Splash Apl-May 2015 Issue - 99

Swimming Pools / Leisure / Aquatics / Spas / Health

Issue 99

April-May 2015

Pools on high Strata developments in South East Asia Spa industry The evolving consumer trends Underwater photos The magic of the aquatic canvas

www.splashmagazine.com.au

Aussie pool numbers How big is the market, really?

Take a closer look at HAYWARD, visit www.hayward-pool.com.au

ENERGY RATING A joint government and industry program Hayward TriStar VS Pump, Model: SP3215VS Variable Speed Efficiency L/Wh

Flow Rate L/min

Head m

Power W

Noise dBA

58.38

120.99

2.63

124.36

48.7

Energy consumption

313

kWh per year To pump 50,000 litres/day When tested in accordance with AS 5102.2.

Actual energy use and running costs will depend on how you use the appliance.

Compare models at www.energyrating.gov.au

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© Hayward Pool Products (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN: 66 083 413 414. P.O. Box 4384, Dandenong South, VIC, 3164. P: 1300 POOLS1 F: 1300 POOLS2. Melbourne | Sydney | Brisbane | Perth www.hayward-pool.com.au, sales@hayward-pool.com.au

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GAS HEATERS

CHLORINATORS

CLEANERS

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These low profile, lightweight, low NOx heaters come standard with cucu pronickel heat exchangers and industry leading hydraulic performance, that allows heating on energy saving low pump speeds.

This low profile plug & play, salt chlorinator works on a low salt level of 3200ppm and low flow requirements down to 60 lpm so that you can sanitise on energy saving low pump speeds.

These rugged robotic cleaners utilise a true pleated cartridge filtrafiltra tion system and a large debris canister and will run for the normal 4 hour cleaning cycle or 90 minute Quick Clean (QC).

This unit is a temperature manger as it not only heats pools up, it will cool them down in mid summer. Also features touch pad controls, Titanium heat exchanger and very quiet operation.

Universal H-Series™

Salt & Swim®3C

TigerShark™QC

EnergyPro™

36

29

Contents

True innovation will lead us to the future Pentair’s global director of product management, Matt Kimball, talks about international product development in the swimming pool and spa industry.

50

30

76

Engineering design for concrete swimming pools Cal Stanley offers the benefit of his expertise in building steel-reinforced swimming pools, detailing some of the traps for young players.

Cast away on an isle of fun A real life prawn trawler was converted into a “pirate ship” to become the focal point on an exciting new, affordable attraction at a New South Wales coastal resort.

32

80

Families piling in Both the NSW and WA consumer expos had a positive response from the exhibitors and the loads of family visitors.

Play land in the Indian Ocean The newest Asian luxury escape is Play Island in Niyama, part of the Indian Ocean atoll of Dhaalu in the Maldives.

36

The changing patterns of the spa market Influential members of the spa community explain where consumer sentiment, technology and manufacturing are headed in this important market segment.

72

Pain relief take a giant leap forward AquaStretch is the newest hydrotherapy modality, and it’s rapidly proving to be extremely important and effective in relieving pain.

82

66

Swimming with your imagination in the virtual pool An amazing amalgam of a real swimming pool and a virtual reality oceanarium, this concept broadcasts ocean vision for the swimmers.

50

Pools on high: strata developments in Singapore and Malaysia Corrine Teng gives us an understanding of what is driving the swimming pool market on the Malay Peninsula, as well as what regulations need to be adhered to.

regulars Pool DAs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Commercial news . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

58

Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Tenders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Expo news . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

New products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Global news. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Ad index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

The unique magic of the aquatic canvas Underwater photography is creating artistic images that will last long into the future, helping build a new market for photographers.

News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Industry moves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

April-May 2015 SPLASH!

5

Smarter Sticks for softer and healthier pools ®

Technology so smart BioGuard bottled it.

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BioGuard Customer Service Ph: AU 1800 635 743 NZ 0800 441 662 Web: www.bioguard.com.au

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 Managing Director: Simon Grover Managing Director Interpoint Events: Simon Cooper Editor: Chris Maher Phone: 0412 048 639 Email: chrismaher@intermedia.com.au

editorial Bringing four continents together

Contributors: Cal Stanley, Corrine Teng, Alan Lewis Advertising Manager: Karen Jaques Phone: (02) 8586 6135 Email: kjaques@intermedia.com.au

Every two years, we get excited about the trip to Singapore and the chance to engage with the South East Asian swimming pool and spa industry.

Designer: Ben Akhurst Production Manager: Carly Saillard Head of Circulation: Chris Blacklock For Subscriptions Call: 1800 651 422

Piscine SPLASH! Asia is building momentum and we are expecting a great event and the chance to exchange ideas with interesting people from not just Asia, but also from Europe and the United States.

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”). Materials in this publication have been created by a variety of different entities and, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher accepts no liability for materials created by others. All materials should be considered protected by Australian and international intellectual property laws. Unless you are authorised by law or the copyright owner to do so, you may not copy any of the materials. The mention of a product or service, person or company in this publication does not indicate the Publisher’s endorsement. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Publisher, its agents, company officers or employees.

Any use of the information contained in this publication is at the sole risk of the person using that information. The user should make independent enquiries as to the accuracy of the information before relying on that information. All express or implied terms, conditions, warranties, statements, assurances and representations in relation to the Publisher, its publications and its services are expressly excluded save for those conditions and warranties which must be implied under the laws of any State of Australia or the provisions of Division 2 of Part V of the Trade Practices Act 1974 and any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof. To the extent permitted by law, the Publisher will not be liable for any damages including special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages (including but not limited to economic loss or loss of profit or revenue or loss of opportunity) or indirect loss or damage of any kind arising in contract, tort or otherwise, even if advised of the possibility of such loss of profits or damages. While we use our best endeavours to ensure accuracy of the materials we create, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher excludes all liability for loss resulting from any inaccuracies or false or misleading statements that may appear in this publication.

This issue of SPLASH! magazine published by The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd (Intermedia) may contain magazine or subscription; offers, competitions, forms and surveys (Reader Offers) which require you to provide information about yourself, if you choose to enter or take part in them. If you provide information about yourself to Intermedia, Intermedia will use this information to provide you with the products of services you have requested and may supply your information to contractors that help Intermedia to do this. Intermedia will also use your information to inform you of other Intermedia publications, products, services and events. Intermedia may give your information to organisations that are providing special prizes or offers that are clearly associated with the Reader Offer. Unless you tell us not to, we may give your information to other organisations that may use it to inform you about other products, services or events or to give it to other organisations that may use it for this purpose. If you would like to gain access to the information Intermedia holds about you, please contact Intermedia’s Privacy Officer at The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd, PO Box 55, Glebe, NSW 2037.

Copyright © 2015 - The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd.

SPLASH! contains NO advertorial.

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South East Asia is a very different market than Australia and New Zealand. The residential side seems more like the commercial side of the market in many ways, as swimming pools are built into condominiums and other strata developments. This is especially the case in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, as well as other large capitals in the region.

Chris Maher Editor chrismaher@ intermedia.com.au

This issue, Singaporean local Corrine Teng gives us an understanding of what is driving the swimming pool market on the Malay Peninsula, including the “little red dot” at the bottom (as Singapore is sometimes called). It is a very interesting article for anyone planning to do business in the region, and includes information on what regulations need to be adhered to in the different markets.

This issue we also look closely at the spa market in Australia and speak to some of the people who really know what’s going on, discuss what is getting consumers excited and what are likely to be the selling points in the future.

And while Australian autumn is a great time to enjoy a hot spa, it’s also a great time to shoot off north and enjoy the tropical Singaporean climate. So for those of you still at home, I’ll be thinking of you while I relax in the wonderful modern city of Singapore, experience some of the aquatic innovations, and try out some of the famous cuisine.

And hopefully I may even see you there.

This issue’s cover This image is an example of the incredible aquatic photography from Adam Opris, capturing the ethereal beauty of the human form in water. There is more of his work on page 58.

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.

Members of

Audited Circulation Average Net Distribution Per Issue: 5,760 CAB Publisher Statement Period ending 30th September 2014.

April-May 2015 SPLASH!

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news

Pool numbers

Roy Morgan clarifies curious data After releasing information in March that suggested Australia has a staggering number of swimming pools installed (nearly 2.3 million), pollsters Roy Morgan Research have made a correction to the “weighting” of the data released.

The new information provided in April clarifies what they say was an error in the way the data was expressed and weighted.

Rather than “households with swimming pools”, the base numbers should have been described as “individuals who live in households with swimming pools”.

This is a considerable difference, as they have been using a figure roughly equating to 2.5 people per household (although this figure changes over time and varies depending on location).

This brings the figure back to about 920,000 pools installed across the country.

This figure is much closer – but less than – the often quoted industry estimate of more than one million, although lack of verifiable data means industry estimates tend to vary.

Manufacturers’ estimates

The initial release of the March figures led to incredulity from a number of industry observers and particularly from manufacturers and suppliers who

seemingly had their market share halved overnight.

However the release of the information generated considerable discussion about the true state of the swimming pool market, and just how big the installed base actually is.

Hugh Smith, Asia Pacific Director of Aquatic Systems for Pentair conducted considerable market research prior to Pentair’s move into the Australian market in 2009. He believes the total

Graph 1. Percentage of households with swimming pools by state. Source: Roy Morgan Single Source (Australia), January–December 2014 (n=15,944). Base: Australians 14+

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April-May 2015

installed base is over one million, but not by much.

This is based on initial estimates of about 940,000 swimming pools, plus an estimated additional 90,000 pools since then, putting the total around 1,030,000.

Smith says that even with an installed base of one million pools, that means almost four per cent of Australians own a swimming pool. This is almost twice the accepted pool ownership rate of the United States, which is

considered to be approximately two per cent.

“We know that Australia has a definite love of watersport and has a swim culture,” says Smith.

“So for us this larger percentage makes sense.”

Jonas Ryberg from Zodiac believes current pool installations are running at no more than 20,000 per year, including aboveground pools – which he estimates in the vicinity of 5000 units per year.

Zodiac was at one stage a major

Graph 2. Based on the Roy Morgan “number of people with pools in their households” number, divided by 2.5 people per household, we get this graph – a rough representation of what their survey suggests is the breakdown of the installed pool base across the country by proportion.

Climate times market maturity seems to be the reason that NSW and Qld are represented as having the largest chunks of the pie graph

Last quarter up nine per cent Comparing data over three months gives a reasonable chance to show trending figures based on the available pool DA numbers, and that comparison is looking favourable when comparing January to March 2014 with the first three months of this year.

Overall, the figures show the first quarter of this year has nine per cent more pool DAs than the same time last year. The only state to go backwards to any significant extent was WA (-16 per cent), possibly because of the decline in the mining sector, while SA (-2 per cent) and NSW (-3 per cent) showed small declines. However, this was more than made up for by a 12 per cent improvement in Victoria, and an astounding 187 per cent improvement in Queensland, backing up anecdotal evidence of improvements in that state.

Comparison Years-to-March

Further evidence of a turnaround could be seen in the annual comparison, which shows Queensland up by 69 per cent.

12 months-to-March 2014

12 months-to-March 2015

1500

40

35 1200

30

25

900

20 600

15

10

300

5 0

Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar

Approvals by State

12months-to-March 2014

12months-to-March 2015

4000

3500

3500

3000

3000

2500

2500

2000

2000 1500

1500

1000

1000

500

500 0

Three-Monthly Comparison

account. They claim a margin of supplier of aboveground pools, error of +/- 0.7 per cent. and as such has a pretty good In terms of household handle on those numbers. numbers, NSW has the largest However, John Hammond from number of households with pools Poolz.com.au believes the industry while WA has the highest promay be missing out on some pools portion of households with pools in the calculations. His business relative to the total households. analyses pools numbers using satAccording to the survey, Perth ellite imagery, going through each tops the list for pool popularity, suburb (following a request order) with almost 18 per cent of resiand counting visible outdoor pools dents living in a household with over six metres long. a swimming pool, well above the Based on his research, he estinational average. Similar figures mates there could be more than are shown for Sydney (16 per 300,000 illegal pools (that is, cent) and Brisbane (15 per cent). those not approved by council).

The capital city with the lowest However, other research by proportion of home swimming manufacturers and suppliers is pools is Hobart (where only four based on pool pump numbers per cent of people have a pool at for example, and that would home), with regional Tasmania capture both approved and even lower than that (at three unapproved pools. This number per cent). In fact, swimming pool also concurs with the general ownership is generally less comconsensus that there are slightly mon in rural Australia than in its more than one million swimcapitals, with one key exception: ming pools in Australia. regional Queensland, where Peter Wallace of AstralPool the proportion of people with a says he is glad Roy Morgan has swimming pool (17 per cent) is corrected the number. almost as high as in Perth.

“This saves me looking for the This may also help to explain other mystery supplier with 50 why Queensland has the second per cent market share and the biggest market share out of the pool builders we didn’t know states (see Graph 2), ahead of existed,” he says wryly. more populous Victoria.

Wallace says the most reliable Besides a warm climate, the source for pool numbers is the 12 months-to-March 2014 12 months-to-March 2015 data suggests the presence of Australian Bureau of Statistics, 1500 children in a household increases and the 2007 data showed 944,600 the likelihood of swimming pool swimming pools1200 in Australia. ownership. Just over 15 per cent “If we average 18,000 pools over 900 of Australians with kids aged the past (challenging) seven years 6-11 have a pool at home, a figwe probably have600 just over a milure that jumps to just over 20 per lion in-ground pools in Australia.” cent for those with older children 300 (12-15 years).

Most popular states 0 rateMar Now that the initial queries Apr May about June July AugHowever, Sept Oct the Nov ownership Dec Jan Feb among people with children aged the data have been answered, we under six is even lower than for can look at the detail of what Roy -to-March 2015 12months-to-March 2014 12months-to-March 2015 childless folks (just under 10 per Morgan Research has 4000 released. cent versus just over 10 per cent).

The main release3500 of their Angela Smith, group account information was not3000about the director at Roy Morgan Research base numbers, but about the 2500 says: “Of course, kids usually love percentage of households with 2000 swimming pools, and people who swimming pools, and how that 1500 live in households with children differs between the states (see 1000 are generally more likely to have Graph 1).

500 pools than those without – exThe survey was part of the 0 cept whenQLD the kids are Dec Jan FebRoy MarMorgan Single Source NSW VIC WAunder six, SA in which case, safety is an issue.” survey, which draws on a pool of This provides an indication that 55,000 interviewees across the the industry has room to grow country, and in this instance had in the market of families with a sample size of nearly 16,000 younger children if the issue of interviews. The information is safety can be effectively addressed. extrapolated from this sample, Contact: www.roymorgan.com taking a variety of factors into

NSW

VIC

January to March 2014

QLD

WA

0

SA

January to March 2015

3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0

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

April-May 2015 SPLASH!

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news

Acquisitions

AstralPool buys Price Chemicals AstralPool Australia has acquired Price Chemicals, the NSWbased manufacturer of swimming pool chemicals, headquartered in Somersby on the Central Coast.

Peter Wallace, managing director of AstralPool Australia, says the March acquisition helps move AstralPool towards becoming a full line supplier to the swimming pool construction, retail and service industries and consolidates AstralPool’s market leading position in Australia.

Price Chemicals manufacture, import, package and distribute a complete range of swimming pool and spa chemicals across Australia. The acquisition adds a high quality range of chemicals to AstralPool’s product offering, and AstralPool’s distribution through eight warehouses around Australia offers a unique opportunity to expand Price Chemicals’ market share.

Michael Price will continue in his current capacity as general manager. Price Chemicals was

founded in 1984 by John and Wilma Price, and their main brand, Purex, is one of the oldest and most respect chemical brands in the swimming pool industry.

“Price Chemicals will continue their sales and relationships with their direct customers, however AstralPool’s network of more than 20 sales staff around Australia and in-house marketing team provides the opportunity

to raise the profile of the Purex brand and bundle our equipment and chemical offering,” says Wallace.

“Lincoln Leisure will continue to distribute the chemicals as the current arrangement stands.

However, the other distributor, Terry Megginson, has retired.”

Megginson had been in the industry for at least 30 years, working with Aqua Swim in the

early 1980s before moving to Price Chemicals.

“Terry had been planning to retire at Christmas time,” says Wallace. “But he held off until we finalised the purchase.

We wish him all the best in his retirement.”

Wallace says the attraction of Price Chemicals was its clever packaging and manufacturing processes which complement AstralPool’s own extensive equipment manufacturing in Melbourne.

“We will overlay our ERP system across Price Chemicals and concentrate on developing marketing and POS material for the Purex brand. This should be finalised and ready for release to the market by early May. “Both Price Chemicals and AstralPool believe the acquisition offers the ability to improve our product and service offering to both companies’ customers and to further invest in production and product development.”

Carpeting the hair heir’s pool This zero edge pool and infinity spa was built by Jimmy Reed of Rock Solid Tile in California for Angus Mitchell (AKA Angus M), the son the late founder of the Paul Mitchell brand who now runs the worldwide hair product empire. The most amazing aspect of the pool is the use of variegated Bisazza glass mosaic tiles to create a swirling visual effect similar to a Persian rug or plush carpet. Now that creates a luxurious place to lounge in the water.

Keep informed by subscribing to the free online newsletter.

1. NZ man injured in pool chlorine explosion Loud explosions sounding like “gunshots” alerted neighbours to a pool chemical mixing accident in Tauranga south of Auckland.

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Top five online news stories

The online stories that made the news over the past two months.

2. Pool scare a case of mistaken amoebae Mainstream media in Western Australia went into overdrive reporting that a swimming pool in the Perth suburb of East Victoria Park had detected acanthamoebae.

3. Is pool industry bigger than we thought?

Industry members were scratching their heads at the erroneous suggestion there may be more than two million Australian households with swimming pools.

4. Pool compliance delayed another 12 months Concerns about a shortage of certifiers and a backlog of non-compliant pools led the NSW Government to delay the pool compliance certificate regime until April 2016.

5. Big Banana turns 50 with new water park Swimplex Aquatics will be installing four Polin waterslides and a splash pad at the new $1.6m water park at the Coffs Harbour site of the original “big thing”.

Upcoming events 2015 May 12-14

OzWater15, Adelaide Convention Centre

May 13-15

NSW Country Pool Managers Conference, West Diggers Club, Tamworth.

May 20-21

Piscine SPLASH! Asia, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

May 23

SPASA Victoria Gala Dinner, Plaza Ballroom

May 23-24

Consumer Pool Spa and Outdoor Living Expo, RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane

May 30

SPASA Queensland Awards Gala

June 13

SPASA Victoria Gala Awards Night, Plaza Ballroom

June 15-16 ARI Conference, Crowne Plaza, Hunter Valley June 16-19 IAPPA Asia Pacific, the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Centre Jun 21-23

SPLASH! NZ, ASB Showground, Auckland

June 25-26 Landscape Forum, Terry Hills, NSW July 14-17

Expolazer, Sao Paolo, Brazil

Aug 8-9

SPASA Victoria Consumer Spa & Pool Expo, MCEC

Aug 24-25

SPASA Convention, Homebush Bay

Aug 28-30

Brisbane Home Show, BCEC

Sept 9

SPASA Queensland Golf Day, Gainsborough Greens

Sept 13-16

Building Australia’s Future 2015 Conference, Gold Coast

Sept 30-Oct 2 Taiwan Water Show, Kaohsiung, Taiwan Oct 4

Drowning Prevention and Memorial Day

Oct 7-9

12th World Aquatic Health Conference, Scottsdale Arizona

Oct 13-16

Piscina Barcelona

Oct 27-30

Aquanale, Cologne, Germany

Nov 7-12

IPSPE trade show and convention, Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas

2016 Aug 17-18

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

Nov 15-18

Piscine Global, Lyon, France

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.

April-May 2015 SPLASH!

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news

Business

Aqua Action gets strategic Aqua Action Pool Products has formalised a relationship with The Dream Consortium.

Director Jeanette Moore says they were finding themselves paying more and more for good quality professional services to help the business grow.

“And still we were not seeing the results we desired,” she says. “Now we have partnered with The Dream Consortium and this year our business is on track for the biggest growth since we began.

“Aqua Action needed assistance on so many levels of the business we found ourselves working more hours and losing our lifestyle just to keep up. The Dream Consortium believed in us, in our vision, and as a team we were able to work on the

things that we had been putting off for so long due to lack of resources. This was a familiar story amongst our peers in the industry and a story we are now happy to be free of,” she says.

The Dream Consortium assists businesses with strategy, direction, marketing, business automation, assistance with government grants and improving return on investment (ROI).

“After our successful launch at SPLASH! 2014 of a full range of products including diving boards, waterfalls, water features, stainless steel rails, pool sports, pool tables and umbrella tables and stands, we are well on the way to impact even more on the Australasian market than ever before,” say Moore.

Water

Ease the thirst How to help the one billion people across the globe who don’t have access to clean drinking water?

Organisational psychologist, Matt Henricks has a way. The 36 year old is the brains behind a new corporate team building program called the Water Works Program, with the goal set to provide clean drinking water to one million people in need by the end of 2017.

The Water Works Program allows Aussie workers in just a couple of hours to build a complete water filtration unit which will provide enough clean drinking water per day for up to 200 people. Program participants will be able to track where each filtration unit is sent and will have access to a photo of the recipients.

