Swimming Pools / Leisure / Aquatics / Spas / Health
Issue 119 August/September 2018
Pool of the Year A father’s legacy
SPLASH! Pool & Spa Show Review All the award winners National and state Making movies In a swimming pool
www.splashmagazine.com.au
Is your pool a ticking time bomb? When it comes to swimming pool water disinfection, conventional chlorine dosing can get the job done – but at what expense?
CONVENTIONAL CHLORINE DOSING
1
Potential weaponisation
2
Health and safety hazards
3
Perpetual increases in TDS levels
4
Perpetual increases in water hardness
5
Chlorine gas is a hazardous material that can contribute to industrial accidents or be used as a potential terrorist weapon.
Handling chlorine is a constant safety challenge. Chlorine leaks, spills, and off-gassing can cause harm to humans and equipment.
Liquid chlorine and calcium hypochlorite constantly increase TDS and salt levels in pool water.
Calcium hypochlorite constantly increases water hardness.
Wasteful water dumping Increases in TDS and/or water hardness demands massive water dumping to correct water chemistry.
Simpler. Safer. Smarter. AISWATER.COM.AU
51 Millennium Place, Tingalpa, Queensland 4173 Australia
1300 965 222 (Australia wide) Telephone: +61 7 3396 5222 Facsimile: +61 7 3393 3441
Our technology is used worldwide in: FINA-standard Swimming and Diving Facilities Municipal Pools and Leisure Facilities Water and Theme Parks Lagoons and Water Features Hotels, Resorts and Spas
Schools and Universities Swim Schools Architects and Product Specifiers Councils and Body Corporates Industry Professionals
Chlorine generation via electrolysis is a simpler, safer and smarter solution for fresh, mineral or salt-water commercial swimming pools. (with TDS levels from 1,200 ppm to 35,000 ppm)
CHLORINE GENERATION VIA ELECTROLYSIS
1
Eliminates the threat of weaponisation
2
Reduces health and safety hazards
3
Keeps TDS levels stable
4
Keeps water hardness stable
5
Chlorine is produced inline, eliminating the need for storage on site.
No direct contact with chlorine means no fumes from storage and no PPE.
No unwanted increase of TDS level.
No addition of calcium hypochlorite means no detrimental increase in water hardness.
Protects Earth’s most vital resource Eliminates wasteful water dumping to control TDS and hardness levels.
YOUR POOL & SPA HEAT PUMP SPECIALISTS SEE WHAT MAKES US THE BEST IN THE INDUSTRY... ✓ Full product range from solar replacement to large commercial heat pumps ✓ Heat pumps to suit all locations and climates ✓ Online pool heating evaluation software that ensures correct heater size ✓ Industry leading warranty ✓ 365 day technical support ✓ Simple installation ✓ All models in stock ✓ National distribution ✓ EvoHeat trade portal ✓ Marketing and merchandising material available
LARGEST AQUATIC HEAT PUMP INSTALLATIONS IN AUSTRALIA Check out our install projects at www.evoheat.com.au/projects/
Heat pumps ranging from 4kW to 200kW
25 on titanium heat exchanger
ENERGY EFFICIENT
ECO FRIENDLY
AFFORDABLE
FLEXIBLE
CALL US NOW PH:1300 859 933 WWW.EVOHEAT.COM.AU
MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT THAN EVER! Introducing our new Advanced Evo DHP-R premium pool heat pump that offers greater control and energy savings! Our advanced model comes with a cutting edge, full colour screen controller that allows users to monitor real time power consumption for the ultimate control! » Available in 5 models - 9kW to 26.9kW » Heating & cooling » Low ambient air performance » Dual defrost systems » Smart phone controller app » Colour touch screen controller » Built in operational timer » Stainless steel cabinet AS SEEN AT
EVOHEAT ONLINE TRADE PORTAL At EvoHeat, we like to make things easy! That is why we have developed an online trade portal that contains everything you need to know about our products. Our quick and easy to use mobile portal offers 24/7 access to: » Pool heater sizing guides » Pool heat evaluation form » Product information » Technical support and videos » Training and selling information » Marketing collateral order form REGISTER NOW AT EVOHEAT.COM.AU
The most economical, guaranteed year round pool and spa heating system available!
THE BES
REDUC
THE ZERO ENERGY POOL SOLAR ELECTRICITY + POOL HEATING ONE FOOTPRINT, TWO SOLUTIONS. A HYBRID PANEL THAT SIMULTANEOUSLY PRODUCES ELECTRICITY AND HEATING FOR SWIMMING POOLS.
The electricity generated by the high efficiency monocrystalline cells can cover all the electricity needs of the swimming pool. Any surplus electricity can be self-consumed in the home or returned to the grid for a feed-in tariff or net-metering program. The patented ultra-thin heat exchanger is completely integrated into the panel. As the pool water flows through the heat exchanger, the water is heated whilst simultaneously cooling the panel. This results in a highly efficient transfer of heat between the photovoltaic (PV) surface and the water circulation on the underside. Traditional PV panels generate much more heat than electricity. The cooling effect on the DualSun panel allows the PV electrical generation to be maintained, and increases peak performance by up to 20%. A DualSun installation generating heated water and solar electricity produces up to four times more energy than a standard PV installation.
ST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE
CE YOUR ONGOING POOL HEATING COSTS TO ZERO
ENHANCED PERFORMANCE DualSun’s unique design increases electrical output
100% RENEWABLE ENERGY Self-sustaining energy and heating production
PERFORMANCE OPTIMISATION A range of solutions to maximise the use of your system
EUROPEAN ENGINEERING Quality French design and manufacturing
RETURN ON INVESTMENT A responsible investment that pays for itself
THE EVOLUTION OF SOLAR POWER DualSun’s hybrid solar PV thermal technology is based on two principles: 1. Standard PV panels generate much more heat (82.8%) than electricity (17.2%) when exposed to the sun. 2. The efficiency of PV panels decreases as the surface temperature increases.
Standard photovoltaic production
DualSun photovoltaic gain
DualSun thermal production
NATIONAL AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE
PRODUCT OF THE YEAR
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT
PRODUCT OF THE YEAR
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT
PRODUCT OF THE YEAR
1300 787 978
supremeheating.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 On behalf of The Swimming Pool & Spa Association of Australia Ltd (SPASA Australia) Publisher: Simon Cooper Managing Editor: Chris Maher Phone: 0412 048 639 Email: chrismaher@intermedia.com.au
editorial It’s hard not to be excited
Contributors: Cal Stanley Advertising Manager: David Stennett Phone: 0404 725 554 Email: david@spasa.com.au Senior Designer: Chris Papaspiros
Even though the 2018 SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show was several weeks ago now, it’s still hard not to be excited by what was the biggest and the best industry event ever held on these shores.
Production Manager: Jacqui Cooper Head of Circulation: Chris Blacklock For Subscriptions Call: 1800 651 422 Copyright All material in this publication is copyright to the publisher and/or its contributors. No material may be reproduced without the express permission of the publishers.
Disclaimer: This publication is published by The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd (the “Publisher”) on behalf of SPASA Australia. Materials in this publication have been created by a variety of different entities and, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher accepts no liability for materials created by others. All materials should be considered protected by Australian and international intellectual property laws. Unless you are authorised by law or the copyright owner to do so, you may not copy any of the materials. The mention of a product or service, person or company in this publication does not indicate the Publisher’s endorsement. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Publisher, its agents, company officers or employees. Any use of the information contained in this publication is at the sole risk of the person using that information. The user should make independent enquiries as to the accuracy of the information before relying on that information. All express or implied terms, conditions, warranties, statements, assurances and representations in relation to the Publisher, its publications and its services are expressly excluded save for those conditions and warranties which must be implied under the laws of any State of Australia or the provisions of Division 2 of Part V of the Trade Practices Act 1974 and any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof. To the extent permitted by law, the Publisher will not be liable for any damages including special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages (including but not limited to economic loss or loss of profit or revenue or loss of opportunity) or indirect loss or damage of any kind arising in contract, tort or otherwise, even if advised of the possibility of such loss of profits or damages. While we use our best endeavours to ensure accuracy of the materials we create, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher excludes all liability for loss resulting from any inaccuracies or false or misleading statements that may appear in this publication. This issue of SPLASH! magazine published by The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd (Intermedia) may contain magazine or subscription; offers, competitions, forms and surveys (Reader Offers) which require you to provide information about yourself, if you choose to enter or take part in them. If you provide information about yourself to Intermedia, Intermedia will use this information to provide you with the products of services you have requested and may supply your information to contractors that help Intermedia to do this. Intermedia will also use your information to inform you of other Intermedia publications, products, services and events. Intermedia may give your information to organisations that are providing special prizes or offers that are clearly associated with the Reader Offer. Unless you tell us not to, we may give your information to other organisations that may use it to inform you about other products, services or events or to give it to other organisations that may use it for this purpose. If you would like to gain access to the information Intermedia holds about you, please contact Intermedia’s Privacy Officer at The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd, PO Box 55, Glebe, NSW 2037.
There is always a certain atmosphere at each trade show, and the overriding mood at this one was optimism. People were genuinely excited by the outlook, and I think that was largely based on the increasingly professional nature of the industry as a whole. And all of that was on display in one form or another during SPLASH! Week. Chris Maher Managing Editor chrismaher@ intermedia.com.au
The exhibitors had come a long way even in the four years since the show was held at Jupiters. Big, wide-open stands beckoned visitors, and plenty of staff were on hand to explain the expertly displayed products. But it wasn’t simply the effort that the big suppliers put into their stands – even the smallest exhibitors had stepped up to take increasing pride in their presentations. The professionalism was matched by the international nature of this show. Visitors came from 28 different countries – definitely a record. Many came initially to attend one of the several associated events and found time to peruse the show floor as well. All the foreign delegates I spoke with found the show enlightening, useful and time well spent.
Full page ad
It was a busy show too, with so many seminars and associated events, many of which were focussed on the aquatics side of the industry. And that was another feature of this show – bringing together the residential and commercial sectors more than ever before. I can’t wait to see what it will be like in two years’ time. It will be definitely be bigger, and will almost certainly be better. There are a few things already identified that can be improved, and with the enthusiasm that’s been generated from this show, it’s going to be something to see. There is a comprehensive review of the show from page 32 – I hope you enjoy it.
Copyright © 2018 - SPASA Australia.
SPLASH! contains NO advertorial. Proudly supported by
The views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily represent those of the above supporters, nor should any product advertised in SPLASH! magazine be seen to be endorsed by the above.
This issue’s cover The Australian Pool of the Year by Freedom Pools NSW. There is more on all the national and state awards from page 62, and a separate article on the story behind this build on page 64. Image Credit: Topsnap
August/September 2018 SPLASH! 9
TM
A HYBRID PV + SOLAR POOL HEATING SOLUTION
GENERATE MORE EFFICIENT PV ELECTRICITY AND SOLAR POOL HEATING FROM THE SAME PANEL. COOLPV IS THE COMPLETE SOLUTION TO LIMITED ROOF SPACE.
HEATED WATER OUT
CoolPV combines photovoltaic electricity and pool heating in one patented, super efficient panel. Two systems - one footprint!
Overheating is a major problem for all PV panels, but CoolPV converts it into a major benefit.
COLD WATER IN
The top layer is an array of high efficiency PV cells that generate electricity for use in your home.
Right behind that array is a pool water heat exchanger made up of hundreds of tiny tubes. Pool water runs through these tubes to gather up all that FREE and unwanted heat and deliver it back to the pool. By running pool water behind the cells to cool them, CoolPV cells are up to 20% more efficient than other PV cells ... while heating the pool at the same time. In the end, CoolPV achieves FOUR TIMES more energy per square metre of roof space.
For more information on the amazing CoolPV system call
1800 228 437
or visit www.sunbather.com.au
SOLAR POOL HEATING SYSTEMS
Contents 69
66 27
64
Just how good is the pool market in Australia? Cal Stanley looks at how the Australian market stacks up against the biggest market in the world – the USA – and finds that while we’re smaller overall, in terms of pools per capita we more than hold our own.
70
29
The new Fluidra explained The merger of Fluidra and Zodiac has created the biggest pool and spa industry supplier both globally and locally. We speak to the local managing directors to learn about the new structure and their future plans.
72
62
Australia’s best: the 2018 national award winners All the winners from the night of nights on the Gold Coast, presented at the National Awards Gala, showcasing the very best across the nation in every category.
66
All the winners from all the states All the awards of excellence winners from New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria.
82
Crucial clarity in The Meg’s underwater studio Before filming The Meg, American movie giant Warner Bros Studios needed assurance that the underwater dive tank was able to create a blank canvas for filmmakers, meaning the water had to be crystal clear.
32
SPLASH! 2018 buzzes with record attendance Once again the SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show has raised the bar for locally held events, and once again we bring a comprehensive rundown on the most impressive show ever held on these shores, as well as the associated events that made up SPLASH! Week.
Father’s legacy in award winning pool The joy of winning the 2018 National Pool of the Year award was tinged with sadness for Freedom Pools’ Adam Bugden, as it was the last pool his father Alan worked on prior to his untimely passing.
regulars News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Chemistry tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Pool DAs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Commercial news . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
New products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Spa tech tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Ad index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Industry moves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
August/September 2018 SPLASH! 11
news
Paramount Leisure Industries is best known as a leading supplier of in-floor pool cleaning systems
Acquisitions
Hayward buys Paramount Leisure Industries Global residential and commercial pool equipment manufacturer Hayward Industries has purchased Paramount Leisure Industries. Known in the industry as Paramount Pool & Spa Systems, it has a strong heritage and reputation for its innovative in-floor cleaning systems.
Local business unchanged
Pool-Water Products is the local distributor of Paramount systems, and general manager Rohan Beasley says that from their perspective, and to coin an old cliché, it is business as usual. “We are approaching the future in the same way as we’ve always done and that is to provide quality Paramount Products and maintain the highest level of service and support to our customers. We will continue to distribute the Paramount range of products with the same passion and drive and assure all of our customers that our relationship with Paramount remains very strong,” he says. “Pool-Water Products and Paramount, together with our loyal Licenced Dealer network, have built a reputation for providing the best quality products to satisfy the needs of customers who are looking to simplify owning their swimming pools and spas.” He says they look forward to working with Hayward to strengthen the reputation that has been developed over many, many years.
No change to distribution agreements
Andrew and Sally Simson, owners of Pool-Water Products, said in a letter that they were contacted by Buzz Ghizz, president of Paramount Pool & Spa Systems about the sale of Paramount to Hayward Industries Inc. “Paramount will continue to operate as an autonomous business under the existing management of Buzz, Bill and their administration, sales and customer service teams. Buzz assures us that Paramount will continue as a business focussed on quality products and under the terms of the sale there will be no change to their existing distribution agreements worldwide. “As a family run business with such a rich history, the Ghizz family believes the purchase by Hayward allows Paramount the best opportunity to grow whilst protecting the future of the business. The sale strengthens Paramount in the long term and presents opportunities for all concerned. “For us at Pool-Water Products this means the continuation of a very strong working relationship with everyone at Paramount and a continuation to strive for the very best in product delivery and customer service.” 12 SPLASH! August/September 2018
Pool-Water Products was started more than 30 years ago by Rob and Barb Portbury who worked with the Ghizz family to assist in the development of the products supplied to the industry today. The first installations of the Paramount In-Floor Cleaning and Circulation Systems were installed in Australia 25 years ago and Pool-Water Products continues to exclusively supply the Australian concrete pool market today and into the future.
Global reach
Clark Hale, CEO of Hayward Industries, says: “Paramount’s culture of innovation and superior customer service combined with Hayward’s global reach will create significant growth opportunities for both companies, our customers, and our employees.” Buzz Ghiz, CEO of Paramount, says: “We’ve built an exceptional company in large part due to the relationships established with our valued clients and friends over many years. Hayward acknowledges this and I believe they will be good stewards of the Paramount brand.” Paramount will operate as an autonomous business under the Paramount name with the same structure as today; the same management team, sales force, customer service team and operations.
Paramount systems
Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Paramount markets in-floor cleaning systems as well as innovative pool sanitisation products including UV systems and ozone systems, energy efficient whitegoods, lighting and other pool/spa products. Trademarks include Ultra UV2, ClearO3, SwingJet, SwingSweep and VectorJet. Paramount in-floor cleaning and circulation systems work automatically to minimise maintenance time, while also functioning as highly efficient circulation systems. Paramount says owners can expect to save up to 30 per cent on chemicals and energy over the lifetime of their pool. Paramount says its line of UV, ozone and combination sanitisers delivers a level of water purity unmatched by chlorine alone. These supplemental sanitisers work synergistically to inactivate chlorineresistant microorganisms and remove organic particles to leave clean safe water. Paramount also has a wide array of engineered whitegoods ranging from unblockable drains and automatic water levellers to their new venturi skimmer – designed to partner with variable speed pump installations.
news
Winter flat but year up The available three-monthly pool DA numbers for the winter months of June-to-August showed no overall change compared to the same period last year. Over the three months, South Australia was up 37 per cent, Victoria was up 11 per cent and Western Australia was up one per cent, while New South Wales was down six per cent and Queensland was down 10 per cent.
Yearly comparison by month
The annual figures comparing the 12 months to August show a modest increase of three per cent overall, with Victoria (up 12 per cent), South Australia (up 10 per cent) and New South Wales (up one per cent) improving; while Western Australia (down eight per cent) and Queensland (down two per cent) dropped.
Photography
The art of dancing in the pool
Aug
Tan was submerged for four hours during the shoot and the result is a narrative of Year images old that celebrate creativity Year new and 5000 collection of artistic photographs featuring beauty. A stunning dancers in gravity-defying moves — silhouetted in fabrics that 4000 feature graphic patterns and unexpected shapes — offset against a dramatic monochromatic background. 3000
Jul
The project was managed via Dropbox Paper, a new type of 2000 document designed for creative work. It allowed the team to collaborate in real time – from their respective locations, across 1000 different states and continents, using a diverse range of content from Power Point, 0 Pinterest and Vimeo.
Aug
NSW
VIC
QLD
WA
“Dion is in New York, The Australian Ballet is in Melbourne and we are in Bondi, but with Dropbox Paper I could share the creative concept, test-shots and Dion’s designs with the global team at any hour of the day and get immediate sign off,” says business partner Debbie Tan. Prints are available from Aquabumps for a limited time. Contact: www.aquabumps.com
SA
Yearly comparison by State
600
May Jun
1200
4000
900
3000
600
2000
300
1000
0
Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Year old
Eugene Tan,1200 renowned surf photographer and founder of Aquabumps gallery, has moved into the pool to collaborate with iconic fashion 900designer Dion Lee and the Australian Ballet in a creative first. Dancers draped in Dion’s bespoke designs were choreographed into weightless 300 poses by Australian Ballet Artistic Director, David McAllister, as the pool was blacked out and lit from above to 0 create the feeling of an underwater abyss. Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul
Year new
5000
Year new
1500
Three-monthly comaparison
Year old
Year old 1500
Jul
0
Aug
Year new 3500
5000
3000
4000
2500 3000
2000 1500
2000
1000 1000
0
500
NSW
Quarter old
VIC
QLD
WA
SA
Quarter new
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.
