST
8:00AM - 9:30AM
GOLD COAST
CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE
INDUSTRY DRINKS
WEDNESDAY
21ST AUGUST
4:30PM - 6:00PM
GOLD COAST
CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE
21ST - 22ND AUGUST TUESDAY
8:00AM - 12:00PM IRL
GOLD COAST CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE 8:00PM - 12:00AM THE AFTER PARTY
22ND AUGUST THURSDAY
AAT Acrylics Stand: 15
AB Phillips Stand: 77
ABGAL Liners & Covers Stand: 30
Aiper Stand: 7
Aircal Heat Pump Stand: 82
AIS Water Stand: 43
Albatross Pools Stand: 31
Aqua-Quip Stand: 84
Aquarius Technologies Stand: 76
AQUEA Stand: 36
Aussie Undercover Stand: 54
Australasia Stone Group Stand: 92 n nt Energy y nology
Betsan Australia Stand 33
Bioguard Australia Stand: 104
Blue Glass Pebble Company Stand: 98
Brauer Swim Stand: 50
BuBlue LLC Stand: 99
Bufferzone Stand: 88
Changzhou Yangzi New Plastic Institute Stand: 108
Chemtrol Australia Stand: 5
Cixi Handsome Pool Appliance Stand: 70
Classic Pools Stand: 23
Compass Pools Stand: 74
2024
Eco Solar Pool Heating Australia Stand: 55
Elite Pool Covers Stand: 48
Europe Imports Stand: 68
Evoheat Stand: 97
Evolution Water & Lighting Solutions Stand: 38
Fenlin Swimming Pool & Sauna Stand 13a
Fluidra Stand: 65
Fluidra Commercial Stand: 66
Focus Products Stand: 113
Foshan Gaoming Yuehua Sanitary Ware Stand: 75
Guangdong Wotech Renewable Energy and Technology Stand: 106
Guangzhou Hotpool Sanitary Ware Stand: 57
Guangzhou Sunrans Sanitary Ware Stand: 89
Guangzhou Taisheng Sanitary Ware Technology Stand: 41
Guangzhou Waking Pool Lighting Stand: 14
Halo Spas Stand: 6
Hanna Instruments Stand: 18
Hayward Pool Products Stand: 16
Hotspring Stand: 58
Cooke Industies Stand: 12
Daisy Pool Covers Stand: 111
Davey Water Products Stand: 39
Degrii Stand: 86
Designer Beadcrete Stand: 79
EasyCare Products Stand: 72
Foshan Uwotec New Energy Stand: 117
Foshan Yufengmi International Trading Co. Stand: 112
Genkinno Stand: 90
Green Element Technology Stand: 125
Hubei Xingfa Chemicals Group Stand: 123
Inner Mongolia
Likang Bio-Tech Stand: 11
Ionode Stand: 32
Ixom Stand: 28
Jewels 4 Pools Stand: 11
EXHIBITORS
LaMotte Pacific Stand: 63
Landy (Guangzhou) Plastic Products Stand: 124
Lincoln Pool Equipment BWT Stand: 17
LUXAPOOL® Swimming Pool Paint Stand: 42
Magen eco-Energy – Heliocol Solar Pool Heating Stand: 40
Masterbuilt Pools Stand: 59
Maytronics Australia Stand: 9
Naked Pools Stand: 40
Neptune Benson Australia (Evoqua) Stand: 64
Neptunecrm Stand: 20
Ningbo Hui Yong Swimming Pool Supplies Stand: 123
Ningbo Jade Pool Technology Stand: 122
Ningbo Poolstar Pool Products Stand: 27
Ningbo Powerful Pool Equipment Stand: 118
Pacific Pool Products Australia Stand: 71
PAL Lighting Stand: 78
Palintest Stand: 93
Para Mobility Stand: 34
Pentair Stand: 80
Pool Controls Stand: 67
Pool Inspector App Stand: 26
Pool Pro Products Stand: 87
Pool Ranger Stand: 53
Pool Site Quote Stand: 47
Pool Water Products Stand: 83
Poolwerx Stand: 44
Power World Machinery Equipment Stand: 95
Prominent Fluid Controls Stand: 45
Qingdao THOR Industrial Stand: 107
Reece Irrigation & Pools Stand: 61
Remco Australia Stand: 96
Rheem Stand: 8
River Sands Stand: 73
Rosa Gres Stand: 4
Shadowspac Umbrellas Stand: 52
Sip Topology EPP Stand: 100
Skimmer Lids Stand: 105
Snorkel Software Stand: 25
Solareast Heat Pump Stand: 56
Spa Electrics Stand: 35
Spa King Blower Co Stand: 298
Spa-craft Stand: 60
SPASA Stand: 1
SPATEX Stand: 81
SplashMe Pool Automation Systems Stand: 19
Stern's Group Stand: 49
Summertime Pools Stand: 6
Sunlover Heating Stand: 22
Sunstate Sands Pool Render Stand: 109
Superior Wellness Stand: 2
Supreme Heating Stand: 52
Swimart Stand: 10
The Acoustic Box Stand: 102
The Landscape Store Stand: 115
The Pool Tile Company Stand: 69
TPEC Pool Enclosures Stand: 46
Viewa Stand: 110
Walkston Pty Ltd Stand: 3
Waterco Stand: 91
WaterHunt Pool Equipment Stand: 101
Waterlilly Australia Stand: 85
Waterlink Stand: 101
Whitewate Stand: 116
Wybotics Stand: 103
Zhucheng Taisheng C Stand: 21
Zhuoshan Pump Indu Stand: 125
Gosper as a young athlete in 1951