Contact: www.waterworksprogram.com

Safety

Man injured in chlorine explosion Loud explosions sounding like “gunshots” alerted neighbours to a pool chemical mixing accident in Tauranga south of Auckland in March.

The Bay of Plenty Times reported that ambulance staff treated a 75 year old man with burns to his eyes and face, after he received injuries when swimming pool chlorine powder started exploding in a bucket.

The report quotes cable layer Vinnie Thompson who was alerted by what sounded like gunshots, and ran towards the source of the explosions. He knocked on the door of the house where a woman was on the phone calling for assistance. She said her husband was in the backyard.

When he reached the man, he was spraying water onto his face with a hose, with the chlorine still popping and exploding in the bucket beside him.

The man’s face looked swollen and red. “I said,

are you all right mate. He was still talking and seemed physically all right.” He picked up the bucket and put it out of harm’s way around the back of the property and then supported the man until the arrival of St John’s paramedics.

A nearby neighbour also rushed to the scene after she heard loud bangs come from the property and a man yelling, “Ring the ambulance!”

“I just heard this pop, pop, like gunshots,” she said. “So I ran over to the back of his house and he was covering his face. I just grabbed the hose and tried to rinse his face” A Northern Fire Service communications centre spokesperson said the initial report which came from ambulance staff was that someone was working with swimming pool chemicals when the substance exploded, and there were reports of burns to an occupant’s face.

Expo News Piscine SPLASH! Asia will be held on May 20-21 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. For more information go to page 61.

Spatex 2015 organisers have said the most recent UK event held in Coventry was a great success. There were more than 100 exhibitors and a steady flow of visitors throughout the first two days, with a record number on the last day, traditionally the quietest of the three-day show.

Exhibitors commented on the high quality of visitors and the large number of leads that that the show generated, many from commercial sectors that have hitherto not been seen at Spatex. Tony Fisher of Waterco said he received a variety of leads from outside of the pool industry including a sports injury rehabilitation centre and equine hydrotherapy centre, and they were very happy.

Stone+tec 2015 will be held in Nuremberg, Germany between May 13 and 16. It is a bi-annual International Trade Fair dedicated to natural and man-made stone and covers global trends in interior and exterior stone, as well as innovative materials through machines, tools, care products and cleaners, with more than 400 exhibitors covering the entire spectrum of modern stone processing.

Founder and director of Prestige Surfaces Australia, Matt Nash, is one of the Australians attending.

April-May 2015 SPLASH!

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news

Spa Tech Tips

This new skin cancer tool takes the guesswork out of skin checking

Giveaway

DIY skin checks

Air Venturi Control assembly leaks can occur for a number of reasons. If water is leaking from the air control with no pump running, it’s likely due to a broken manifold barb or physically damaged tubing below the control, or the spa is over-filled and is leaking from the air control inlet port.

If water is leaking with the pump running, this can only be due to water being forced into the air lines from one or more of the water jets. A blockage such as a gumnut in the jet nozzle can force water up the air line.

A missing or worn seal between water and air ports in the rear of the jet will have a similar result.

These seals can be a rubber o-ring, neoprene ring, or a moulded ring and are usually on the rear of the jet insert or the valve assembly behind the jet insert.

Leaks from air controls with the pump running are NEVER the result of a problem with the air control. It is always a problem at one or more jets.

Contact: For more information contact technical support at Australian Spa Parts 1300 736 025.

14

SPLASH!

April-May 2015

It turns out that 81 per cent of Australians are worried about at least one mole on their skin, yet haven’t had their skin checked by a doctor in the past 12 months.

This startling new research released by Skin Patrol, Australia’s leading mobile medical practice, suggests we have a “head in the sand” approach to skin spots monitoring. A new in-home early detection skin cancer tool has been developed to help Australians identify those skin spots that should be checked by a professional.

While the ABCDE method is considered clinical best practice, many people either aren’t aware of it, or find it confusing. The new Skin Cancer Early Detection Tool simplifies the ABCDE method into five easy to answer Yes/No questions. It takes the guesswork out of self-checking and can put your mind at ease.

Tabs in the tool allow the user to check for

the most common characteristics of melanoma; Asymmetry, Border regularity, Colour, Diameter and Evolution. Each tab offers an easy to use aid such as a magnifying window, diameter measurer or colour chart. It couldn’t be easier.

The Skin Patrol Early Detection Tool is available at www.iamskincancer.com for $20, or use the code “savealife” for a 25 per cent discount for two or more (+P&H).

SPLASH! has a few Skin Detection Tools to give away. Go to the SPLASH! magazine Facebook page and click on the Giveway tab in the left hand column. There will be more information and a direct link in an upcoming free SPLASH! online newsletter. Go to splashmagazine.com.au to make sure you’re receiving the newsletter. The winner of the previous competition was Susana GarciaDavies of Taylors Pool Service in New Zealand.

Construction

Look out for the fire ants The boundaries of the Red Imported Fire Ant Restricted Area in South-East Queensland have recently changed.

The following changes come into effect from 2 March 2015: • Ashwell, Calvert, Lanefield and Upper Mount Gravatt will move from the high risk to the low risk restricted area.

• Mount Gravatt and Murarrie are being removed from the restricted area and will no longer be subject to movement controls.

• Kairabah and Radford which were previously free of restrictions will now move into the low risk restricted area.

• Warrill View moves into the high risk restricted area.

Businesses should review the movement control requirements for the high risk and low risk restricted areas and review their Approved Risk Management

Plan. If you need assistance, contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.

For information on restricted material and developing a risk management plan visit the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website. For more information about the changes to the Red Imported Fire Ant Restricted Area, visit www.daff. qld.gov.au/fireants.

Meanwhile, fire ants have been found as far south as Sydney, after being detected at a Port Botany facility. The control area has been extended across a two kilometre radius to assist with surveillance and eradication efforts.

The control area takes in over 2000 residential homes and other port facilities, playgrounds and golf courses. All known nests on the original site have been baited twice and the government says early results are promising.

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news

Distribution

Global news Californian businesses have been ordered to cut urban water use by 25 per cent as the prolonged drought drags into its fourth year. California’s first mandatory urban water cutbacks are likely to particularly affect swimming pool builders. Several cities and water districts have imposed restrictions on filling and building new swimming pools, effectively killing the businesses of contractors who design and install them according to John Norwood, president of the California Pool and Spa Association. He said that once filled, pools use less water than the lawns they typically replace.

1990s white rapper, Vanilla Ice, was getting both positive and negative publicity relating to swimming pools in February. He now hosts a home improvement show on the DIY network and helped a six-yearold paralysed boy get a swimming pool in his backyard for some much needed enjoyment and therapy. He is also a general contractor and often helps other injured and sick children, and even helped build a pool for a quadriplegic firefighter.

However, he also faced court for stealing pool equipment, which he says was a misunderstanding after squatters had put it on the kerb. He agreed to perform 100 hours of community service and pay $US1333.

16

SPLASH!

April-May 2015

Newline to distribute Lo-Chlor products Lo-Chlor Chemicals Australia has entered into an agreement for Newline Pool Products to distribute the full line of Lo-Chlor specialty products in Queensland, the Northern Territory and the East Coast. The agreement is effective immediately.

Lo-Chlor has been manufacturing and distributing the quality specialty pool and spa chemicals for the past 30 years, and now has a global reach to more than 50 countries. Newline is an Australian business that has been trading successfully for the past 22 years, distributing a range of approximately 5000 products including pool equipment, spare parts, testing equipment and leisure products.

Paul Simons, Lo-Chlor Chemicals managing director says that it makes sense to partner with Newline Pool Products, a fast growing, high-end, quality supplier to the industry.

“Newline has been operating in the industry for more than 22 years and has an impeccable service

record for which they are renowned,” he says.

He says that both companies share the same overriding philosophy of wanting to provide customers with quality products, first class service and a total emphasis on achieving customer satisfaction, and that catering to individual needs and requests is the way that both Lo-Chlor and Newline have built up such a large and loyal customer following.

Nathan De Candia, managing director of Newline Pool Products says that Newline is proud and excited by the opportunity to work with Lo-Chlor Chemicals, a highly respected Australian chemical manufacturer.

“We see the arrangement as being beneficial to all pool professionals from leading retail outlets to service technicians,” he says.

Contact: 1300 677 100; orders@ newlineproducts.com.au

Retail

Poolwerx expands into US paths and potential for people Pool and spa care franchise Poolin this industry. We will bring werx has made a move to expand this expertise to the USA as well, into the world’s largest pool and introducing our unique hub and spa market, starting by acquiring spoke model integrating the retail, Cactus Valley Pool Supplies in service and commercial markets.”

Phoenix, Arizona.

O’Brien says the first store Cactus Valley Pool Supplies has to be converted to a Poolwerx been in business for 17 years and branded store would be ready currently has nine company-owned to launch before the American stores, seven franchised stores and summer season. nine mobile service units.

The Poolwerx “We will convert all our compaJohn O’Brien, Poolwerx foundtraining facility ny stores over the next year. These er and CEO says that launching in Brisbane will become our flagship stores for into the American market was the granting franchises across the USA. realisation of a vision 22 years in “This acquisition is just the beginning for our the making. brand overseas.”

“We’ve always wanted to take the company to Meanwhile, following the opening of their America because of the sheer size and opportumillion dollar training centre late last year, Poolnities within the marketplace. This is not the first werx has implemented a new subsidised training opportunity that has come up for our American program as part of its commitment to ensure all entry, but it was the right one,” he says. franchisees attain their certificates III and IV in “It’s not insurmountable to believe Poolwerx Pool and Spa Service by 2018. could become a major force in the industry in the The three day course will provide 40 training USA very quickly. In fact, with the great support places at a subsidised cost of $500, covering the we have been experiencing, our forecasts have us program, flights, accommodation and meals, with a potential of 50 retail stores and mobile units regardless of where franchisees are based. by this time next year and 300 by 2020.”

“As an Australia-wide company we didn’t feel it He says the state of the American market is was fair that some franchisees had to pay excessimilar to what it was in Australia 20 years ago. sive travel costs while others could just drive in “When we first started in Australia 22 years ago, each morning to take advantage of the training the market was extremely fragmented with lots opportunity, so by subsiding a number of places it of independents and small players trying to build ensures the training program is an opportunity all critical mass. We worked hard to bring professionfranchisees can take advantage of,” says O’Brien. alism and order to the sector, and offer real career

Remco 2015/02 Designed by Marketing Eye

news

Renovation

Tradies and suppliers rally for Brisbane family Main: Brett and Casey were overwhelmed by the transformation of their overgrown suburban backyard Inset: Family spaces include a gym for Casey and a play area for Jack

L

ast year, the Johnsons bought a suburban family home and were looking forward to the new stage of their family life, but unfortunately for the Johnsons, their life is far from typical.

Brett Johnson is a 33 year old loving husband to Casey and doting father to one year old Jack, but for four years he has been fighting Ewings Sarcoma – an aggressive cancer with a very low survival rate. Although the once hard-working ex-boilermaker and now family man has beaten the disease twice, his third diagnosis is devastating. Doctors have given Brett just 18 months to live, a judgement no one ever wants to hear.

Understandably, every moment the family has together is precious and they are committed to staying positive and maintaining a healthy lifestyle; with both Brett and Casey dedicated to undertaking the Gerson Therapy.

Thanks to: Aqua Tech Pool Liners, Aqualon, Australian Lawn Concepts, AWR Solutions, AWX, Be Divine, Block Layer, Boral Concrete, Boulder Retaining Wall, Brisbane Mini Pumps, Candy Soil, Centenary Landscaping, City Hire, Coles, Dulux, Eagle Alliance Earthmoving, Eco Smart, Fencebuild, Glendun, Goseal, Harding Electrical, Haymans Electrical, Ixora Parks Nursery, JVB Transport, Leighton’s Sand & Gravel, Laser 3D, Laticrete, Logans Nursery, Lush Turf Solutions, National Masonry, Neumann Steel, Outdoor Secrets, PacSpi, Pila Group, Pizza Hut, Plants Direct, Pool & Tile Company, Rep It PT, Samios Plumbing, Sapar Landscaping Supplies, Slate and Stone, Station Creek Farms, Steel Anything, Superior Constructions, The Fitness Guys, Trend Tiles, U-beut Plumbing, Veolia, Versatile Concreting, Zanui Furniture.

18

SPLASH!

April-May 2015

Each day, the Johnson’s wake up grateful for what they do have and also determined to achieve as much as possible. One dream they had always planned to achieve was the transformation of their large overgrown backyard. This was the perfect opportunity for friends and family to help.

Led by best friend Tina, six couples, all close friends of the Johnsons, united to form Operation Maxted.

After A Current Affair put their hand up to organise and showcase the backyard makeover, the next crucial step was to secure a landscape design and construction company. After receiving interest from several Landscaping professionals, Operation Maxted felt a great affinity with Outdoor Secrets led by husband and wife team, Nathan and Laurene Bisshop. They used wish list sketches Brett had actually drawn himself as a starting point to design the ultimate Johnson family backyard, including an outdoor gym, shower and bath, entertainment zones, pool and children’s play areas.

More than $400,000 worth of labour and supplies were donated by 120 tradespeople and 50 suppliers.

After seven days, Brett and Casey walked into the backyard, lifted their blindfolds and were immediately overwhelmed by the transformation.

The Johnsons absolutely love their new backyard, using the new pool, outdoor shower and bath nearly every day. There are several amazing places for Brett to enjoy the sunrise or sit back and watch Jack scoot around on his trike and Casey loves the convenience of having an amazing gym at home she can use for both personal and business use.

Already, Brett and Casey have planned many get-togethers with family and friends in the coming months. ■

AIS proudly designs and manufactures its full range of commercial and residential chlorinators (complete with self-cleaning Genuine AIS Anodes) in Australia - in fact it’s all AIS does. This 100% focus, combined with AIS’ 20+ year history of innovation has seen AIS’ technology exported to over 55 countries worldwide.

Salt Water Chlorinator

Waterbom Bali, Indonesia.

THE ORIGINAL INLINE SALT WATER CHLORINATOR Recommended TDS Level: 3,500 ppm – 35,000 ppm

C

PERFECT FOR: • Municipal pools and leisure centres • Aquatic theme parks • Competitive swimming/diving facilities

Commercial Applications

• Hotels, resorts and spas • Lagoon pools

In 1995 AIS created the first commercial scale AutoChlor™ inline salt water chlorinator, building on the success of its already well-established AutoChlor™ residential chlorinator range.

Today the award-winning, AutoChlor™ technology is one of Australia’s most well-known and trusted commercial and residential brands in water disinfection.

AIS’ AutoChlor™’s commercial systems are producing chlorine onsite and inline, desinfecting water conveniently and automatically in hundreds of aquatic centres, water parks, hotels and resorts, municipal pools and lagoons and luxury residential developments worldwide.

ALL AIS COMMERCIAL CHLORINATORS FEATURE: • Reverse polarity (RP) • Switch mode power supply (SMPS) • Genuine AIS Anodes • Built-in acid wash system • Built-in cell cleaning function

• Sealed internal cooling • Skid mounted design (custom systems also available) • Flow switch/pressure relief valve • Temperature sensors

Salt Water Chlorinators PERFECT FOR: • Standard salt water pools • Low salt pools • Spas and plunge pools • New or retrofit situations • Seawater pools

ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S MOST WELL-KNOWN AND TRUSTED WATER DISINFECTION BRANDS

automatic, onsite and inline water disinfection solution for

Recommended TDS Level: 3,500 – 35,000 ppm

or spa including low salt (TDS 3,500ppm) and standard

R

residential salt water pools – simply install, set and forget!

With AutoChlor’s™ Classic Series, Pro or SMC chlorinators to choose from, there’s a model to suit any salt water pool salt water (TDS 5,000ppm) applications. AutoChlor ™ can

Residential Applications

The award-winning AutoChlor™ range (Classic, Pro and SMC Series) of salt water chlorinators is one of Australia’s most well-known and trusted brands in water disinfection.

even be retro-fitted to existing pools and spas.

The AutoChlor™ Series also boasts a range of standard features and optional extras available depending on the specified model including: pool pump sockets, manual and automatic programmable timers, Switch

Advanced Australian technology combined with over 20

Mode Power Supply (SMPS) and underwater pool light

years of industry know-how has created a convenient,

sockets (Fixed 12, 24 or 32 Volt outlets).

CLASSIC AC

CLASSIC RP7

• The original AutoChlor salt

• Compact yet robust.

water chlorinator CLASSIC RP & CLASSIC LS3500 • With Reverse Polarity (RP) Technology • LS3500 is designed for low salt water conditions

Suited for small-medium sized pools.

• With Reverse Polarity (RP) Technology

PRO SERIES

SMC SERIES

• Robust, contemporary

• Switch Mode Power

design with highest

Supply (SMPS) for

water resistance rating

extra efficiency

• With Reverse Polarity (RP) Technology

• With Reverse Polarity (RP) Technology

Midi Series PERFECT FOR: • Private swim schools • Residential communities • Retirement & aged care facilities • Gymnasiums and sports centres • Boutique hotels

FOR SMALL TO MEDIUM-SIZED SALT & MINERAL WATER POOLS Recommended TDS Level: 5,000 ppm

SCR Semi Commercial & Residential When a commercial scale chlorinator is too much and a residential scale chlorinator is not enough, AIS comes to the rescue with the AutoChlor™ Midi Series

(AC100, RP100 and RP150 models) for small to medium-sized salt and mineral water pools.

Employing the same, award-winning water disinfection technology that is operating in many large scale theme parks, resorts, and hotels worldwide, the new Midi Series offers convenient, automatic, onsite, inline chlorination for locations that typically experience large variations in bather load such as: private swim schools, residential communities, retirement/aged care facilities, gymnasiums, sports centres and boutique hotels.

Mineral Water Chlorinator PERFECTFOR: FOR: PERFECT • Residential ‘mineral’ pools using

• Residential pools and spas magnesium, potassium and/or • First home buyers & investors calcium chloride – and also be used • Those who want the latest in traditional salt water pools withpools good looks •technology Spas and plunge ••Easy operation & maintenance Pool owners wishing to create a ‘spa-like’ experience

THE ‘SPA-LIKE’ ALTERNATIVE TO TRADITIONAL SALT WATER POOLS Recommended TDS Level: 2,500 ppm – 3,500 ppm

R Residential Applications

pools which use blends of minerals like magnesium chlorine instead of, or as well as traditional salt.

AIS’ MineralChlor™ technology conveniently and automatically disinfects mineral water, onsite and inline ensuring water is kept clean, clear and up to 50% less saline than a traditional salt water pool.

As mineral water pools increase in popularity, AIS has

MineralChlor™ can help to reduce

created a convenient, automatic, onsite and inline water

mineral replenishment

disinfection system especially for use in mineral water

saving money and time.

Salt Water Chlorinator PERFECT PERFECT FOR: FOR: • Residential pools and spas • Residential pools and spas • First home buyers & investors • First home buyers & Investors • Those who want the latest • Those who want the latest technology with good looks technology with good looks • Easy operation & maintenance • Easy operation and maintenance

AFFORDABLE QUALITY COMBINED WITH THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY Recommended TDS Level: 5,000 ppm

R Residential Applications

Proudly Australian designed and manufactured, CHROME™ ’s superior design takes all the guess work out of keeping your pool water clean, clear and safe leaving you more time to do the things you love.

It’s easy to read control panel automatically tells when salt levels are lower or higher than desired. Chlorine

The new CHROME ™ is an inline, salt water chlorine

output can then be increased or decreased with the

generator for residential pools. CHROME™ is designed

simple turn of a dial ensuring optimum efficiency and

for the customer who demands the latest in technology,

a safer swimming environment. For ultimate peace of

superior performance and contemporary good looks

mind CHROME ™ also comes backed by a full 12 month

at an affordable price. It is perfect for first home buyers

manufacturer’s warranty.

or investors.

ABOUT AUSTRALIAN INNOVATIVE SYSTEMS (AIS) AIS is a proudly Australian owned and operated leader in the design, production and supply of commercial and residential water disinfection technology.

Proudly designed and manufactured in Australia

With a proud history of innovation and leadership, AIS’ people and products have been recognised many times over with local and international awards and accolades.

This recognition spurs AIS to escalate its efforts in creating world class, water disinfection systems.

All research, development and manufacturing takes place at AIS’ production facilities in Brisbane, Australia with AIS’ technology exported to over 55 countries worldwide.

CALL +61 7 3396 5222 Australia OR 1300 965 222 wide www.aiswater.com.au Australian Innovative Systems 51 Millennium Place, Tingalpa Queensland 4173 Australia © Australian Innovative Systems Pty Ltd 2015. Australian Innovative Systems Pty Ltd reserves the right to discontinue or change any of the products, styles, colours, specifications, materials, services or other details referred to in this advertisement at any time without notice. Images and graphics are indicative and are for illustration purposes.

AIS’ Services include: • Custom Design • Consulting • Installing • Commissioning • Scheduled Servicing

Genuine AIS Anodes with their unique catalytic coating, are the heart in every AIS chlorine generator.

Please visit aiswater.com.au for more information about our warranty program.

news

Industry moves

Greg Every returns to critical analysis In April, Greg Every left the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Australia (SPASA Australia) due to his position of member services manager becoming redundant. He says he enjoyed his time working with Gary Nye at SPASA Australia and before that in his role as executive director of the Swimming Pool Retail Association Australia (SPRAA).