August/September 2018 SPLASH! 13
0
news
In addition, Wotton was barred from managing companies for the next seven years. “These were significant breaches that left a number of consumers out of pocket,” Commissioner for Consumer Affairs Dini Soulio says. “Wotton never held an appropriate licence and continued to engage in work, even after he’d been warned his actions were illegal. I’m pleased to see the court recognise the seriousness of these offences and impose a significant fine and order compensation”
More warnings NSW Fair Trading has also put out public warnings not to deal with two unlicensed contractors, one who has taken money to install spas, and a landscaper. They warn not to deal with unlicensed contractor Jack Younes, who was recently convicted and fined $75,000 over home building and consumer law offences.
Courts
Dodgy unlicensed pool builder fined $175,000 plus compensation
Younes, whose aliases include Charlie Khouri, Jason Tippett, and Jack Tan, has traded in Western Sydney under various company and business names such as Universal Constructions & Landscapes Pty Ltd, Dreamscapes and Ikon (or Icon) Landscape Constructions. NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Rose Webb said she is concerned that Younes may still be attempting to trade without a licence, despite never holding one.
A “greedy” unlicensed builder who gambled away money paid by clients and left a trail of substandard or incomplete work in his wake has been fined $175,000 in the Adelaide Magistrates Court for breaches of consumer protection laws.
“Jack Younes has sought various types of residential building work, including structural landscaping, pergolas, decking, spa installation, fencing and retaining walls,” she says.
In court, Peter John Wotton admitted to breaches of the Australian Consumer Law and the Building Work Contractor’s Act.
“Typically, after he accepts payment, Younes’ work is defective or he doesn’t perform any work at all. Younes then fails to refund any funds when contacted by his victims."
The court heard Wotton, as sole director of Simplified Installs Pty Ltd trading as Australia Pools and Patios, had entered into contracts with seven clients for the installation of swimming pools and associated works, ranging in value from $33,000 to $130,000.
Commissioner Webb also warned the public not to deal with Allan James Piggott, also known as Allan Chisel. Piggot contracts to do unlicensed and uninsured work under various unregistered business names. In many cases the work he does is defective.
In most cases, the work was either substandard or incomplete, with some clients complaining of damage to their property as a result of the works he’d undertaken.
Piggott has recently been seeking concreting, paving and structural landscaping work in the Sydney suburbs of Blacktown, Seven Hills, St Clair, Rooty Hill, Minchinbury, Stanhope Gardens, Chatswood and on the Central Coast. He has been offending since 2006. A previous public warning was issued about him in February 2013.
Three clients paid deposits and received nothing in return.
Fake license number The court was also told that in many cases, Wotton had used a fake builder’s licence number on invoices, and that Wotton also entered into a contract with a client worth around $130,000 after being warned by authorities that his actions were illegal and when he knew his business was in financial trouble Magistrate Brett Dixon fined Wotton $175,000 and ordered he pay a total of $58,964.40 in compensation to four of his clients.
Keep informed by subscribing to the free online newsletter.
“Mr Piggott is not and never has been a licensed contractor, yet he continues to enter into contracts to do residential building work,” she says. He is continuing to commit offences despite three prosecutions in 2013, 2015 and 2018. The unregistered business names he’s been recently operating under include and are not limited to: Impeccable Concrete; CAP Concrete Services; Allan’s Concrete and Paving Service; Allan Piggott Building Services.
Top five online news stories
The online stories that made the news over the past two months.
The new Fluidra: the merger explained
SPLASH! 2018 buzzes with record attendance
Video interview with Fluidra’s Stephen Matysiak and Matt Adlam, explaining the merger and the way forward for the newly merged industry giant.
Once again, the SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show has raised the bar for locally held events, with exhibitors and visitors overwhelming positive about the expo.
14 SPLASH! August/September 2018
Hayward acquires Paramount Leisure Industries
Freedom Pools NSW wins the 2018 Australian Pool of the Year
The global residential and commercial pool equipment manufacturer Hayward Industries agreed to buy the infloor cleaning system manufacturer.
Freedom Pools NSW is the newest holder of the coveted Australian Pool of the Year Award, handed out at the National Awards of Excellence Gala.
Aloha Pools wins Victorian Pool of the Year The Victorian Pool of the Year has been won by Aloha Pools, while Supreme Heating won the 2018 Victorian Product of the Year for their Heatseeker product.
news
Upcoming events 2018 Sep 20-21
quatics and Recreation Victoria Metro A Industry Conference, Melbourne
Sep 26-28
Japan Build, Osaka
Oct 9-11
Salon Atlantica, France
Oct 10-12
orld Aquatic Health Conference, W Charleston, South Carolina, USA
Oct 23-26
Interbad, Stuttgart, Germany
Oct 31-Nov 2 International Pool Spa Patio Expo, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Nov 12-16
IAAPA Expo, Orlando Florida
Nov 13-16
Piscine Global Europe, Lyon, France
Nov 16-Dec 2 W orld Lifesaving World Championships, Adelaide Dec 8-10
INA World Aquatics Convention, F Hangzhou, China
2019 Jan 29-31
Spatex, Coventry UK
Feb 26-Mar1 Tecnova Piscinas, Madrid, Spain May 9-11
sia Pool & Spa Expo 2019, A Guangzhou, China
Aug 2
PASA Leadership Convention S 2019, Adelaide Hilton
Oct 15-18
Piscina, Barcelona, Spain
Nov 4-11
Aquanale, Cologne, Germany
Nov 6-8
SETT, Montpellier, France
2020 July 29-30
PLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show, Gold S Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre
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.
August/September 2018 SPLASH! 15
news
Safety
Spa Tech Tips Replacing a portable spa control system Do you need to replace a portable spa control system? It’s worth seeing if your customer wants a more efficient setup to combat the endlessly increasing electricity costs. Here are a few ideas to maximise spa function while minimising running costs. 1. Where possible, use the largest heater kilowatt rating the power supply will accommodate – the larger the heater, the shorter the pump running time/cost in heating cycles. For example, if you replace a 2kW heater with a 4kW heater, you will halve the pump running time. 2. Have an electrician upgrade the power circuit to accommodate this if needed – the additional cost will be returned in no time. Many 15A circuits can be increased to 25A or at least to 20A. 3. Spa systems with smart phone wifi control allow the spa owner to run the spa cooler, then increase the spa temperature from work a couple of hours before getting home. This suits random use and can save the spa owner hundreds of dollars per year. For more information contact technical support at Spatex on 1300 736 025.
16 SPLASH! August/September 2018
Glass gate latch recalled The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued a recall notice for some glass gate latches from Metforce Pty Ltd. The products are stainless steel and plastic glass gate latches used in frameless pool fencing. The products do not comply with Australian Standard AS1926.1 2012 Safety Barriers for Swimming Pools section 2.4.2.1 (b). If the gate is open, turning the key in the striker component of the gate latch may cause the gate to remain locked in the open position. If the glass gate remains unlocked, it will not prevent unsupervised access to the pool or spa area, posing a potential drowning risk. Product numbers: Latch 316 G2G/Latch 316 G2W /Latch 316 G2G Inswing; Latch 316 G2G Outswing/LATCH 316 G2P RND. If you have one of the latches, contact Metforce and a replacement will be sent immediately with simple instructions on how to replace the faulty part. Pool owners are to secure the pool gate until the replacement has been installed. Contact: Metforce (08) 9302 3686, sales@metforce. com.au, www. metforce.com.au.
Some of the Metforce stainless steel and plastic glass gate latches have been recalled
Regulation
Victoria introduces pool register legislation The Victorian Government has introduced new reforms in parliament to boost pool safety by establishing a register of swimming pools and new mandatory inspections. Minister for Planning Richard Wynne introduced the Building Amendment (Registration of Trades and other matters) Bill 2018 in July. This means that for the first time Victoria will join News South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia in having a mandatory pool and spa register – administered by councils – to improve information about the location and safety standards of pools. Preparations are already underway within the Victorian Building Authority to create a voluntary swimming pool register and online pool barrier compliance self-assessment tool in time for the 2018-19 summer period
Safety
Learn2Swim Week comes around again The Learn2Swim Week initiative, now in its fourth year, is aimed at giving every child in Australia under the age of five the chance to learn to swim. It is organised by Laurie Lawrence’s Kids Alive - Do The Five program in partnership with Poolwerx. Poolwerx CEO, John O’Brien, says Learn2Swim Week is a key component of the franchise’s annual water safety campaign, which also includes the successful April Pools Day campaign run earlier in the year. “We know the ability to swim is one of the most important factors in reducing the risk of childhood drowning, so we need to introduce more kids to water familiarisation and swimming lessons as early as possible,” he says. This year Learn2Swim Week will run from October 2 to October 9 and Poolwerx is encouraging swim schools to get behind the initiative and provide free swimming lessons for children under five during the week-long event. O’Brien says swim schools involved last year reported that 60 per cent of parents whose children participated in Learn2Swim Week went on to enrol their children for further lessons. “We know that the message to parents about the importance of teaching under-5s to swim is getting through and this is so important, as children aged 0-4 years are at the highest risk for both fatal and non-fatal drownings.” O’Brien also says the initiative gives retailers the opportunity to connect with and make a difference in their local communities. “As a leader in the pool and spa industry, we have both the opportunity and a responsibility to promote safe water practices in our communities.” The initiative is supported by AustSWIM, ASSA and SWIM Australia. John O’Brien launching the fourth year of Learn2Swim Week
UPGRADE
YOUR EXPECTATIONS
DISCOVER A NATURALLY SUPERIOR SWIMMING EXPERIENCE WITH THE WORLD’S #1 SALT SYSTEM, MORE CUSTOMISABLE THAN EVER Fast and easy Installation. The AquaRite® 120 model is most convenient for existing pools as it is pre-wired for fast electrical connection. It plugs into any 120V GFCI-protected outlet to ensure lower installation time and costs. Unless required by local code, AquaRite® 120 can be installed without the need for a certified electrician.
Right-sized salt chlorination. Salt Chlorination TurboCells are available in three sizes - 40,000, 25,000 and 15,000 gallons. The three sizes enable you to right-size your AquaRite® for the most efficient and cost-effective chlorination possible.
AquaRite™+ SALT CHLORINATOR WITH TURBOCELL
www.hayward-pool.com.au
news
Industry moves
Industry moves Adrian Hart is shifting to a consulting role with SPASA Australia, focussing on regional advocacy. He joined SPASA as Queensland state manager in 2011 and was instrumental in supporting Queensland members during a turbulent time for the local industry. Lindsay McGrath, SPASA Australia CEO, says that Hart leaves an impressive contribution to the association and the membership. “I would like to express my sincere appreciation on behalf of the association, for all the excellent work that Adrian did during his career with SPASA. We wish him well.” Cooke Industries is moving to larger premises on the back of strong, continued growth. Justin Nicholas says the increase in demand is recognition that the pool industry is embracing their advanced range of energy efficient in-floor cleaning and circulation systems. The new location is at 254 Etiwanda Avenue, Mildura Victoria. Sadly, Allan Scott passed away in June at the age of 76. He joined the industry in the mid-70s, commencing his career with Purex in their chemical division alongside John Price and Bob Stanley. In 1980, with brother Bob, Allan purchased the Maroubra Pool Shop, later changing the name to Scott Brothers Poolmart. Allan retired a few years ago to spend time with his family to chase the Byron Bay waves. He will be missed.
18 SPLASH! August/September 2018
SPASA appoints two new membership executives SPASA Australia has appointed two new membership executives to further support members and promote the industry. Based in South Australia and focusing on the Southern market, Rodney Smith brings a lifetime of industry experience to SPASA. “I am excited about the plans which will take the industry forward and thrive on the opportunity to bring more value to members” says Smith. Luke Daly will be based in Brisbane to work with Eastern members. With extensive experience across many sectors of the industry, Daly is passionate about working with members to help build the professionalism and reputation of the pool industry.
“This is a planned step Rodney Smith (left) in SPASA’s expansion,” says Lindsay McGrath CEO of SPASA Australia. “Providing Luke Daly dedicated infield industry professionals to directly support our ever-increasing list of members and benefits.” There is an interview with Smith and Daly on page 35.
Industry Moves
New SPASA Victoria CEO
The SPASA Victoria board has appointed Chris Samartzis as its new CEO. Since 2015 Samartzis had been the general manager of VANA Ltd, the peak industry body for Victorian Newsagents. During this time he oversaw the development and growth of VANA subsidiaries, Nparcel and Nadvert, which have a national footprint with approximately 1200 members across Australia.
New SPASA Victoria CEO, Chris Samartzis
Samartzis has owned and operated several businesses, along with being a past VANA and ANF director, and holds an MBA (Executive).
experience to bring to the role and the board looks forward to him leading the team.
SPASA Victoria president Cliff Cooke says that Samartzis has accumulated a wealth of
Chris Samartzis can be reached on (03) 8521 0919 or emailed at chris@spasavic.com.au.
Industry moves
Allchlor appoints general manager
Sophie de Preaux, Allchlor general manager
Long-standing manufacturing and chlorinator repair business Allchlor has appointed Sophie de Preaux to the new role of general manager. Ray Mander says that with his retirement as managing director in February and the retirement of founding partner Jeff Braithwaite in June, Allchlor was ready for a new direction. “Sophie has worked with Allchlor for the past eight years, covering all aspects of operation. Initially working in sales, her operational expertise has grown to include production, HR and the supply chain. Customer relations will remain a key focus, and include national and international clients,” he says. “Having owned her own retail business, de Preaux has an intense service focus and deep understanding of the challenges of operating a business. “With the launch of our own, new S3800 chlorinator, I believe that we are underway to an exciting new future.”
They won’t save any energy but the pool will. Kids like nothing more than mucking around in a pool all day, especially if it’s in their own backyard. In fact, it’s tiring just watching them! But there’s more to a pool than just the way it looks.
A fully installed automated Swimroll cover can save you both time and money. Remco Swimroll covers have 3 times the insulating properties of the average pool blanket for energy efficiency, they eliminate evaporation saving thousands of litres of water which means less water sanitising with a reduction in pool maintenance. So your family can spend more time enjoying the pool and less time looking after it. On top of that it provides an additional layer of safety.
www.remco.com.au I 1800 609 986
SPA & POOL TRADE SALES ORDER FROM OUR COMPREHENSIVE ONLINE CATALOGUE
spatex.com.au
Spa Pumps, Blowers, Controls, Lighting Electric Heaters, Heat Exchangers Jets, Valves, Suctions, Fittings Magnum Filter Cartridges Quantum AOP Purifiers
SITE B E W nal
igi r O ss our e Y c c e Us To A n I Log NEW
1300 772839 sales@spatex.com.au 1300 SPATEX
Formerly
news
Regulation
Chemical Tips Understanding ORP Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) measures the true efficacy of the oxidisers present in the water in millivolts. An ORP reading of 700mV to 720mV is considered adequate for fast and effective disinfection in pools and most Australian health departments recommend it for commercial pools. ORP will rise and fall according to the level of cyanuric acid, pH and contaminants in the water. For example, a pool showing a Free Chlorine level of 2ppm may show an ORP reading of 720 at a pH level of 7.4. As the pH level changes so too will the ORP. At a pH of 7.8 the ORP may read below 700 or at a pH of 7 may read above 750. Similarly a stabiliser reading of 20 will show a much higher ORP level than the same pool with a stabiliser level of 50+. As swimmers introduce contaminants such as sweat, body fats or urine into the pool water, the ORP will reduce. As the ORP level changes it enables the sanitiser controller to react to the increased chlorine demand and commence feeding as required. Chlorine controllers will only monitor and control the Free Chlorine set point but do not allow for changes in pH, contaminants etc. (See Issue 118 for more on pH.) These tips are supplied by pool industry pioneer and chemistry expert David Lloyd. For more information call International Quadratics on (02) 9774 5550.
SPASA responds to NSW Fair Trading reforms Following the release of NSW Fair Trading’s consultation paper, SPASA Australia has responded to elements pertinent to the swimming pool and spa industry. The four most pertinent items are that SPASA: • Rejects the removal of licensing for Fencing, Glazing and Paving; • Advocates removing Owner-Builder licensing; • Supports more focus and the expansion of mandatory CPD program; • Recommends the Security of Payment Act be expanded to include homeowners. In the introduction to the document SPASA says: “The swimming pool and spa industry in NSW is directly affected by the operation of occupational and business licensing requirements. “SPASA’s position is to support the operation of an appropriate licensing framework for the swimming pool and spa and broader industries. The ultimate key is for the framework to be set at a reasonable level to
achieve the intended consumer and safety outcomes and avoid risks associated with ‘unqualified’ persons or organisations undertaking work. “Licensing should minimise risks by ensuring that people who perform work which is critical to safety have as a minimum achieved a certain standard of technical skills. When any building or associated work is done badly then it has the potential to cause significant harm to people and/or costs to property. “In considering the effects of red tape on licensing there is, in SPASA’s view, a need to rethink the concept that by removing licensing that it will result in the positive removal of red tape. “Whilst this may be the case in some instances, it can never be acceptable in situations where licensing relates to work which is critical to improving safety outcomes in and around swimming pools and spa environments.” The SPASA Submission on the Easy and Transparent Trading Consultation Paper is available at splashmagazine.com.au/quicklinks.
Environment
New certification program to boost industry sustainability A new, comprehensive efficiency and sustainability certification system was launched at SPLASH! during the national awards gala. SPASA Australia’s Climate Care Certification Program enables members to promote their products, services and installations under an industry approved, environmentally sustainable program. A Climate Care Certified product, system or installation/retrofit/construction is one that creates a new benchmark for swimming pools and spas which utilise: • Water efficiency/sustainability • Energy efficiency • Noise reduction measures • Environmentally sustainable designs • Efficiency/sustainability innovations Smart Approved WaterMark is the certification partner for water efficient products for Climate Care Certified. Certification with Smart Approved WaterMark provides a Climate Care applicant with verification of water saving claims required in the application.
Climate Care Certified benefits
Having your products, systems or installations/ retrofits/constructions Climate Care Certified enhances your ability to:
• Highlight your product/system/installation’s environmentally sustainable qualities; • Show your commitment to preserving the environment and to industry best practice; • Gain a competitive edge in the market place by joining a network of environmentally conscious providers, listed as Climate Care Certified on the searchable database; • Increase sales and productivity by having your industry innovations: recognised, endorsed, validated and approved as Climate Care Certified; • I mprove your reputation and credibility with consumers, colleagues and industry partners, and; •D emonstrate your investment in the industry’s sustainable future and inspire others to do the same. As part of the registration process, all products, systems and installations submitted for registration will undergo a claims verification process undertaken by a SPASA appointed panel prior to being provided with the Climate Care Certification. As a launch offer, SPASA members who apply to Smart Approved WaterMark are able to get both Climate Care Certification and Smart Approved WaterMark for the cost of one (valid for two years). Contact: spiros@spasa.com.au, 1300 021 482 August/September 2018 SPLASH! 21
news
Spas are always a major feature of the winter show
In Brief Controversial crossbench senator David Leyonhjelm has been issued with a court attendance notice accusing him of failing to register his swimming pool. He faces a fine of $2200 if found guilty. He did not attend his Burwood Local Court appearance but indicated to the court he intended to plead not guilty. Fairfax reports his spokesperson said the senator was engaged in a dispute with Canada Bay Council over the registration. He is due to appear back in Burwood Local Court on November 22. Pentair has completed the separation of its electrical business, which is now held by nVent Electric plc, a new independent, publicly-traded company, with president and CEO John Stauch saying Pentair is now well positioned to deliver on its strategic initiatives as a pure play residential and commercial water treatment company, focused on the belief that the health of the world depends on reliable access to clean water. He says the new focus will better position them to deliver predictable, consistent, and sustainable growth, and that their strong financial position will allow them to invest in attractive growth opportunities that maximise returns for shareholders. SR Smith has acquired the assets of pool furniture, decking and commercial equipment manufacturer InterFab, based in Tucson, Arizona, except for Inter-Fab’s deck mounted pool slides which have not been acquired.