Commercial & Aquatics
Olympic administrator Kevan Gosper passes away
In July, Kevan Gosper AO, a distinguished and influential figure in the Olympic movement, passed away, aged 90, after a short illness.
Born on December 19, 1933, in Newcastle, New South Wales, Gosper went on to have an illustrious athletic career spanning multiple decades and significant achievements.
An Olympic silver medallist at Melbourne 1956 in the Australian 4x400m relay team, he also went on to compete at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, as well as winning gold at the Commonwealth Games in Vancouver in 1954.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Gosper made significant contributions to the Olympic movement. He served as an IOC member from 1977 to 2013, including two terms on the IOC executive board (1986-1990 and 1995-1999) and two terms as IOC vice-president (1990-1994 and 19992003). As the chairman of the IOC press commission from 1989 to 2013, he played a crucial role in shaping the organisation’s communication strategies. His dedication was recognised with the IOC’s Olympic Order in 2013, the same year he became an IOC honorary member.
He was president of the Australian Olympic Committee from 1985 to 1990, and a life member. His leadership extended to the Oceania region, where he was the president of the Oceania National Olympic Committees (1989-2009) and the chairman of the Oceania Australia Foundation (20072024). He also led the Organisation of Sports Federations of Oceania from 2014 to 2024 and served as vice-president of the Organising Committee for the Olympic Games Sydney 2000 (1993-2000).
His contributions to Australian sport included being the inaugural chairman of the Australian Institute of Sport (1980-1985) and being inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1989.
For his services, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1986, and was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in 2000. Gosper also had a distinguished corporate career as the chairman and chief executive officer of Shell Australia Limited (1980-1991) and vicechairman of the Australia Trade Commission (1985-1991).
Kevan
Safety Blues’ dare no laughing matter
78 per cent of drowning deaths in New South Wales over the last reporting period were males
Prior to the NSW Blue’s history-making State of Origin victory, they went into training camp to prepare.
Along with more fundamental and strategic football practice, they went to the Urbnsurf surf park in Homebush for bonding sessions among the waves. Many of the players, notably those from the Northern Beaches, Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra, are adept surfers and very confident in the moving water.
However, some of those brought up in Penrith are less used to swimming in surf. Blue’s star Jarome Luai was apparently dared by some of his teammates to paddle out amongst the waves by himself, which he did. It wasn’t long before he was in serious trouble and had to be rescued.
The image of him being pulled out of the surf-like facility made the front page of newspapers.
“I attacked it, it was a bit of a dare from the boys. It was a good laugh, hey?” He said to the media after the incident.
Later he added: “There are no beaches in Penrith. We don’t get much practice out there.”
However, University of NSW injury prevention and drowning researcher, Dr Amy Peden, told the Sydney Morning Herald that many cases of males daring each other has ended in tragedy.
“Sadly it does happen, often among young people, and particularly young males. They will be dared to swim across, or jump off a rope swing,” says told the Herald.
“It sounds like he jumped in when everyone was listening to the safety briefing, whereas we would advise people to take a second, assess their surroundings, and talk to a local about the conditions.
“He said it well himself: There’s not a lot of beaches in Penrith, not a lot of coastal conditions.”
Caution is well advised around all water, and young males accepting dares from their mates is a recipe for disaster.