Every and Nye worked together previously at Coles Myer where Every was general manager of public affairs.

Every says that SPASA Australia has an interesting year coming up and he wishes Nye and

the board every success in what they are trying to achieve.

He is returning to the business he ran prior to joining SPRAA in 2012, the Institute for Critical Analysis (ICA), where his focus will be project management, overflow assignments, strategy development, public affairs, writing and editing.

A decision will be made whether to reintroduce a member services manager at a later date, following the outcome of an external review regarding the future of the organisation, which is due to be completed by late May. Contact: www.critical.net.au

Industry moves

Focus looks outside industry for advisory board appointees Focus Products has announced that as a part of its ongoing commitment to improving the way it does business, it has appointed an independent advisory board, and has looked outside the industry to select Kevin Turner, Shannon Davis and Mark Creedon.

In a statement, directors Steven Humphris and Lauren Humphris say they recognise the importance of external contribution to the management and operation of their business and the benefits which objective viewpoints can bring to both strategic and operational issues.

“In line with our innovative thought leading position in the industry, the company has looked outside the industry for advisory board appointments.”

Managing director Steven Humphris says he feels bringing board members from outside the industry gives the company an opportunity to discover innovative business practices which are being successfully applied in other industries, allowing Focus Products to continue to maintain their competitive edge.

Sales director Lauren Humphris says that after consulting with a number of external advisors, she believes that a widely experienced board would bring the necessary skills to the company and assist in it its quest to maintain its market leading position.

Kevin Turner’s career spans 40 years managing national media outlets, national and international real estate franchise operations and is regarded as a thought leader in both the real estate, and media and communications industries.

Turner brings to the board a wealth of man-

agement and strategic experience. The directors say he is highly sought after as a mentor and independent advisor and his appointment to the board will bring broad experience and wisdom to the company.

Shannon Davis holds formal qualifications in education and has taught in Australia and internationally. As the managing director of Image Property Group and the Brisbane director of Metropole Property Strategists, Davis is considered not only to be one of the leading lights in the property investment sector but also one of Australia’s leading young entrepreneurs.

The directors say he brings a straightforward insightful approach to business and his understanding of marketing, culture and business growth strategies is highly regarded.

Mark Creedon is an executive business coach with Red Monkey Coaching and is well known in the retail pool industry. Having guided a number of retail outlets to outstanding and award winning achievements and having worked with Focus Products in assisting their dealer network, Creedon brings knowledge of the industry and his broad business experience to the board.

The directors say that as a business coach to some of Australia’s leading entrepreneurs, Creedon’s experience, knowledge and insight into business strategy will be invaluable in guiding Focus Products.

The directors of Focus Products say they are excited about the role the advisory board will play and look forward to many innovative and thought leading strategies in the coming months.

Industry moves Grant Brooks has been promoted to national sales manager of Maytronics Australia.

Brooks delivers a wealth of industry experience and knowledge, having grown up working through his own family pool business including both direct retail and pool building operations spanning more than 10 years.

Chris Papa, director of Maytronics Australia, says Brooks is well respected in the industry, having been NSW and national sales manager for Poolrite Equipment.

In 2014 he joined Maytronics in the roles of NSW and Asia export manager before taking on the newly appointed national sales manager’s role.

Contact: grant.brooks@ maytronics.com Maytronics also has a new account manager for South East Queensland.

Chris Orwin is new to the swimming pool industry, but has a background in retail, primarily in consumer electronics.

He intends to bring a higher level of service to his customers and is committed to solving any issues to the best of his ability, and as quickly as possible.

Contact: chris.orwin@ maytronics.com

April-May 2015 SPLASH!

23

news

Recognition

AIS wins small business award In Brief The ACCC is urging members of the community to get a licensed electrician to check if degrading Infinity electrical cables are installed in their homes or businesses, as recent progress reports show that only 179 premises have so far been rectified and approximately five per cent of the supplied cable remediated. A nationwide recall of Infinity cables was announced last year after they failed electrical safety standards due to poor quality plastic insulation coating. Tests have shown that the cable may become prematurely brittle from 2016 onwards, which could cause fires or electric shock if the cables were then disturbed.

The relevant periods of cable supply are: 20102013 (in NSW), 2011-2013 (in ACT), 2012-2013 (in Vic, Qld, SA & WA) and in 2013 (in Tas).

The Australian Water Association (AWA) has launched a sustainability competition as part of a recently announced global competition. The AWA is seeking businesses and entrepreneurs to submit their ideas and innovative solutions to water sustainability challenges via the Australian Water Innovation Challenge 2015. “AWA is looking for ideas that could potentially transform the sustainability of communities and businesses, both in Australia and around the world,” says Jonathan McKeown, AWA CEO. For more information about how to get involved visit www.ausae.org.au.

24

SPLASH!

April-May 2015

Australian Innovative Systems (AIS) has won the Manufacturing Award at Australian Small Business Champion Awards 2015.

Elena Gosse, CEO of AIS, accepted the award in front of 1000 guests at the Westin Hotel Sydney in April. The awards recognise the contribution that small business plays in shaping Australia’s economic development and culture. They attracted more than 400 finalists.

The Brisbane-based manufacturer of commercial and residential chlorine generators and water disinfection technology was rewarded for its commitment to innovation and excellence.

Gosse says she is grateful to the award organisers for helping to shine the spotlight on small businesses.

“As a manufacturer and small business owner I don’t think that we celebrate or champion small businesses enough in Australia,” she says.

“Small business makes such a significant contribution to our economy, and in the case of AIS, is also helping to promote Australian designed and manufactured technology to the world. I would also like to encourage big business and governments of all levels to support small businesses more by

Elena Gosse with husband and AIS co-director, Kerry Gosse

considering products, technology and services that are available right here, in our own backyard.”

Gosse credited the award win to her team of more than 50 staff members across AIS’ three Brisbane offices and manufacturing facilities.

“Running a successful small manufacturing business is like being part of a big family. I want to acknowledge the skills and dedication of the AIS family – every single member of our staff – for continuing to drive innovation in our company so that we can claim our position as leaders in the Australian water disinfection industry.”

Celebration

Austral turns 40 Austral Pool Solutions celebrated its 40th Anniversary with a gala evening at the Perth’s Crown ballroom in March.

More than 160 guests arrived for a night of feasting, entertainment, dancing and comedy, with the evening being hosted by funnyman Peter Rowsthorn, well known for his television roles including in the series Kath and Kim. Music was supplied by a seven-piece cover band, Easy Tigers.

Austral Pool Solutions is Western Australia’s biggest distributor of Australian brands for the pool and spa industry. It was established in 1975 providing pool pump and filtration equipment by current owner Jon Anderson’s late father, Bill, and Olympic champion Tom Hoad.

From humble beginnings, the company has grown to be a leading distributor of swimming pool and spa equipment, accessories, leisure products and chemicals, with two offices and warehouse facilities totalling more than 3200 square metres. Austral Pool Solutions has received the WA Supplier of the Year Award from SPASA WA four times.

The evening included some fabulous prizes including $10,000 cash, a trip to Hawaii, a trip to Melbourne and a smart TV. The winners were: 1st Prize: Trip for 2 to Hawaii for 7 nights. Winner: Brad and Liz Earp from Pooltopia Maddington 2nd Prize: Trip for 2 to Melbourne for 4 nights.

Winner: Eddie Crutchett from Swimwise Wanneroo

Paul Simons (Lo-Chlor Chemicals) and Kevin Rust (Spa Electrics) drawing out the lucky winners with MC Peter Rowsthorn

3rd Prize: 60” Samsung LCD 3D Smart TV. Winner: Courtney Bishop from The Pool Shop Floreat.

They also had nine consolation draws plus the big one of $10,000 cash (winner’s name withheld).

Guests included Matt Adlam (AstralPool), Paul Simons and Jeff Felman (Lo-Chlor Chemicals), Anthony Ramsay & Rob McDonald (Pool Systems), Kevin Rust & Jules Harwood (Spa Electrics), Peter Hogg (Magnum Filters NZ), Adam and Eddie Lloyd (IQ Chemicals), Keith Hall (SR Smith), Chris Price (Lincoln Leisure) and Glenn Gage (Maytronics).

The new and improved, super quiet, water cooled

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The new and improved Davey Silensor® range offers super quiet operation with its unique water-cooled technology, capturing motor noise and vibration. It comes with:

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- Dry run protection - Rust-proof casing - Large 4.5 litre leaf basket - Heavy duty motor impeller - Motor shell protection with new Armourspray® VC (Epoxy) - 316 Stainless steel pump shaft Combined with Davey’s complete range of swimming pool and spa products, the whole bathing experience becomes pure enjoyment.

For more information visit davey.com.au or call 1300 232 839.

news

Representation

New association boards In Brief SPASA Queensland in conjunction with the National College of Business is offering free webinar series on Tradies’ Business Success: The 7 Steps to Consistent Cash Flow in Your Business on May 5; and How to Get More Done In Less Time on May 19. Sessions run from 7pm - 8pm.

SPASA Victoria will be running a Chemistry Basic course on May 12; Chemistry Advanced on May 14 and 15; Country Chapter Training on Basic Chemistry and Retail Training on May 26 and 27; White Card Training (Construction Induction) on June 12; Pool Construction Essentials on August 11; Contract Training (for Restricted & Builder members only) on August 12; Hydraulics on August 18 and 19; Chemistry Basic on August 21; Chemistry Advanced on August 26 and 27 (Prerequisite -Chemistry Basic); and White Card Training on September 11.

Alliance courses include May 1 (1 day) Resolving Business Disputes & Risk Management; May 18 (1 day) Building Codes, Standards & Principles for Swimming Pools & Spas; May 22 (1 day) Planning & Managing Finances in a Pool & Spa Building Business; Jun 3 (3 day) Maintenance: Circulation, Filtration, Dosing Systems, Cleaning & Vacuuming; Jun 9 (1 day) Safe Handling of Chemicals; Jun 24 (1 day) Monitor Pool Water Quality.

26

SPLASH!

April-May 2015

A number of AGMs have been held recently resulting in some new faces on the boards.

SPASA Australia

Lynley Papineau – SPASA WA (President) Rob Kruber – SPASA Victoria (Vice President) Andrew Jakovac – SPASA Queensland Trent Moran – SPASA SA Rob Guthrie – SPASA NSW & ACT John O’Brien – Retail Aftermarket CEO – Gary Nye

Swimming Pool and Spa Alliance

Robert Guthrie – Tru Pool (President) Lindsay McGrath – Biolab Australia (Vice President) Janine Bellifemine – Sunrise Pools (Treasurer) Peter Moore – Aquatic Pool And Spa Consulting Jonathan Hatfield – Waterco Malcolm Brown – Zodiac Group Australia Mervyn Smith – Sunbather Pool Technologies Paul Simons – Lo-Chlor Chemicals Brad Baxter – Award Pools Group Mike Steven – Landart Landscapes CEO: Spiros Dassakis

SPASA Queensland

Andrew Jakovac – Majestic Pools (President) Steven Humphris – Focus Products (Vice-President) Sean Austin – Austin Pool Services (Treasurer) Michael Chapman – Classic Pools John Dixon – Sunbather Pty Ltd Darren Gaunt – Poolwerx Corporation Wayne Haylock – Burleigh Pools Angela Kennedy – Narellan Pools Queensland Luke Sirl – Pool Fab Swimming Pools Duncan Smith – AstralPool Australia Grant Symes – Protector Aluminium Rod Webb – AWEBBCO CEO: Adrian Hart

SPASA South Australia

John Colella – SA Temporary Pool Fencing Bruce Cox – Freedom Pools & Spas Troy Frede – SA Pool Fence Inspections Jasmine Heaney – Pentair Trent Moran – Classic Pools Patty Poulopoulos – Daydream Pools & Spas Dale Stone – Australian Outdoor Living Grant Symes – Protector Aluminium At the time or writing the executive committee was still to be decided.

Manager: Suzie Kent

SPASA Victoria

President – Rob Kruber – (Spa Industries) Vice President – Ted Martin – (Compass Pools) Treasurer – Lindsay Hartshorne (Lincoln Pool Equipment) John D’Arcy (Award Pools & Spas) James Hutchins (The Pool Enclosure Company) Gary Kilworth (Out From The Blue)

Brendan Nelissen (Waterco) Greg Op de Coul (Davey Water Products) Callum Ross (Astral Pool) CEO – Brendan Watkins

SPASA Western Australia

Ernie Bevilaqua – Riverina Pools (President) Chris Hirst – Reflections (Vice President) Tony Sinagrar – Shenton Pumps (Treasurer) Lynley Papineau – Aquatic Leisure Technologies Courtney Bishop – The Pool Shop Kalamunda Duncan Hogg – Just Spas Linda Taylor – Waterco Mark Harper – Mark Harper Nominees Liz Hollingdale – Pool Controls Colin Richardson – Add a Splash Cal Stanley – Neptune Pool Consultants Manager: Bryce Steele

Australian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association (ASCTA)

President: Tony Shaw Vice Presidents: Lynn Elliott and Tim Taylor Directors: Paul Bruce, Chris Myers, Rohan Taylor, Brian Stehr, Brendan Keogh and Ian Pope.

The 2015 AGM is due to be held May 1, after SPLASH! has gone to print.

Australian Leisure Facilities Association (ALFA)

Elected Directors: Alexia Morgan (Chair), Mark Collins, Ken Marriott Appointed Directors: Ken Phillips (Financial Director), Gary Penfold, Graeme Stephenson Regional Body Representatives: Roz Neville – Aquatic and Recreation Institute (ARI) NSW Stephen Butler – Australian Leisure Facilities Association (ALFAQ) QLD & NT Anthony McIntosh – Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV) VIC Executive Officer: Loren Bartley

New Zealand Master Pool Builders Guild

Carlos Morgan: Disputes Committee Chairman John Poole: Treasurer Murray Crowther: Membership Chairman Geoffrey Bonham: Pool Fencing Chairman CEO: Larry Ogden

Malaysian Swimming Pool Association President: Chew Soo Ngee (Asiapools) Vice President: Ivan Wong (Tridun Engineers) Vice President (Sabah): Johnny Cheah (Alphaline) Secretary: Joe Kuah (Inteli Pool & Spa) Assistant Secretary: CS Tan (Aquatech Pools) Honorary Treasurer: Charles Tay (Waterlink) Committee Members: CK Ong, Kenny Woo, Timothy Dcruz, Lim Joo Ann, Soh Yew Siang, Teyo Eng Chong, Koh Kim Hock, Heng Ah Bah.

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A DIVISION OF

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True innovation will lead us to the future

I

n the last of our series of interviews from last July’s SPLASH! on the Gold Coast, Pentair’s global director of product management, Matt Kimball, talks about international product development in the swimming pool and spa industry and the products he thinks will prove popular in the future. He also discusses the health of the Australian and global markets, the importance of ensuring profitability for the whole supply chain, and the show itself.

Products of the future Global Director of Product Management for Pentair, Matt Kimball

“By robotic I mean truly robotic, not just an electronic pool cleaner which is what we have currently, with a cord and everything else.”

I think price is always going to rule the day, but instead of convenience or “green” I think innovation – true innovation – is really what’s going to drive the increase in sales. But obviously it’s got to be at the right price point. If you miss the price point you can have the greatest product and not sell anything.

But I think what the industry really needs is true innovation and finding solutions to customers’ problems that they really don’t even know exist. So, not something that a customer will tell you he needs – although that’s important – but something that a customer doesn’t know he could

need and would be useful for him. If you hit that, then all of a sudden the customers are like “Wow, I didn’t even think of that, but this is beautiful, this is perfect.”

So I really think it’s up to innovation.

Obviously, price has to be right, but you have an innovative product people are going to want it.

Products for the future? Definitely robotic cleaners. And by robotic I mean truly robotic, not just an electronic pool cleaner which is what we have currently, with a cord and everything else. I think we need to get rid of that cord – which obviously people are attempting. I think there’s also several other unique features we can add to cleaners that we’re working on.

The robotic cleaner market here in Australia is very strong and growing – but it applies to every market that we’re in.

I also think that lighting has some potential – without getting into anything too specific – just doing some very, very neat and very cool, very fun things with lighting. n If you prefer, you can watch this video by clicking on the video tab at splashmagazine.com.au.

Supply chain profitability

Australia and the show

If our customers can’t make money with the products that we offer, they’re not going to buy them. So I think first and foremost, it is understanding the concept that it’s not just the manufacturer that needs to make money, but it’s everyone along the whole chain.

The Australian market has been tough. It’s been flat to small increases, but I think we’re starting to see it come back to life. I think there’s definitely a lot of demand here, it’s a big market.

We need to be cognisant of that and we need to be developing goto-market strategies that ensure there’s profitability for everyone along the whole pool building process. Otherwise, again, nobody’s going to buy our products.

There are some initiatives that Pentair is undertaking right now to do just that, because I think that for a while we’ve been worried about our margins – not to say we weren’t concerned about our customers’ margins – but I think being more conscious of that and ensuring that our go-to-market strategy with our products ensures they’re making money out of it.

The US growth has been very good – we’ve see excellent growth in the US. But we’re starting to see Australia turn too.

SPLASH! is a unique opportunity to come down here, spend a couple of days at the show and really get a good understanding of the entire Australian market. Instead of spending days, weeks, months throughout the country, it’s all right here for you. So a couple of days, a great opportunity, a lot to see and a lot to learn.

I enjoy it. I wouldn’t spend four days on planes getting here and going home if the opportunity wasn’t worth the effort. I was here two years ago as well, and it’s a great summary of everything that Australia is for the pool market.

April-May 2015 SPLASH!

29

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Engineering design for concrete swimming pools

By Cal Stanley

W

hen I came into this industry in 1980, and indeed for many years after, it was a common practice in WA to have a standard engineering design that was suitable for all pools. That was because they were all constructed in or almost wholly in the ground. I used to print out 100 of them then take them to my engineer for his signature at about 25 cents each. That is no longer possible for most of today’s concrete pools due to their design and the requirements of local councils.

The advent of smaller blocks and larger houses has seen the construction today of pools which demand a specific engineering design. Pools on boundaries that form the house footings, that are partially or entirely out of the ground such as vanishing edge pools, those on sloping blocks and those that are integrally related to the construction of a house or other building.

I have seen specific engineering plans for such pools that are so poorly designed I couldn’t use them and I have quite a few that are so over designed as to be equally ridiculous. Thankfully that doesn’t happen often with most engineers doing a reasonable design.

Sometimes the designed placement of parts of the reinforcement seems odd and unnecessary, particularly in pools with two layers of steel where, at the corners, steel from the back layer crosses to the front and vice versa. I won’t go into it here but there is a sound engineering reason for this yet many builders ignore it.

Steel in concrete structures has two functions: one, to give tensile strength under loads; and two, to prevent or mitigate shrinkage cracking.

You may think you can do it your way and it will be just as good. Wrong! You may get away with it, but it will not be “just as good”.

Pipes in concrete

The engineer always designs on the basis that the pipes for the pool will run outside the structural concrete with perpendicular penetrations only.

In my role as a consultant I recently came across two pools from different builders where a serious quantity of pipework was installed within the designed concrete and steel structure. Both have experienced leaking problems, both are risking possible structural failure in the future. In neither of these cases was the need to place pipes in the concrete referred to or approved by the design engineer nor was the customer advised of any risk to the works.

It takes a very special concrete sprayer (are there any?) to make sure there are no voids around pipes. AS2783 precludes the use of any steel reinforcement over 16mm diameter to avoid such voids, so imagine the chances of not getting any when spraying around 50mm or bigger pipes. Even lapped pieces of steel should be spaced 50mm apart, not tied side by side, for the same reason.

One of the pools I saw had two horizontal 40mm pipes, with fittings running in parallel between two layers of steel 30 SPLASH! April-May 2015

about 300mm from the top of a 230mm thick pool wall.

Imagine the difficulty for the sprayer when trying the get the concrete behind these pipes, particularly at the deep end of the pool. On this job, the house builder had installed two 100mm (unauthorised) stormwater pipes side by side vertically in the wall of the pool which was poured against a single brick house wall. These pipes are quite near to a window into the house which is being blamed for a leak when it is just as likely to be the stormwater pipes.

Another pool with basement rooms and a garage beneath it was leaking water in five of six places. Photographs showed it had six 50mm pipes on (not in) the sand in a 150mm concrete floor. Too lazy to bury them in the sand?? There is no way possible that the sprayer could get concrete under those pipes and even he had, it would mean little as it would be localised and unreinforced.

Where a pipe fitting is used on a 50mm pipe (O/D is 70mm) and located immediately under the reinforcement within 150mm concrete, then theoretically the concrete at the point reinforcing rods cross is only 55mm thick. In practice it could even be less! The rest of the concrete at the crossing points, for the length of the pipes, is only 65mm thick. Even 40mm pipe with a fitting will have only 75mm of concrete.

Depending on where a pipe is in a pool wall, cove or floor, the potential weakness could be catastrophic. Just draw a scaled cross section of a pipe, two 12mm steel rods and the 150mm overall thick concrete.

You will soon see the risk this poses.

Avoiding liability

So how do you avoid this risk on those sites where pipes outside the pool structure are just not possible or desirable?