22 SPLASH! August/September 2018
Events
Victorian winter show brings pool and spa buyers SPASA Victoria says their successful consumer Winter Spa & Pool Show is a sign that increasing numbers of people want to add a spa or a pool to their home.
Ted Martin of Compass Pools said that the Sunday of this winter show was as good and as busy as the Sunday of a summer show.
They said the winter show is well timed for consumers who are ready to purchase and want to be swimming by summer.
This year the winter show had a renewed emphasis on outdoor living which some credited for the rise in numbers.
“The Winter Spa & Pool Show is the perfect opportunity for prospective purchasers to come along and hear free advice from industry experts as well as take advantage of some fantastic specials on offer from exhibiting companies,” a SPASA Victoria spokesperson said.
“We’ve also noticed that those consumers have higher disposable incomes,” said Darin Bradbury of Mint Pool + Landscape Design The next Victorian consumer show is the Summer Expo held on Friday February 1 to Sunday February 3 2019.
Events
BioGuard gathers in Singapore Pool and spa chemical retail network BioGuard hosted its biennial leadership conference in Singapore earlier this year. Over the course of two days, delegates developed their business and sales knowledge, were presented with the latest BioGuard service and product offers, and attended networking dinners to foster professional relationships. Victoria’s Albatross Pools was inducted into the BioGuard Hall of Fame in recognition of more than 35 years of continuous family association with BioGuard. Peita and Justin Otterbach of Albatross Pools accepted the award, with Peita saying: “Over the past year we have been reflecting on the history of our business in preparation for our 50th year celebrations next year – BioGuard and the partnership forged back in the 70s is obviously a large part of that history. I can’t help but smile and be thankful and equally proud of the journey our businesses have had together over the decades. We truly appreciate the recognition of our years of partnership and look forward to many more good years to come.” The following retailers were also acknowledged for their years of store affiliation with BioGuard:
More than 10 years: Darwin Fibreglass (NT); Friendly Pool & Spa Care (NT); Paremata Spa & Pool (NZ); BioGuard Poolside Noosa (QLD); BioGuard Poolside North East (SA); BioGuard Poolside North Shore (NZ); BioGuard Poolside Rotorua (NZ); Profile Pools & Landscaping (NSW). More than 15 years: Hornsby Pool Care (NSW); BioGuard Poolside Albion Park (NSW); BioGuard Poolside All Seasons Pools & Spa (QLD); BioGuard Poolside Pelican Waters (QLD); BioGuard Poolside Wide Bay Pool & Spa (QLD); Sunbury Water Life (VIC). More than 20 years: Marina Pools, Capalaba (QLD); BioGuard Poolside Christchurch (NZ); BioGuard Poolside Traralgon – (VIC). More than 25 years: Poolmart Karratha (WA); BioGuard Poolside Buderim (QLD). More than 30 years: Alpha Pools Pty Ltd (SA); Greengate Pool Centre (NSW ); Irribiz (NSW ); Pool Care Pty Ltd (SA); BioGuard Poolside Albury (NSW ); BioGuard Poolside Davison Pty Ltd (NSW ); BioGuard Poolside Newcastle (NSW ). More than 35 years: Albatross Swimming Pools Dandenong & Albatross Swimming Pools Warrandyte (VIC); BioGuard Poolside Wangaratta (VIC).
INTEGRATIONS
news
The darkroom showcases the illuminated spa experience at night
Disinfection
Beware biofilm Specialist pool and spa chemical supplier Lo-Chlor is mounting a campaign to overcome a lack of industry awareness about the damaging effects of biofilm. Biofilm is a complex structure adhering to surfaces that are regularly in contact with water, consisting of colonies of bacteria and other microorganisms that secrete a mucilaginous protective coating in which they are encased. Biofilm can form on solid or liquid surfaces as well as on soft tissue in living organisms and are typically resistant to conventional methods of disinfection. There are numerous types of bacteria associated with biofilm that readily form and exist in recreational water vessels such as pools and spas. Paul Simons of Lochlor says that pools and spas have bathers who introduce a plethora of organic contaminates that help feed the biofilm matrix. “Here is where biofilm can gain a foothold no matter what care and maintenance protocols you follow,” he says. “Biofilm forms naturally, especially in dark and warm water environments. The biofilm can form inside piping, on all surfaces and inside the filtration system. Add all the organic stuff like lotions, soaps, exfoliated skin, sweat and a host of other stuff, and you’ve got a ripe environment for biofilm.” He says that while people think primary disinfection kills all the bacteria, this is not correct. “Proper chemical use with a sanitiser such as chlorine or bromine can only reduce what are called “planktonic” or free-floating biofilm bacteria in water,” he says. “The other 99 per cent of the bacteria are lodged into the biofilm matrix which is a colony of bacteria lurking inside the plumbing, jets and filter that these sanitisers do not dislodge.” He says biofilm harbours diseases including MRSA, Legionella (Legionnaire’s disease), Pseudomonas Aeruginosas, Mycobacterium Fortuitum and E-Coli. Simons says specialist products are needed to dislodge the biofilm environment. “These products include components that soften the outer walls, allowing scrubbers and carrier salts to loosen and break-up these hard-to-remove bacteria.” For more information contact Lo-Chlor on 1800 64 7665 Biofilm can form on solid or liquid surfaces as well as on soft tissue in living organisms and are typically resistant to conventional methods of disinfection
24 SPLASH! August/September 2018
Retail
U-turn pays dividends for Spa World Spa World has credited a reinvestment in bricks and mortar with a boost in its retail fortunes, culminating in picking up the Best Spa Retailer at the National Awards of Excellence (see page 62 for a full list of the national awards). Andrew Pullen, CEO of Vortex Leisure, which owns Spa World, says that in defiance of the much-discussed “dying retail sector”, the company is giving retail a renewed focus, increasing the number and size of its stores in Australia. “As part of a unified commerce strategy, we have decided to invest heavily in bigger, better store locations and in the quality of the store fitouts throughout the country, while continuing to invest in the group’s online presence.” He says that after an ownership change in 2009, Spa World consolidated to just 10 retail outlets, mainly in the capital cities, and began to grow its online presence. “A decade ago, the view was that bricks and mortar was dying and online was the future, so we reduced the number of stores and invested in an industry best website. We were half right,” he says. “Sales grew steadily to the stores and the websites, with annual visitor numbers now exceeding one million. However, with Spa World’s widening
product range, now numbering well over 100 different spa and swim spa options, the need for customers to have a first-hand experience became even more apparent.” They found customers tended to research online and use the store visit as the final step in the spa buying process. “They need to sit in and experience the different spa options for what is often the third biggest purchasing decision of their lives, after buying a house or car.” All Spa World’s new retail stores optimise the customer experience by careful use of space, branding and styling. The aim is to create a consistent and cohesive look, while offering exceptional customer service across all of the stores. “We’ve got decking, plants and a large darkroom that showcases the illuminated spa experience at night,” Pullen says. “We have also installed video displays to show off inspirational landscaping ideas from existing Spa World customers.” Pullen says the new retail approach is a reflection of Spa World’s values that include caring for customers through what the company calls “five-star performance”, such as operating its own seven-day customer care centre with knowledgeable staff available by phone to answer customer queries.
The VX65iQ Robotic Pool Cleaner.
For pool owners with better things to do
The VX65 iQ with iAquaLink™ gives your customers control anytime, anywhere. Zodiac is always thinking of better ways to clean the pool. And with our latest innovation, pool owners now don’t have to be at the pool to clean the pool. The 4WD VX65iQ Robotic Pool Cleaner comes with iAqualink. It’s an app that lets them connect to their home Wi-Fi and control their cleaner from any smart device, anytime, anywhere. And the cleaner itself is fitted with our patented Vortex Cyclone Suction Technology for a cleaner clean. So your customers can get on with the things they’d rather be doing while the VX65iQ gets on with looking after the pool. Get the full sweep on all the features at zodiac.com.au/vx65iq
feature
Just how good is the pool market in Australia?
A
ccording the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the population of Australia at the end of 2017 was an estimated 24,770,700 after an increase during that year of 388,000. It has now ticked over to 25 million. Institute of Family Studies estimates the following information as at the end of 2017: Number of households: 9,414,000 Households without children: 2,591,753 27.5 per cent Households with children: 6,822,247 72.5 per cent Couples with children: 2,880,873 30.6 per cent falling to 27.2 per cent over next 20 years Couples without children: 2,692,204 28.6 per cent rising to 30.1 per cent over next 20 years Single parent families: 1,057,344 11.2 per cent rising to 11.8 per cent over next 20 years Other: 191,826 0.02 per cent steady Of single parent families, 82 per cent of parents are female with only 18 per cent being male. I am unaware of the ratio of pool sales to the above categories but individual pool builders should have knowledge of their own sales into these categories and use them to predict future business trends or to take action to aim at a different mix of sales. Based on information from industry sources, I estimate that the total number of swimming pools in Australia at present to be between 1.25 million and 1.3 million (even though Roy Morgan recently estimated 2.3 million then revised it back to 0.9 million) and I will use the lower number. I also assume that the above ground pool market is about 15 per cent nationally.
Since we already have such an excellent market penetration, how do we improve it further going forward? The new home market will remain a prime focus because so long as an in-ground pool goes into 1-in-8 or more new homes, our market penetration will continue to increase. This doesn’t seem to me to be a big ask, and I am confident Australian pool builders can continue to leave the rest of the world in their dust. It’s not rocket science really – 86.7 per cent of Australian households do not have a swimming pool, and that is a pretty fair chunk of Australia left for our pool builders. Obviously marketing schemes extolling the enjoyment and benefit of a home swimming pools will play a considerable part. But pool builders’ attitude to their customers down the track is equally as important.
Own your pools
Pool builders and installers should retain a proprietary interest in every pool they install for at least six years. Why? Because the single most common reason for a pool owner not to get a pool in his/her next house is a bad experience with the first one. I am sure I have mentioned this before but it certainly bears repeating over and over until things improve. The first reaction to a consumer complaint by many pool builders and installers is to pass their clients off to the pool shop sector and to deny that any problem is a warranty issue. I cannot think of a cheaper or better way of generating more business than to look after your existing clients with their pool problems. The cost of this is money well spent. It’s the old adage that one happy satisfied customer will gain you three more, while one dissatisfied and unhappy customer will lose you ten or more! For these columns, Cal Stanley draws on his experience and success in pool construction, having run award-winning Neptune Pools in Western Australia for three decades, and sitting on many standards committees and industry body boards. More recently he has worked as a pool consultant and trainer and delivers hydraulics courses for the swimming pool industry. If you have a question regarding his columns or have a topic you think he should delve into, email him at neptunepools@westnet.com.au. Graph 1: Total existing pools in Australia and USA (in millions)
The USA pool market
The American pool market is by far the biggest pool market in the world. APSP (their national industry body) estimates that at the end of 2017 there were 10.4 million pools, of which a whopping 44 per cent were aboveground pools. The USA population is 326 million with 137.5 million households.
A comparison:
Australia USA Population: 5,000,000 325,700,000 Households: 9,414,000 137,420,000 Est. swimming pools 1,250,000 10,400,000 % of pools to population: 5.0 3.2 % of pools to households: 13.3 7.6 % I/G pools only per household: 11.3 4.2 Pools per household: 1:7.5 1:13.2 I/G pools per household: 1:8.9 1:23.6 On the key indicator – pools per household – Australia is doing 75 per cent better than the USA. For in-ground pools only, the Australia ratio per household is more than double that of the USA. For in-ground pools only, Australia is 265 per cent ahead of the USA. There is no doubt that by all measures, Australia installs at least twice as many pools per household than any other country in the world.
Graph 2: Existing pools per household in Australia and USA August/September 2018 SPLASH! 27
Advantages
Say “Goodbye” to Rust Forever!
Easy Installation
No Earthing or Bonding Required Cross-Braced Return-to-Deck Commercial Rails Rails
Low Maintenance No Rusting, Pitting or Scaling No Bonding or Grounding Required Will Not Fade, Chip or Corrode DOES NOT Get Hot in the Sun Smooth, Glossy, Easy to Clean Surface 5 Year Warranty on Pool Rails & Ladders
Safety Rails and Snap On Trays Available Commercial Residential Deck-to-Pool Rails Ladders
Installation Options
Volleyball Kits
Non-corroding composite NO GROUNDING or BONDING!! When installed with SĀFTRON Pool Rails
Surface Base Anchor Socket
Not All Rails & Ladders Are Created Equally
Reinforced with Marine Grade Aluminium for Strength & Durability Comes in 6 Standard Colours
White
Beige
Taupe
Gray
Graphite Gray
Your Local Distrbutor:
Black
NSW International Quadratics T 02 9774 5550 F 02 9744 5552
VIC Aquachem T 03 9792 0088 F 03 9792 9442
sales@interquad.com.au
admin@aquachem.com.au
QLD/TAS & WA Aquatic Elements (SAFTRON IMPORTER) T 07 5534 3136 F 07 3259 8519
SA & NT Pool Resources SA T 08 8241 5835 admin@prsa.com.au
sales@aquaticelements.com.au
2 Hayter St, Currumbin QLD 4223 • (07) 5534 3136 • www.aquaticelements.com.au
feature Matt Adlam and Stephen Matysiak (right)
The new Fluidra explained
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_ continue=6&v=c-UHQRwQN4w In July Fluidra and Zodiac closed their merger, creating the new Fluidra Melbourne has obviously been very important for AstralPool. Is – the industry’s largest supplier. that going to continue to be important for the merged entity? Stephen Matysiak, Fluidra’s managing director Southern Hemisphere, and Matt Adlam, managing director Australia, discussed with SPLASH! MA: Absolutely. A $45 million plant – it’s a huge investment. the newly merged swimming pool equipment giant, and explained the And I think the Zodiac team is very excited about having local new structure and future plans. This video interview, one of a series manufacturing here. It’s something that has been ultimately recorded at SPLASH!, can be viewed at splashmagazine.com.au. very important for us over the years, considering that local manufacturing is quite highly held – Australians are quite patriotic. And it makes us proud to be Australian and we want to continue SPLASH! What are the new roles for you, Matt and Jonas? down that track where possible, and where it makes sense. So it’s obviously relevant now and for many, many years. We think we’re SM: My role will be the managing director of the southern competitive with any manufacturing plant in the world, and I think hemisphere, which will include Australia, New Zealand, South Africa Australians embrace that as well – our customers particularly. and several Asian countries. Matt will be the managing director of the Australian business, and Jonas Ryberg will take the lead as SPLASH! Are the AstralPool and Zodiac brands marketing head for the Sohem [southern hemisphere] region as well. going to maintain their own presences?
SPLASH! What was the rationale for the merger?
SM: The intention is to run them as completely separate
SM: Ultimately I believe it boils down to Fluidra wanting to get
programs, and separate brands, and in essence, create our own competition. So both brands will continue and be grown. We do not intend to consolidate under the Fluidra company name.
access into the US market. Fluidra had for a number of years battled to get into that market. As well, Zodiac really didn’t have a strong portfolio of pumps and filters in Europe. Those were probably the two driving forces of the global merger.
MA: They’re both well respected brands which we absolutely want to continue.
SPLASH! There had been rumours that it wasn’t a
SPLASH! What is the timeline going forward?
true merger, that it was more of a takeover from one party or the other. But that’s not the case?
SM: We’ve got plans laid out until the end of 2019. The
SM: It really is a true merger and I think often that idea comes when there’s been a disparity in the sizes of the businesses around the world. Ultimately certain countries have bigger Fluidra facilities and certain countries have bigger Zodiac facilities. And often it’s the perception of the staff and the customers based on that dissimilar size [in a particular location]. But it really is a true merger. The board consists of independent members from Fluidra as well as independent members from Zodiac. And it’s actually quite a balanced portfolio. They’ve kept the numbers really at a 50-50 ratio.
MA: In Australia it’s a real blend. Some countries have got a real balance between AstralPool and Zodiac – and in Australia we’ve got a real merged approach as well, blending both parts of the business for best practice. Which is very exciting for us.
SPLASH! The Keysborough manufacturing facility in
biggest one is probably when we merge the ERP systems around about July next year. That’s probably when we’re really going to start becoming the ‘One Fluidra’.
SPLASH! Are there going to be job losses? SM: We don’t foresee any job losses. Actually, we implemented a headcount freeze across both businesses quite early on in the process, and we have a number of vacancies at the moment. So we’re actively recruiting now that the merger has closed we’re actually hiring more people, rather than making people redundant.
MA: There was a motto used in the merger was ‘one plus one equals more than two’, which says it in a nutshell. We’re looking to structure the company up to be the best, and you need good staff to do that. It’s not our intention to strip staff down. There will be changes of course, but it won’t affect our numbers at all. August/September 2018 SPLASH! 29
feature
history in AstralPool, and we want to continue down that line of local R&D – and I think it has to be done locally – however, with the new company we have the ability to tap into all the professional R&D centres across the world, and no bigger than the one in Vista at Zodiac, and we want to accelerate that part of it but certainly we’ll have our own flavour in Australia and that will continue. It’s been a huge part of our success in the past, and I think we can tap into that – and looking at best practice again – to localise as much as we can, but utilise the strength of the R&D streamline from the world.
SM: We’re actually actively recruiting in the R&D department at the moment, so we’re already chatting to some individuals in Europe to come down and help us grow the R&D in Australia. So absolutely it’s going to be a focus for us. We plan to develop more products in Australia.
SPLASH! Did you find differences in the ABOVE: Stephen Matysiak, Fluidra’s managing director Southern Hemisphere, making a presentation about the merger at SPLASH!
SPLASH! What will happen with the headquarters of the respective companies in Sydney and Melbourne?
SM: We’ll keep both facilities for the foreseeable future. Ultimately, certain departments will be based in each facility. So for instance, we have a stronger marketing team in Sydney so the marketing team for the new entity will be based in Sydney. However manufacturing is in Keysborough, supply chain is obviously linked to manufacturing, so that will be based down in Keysborough. So we’re going to use both facilities and have them for different departments.
SPLASH! What will be happening with internet sales as far as the AstralPool brand is concerned?
MA: The AstralPool brand is a professional brand for the professionals. We made a conscious decision about five years ago to structure up and really invest in the professional market. In the new company we have a huge portfolio, which means we have the ability to place a bundle of products into each of the channels it’s most suitable for. So as far as we’re concerned, the AstralPool brand is for the professional builder and retail part of the industry, and the online part of it will formulate a different range of equipment, and there’ll certainly be that separation, which we’ve done in the past.
cultures of the two organisations, and if so how are you managing those differences?
SM: Ultimately the number one thing that stood out straight away is that both companies have a customerfirst focus, or value. The thing that brought us together very, very quickly as a team is that we both put customers front of mind. Yes, we do things differently and we are starting to understand each other better. After this SPLASH! show we’ve actually got our first combined sales conference where we’re going to have fifty sales people meeting each other for the first time as colleagues not competitors. So we have some work to do, but ultimately if we keep the customer-first focus, I believe we’re heading in the right direction.