30-strong Australian Paralympics swim team heads to Paris
Paralympics Australia says the 30 swimmers selected to represent Australia at the Paris Paralympic Games are a blend of some of the most exciting, experienced and successful swimmers ever to feature on an Australian Paralympic Team.
The Paralympics commences on August 28 and runs till September 8, 2024.
The squad is spearheaded by two long-serving favourites: three-time gold medallist Brenden Hall, who will equal an Australian Paraswimming record fifth Games appearance; and Ahmed Kelly, who earned selection for his fourth Paralympic Games. Kelly’s great friend Grant “Scooter” Patterson is also off to his fourth Games and, at 35, is the most senior member of the team.
At the other end of the scale has been the thrilling emergence of freestyle sprinter Alexa Leary, who will compete at her first Paralympic Games alongside seven other debutants, while Lakeisha Patterson and Rachael Watson will each pursue a third consecutive Paralympic gold medal in their respective pet events.
Australian Paralympic Team Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin says that Australia has had huge success in Paralympic swimming from the first Games in 1960 in Rome, where the late Daphne Hilton won the country’s very first gold medal in the sport.
“We sit fifth
on
Australian Paralympic Swimming Team for Paris 2024
Jesse Aungles, Emily Beecroft, Ricky Betar, Lewis Bishop, Rowan Crothers, Katja Dedekind, Tom Gallagher, Jasmine Greenwood, Brenden Hall, Benjamin Hance, Timothy Hodge, Jack Ireland, Ella Jones, Jenna Jones, Ahmed Kelly, Alexa Leary, Paige Leonhardt, Maddie McTernan, Jake Michel, Chloe Osborn, Grant Patterson, Lakeisha Patterson, Col Pearse, Alex Saffy, Callum Simpson, Keira Stephens, Ruby Storm, Holly Warn, Rachael Watson, Poppy Wilson.
the all-time gold
medal
tally and third in total medals behind only Great Britain and the US.”
“Australian swimmers have won 453 medals, including 136 gold, 160 silver and 157 bronze,” says McLoughlin.
“We sit fifth on the all-time gold medal tally and third in total medals behind only Great Britain and the US.
“In Tokyo, our swimmers brought home 33 medals, including eight gold, setting the tone for the wider Australian Paralympic Team. When our swimming team does well, Australia does well.
“We’ll have another strong team of swimmers representing us in Paris
Safety
Poseidon making Olympic training safer
Maytronics’ AI Poseidon system is in place at eight training swimming facilities dedicated to athlete preparation in France, underscoring the importance of safety in high-performance environments.
The computer vision drowning detection technology for public and commercial pools has been installed in Chartres, the training base for the Australian team; Amiens, home to the Japanese team; Fontainebleau, chosen by the South Korean team; Taverny, the base for the Swiss team; as well as Pau, Strasbourg, Saint Raphael and Colombes.
and I know they’ll be prepared and determined to give their absolute best as they go after their goals.”
Paris campaign head coach Greg Towle says he is particularly excited to see the rookies stepping up on to the international stage, led by newcomers Alexa Leary and Callum Simpson, who bring a new energy and excitement to the group.
“I am proud of all the athletes and coaches selected for this team and I look forward to the opportunities that lay ahead. I’m confident this united group will combine to achieve their best and perform on the world stage in two months’ time,” he says.
The swimming team will stay in Chartres, about 90 kilometres southwest of Paris, for their staging camp from August 12 before the Paralympic Games begins on August 28.
The Poseidon system utilises a series of on-ground and underwater cameras to continuously analyse the movement of all swimmers, providing real-time analysis and ensuring an extra level of safety. When the system detects a person motionless at the bottom of a pool for 10 seconds, an alarm is triggered via a siren with both audio and light signals. The alarm information, including the swimmer’s position and the time since detection, is displayed on a wallmounted display and within the system interface, accompanied by images from the event.
Contact: www.poseidon-tech.com.
Poseidon scanning a pool
In Brief
The City of Gold Coast has revealed its plans put a roof over potential 2032 Brisbane Olympics swimming venue, the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre’s 50 metre pool. The Council is understood to be investigating plans for both permanent and temporary roofing at the venue. The Gold Coast Bulletin quoted a source within the council advising “we will make the proper decision. We don’t want a concrete box style rolled over it.” The likely $200 million cost would be met by the City funding an estimated $50 million and the rest of the estimated $150 million total cost provided by the Queensland and Federal Governments.