You simply refer the problem to the engineer, advise him exactly where you plan or need to locate the pipes and get his approval. He may need to do some re-designing but it puts the onus squarely on him (or her) should the pool crack or fail in the future. Part of that approval may mean thickening the concrete floor or wall and/or adding more steel, so make sure your contract allows for a variation in this event.

Good practice also dictates that all pipe penetrations be sealed on the inside and you should allow for the pool’s interior surface to be waterproofed. This will prevent water tracking along pipes to a weak exit point.

This is even more important with thicker concrete and double steel as a sprayer without good and constant supervision may leave you with enough voids in enough places for water to track lengthwise down a pipe and flow freely to the outside. n For these articles Cal Stanley draws on his 30 years’ success in pool construction, having run awardwinning pool construction company Neptune Pools in Western Australia for three decades.

The advent of smaller blocks and larger houses has seen the construction of pools which demand a specific engineering design, which include pools on boundaries that form the house footings among other complexities INSET: Steel in concrete structures has two functions: one, to give tensile strength under loads; and two, to prevent or mitigate shrinkage cracking

April-May 2015  SPLASH!  31

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Tony Sharpe from Hayward helping a family decide about equipment

Families turn up on race day

F Quinten Pontonnier is a qualified pool technician from Lyon in France who came out to Australia to try and learn about the Australian swimming pool industry and to get work here.

He contacted SPLASH! before he travelled and put a request on the online Job Board. He found work at Swimart Baulkham Hills which he likes very much. He says the industry is very different here, with more sprayed concrete pools with a freeform shape, salt chlorination and pool covers – as opposed to pool enclosures.

Later in the year he will travel around Australia before returning home.

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April-May 2015

amilies streamed off the train and filled the carparks at Rosehill Gardens for the Sydney consumer Pool Spa & Outdoor Living Expo in February.

The show was held on a race day for the first time, and it brought in a few extra people who’d come to follow the horses.

Rob Guthrie, Swimming Pool and Spa Alliance President, said it wasn’t initially planned that way, but it didn’t harm the event.

“It was something that came about further in the planning than we anticipated, but it certainly does us no harm. It’s brought a few more people in who otherwise might not have come. But most of the people coming through the door are genuine buyers, which is what we want to see.”

He also said the show was better than expected and numbers were up. “The people on the stands are reporting that enquiry is good, and they’re all very busy.

So we’re very pleased.”

Resort and Outdoor Living was one of the key

Spas were very popular at the show, with consumers loving to get right inside

themes of the expo, and the floor was packed full of feature displays, special show offers and new releases from more than 90 exhibitors. Also on display were the latest shade systems, gazebos, pool and spa heating systems, outdoor furniture, outdoor tiles and pool/spa finishes, as well as pool, spa and landscaping designs.

Spiros Dassakis, Alliance CEO said that visitors were able to explore all the health and lifestyle benefits associated with pools and spas, consider indoor and outdoor alternatives and evaluate modern design trends that best suit their lifestyle, budget and family home environment.

“Homeowners now appreciate how easy it is to create a resort in their backyard. The demand for pools, spas and water feature installations and associated landscaping continues to boom and the creation of the Aussie backyard oasis has become an essential part of the modern home and outdoor living experience.

“Exhibitors reported excellent leads and sales levels which provide an enormous financial injection to the industry and the overall economy,” he said. n

Rob Kruber from Spa Industries hard at work.

(In the Spa feature on page 32 he talks about the current state of the spa market).

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Perth expo brings thousands of new visitors

T

he new organisers of Perth’s Pool Spa & Outdoor Living Expo, Carol and Mark Harper, say the March show was a great success with more than 100 exhibitors spread out over three exhibition areas, and 7000 visitors through the door.

They collected data from the visitors and found that: • 35 per cent were aged 35 to 44 • 28 per cent were aged 45 to 54 • 66 per cent were at the expo to see swimming pools • 61 per cent came to get some landscaping ideas • 51 per cent were also interested in outdoor kitchens and barbecues.

One interesting piece of data is the result that 75 per cent of the visitors had not been to the Pool Spa & Outdoor Living Expo before, implying there is plenty of new latent demand for swimming pools and associated backyard features in Perth.

“Our aim for future expos is to continue the partnership with the swimming pool and spa industry along with the landscape and outdoor industries,” says Carol Harper. “We want to create an event that visitors will want to come back to, to see what’s new.”

She says their theory is that most people have an outdoor living space, and it’s an area of the home that should be invested in for lifestyle, health and happiness.

“Some visitors may only come with the intention of looking at outdoor furniture and leave with a brand new spa. We want to plant the seed with our visitors of how good their outdoor living space could be.”

The next show is the Get Ready For Summer! Pool Spa & Outdoor Living Expo on September 12 and 13. n 34 SPLASH! April-May 2015

1

MAIN: Organisers say 7000 visitors came through the door 1: The Fastlane swimmer attracted a fair bit of attention 2: Spas were popular at the show

2

3: Outdoor kitchens were put to good use with cooking demonstrations

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The changing patterns of the spa market

36 SPLASH! April-May 2015

RIGHT: Rob Kruber at Spa Industries’ state-of-the-art 4.5 acre manufacturing facility in Melbourne BELOW: Spas are being used year-round – in the summer for cooling off, in the winter for warming up

S

pa consumers are changing the way they purchase their spas, according to Rob Kruber, operations manager of Spa Industries, Australia’s largest portable spa manufacturer and supplier, manufacturing Signature Spas, Cyclone Spas, Designer Spas, Bullfrog Spas, Leisurerite Spas, Heritage Spas and Infinity Swim Spas.

“This season’s been quite positive, we’ve had a fair increase in the market,” he says.

But he notes the season is coming on a little earlier than has been the case in recent times.

“Back years ago, you’d expect to wait 10 or even 16 weeks for a spa. That’s what the build time was because all

in the season and they’ve continued on as you’d expect them to normally, but

by December they sort of forget about it because it’s too close to Christmas and they know they’re not going to get it installed, or get the electrician or the fencing contractor organised.”

Kruber says that consumers use their spas over winter as much as they do in summer.

“In summertime they’re using it for cool down, or just a body of water in their backyard. And in winter time they can still use it for relaxation and hydrotherapy.

“But still the decision-making is done – in Victoria without a doubt – after football season. After the winter sports

“The decision-making is done after football season.” the manufacturers were in Australia, and there was a lot of demand for the product. Then the GFC hit and a lot of companies went offshore and they held them in stock, and then it became more of an instant gratification thing. You know, you go to a spa store and you’ll get it delivered next Tuesday. So the times became a lot shorter.”

Following on from that, the trend about seven years ago became for the season to start much later in the year.

“November and December became our biggest order months. But with that, they didn’t have time to plan for concrete slabs or electrical before Christmas,” he says.

“This season it seems to have changed a little bit, where the consumer seems to have come back to August/September again. We had very, very good sales early

and the cold, short days are gone. You go from being a little bit more housebound over winter, and jackets on and maybe not doing as much in the backyard because it’s miserable and windy.

And all of a sudden the warm weather comes back in, and winter sport is finished, and you’re out in the backyard to do something, and the next thing you’re thinking of buying a spa or a pool to put in the backyard.”

The markets

Traditionally, Victoria is a big market for spas, partly due to the fact that the cooler weather brings an appreciation for the comfort of hot water. This season has seen some shifting patterns in the state breakdown as well.

“Victoria still remains very strong,” says Kruber. “But we’ve had good growth April-May 2015 SPLASH! 37

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Imports

Australian manufacturers

The swim spas are certainly not small. Their biggest model is a whopping 5.8 metres by 2.3 metres wide, and they are currently developing new swim jets systems for them.

Others Chinese

Spa Industries

American

The break-down of the Australian market. Spa Industries holds a greater share than any other group, including other local manufacturers, American importers, or even Chinese importers

Blissful relaxation is a key benefit of the spa experience

in New South Wales and Queensland this year, which is quite surprising I think. With Queensland, I think the market up there is starting to recover, and New South Wales has been super strong this season as well and I’m not exactly sure why as yet. But Western Australia has gone the opposite way – they’ve probably got a softening market over in WA.” On the question of who is buying the spas, Kruber says the market is fairly broad, but that downsizing empty nesters are a definite part of it.

“It’s probably from the early 30s to the early 70s, but we find that we do get a larger purchase from people who have owned pools and resized their house but still want some water in their backyard. That’s a big part of our market. They still want some sort of relaxation – they’ve owned a pool and now they’ve got a smaller backyard and still want the relaxation of a spa.

“Once you’ve had water in your backyard it’s hard to give it up.”

The other side of the market that’s doing particularly well is swim spas.

“We’re currently building about 16 or 17 outdoor swim spas per week,” he says. “Year on year it’s grown every year. We make nearly 800 per year now. That seems to be coming a little bit from the pool market – or the size of backyard. So those ones seem to be the pool buyer who doesn’t have the space in the backyard is going over to the swim spa.”

Australian manufacturing holding ground

Despite the move offshore of much of the Australian product to Chinese manufacturing facilities, the Australian-made product still holds slightly more than half the market – the large majority of it made by Spa Industries.

Spa Industries builds between 10 and 15 spas per day, depending on the time of year, maintaining production during the off season to build up a stock level of about 400 when the season kicks in. Annually, they build approximately 4500 spas and swim spas, which makes up about 40 per cent of the estimated 11,000unit market.

Additional to that, after purchasing Lanark Spas 18 months ago, they now produce 8000 indoor spas and spa baths, which is about 20 per cent of the indoor market. The purchase was part of a strategy to keep the manufacturing facility occupied during the outdoor spa off-season.

Indoor spa baths are a perfect fit, because the home building industry – which determines the need for spa baths – goes into a hiatus for large portions of December and January, but is still buoyant in the middle of the year.

After purchasing Lanark, Kruber initially shut down the Queensland and WA facilities, and followed that up by moving the NSW manufacturing down to Melbourne as well, which was part of the rationale for the purchase in the first place.

“We have better quality controls and quicker response times down here. We’ve got a four-and-a-half acre site, and two-and-half-acres – around 10,000sqm in total – is under roof.”

The other Australian manufacturers are Sapphire Spas and Impact, which manufactures spas for Endless Spas. The other indoor spa company is Decina in Queensland, which has about 80 per cent of the 40,000 to 50,000 unit indoor market – considerably bigger than the outdoor spa market, but still off the 100,000plus high of a few years ago.

As well as the local manufacturers, the local market includes Maax Spas who manufacture in China, as well as Spa World and Oasis, and the American manufacturers including Jacuzzi, Sundance, Hot Springs and Coast which make up a smaller portion of the import market.

The need for fencing

An Australian Standard covers fencing of spas and it is a standardised nationally. The exception is NSW where an amendment allows lockable hard covers, and across the ditch New Zealand also accepts lockable hard covers.

Kruber says that fencing of spas is an important consideration, and Australia is leading the way with safety, even being ahead of Europe and the US at the moment.

“I think anything that will prevent an injury or a drowning to small children is a good idea. And I don’t think that a lockable cover covers everything. Can you always be safer? Yes. Do I think a lockable cover is a good idea? I think it would probably cover 99.9 per 38

SPLASH!

April-May 2015

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steps away is not acceptable. But if you make half of the swim spa the barrier, and built the fence around the front where the steps are, that would be acceptable.”

New technologies

Swim spas are popular with downsizing empty nesters, who had previously owned a pool when they had a big family home

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April-May 2015

cent of all cases, but for that 0.1 per cent, a fence is definitely necessary.

“I’ve got young children, and the safer I can make my home, the better. If you’re going to put water in your backyard and there’s a risk, then you need to minimise the risk for your family, definitely. Unless something can be invented in the spa industry that can equal the safety of a fence,” he says.

Regarding the issue of the spa becoming part of the barrier, he says that is generally acceptable, as long the actual fenced section covers the entry to the spa.

“Any water in your backyard you need a barrier. Can the spa become part of the barrier? Yes. But you have to look at how you get into the spa. Just pulling the

Spa Industries has a raft of new technologies that are helping improve the spa experience for end users and to help drive sales for the channel.

Micro Silk is a microbubble-based spa therapy that cleans the pores and rehydrates the skin. It’s been out for 12 months and is now also being installed in some day spas, which is likely to continue to drive its popularity.

They are also putting touch screens on their spas now instead of having buttons, utilising “shadow technology” to overcome the issue of water droplets obscuring the touches.

In terms of sanitisation, as well as the long-running ozone systems, they have released a range of chemicals called Spa Fresh and Spa Clear, and have launched a website called testyourwater.com.au where all you have to do is enter the serial number of your spa and the results from a test strip, and the website will tell you everything you have to do.

They have also removed timber entirely from their Signature range, to avoid ageing, cracking and shrinking.

The whole range now comes with a fully thermoformed base, injection-moulded uprights and polystyrene support, cladded with Eternawood synthetic timber.

Innovations in the industry

Adrian Lacy is the managing director of Australian Spa Parts, the leading supplier of spa parts in Australia.

He agrees with Kruber on the utility and sales appeal of touch screens and smartphone integration, and also

PHOTO CREDIT: Watkins

Finally, they have built a relationship with AstralPool to supply hybrid heating systems. They now have a gas heater that is controlled through a variable speed pump.

For spas, gas is quite efficient, because you don’t need the spa heated except when you use it, and with the news system it can be heated in half an hour.

“You don’t keep the kettle boiling just in case you want a cup of tea,” says Kruber. “The same with a spa.

You just want it heated when you want to use it. But one of the challenges with gas heaters had been getting the flow through the heater to heat the water quickly, while still trying to have an economical filtration system. So the variable speed pump filters at 100 litres per minute, using minimal power, then it ramps up to 250 litres per minute during the heating cycle. And soon as it reaches the temperature required, it drops back down to eco mode.

“It also works well with our global WiFi system, so on the way home from work you can decide you want a spa, and you only have to be half an hour ahead of yourself. By the time you get home, it’s ready,” he says.

“It’s all part of that instant gratification.”

sees a few other new and interesting ideas coming through his business.

“There is an ever growing popularity of technological advances such as colour LCD touchpad screens, smart phone integration, Bluetooth audio visual systems and LED lighting systems,” he says.

“These products have been around a couple of years, but momentum is growing in their use, both on new spas and the aftermarket for retrofits.

“Customers are also acutely aware of ever rising electricity prices and looking for low cost solutions

Watkins Manufacturing Corporation, the world’s largest manufacturer of hot tubs, has acquired Endless Pools through its parent company, Masco Corporation.

Watkins already owns Hot Springs Spas, Fantasy Spas and Caldera Spas

April-May 2015 SPLASH!

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a two-speed pump upgrade can reduce pump running cost during heating cycles by as much as 88 per cent and often only requires very minor electrical circuit changes to achieve that.”

Lacy says the other item of current interest is the UK range of Elecro titanium heater exchangers, which come in single and three-phase units and as well as being suitable for spas, are also being used on pools and even aquaculture.

“The sales have been beyond our expectation since their introduction in October last year,” he says.

“This can be directly attributed to these heaters filling a gap in

The health benefits of spas and swim spas include pain relief, easing joint discomfort, promoting better sleep and muscle relaxation

which has seen the rise of heat pumps and other alternate energy sources. From a retrofit market perspective, we have found a marked increase in supplying larger heater ratings on portable spa control packs. A larger heater means shorter pump running times in heating cycles, so for those not prepared to outlay for alternate heat sources, there is still an offering that can save significant electricity, especially if upsold to a two-speed pump as well. A larger heater and

The Elecro G2 heat exchanger

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The Elecro Titan Optima 3 phase heater

the market with high quality components, easy-to-use digital thermostat, compact size, extensive range from 2kW to 54kW, and having a massive three-year warranty. From the same manufacturer we have titanium heat exchangers for use with boilers, gas heaters and other separate heat sources where separation of pool/ source water is desired. These are rated from 30kW up to 122kW.”

Spa technician education

On a more controversial note, Lacy questions how relevant the current educational offerings in the swimming pool and spa industry are for portable spa technicians.

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“We want to see an industry with competent, well trained and correctly qualified spa technicians. To do our part and to assist in training on aspects of portable spa service, we will be holding free training sessions regularly starting later in the year at our Yeppoon warehouse covering a wide scope of common and obscure problems encountered in the field,” he says.

“We might even enjoy a beer on Great Keppel Island!”

Dates and details will be advised in SPLASH! when they become available.

Ospa Range

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The Focus Ospa spa chemical range

Aromatherapy pearls from Pool Systems

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April-May 2015

On average, spas are between 1000 to 4000 litres of water. Focus Products says that compared to a pool, water balance can be affected more easily given the smaller volume of water and higher bather load. For example, four people in a 2000 litre spa is equivalent to 100 people in a 50,000 litre pool.

And as it is a hot water environment, more body fats and oils tend to build up in a spa, making it even more important to ensure correct maintenance, water balance and sanitation are maintained.

Total Alkalinity (TA) is the ability of the water to prevent pH change. Ideal ranges for TA are 80ppm “I don’t feel there is any specific education for to 125ppm for a concrete or tiled spa and 125ppm to spa technicians,” he says.

150ppm for other spas. Focus recommends OSPA pH “Spa technicians essentially need to be corand TA Up at a rate of 18gms per 1000 litres to raise rectly electrically qualified tradesmen (either the TA by 10ppm. fully qualified Electrical Contractors or holdpH is the measure of the overall alkalinity or acidity ers of appropriate Restricted Electrical Liof the water. The ideal range is between 7.4ppm and cences) as approximately 90 per cent of all spa 7.6ppm. Focus recommends OSPA pH and TA Up to service calls relate to the electrical/electronic increase pH, and OSPA pH Down to decrease the pH components on a spa – most of which are not at a rate of 24gms per 1000 external plug-in litres, which will lowers the components.”

TA by 10ppm.

He says that in his “By the time you get Calcium Hardness is the opinion, the industry measure of all the dissolved should be marketing home, it’s ready. It’s calcium in the spa. The to electricians with the aim all part of that instant ideal range varies due to the of getting them to crossover surface of the spa. Ideal range to become spa technicians, gratification.” for fibreglass is 175ppm with a course on hydraulics to 225ppm, for concrete is and plumbing training com200ppm to 275ppm. To inpetencies. crease Calcium Hardness you can use OSPA Hardness He also believes that while pools and spas are Increaser at a rate of 10gms per 1000 litres to raise by generally bundled together in the one market, they are 10ppm. To decrease you need to freshen the water with quite different and should be treated separately when it water that is lower in Calcium Hardness than spa water. comes to many training modules and qualifications.

Focus says that the combination of aeration and high “An all-encompassing spa and pool training water temperature can place pressure on the sanitiser course without specific spa related competency of choice. They recommend bromine for a spa, with the modules is not doing the spa side of the indusideal level at 4ppm to 6ppm, or 2ppm to 4ppm if using try any justice,” he says. “Pool technician and lithium. Regular oxidation is also recommended, to spa technician should be two separate qualificaclear dull and cloudy water and prevent algae and scum tions or endorsements.” build up. They recommend OSPA Lithium or OSPA However Rob Kruber, who is also Vice PresOxyShock for spa oxidation. ident of SPASA Australia, says the first step is Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is the measurement for spa technicians to get a base trade, so they of all dissolved minerals in spa water. The maximum can get a disconnect/reconnect licence, recommended levels for a spa is 1500ppm. As the and the new qualifications should TDS accumulates over time it can cause the water to give them that as a starting become dull and chemical efficiency can be reduced. point.

To lower the TDS, dilute with water that is lower To help educate spa in TDS than the spa water. As a general rule of technicians, Lacy will be thumb, if you refresh 1/3 of your spa water every 4-6 running regular training months, the TDS may not accumulate above recomsessions at his Queensland mended levels. warehouse.

Waterwand spa cartridge filter cleaner

The Poppits range

Chlorine-free Poppits for spas

A chlorine-free alternative, easy maintenance and a simple three-step process are the key factors behind the growing demand for Waterco’s Poppits Sanosil range for pools and spas, says Gary Beecroft from Waterco.

The range will soon be launched internationally.

“The therapeutic benefits of spas are widely accepted, with users enjoying a sense of wellbeing, in addition to relief from chronic pain and physical discomfort,” says Beecroft. “However, these benefits are lost on people with allergies, sensitive skin and respiratory conditions which are exacerbated by exposure to chlorinated water.

“This has created a perfect market for Waterco’s Pool and Spa Poppits range of chlorine-free products.”

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Poppits is approved by the Sensitive Choice program of the National Asthma Council Australia and the Asthma Foundation NZ. It offers a viable, healthy alternative to traditional chlorine and bromine chemical sanitising solutions. No other spa sanitising system has been endorsed in either country.

“With the incidence of asthma growing at an alarming rate, the market for chlorine-free spas and pools also continues to expand,” Beecroft says.

“We simply ask customers: ‘Do you want to bathe in chlorinated or non-chlorinated water?’ and invariably they reply non-chlorinated water. People like that the Poppits range is chlorine-free, colourless, tasteless and odourless. Why expose yourself to unnecessary chlorine when there is a simple, safe alternative?”

The Poppits range is suitable from all spa sizes from 500 litres to 8000 litres.

Add-on profits

Anthony Ramsay, commercial manager of Pool Systems, says there is a great, and often untapped, market for both add-on and after-sales spa products.