SPLASH! What changes will customers see? MA: Currently the customers won’t see too many
Alliance loyalty programs going to be able to buy from the other program or the other brand?
changes. Whilst this merger is happening and it’s quite a heavy workload in the background, we made quite a conscious decision that, obviously, nothing should happen unless it’s a real benefit to our customers. So from that point, what will the customers see in the next phase? Probably not a lot this year. But in the near future there will be changes, all with a view to improving the services to our customers, rolling out additional trade centres, remodelling the trade centres to have a better experience with Fluidra. So we’ve planned a number of initiatives, the roll-out is happening over the next twelve months, and there are lots of things happening in the trade centre world.
SM: It’s one of the bridges we haven’t crossed. At this
SPLASH! The new Fluidra is now the largest
point in time we want to keep both programs completely separate so that they can compete against each other in the market. We may look at certain product categories which are not core and let them cross-sell. However we do intend to keep the programs and product ranges through the two different channels as separate for now.
organisation in the swimming pool and spa industry globally, and in Australia. How does that affect your approach to the market?
SPLASH! Are customers from the Titanium and
SPLASH! Is there still going to be research and development going on in Australia?
MA: There is. It forms a fairly formidable part of our 30 SPLASH! August/September 2018
SM: It’s something that’s been very clear right from the top. That yes, we are the biggest – but that does not entitle us to the business. We need to be the best to win the business. It’s something we’ll often remind ourselves – don’t let size make us arrogant. At the end of the day we need to be the best, and we need to win our customers’ business every single day.
Trusted Brand Innovative Design Master Craf tsmanship
Exclusively from Lincoln Pool Equipment 27 Lakewood Boulevard, Braeside Victoria 3195 Ph: 03 9580 9016 Fax: 03 9587 4143
Unit 3, 13-21 Hallmark Street Pendle Hill NSW 2145 Ph: 02 9674 6008 Fax: 02 9674 6728
email: sales@linc.com.au
web: www.linc.com.au
Concept Centre 19990_0818
All products have Australian style female pole fitting.
feature
SPLASH! 2018 buzzes with record attendance
O
nce again the SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show has raised the bar for locally held events, with the 2018 event even larger and more professional than the record-breaking show two years ago. Exhibitors and the visitors who flocked to the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Surfers Paradise were overwhelming positive about the show, with many describing it as even better than 2016. That event had seen a dramatic escalation in the quality and professionalism of the exhibitor displays, and this event took that to a new level, with even the smaller exhibitors putting in notable effort to produce engaging stands, and the overall look of the show much more open and welcoming to attendees. The trade show featured more than 120 exhibitor stands and took up three halls overflowing into the lobby and onto the outdoor terrace, making this the largest show ever. As the space sold out very early, there is great demand for an expansion of floorspace for 2020. The 2018 show had the largest number of attendees ever at an Australian pool and spa trade show, with total numbers coming in just shy of 3000 – an increase of 22 per cent over the 2016 numbers.
A global event
The show was also the most international SPLASH! event ever, with visitors from 28 different countries including Australia, Benin, Brazil, China, Denmark, Egypt, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, Germany, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Mongolia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand, United States, Vietnam and Zimbabwe. As 32 SPLASH! August/September 2018
usual there was a healthy contingent from New Zealand and a delegation of Malaysian Swimming Pool Association members. The 2018 show also included additional events such as the very well received Women in Leadership Seminar sponsored by Maytronics and the high energy Young Leaders networking evening sponsored by Pool Ranger, as well as the Andrew Simons Memorial Golf Day sponsored by Lo-Chlor and the site tour of the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre.
Industry support
Lindsay McGrath, CEO of SPASA Australia, says he is very pleased with the first SPLASH! under SPASA ownership. “SPLASH! 2018 has been a fabulous show – and we have the support of the industry to thank for that. There was increased supplier participation and the attendees turned out in droves – on the first morning the lines went all the way back to the escalators and overall there were more visitors than any previous Australian pool and spa trade show,” says McGrath. “I want to thank the industry for their support of SPASA’s acquisition of SPLASH!, and the success of this show is testament to that support. We had great feedback from the suppliers and the attendees and lots of comments about how fabulous it’s been for doing business, networking and gaining industry knowledge. It really is the one event where the whole industry comes together,” he says. “I must also thank the sponsors who helped make all this possible, especially Fluidra as our platinum sponsor as well as Pentair, IQ and Theralux, AIS and Lo-Chlor. “While this show was amazing, the next one will be even better. We’ve already booked for 2020 and we’ve expanded the floorspace
by 30 per cent. We’ve looked to some of the overseas shows for ideas to improve SPLASH! even further – to really take it to the next level and ensure its position as the biggest and best pool and spa industry show in the southern hemisphere and the region.” Matt Adlam, Australian managing director of Fluidra, says they are very honoured to be the platinum sponsor of SPASA Australia and SPLASH!. “We can only do this as a result of the support that we get from all of our customers – in return, we see it as our responsibility to support our industry. We are obviously going through a fairly major transition with the merge of AstralPool and Zodiac and are very excited about what we can do in the future,” he says. “We are very proud to be a part of what SPASA Australia represents and the fantastic work they are doing to lift the professionalism of our great industry that keeps us well and truly on our toes. “Congratulations on the success of SPASA Australia’s first SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show and the many other initiatives such as the leadership seminar Women in Leadership.”
Australian Swim Schools Association
The 2018 International Swim Schools Spectacular (ISSS) was held in conjunction with the SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show and exceeded all expectations. More than 460 people from 18 countries participated in the Australian Swim Schools Conference, World Infant Aquatics Conference, Hall of Fame inductions and associated events. The standout function was the ASSA Awards Gala, hosted by swimming
01. SPLASH! 2018 had the largest number of attendees ever at an Australian pool and spa trade show.
and media stars Duncan Armstrong and Jasmin Forsyth. A feature of ISSS 2018 was the valuable opportunity for SwimSchoolers to attend SPLASH! on the same site. Lunches were provided by SPASA to maximise time in the expo hall, with many relevant exhibits readily embraced. ASSA CEO Ross Gage paid tribute to SPASA for helping the event be such a success, including sponsoring the keynote speaker. “The assistance from SPASA in sponsoring ISSS 2018 keynote speaker Krissy Bartlett Tonnenson from the USA was a major factor in making the event the tremendous success it was,” he says.
02. SPASA Australia CEO Lindsay McGrath and SPASA Australia Chair Rob Kruber were both pleased with the first SPLASH! event under SPASA ownership. 1
2
04. The extensive education offerings included SPASA training, SPLASH! seminars and the ASSA conference speakers.
3
ALFA Queensland
ALFAQ ran its expanded commercial industry seminar at SPLASH! culminating in its annual award presentation as part of the SPASA Australia national awards gala. ALFAQ president Dan Kwaczynski says ALFA was very pleased to be a part of SPLASH! again. “It really provides a great opportunity to connect the commercial pool industry with the wider pool community – the domestic pool industry, suppliers and swim schools to name a few. We need to forge closer ties as we all continue to be professional and grow the industry,” he says. “Commercial industry stalwart Belgravia Leisure was awarded the ALFAQ award of excellence, and in a clean sweep, Gympie’s new Aquatic Centre won facility of the year – also operated by Belgravia.” Kwaczynski, who is also managing director of Maytronics, says the show was also excellent for company business. “SPLASH! is simply the best,” he says. “So many opportunities to meet new customers, connect with existing customers and generally network in the industry. “Combining SPLASH! and SPASA is great for the industry. SPLASH! seems to have a life of its own, and keeps growing and developing. We’re privileged to be a part of such an iconic event.”
4
05. More than 460 people from 18 countries participated in the Australian Swim Schools Conference. 06. The Climate Care Welcome Receptions drinks buzzed with delegates enjoying a well-deserved drink prior to heading off to one or more of the many associated corporate events that evening.
5
6
07. Visitors came from 28 different countries including from as far afield as Brazil and Zimbabwe, with large contingents from South East Asia. 08. The exhibitors spent more time and money on their stands, and with the wide corridors there was plenty of space to mingle. 09. The Women in Leadership Seminar was seen as a great success by all involved.
7
8
9
Women in Leadership
The Women in Leadership Seminar, sponsored by Maytronics, was an outstanding success and a precursor to the upcoming Women in Leadership Network. The Women in Leadership Seminar brought women leaders from the industry together to look at how they can continue to strengthen their positions and empower each another. It included presentations by Elena Gosse, CEO of AIS; Lynley Papineau, managing director of Aquatic Leisure Technologies; Roslyn Ronning, managing director of
03. It was noticeable that more stands were open, providing a more welcoming atmosphere for visitors to meet exhibitors.
10
11
10. The Andrew Simons Memorial Golf Day used an exciting format, involving two playoff holes and requiring, on this occasion, a further playoff putt to decide the winner. 11. Winners Carl and Luke Gervais of Rode Pool Services in Queensland, and Dave Lorentz of Rose Bay Pools will be heading to Las Vegas thanks to Lo-Chlor. 12. Billy Slater, rugby league superstar and Australian representative champion, came to help out on the Pool Pro stand, meeting fans and participating in the cash grab booth to help raise the total of $5000 for the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Slater is currently in the process of building a swimming pool. “The most important thing for us was getting a beach, a gradual slope,” August/September 2018 SPLASH! 33
C-Change Potential; and Lee Salisbury, owner of Sapphire Wetwork Pool & Spa. “I’d like to congratulate the wonderful ladies who attended the inaugural SPASA Women in Leadership Seminar,” says SPASA Australia communication manager Suzie Kent. “We all benefited greatly from the insightful and powerful presentations of the four speakers. I look forward to participating in the upcoming Women in Leadership Network, which will assist in providing the tools for promotion and growth of women in the industry.” Elena Gosse applauds SPASA’s initiative with the Women in Leadership program. “It is such a needed event; there are so many women in this industry – most of us in family businesses. In Russia we say the man is the head, the woman is the neck. In Australia we say behind every successful man is a woman. “But I believe it is an equal partnership. It’s not about who is the boss, or who is in the shadow. It’s all about collaboration; it’s all about partnership, about doing things together and appreciating each other. But it’s still quite a male-dominated industry, and it seems like we don’t have a support network. It seems like you are on your own, and when I used to go to events with my husband when I started in the industry 24 years ago, I felt like a stranger. “But at the Women in Leadership seminar, we shared our stories and we felt connected and supported. We talked about how to collaborate, how to own who you are,” she says. “My presentation was how to lead like woman. And for that you don’t need to act like a man, or behave like a man, you basically just have to be yourself. And you need to be authentic. Because authenticity is basically the key: people will be more connected to you; pretending to be someone disconnects you. “I think for 20 years I was trying to be someone I am not. I took me 20 years before I gave myself permission to connect with myself and be who I am. Some people say, Elena, 55 years old, when will you grow up.
“And I say – never. I actually learn from my grandchildren: to be natural; to be who I am.”
Andrew Simons Memorial Golf Day
Once again, the Andrew Simons Memorial Golf Day was held on the Friday of SPLASH! and once again Queensland provided a beautiful sunny August day for a terrific round of golf on one of Australia’s best courses – this time the RACV Royal Pines PGA championship course. And for the second time, sponsors LoChlor generously offered the amazing prize of flights, accommodation, welcome dinner and entry tickets to attend the International Pool Spa Patio Expo (IPSPE) in Las Vegas. After the18 holes on the Australian PGA Championship course were completed, six holes were randomly drawn, with the scores tallied for those holes. The best eight teams then nominated their preferred handicapped golfer for a playoff hole, after which the best three went on to play a further playoff hole. At the end of the second playoff hole, scores were tied, so a playoff putt closest to the hole decided the winner. Brothers Carl and Luke Gervais of Rode Pool Services in Queensland, and Dave Lorentz of Rose Bay Pools (who putted the winner in the playoff ) won the day and will be heading to Las Vegas thanks to Lo-Chlor. Richard Simons was also in the winning team, but had left for the airport by the time the playoff was held.
Looking toward 2020
Rob Kruber, Chair of SPASA Australia, says he is pleased with the first SPLASH! show under SPASA ownership. “It’s been amazing – it’s a sell-out, and even the gala ball had record numbers. What an amazing event to have for the Australian trade show. I think SPLASH! will grow a fair bit over the next couple
12
34 SPLASH! August/September 2018
of shows, and like any good association SPASA Australia will provide more benefits for its members as well.” CEO Lindsay McGrath says SPLASH! will be nearly a third bigger next time, and they will be looking to incorporate some related industries in the event. “The extension of our Leadership Program with Women in Leadership sponsored by Maytronics and the Young Leaders event supported by Pool Ranger were a huge success and have already sparked new programs that will run throughout the year,” he says. He also says that moving the SPASA training to the days prior to the trade show – so as not to compete with the exhibition – had mixed reviews. On the basis of that they are considering the possibility of seminars and training conducted in the mornings. “Our goal is to provide delegates with flexible options for personal growth and business on the trade show floor,” he says. “We have investigated other global shows to seek out best practice operations. A winwin for both visitors and exhibitors is the key. We have had requests to expand more into the commercial market and supporting fields such as landscaping. These are some of the many new ideas we’ll consider as we plan for 2020. “Of course, we will seek extensive feedback from all stakeholders, especially the exhibitors, before we make a decision on any improvements.” The next SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show will be held on July 29 to 30, 2020. Every SPLASH! sells out early. Interested exhibitors should ensure their preferred space by contacting David Stennett at david@spasa.com.au. In this show review, we managed to talk to a large number of people, but of course couldn’t speak to everyone – so please accept our apologies if we were unable to connect. n
13
feature
he says. “My wife doesn’t like the cold water so she might just sit on the beach and have her feet in there, and we’ve got kids as well so it’s good for them.” As an elite athlete, he is a fan of swimming pools and spas and using water for recovery after a tough contest. “Water recovery is a huge part of our preparation into the following week, ice spas, spas and just getting active in waist-deep water is something that can take the weight off your legs, but also get a range of movement. So I find waterbased recovery is the most effective I’ve come across – whether it be iced baths, contrast of hot and cold, or just walking in the water.” He’s been associated with Pool Pro for a number of years. “It’s been a great association and I’m looking forward to getting some Pool Pro products in my pool – only the best!” 13. There was a healthy delegation of 13 members from the Malaysian Swimming Pool Association (MSPA).
14
14. Ivan Wong, MSPA president (left), led the delegation from Kuala Lumpur to SPLASH! “At the moment the Malaysian pool industry is prosperous,” he says. “And with the new government, I think there is even more to come. MSPA has about 50 members but sadly I have to mention that we lost our founding president, Mr Chew Soo Ngee, two years ago. He was the man behind the formation of the association and we are trying to continue with his legacy of promoting the swimming pool association in Malaysia and other parts of the world.” Wong says MSPA has been working closely with SPASA over the years in terms of training and workshops. “We are proposing to start something again later this year in swimming pool design and an update on regulations.” 15. It was a great event for catching up with friends in the industry.
15
16. Rodney Smith (right, from Adelaide) and Luke Daly (left, from Brisbane) have joined SPASA Australia as membership executives. Smith says he finds it very exciting to get a new membership base going and build a culture within the swimming pool association. “I’ll be doing a lot of face-to-face, kind of like a sales role to increase the membership, do marketing, and be in contact with the clients on a regular basis. Keep the communication lines open – instead of just a newsletter – following it up face to face.” Daly: “We’re going to be focussed on driving the memberships for SPASA. I’m boots on the ground, driving the messages for SPASA. My goal – after helping increase membership – is to help develop a career path for young people coming into the industry. I was new to the industry when I was 17 – I was fresh out of school, packing salt, saving to go to uni to do a business degree. And I thought there were all these ceilings in the industry, and now I’ve been in the industry for 11 years, and the ceiling keeps getting higher and higher. So it actually is an industry you can make a career and a life out of.” Additional membership executives will be appointed in the near future
16
17. Nearly 3000 people attended the expo, in an Australian record for swimming pool and spa trade shows. 18. Rob Emmett, marketing co-ordinator for Hayward Pool Products Australia, is fresh to the industry – coming with plenty of experience in digital marketing, some of it specifically with small businesses which is useful considering the makeup of the pool retail sector. “This is a great crossover, because so many of the pool shops are small businesses. With so many channels it’s hard to get too close to the end user customers, but shows like this are great because we can get close to the people who do see those customers and get feedback from them - learn what they’re doing and what works. So much of it now is digital. Not so much e-commerce, which can cannibalise the channels, but marketing. My big focus, particularly for our One Hayward dealers but also for anyone who sells our products, is to develop a really good pool of resources to help them to market their businesses.” In terms of products, he says visitors were very interested in the new AquaVac 600 hydronic pool cleaner. “It’s similar to a bag-less vacuum cleaner with no filter inside it. It uses the hydronic technology to centrifugally spin the debris. We worked hard to develop that technology and apply it to the pool industry, and there’s been a lot of patent work going on as well. It looks fantastic and has other features like light shows, and it’s really easy to pull in and out of the pool. This is the first time everyone has got to see it.”
17
18
August/September 2018 SPLASH! 35
19. Jason Leach of LaMotte Pacific was showing their new salt discs that give all parameters plus salt. “There’ll be the 204 disc and the 104 disc with a wide range hardness that sets it up for the mineral pools. There’ll be 11 parameters overall on the 204 disc.”
19
20
21
20. Bipin Gangadharan showed off Pentair’s new ETi 400 semicommercial gas heater. “It just won an award in the US as best product of the year as a 97 per cent efficient gas heater. It’s a direct-fire heat exchanger – the flame heats the titanium tubes directly. This is new technology that’s especially good for indoor installation, as the flue can be made from PVC plastic piping – you can put your hand over the exhaust and there’s no heat, because the unit recovers all the heat. This is why it is so efficient. It is going through all the compliances and will be ready for next year.” He says the show was very good for Pentair, keeping the whole stand busy. “There was a lot of interest, meeting a lot of old customers. We have a nice stand and we intend to have a bigger stand next time. We have a lot of innovations and are rolling out new products every few months. The demands are more on automation and IoT and we look to introduce some of those products over the coming months and years.” 21. Bob Biernat from Freedom Pools loves the SPLASH! show. “I usually come here every second year, and I love to see all the new products released. It’s a buzz to see new technology, so I love it. Everyone today wants crystal clear water in their pools and healthy water. I saw lots of stuff here, all ready for the coming season. I can’t wait to get into it and make some more dollars! Fibreglass is picking up, it’s been pretty tough in some states, but at the moment for us we’re doing okay. New products released this year are a beach pool, and an aboveground fibreglass pool where there’s no fencing required. You can sell it after ten years and get your money back.” 22. Michael Griffin from Pool Ranger (left, with William Lunt) says he has always found SPLASH! very good. “It’s the best show in the southern hemisphere. We came here
36 SPLASH! August/September 2018
2018-SPLASH-IRIS A4 1HALF-20180606.pdf 1 6/06/2018 10:12:43 AM
feature
to meet new people, but also Pool Ranger’s become a new member of SPASA, and SPLASH! has been taken over by SPASA and it’s been really, really good. It’s been a good show. Pool Ranger is a distributor with 6500 items in a 240 page catalogue. Our customers need an array of products, and we’ve got pumps and filters, chlorinators, spare parts and chemicals as well.” 23. Samuel Fauriaux is from French manufacturer Unicum (left, with Simon Boadle of Sunbather and Clive Pegden of SSL). “We 22 build electric gear motors for slat covers. Our range is from 120 newton-metres to 900 newton-metres. We have two motors IP68 to put in water, or IP55 above water, and a second range not designed to be built into water, manufacturing about 10,000 pieces per year. They are used by many customers, some who are here – Fluidra, Dell, Aqualoop, Maytronics, AstralPool. In Europe slat covers are more popular because we are able to choose fences, slat covers, alarm or glass houses for safety. If you provide a slat cover and an alarm you have 100 per cent safety. But here you need a fence.” Simon Boadle says he’s been to a lot of shows and this one is without C doubt better than the 2016. “We’ve been absolutely thrilled with M the quality of the people coming through. I think the industry has Y turned yet another corner for the better. Power prices are going up as you know, and we’re in the business of conserving energy CM for the pool customer and I think we’re going to sell a lot of pool MY blankets, because I think the word is out that El Nino’s happening and the New South Wales desal plant’s going to be fired up, and CY they’ll be looking at conservation of water in swimming pools.”