LA’s Olympic swimming venue will be the biggest ever after they convert the 70,000 capacity Rams and Chargers NFL venue to host the swim program, reducing capacity to a still enormous 38,000 spectators.
The 54-year-old Adelaide Aquatic Centre is being demolished to pave the way for its $135m replacement – a state-of-theart complex featuring extensive indoor and outdoor pool areas, water slides, splash zones and lawned recreation spaces. The original intent was for the existing centre to remain open until the new centre was completed and opened. However, it became clear that the early closure will enable a range of benefits including: 1000 additional square metres of parkland; reducing the construction timeframe by up to 12 months; delivering new recreation spaces; and ensuring the new facility won’t be impacted by demolition and construction works after opening.
Aussie World has submitted a development application to Sunshine Coast Council to build a multi-faceted $60 million waterpark on privately-owned land to the north of the existing theme park. If approved, the attraction will become the Sunshine Coast’s largest waterpark and will place a strong emphasis on sustainability and accessible tourism leading up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The concept design features 16 water slides for all ages, leisure pools, action pools and numerous waterplay areas.
Swimming Australia has welcomed a $283 million investment in high performance sport by the Australian Government, including an additional $17.6 million for direct athlete investment support grants and a historic $54.9 million of additional investment to support Paralympic sports – double existing levels. CEO Rob Woodhouse says the Australian Government, on behalf of the Australian public, is their biggest supporter and they are very grateful for their continued support.
Australian swim coach Michael Palfrey found himself in hot water in Paris after he told South Korean media he hopes Kim Woo-min would win Olympic gold in the men’s 400 metres freestyle ahead of two Australian swimmers. He was spared being sent home, after head coach Rohan Taylor said Palfrey would stay to help at the Olympics, but would face his consequences after returning home. In the end, Aussie Elijah Winnington beat Woo-min to the silver medal, with fellow Aussie Sam Short getting fourth.
Bringing the European wellness experience to Mullum
Last year, Dynamic Pool Designs won the 2023 National Commercial Spa Award for its Banya Spa project in the beautiful New South Wales northern rivers town of Mullumbimby, affectionately known as Mullum by the locals.
The Banya is an immersive social, bathing and dining experience in the heart of the town.
CEO Gavin Brooks explained the process behind creating the amazing pool and spa as part of the stylish bathhouse.
“We were approached by the owner of The Banya to work on initial concepts and costings in the early stages,” says Brooks.
“Once a contracted builder was engaged for the entire bathhouse project, we collaborated directly with Swell Building on all aspects of the pool and spa project. For approximately two years, we worked closely with the builder, owner, and architect to assist with designs and approval specifications.”
He says a significant factor that put them in the box seat to securing the commission was their early commitment to the project.
“Additionally, our strong reputation for quality and reliability in the Northern Rivers region was a pivotal factor in being awarded the contract,” he says.
The project was initially quoted early in 2019, with the contract for works accepted in late 2021. This extended time frame involved detailed quoting, design changes and in-depth specifications for local approvals.
Construction of the concrete shell began in November 2021. The initial stages, including excavation, formwork, steel fixing and internal plumbing, took approximately four weeks.
Following this, the builder of The Banya continued their works for a few months before Dynamic Pool Designs returned to complete the tiling, external plumbing, and final fit-out over a three-month period.
“This was a premium project, reflecting the high quality of materials and workmanship involved.”
The immersive social and bathing experience of The Banya
“While there were minor delays due to weather conditions and pandemic-related material shortages and border closures, we managed to stay close to the builder’s set timelines at every possible stage.
A complex system
The client’s brief was to create a luxurious and relaxing environment that reflects the spa’s high standards and ensures an exceptional experience for every visitor.
“This was a premium project, reflecting the high quality of materials and workmanship involved,” says Brooks.
“We used high-quality concrete for the pool structure, complemented by imported tiles and brass edge features. These materials were chosen by the owner for their durability and aesthetic appeal, ensuring a premium finish that enhances the overall luxurious feel of the bath house.”
Additionally, they supplied a complex filtration system designed to meet the demands of running time, high bather load, heating requirements and sanitation comfort.
“The filtration and plumbing challenges were significant due to the location of the filtration components. The spa controllers were installed in a small, hidden area close to the pools, while the rest of the system was located on the roof of the building, approximately four metres above water level.