“Typically, with a spa sale/handover, there is more time to educate and sell to customers,” he says. “Take enough time with each customer to educate and explain the benefits of your products and services. Educating your customers on the products available will provide lasting opportunities and reasons for

“Once you’ve had water in your backyard it’s hard to give it up.” your customer to come back into the store regularly for enhancements.”

Some of the products Pool Systems handles include the Life Spa disc to eliminate scum lines and provide greater water clarity, InSPAration fragrances, the Spa Bar to keep refreshments close at hand and plastic playing cards, Waterwand filter cleaners, Spa Pearls aromatherapy and comfortable Spa Booster Seats.

He says that a package that includes a

range of these products can add as much as 10 per cent to the total sales value of a spa with a high profit margin. This type of complete package can also mean the difference between a sale and having to negotiate on price.

Spa-Craft

Spa-Craft is a relatively new company headed by Jamie Galea who has more than 15 years’ experience with Spa Quip as an electronic technician specialising in spa controller board repairs and later with Davey Water Products as a technical sales manager.

After identifying an opportunity in the market, he established Spa-Craft.

“As we have seen this increase in imported spas which are no longer fitted with parts from traditional suppliers, this has raised a challenge to be able to identify and purchase parts from new international manufacturers,” says Jamie.

Spa-Craft has a unique electronic service facility capable of repairing circuit boards of all makes and models of spa heater controllers and pumps, and their workshop includes testing facilities which are capable of wet testing all repaired equipment. All repairs are

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carried out by fully qualified electronic technicians.

Other services Spa-Craft provide are over the phone technical support which is there to aid any mobile technician with onsite issues. This is particularly helpful for technicians with less experience working on spas.

Spa-Craft specialises in supplying trade customers with spa parts and has a product range of over 4000 parts distributing across Australia, New Zealand and now Japan.

Koller uses Aussie technology

After more than three years of intensive research and development Koller has adapted the new patented Supa Stelth-Technology (SST) for its spa baths.

Supa Stelth was devised by New Fluid Technology, well known to visitors to the SPLASH! trade shows.

Koller make high quality spa baths in Austria and will soon use the Stelth Pump in all their spa baths. They say the technology provides unmatched efficiency and thus a much higher flow

rate – while consuming less energy.

They say the higher efficiency enables energy savings of an average of 33 per cent compared to the average value of commercial reference pumps.

Contacts:

Warm water wellness

Koller Spa Baths: www.rkoller.com

Everyone knows that stepping into a bubbling hot tub and letting the warm water soothe tired muscles and nerves feels good.

It’s also been well documented that the benefits of warm-water immersion extend far beyond recreational activities.

This type of therapy has been popular in aquatic facilities and has strong research support when it comes to easing joint discomfort, promoting better sleep and muscle relaxation.

From brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder to cognitive function and diabetes, a variety of conditions are being examined by researchers to find new approaches to therapy.

To see what is happening with reseach into this area go to www.nspf.org and download their latest Hot Water & Healthy Living flipbook. n

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How to compensate for penalty rates?

public holiday, then the café menu prices need to carry a surcharge of 34 per cent to recoup the cost of the increased wages. This 34 per cent surcharge only results in recouping the penalty rate cost of the wages and results in a nil profit for the café owner for the day.

Given that many cafes only charge a 10 per

Sue Hirst of CFO On-Call has some advice regarding penalty rates. While she uses the example of a café, it should be of interest to all service industries such as pool shops that operate on weekends and public holidays.

P

enalty rates has been a hot topic in the news and on social media recently. Without wishing to wade into the political debate it does raise a good question as to how a business owner manages the situation.

A business owner has several choices of how to handle it. One way is to compensate for the extra cost of running the business by charging a surcharge on days when penalty rates apply. For example, you regularly see a surcharge of 10 per cent or 15 per cent levied on cafe menus. The sad fact is that this is nowhere near enough to compensate for the extra cost, and if this is the percentage used the business owner will undoubtedly be

operating at a loss on those days.

What is the correct amount of surcharge then?

Industry benchmark data indicates that cafes spend approximately 28 per cent on average of their sales revenue on employee wages. Based on this benchmark if those staff wages increase by 2.5 times, as occurs on a

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April-May 2015

cent to 15 per cent surcharge, or no surcharge at all, only a lucky few cafes that either have significantly increased customer traffic or that charge a high surcharge will make ends meet for the day.

It’s critical for any business (not just cafes) to understand the correct price needed to be charged to not just cover costs, but to make a profit. A “thumb suck” can be a very costly way of calculating such a vital figure.

Some business owners are reluctant to increase prices due to fear of losing customers.

We had an example recently with one of our clients who wasn’t charging enough for their product. When we analysed the situation our question to the business owner was “do you have any close-by competition to worry about?”

Their answer was “No”. A small price increase was recommended to our client who implemented it with absolutely no customer resistance at all. Obviously you won’t get away with this if your product/service is inferior, but if you deliver a great service it pays to let customers know why it’s great.

We call it “making the invisible visible” – i.e. letting customers know why you’re the best at what you do.

Contact: sueh@cfooncall.com.au

SA offers voluntary cuts to penalty rates A deal has been brokered in South Australia between the shop assistants’ union and Business SA to allow for the reduction of penalty rates on Sundays from a 100 per cent loading down to a 50 per cent loading, and on public holidays from 150 per cent down to 100 per cent. The deal abolishes penalty rates on Saturdays and weekday evenings.

It is voluntary for retailers but could affect up to 40,000 employees if adopted widely.

In return, workers will get a guaranteed three per cent annual pay rise and the right to refuse to work on the weekend, while permanent workers get the right to take every second weekend off.

This arrangement is really only of relevance to smaller retailers as the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association (SDA) has already struck similar

agreements with the big retail chains.

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has called for the example in South Australia to be spread across other states.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman says the ARA has been leading the penalty rates case for a long time and was open to working with the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association (SDA) as part of its case to Fair Work to facilitate this agreement and broaden it across the country.

“It is very encouraging to see that the SDA has recognised that the current Sunday penalty rate is too high.

“The ARA welcomes any move that better aligns penalty rates with the modern retail industry. Changes like this allow businesses to respond to their customers’ needs, rather than having to try to fit their allocation of labour to an antiquated system.”

April-May 2015 SPLASH!

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The glass walled infinity pool on the environment deck at the Setia Walk Trigon Luxury Apartments

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Pools

on high Strata developments in Singapore and Malaysia

By Corrine Teng

S

trata developments— be they condominiums, cluster houses, serviced apartments, mixed-use developments or resorts—are increasingly equipped with more and better features to enrich the offerings of the premises.

It is no wonder then, that aquatic facilities like swimming pools are not only a common sight in many strata developments in Singapore and Malaysia, but are sporting designs that make heads turn.

Now more than ever before, swimming pools do not merely serve as a place to swim, but have even evolved to become a symbol of sophisticated living where one would expect nothing less than an indulgent experience.

Regulations and restrictions on swimming pools in strata developments

Aquatic facilities are presided over by regulatory bodies or authorities to ensure proper industry practices, consistent standards, and overall safety relating to design, construction and maintenance.

In Singapore, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) regulates the structural safety of structures or buildings, including any swimming pools that may be built in them. This means that the structural design and calculations of a swimming pool have to be submitted for approval by a professional engineer to the BCA as part of the structural plan prior to the commencement of the building works.

In addition, the BCA and the National Water Safety Council (NWSC) have jointly initiated the Singapore Standard (SS) 556:2010 Code of Practice for the Maintenance and Design of Aquatic Facilities to ascertain national water safety standards, taking effect from May 27, 2010. The SS establishes general requirements for the design, construction and maintenance of aquatic facilities in Singapore, ranging from swimming pools, leisure, hydrotherapy and wave pools, and even diving facilities.

Another governing body is the National Environment Agency (NEA). According to a spokesperson, “the National Environment Agency (NEA) licenses all swimming pools in Singapore to which the public has access, including those located within strata-titled condominiums, hotels and private clubs. As at February 2015, there were 2230 licensed swimming pools in Singapore, with more than 90 per cent of them located in strata-titled condominiums. Swimming pools in private residences are not licensed as they are for private use.”

Together, these guidelines serve as a benchmark for structural and operational activities to ensure that swimming pools in strata developments, in this context, adhere to high safety and health standards to minimise the risk of injury and other health-related dangers that could arise from the use of these facilities.

The Code of Practice on Environmental Health (COPEH), implemented by the NEA, is one such standard in Singapore that governs the swimming pool scene, amongst other facilities. It specifically addresses the design criteria for swimming pools from the consideration of public health, such that the water quality will always April-May 2015 SPLASH! 51

Cool relaxation at the Island Club Eco Sanctuary in Singapore

Pool bridge in the sky

The Sky Habitat Sky Pool bridge being installed on the 38th floor

When completed, the iconic and architecturally distinctive development will feature an infinity sky pool on the 38th floor, connecting the two towers of the development while providing a rooftop oasis where residents can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the large parks and reserves around Bishan.

Sky Habitat is being billed as a garden development with generous outdoor spaces including individual garden retreats in the sky, and spacious balconies to allow residents to bring the outside in or extend their internal spaces.

52 SPLASH! April-May 2015

PHOTOCREDIT: CapitaLand Singapore Limited

Sky Habitat is a residential project designed

by Moshe Safdie currently under construction in the centre of Singapore’s fringe city district of Bishan.

feature

remain safe during its operation. Licensees are also required to maintain the cleanliness of the pool and ensure that the water quality meets the standards as stipulated in Environmental Public Health (Swimming Pools) Regulations. In addition, they must arrange for the swimming pool water to be sampled and analysed by accredited laboratories for chemical and bacteriological quality at least once a month and subsequently submit the water quality test results to the NEA. Any swimming pool licensee who fails to comply with these regulations may be fined up to $2000.

Some of the design criteria include a six hour filtration turnover rate for the main pool, and not more than two

number of cluster houses allowed in various types of strata landed housing developments.

But with the new guidelines implemented as of 23 August 2014, a revised set of formulae will result in fewer strata landed housing units on the same plot of land to cater for enhanced communal facilities and greenery provision. This revision would mean that developers have to dedicate at least 45 per cent of the land area for communal open space, compared with just 30 per cent previously. Of which, up to 20 per cent can be used for facilities like swimming pools.

The relaxing of this guideline means greater flexibility for architects when designing these swimming pools

“Singapore developers have to dedicate at least 45 per cent of the strata land area for communal open space, of which up to 20 per cent can be used for swimming pools.” hours for a stand-alone wading pool, as well as the need for at least one standby pump unit and motor to supplement the duty pump provided in the filtration system.

It also specifies the acceptable chlorine and pH levels of swimming pools. These regulations must be observed under the Environmental Public Health Act. In Singapore, all aquatic works must comply with the stipulated code of practice. Such standards provide the basis for aquatic facility owners, namely the developers, as well as operators, when addressing matters relating to aquatic facilities in strata developments.

In land-scarce Singapore, increasing effort has been placed on accommodating more greenery and communal facilities in strata housing developments so that the living environment will not be crowded with too many units.

Pertaining to the size of swimming pools in such instances, Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) had previously set a guide for the maximum

to transform the landscape and provide residents with a better living environment.

In Malaysia, swimming pool designs are regulated under the Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) 1984.

In addition, the Local Government Act enacts further by-laws or jurisdictions for the design and construction of swimming pools. Where there are no specific by-laws or guidelines pertaining to swimming pool designs, the design and construction of swimming pools have to be aligned to proper practices that have been adopted locally or overseas, and with the approval of the local authority.

Design innovations and trends

Communal facilities like swimming pools are a big draw in strata housing like condominiums or cluster houses. With growing affluence, homebuyers are becoming more discerning when deciding on the next property to purchase. With this knowledge,

Residents can swim while enjoying Views across the city and nearby parklands

April-May 2015 SPLASH! 53

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Amazing resort style living in the Coco Palms Singapore

54 SPLASH! April-May 2015

developers are sparing no effort to reinvent the strata living experience.

“Residents of high-end developments can expect a more pampered experience, as swimming pools are often tailored to stand out as a selling feature when the development is being marketed,” says Chew Soo Ngee, president of the Malaysian Swimming Pool Association (MSPA).

He says that with residential developments, the scale and quality of swimming pools depend very much on the profile and target buyers of the development.

Paul Soh from SP Setia Berhad, a property, infrastructure, and business company headquartered in Malaysia, also notes that iconic lifestyle swimming pool designs are the main attraction for homebuyers.

“Purchasers in Singapore are increasingly looking for swimming pools with universal design-friendly features such as a playground, aqua gym, and semi-sunken dining incorporated into the pool,” he says.

“For large developments with bigger pools, some architects have designed pools to be beach-like, where users will enter the pool through a slope – equivalent to a beach – instead of the usual ladder.”

In such instances, the use of a slope over a ladder would also be in line with Singapore’s BCA Code on Accessibility in the Built Environment 2013 to ensure that physically-challenged users can easily utilise the pool in an effort to create premises that are more inclusive.

“In Malaysia, swimming pool designs have also gone beyond just being lap pools for swimming. Recent trends in pool designs in strata developments show a move toward making it a more integral part of the building and landscape concept of the development.”

For example, Trefoil SoFo (Small Office Flexible Office), a Malaysian commercial strata development located in Setia Alam, Shah Alam, Selangor features a 50-metre lap pool, a pebble stream and a wading pool,

alongside an integrated floating gymnasium.

This trend is similarly mirrored in Singapore, with more developers going to great lengths to craft elaborate swimming pool designs that blend with other features. In Eco Sanctuary, for example, an island club is integrated with the swimming pool. Such designs demonstrate innovation and willingness on the part of developers to sculpt first-class facilities to offer users a heightened experience.

Soh cites some other recent examples of innovative designs that transform the swimming pool into a focal waterscape. These include freeform pools that blend with lush landscapes to conjure a resort ambience; pools that are an integral part of the landscape and create an interesting foreground for the above units during the day; special lighting features to transform the pool during the evening; cascading waterfalls to lend melodic white noise to calm the users’ senses; attached wading pools with features such as water jets and sculptural play equipment to create a fun place for kids to explore and learn; and glass-edge swimming pools with an “infinite” outlook.

Clearly, swimming pools in today’s strata developments are designed to engage the senses in more than one way. Swimming pools should no longer be thought of as just an added facility that provide for recreational swimming. Their evolution is increasingly observed, as more sophisticated and elaborate swimming pools front new developments.

Terry Chang, chief executive officer of Aqua Works, a specialist contractor for aquatic facilities in Singapore, echoes these sentiments.

“There is an increasing trend of incorporating multiple uses for swimming pools these days to include Jacuzzis, hot tubs, water playground elements, aqua gym equipment, and custom water features to enhance the aesthetics of the pool,” he says.

“They are no longer merely rectangular; they can come in various shapes and sizes to complement the surrounding landscape. The image of a seemingly endless infinity pool blending into a dramatic landscape invokes the idea of a luxurious vacation, and as such, the beautiful elegance of a rooftop infinity pool has also become highly desirable.”

In Singapore, for example, architects take design inspiration from some of best lifestyle offerings in the world. Coco Palms, a 944-unit luxurious resort-themed condominium development by City Developments Limited (CDL), boasts a grand lagoon and four accompanying pools. The resort-living experience is heightened with other aquatic features like a salt water pool and an onsen-style hot bath.

One of the most notable of these lifestyle-oriented trends over the past decade is the commissioning of suspended swimming pools in strata developments.

Such pools are gaining traction among developers, especially for developments in small cities or prime districts. As Chew highlights, suspended swimming pools allow developers to leverage on the vertical vantage of tall strata developments, and are a clever way of optimising limited land space within the development to house more amenities.

This trend can be noted at Setia Sky Residences – a high-end condominium located at the heart of Kuala Lumpur – where a sky deck at level 34 offers a 50-metre

lap pool; and also at Singapore’s Sky Habitat (see p52).

Increasingly, swimming pools on high floors are sought-after, as more residents are taking to the idea of an unobstructed view of the city while they swim or sunbathe.

This lap pool at TrefoilSoHo even comes with a “floating” gymnasium

Safer swimming pools

Better aesthetics and improved features are clearly a trend in the design of swimming pools in the South East Asia, as in other parts of the world.

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Are You Wasting Time Testing Pool and Spa Water?

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in the strata development swimming pool scene. As people are becoming more informed about the potential hazards of unhealthy lifestyles, they are turning to swimming pools to provide added therapeutic benefits.

“With rising purchasing power and consumer health consciousness of Singaporeans, we have noticed an increasing number of savvy users looking for healthier alternatives to chlorine. There have also been many new products in the market which help to reduce the usage of chlorine in pools,” Chang says.

Edmund Oh, project manager at Modern Pools Pte Ltd, agrees, adding that most strata developments now specify salt chlorination systems, for example, as they consider they will provide a better experience for the residents, solve issues with chemical storage and also be more cost-effective than chlorine dosing.

In the past decade, the move towards constructing sustainable and more energy-efficient buildings has also become more pronounced. This means that swimming pool designs are also becoming more energy-efficient and eco-friendly in the effort to reduce their carbon footprint.

“Besides the importance of designing the pool system for water and energy efficiency, there are also new products which help achieve better water quality through more competent methods of water filtration,” says Chang.

“Innovative products developed from recycled materials may also help reduce the carbon footprint. Additional requirements have also been imposed for ancillary features. For instance, LED underwater lights are preferred to halogen ones for their energy-saving benefits.”

He adds that end-users in Singapore could choose to adopt products and services endorsed by the Singapore Green Label Scheme to help reduce carbon footprint.

Technical considerations

There is also an emphasis on using materials that require less maintenance in the long haul. Apart from considering the space to be allocated for a swimming pool within a development, SP Setia Berhad also looks into its construction cost, ease of use, and cost efficiency for future maintenance.

Attention is also paid to details like the waterproofing system to ensure there is no leakage, the precise location of the pool within the development to minimise noise for residents, the types of pumps and filters to be used, and the amount of the water body exposed to sunlight to ensure the temperature is not too cold for pool users.

Such considerations commonly apply to both swimming pools in residential and commercial strata developments. However, there is more to consider relating to total pool weight, potential leaks and noise for a high-rise swimming pool above and beyond that required for a conventional in-ground pool.

Pertaining to the issue of weight, Chew says that as suspended pools are usually part of the superstructure of the main building, the structural engineer will consider the additional weight put onto the structure amassed from the weight of the pool structure and water.

One of the challenges is for the architect and the consultants to find a suitable location for the pump room, which is usually one level below the pool. However, due to space constraints, the pump room can at times be located far from the pool. This can lead to higher costs to the whole filtration system.

Since the chief concern of building a suspended pool is usually the weight and stresses on the structure, Chang adds that pre-fabricated stainless steel pools are sometimes preferred over concrete pools as they are lighter, but they have to be hoisted up to site during construction. For concrete pools, a double slab construction method is preferred, but that usually adds additional weight.

In addressing the issues of leaks of suspended pools, he notes that additional attention is paid to ensure water tightness, as it would be difficult to resolve any leakage problems in future. For pools directly above someone’s million-dollar-view condominium unit for instance,

water tightness would be a critical factor.

With the filtration equipment usually located near the swimming pool, Chang points out that it could result in noise or vibration disturbances to those staying near the high-rise pool. This is in contrast with in-ground pools, where the equipment is usually located at the carparks or basement areas, and noise or vibration would not pose a disturbance to others. In such a situation, acoustic treatments would then be necessary for high-rise pools.

But for both suspended swimming pools and in-ground pools, maintenance costs can generally be minimised with a well-designed pool circulation system, where pool water is well distributed during the pool turnover period.

There are also new products that can improve efficiency with filtration and save money in the long run.

“New-age equipment such as the Waterco Multi Cyclone unit would reduce the frequency of backwashing of the filters, which would in turn save money on water and chemicals used in maintaining the pool water chemistry,” Chew says.

Relating the day-to-day operation and maintenance of swimming pools, state-of-the-art systems are sometimes preferred as they support automation and remote monitoring of the pool. While these systems tend to be more costly to put into place, their use can be justified by reduced labour maintenance hours required, as well as lower life cycle costs.

Unlike in Singapore, Chang says that strata developments in Malaysia may not face the same space constraints, and are thus more capable of catering for a higher capacity in the backend filtration system.

The work of constructing and maintaining a swimming pool can be very laborious, where one can expect many procedures and calculations, and naturally much expertise. However, these are necessary steps to ensure that a swimming pool serves both its function and has a desirable form.

Moving forward in the swimming pool scene, more can be expected to raise the standards of swimming pools in Singapore and Malaysia to match and possibly even exceed international standards in terms of raising health, safety and eco awareness.

In Malaysia, for instance, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and Life Saving Society of Malaysia (LSSM) are already proposing the establishment of a National Water Safety Council (NWSC) to promote water safety awareness and initiate national water safety standards. ■

Contacts: Aqua Works www.aquaworks.com.sg Life Saving Society of Malaysia (LSSM): www.lifesavingmalaysia.org.my Malaysian Swimming Pool Association (MSPA): www.mspa.org.my (They will also be at Piscine SPLASH! Asia on May 20-21 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore) Modern Pools: www.modernpools.com.sg National Environment Agency (NEA) Singapore: www.nea.gov.sg National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Malaysia: www.niosh.com.my National Water Safety Council (NWSC): www.watersafety.sg Singapore Building and Construction Authority (BCA): www.bca.gov.sg Sky Habitat: www.skyhabitat.com.sg SP Setia Berhad: www.spsetia.com.my

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feature

The unique magic of the aquatic canvas

B

rides, new mothers and happy families are continually looking for memorable ways to capture the particular moment in time that represents a new birth, a marriage, or the love they feel for their family members.