ONLY COMPATIBLE WITH
PLUS
CMY
K
23
Premium handset design Long Range RF Plug & Play installation Suitable for new & existing pools
www.spaelectrics.com.au
August/September 2018 SPLASH! 37
feature
24. Adrian Lacy (right, with Adam Ksiazek and Rachel Lacy) of Australian Spa Parts and Spatex: “We’ve recently decide to split the company into retail and trade divisions, so Australian Spa Parts is retail, and Spatex is trade. It’s so the sales channels we use will be more targeted to the trade guys for trade-related products: while the general public might just be looking for a replacement pump, the trade guys might be looking for replacement fittings to fix pumps. Hopefully our name just stands out a little better as a unique name rather than a generic name. I think the show’s gone pretty well, especially the second day. We’ve been getting good quality responses.” 25. Eddie Lloyd, marketing manager of International Quadratics, says the show was extremely productive for them. “It’s a significant investment for us and it turned out well. The stand had a good footprint and a really nice location at the front this year. It works well.” 26. Darcy Mills from Boss Solar says this is the third time the family-owned Victorian manufacturer has come to SPLASH!, the second time with the Rhino product. “We’ve had lots of good reception, seen a lot of existing customers and some potential new ones. It’s good to be out and about for people to see we’re supporting the industry.” 27. Bryan Goh from Waterco says the show was great. “Yesterday from the very beginning at nine o’clock for virtually the whole day we were flat out. So we were very happy with the visitations – a lot of people from interstate like WA and Victoria, and internationally from Malaysia and other parts of South East Asia, from all over the place. It was a good chance to reconnect. My gut feel is numbers must be up. The whole appearance of the exhibition looks amazing. Everyone’s upping the ante, taking a bit more pride in their presentation. The industry’s heading in the right direction.” Two items of particular interest were the new Electrochlor mineral chlorinators which work with salt or magnesium. “One of the big innovations for us is that both of these chlorinators now use the same cell, which makes it easier for us in terms of inventory.” Another was the newly designed handover gear (pictured), which is distinctive, modern and has a
professional feel and sturdiness, including the innovative microfibre pool mop, perfect for smooth surface pools and even pool covers and glass fencing. 28. Granville Harris of AstralPool/ Fluidra was demonstrating the benefits of their new OC-1 filtration media. “It creates a lot of low pressure areas in the whole bed, and the dirt is attracted to those low pressure areas. So the dirt just settles, it isn’t actually being trapped. That means backwashes are very fast because it’s only sitting there, and it just blows off straight away. So backwash times are much faster. So you lose less heat in the pool too. And it lasts for the life of the filter, never needs to be replaced, and it’s recyclable at the end. And it’s light – an 11 kilo bag is equivalent to 75 kilos of sand. It will settle down to 1 micron material, so 11 percent of 1 micron material gets settled. So the water quality we’ve been getting with this media is incredible.” 29. Em Ritchie from Conductor Hub (right, with Austen Ritchie) came to SPLASH! to release their brand new equipotential bonding product that helps speed up the building process. “We released to the market in February, and it’s the only product that complies with the Australian Standard for equipotential boding in a swimming pool and spa area. It’s an easy solution that’s an accessible test connection point, and you can attach any other things within the 2.5m touch zone to the hub and ensure the safety of the end user. You still need an electrician but the pool builder can install the initial part of the product and the electrician can come and do the wiring later. A lot of pool builders saw us in SPLASH! magazine and came along to have a look and a touch, and are already ordering them to install in their constructions, and we’ve had a lot of distributors who’ve picked us up and even some in New Zealand. So we’ve had a great show and there’ll be many more to come.”
24
25
27
28
30. Daena Bougoure-Latchfod of Maytronics says their new mineral system was very popular. “We’ve been really busy – yesterday was amazing, we didn’t stop all day, we were flat chat. We had a lot of dealers come along who’d just come back from the dealer conference. They were very excited about Mineral Swim. It’s 30
38 SPLASH! August/September 2018
26
29
Are your pools or spas ticking time bombs?
...because it works
Bio-Film is a microscopic layer which harbours 99% of all bacteria that grows in swimming pools, spas and hot tubs. It is the hidden secret as to why pools, spas and hot tubs continue to be plagued with rampant bacteria, algae spores and other living organisms. Under the bio-film layer, organisms and bacteria colonise and regenerate and form a defensive shield to prevent sanitisers such as chlorine and hydrogen peroxide from making an impact on these living organisms. Up until now there has never been a chemical that has been able to break down this bio-film layer enabling regular sanitisers to penetrate the defence shield and attack these living organisms.
BIO-KLENZ CONCENTRATED BIO CLEANERS & SCRUBBING AGENTS FOR THE REMOVAL OF BIO-FILM
Remove Bio-Film and prevent its reformation Filter and plumbing lines stay whistle clean Increase the efficiency of chlorine generation Salt Chlorinator Cells last longer Increased bather comfort Reduces sore, dry, red eyes Softens calcium deposits on pool surfaces Reduces calcium build up on chlorinator cells Heaters, heat pumps and solar systems will last longer due to reduced use of corrosive sanitisers such as chlorine compounds Ÿ Does not effect water balance Ÿ Compatible with all types of pool surfaces, chemicals and equipment Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ
Images of Bio-Film and its removal using Lo-Chlor Bio-Klenz
Bio-Klenz is also available in the new Spa Care Range of Products by Lo-Chlor
For more information contact: Lo-Chlor Chemicals P: 1-800 64 POOL (7665) E: info@lochlor.com.au
feature
about experiencing a bit of the Dead Sea at home – all about the minerals and the water quality. We’ve got 100 per cent Dead Sea minerals, exclusively – we’re the only company licensed to bring them in. People have travelled to the Dead Sea for thousands of years for the health and wellness benefits, bathing in the mineral water. So people who have skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema can get relief, and it’s a very relaxing place. The water is very rich in minerals, especially magnesium which is a muscle relaxant and is good for moisturising the skin, and it also helps reduce tangles in hair. People who have these pools say they don’t need to shower afterwards. We’ve partnered with Bauer industries and Ozone Swim – ozone is 3500 times more effective in reducing chemicals than chlorine, and it’s all about reducing the chemicals you put into the pool. We have a male kit and a female kit of Ahava skincare products to go with it. Something a little bit different, that helps with the sale process as well. We got about ten new retailer dealers just yesterday.” 31. There were a number of media outlets in attendance at the show, including of course SPLASH! magazine. Interviews taken at the show will appear in the magazine and online over the coming months. 32. Alex Johnstone, Swimart’s franchise development manager for Australia and New Zealand (left, with Bruce Everett) was at the show looking to add another 10 to 15 franchisees to their current 78 locations. “We’re definitely focussing on the east coast, moreso New South Wales and Victoria, and getting across to New Zealand. There’s so many spots. Even Queensland, which is our most populated state, there’s still a lot of areas where we aren’t. We want to grow our business and give our customers more options to use our services. We’ve done franchising expos and things before, but having so many independent pool shop owners here is great, it’s who we want to speak to. Made a lot of good contacts. We’ll be back, bigger and better next year.”
31 32
33
33. Zodiac had a large and varied range of products on display, with the stand constantly busy. Jonas Ryberg, Fluidra marketing manager handling both Zodiac and AstralPool brands (not in picture), says the show was very positive. “We had lots of good meetings and conversations with customers and there was a fair amount of interest in our new products. On the Zodiac side the new chlorinator that we will be launching early in 2019 generated the most interest; on the AstralPool side the BlueConnect product was a major talking point.” 34. Elena Gosse, CEO of AIS, is seen here demonstrating the new app that interacts with their brochure to bring up testimonials and other relevant information about AIS and its products. She says that the SPLASH! show was the busiest three days she’d had in a while. “I delivered three presentations, attended a SPASA board meeting of which I am a very proud member now, and to be a sponsor at certain events and of course to lead the stand at the trade show. I can tell you we have already won a few customers back and there are prospective new customers. I think about 85 per cent of people who attended my talk on diffusing the ticking time bomb came to visit me on the stand. So we defused the ticking time bomb by using simpler safer technology.” She also spoke at the Women in Leadership seminar and sponsored the Australian Swim School Association inclusive swimming program. “These are people who help make a difference in the world and turn dreams into reality, by teaching people with limited ability.” Gosse says she is proud to be on a new member of the SPASA Australia board. “I believe that if you want to change something you need to lead the change. I wasn’t happy with a lot of stuff in our industry. Not being women inclusive for example. Now being a board member I have the opportunity. I was sold on Lindsay’s vision on where he wants to take SPASA and I thought I will be there helping him bring it forward. I like this board – I like the diversity and the balance of different skills and different sectors and a difference in age which means we all have different perspectives. We’re all looking for the industry to be more inclusive and to remind the rest of the world about the successes in Australia. I’m proud to be part of the change.”
34
August/September 2018 SPLASH! 41
feature
35
35. Ashley Morling (with Kane Ammerlaan) of Reece, who were at SPLASH! for the first time with their impressive ute-stand, looking to attract more pool builders. “Reece Irrigation & Pools have been around for a while – not as long as Reece Plumbing – but we want to break into the pools market. We’ve got 38 Irrigation & Pools branches across Australia, and our message here today is to let pool builders know we’re a one-stop shop. So we’ve got our ute here pulled up at the front of an Irrigation & Pools store. You’ve got your pipe, your fittings, equipment, chemicals. We also offer a twohour delivery service, so anything you need we can drop off. We also have an online business management app that you can use your phone to order, look at invoices, products and pricing, and put through quotes to your customers. Yesterday was quite busy, and it was good to see some of our customers and some of our suppliers and partners. And we’ve got Henden here which is our brand we brought out six months ago.”
36
36. Tim Batt from TBWS with Brett Steinbruek, right, the CEO of US manufacturer Bec Technology and the new BecSys Now app for the system 5 controllers. Batt: “We use a standard Telstra mobile phone modem so we can communicate from anywhere, and the benefit is they don’t need to go through a council network, they can communicate with their controllers from a mobile phone. It will also send out alarm emails and you can download graphs of the readings. These controllers were used at the Commonwealth Games pools, and they’re widely used on commercial pools.” Steinbruek: “The show’s been very good, a lot of traffic, a lot of good conversations.” 37. Kristian Tkatchenko, marketing manager for Davey Water Products, says they had a lot of people visit the stand, especially through the peak in the middle of the day. They had the whole range on display but one of the products that attracted particular attention was the new Bluetooth ProMaster. “By moving the dial to Bluetooth it enables the user to connect through their mobile phone and set the pump through an app. They can do daily and weekly cycling, and they can set the backwash range – but they will still have to make the manual change to the filter to backwash. This pump actually pulses through the backwash to agitate the filter media and be more effective.” 38. Anthony Ramsay says it’s been a great 12 months for Pool Systems. “We’ve done two acquisitions: Newline in July and Pool Power in December. The integration of both businesses has been very successful, staff have adapted well, and we’ve had 20-plus per cent sales growth, so it’s been a really good year. We’ve got three branches in Queensland, Brendale, Seventeen Mile Rocks and Gold Coast; Granville in New South Wales; Dandenong South in Vic and Norwood in Adelaide. And we’ve still got our distribution partners, Austral in Western Australia, and the other Austral in New Zealand. Pool Corp has a five year strategy which includes further acquisitions and a greater footprint in Australia. It will follow the model that’s been so successful in the US and throughout Europe. A lot of our growth has
42 SPLASH! August/September 2018
37
38
Install Solahart
Commercial Solar Power and reduce the energy costs OF YOUR BUSINESS
COMBINE WITH
RHEEM’S COMMERCIAL POOL HEAT PUMPS FOR MAXIMUM SAVINGS EM RHE
®
IQ
” ising Optimntroller iff r a o “T igent C Intell
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR ENERGY BILLS, TODAY!
Immediately lower your energy costs
TRUST AUSTRALIA’S SOLAR ENERGY EXPERTS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Protect your business against future energy price rises
Create significant sustainability improvements for your business
DEDICATED SPECIALISTS
With electricity pricing increasing and Government incentives still available, now is a great time to go solar-PV integrated with a tariff intelligent high efficiency heat pump.
Both Solahart and Rheem are experts in their field with total commitment to detailed project evaluation and to work with you with total integrity to find a custom-solution that can be trusted to deliver.
65 YEARS STRONG
RHEEM IQ®
Combining Solahart’s 65 years in solar with Rheem’s 25 years as Australia’s market leader in commercial pool heating via the Australian-manufactured Accent heat pump provides a unique opportunity to slash the heating costs of your pool.
The unique tariff intelligence of Rheem IQ® combined with the offset provided by Solahart solar-PV panels has the potential to deliver unparalleled savings in heating costs.
RHEEM THERMAL SYSTEMS GROUP Call us today for technical sales advice and the location of your nearest distributor, or visit www.rheemthermal.com.au
INSTALL A
Rheem Pool Heating Advisory 1300 132 950
been on the back of new product initiatives. We’ve got 14,000 products in our database – in the US Pool Corp has 35,000. So we’ll progressively put some of those products through. We have brought a lot of trends from the US or European market – we get a heads up on what’s happening and monitor it over 12 months and then bring it. For example, we’ve got the ICO connected pool device. I saw it in Croatia last year, and we’ve made some tweaks for the Australian market and launched it at SPLASH! It’s had an overwhelming response at SPLASH! – we’re air freighting units over just based on the show. We’ve got over 120 new products on the stand and throughout different stages of yesterday we couldn’t move on the stand, it was so busy. We’ve also got a pool furniture product called Ledge Lounger (pictured) – they actually took a stand of their own in support of Pool Systems, and the response to that has been phenomenal – we know architects and designers who’ve changed their pool designs just to suit that product.”
39
40
41
ALLCHLOR S3800
Reliable, Sexy, Classic
CONTACT ALLCH LOR
44 SPLASH! August/September 2018
07 3277 2554
sales@allchlor.com.au
allchlor.com.au
feature
39. Carl Voshege from Remco Pool Products says the show was really good. “It’s a good opportunity to see a lot of people from around the country all at once. The most interest was for our swim jet turbines. We’re getting a lot of traction in the marketplace with those now and you can see the difference in reception of them between this show and the last one, so that’s really encouraging. And of course the covers always get a fair bit of interest – we try to cater for different ends of the market, though we don’t do bubble at all, we leave that for other players in the market – but everything above that we’ve got some good options to cover all budgets.” 40. Moin Rahman showing off PAL’s innovative induction pool light. “We’ve been working on this for the past four to five years. It works on the principal of induction – in the same way as an iPhone charges on a wireless pad. You put the light on the pad and it’s the same principal, but its powering the low voltage 12 volt LED lights. Changing a light takes 10 seconds, making it particularly
useful for cold climates where pools freeze over and the owners remove the lights before the big cold hits.”
42
41. Paul Rodgers of Bayside Pool and Spa, which has a retail outlet and three services vans in Wynnum, Brisbane, says the industry is very season dependent and more competitive than ever, so it pays to keep abreast of innovations. “I’ve found two new products I hadn’t seen before today, so it’s been interesting. It’s always good to come down and see what’s new and catch up with some old faces.” 42. Ray Burgess from Pool Water Products (centre, with Craig Blair and Rohan Beasley), promoting their Paramount in-floor cleaning system. “I think the show’s been fantastic. I prefer this show rather than the retail shows – not so many tyre-kickers, the visitors we’re talking to know the industry and know what they’re doing. We only deal with builders because of the nature of the product; it’s not an aftermarket product. It’s been very well received; Paramount has got a very good name worldwide.”
“I prefer this show... the visitors know the industry and know what they’re doing.”
NEW!
AVAILABLE SUMMER 2018
SMART LIGHTING CONTROLLER Welcome to the world of Instant colour, where Aqua-Quip’s spectacular underwater lighting effects are controlled at your fingertips. • Intuitive touch-screen wireless handset allows you to instantly select colours for your pool, spa or water feature. • The wireless handset is robust and water-resistant – whilst retaining a slick and stylish appearance. • Control two lighting zones independently, with a wireless handset that has extended range and dimming features. • Choose from 7 fixed colours and 6 colour shows, or choose and save your own fixed colour. • No need to replace your existing cables and transformers. Contact Aqua-Quip for your nearest distributor.
Ph: 02 9643 8338 • E: aqua@aquaquip.com.au • W: www.aquaquip.com.au AQ_Splash_0818HP
AQ Splash InstaTouch HPH.indd 1
8/8/18 8:22 am
August/September 2018 SPLASH! 45
43. Jeff Feldman from Lo-Chlor says SPLASH! has been very good indeed. “We’ve had numerous people popping in on the stand – the majority of whom we know – but it’s very nice to see people in this environment. Hopefully we’ll pick up a few new people but in any case we’ve gained what we wanted from the show. And we have received interest in a couple of our new products. We’ve got an entirely new spa range – we have at the moment a spa range for people who don’t want to use chlorine. And now we’ve brought out a new one which is a chlorine-based sanitiser called Spa Care and it has a range of balancers and a few innovative products as well. And we’ve brought out another new product for pools for removing biofilm out of pools and spas called Bio-Klenz. It’s very simple, you put it straight into the pool once a month, and that keeps the pipes clean and keeps the biofilm out of the pool.”
a 100 per cent renewable solution. We keep that positive momentum that the industry has already done with reducing energy requirements on a swimming pool, all the work with variable speed pumps, with robotic cleaners, and this is just another extension as the Dual Sun utilises the renewable energy of the sun to strip out any energy requirements of the swimming pool. The public are excited about it and the sales have exceeded our own expectations.” He says while it’s popular, there is still education to be done with the industry as the photovoltaic component is a new offering, and there is some new terminology that needs to be learned. The face-to-face opportunity of SPLASH! is ideal for that. “For them to be able to touch and feel it, it’s a lot more powerful than reading about it in a brochure. And the show’s been better than two years ago – we’re more than happy.”