“All plumbing was run during the frame building stage to ensure it could be neatly and seamlessly integrated and hidden within the walls, this included installing non-return valves on all pipework to ensure consistent priming,” he says.
Immersive social bathing and dining experience
Built upon the sun-baked bricks of a 1920s bank, The Banya is a modern experiential twist on a traditional European bathhouse – a first of its kind in the heart of Mullumbimby.
The Banya’s owner and local hotelier, Brenden Lawless, wanted to breathe new life into the space while preserving the original building. His strong local footholds, business acumen, and appreciation for old-world style allowed him to bring this spectacular concept to fruition.
“In Europe, going to the banya is a social experience, it’s a part of the culture,” says Brenden Lawless. “While we might go to a social club, cafe or a restaurant, they’ll go to the local banya for a few hours: it’s food, it’s drinks, it’s wellness and connecting.”
The bathhouse features a lap pool, two hot mineral pools, a wood-fired sauna, a steam room and a cold plunge. There are five massage treatment rooms and a rooftop sundeck for post-treatment relaxation.
After the bathhouse, guests are encouraged to stay for a long lunch or enjoy a few drinks with friends. The on-site bar and dining are focused on casual refinement with small share plates and nutritious staples. Wine, cocktails and health elixirs round out the offering – all designed to enhance the bathhouse experience.
Contact: https://thebanya.com.au
“Spa jets were a crucial element in the design of the bathhouse experience. We installed 39 venturi spa jets and 24 floor bubblers across the pool bench and three spa pools. Each spa is equipped with spa-side switches and blowers to enhance the user’s experience and provide customisable hydrotherapy.”
The art of tiling
Clearly, one of the standout features of this project is the magnificent tiling, which was carried out by Dynamic Pool Designs’ own trusted tiling team, who have been collaborating with them for more than seven years.
“The
filtration and plumbing challenges were significant due to the location of the filtration components.”
The client’s brief was to create a luxurious and relaxing environment ensuring an exceptional experience for every visitor
“The rest of the system was located on the roof of the building, approximately four metres above water level.”
“We proudly consider them among the best in the industry—true artists in pool tiling. The tiles were specifically chosen by the owner and imported to match the Art Deco/Moroccan feel of the bath house, featuring a green and white checkerboard pattern. The addition of brass features to the edge details further enhanced the spa’s tranquil atmosphere and elegance,” says Brooks.
The original pool design was provided by the architect and the owner of The Banya. During the design and council approval stage, Dynamic Pool Designs assisted with recommendations and design changes to optimise the budget and improve the efficiency of heating the pools.
The initial design included spillover options, with different bench and step designs, which were later updated to feature separate pools and integrated planter boxes.
“Although the overall design framework was already established, our contributions focused on enhancing bather comfort. We adjusted seating and spa jet positions and transformed the original
ABOVE: The Moroccan flavour is heightened by potted plants on the roof
BELOW: The tiles were specifically chosen by the owner and imported to match the Art Deco/Moroccan feel of the bathhouse
spillover design into separate pools to improve heating capabilities. These updates ensured a more comfortable and efficient pool experience for the users.”
During the time of construction, there were many environmental factors affecting construction.
“Building on the North Coast comes with challenges like varying soil conditions and weather extremes. The 2022 floods did cause an issue for the team and an entire mud/flood cleanup of the pool shell was required as many parts of Mullumbimby were underwater. Our team adapted quickly to ensure the project was cleaned and on track, thankfully the pool and spa shells were still raw concrete at this stage and tiling had not yet started!”
The future for Dynamic Pool Designs looks bright, as they aim to continue expanding their portfolio of residential and commercial projects, with a focus on elevating the lifestyles of customers through innovative designs and construction practices.
And having won the SPASA award will help with that.
“Winning the 2023 Commercial Spa award has significantly boosted our visibility and credibility. It has opened doors to new opportunities and reinforced our position as leaders in the industry,” says Brooks. n
concert with the builder as the bathhouse was constructed
TOP RIGHT: The spas have connections for 39 venturi spa jets and 24 floor bubblers
LEFT: The plantroom, four metres above the water level
“The 2022 floods did cause an issue for the team and an entire mud/flood clean-up of the pool shell was required as many parts of Mullumbimby were underwater.”