Underwater photography is capturing part of this market for people with artistic images that will last long into the future. They look good on a wall but also have that added ambience that will see them valued by future generations.

One photographer capitalising on the allure of watery portraits is Adam Opris from Palm Beach, USA. He grew up in the warm climes of southern Florida and always had a love for the outdoors, having lived his whole life on beaches and in pools. He was fortunate enough to make friends with a world-renowned fashion photographer who taught him how to hone his photography skills and photo editing techniques.

Since then he has travelled the world capturing the beauty of people, places and animals.

He has always had a passion for photography, but this was taken to a new level – or depth – once he discovered the potential of shooting under water.

Now he takes artistic photos for wedding, families and special occasions, creating lasting memories that have a unique appeal.

Contact: www.adamoprisphoto.com

Capturing the ethereal joy of a wedding dress INSET: The subtle balance of underwater photography April-May 2015 SPLASH! 59

South East Asia’s largest pool and spa show Opening hours: Wednesday 20 May 2015 9am - 6pm Thursday 21 May 2015 9am - 5pm

More than 100 brands from more than 10 countries

POOL & SPA TRADE SHOW 20-21 May 2013

Pool & Spa Trade Show 20-21 May 2015 Marina Bay Sands, Singapore www.piscinesplashasia.com

Platinum Sponsor

Supported By

Media Partner

Organised By

EDUCATION POOL & SPA TRADE SHOW 20-21 May 2013

Wednesday 20 May 10.00am -10:45am Drowning Detection Technologies for Public Swimming Pools Dan Kwaczynski, Maytronics "Drowning risk remains the no 1 safety concern for public pools, this is the case despite significant efforts by many parties to put in place risk reduction measures, whether that be education, supervision, signage, barriers, lifeguards or a combination of the above. Proven technology can now been used, in conjunction with existing measures to significantly improve the chance of rescuing distressed swimmers before it is too late.

Thursday 21 May 8.00am -10.30am Cost: $20 Site inspection: Southeast Asia Aquarium (S.E.A. Aquarium)

NEW

Southeast Asia Aquarium (S.E.A. Aquarium) is one of the world’s largest aquarium, home to more than 100,000 marine animals from across 800 species. The aquarium’s centrepiece is the Open Ocean habitat, viewed through a viewing panel measuring 36 metres long and 8.3 metres high. Guests will find themselves immersed in the enthralling marine world, marvelling at majestic manta rays, leopard sharks and a wide and colourful variety of other ocean life through this spectacular vista.

1.00pm - 1.45pm Water Park Lessons in 1-hour Sim Choo Kheng, Sim Leisure Group It wasn’t that long ago, people from most parts in Asia struggled to put food on the table. About 25 years ago, with the economic boom, water parks and western consumer lifestyle found its way to Asia. What was meant to be a mega business opportunity for the last quarter of century, has given little inspiration to the industry with many parks failing or failing to capitalise their investment. Whilst most benefitting industry leaders choose to play the ‘face-saving’ game, one man decides to confront the truth head on. He speaks his mind, allowing you to hear and see for yourself the secret of failures and the true recipe for success. He believes the lesson for water park investment is similar to driving lessons in Asia – one must not be shown the glossy brochures only.

Using Sim’s unique knowledge of waterparks in cross-cultural emerging markets, he will explain the history and drivers behind this current situation, exposing what lies beneath the surface.

A ‘no holds barred’ honest look at the industry in which Sim has carved his name with humble suggestions of how improvements can be made and how the industry can do it right.

2.00pm - 2.45pm Water disinfection by electrolysis.

180 years on Elena Gosse, AIS 180 years ago a young U.K scientist known as Michael Faraday was busy making some of the most important discoveries in history of science including the laws of electrolysis. Thanks to Mr Faraday it is now possible to disinfect large bodies of water safely, easily and economically and bid farewell to the endless cycle of chemical dosing forever. Aquatic centres, hotel and resort pools, water parks and municipal water supplies are already adopters of the technology. CEO of Australian Innovative Systems, Elena Gosse explains how the technology works, along with its benefits.

4.00pm - 4.45pm Marc Perez, Fluidra Solutions for conservation, handling, treatment and enjoyment of water. Leaders in manufacture and distribution of solutions for pool and wellness, water treatment, irrigation and fluid handling.

10.45am -11.30am Suction Entrapment Avoidance; an Overview of the Codes and Standards referenced by the iCodes, VGB, and ANSI/APSP-7 Hugh Smith, Pentair Aquatic Systems A quick review of the standards referenced by the International Residential Code, the International Building Code, the Virginia Graeme Baker Act, and ANSI/APSP 7 Suction Entrapment Avoidance Standard. Learn what the standards require for compliance and how to confirm products are compliant.

12:00pm - 12.45pm UV water treatment in Commercial Pools Anne Julia, BIO- UV Group Discover the concept of disinfection and dechlorination in swimming pools and spas by ultraviolet light.

1:30pm - 2.15pm The New Trends and Innovations in Waterparks Serghei Arabadji, Atlantis Pool

3.00pm - 3.45pm How to transform your pool into a wave pool in 3 easy steps Nghi Tram, WOW Company No longer is big machinery, which consumes lots of power and needs a large technical room required to create a wave pool. Learn how the Wave Ball Generator can provide waves in 3 easy steps.

Discover the Pool Vision competition for the first time!

Pool Vision is an international architecture and interior design competition. Via this competition, the Piscine OPEN exhibitions network showcases pool and spa trends as seen by other countries worldwide. Construction techniques, water treatment, linings, accessories, spas,… the latest in international pool fashions.

Piscine SPLASH! Asia is dedicated to: • Pool construction and installation professionals • Pool and spa maintenance companies • General construction companies • Architects • Distributors • Fluid network and water treatment engineers • Water & leisure centres and amusement parks • Sauna, spa and Hammam installers • Wellness centres • Specifiers (landscape architects) • Investors • Developers • Government authorities

Prizes will be awarded to the best projects in the following three categories : • PRIVATE POOLS • PUBLIC / HOTEL POOLS • SPAS The judges paid special attention to the technical and aesthetic aspects of the project and looked for pools with the widest possible range of uses in different geographical and climatic contexts. Only completed projects were considered.

The prize awards ceremony will take place on 20th May, at 5.30pm.

The party is sponsored by:

Pool Vision is organised by:

Speed Meetings Looking for a supplier?

Planning an aquatic leisure project?

Looking to distribute a product?

In 2015, Piscine SPLASH! Asia is offering speed meetings a chance to network with exhibtiors through a series of 20 minute interviews.

Why should you book a speed meeting?

• Free • Simple - sign up at www.piscinesplashasia.com • Practical - save time during your visit with a pre-defined schedule of meetings • Fast - 20 minute interviews create the first point of contact for potential new business

VENUE - Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Asia’s most spectacular meetings, events and entertainment destination. Conveniently located within Singapore’s Central Business District, yet worlds away from the ordinary business setting, Marina Bay Sands® combines first-rate business and meeting facilities with world-class entertainment options. The distinctive architecture has transformed Singapore’s skyline and the country’s tourism landscape, with state-of-the-art convention and exhibition facilities, the luxury hotel capped by Sands SkyPark, which offers unobstructed 360-degree views, celebrity chef restaurants, lush gardens, and the world’s highest infinity pool, located next to an observation deck on the world’s largest public cantilever.

EXHIBITOR LIST POOL & SPA TRADE SHOW 20-21 May 2013

AKVO SPIRALIFT.......................................................Stand B24

FLUIDRA SINGAPORE PTE LTD...............................Stand C10

AKVO SPIRALIFT, proven innovative technology enabling movable pool floors for private homes, public & commercial pools.

Fluidra is specialized in developing applications for the conservation, handling, treatment and enjoyment of water.

AQUA INDUSTRIAL GROUP......................................Stand A14

GIVIER GROUP....................................................... Stand DOME

Aqua Spa is an Italian manufacturer of a large range of water treatment equipments & swimming pool accessories.

Services.

AUSTRALIAN INNOVATIVE SYSTEMS (AIS)............Stand C09

For more than 50 years Hayward has been the leading international specialist in the manufacture of dependable pool equipment.

Leading manufacturer and worldwide supplier of commercial and residential chlorine generators and water disinfection technology.

BIO-UV...................................................................... Stand E31

HAYWARD POOL PRODUCTS Stand A04

HELIOCOL AUSTRALIA.............................................Stand A32 Equipment and pool accessories

BIO-UV, the leading French manufacturer of ultraviolet water treatment equipment. UV for private & commercial pools.

HENTECH TECHNOLOGY..........................................Stand D32

BSV ELECTRONIC SL................................................Stand D10

Professional designer & manufacturer of LED underwater lighting for all types of swimming pools & spa. Swim safety system.

Producer of salt water, chlorinators and dosing systems.

CHADSON ENGINEERING PTY LTD.........................Stand F26 Australias leading manufacturer of Chadson granular & Atlas precoat filters suited to all commercial water filtration applications.

HERBORNER PUMPENFABRIK................................Stand C21 HORNER XPRESS WORLDWIDE...............................Stand C23

CIXI HANDSOME POOL APPLIANCE........................Stand C36

Construction / Installation, Equipment and accessories around the swimming pool, Equipment and pool accessories, Health /Wellness, Maintenance, Outdoor / Living pool, Protection / Security.

Handsome Pool Appliance Co. is the professional manufacturer for producing top quality swiming pool equipment & accessories.

HOT SPRING SPAS....................................................Stand B36

CLASSIC POOLS........................................................Stand F35

Hot Spring spas is the world’s number one selling brand & has been the market leader since 1977.

Australia’s largest aboveground pool retailer for above & inground installation. Winner of “Best Above Ground Pool” for the last 10 years

COTTO........................................................................Stand A17 COTTO, a leader in tiles & swimming pool mosaic, is an advanceddesign company which sells to 50 countries worldwide.

DINOTEC POOL & WATER TECHNOLOGY................Stand D04

LASWIM POOL & SPA EQUIPMENT.........................Stand D22 With technical support from PSH Pools in Spain, Lians Heng’s main products are underwater light, pump, filter, filtration unit, fittings.

LEISURE POOLS & SPAS..........................................Stand D35 Construction / Installation, Equipment and pool accessories, Health / Wellness.

Leading provider for pool & water technology. Provider of smart system solutions. Cutting edge control technology. We will amaze you!

MALAYSIAN SWIMMING POOL ASSOCIATION........Stand F33

DRYDEN AQUA..........................................................Stand E26 We are marine biologists specializing in swimming pool water treatment. We provide the best air & water quality on the market.

The premier Robotic Pool Cleaner company around the globe with 30+ years experience offering products for domestic & commercial markets.

EMA MAKINA VE YAPI MEKANIK.............................Stand A24

MIDAS POOL & FOUNTAIN PRODUCTS GMBH........Stand C19

Design Manufacture Installing & Comissioning of WaterPark Water Systems as Surf & Wave Pools Lazy/Rafting/Torrent/Rapid River Easytainer.

Construction / Installation, Equipment and pool accessories, Maintenance

EZARRI ......................................................................Stand A09

Pentair Aquatic Systems provides leading edge equipment, accessories & water technology solutions for swimming pools & aquaculture.

Glass mosaic manufacturing company. Main market is pool industry, yet top quality mosaics maybe used for any kind of interior decoration.

FILTRINOV................................................................Stand D26

Swimming pool association.

MAYTRONICS AUSTRALIA.......................................Stand A20

PENTAIR....................................................................Stand B04

PROCOPI....................................................................Stand A10

Monobloc filtration unit.

Equipment distributed by Procopi is made in one of its 3 manufacturing plants located in France & designed in its own design.

FLEXINOX POOL........................................................Stand D16

PROSERV (ASIA) PTE LTD........................................Stand F31

Manufacturers of stainless steel accesories for swimming pools, spas, wellness, etc.

Water & lights in motion.

What to do while in Singapore RP INDUSTRIES S.A..................................................Stand E27

See yoursingapore.com/getlost for more ideas

RP Industries produces pool & equipment pavements & coping, liners & covers.

SACI PUMPS SA........................................................Stand D16 Spanish manufacturer since 1975.Our main products are swimming pool pumps for domestic and commercial pools, sand, filters, other pumps.

SG HARDWARE.........................................................Stand A25 The Solidpool formworck blocks allows a very easy construction of reinforced concrete swimming pools of any shape, size & finish.

SPECK PUMPEN VERKAUFSGES GMBH.................Stand B20 Speck Pumpen has been manufacturing high-quality pumps & accessories for a wide range of challenging applications since 1909.

SPEEDY BREEDY.......................................................Stand C26 Speedy Breedy is a rapid portable microbial detection system. It detects contamination in a few hours and sends results digitally.

SUNRANS POOL & SPA CO. LTD..............................Stand E09 Outdoor spas, swimming pool, indoor jacuzzi, sauna room, spa bike, swimming pool equipment, sand filter, pool heat pump.

TINTOMETER GMBH.................................................Stand B22 Lovibond Pooltester Kits, Photometers Electro Analytical Meters and Reagents for domestic and public Pool & Spa Water Analysis.

TRADE LINK MEDIA PTE LTD..................................Stand B40 We publish Southeast Asia Building magazine for architectural community in Asia. Do visit us or our website for a copy of the magazine.

WATERBLADE AUSTRALIA......................................Stand D36 Superior clear lip waterfalls & Australian distributor of aquabright high performance swimming pool finishes.

WATERCO LIMITED...................................................Stand D40 Waterco’s principal activities are: wholesale, export and manufacture of equipment and accessories in the swimming pool, spa and water treatment industries; manufacture and sale of Zane solar heating systems; packing and distribution of swimming pool and spa chemical.

WELTICO....................................................................Stand D28

Shopping Everyone raves about the shopping in Singapore – and it offers everything from top end brands to bargain souvenirs – if you plan to take some gifts home head straight to Chinatown to find hundreds of shops and stalls selling “I heart SG” keyrings, T-shirts, tea towels, silk robes and much more. If you can think of it, chances are you’ll find it.

There are a lot of wonderful patterned tea sets, chopsticks and other kitchenware to be found.

Dining options NEWTON circus Hawker’s Centre is one MRT stop from the famous Orchard Rd and is always absolutely packed. There are dozens of stalls selling traditional Singaporean fare, with every owner trying to convince you to eat at their stall as you walk past. Do a lap of the place before you decide what to eat and keep an eye out for a table. Each table is numbered, so you can get food from as many stalls as you like. And they’ll bring it straight to you.

Enjoy with some icey cold Tiger beer, and you will be paying about $S50 for four.

Walking over the Helix Bridge

Reliable UV water sterilizer manufacturer for swimming pool, Spa, fish aquaculture & compatible for fresh/ sea water.

The weird, DNA-like, wiggly steel pedestrian bridge at Marina Bay supports some 16,000 people at a time and stretches 280 metres across the water. Marina Bay. (www.ura.gov.sg).

WOW COMPANY S.A.................................................Stand E32

Singapore Night Safari

WONDER LIGHT UV STERILIZER.............................Stand D20

Wave generators.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN www.piscinesplashasia.com or call SING 8006 163 169, AUST 1300 789 845, NZ 0800 451 590

Through the use of special lighting techniques, the highly lauded open-concept night zoo allows you to observe what 900 nocturnal animals get up to after dusk, in naturalistic habitats – and, seemingly, not behind barriers. The 45-minute narrated tram ride is the best way to see the animals – which include tigers, lions, giraffes and rhinos – from the safety of your seat. After the trip, brave the dark walking trails to get a closer look at smaller animals such as fl ying squirrels and dangling bats. 80 Mandai Lake Rd. (+65 6269 3411 www.nightsafari.com.sg).

commercial news

Commercial

news Global news . . . . . . . . . 68 Poseidon helps save UK mother . . . . . . . . . . 68 Cooling off in Singapore . . . . . . . . . . . 68 World’s biggest swimming lesson . . . . . 69 Passing on Aussie water safety . . . . . . . . . 70 Unassuming master of design . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Rebirth of classic hotel . .71 Tenders . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Pain relief takes a giant leap forward . . . . . . . . . 72 Cast away on an isle of fun . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Waterparks

Big Banana turns 50 with new waterpark

A pool you can bank on 79 Maldives playland in the Indian Ocean . . . . . 80 Swimming in the virtual pool . . . . . . . . . . 82

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Swimplex Aquatics will be installing four Polin waterslides and a splash pad at the new $1.6m Big Banana Water Park at Coffs Harbour on the New South Wales Mid North Coast.

The Big Banana is a national icon – being the first “big thing” constructed, way back in 1965. It has since won many tourism awards and has been voted the most popular family attraction in Australia.

The new park will be built on the famously sloping site, taking advantage of the hill to create elevation for the slides. Tourist numbers are expected to reach new heights following the completion of the new park.

Plans for the landmark million development have now been released, following years of work behind the scenes. Big Banana general manager Michael Lockman says the project is the ideal way to mark the Big Banana’s 50th anniversary.

“This is a key strategic move in converting the iconic tourist attraction into a major theme and fun park,” he says.

Construction is due to commence in May by Coffs Harbour based company Swimplex Aquatics.

Project manager Daniel Leaver says the highlights of the water park will include a 14 metre platform height that will launch four exhilarating rides and an AquaTower interactive splash pad.

“This project is a landmark development for the people of Coffs Harbour and we are very pleased to have been chosen to deliver this waterpark,” he says. “It is another feather in our cap of delivering turn-key water slides and splash pads throughout Australia. We are looking forward to not only building this park locally but also being able to share it with our families and kids!”

Rides include a 96 metre open body slide, a 119 metre raft ride and a “heart stopping” kamikaze slide.

“After the first hump, the kamikaze slide is a 45 degree plummet that gets riders to the bottom in 38 heart stopping metres,” says Leaver. “It’s the quickest way to the bottom short of bungee jumping.”

The fourth slide is an exhilarating 90 metre tube body slide with “black hole” and “light effects” features for even greater excitement.

The project was announced by Coffs Harbour Mayor Denise Knight and MP Andrew Fraser at the Big Banana’s 50th anniversary cocktail party on Saturday night. A video message on the night by Prime Minster Tony Abbott highlighted the widespread appreciation of the iconic “traffic-stopper.”

“Although there are more than 150 ‘big things’ across our land… there is none more iconic than Australia’s very first big thing – the Big Banana,” he said on the night.

Lockman says further developments could follow the success of the first stage.

“We have experienced a considerable uplift in visitation since the laser tag and mini golf course was built,” he says. “We believe that this major water park will take visitation to the park and Coffs Harbour to record highs.”

An extensive marketing plan is scheduled for the opening of the water park and a “Stay & Play” style package will be developed with accommodation providers in the region to drive tourism and visitation.

Other major elements of this project include an AquaTower complete with tipping bucket, interactive water toys, an additional 3 kids sized water slides and an Interactive Water Jet Zone. Work is expected to be completed by September 2015.

Disinfection

Pool scare a case of mistaken amoebae In February, mainstream media in Western Australia went into overdrive reporting that a swimming pool in the Perth suburb of East Victoria Park had detected acanthamoebae.

The media reports further stated that this amoeba is a rare parasite that can cause blindness and serious brain infection, quoting the website of highly influential US organisation, the Centres of Disease Control.

Unfortunately (or more correctly, fortunately, as it turns out) these reports were inaccurate in two ways. WA Health confirmed the amoebae found in the Aqualife pool centre were thermophilic amoebae, not acanthamoebae.

And second, even if the amoebae had been acanthamoebae, the Australian variety is much different to the amoeba found in the US. In Australia, there are no documented instances of amoebic keratitis, the disease caused by acanthamoeba embedding itself in the abraded surface of the cornea of a contact lens wearer.

The US variety is also more likely to be found in open bodies of water than in swimming pools.

Thermophilic amoeba is much less of a concern and can come from human saliva. It may be found in the cracks in tiles or in other biofilm in the swimming pool. WA Health has recently changed its approach to dealing with it. In the past, they used to prescribe closing the pool and superchlorinating. Now they just note its presence and superchlorinate.

WA Health samples 2000 pools per month in 1200 locations. Their Code of Practice states the action to be taken for both forms of amoeba (see page 39).

The presence of an acanthamoebae may also disguise the presence of a Naegleria organism, and should be regarded as a higher risk than thermophilic amoebae detected in isolation.

Management at Aqualife posted a statement saying the facility adheres to the Department of Health’s guidelines for water testing and treatment at all times. An anomaly was detected on Wednesday 18 February in the 25m pool, and the pool was closed at 11am. The facility’s response was immediate and thorough. Procedures were followed resulting in the Health Department approving the pool to be reopened at 5:30am, Friday 20 February.

it’s about clarity..

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Zelbrite® also saves over 50% water usage through fewer and faster backwash and rinse cycles. Australian water Quality Centre tests prove Zelbrite® outfilters sand with as little as 2 microns.