44. Colin Mauger from Supreme Heating (with Bree Daniel) says the awardwinning hybrid Heatseeker Dual Sun is not only good for the end-user, but for the whole industry as well. “We’re offering
45. Keith Hall from SR Smith said the show was a fantastic branding and promotional opportunity as they are still relatively new to the Australian market. “Whilst we’ve been around since 1932 in the northern
46 SPLASH! August/September 2018
43
44
feature
hemisphere, here in Australia it’s only been three seasons. So these events are very very important to us, and for me personally it’s been great to connect with people I haven’t seen for a long time. We’ve experienced a great deal of interest in both our residential and commercial ranges. We came here not knowing what to expect. Everyone comes with high expectations and they want to walk away with new leads and exciting opportunities. The takeaways for us is that on the residential side of the business there are a lot of new retailers that want to join our dealer program, so that’s very good. That’s really, really positive. On the commercial side of the business, we’ve had councils here and that surprised us. I think most people expect this show to be just residential – retailers, residential pool builders – but we’ve had a number of councils come here, specifically seeking us out. Being selfish, what that does is it actually pays for the booth. We’ve actually got business literally from those visits. Not just follow ups and send me a brochure. Literally, we want to go ahead with that, we wanted to meet the person we’re going to be doing business with. Gold Coast City Council have signed off on some major projects for us.” Hall says the product that attracted most attention from councils was
their new swimwall and bulkhead. “Essentially a lot of commercial pools are struggling with the numbers of people getting into them. So they want to start programming the area of the pool into different zones .So we build these walls, and all of a sudden half the pool can become a water polo field, and half can become a 25 metre lap pool. And we can do that for one lane, two lanes, four lanes, eight lanes. Bond University have invested in an eight-lane swimwall. It’s anchored to the floor and it’s pneumatically operated. We go and install it with our divers. So basically they can get 30 to 40 more people into the pool. So that pool becomes two pools, and there’s no limit to what you can do with it.” 46. Candy Gold (with Gary Clarke) of Aqua-Quip says the show was outstanding. “There’s been a great quality of visitors, people from all over Australia and even Europe – and a lovely calibre of visitor.” Visitors were particularly interested in the new InstaTouch remote control for their pool lights. “It offers fixed colours, colour shows and colour selections, dimming options and everything you could possibly dream of to make lights work beautifully efficiently and as brightly as possible.”
45
46
MELBOURNE . ADELAIDE . PERTH
COMING SOON Ready to revolutionise the way you cover your pool? Available Spring 2018
www.sunlineaustralia.com.au
August/September 2018 SPLASH! 47
47. Terry Day of NFT was showing his newest Australian designed and manufactured protoype swimming pool pump. “It gets the equivalent of 67 litres per watt hour, equivalent to ten stars according to AS5102, but it’s at prototype level. We’re research and development but we license our technology to manufacturers, which we’ve already done with Koller in Europe, who are making spa baths and spa pumps. They’re making our pump, under license to us. We’re doing well with Hitachi Metals America and their subsidiary Metglas, who make the amorphous iron for the new motors that are 96 per cent efficient. They cool the iron at a million degrees per second and it doesn’t proceed onto crystalline, it stays glassy, or amorphous, wiping out about 10 times the iron losses. It means the motor can go really fast, but our wet end is the only one that can go at that speed because it’s got no diffusers and no cutwaters. They’ve loaned us a motor we’ve put on our wet end, which is how we get to the ten stars.”
47
48
“It was really well set out, and the suppliers have been really helpful.”
DO YOU COMPLY... CAN YOU CHECK YOUR PROJECT HAS BEEN BONDED CORRECTLY?
A RELIABLE SOLUTION THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF
AS/NZS 3000:2018 BONDING/WIRING RULES
demand compliance
ensu r e safety
conductorhub.com.au 48 SPLASH! August/September 2018
feature
48. Jamie Galea (left, with Mitchell Bleesing) of Spa Craft says it was a very positive show, with a good mix of new and existing customers. “We saw a number of existing customers who we picked up from the last show, and we got a few new customers too.” He says a lot of pool shops have to do the odd spa every now and then, but lack confidence with spas. “So they come and see us, and we tell them to call us up when they go on site and we’ll talk them through any issues. That’s the main part of our business and that’s the main new business we’ve had coming through here. We’ve had people from all over Australia and a lot from New Zealand, which is good for us because we send a fair bit of product there.” 49. Fabiano Rodrigues from SaintGobain Industrial Ceramics with one of the company’s new ceramic filters. “It is used for swimming pools in Europe, replacing sand and glass filters. “It has huge benefits in terms of microbiology. It can remove a lot of bacteria from water and it has very low water consumption. It has a honeycomb structure with open inlet channels, and next to them are the outlet channels. So the water flows across
this tiny wall to get into the outlet channel and flow out, passing through a filtration membrane 10-20 micrometres thick with a tiny pore size so it can get down to 0.25 micrometres, so it can remove all bacteria including cryptosporidium. The filtration velocity is only one metre per hour, making the filtration quality much better. It can run at a pressure of 0.1 to 0.5 bars, and the requirement for backwash is very low. A commercial pool may need eight of these filters, which makes it very compact. They’ve been installed in many indoor pools in Europe and are good for reducing chloramines.” 50. Matthew Giles from fibreglass and concrete pool builder Australian Outdoor Living was at his first SPLASH!. “It’s been really informative. We spent a lot of time upstairs at some of the talks this morning – we did the internet technology one and the sales one on converting better and getting better margins, and the handover one. We had a bit a walk around the show floor too, and found a few things that might complement our range. I think we’ll come for the full event next time though, because there’s a lot to absorb in a short time.”
When you become a UAG member, you can leverage the collective power of leading pool builders, retailers and service professionals.
49
50
THE POWER OF MANY
The advantages include: Better Pricing Exclusive Rebates Broader Networking Generous Credit Lines Rising Stock Values JOIN US. We are a growing buying group with a solid past and a savvy eye focused on the future. Learn more at: discoveruag.com Or contact: Billie Pfeiffer bpfeiffer@unitedaquagroup.com 0414 853 147
August/September 2018 SPLASH! 49 UAG_HPH_SPLASH_AS18.indd 1
20/08/2018 11:42 AM
51. Tom Lachocki, CEO of US-based international research, education and advocacy organisation the National Swimming Pool Foundation (left, with Spiros Dassakis, COO of SPASA Australia). “We have a long, long association with SPLASH!. We try to come here to advocate and encourage more people to get education – around the country and around the region. My voice is a little bit raspy as I’ve been talking to so many people! It’s wonderful to be here and it’s wonderful to be on the Gold Coast – your winter is like our [Colorado] summer!” He says there’s been amazing research on the benefits of immersion activity in the water. SPLASH! will bring more on this online and in the next issue of the magazine.
51
53
52
54
52. Jemma Wiltshire from AAT Acrylics was at her second SPLASH!, looking to reach pool builders. “Mainly we work with residential pool builders but we do work with some commercial pool builders as well. It’s more familiar faces this time around. They were looking for pricing
heliocol splash half 082017.indd 1 50 SPLASH! August/September 2018
8/1/17 10:05 AM
feature
and information about the Plexiglass for pool windows. It’s lighter and stronger than glass and has better clarity with no green tinge. And it doesn’t refract.” 53. Paul Hicken from renowned commercial pool construction outfit Crystal Pools says the show was fantastic. “Great show as always!” 54. Lindsay Hartshorne (centre) of Lincoln Pool Equipment says that they’ve seen lots of new people at the show coming to look at their new products. “We’ve had really good interest, it’s the best avenue to show new products. We’ve got new covers and new cleaners that we haven’t had before, and the biggest thing we’ve done is put a seven year warranty on The Pool Cleaner, that takes it to the biggest warranty of any pool cleaner in the market. Lots of people have come through, it’s been fantastic. If the number of people in the aisles is any indication, there’s been more traffic. And more offshore people have been coming through too, from Asia and I also saw a guy from Sweden – a lot of people from all around the world.” 55. Derek Prince of Daisy Pool covers says the show was very good and the stand was very busy. “We brought five people with us this
55
time and we were inundated – we didn’t have enough people to handle it! The below ground box was one new product. It came from market demand – when someone says they need something, you need to be able to match what they want. It’s the aesthetic solution for covers and rollers for building new pools, and we have the under-bench rollers for existing pools. We’ve had a decent year – the market’s been very strong for a number of years now. It’s good everywhere bar WA – but the pool cover market in WA is still relatively strong – there’s still a demand there and still a market to be serviced, even though it’s not growing, it’s still a good market. People who are focussing on providing good service to their customers are doing well.”
56
56. Narong Thongbenjamas from Thailand (right, at the Advance UV Systems stand) says the show is good and he saw a lot of new technology. “I’ve been coming here from 20 years ago – back in the days when Fred Lyneham had Poolrite. I liked a lot of things, this UV here for example, and also the Hide Cover for skimmer lids. Plastic skimmer lids look ugly. You have these beautiful pools with beautiful decks, you don’t want ro ruin them with an ugly cover.”
IntroducIng an australIan fIrst - avaIlable In 2019…
the nEw BEach pool from freedom Pools This incredible new concept is just like having a beach in your own back yard.
Agents Wanted contact matt - mb: 0401 705 756
manufactured to the highest Australian standards and comes with a lifetime Warranty.
Best on the market. Award Winning pools. In-ground marbleTecHTm pools.
nEw RElEasE
design patent No. 201812874
Totally free standing pool and spa combo. No liner and no braces or supports. No pool fence required.
N
UF
AC
TUR
ED IN AU S
TR
A
LI
A
nEw RElEasE
ESS
M
A
AT
BU
BR
SIN
CELE I
NG
OV
ER 45 YEAR
S
IN
freedompools.com for Agent enquiries contact YATAlA factory: Ask for matt. ph: (07) 3386 1380
pas-Mark
as/nZs 1838: 1994 ID no: 7017
pas-Mark
Quality Management system conformance as/nZs Iso 9001: 2008 ID no: 1875
pas-Mark
Environmental Management system conformance Iso-as/nZs 14001 ID no: 1853
pas-Mark
oh&s Management system conformance as/nZs 4801 ID no: 1853
MEMBER
August/September 2018 SPLASH! 51
57
57. Josh Chapman of Classic Pools says they saw some new customers at the show. “They were interested in cash and carry aboveground pool kits, to be sold through pool shops. We’ve got a few fibreglass plunge pools now too, four metres by two metres, for people who have a small backyard or restricted access. It works out a lot cheaper than traditional fibreglass or concrete.” 58. Billy Slater snatching up the dollars in the Cash Grab booth for the Starlight Foundation. Every hour on the hour visitors could come to the Pool Pro stand for a chance to grab some cash.
58
59
60
61
62
59. Mike Geddes (with Aroha Leigh) of Poolwerx says they came to SPLASH! to meet potential new franchise owners. “Independent pool stores that may want to convert their business and improve their exit strategy. It’s about meeting old friends too. The foot traffic’s been amazing, and we’ve had lots of interest so it’s been good.” 60. Janine Bellifemine of Sunrise Pools (with Peter Moore and Paul Bellifemine) says she really enjoyed the show. “It was very good. I did the Women in Leadership beforehand, and that was fantastic. And it took me two full days to get around the trade show. We found some new bits and pieces, a few new chlorinators, control systems, lighting. It was good.” 61. Adrian Van Der Zant from Spa Electrics says the show’s been fantastic. “Really happy with the turnout. We’ve been promoting our Iris remote and have our major lights out on display. All nice and bright!”
63
64
62. Neville Fenton from Aquatic Leisure Technologies enjoyed the show. “It was excellent for me as a visitor. I mean we don’t come as an exhibitor but it was fantastic to meet all our dealers who come here and see new products. I saw quite a bit actually. I spent a fair bit of time with Naked – it was quite interesting where that was heading. And there was a lot of others stuff. SR Smith was another. There were lots actually.” 63. Bruce Sinclair of Pool Controls promoted their new SWC range of chlorinators.
52 SPLASH! August/September 2018
feature
65
“They have a new salt system that runs on 900ppm and we have an innovative pH update kit that works without a probe, using an algorithm, working out how much acid is needed relative to the chlorine gas and automatically dosing it. It’s attracted a lot of attention, especially when used with the low salt version of our chlorinators. We’ve also got some bigger systems that have attracted some enquiries. Show’s been great: a lot of people, a lot of interest.” 64. Spa Industries Global CEO Rob Kruber (top right of shot) says that the global spa market is doing well. “It’s up above 250,000 units again in the US and in Europe it is up about 20 per cent, up near 80,000 to 90,000. The Australian market has been sitting about 12,000.” He believes there are about 150,000 existing portable spas in the Australian marketplace still in operation, and says Sydney has been a good local market at the moment due to shrinking property sizes and the good weather. “New Zealand is quite a rare country for spas. Per capita it probably sells more spas than most places in the world. About 6000 spas per year which is very strong for the population size.” Spa Industries Global has recently built a spa factory in New Zealand. SPLASH! will bring more of this interview on the spa market in the next issue and online.
66
67
65. Everest Chan (right) from Emaux says they had a great event with a lot of people asking for information about the products and expressing a lot of interest. “We are very happy about that.” Laurence Ogden (second from left) from the New Zealand Pool Industry Association says the show was getting better and better. “Met a lot of friends and made some new friends. Excellent! And looking forward to doing the same thing in New Zealand some time, maybe next year.” 66. Josh Harrison of EvoHeat says he had a fantastic show with the EvoHeat products being really well received. “We spent plenty of time with lots of our regular customers and a lot of new contacts as well, so it was really good.” 67. Shane Ostermeyer from Poolgas in Auckland said the show was awesome. “It was really well set out, and the suppliers have been really helpful. Lots of information, and it was good to meet people and get to see the face behind the voice on the phone. We specialise in gas pool heating, so it was meeting the suppliers who have outlets in New Zealand, going over little technical things that are much better when you’re sitting talking to someone rather than just reading emails.”
August/September 2018 SPLASH! 53
feature
68
68. Des Pacek of Evolution Water & Lighting says he is very happy with the show and had a great response from customers. “There were lots of people through yesterday and a nice steady pace today, so we could spend some time talking and reacquainting ourselves with our customers.” 69. Ben Petersen from The Plunge Pool Company says they were inundated with enquiries for their new plunge pool concept. “The industry’s received our plunge pool with open arms. It really solves a problem for the pool builders, especially for out-ofground solutions. We’ve been overwhelmed by the response we’ve had. We’re all out of business cards and brochures and we’re really excited about the opportunities of expanding our dealer network.”
69
70. Denis Riordan from Legend Products & Services (front) says they definitely pulled in a lot of new customers at the show. “It’s been a good opportunity for us to promote ourselves. Being a smaller company in Queensland, we had trouble being able to get out to everyone, but this has given us a chance to showcase what we’re doing. We saw a lot of people, it’s been great.”
70
71
72
71. Richard Barrenger (centre with the Sunlover team) says it was once again a great event. “There was plenty of room for everyone to walk around, the morale of the builders and shops was extremely positive and we’re looking forward to a good season. This must be our fourth or fifth SPLASH! event. We’re mainly talking to the blokes in the field who come across the front line customers. Our company is all installationbased, and we provide a full range of heating options, blankets etc. So we saw mobile pool men and women, domestic pool builders and some big scale commercial pool builders. They’ve come from everywhere – Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane in big numbers and South Australia and Western Australia as well. Some of them make a week of it – some of them are staying for two weeks!” 72. Richard Lovett of Autopool/Kreepy Krauly says the show went very well, particularly the first day when they got lots of strong leads and new customers. “We had the new Pool Controls controllers, the Geminis and Chemigems, a new salt water chlorinator and this was the first time we had the inverter heat pumps as well.”
73
74
73. Chris Newton from the Builders Little Black Book says he had a fantastic response to his seminars. “I’ve been doing sessions upstairs and people have been coming from that event and knowing what questions to ask and they’ve been engaging with us so we’ve been really happy.” 74. Justin Nicholas, marketing manager of Cooke Industries (not in picture), says that as always, SPLASH! delivered. “Energy efficiency has become a conversational topic for our industry and that was reflected by the increase in visitors to our stand and their interest in our range of energy efficient pool solutions.”
54 SPLASH! August/September 2018
Open your eyes to mineral fresh water The first time you and your family swim in a 100% salt-free MagnaPool it’s a real eye opener. The water, especially for little ones, feels purer, fresher and silkier thanks to our unique mineral formula. You’ll also notice it’s kinder to the eyes, softer on the skin and you’ll emerge from the pool feeling like you’ve just stepped from the shower.
Health
Wellness
Environment
Visit magnapool.com
75. Paul Edmonston from Refreshing Pool Services in NSW has been to the SPLASH! show and the Andrew Simons Golf Day many times. He thought it looked a little less crowded on the show floor this time, but said that might have been because of the way the show was laid out. “I was looking for commercial equipment for a friend and found some very good leads that I’ll be happy to pass onto him.” 76. Geoff Fothergill of ICH Roboter demonstrating his robotic cleaner. The remote controlled robot operating in the glass pool drew in large numbers of interested visitors to watch it climb walls, do 360s and generally exhibit its acrobatic versatility.
75
76
78
79
77
80
77. Ed Sinn from Hy-Chlor said he was surprised at the size of the show. “I think it’s terrific. A lot of international people. I haven’t been to a show like this for 10 years, but it’s very, very good and very informative. Everyone’s enthusiastic. One of the best things is you can see all the people at the one time, instead of travelling around the world or travelling around Australia. You can do it all in one day.”
ALLCHLOR S3800 Allchlor’s brand new chlorinator is modern, sleek and turning the clock back to a simpler era. 100% made in Australia and assembled at Allchlor, the S3800 culminates four year of intense research and development working with the Pool trade. The S3800 is changing the way retail customers buy a salt water chlorinator. The simplicity and functionality takes the guess work out of the what to buy. With Sizing from 25G up to small commercial 60G systems.
C O N TA C T A L L C H L O R
56 SPLASH! August/September 2018
07 3277 2554
sales@allchlor.com.au
allchlor.com.au
feature
78. Sarah Jane of Skimmer Lids said there was a lot of footfall with a lot of interest in their new skimmer lids and Hide kits. “Our new range is the on-site Hide kit which the builder can assemble on site. You just have to cut the tile and inlay the tile into the Hide protector. It comes with the adhesive, a key and clear instructions. It’s 100 per cent Australian compliant and it gives a lovely finish.”
81
was the Turmion wifi controller that comes in both 2-channel and 4-channel. Using the Turmion you can control any 10amp device through an app on your phone. It runs off a GPO and takes only 30 seconds to install. 83. Gordon Clarke of Skypebble with the sample of the new Shimmering Sea pebble mix. “It’s got some mother of pearl in it, which really does shimmer in the sun.”
79. Patrick O’Ronain (right) from Solartech Industries who is also the dealer for Evo Heat in New South Wales, says that the show was pretty good. “Saw a lot of familiar faces and had a bit of interest here in the panels and also the heat pumps. We’re more in Sydney so we’re trying to get some people interested up here as well.”
84. Chris Sweeney from Pioneer Pool & Building in Christchurch said it was really good. “Went to the handover seminar, it backed up some other things we’d been going through. We were here for two days. Next time it might be good to get some of concrete pumping guys, and trowel guys. There was a seminar about shotcrete, so it would be good to have them here.”
80. Joel Stern and Gary Cohen of Sterns Pools were showing off some of their colourful merchandise.
85. Dan Roderick from the Heliocol Solar says this is a very successful show for them. “I’ve come over from the US to watch how it’s done here. This is my third SPLASH! and each one is just getting better and better. It’s amazing how it’s coming together. Our Sunique solar product is brand new this year and has been garnering a lot of interest.”
81. Scott Thompson from wholesaler Eagles. “It was a good show. Lots of people here and quite a diverse mix. I found some interesting things to go back and have a bit of a think about.” 82. Jacob Mansfield demonstrating some of Ascon’s new products. The most popular
82
83
84
85
INTRODUCING THE HEATSEEKER VORTEX INVERTER HEAT PUMPS As the needs and lifestyle of consumers change, so do the demands for pool heating. The advancement of inverter heat pump technology sees us take the next step beyond the national award winning Heatseeker Nova series and introduce the new Heatseeker Vortex range.