Dynamic Pool Designs
Dynamic Pool Designs started as a small family business led by Gavin and Lauren Brooks, who together have more than 25 years of experience in the pool industry. Gavin, a second-generation pool expert, has drawn from his father’s 40plus years of industry experience to build a foundation of knowledge and expertise. The company has grown organically through local recommendations in the Northern Rivers area. This year, they proudly celebrated their 10th anniversary, reaffirming their commitment to creating joyful, lifestyle-enhancing outdoor spaces. They specialise in custom-designed concrete, fibreglass, and precast pools, transforming homes into unique, cherished havens with the help of quality brand partnerships.
Dynamic Pool Designs focuses on both residential and commercial pools, constructing approximately 130 pools annually in the Tweed, Byron and Ballina Shires, as well as the lower Gold Coast areas.
Contact: www.dynamicpooldesigns.com.au
“LIKE FOR LIKE” POOL FILTER REPLACEMENTS
Chadson has been making commercial pool filters for 48 years. About 4,500 Chadson filters are presently in service throughout Australia and Southeast Asia. Hundreds of these filters are aging and have either reached or are fast approaching the end of their useful service life.
Installing a new LIKE-FOR-LIKE filter replacement is far easier than you might think. It is a straightforward and affordable form of preventative maintenance that ensures continued good service The risk of doing nothing is a poor choice.
Chadson is proud of its filters' 25-year service life. This is a testament to good engineering and the high quality of Australian-made products. Unlike other “here today/gone tomorrow” options, it is remarkable that today’s Owners and facility Managers can gain all the cost benefits of a Chadson LIKE FOR LIKE filter replacement.
CHADSON
ENGINEERING PTY LTD
A.B.N. 76 008 768 858
15 Cressall Road, Balcatta WA 6021
Phone: 08 9344 3611
International: (61) 8 9344 3611
Email: enquiries@chadson.com.au
Web: https://chadsonfilters.com.au
Learn all about the “ins and outs” of the replacement pool filter market. It doesn’t matter what type or brand of filter you may have, Chadson has many tried, true, and proven filter options. To secure your copy of this FREE Booklet, email us today.
INTRODUCING
NEW SUSTAINABLE POOL RESINS
allnex, the global leader in sustainable and innovative resins for industrial coatings, is excited to announce the latest launch in the extensive Composites product line, Polyplex 200E.
allnex Composites in Australia is a leading producer of Unsaturated Polyesters, Gelcoats and Vinyl Esters for a wide range of Composite applications
PET RESIN OBJECTIVE
rPET (Recycled PET) flake is sourced from a local recycled plastics supplier in Australia aligning this project with the allnex sustainability objectives.
There is potential for a significant increase in the volume of PET conversion in the manufacture o f these resins in Australia Polyplex® 200E resin will contain the equivalent of 750 recycled plastic bottles per drum, or 3.3 bottles per kg of resin, reducing waste and promoting environmental sustainability.
RENEWABLE SWIMMING POOL RESINS
Polyplex® 200E is a white pigmented structural laminating resin produced by using recycled PET as a starting raw material and is a more suitable alternative to Polyplex® 200 Ortho-polyester Laminating Resin for Composite Swimming Pool constructions
In addition, Polyplex® 200E shows higher mechanical properties and improved water resistance over standard Orthophthalic polyester resins for better reverse-osmosis resistance of real structural pool laminate potentially in contact with ground water
For more product information, please contact your allnex Sales Representative, call our Customer Service Team on 1800 789 607 or visit www.allnex.com
The hard road to Paris
By Veda Dante
For Alexa Leary, swimming isn’t just a sport — it’s a testament to her resilience and determination. his daughter was unresponsive, in a condition he described as “unrecognisable”.
Alexa Leary’s journey to Paris is an inspiring story for the ages that provides insight into what it takes to be a Paralympic calibre swimmer.
Just three years after surviving a traumatic accident, former Junior Elite Triathlete and World Title medallist Alexa “Lex” Leary secured her ticket to the 2024 Paris Paralympics S9 swimming squad. To say the journey to achieve this remarkable milestone has been paved by blood, sweat and tears is an understatement.
While riding 70 kilometres an hour during a routine cycling training session on July 17, 2021, the front wheel of Leary’s bike clipped the bike ahead, causing her to be thrown over the handlebars.
Her father Russ was on his bike about 15 minutes behind. When he arrived at the scene,
The accident left the 19-year-old fighting for her life; with a severe traumatic brain injury, a fractured scapula, broken ribs, shoulder blade and wrist, a severely damaged knee and a collapsed lung.
She ended up spending 111 days in hospital and was left with permanent brain damage.