MANUFACTURED IN AUSTRALIA BY: ZEOLITE AUST PTY LTD

In Brief Ku-ring-gai Fitness & Aquatic Centre is offering swimming lessons to residents from Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Weekly YMCA swimming lessons will be hosted at the centre in Bicentennial Park West Pymble from April 20 to June 26 and can cater for up to 100 adults aged over 18. The free classes have come courtesy of a grant from Royal Life Saving NSW, which has conducted research suggesting that adults of Middle Eastern, African and South East Asian backgrounds are less likely to know how to swim and consequently be more prone to drowning. According to the Society, the inability to swim also negatively affects parents’ decision-making on swimming lessons for their children.

It seems the Canberra Olympic Pool is leaking worse than a disaffected cabinet minister. The future of the complex is in doubt as the ACT government investigates how to stop serious leaks first detected in August 2013.Territory and Municipal Services Minister Shane Rattenbury says 19 million litres a year had been leaking from the diving and children’s pools, costing about $100,000 per year. Already more than $260,000 has been spent trying to stop the leaks. Last year the ACT Heritage Council decided not to list the Canberra Olympic Pool site for heritage protection.

This unique filter media has received accreditation from Savewater W.A.Water Corp Waterwise & Smart Approved Water Mark

NO other filter media can make this claim.

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commercial news

Safety

Global news The largest water park in Canada was found guilty of six safety-related charges in Ontario, reports Canada TV. Calypso Water Park, located just outside Ottawa, was found guilty on six of 11 violations under Canada’s Technical Standards and Safety Act. The charges stem from accidents at the park dating back to 2011. Four of the violations were connected to 10 separate incidents on the Steamer ride. The judge also said Calypso failed to report problems right away, and should have closed the rides for inspection until they were deemed safe again. The other two violations were related to a lack of knowledge, training and education of operators at the Bobsleigh waterslide. The court also ruled that Calypso operated the ride in an unsafe manner.

Sentencing for Monday’s decision is on June 12. Calypso’s lawyers say that all necessary safety improvements were implemented after the incidents.

WhiteWater Attractions has added a new Shanghai representative, Lavendar Zhang who will strengthen the support offered in China, and will be establishing and enhancing relationships within the Chinese amusement industry.

Previous to WhiteWater Attractions, Zhang worked at Overseas Chinese Town (OCT) Holding Company supporting OCT Shanghai Happy Valley to become one of the most thriving parks in the region.

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UK mother saved by Poseidon pool monitor the first rescue in England using The Poseidon electronic monitorthe system. ing system has reportedly aided The £75,000 ($AU148,000) its first rescue in England. computer-aided drowning deThe Mirror in the UK reports tection system claims to raise the that a potential drowning was level of safety for all swimmers and averted in a public swimming works by analysing the texture, volpool in Essex in February, thanks ume and movement of the water. to the use of the electronic swimAlex Blackwell from the Royal ming pool monitoring system.

The system detected the Life Saving Society UK says the A woman was swimming with fact that the woman was not society supports the use and deher young daughter on her back moving at the bottom of the velopment of technology that can when she collapsed and sank to the pool and sounded an alarm aid and support lifeguards’ role. bottom of the shallow end of the “Technology can put an additional layer of main swimming pool at Blackshots Leisure Centre. safety in place, supporting the well-trained lifeThe system detected the fact that the woman guard who can rescue and provide first aid in an was not moving at the bottom of the pool and emergency,” he says in the article. sounded an alarm. The lifeguards then rescued and Poseidon says that since 2000, the system has resuscitated her by the side of the pool, while a helped detect and prevent 29 drowning incidents swimming teacher on hand rescued the little girl. in public swimming pools around the world. There The mother was taken to a hospital, where she are more than 240 installations in Europe, the has since recovered.

United States, Japan and Australia The Poseidon system was installed 10 years Maytronics supplies the system in Australia. ago in the pool, and the company believes it is

Keeping cool in Singapore This project was completed late last year by Playpoint Singapore and Empex Watertoys for the Singapore Sports Hub. The Aquadek T610-246R is the focal point surrounded by a variety of interactive watertoys. It provides a climb-and-slide experience offering slide sizes for a variety of ages on the same structure. The fibreglass runout of the large slide is a water-filled trough, so a pool is not required. A colourful synthetic softfall surface adds another colour dimension to set off the watertoys.

Empex watertoys are fabricated from composite and specialty plastics offering a lifetime corrosion warranty. Low electrical conductivity offers benefits in lightning situations and low heat conductivity on hot days make the features safer to the touch.

Contact: www.watertoys.com

Some of the participants from last year’s event

Learn to swim

World’s Largest Swimming Lesson coming down under For the first time, the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson (WLSL) will be held at 10am in the local time. Previously, the event had required a simultaneous start time at 3pm GMT which made it virtually impossible for host facilities in Australia and New Zealand to participate.

The new schedule was made specifically with Australia and New Zealand in mind, as well as nearby Asian countries.

Last year, for example, the start time of 10am would have meant local swim schools would have had to run the swim at 9pm in the middle of winter! Hardly a conducive time for getting nippers along for a swim, especially at outdoor venues. While the event will still be held in the Australian winter, at least it will be in the daytime.

With this new schedule, the WLSL is hoping to see considerable growth in our region.

Over the past five years, Team WLSL has set five Guinness World Records (GWR) for the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson, with 36,564 swimmers from 22 countries participating in 2014. More importantly, the WLSL has spread the vital message that Swimming Lessons Save Lives through more than 150 million media impressions.

Since the first event in 2010, more than 120,000 people have participated in WLSL events and millions of individuals have learned about the vital importance of teaching children to swim to help prevent the leading cause of accidental death of children under five years of age.

To register as a Host Facility go to the WLSL website and submit your details before June 5. There is a small fee to cover the collateral.

Registered WLSL Host Locations receive: • The official 2015 WLSL Curriculum • New 2015 Media/print ready promotion materials including: WLSL web banners, flyers, posters, rack cards, etc • Press release and media advisory templates • New WLSL water safety tip sheet • New WLSL water safety message web banners • New WLSL participant recognition certificates • The new 2015 Guinness World Record submission guidelines • 25 Signature Bright Orange WLSL wristbands For city groups of more than three Facilities, you will receive 75 wristbands. Additional wristbands can be purchased at www.watersafety.com. Wristbands will be mailed out up until June 5th, which is the last day of registration.

SPLASH! is a proud supporter of the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson.

Contact: www.watersafety.com April-May 2015 SPLASH! 69

commercial news

Water safety

Transferring Australian safety knowledge to the Mekong Delta

The AWSOM project aims to tackle the shocking statistic that shows 32 children drown every day in Vietnam

Swim Australia and Vorgee have been supporting the AWSOM Project since its inception in 2012.

AWSOM stands for Australian Water Safety on the Mekong, and it delivers vital drowning prevention education to this high-risk area of Vietnam.

This nurturing and educational approach is three-fold: • In-water lessons for disadvantaged, impaired and orphaned children in My Tho – the gateway to the Mekong Delta;

Recognition

GCAC wins architecture awards Cox Rayner Architects’ Gold Coast Aquatic Centre has picked up both the Building of the Year Award and the People’s Choice Awards at the 2015 Gold Coast and Northern Rivers Architecture Awards, announced in March.

It will now progress to the Queensland Architecture Awards, to be announced on 26 June 2015. The jury said the GCAC is a fine piece of public infrastructure sited at the heart of quality waterfront parklands, and incorporates subtropical and urban design principles. It addresses Commonwealth Games overlay and legacy planning. Its adaptive re-use of the site’s previous Southport Pool, with retention of key elements, builds on the Coasts’ cultural heritage. Key to the ongoing design success of this public facility will be a quality design management process, with respect to evolving programs and spatial requirements.

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• Mini-seminars for parents in surrounding villages (this is the first year these seminars have been run); and • Training locals to meet with Swim Australia Teacher standards.

Earlier this year, Swim Australia CEO Ross Gage and executive assistant and SwimCARE manager Emily McNeill joined 12 volunteers from Western Australia’s Beatty Park Swim School on the annual AWSOM Project trip to Vietnam.

“For us, it was back to a previous life, of long and demanding days in the pool – but completely rewarding work at the same time,” says Gage.

“Over the course of the week, we helped to educate around six classes a day, with each class containing four to six children per instructor,” says McNeill. “The improvement we saw just in that period of time was so gratifying.”

Based on insights gained, Swim Australia’s support in the future will extend to providing the funds to help accommodate the essential translators.

Statistics show that 32 children drown every day in Vietnam. Comparatively, 20 children between the ages of 0 and 4 years drowned in Australia over the year to June 2014.

The judges commented on the GCAC design’s adaptive re-use of the site’s previous Southport Pool

Obituary

Unassuming master of design Megan Krentz from Whitewater West Industries has shared her thoughts and those of her colleagues regarding waterpark designer and WhiteWater’s senior landscape architect, Tat Won, who recently passed away at the age of 58.

We would like to share some kind words regarding our dear colleague and friend to honour him within the industry. Words seem inadequate to express the sorrow felt by the loss.

Tat Won was one of the most remarkable men ever to walk this earth. His kindness, humility and talent were truly unparalleled.

He was always a friend and role model, never missing a chance to flash his signature smile at everyone who crossed his path. He was

fair-minded and humble, never criticising or judging another.

The way that Tat chose to live his life should inspire us all to live our best lives and to never let a day go by without acknowledging our blessings. Tat was an athlete and enjoyed classic Canadian winter sports like skiing on the local mountains and playing our country’s beloved sport, hockey.

Some would say his tennis skills were that of a professional (although he’d never admit it).

He was a dedicated father to his two children and a loving and doting partner to Karen.

Tat was a master of his art, the best waterpark designer in the industry, all the while maintaining a truly unassuming nature. Disney,

the most successful brand in the world, requested Tat by name to work on their projects due to his amazing creativity, superb eye for detail and for the efficiency with which he could accomplish his one-of-a-kind designs.

He worked on world-renowned projects such as Caribbean Bay in Korea and Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi. Even after 20 years, the people he worked with at Forrec still reference his style when they refer to a distinguished “Tat design”.

In honour of Tat Won, WhiteWater has established the Tat Won Vertical Leadership Award. The award will recognise the ongoing efforts and commitment of employees in supporting

Tat Won at the design table

WhiteWater’s journey to become a truly vertical organisation built on customer service excellence.

Many of us at WhiteWater had the pleasure and the honour of working with Tat for 20 years.

You will be missed, our hearts are with you.

Contracting

Upcoming tenders

Gnowangerup Swimming Pool and Amenities

Sonata on Shakespeare

McCorkell Constructions has been award D&C Swimming Pool and Amenities. Pricing is now invited for the following trades: plastering, joinery, painting, vinyl flooring, pool fixtures, mechanical.

Contact: Forward quotes to roxanned@mccorkel.net.au Closing: No Date Specified

39 units located in central Brisbane with a three-storey basement carpark and a swimming pool and reflection pond, large Colorbond roof and outdoor common areas.

Contact: bradsmith@condevconstruction.com.au.

More info: condevconstruction.com.au, Closing: No Date Specified

Renovation

Ritz Carlton resurfaces as Double Bay Intercon Australian architecture firm, Bates Smart has reimagined one of Sydney’s most iconic hotels, the formerly highly celebrated Ritz Carlton.

“For us, the jewel in the crown is the rooftop pool and lounges,” says Bates Smart studio director Brenton Smith. “The space presented a fantastic opportunity where we were able to frame harbour views in an intimate setting.”

The Ritz Carlton has now been reborn as the 140-room InterContinental Sydney Double Bay. The new design accentuates the best of the original building, adding sophisticated modern touches.

Bates Smart Studio Director Brenton Smith says the design

The rooftop pool is the jewel in the crown

combines classic resort style with a contemporary Sydney twist.

“The approach we took was about contextualising the hotel in its immediate environment and reinstating the glamour back into Double Bay,” he says. “The new InterContinental Sydney Double Bay lies in a remarkable part of

Sydney, where a stunning harbourside lifestyle combines with high fashion and big business.”

The theme of understated luxury is evident throughout the entire refurbishment, which included an overhaul of the rooftop area – creating a sophisticated pool and bar setting for hotel guests, with

panoramic views of the harbour.

“We wanted to create a relaxed texture and rawness to the space, referencing traditional Mediterranean resort areas such as the Amalfi Coast or Mykonos, so materials are light and cool, the limestone split rock wall is quite warm, and the cabanas feature navy blue and white stripes that recall classical beach-side umbrellas.”

Other features include the Grand Ballroom that can facilitate up to 495 guests, a revitalisation of the original marble reception and intimate destination restaurant, Stockroom. InterContinental Sydney Double Bay also has 14 executive suites and one royal suite, all with private balconies.

April-May 2015 SPLASH! 71

commercial feature

Aquatic pain relief takes a giant leap forward

By Alan Lewis

Jessica demonstrating the AquaStretch head hang

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quaStretch is the newest hydrotherapy modality, and it’s rapidly proving to be extremely important and effective in relieving pain – in fact, more so than all the other known hydrotherapies today.

Dr Jessica Huss, DPT, Vice-President of Education for the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) Aquatic Section, has carried out more than 5000 AquaStretch sessions.

She presented her conclusion at the 2014 national APTA meeting, and found that: “AquaStretch appears to be clinically superior to all existing physical therapy modalities to reduce chronic pain and to restore flexibility in about 60 per cent of all rehabilitation patients.”

Huss obtained her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from AT Still University in 2002. She is also an APTA credentialed clinical instructor and serves as adjunct faculty in the Physical Therapy Assistant Program at Mohave Community College and in the physical therapy department of the Health Sciences University, a division within the Arizona Osteopathic School, where she has trained eight DTP candidates to do AquaStretch research.

Fortunately, the scientific research into AquaStretch is starting to build. Qualified practitioners are finding their patients are returning and their clientele is expanding. The central problem seems to be that there are not enough hydrotherapy pools available for this new industry to provide therapy for those who require it.

The first edition of the AquaStretch Specialty Certificate Manual was created in 2011 and has been used to train more than 600 aquatic therapists all over the United States. This manual was written by some notable aquatic therapists, including Huss, who had been practising and teaching aquatic therapy for years. These include: • Laurie Denomme, B. Kinesiology, the co-founder of Exercise Elements, and a Fellow of Applied Functional Science.

• Connie Jasinskas, B.Sc., B.Ed., M.Sc. Certified Exercise Physiologist, AEA Certified ATRI Faculty Member, Can Fit Pro FIS AquaStretch practitioner and trainer.

• Terri Mitchell, BA, PTA, ATRIC, an AEA training specialist and physical therapist assistant in Austin, Texas. Mitchell was recipient of the 2010 Aquatic

Therapy Professional Award from the Aquatic Therapy and Rehab Institute (ATRI), the ATRI 2001 Dolphin Award and the Fitness Professional of the Year from AEA in 1992.

• Beth Scalone,PT, DPT, OCS, ATRIC, a licensed physical therapist with more than 20 years of experience in orthopaedic and aquatic therapy, and owner of North County Water and Sports Therapy Center in San Diego. Dr. Scalone has achieved certification and recertification as a clinical specialist in orthopaedic physical therapy and was honoured with ATRI’s Tsunami Spirit award. She is also a master instructor for the Burdenko method and an AquaStretch trainer.

AquaStretch has also attracted the interest of aquatic researchers including Lynda Keane, MA, at Middlesex University, London, and Lori Sherlock, PhD, assistant professor in the West Virginia University School of Medicine. Keane has recently completed the first research comparing AquaStretch with land-based physical therapy for treatment of lower back pain, while Sherlock has many of her graduate students now undergoing AquaStretch research and has published an overview of AquaStretch principles.

“AquaStretch appears to be clinically superior to all existing physical therapy modalities to reduce chronic pain and to restore flexibility in about 60 per cent of all rehabilitation patients.”

This outstanding group of aquatic therapy specialists has raised standards, collectively produced studies, teaching material, videos, and promoted this new modality to a point where AquaStretch is now the most clinically effective and cost effective technique for relieving pain without medication.

Pain relief

AquaStrech also provides a more accessible and pleasant means of putting a smile on the faces of pain sufferers, sportspeople, stressed people and those with physical handicaps.

Surely the aquatic industry should now rise to the occasion and do everything possible to provide adequate facilities and a supportive backing to this new proven therapy which does so much for so many.

AquaStrech can: • Alleviate pain and discomfort; • Improve quality of life, especially sleep; • Restore posture and efficient movement; • Return people to sport and an active lifestyle • Maximise flexibility and endurance; • Enhance sport performance.

There are many people, myself included, who have experienced severe pain that emanates from the spine due to pressure of calcified myofascial areas pressing on a nerve which runs down one or both legs. The large muscles that support the back develop a calcification of the fascia (outer layer) of the muscle tissue – and this exacerbates the pain (sciatica) to an unbearable point.

The job of the AquaStretch therapist is to release this calcified hardened area (myofascial adhesion) so that the muscle returns to its normal flexible condition without pressing on nerves. The therapist needs to find the key sensitive point, and by stretching that area while pressing simultaneously on that “trigger” point, the hardened area of the fascia breaks up and disintegrates.

The fact that the patient is floating in water during this procedure allows the therapist to identify more readily where those facial adhesions are present, so that the excruciating pain often immediately dissipates, providing quick relief.

When this is performed on land – even if the patient is lying down – some parts of the body will still be affected by gravity, thus making the freeing of the treated area much more difficult.

A study comparing the two methods (land-based and water-based) has recently been completed by Lynda Keane in Middlesex University London. Her unpublished dissertation is entitled: “A study of the effects of AquaStretch and Land Stretching on people with Chronic Lower Back Pain (CLBP), looking at their pain, disability and fear of movement.”

The aim of the study (from the abstract): • CLBP is a debilitating condition affecting thousands of people. The aim of this study was to compare Land Based Stretching (LBS) with the new AquaStretch (A/S) technique, in subjects with CLBP; looking at effects on pain, kinesiophobia (fear of movement), range of movement and quality of life.

George Eversaul demonstrating arch forward

April-May 2015 SPLASH! 73

commercial feature

“AquaStrech also provides a more accessible and pleasant means of putting a smile on the faces of pain sufferers, sportspeople, stressed people and those with physical handicaps.”

Jessica Huss demonstrating the hip fulcrum

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The results of the study (from the abstract): • Results indicated that both LBS and A/S were beneficial in terms of pain, kinesiophobia and disability. A/S was shown to be better than LBS and both scored better than the control group. Both A/S and LBS are suggested to be beneficial in CLBP patients; however A/S has key additional benefits including time efficiency, cost effectiveness, and the ability to be performed by qualified individuals other than physiotherapists, significantly impacting on the financial burden on NHS. I first learnt about AquaStretch when I attended a lecture by Huss at the World Aquatic Health Conference 2013 in Indianapolis. She also demonstrated the procedures in the conference hotel pool.

Since I actually missed an opportunity to experience such a demonstration on myself, I decided after the WAHC in Portland in 2014 to visit Huss in Arizona and learn more. In doing so I enriched my understanding of AquaStretch by personally experiencing the “releasing” and the consequent immediate pain relief.

I also meet several of her patients who were there for various reasons. Among these were: • A man who had been paralysed after an accident who was undergoing regular treatments and whose mental attitude was clearly improving; • A man suffering from Parkinson’s disease who was able to live independently because of regular AquaStretch treatments; • A nurse who needed relief from the stress of her work, who swore by the great feeling she had after each treatment; • A soccer goalie who was having a weekly treatment for the various sport accidents he had suffered; • A professional singer who needed help keeping her

voice box flexible; • And many more with similar complaints receiving relief via her treatment.

You can get an idea how the therapy is applied from the www.aquastretchpt.com website which includes articles, YouTube videos and references.

In particular, I recommend you watch the videos “AquaStretch One Leg Standing” and “More on Intuitive Movement” under the Resources & References tab.

I believe that therapists who take the trouble to acquire this new and exciting therapy modality will discover they become sought after for the real relief it affords. (Huss now averages more than 220 AquaStretch sessions per month.)

It is also likely to put any aquatic centre, rehabilitation hospital or even hotel at the forefront of their industry.

For example, AquaStretch is offered as a spa service for $US170 per hour at the Spa Bellagio in Las Vegas.

Those who want to introduce this new modality to their facility and wish to avail themselves of offers made by those trained to teach this therapy can get further information by emailing me directly. n

Contacts: www.aquastretchpt.com www.exerciseelements.com www.physicaltherapy.com www.waterpt.com Alan Lewis: aquazure34@gmail.com

21-23 June 2015 ASB Showground, Auckland New Zealand

17-18 AUGUST 2016 Gold Coast Conference & Convention Centre, Australia

SAVE THE DATE

For the second time SPLASH! New Zealand will be co-located with buildnz & designex, offering pool manufacturers access to more than 5000 industry professionals.

SPLASH! is a must attend event for manufactures, pool builders, water consultants, architects and pool service companies.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN www.splashnzexpo.co.nz To exhibit at buildnz|designex within the SPLASH! pavilion please email Karen at kjaques@intermedia.com.au or phone +61 2 8586 6135 NZ 0800 451 590

Since 1998 SPLASH! has become the must attend event for manufacturers, retailers, pool builders, contractors, architects, landscapers, engineers and service technicians to stay ahead of market directions as the wet industry continues to expand and take on new dimensions and international trends.