CE
C
C
OP
CE
CE
C
OP
SPIRAL TITANIUM HEAT EXCHANGER
T
R F O R MA
EFFICIEN O-
OF
HEATING & COOLING MODE*
PE
ATING RAN ER
GE
N
T
R F O R MA
EFFICIEN O-
OF
OF
PE
ATING RAN ER
GE
EFFICIEN O-
T
ATING RAN ER
GE
OP
Heatseeker Vortex is our domestic and commercial range of inverter heat pumps that provide enhanced performance and reduced electrical consumption.
PE
N
VARIABLE SPEED COMPRESSOR
R F O R MA
N
WIFI CONNECTIVITY#
ECO FRIENDLY R410A REFRIGERANT
1300 787 978
* Certain models only
10327 - Vortex Heat Pumps - SPLASH Half Page Advert.indd 1
# Optional extra
supremeheating.com.au 10-Aug-18 9:29:15 AM
August/September 2018 SPLASH! 57
feature
87
86
88
86. Crystal Yu from Jewels for Pools was showing their new rendered pool surface. “It’s 100 per cent glass finish but acid wash only. So builders don’t have to worry about getting rid of the slurry, and they’re not limited to the applicators only doing pebblecrete. You put it on like a normal render, just smooth it off and the next day acid wash it, that’s it. You don’t have to expose the aggregate. It’s a lot smoother than our current product and a far better choices of colour.” 87. Long-time SPLASH! attendees at both the trade show and the training (they became NSPI certified at SPLASH! Asia in 2013) Gurcharan Kaur and Arjeet Singh of AJ Crystal Pool (with their daughter). Kaur says she enjoyed the show. “Some of the interesting things I found were the paint for the pools, and Zodiac chlorinators – they’ve upgraded the product – and also the ICH robots. We came in a group this time and went sightseeing – we enjoyed that. We went whale watching, it was fantastic. The whales were so friendly, they were so near to us. And the kids enjoyed it too.”
89
90
91
88. Michael Kettewell from the Blue Glass Pebble Company: “We are getting a lot of work with commercial precincts now, hotel pools, public lagoons both here and throughout the Asia Pacific. Our newest colour is Cosmic Black. It’s never going to be as popular as the blues, but there definitely is a segment of the market that wants as dark as you can get it. And this is as dark as we can possibly make.” 89. Luther McLachlin from Bauer Industries says that the first day was very good and hopefully they’ll get some good results and some sales on the back of it. 90. Terry Miller from The Pool Tile Company showing some of his swimming pool tiles. 91. AstralPool’s BlueConnect product was a major talking point at the show.
92
93
92. Peter Hogg of Magnum Filters says the show was good. “We’re here to fly the flag and it’s good to see everybody and I don’t have to travel around Australia. It saves me a lot of money to tell the truth to get a stand, because everyone’s here. They see we’re still here, see we’re still serious. We’d never miss it. And the numbers seem to be here – it’s definitely bigger. It’s bigger than the UK show, it’s bigger than Spatex.” 93. Phil Curry (right) from Concept Pools: “The show was great. Everything I expected and more.”
58 SPLASH! August/September 2018
29-30 JULY 2020 Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
SAVE THE DATE For more information visit www.splashexpo.com.au or call 1300 789 845 Owned By
Media Partner
Organised By
AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE
Thank you to our generous Sponsors and Partners
PLATINUM Sponsor
The Awards of Excellence is designed to promote the ownership of pools and spas and to showcase the best in the industry. The regional and national awards, Choosing Your Pool & Spa magazine and ongoing annual promotions through digital marketing and consumer shows are all made possible by the valuable contribution of our sponsors and partners.
Consider your next purchase
SILVER Sponsor
These companies dedicate a significant investment towards marketing to future pool and spa owners. SPASA encourages all industry participants to support the brands that are a part of the growth of our community of professionals.
INDUSTRY Sponsors and Partners
visit spasa.com.au to view the full complement of 2018 award winners contact us: P 1300 021 482 E askus@spasa.com.au
feature
Commercial Pool of the Year by Surfside Pools Commercial
Australia’s best: the 2018 national award winners
T
he Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre was home to the sold out National Awards of Excellence Gala hosted by SPASA Australia on the Thursday of SPLASH! SPASA chairman Rob Kruber extolled the amazing community that is the pool and spa industry. “It’s big enough to impact almost everyone’s life yet small enough that any single one of us can make a difference,” he said. “We have another record-breaking event with more entries and attendance than ever before. The work that our members are doing is world class. The products we build are inspirational and desirable, they create family memories, provide a place for recreation and relaxation and enhance our lives.” As well as the national award presentation, the evening included the ALFA Queensland awards and the launch of the SPASA’s Climate Care Certified Program in conjunction with Smart Approved WaterMark. There is more on the ALFA Queensland awards on page 76.
Spa of the Year by The Concrete Pool Company
The Australian Pool of the Year by Freedom Pools NSW (there is more on this pool on the following pages)
Gold Pool Landscape Design by COS Design 62 SPLASH! August/September 2018
feature
The awards
Renovation Up to $25,000: Gold: Reflections Pool and Spa Care; Silver: 37 South Pools; Bronze: Adelaide Classic Pools Renovation Over $25,000: Gold: Wisdom Pools & Landscaping; Silver: Icon Pools; Bronze: Jagun Pools + Landscapes Vinyl Lined In-ground Pool: Gold: Add a Splash Pools; Silver: Albatross Swimming Pools; Bronze: Aqualon Interiors Commercial Renovation: Gold: Reflections Pool and Spa Care Swim Spa: Gold: Just Spas WA In-ground Spa: Gold: The Concrete Pool Company; Silver: Placid Pools; Bronze: Adept Pools Portable Spa: Gold: Spa World Osborne Park; Silver: Leisurescape Pools & Spas Vinyl Lined Modular Pool: Gold: Classic Pools - SA; Silver: Classic Pools - QLD; Bronze: Classic Pools - WA Pool & Spa Combination – Fibreglass: Gold: Nepean Pools; Silver: Australian Outdoor Living; Bronze: Barrier Reef Pools Perth Marketing Campaign of the Year: Gold: Landscapes WA; Silver: AstralPool; Bronze: Wisdom Pools & Landscaping Pool Landscape Design: Gold: COS Design; Silver: Freedom Pools & Spas Riverina; Bronze: Majestic Pools & Landscapes Best Pool & Spa Barrier Inspector: Gold: Awebbco – Rodney Webb Supplier Salesperson Award: Gold: International Quadratics - Chris Smith; Silver: Blue Glass - Michael Kettewell; Bronze: Justin Hitchcock Austral Pool Solutions Vinyl Lined Commercial Pool - Up To $250,000: Gold: Reflections Pool and Spa Care Lap Pool – Fibreglass: Gold: Sapphire Pools; Silver: Compass Pools Melbourne Lap Pool – Vinyl Lined: Gold: Poolscape Pools Lap Pool – Concrete: Gold: Majestic Pools & Landscapes; Silver: Laguna Pools & Spas; Bronze: Freedom Pools & Spas Riverina Pool & Spa Combination – Concrete: Gold: Premier Pools; Silver: Elite Pool Constructions; Bronze: Majestic Pools & Landscapes Concrete Pool Up to $50,000: Gold: Coastline Pools; Silver: Qld Family Pools; Bronze: Elite Pool Constructions Concrete Pool Up to $100,000: Gold: Freedom Pools NSW; Silver: Laguna Pools & Spas; Bronze: Boardwalk Pools
Concrete Pool Over $100,000: Gold: Aloha Pools; Silver: Suncatcher Pools; Bronze: Quality Dolphin Pools International Project: Gold: Waterforms International Lighting Feature: Gold: Majestic Pools & Landscapes; Silver: Freedom Pools & Spas Riverina Sustainable Project Award: Gold: Majestic Pools & Landscapes; Silver: Reflections Pool and Spa Care; Bronze: Freedom Pools & Spas Riverina Pool & Spa Combination – Vinyl Lined: Gold: Add a Splash Pools Concrete Commercial Pool - Up To $250,000: Gold: The Concrete Pool Company; Silver: Aloha Pools Freeform Pool Up to $50,000: Gold: Qld Family Pools Freeform Pool Up to $100,000: Gold: Qld Family Pools; Silver: Freedom Pools & Spas Riverina Freeform Pool Over $100,000: Gold: Adept Pools; Silver: Majestic Pools & Landscapes Water Feature: Gold: Aquatic Developments Australia; Silver: Concept Pools Australia; Bronze: Laguna Pools & Spas Innovative Pool and Spa: Gold: Laguna Pools & Spas; Silver: Sunrise Pools; Bronze: Elite Pool Constructions Rising Star Award: Tom Baker - Pool Spa Wembley Fibreglass Pool Up To $40,000: Gold: Nepean Pools; Silver: Barrier Reef Pools Perth; Bronze: Rainwise Clearview Fibreglass Pool Between Up to $60,000: Gold: Freedom Pools SA; Silver: Gordon Avenue Pools & Spas; Bronze: Barrier Reef Pools Perth Fibreglass Pool Over $60,000: Gold: Compass Pools Melbourne; Silver: Local Pools & Spas; Bronze: Barrier Reef Pools Perth Commercial Pool - Over $250,000: Gold: Surfside Pools Commercial; Silver: Aquatic Developments Australia; Bronze: Aloha Pools Education Training Award: Clark Rubber Pool Sales Representative Award: Gold: Qld Family Pools - Chris Nicholls; Silver: Rainwise Clearview - Ross Starkey Retail Service Technician Award: Gold: Atlantis Pool Service - Kylie Rojahn; Silver: Advanced Pools - Karl Piteo; Bronze: Cassy Rogers - Poolwerx East Fremantle Best Pool Store: Gold: Prospect Pool and Spa; Silver: The Poolstore Bayside; Bronze: Poolwerx Shepparton Best Spa Retailer: Gold: Spa World Melbourne; Silver: Just Spas WA Mobile Service Business of the Year: Gold: Pristine Pool and Spa Service; Silver: Aqualon Interiors; Bronze: Flowtec Leak Detection Service
Fibreglass Commercial Pool - Up To $250,000: Gold: Riverscape Landscaping and Pools Enclosed/Indoor Pool: Gold: Boardwalk Pools; Silver: Aloha Pools; Bronze: Wisdom Pools & Landscaping Display Pool Centre: Gold: WA Fibreglass Pools; Silver: Mbuild Master Pools; Bronze: Capital Fibreglass Pools Courtyard/Plunge Pool: Gold: Polar Pools; Silver: Laguna Pools & Spas; Bronze: Elite Pool Constructions In-Field Service Technician Award: Gold: Bluewater Pool Care - Andrew Patterson; Silver: Prospect Pool and Spa - Todd Jones; Bronze: Pristine Pool & Spa Service - Adam Camilleri Construction Tradesperson Award: Gold: Jagun Pools + Landscapes - Daniel Gibbs; Silver: Rainwise Clearview - Garry Etherington Concrete Pool Builder of the Year: Gold: Award Pools Group; Silver: Qld Family Pools; Bronze: Elite Pool Constructions Fibreglass Pool Builder of the Year: Gold: Capital Fibreglass Pools; Silver: Rainwise Clearview Sustainable Product Award: Gold: Hayward Pool Products Australia; Silver: Supreme Heating; Bronze: Waterco Limited Product of the Year: Gold: Supreme Heating; Silver: Hayward Pool Products Australia; Bronze: Protector Aluminium Supplier of the Year: Gold: Europe Imports; Silver: Austral Pool Solutions; Bronze: Blue Glass Pebble Company Commercial Project of the Year: Gold: Surfside Pools Commercial; Silver: The Concrete Pool Company; Bronze: Aquatic Developments Australia Spa of the Year: Gold: The Concrete Pool Company; Silver: Placid Pools; Bronze: Spa World Osborne Park Retailer of the Year: Gold: Prospect Pool and Spa; Silver: The Poolstore Bayside; Bronze: Spa World Melbourne Pool of the Year: Gold: Freedom Pools NSW; Silver: Aloha Pools; Bronze: Blue Stone Pools SPASA Australia chairman Rob Kruber congratulating all finalists
August/September 2018 SPLASH! 63
feature
Father’s legacy in
award winning pool ABOVE: Freedom Pools NSW worked around the house construction to complete the pool
T
he joy of winning the 2018 National Pool of the Year award was tinged with sadness for Freedom Pools’ Adam Bugden, as it was the last pool his father Alan worked on prior to his untimely passing. “Dad was very excited about the pool. He quoted it, won the job and worked with the owner to make the vision come to life. But he died before we finished it,” says Bugden. “This was the first major project we finished without him – and it was one he had been very excited about – so it was quite bitter-sweet really to win the award,” he says. The winning pool looks magic at night
Alan Bugden, who worked with the owners to bring their vision to life, but sadly passed away before the pool was completed
Adam Bugden celebrating his win for the National Pool of the Year at the SPASA Australia National Awards Gala 64 SPLASH! August/September 2018
“Even though we’ve won plenty of awards, awards weren’t really his thing. But since this was the National Pool of the Year, he would have been chuffed.” Alan Bugden started Freedom Pools on the Central Coast 37 years ago, initially building concrete pools around the Central Coast and Newcastle, and later also building in Sydney. “Like a lot of builders’ kids I helped out while I was still at school,” says Bugden. “Then when school finished, when I was 18 years old or so, I went into the business. I started doing plumbing through an apprenticeship, and then when I was about 20 I started doing the formwork.”
feature
There were changes of ownership in the company before it came back to the family in 2012. “Three years ago, in August, my father passed suddenly. He was 67. He went into a Sydney hospital for a check-up following a routine operation, went to the bathroom before his appointment – and had a stroke. No-one found him until the next morning. By that time a blood clot had formed and it went up into his heart and he was gone in an hour.” It was devastating for the family. There is currently an inquest being held into his death. “We had the grief to deal with but also had to work to save the company. He was the licensed builder and the insured party – all the contracts were null and void but we took it on ourselves to finish all the jobs. But we lost six months of summer trading and it took us a couple of years to claw our way back to where the company was before Dad died.”
A new start
The whole Freedom Pools team had to step up and take on more responsibility. Director Natalie Bugden gained her builder’s license to become the second licensed builder in the company. Joe stepped up into the foreman role, Jacqui in the office took on the sequencing, and technical expert Brian had to delve into a raft of new products. About two years ago the company began installing fibreglass shells from Bob Biernat’s Freedom Pools, which had not been related to them until then. “As we had the same name and he had a good product we thought it might be a good fit. It gave us the opportunity to turn over jobs a bit quicker, as we could do fibreglass jobs in three to four weeks whereas concrete jobs could take from three months up to a year,” he says. “The technology in fibreglass has gone through the roof over the past ten years and Bob’s shells are clear resin – so you don’t have those contamination issues you used to have. The pools give us a good price point and a different market: we now have premium fibreglass and premium concrete.”
An outdoor family
The winning pool was built in Terrigal for a young family on an $80,000 budget. “They spend a lot of time outside doing sport and entertaining and they wanted to make full use of their outdoor space. So they wanted the pool to be practical but also aesthetically pleasing – that’s why there are the stepping stones, the water feature and the fireplace,” he says. “Their whole life is spent outside. It’s got an eight-seat spa that could fit 10 people in it without any problem. It’s heated, fully automated and looks magic at night.” They started building the pool nearly two years ago. There were a few challenges because of the high water table on the lakeside site, but all were overcome without too much fuss. “We went in first, then they built their beautiful house, then we came back and finished it off,” says Bugden. And the result was a fitting winner of the most prestigious award in the Australian swimming pool industry. Bugden says Freedom Pools NSW has now morphed into a high-end builder for architects with many $100,000-plus pools on the books. “The Sydney north shore job I’m on right now has a considerably higher budget. It includes a big four-metre wide acrylic window facing into a home gym,” he says. “We’re focussing more on that sort of work now, although with the fibreglass we can service both ends of the market. “It’s funny: three years ago we were heads-down trying to keep it together – and now we’ve won the national award. It’s mind blowing really. “And I think we’ll be back next time – we’ve got some big ones coming through this year.” n
The owners wanted to spend as much time in the outdoors as possible, including in the eight-person spa
2018 Pool of the Year Builder: Freedom Pools NSW Location: Terrigal Budget: $80,000 Contact: www.freedompools.com.au
August/September 2018 SPLASH! 65
feature
2018 NSW & ACT
award winners
S ABOVE: Adept Pools, Spa of the Year LEFT: Capital Fibreglass Pools, Commercial Project of the Year BELOW: Pool of the Year, Freedom Pools NSW
66 SPLASH! August/September 2018
PASA NSW & ACT members and guests gathered at the dazzling Luna Park to celebrate and acknowledge their peers for the annual awards of excellence gala. The major award winners were: Pool of the Year – Freedom Pools NSW Commercial Project of the Year – Capital Fibreglass Pools Spa of the Year – Adept Pools Supplier of the Year – Europe Imports
Award winners
Renovation up to $25,000: Gold: Aquastone Pools and Landscapes Renovation over $25,000: Gold: Wisdom Pools & Landscaping; Silver: Adept Pools Enclosed/Indoor Pool: Gold: Wisdom Pools & Landscaping International Project: Gold: Waterforms International Display Pool Centre: Gold: Capital Fibreglass Pools; Silver: Nepean Pools Pool Landscape Design: Gold: Freedom Pools & Spas Riverina; Silver: Aquastone Pools and Landscapes In-Field Service Technician Award: Gold: Pristine Pool & Spa Service - Adam Camilleri; Silver: Pristine Pool & Spa Service - Mark Beckett; Bronze: Jim’s Pool Care (Umina-Mobile) - Jason Pollack Supplier Salesperson Award: International Quadratics - Chris Smith Education Training Award: Clark Rubber Marketing Campaign of the Year: Gold: Wisdom Pools & Landscaping; Bronze: Clark Rubber Franchising; Silver: AstralPool Courtyard/Plunge Pool: Gold: Polar Pools; Silver: Award Pools Group
feature
In-ground Spa: Gold: Adept Pools; Silver: Jade Pools Innovative Project: Gold: Sunrise Pools; Silver: Jade Pools Water Feature: Gold: Concept Pools Australia; Silver: Freedom Pools & Spas Riverina Lighting Feature: Gold: Freedom Pools & Spas Riverina; Silver: Aquastone Pools and Landscapes Pool & Spa Combination – Concrete: Gold: Premier Pools; Silver: Valente Dolphin Pools Lap Pool – Concrete: Gold: Freedom Pools & Spas Riverina; Silver: Jade Pools Concrete Pool up to $50,000: Gold: Coastline Pools; Silver: Concept Pools Australia Concrete Pool up to $100,000: Gold: Freedom Pools Sydney; Silver: Suncatcher Pools Concrete Pool over $100,000: Gold: Suncatcher Pools; Silver: Premier Pools Mobile Service Business of the Year: Gold: Pristine Pool & Spa Service; Bronze: Jim’s Pool Care (Umina Mobile) Sustainable Project Award: Gold: Freedom Pools & Spas Riverina Sustainable Product Award: Gold: Waterco Limited; Silver: Supreme Heating; Bronze: Hayward Pool Products Freeform Pool up to $100,000 Gold: Freedom Pools & Spas Riverina Freeform Pool over $100,000 Gold: Adept Pools Pool & Spa Combination – Fibreglass: Gold: Nepean Pools; Silver: Capital Fibreglass Pools Fibreglass Pool up to $40,000: Gold: Nepean Pools; Silver: Coastline Pools Fibreglass Pool up to $60,000: Gold: Capital Fibreglass Pools; Silver: Nepean Pools Fibreglass Pool over $60,000: Gold: Local Pools & Spas; Silver: Capital Fibreglass Pools Product of the Year: Gold: Protector Aluminium; Silver: Waterco Limited; Bronze: AstralPool Australia Concrete Pool Builder of the Year: Award Pools Group Fibreglass Pool Builder of the Year: Capital Fibreglass Pools Supplier of the Year: Europe Imports Commercial Project of the Year: Capital Fibreglass Pools Spa of the Year: Adept Pools Pool of the Year: Freedom Pools NSW
WaterLink
Sp nTouch
The Future of Water Testing Super fast and simple—results in 30 to 60 seconds Stand-Alone or Cloud-Ready Seamless integration with DataMate Web Ready To Go Anywhere, designed for... § Pool Operators § Service Technicians § Retail Professionals Learn More!
p 02 9624 8842 | f 02 9674 5115 e sales@lamottepacific.com www.lamottepacific.com August/September 2018 SPLASH! 67
We would like to thank all of our generous sponsors. MAJOR SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSOR
irrigation & pools RF COMPOSITES PTY LTD BRONZE SPONSOR
ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR
POOL COVERS
spasawa.com.au
feature
2018 Western Australian
award winners Pool of the Year, Blue Stone Pools
T
he SPASA Western Australia winners were awarded at a vibrant Perth gala boasting record entries and record attendance.