While she was in hospital, news quickly spread around the world of a fundraising campaign Moveforlex, which eventually raised more than $250,000 for enhanced care at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Neurosurgery Ward.
“Alexa wasn’t meant to live, let alone walk or talk,” says mum, Belinda. “We got a different daughter back. She’s funny, she’s crazy, but most
The Olympic origins of Para-swimming
Since the first Paralympic Games in Rome in 1960, Para-swimming has been a feature of the Paralympic program.
Para-swimming is open to athletes with a physical, intellectual or vision impairment. The International Swimming Federation’s rules are followed with a few modifications, such as optional platform or in-water starts for some races and the use of signals or “‘tappers” for swimmers with a vision impairment. No prostheses or assistive devices are permitted in the water.
The S9 classification Leary is qualified to swim in, is for swimmers with weakness, limb loss or co-ordination difficulties in one arm or leg only. Swimmers use regular starts, strokes and turns, but have some difficulties in applying even power to the water.
ABOVE: Leary scored gold and a new world record in the 100m Freestyle S9 at the Australian Open Championships Image: Delly Carr/ Swimming Australia
“Alexa wasn’t meant to live, let alone walk or talk.”
importantly she’s fulfilling her dreams and what she wanted to do prior to the accident. She always wanted to go to the Olympics, so to see her qualify for the 2024 Paralympics was incredible.”
After the training accident, Leary was classified as an S9 swimmer – a grouping that safeguards the integrity of fair competition in Para sports.
At the 2023 World Para Swimming Championships in Manchester, she won a gold medal in the Women’s 100m Freestyle S9 just outside the world record and a silver medal in the Women’s 50m Freestyle S9.
“I’m so proud of myself,” says Leary. “I’m a fighter and I pushed so very hard to live, even though I face challenges and struggles every day, living with confusion, frustration and memory loss. I’m really proud of myself as I’ve come so far.”
Russ says that, from an early age, his daughter had held dreams of competing at the Olympics.
“She was always an amazing swimmer – as a young girl she won four national titles as a swimmer,” he recalls. “Lex qualified in the Paralympics for her physical damage on the right side of her body, but she also has a severe traumatic brain injury, so she’s got two things to compete with.
“It’s a worldwide stage but she takes it in her stride,” he continues. “It’s hard not to feel
Alexa Leary before her accident
“Alexa embodies the spirit of rising above challenges, and we look forward to witnessing her continued success on the global stage.”
nervous for Lex as any little mistake can cost her the spot. Because her brain doesn’t react quickly, when the gun goes off, she’s always a little bit behind. So, she’s got a lot to make up for the second she starts racing.”
Rising like a phoenix, swimming like a superstar Leary’s extensive support system, which has been with her every emotional step of the way, continues to have a significant impact on her mental wellbeing and physical performance. She credits much of her recovery and swimming success to Belinda and Russ, coach Jon Bell from St Hilda’s Aquatics Swim Club, and Pho3nix Foundation’s Athlete Program.
“I am so grateful that Australia is witnessing what an incredible, amazing, beautiful and inspiring young lady she is,” says Bell. “She has overcome so much and her grit, determination and spirit to achieve her goals is incredible.”
TOP LEFT: In the hospital with her parents Russ and Belinda LEFT: Taking small steps to recovery
Apart from securing a Paralympic quota spot for Australia with her world title win at the 2023 World Para Swimming Championships, Leary’s time of 1:00.24 was just 0.04 seconds outside the championship record set by New Zealand’s Sophie Pascoe. She also took home silver in the 50-metre Freestyle S9. Then this year she scored gold and a
ProTwin
“I’m a fighter and I pushed so very hard to live, even though I face challenges and struggles every day.”
new world record in the 100m Freestyle S9 at the Australian Open Championships.
Leary’s lifelong passion for sports was not only a critical part of her rehabilitation but also led her to fulfilling a lifelong dream of participating in her first Games, which the Pho3nix Foundation has proudly supported through its Pho3nix Athlete Program.
Pho3nix Foundation board member and CEO, and co-founder of MANA Sports and Entertainment Group, Chris McCormack – one of the most successful athletes in the history of triathlon and author of the New York Times bestseller I’m Here to Win – says it would be hard to overlook Alexa’s achievements that led to Paris.