Australasia’s foremost pool & spa trade show provides the opportunity to showcase your company, launch new products, network, build existing relationships, meet the press and build brand awareness while meeting the key decision makers in the wet industry.

Contact Karen Jaques on 02 9660 2113 or email kjaques@intermedia.com.au for more information.

Supported By

www.splashexpo.com.au Media Partner

commercial feature

Cast away on an isle of fun

Adding a touch of adventure with Skull Rock

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real life prawn trawler was converted into a “pirate ship” to become the focal point on an exciting new, affordable attraction at a New South Wales coastal resort.

Robert Savell of Hydrocare installed the water amusement at Big 4 Sunshine at South West Rocks on the NSW mid north coast.

“The owner declared that he wanted a unique splash experience that captured imagination and challenged the mind and body of its users,” says Savell. “As he wasn’t happy with the typical splash pad of concrete and metal structures, so we conceived Shipwreck Island.”

The Island boasts many features to keep kids playing all day.

The Pirate Ship is the main platform with waterslides and a huge tipping bucket, and additionally there are several water play slides mounted in the pool with rope and plank access.

Another stunning visual feature of the Island is Skull Rock – a climbing obstacle complete with waterfall cascading down a

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series of rock ledges, that children can actually climb into.

The ship itself is a decommissioned prawn trawler from the local area – a part of the coast famous for its seafood.

The freeform wet deck pool contains 85m3 of water, which Savell says provides a more relaxing family experience than simple splash pads. The filtration system features sand media with auto commercial salt chlorination The total project cost $750,000 including the new pool and new filtration plant on the existing pools, which enables them to comply with the NSW Health advisory document.

“The new attractions have made the park a holiday destination and are attracting new clientele,” says Savell.

He says this type of facility is a great boon to a tourist park and similar projects can be undertaken in other locations.

“The conceptual and creative elements of the project are available from the design team who can create something just as exciting for other parks and pools.” n

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1: The “pirate ship” was formerly a real life prawn trawler

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2: The original pools were also brought up to standard with new filtration and sanitisation 3: There are plenty of slides and attractions to keep the kids occupied all day 4: The wet edge pool is a relaxing family space 5: A tipping bucket completes the picture

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April-May 2015 SPLASH! 77

commercial feature

A pool you can bank on

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n the basement of the China Agricultural Bank in Jinan, Shandong Province, lies an indoor swimming pool which is used by senior bank staff. It is also the location of Waterco China’s first ever commercial Hydroxypure installation.

The chlorine-free Hydroxypure system was part of a wider Waterco sanitisation and filtration solution for the pool, which has a volume of nearly 300 cubic metres. It was retrofitted when the pool was being refurbished, replacing a system which often left the pool water very cloudy.

“The previous system had difficulty effectively treating the water; in addition, the clients weren’t keen on swimming in chlorinated water because they were aware of the health impact, but at that point they didn’t know about any other products which could help them,” says Malcolm Yap, CEO of Waterco China.

“So in making our recommendations to filter and sanitise the water, we took into consideration their concerns about chlorine, plus also the volume of the pool and the need to provide a cost effective solution.”

For indoor chlorinated pools, the build-up of chloramines (chlorine-containing compounds) and other air impurities can cause issues such as stinging eyes, nasal irritation, or difficulty breathing after being in the water or breathing the air.

“Chloramines when given off from a pool in the form of a gas will re-dissolve in the pool unless they are removed by an efficient ventilation system – and for an indoor pool such as at the bank, that can pose a problem,” says Yap. “Consequently, chlorination may affect the respiratory health of those who use the pool or work around it. The fact that the Hydroxypure system meant an odour-free and chlorine-free environment was a major drawcard for the bank.”

Holistic solution

In addition to the Hydroxypure system, a range of other Waterco products were installed, including four wall-mounted WG600 all-in-one machines, which combine pump, filter and gas heater.

For filtration, three Micron S900 top mount fibreglass filters were installed, in addition to three Hydrostorm Plus 4HP (3-phase), variable speed pumps.

An integral part of the system is an automatic monitoring and dosing system, the DigiChem Plus controller, which is designed for commercial swimming pools. The DigiChem Plus automatically measures and precisely controls set levels of sanitiser and pH balance through feedback from inline sensors. It incorporates a

range of features including data logging and a user-friendly menu system.

“We fitted a China Mobile SIM card in the GPRS modem module to enable remote monitoring of the unit via the DigiChem website, and we can adjust the dosage to cater to the changing conditions,” says Yap. “The system also sends email and SMS notifications if there are any problems with water balance.”

Another highlight of the DigiChem Plus system is that minimal maintenance is required.

“This is a benefit that’s further enhanced by the Hydroxypure system, which similarly reduces operational maintenance time,” he says. “It also requires low electricity consumption, which makes it even more cost effective.

“Other benefits of the Hydroxypure system include the reduced corrosive environment within the plant room.”

Yap says that since the system was installed, the results have been significant.

“When a water sample was taken and independently tested by the national water supply monitor to check that it adhered to the national drinking water sanitary standard, the result was very convincing. In fact, the turbidity [measure of the cloudiness of water] was less than 0.5, plus no E. Coli was detected,” he says.

Contact: www.waterco.com.au n

The chlorine-free Hydroxypure system was retro-fitted to the pool which has a volume of nearly 300 cubic metres

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commercial feature

Maldives playland in the Indian Ocean

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BELOW: The teardrop Blu pool, the focal point of Play Island

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he newest Asian luxury escape is Play Island in Niyama, part of the Indian Ocean atoll of Dhaalu in the Maldives. This is stage two of their concept of Chill and Play.

With 48 new villas, Play offers fresh, groundbreaking concepts including Nest, the treetop dining experience and Blu, the laid-back beachfront restaurant, plus new facilities for every generation including an exciting children’s club.

Play is connected to Niyama’s original island Chill by a bridge with the two just a hop, skip and a jump apart.

The focus of Play Island is a beautiful big, teardrop pool right on the beach. The fully tiled, wet edge pool is bounded by a deck which is separated from and lower than the pool wall to enable swimmers to still get the view of the water connecting with the boundless ocean.

The deck also enables guests to walk around the beach without bringing too much sand into the pool.

The poolside ice cream parlour is packed with homemade treats including smoothies, sherbets and crêpes, while poolside cabanas offer a private haven close to the action.

To enable even greater luxury, individual suites also come with their own fully tiled, infinity swimming pools.

Other elements of this standout resort include Blu which offers relaxed family-style beachfront dining all day and throughout the night, and Nest which, when completed, will be a one-of-a-kind dining concept featuring a naturally modern design nestled amongst the Banyan trees in the heart of the jungle. The innovative multi-level treehouse design will provide spectacular locations from private pods suspended six metres above the ground to culinary theatrics in domed pavilions burrowed amongst the trees, all linked by wooden walkways adding a sense of adventure to the jungle experience.

Explorers, the new children’s club run by an internationally renowned operator, is located close to the resort’s family friendly accommodation on Play. Designed with adventurous spirits in mind, Explorers offers a wealth of experiences which promise to ignite children’s imagination.

New accommodation options at Niyama include the one-bedroom beach pool suites which offer the best of indoor/outdoor living, perfect for families, groups of friends or couples seeking more space.

The beach pool suites provide total privacy but also the convenience of direct beach access and ocean views from bed as well as a family-sized plunge pool. The new two-bedroom family beach pavilion faces the lagoon and offers the ultimate in luxury living and a high level of privacy with the added bonus of an in-villa spa.

Guests will enjoy all of Niyama’s signature touches including a personal Thakuru Maldivian-style butler service.

Niyama is a 45 minute seaplane flight from Male and has quickly established a reputation for redefining the Maldives experience. The new facilities on Play complement the venues on Chill, including the Lime Spa which promises to bring guests out of their shell with a range of cutting edge treatments, and Subsix, the underwater bar, restaurant and adult playground.

Contact: niyama.peraquum.com n

LEFT: The one-bedroom suite which comes with its own infinity pool RIGHT: The amazing Subsix bar is the world’s first underwater club, regularly featuring international DJs, global music and cocktails with flair: an incredible place to watch the marine life swim by while chilling to the vibes.

LEFT: The two islands: Chill and Play RIGHT: Blu dining experience, with the pool in the background

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Swimming with your imagination in the virtual pool The Swimarium concept as presented by Ova Studio

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The concept would be suited to a global theme park

ike a cross between a swimming pool and an oceanarium, the Swimarium is a concept pool designed to take you anywhere you want to go: the Great Barrier Reef, the Galapagos Islands, Bali, the Bahamas, the Maldives – all without leaving the virtual facility.

Designed as a concept pool by Hong Kong architectural firm Ova Studio for a South China Morning Post article on “the ultimate pool”, the Swimarium does not exist as yet, but Ova is actively touting the idea as a possibility for a global attraction suited to a location boasting deep-pocketed investors such as might be found in Dubai.

The concept is an amazing amalgam of a real swimming pool and a virtual reality oceanarium. With all its boundaries made from glass under which LED screens are broadcasting live (or more likely recorded) sound and vision, swimmers can choose their favourite diving spot amongst a selection of the best reefs in the world.

While recorded vision and sound would be relatively more cost effective, the designers still believe live vision and sound would be possible if they could attract the interest of a partner such as a Google or one of the nature cable channels.

While wearing 3D goggles, the swimmers can then dive into the water and enjoy the show, while the screens broadcast in 3D. The effect would be astounding if you could swim surrounded by a school of virtual sharks – terrifying but safe. Or diving with whales and dolphins without troubling the creatures or yourselves, and thanks to the hydrophones, the swimmers would be able to hear the whale song at the same time.

Ova Studio also suggests the concept could be used for diving schools to train divers, and say it would be likely to help spread global awareness of the rare and fragile diversity of our oceans and reefs.

Contact: www.ovastudio.com n

Completely immersed in a virtual reef filled with real water

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new products

US style timber playsets coming to Australia

Rainbow Play Systems, US manufacturer of fine residential and commercial wooden playsets since 1985, is extending its reach to Australian with the appointment of two new distributors: Austek Play and Complete Playgrounds.

The American-style playground range includes three product lines: Flat pack for DIY and cash and carry retailers; a commercial line for heavier traffic and larger applications; and the original line focused on residential use.

Rainbow has given exclusive product distribution rights to distributors according to geographic location and population density, and still has the territories of Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and New Zealand available.

Contact: www.rainbowplay.com.au

Winter’s outdoor room

We all know summer is a great time to be outdoors, but don’t forget autumn and winter. A heated pool or a hot spa, a fire by a nice lounge setting and a mug of hot chocolate – or maybe a glass or two of red.

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These items from Tait can help complete the picture. The Thor Fire Pit is Tait’s modern take on the traditional campfire. It is designed to infuse a touch of traditional romance and warmth into

outdoor spaces. Elegant yet delightfully simple, just pop in the wood, light it up, and sit back on the Tait Breeze lounge and relax.

Contact: www.madebytait.com.au

Don’t be rash with the sun

The coolest rashies in the country come from Acqua Brand, as their rash shirts attract plenty of looks while deflecting UV rays.

Each shirt is 100 per cent Australian designed, manufactured and crafted using Italian XtraLife Lycra fabrics with a contoured fit, helping to smooth and flatter every figure and making them suitable for women of all ages. The fabrics are UPF 50+, lightweight, breathable and two times more resistant to chlorine, suntan creams and oils than most other fabrics.

This eye catching striped rash shirt is just one example of the style developed by founders Julie Capobianco and Jane Hayes.

Contact: theacquabrand.com.au

Latest in semi-commercial disinfection

Australian Innovative Systems’ (AIS) commitment to continuous innovation sees two new products launched in May 2015 – to be showcased at the Piscine SPLASH! Asia Trade Show in Singapore (20-21 May 2015).

The new Midi Series is a range of automatic, inline, salt or mineral water chlorinators suited to semi-commercial use or pools where large variations in bather-load are experienced such as private swim schools, residential community pools, retirement and aged care facilities, gymnasiums, sports centres and boutique hotels. Employing the same, award-winning AIS technology already operating in large scale theme parks, resorts and hotels worldwide, the Midi is designed for locations where a commercial scale system would be too large and a residential scale system would be inadequate.

Contact: www.aiswater.com.au

Affordable inline disinfection

The second advance from AIS to be launched at Piscine SPLASH! Asia is the new Chrome inline salt water chlorine generator for residential pools.

Chrome is designed for the customer who demands the latest in technology, superior performance and contemporary good looks and at an affordable price. It is perfect for first home buyers or investors. A key feature of Chrome is that it takes the guess work out of keeping pool water clean. An easy-to-read control panel automatically tells when salt levels are lower or higher than desired and chlorine output can then be increased or decreased with the simple turn of a dial.

AIS’s chlorinators conveniently produce chlorine onsite and inline without the need for chemical storage and dosing.

Contact: www.aiswater.com.au April-May 2015 SPLASH!

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new products

Improved outdoor drainage

Aquabocci’s Blade channel drain has evolved with the all new Blade-T External slot drain. Many architects and designers had wanted to use the blade shower drain externally however the plastic channel for the blade shower drain was not designed to be installed in long sections, and the channel was too small for use in many external locations.

They have since developed a slot drain that maintains the sleek blade design while delivering a flow rate of 90 litres per minute. The system is available in lengths of 2400mm and 1200mm which can be joined or cut to size. Corner pieces are also available and spigots can be drilled out above the exact location of the outlet, making installation fast and easy.

The Blade-T is adaptable to concrete or timber substrate, and is an ideal way to create a minimal look without compromising performance.

There are 200 colours to choose from.

Contact: www.aquabocci.com

Next generation Trident robots S Series rolls off the production line

The S Series range is the newest Maytronics cleaner, hot off the production line in Israel. The first shipment of the lightweight, mobile-appbased pool cleaning robot will be released around the world in 2015, with Australia’s release date expected to be before the next summer season.

Eyal Tryber, vice president of sales and marketing, celebrated with the team at Maytronics’ Headquarters after loading the first container. This was a team effort and the hard work of engineers, designers, marketing and many end users and dealers involved in the in-field testing program were mentioned in Tryber’s speech.

Waterco has enhanced its product suite of pool cleaners with two new Trident robotic cleaners from Maytronics. The new models – the Trident (Standard) and the Trident Pro – have been designed for cleaning efficiency, particularly for finer filtration collection.

“These all-terrain robotic pool cleaners are true robotic cleaners – they’re not just electric cleaners,” says George Flory, Waterco’s Domestic Water Care Product Manager. “State-of-the-art, advanced software control means they provide excellent pool coverage – from the floors to the walls to the waterline. Plus they’re designed to significantly reduce the use of electricity, water and chemicals.”

More information and release dates will be available on the Maytronics Australia Facebook page in due course.

A point of difference of the two new Trident robotic pool cleaners is the new dual cartridge filtration system, ensuring there is sufficient capacity. The Trident Pro is designed for pools up to 15m in length, while the Trident (Standard) for pools up to 12m in length.

Contact: www.maytronics.com.au

Contact: www.waterco.com.au

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Crypto on the run with the “peel and pop” solution

International Quadratics (IQ) has launched a revolutionary tablet to kill cryptosporidium and other water related bacteria. IQ says the breakthrough product – a simple-to-use “peel and pop” C-5 Tablet – is now all that is needed to protect swimmers against bacteria and kill it fast when it strikes.

The new C-5 Tablet activates instantly in the water and is extremely safe as no mixing of chemicals is required. Additionally, it reduces pool closure time, removes any OH&S concerns about safe handling of chemicals, ensures healthy water and with a shock dosing at 1ppm, removes any need for neutralisation.

Smart checking for bacteria

As a companion for their new C-5 “peel and pop” tablet, IQ has SmartChek Bacteria Test Strips – a simple to use test strip, providing a yes/no reading of bacteria being present in the water.

It is recommended to test regularly to ensure the water is healthy, helping protect swimmers from disease. This is part of IQ’s attack on bacteria including cryptosporidium – a parasite that can cause serious health problems such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and fever. If the affected person has a weakened immune system the infection is more severe.

Contact: www.interquad.com.au

It is recognised by Australian health departments.

Contact: www.interquad.com.au

Winterbox is coming

Focus Products calls its 2015 Winterbox the ultimate winteriser, as it features the performance power of Focus Powercide4. This year’s Winterbox, in addition to 1L of Powercide4, includes 1L of Waterpolish Plus for free. Also included is a Winter Loyalty Card in the pack to encourage your clients to come back during the cooler months and also a free Bling Voucher if they return for a water test and purchase a Focus product within four weeks.

The Focus Products Winterbox design has been kept the same as last year to remain consistent with the popular adjuster range of boxes, however it features a new pink colour which continues through all of the Winterbox marketing material. Stocks are limited so contact Focus soon if you’re interested.

Contact: 1300 1 FOCUS (36287).

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new products

Protect Pool, Protect Your Your Pool, Protect Kids Protect Your Your Kids

Horner Xpress looking for distributors

HornerXpress Worldwide is seeking Asia Pacific distributors to distribute AquaCal heat pumps and AutoPilot salt chlorine generators, which have more than half a million satisfied customers worldwide.

Manufactured at St Petersburg in Florida, USA, the AquaCal units feature View our online video showing common pool fencing faults and how to spot them at the patented ThermoLink titanium heat exchangers and scroll compresView our online video showing common pool fencing faults and how to spot them at www.kidshealth.chw.edu.au/projects/drowning-prevention/swimming-pool-fencing sors and are available in a variety of sizes ranging from 10kW to 145kW. www.kidshealth.chw.edu.au/projects/drowning-prevention/swimming-pool-fencing They are suitable for both residential and commercial installations.

KIH1025/0811/SC KIH1025/0811/SC

AutoPilot salt water chlorine generators for spas, residential and commercial pools provide consistently low levels of chlorine to purify water while making it soft and silky to the touch.

See Horner Xpress at Piscine SPLASH! Asia in Singapore on May 20-21.

Contact: www.hxworldwide.com; exportmanager@teamhorner.com.

New Crystal range of Beadcrete

Designerite has launched its new 100 per cent glass bead Crystal Beadcrete range to complement its existing Islands range.

The patented Crystal range has taken many years to develop and Designer Beadcrete says it’s guaranteed to create a pool finish with an unrivalled sense of quality, elegance and durability.

Designerite holds the exclusive Australian distribution and sales rights to the Designer Beadcrete product range. This revolutionary product contains a mix of retro-reflective sphere beads set in the high-strength polymer modified cement matrix.

Pictured is the Corfu mix. The Crystal range also comes in Whyte, Galapagos, Mystique, Keppel and Oahu.

Contact: www.designerite.com.au 88

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April-May 2015

SunValue Solar Pool Heating

Introducing SunValue Solar Pool Heating, the newest addition to the Heliocol® family.

“The Pool Builders’ Choice” EnduroShield partners with Aqua Vista Glass Brisbane glass pool fence and glass balustrade installer, Aqua Vista Glass, has partnered with EnduroShield, allowing them to offer a superior building product.

Aqua Vista Glass says it has a commitment to quality, customer service and exceeding professional building standards. Their customers range from home owners who need quality glass pool fencing through to pool installers, builders and commercial contracts for large multi-level commercial developments.

Pre-coating glass pool fence panels and glass balustrading with EnduroShield allows Aqua Vista Glass to offer their clients, significant cost savings, reducing glass cleaning costs by up to 90 per cent.

EnduroShield protection also helps the glass stay cleaner for longer, and Aqua Vista Glass says this makes their pool fencing and balustrading a superior product to give them a competitive edge.

Contact: www.aquavistaglass.com.au; www.enduroshield.com

Meet “Sunny”

She’s Budget Conscious & Recognizes Good Value!

You will too!

“Quality and value at a great trade price. Heliocol’s® SunValue solar pool heating system is designed and built by the world’s largest solar pool heating manufacturer.”

New Ultima controller

Aquarius Technologies has been manufacturing quality controllers in Queensland for more than 25 years. Hot off the Aquarius assembly line is the all new Ultima pool and spa controller. Designed for the rigours of the commercial pool environment, the latest model now includes many more user-friendly and intuitive features to help take the stress out of managing a busy commercial pool.

These include: a seven-inch touch screen operation, multilayer password protection, user-friendly navigation, pH, ORP, FAC & TDS control, an easy calibration process, various outputs options including 4 GPOs, multiple timer options, data export/setting import options, extensive remote access choice ( Wi-Fi, Ethernet, modem ), historical trend graphs on screen and tank level indicators.

www.SunValue.com.au

1300 132 968

Contact: www.aquariustech.com.au April-May 2015 SPLASH!

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AUSTRALIA’S LEADING POOL BUILDERS CHOOSE PARAMOUNT IN-FLOOR CLEANING SYSTEMS Paramount In-Floor Cleaning Systems offer you and your customers the perfect cleaning solution when working together to create the perfect outdoor oasis. Astonish your clients with the incredible effectiveness of an in-floor cleaning and circulation system.

CREATE A VANISHING EDGE, ADD BAR STOOLS, BENCHES, SWIM-OUTS AND SPAS TO YOUR FAVOURITE POOL DESIGN. OUR SYSTEMS WILL CLEAN ANY POOL YOU DESIGN EVERY DAY

Pool-Water Products | P: 03 9873 5055 F: 03 9873 4746 | Email: info@poolwaterproducts.com.au www.poolwaterproducts.com.au