“The Pho3nix Foundation is thrilled to support Alexa Leary on her incredible journey,” he says. “Her resilience, determination and achievements are truly inspiring, and we are honoured to be part of her path to Paris 2024. Alexa embodies the spirit of rising above challenges, and we look forward to witnessing her continued success on the global stage.” n
Contacts:
www.paralympic.org
www.paralympic.org.au
www.pho3nixfoundation.com
www.rbwhfoundation.com.au
www.sthildas.qld.edu.au
Swimming Australia’s Pho3nix Junior Excellence program
The Pho3nix Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that focuses on helping children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, stay healthy and active through sports and physical activity.
In conjunction with Swimming Australia, the Pho3nix Junior Excellence (JX) program recognises the performances of swimmers aged nine to 13 to encourage and inspire the next generation of competitive swimmers.
Pho3nix JX is dedicated to fostering healthy habits, mindsets and attitudes in young swimmers by recognising their achievements and inspiring them, building commitment and enthusiasm for the journey into senior swimming and paving the way for success both in and out of the pool. Conducted through local swimming clubs and dedicated clinics throughout Australia, the program has seen more than 200,000 participants from the ages of nine to 13 take part since 2007, including many of the country’s best swimmers over the past decade.
Within the Pho3nix JX program, junior swimmers strive to achieve gold, silver, bronze or blue standard times when they compete throughout the year, with swimming clinics offered throughout the year in every state and territory.
The Pho3nix Foundation is proud to partner with SwimAus through Pho3nix JX in supporting and inspiring young swimmers, helping them build a strong foundation in sport and beyond. The achievements and participation during the 2023-2024 season, which saw record-breaking sell-out times for the Olympic/ Paralympic Trials Clinic, highlight the partnership’s positive impact and set the stage for continued success in the future.
Making the Australian Paralympic swim team
On the road to Olympic success Image: Delly Carr/Swimming Australia
Reusing PET bottles to make swimming pool liners
Allnex has launched a new environment-friendly product in its extensive composites product line. Polyplex 200E is a white pigmented structural laminating resin produced by using recycled PET as a starting raw material. This resin is a more suitable alternative to Polyplex 200 ortho-polyester laminating resin for composite swimming pool constructions.
In addition, Polyplex 200E shows higher mechanical properties and improved water resistance over standard ortho phthalic polyester resins for better reverse-osmosis resistance of real structural pool laminate potentially in contact with ground water.
The rPET they use to produce Polyplex 200E is initially sourced from a local recycled plastics supplier in Australia, and each drum of Polyplex 200E created contains the equivalent of 750 recycled plastic bottles, or 3.3 bottles per kg of resin.
Their aim is to initially consume at least 100MT of waste PET per annum typically from recycled water and other plastic bottles, converting them into a more sustainable, terephthalic UPE resin for structural composite applications.
Contact:1800 789 607, www.allnex.com
Hi Tech Pacific now distributing Triogen range
Hi-Tech Pacific have been appointed importers and distributors of Bio-UV Groups Triogen range.
The Triogen range includes Ozone, UV and AOP, suitable for commercial and semi-commercial pools. Triogen UV is known worldwide for its performance, quality and reliability.
UV reduces the residual concentration of free chlorine by efficient disinfection that includes eliminating chlorine resistant microorganisms. UV also provides considerable improvement in water transparency and air quality. With more than 20 years’ experience in ozone and UV, Hi-Tech Pacific can provide advice on product selection and sizing for any application.
Capi Europe’s Rib outdoor pots are crafted with a stunning ripple design in chic monochromic colours of ivory and anthracite, and look at home by a swimming pool or in a cottage garden. Durable and lightweight, these pots are sustainably produced from synthetic material and resemble natural stone to seamlessly integrate into a garden or poolside space.
Combining style and functionality, lightweight pots are tough and light enough to move, even when full of potting mix and plants. They are an ideal choice for people who wish to regularly change their poolside displays.
You can use pots with similar finishes and colours to make the arrangement look like a set, or you can combine all your favourite pots in different materials and colours for an eclectic finish.
Capi Europe pot plants are available at Bunnings stores nationally.
Contact: www.bunnings.com.au
Subscribe to
Tax
invoice
Please find enclosed my cheque/money order for $_________ payable to The Intermedia Group Pty. Ltd. OR please charge my:
Mastercard Visa Amex
Cardholder Name:
Expiry Date: __ __ / __ __ Signature:
Name:
Job Title:
Company:
Address:
Suburb/Town: Postcode:
Ph: Fax:
Email:
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 accordance with the privacy act. Please Select one of the following: 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