Award winners
Pool of the Year: Blue Stone Pools Supplier of the Year: Austral Pool Solutions Product of the Year: Supreme Heating WA – Heatseeker Dual Sun Sustainable Product of the Year: Watertech Services International - Enviroswim Marketing Campaign of the Year: Gold: Landscapes WA; Silver: Aqua Technics; Bronze: AstralPool Sustainable Project of the Year: Reflections Pool & Spa Care Residential Concrete Pools - Up to $50,000: Gold: Busselton Spa & Pool Installations; Silver: Freedom Pools; Bronze: Boardwalk Pools Residential Concrete Pools - $50,000 to $100,000: Gold: Boardwalk Pools; Silver: Boardwalk Pools; Bronze: Reflections Pool & Spa Care Residential Concrete Pools - Over $100,000: Gold: Quality Dolphin Pools; Silver: Imperial Pools; Bronze: Jubilee Pools & Landscapes Residential Fibreglass Pool - Up To $40,000: Gold: Barrier Reef Pools; Silver: Buccaneer Pools; Bronze: Barrier Reef Pools Residential Fibreglass Pool - $40,000 - $60,000: Gold: Barrier Reef Pools; Silver: Buccaneer Pools; Bronze: Barrier Reef Pools Residential Fibreglass Pool - Over $60,000: Gold: Barrier Reef Pools; Silver: Barrier Reef Pools; Bronze: Barrier Reef Pools Residential Pool & Spa Combination Concrete: Gold: Blue Stone Pools; Silver: Pools by Design; Bronze: Imperial Pools Residential Pool & Spa Combination Fibreglass: Gold: Barrier Reef Pools; Silver: Barrier Reef Pools; Bronze: Barrier Reef Pools Residential Pool & Spa Combination Vinyl: Gold: Add a Splash Pools Residential Vinyl Lined In-Ground Pool: Gold: Add a Splash Pools; Silver: Reflections Pool & Spa Care; Bronze: Poolscape Pools Residential Pre-Engineered Vinyl Lined Pool: Gold: Classic Pools; Silver: Classic Pools; Bronze: Classic Pools Residential Enclosed/Indoor Pool: Gold: Boardwalk Pools; Silver: Blue Stone Pools; Bronze: Select Pools Display Pool/Centre: Gold: WA Fibreglass Pools; Silver: Aqua Technics; Bronze: Freedom Pools Residential Courtyard/Plunge Pool: Gold: Busselton Spa & Pool Installations; Silver: Panas Pool Services; Bronze: Imperial Pools Lap Pool - Vinyl: Gold: Poolscape Pools; Silver: Bay Pools & Spas; Bronze: Add a Splash Pools Lap Pool - Fibreglass: Gold: Sapphire Pools; Silver: Freedom Pools; Bronze: Riverina Pools
Lap Pool - Concrete: Gold: Blue Stone Pools; Silver: Select Pools; Bronze: Pools By Design Commercial Pool Concrete - Up To $250,000: Gold: The Concrete Pool Company; Silver: Reflections Pool & Spa Care; Bronze: Reflections Pool & Spa Care Commercial Pool Vinyl - Up To $250,000: Gold: Reflections Pool & Spa Care; Silver: Reflections Pool & Spa Care Commercial Pool - Over $250,000: Gold: Aquatic Developments Australia Renovation Residential - Up To $25,000: Gold: Reflections Pool & Spa Care; Silver: Tim Davies Landscaping; Bronze: Add A Splash Pools Renovation Residential - Over $25,000: Gold: Graziani Pools; Silver: Graziani Pools; Bronze: The Pool Renovators Renovation - Commercial: Gold: Reflections Pool & Spa Care; Silver: Jubilee Pools & Landscapes; Bronze: Perth Concrete Pools Pool Landscape Design of The Year Up To $60,000: Gold: Ascher Smith Exterior Styling & Landscaping Pool Landscape Design of The Year Over $60,000: Gold: Mondo Landscapes; Silver: Principal Pools & Landscapes; Bronze: North Shore Pools & Landscapes Residential Pre-Engineered Portable Spa: Gold: Spa World Osborne Park; Silver: Just Spas WA; Bronze: Just Spas WA Residential Pre-Engineered In-Ground Spa: Gold: Spa World Osborne Park; Silver: Just Spas WA Residential Pre-Engineered Swim Spa: Gold: Just Spas WA Concrete Spa Residential: Gold: The Concrete Pool Company; Silver: Boardwalk Pools; Bronze: Graziani Pools Innovative Pool and/or Spa: Gold: Sapphire Pools; Silver: Quality Dolphin Pools; Bronze: Neo Pools Water Feature: Gold: Aquatic Developments Australia; Silver: Graziani Pools; Bronze: Boardwalk Pools Pool Shop of the Year: Gold: PK Pool & Spa Care; Silver: Pool Logic; Bronze: Poolside Booragoon Pool & Spa Service Business of the Year: Gold: Pooltime WA; Silver: Wanneroo Pool Services; Bronze: Jim’s Pool Care South Lake Spa Retailer of the Year: Just Spas WA Pool & Spa Service Technician of the Year: Gold: Daniel Gianetti – Poolwerx Balcatta; Silver: Ashley Hale – Jim’s Pool Care South Lake; Bronze: Georg Snyman - Poolwise Padbury Retail Salesperson of the Year: Cassy Rogers, Poolwerx East Fremantle Supplier Representative of the Year: Justin Hitchcock, Austral Pool Solutions Rising Star Award: Tom Baker – Poolspa Wembley Second Hand Pools: Gold: Palm City Pools; Silver: Palm City Pools Fencing: Gold: WA Pool Fencing; Silver: Designer Outdoors WA; Bronze: Sorrento Glass August/September 2018 SPLASH! 69
feature
2018 Queensland award winners
S
PASA members and guests gathered at the Sofitel Brisbane Central to award their peers and enjoy the company of fellow industry members. The major awards presented were: Queensland Pool of the Year – Majestic Pools & Landscapes Commercial Project of the Year – Surfside Pools Commercial Retailer of the Year – Atlantis Pool Services Spa of the Year – Placid Pools Supplier of the Year – Blue Glass Pebble Company
ABOVE: Queensland Pool of the Year – Majestic Pools & Landscapes LEFT: Spa of the Year – Placid Pools BOTTOM: Commercial Project of the Year – Surfside Pools Commercial
70 SPLASH! August/September 2018
Award winners
Renovation up to $25,000: Gold: Queensland Family Pools; Silver: Aqualon Interiors; Bronze: Aqualon Interiors Renovation over $25,000: Gold: Jagun Pools + Landscapes; Silver: Jagun Pools + Landscapes; Bronze: Aqualon Interiors Commercial Pool over $250,000: Gold: Surfside Pools Commercial; Silver: Surfside Pools Commercial Display Pool Centre: Gold: Esana Aquatics Pool Landscape Design: Gold: Majestic Pools & Landscapes; Silver: Queensland Family Pools; Bronze: Majestic Pools & Landscapes In-Field Service Technician Award: Gold: Bluewater Pool Care - Andrew Patterson; Silver: Paul’s Pool Care - Paul Rojahn; Bronze: Poolwerx - James Lawson Retail Service Technician Award: Gold: Atlantis Pool Service - Kylie Rojahn; Silver: Poolwerx - James Lawson; Bronze: Freedom Pools - Jaee O’Connell Construction Tradesperson Award: Gold: Jagun Pools + Landscapes - Daniel Gibbs; Silver: Queensland Family Pools - Terry Nicholls Pool Sales Representative Award: Gold: Queensland Family Pools - Chris Nicholls; Silver: Freedom Pools - Paul Strachan Supplier Salesperson Award: Gold: Blue Glass Pebble Company - Michael Kettewell; Silver: AstralPool Australia - Jayne Orth Education Training Award: Gold: Clark Rubber Marketing Campaign of the Year: Gold: AstralPool Australia; Silver: Clark Rubber Vinyl Lined In ground Pool: Gold: Aqualon Interiors; Silver: Aqualon Interiors; Bronze: Aqualon Interiors
feature
Vinyl Lined Modular Pool: Gold: Classic Pools; Silver: Classic Pools; Bronze: Classic Pools Courtyard/Plunge Pool: Gold: Queensland Family Pools; Silver: Majestic Pools & Landscapes; Bronze: Majestic Pools & Landscapes In-ground Spa: Gold: Placid Pools; Silver: Norfolk Pools Innovative Project: Gold: Majestic Pools & Landscapes; Silver: Majestic Pools & Landscapes; Bronze: Majestic Pools & Landscapes Water Feature: Gold: Norfolk Pools; Silver: Queensland Family Pools; Bronze: Queensland Family Pools Lighting Feature: Gold: Majestic Pools & Landscapes; Silver: Majestic Pools & Landscapes; Bronze: Norfolk Pools Pool & Spa Combination - Concrete: Gold: Majestic Pools & Landscapes; Silver: Majestic Pools & Landscapes; Bronze: Majestic Pools & Landscapes Lap Pool - Concrete: Gold: Majestic Pools & Landscapes; Silver: Queensland Family Pools; Bronze: Noble Pools Concrete Pool up to $50,000: Gold: Queensland Family Pools; Silver: Aqualon Interiors; Bronze: Burleigh Pools Concrete Pool up to $100,000: Gold: Queensland Family Pools; Silver: Majestic Pools & Landscapes; Bronze: Norfolk Pools Concrete Pool over $100,000: Gold: Majestic Pools & Landscapes; Silver: Dean Thomas Pools; Bronze: Norfolk Pools Best Pool Store: Gold: Atlantis Pool Services; Silver: Rode Pool Services Mobile Service Business of the Year: Gold: Aqualon Interiors; Silver: Pauls Pool Care; Bronze: Cool Pool Care Pool Safety Inspector of the Year: Gold: Rodney Webb T/A Awebbco Sustainable Project Award: Gold: Majestic Pools & Landscapes; Silver: Majestic Pools & Landscapes; Bronze: Majestic Pools & Landscapes Sustainable Product Award: Gold: Hayward Pool Products Australia; Silver: Supreme Heating; Bronze: Waterco Limited Freeform Pool up to $50,000: Gold: Queensland Family Pools; Silver: Queensland Family Pools; Bronze: Placid Pools Freeform Pool up to $100,000: Gold: Queensland Family Pools; Silver: Freedom Pools Freeform Pool over $100,000: Gold: Majestic Pools & Landscapes Fibreglass Pool up to $40,000: Gold: Freedom Pools; Silver: Freedom Pools; Bronze: Freedom Pools Fibreglass Pool up to $60,000: Gold: Esana Aquatics; Silver: Esana Aquatics; Bronze: Esana Aquatics Product of the Year: Gold: Protector Aluminium; Silver: Waterco Limited; Bronze: AstralPool Australia Concrete Pool Builder of the Year: Queensland Family Pools Supplier of the Year: Blue Glass Pebble Company Commercial Project of the Year: Surfside Pools Commercial Spa of the Year: Placid Pools Retailer of the Year: Atlantis Pool Services Pool of the Year: Majestic Pools & Landscapes
www.driclad.com.au
Over 200,000 pools installed throughout Australia since starting over 50 years ago.
Great responses during conference, if you missed us at the stand contact us as below.
Reseller and Distributor opportunities throughout Australia
Enquiries to
admin@driclad.com.au 0458 034 319
August/September 2018 SPLASH! 71
feature
2018 South Australian award winners
S
PASA South Australia members and guests gathered at the historic Adelaide Town Hall for their gala awards presentation. The major winners were: Pool of the Year – ABOVE: Pool of the Year, Elite Pool Constructions RIGHT: Commercial Project of the Year, Riverscape Landscaping & Pools
72 SPLASH! August/September 2018
Elite Pool Constructions Commercial Project of the Year – Riverscape Landscaping & Pools Product of the Year – Hayward Pool Products Retailer of the Year – Prospect Pool + Spa n
Award winners
Renovation up to $25,000: Gold: Adelaide Classic Pools; Bronze: Freedom Pools SA; Silver: Elite Pool Constructions Renovation over $25,000: Gold: Elite Pool Constructions; Silver: Adelaide Classic Pools; Bronze: Elite Pool Constructions Pool Landscape Design: Gold: Riverscape Landscaping & Pools; Silver: Elite Pool Constructions; Bronze: Elite Pool Constructions In-Field Service Technician Award: Gold: Prospect Pool + Spa - Todd Jones; Silver: Jims Pool Care West Lakes - James Lunnay Retail Service Technician Award: Gold: Advanced Pools - Karl Piteo; Silver: Advanced Pools - Marc Piteo Construction Tradesperson Award: Rainwise Clearview - Garry Etherington
Pool Sales Representative Award: Gold: Rainwise Clearview - Ross Starkey; Silver: Riverina Pools - Vernon Weller Education Training Award: Clark Rubber Marketing Campaign of the Year: Gold: AstralPool Australia; Silver: Clark Rubber; Bronze: Prospect Pool + Spa Vinyl Lined Modular Pool: Gold: Classic Pools; Silver: Complete Pools SA; Bronze: Classic Pools Courtyard/Plunge Pool: Gold: Elite Pool Constructions; Silver: Rainwise Clearview Innovative Project: Gold: Elite Pool Constructions; Silver: Elite Pool Constructions Product of the Year: Gold: Hayward Pool Products; Silver: Waterco Limited; Bronze: Supreme Heating Lap Pool – Concrete: Gold: Elite Pool Constructions; Silver: 360 Pools Concrete Pool up to $50,000: Gold: Elite Pool Constructions; Silver: Adelaide Classic Pools; Bronze: Adelaide Classic Pools Concrete Pool up to $100,000: Gold: 360 Pools; Silver: Elite Pool Constructions;
feature
Bronze: Elite Pool Constructions Concrete Pool over $100,000: Gold: Elite Pool Constructions; Silver: Elite Pool Constructions; Bronze: Elite Pool Constructions Best Pool Store: Gold: Prospect Pool + Spa; Silver: Advanced Pools Sustainable Product Award: Gold: Supreme Heating; Silver: Waterco Limited; Bronze: Hayward Pool Products Pool & Spa Combination - Fibreglass: Gold: Australian Outdoor Living Fibreglass Pool up to $40,000: Gold: Rainwise Clearview; Silver: Riverscape Landscaping & Pools; Bronze: Freedom Pools SA Fibreglass Pool up to $60,000: Gold: Freedom Pools SA; Silver: Riverscape Landscaping & Pools; Bronze: Rainwise Clearview Fibreglass Commercial Pool up to $250,000: Gold: Riverscape Landscaping and Pools Pool & Spa Combination – Concrete: Gold: Elite Pool Constructions; Silver: Elite Pool Constructions; Bronze: Elite Pool Constructions Concrete Pool Builder of the Year: Elite Pool Constructions Fibreglass Pool Builder of the Year: Rainwise Clearview Commercial Project of the Year: Riverscape Landscaping and Pools Retailer of the Year: Prospect Pool + Spa Pool of the Year: Elite Pool Constructions
August/September 2018 SPLASH! 73
2018 Remco Pool of the Year Winner - Aloha Pools
8
With over 440 industry stakeholders in attendance, the SPASA Victoria Awards of Excellence Gala night is the largest industry event of its kind in Australia and the most anticipated industry event on the Victorian calendar. A total of 43 Awards of Excellence categories made up the SPASA Victoria Awards of Excellence program, including major awards - Product of the Year and Remco Pool of the Year. The 2018 Remco Pool of the Year was awarded to Aloha Pools and the 2018 Product of the Year went to Supreme Heating for their Heatseeker DualSun product. Hosted by former Winter Olympic gold medallist Steven Bradbury, guests were treated to pure hilarity and genuine on-stage entertainment from the Olympic champion-turned comedian.
Major Sponsors
Platinum Sponsor
A total of 70 Gold and Highly Commended awards were presented to well-deserving SPASA Victoria members. SPASA Victoria President Cliff Cooke congratulated all winners and said, “The quality of what our members produce just never ceases to amaze. They continue to explore ways to push the boundaries of possibility and another record event shows the passion our members have in the pursuit of excellence. Being early adopters of new technology, SPASA members sit on the cutting edge - and consumers are the ultimate winners.” SPASA Life Member and past-President John D’Arcy also announced outgoing CEO Brendan Watkins as the inaugural SPASA Hall of Fame inductee. With sumptuous food prepared by renowned caterer Epicure, along with images of all award entries prominently displayed up in lights on the MCG scoreboards - as well as video footage on the ‘Around-the-Ground’ LED Ribbons - a fabulous night was enjoyed by all!
SPASA Victoria 2018 Awards of Excellence Category Sponsors:
PMS 660C
POOL COVERS & PRODUCTS
Media Sponsor
Entertainment Sponsor
PMS 123U
irrigation & pools
Congratulations to all 2018 Awards of Excellence entrants and winners.
HOW DOES DUALSUN
A TWO-IN-ONE SOLAR SOLUT ELECTRICITY The conversion of light into electricity is called the photovoltaic effect. Solar panels convert energy from sunlight into direct current (DC) electrical energy, which is then changed into alternating current (AC) for your home’s electrical consumption. Excess energy can be fed into a battery storage system for later use, or returned to the grid for a feed-in tariff or a net-metering program.
Best Concrete Pool by a New SPASA Builder Member Sponsored by Reltech
Icon Pools
As pool water integrated into it absorbs the s photovoltaic e returned to the p and allowing the
THE ZERO ENERGY POOL
SOLAR ELECTRICITY + POOL HEATING
N AT I O N A L
2018 Product of the Year Award Sponsored by Melbourne Pool + Outdoor Design
Best Fibreglass Pool by a New SPASA Builder Member Sponsored by Henden
Supreme Heating
Miller Pool & Spa Service
ENHANCED PERFORMANCE Gold Winners of the SPASA Victoria Awards of Excellence 2018 2018 Remco POOL OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Remco Australia
Aloha Pools
2018 Product of the Year Award Sponsored by Melbourne Pool + Outdoor Design
Supreme Heating
SPASA Hall of Fame Sponsored by SPASA Victoria
Brendan Watkins
Sustainability Award Sponsored by Melbourne Pool + Outdoor Design
Supreme Heating
Best Control, Water Quality or Convenience Product Sponsored by Protector Aluminum
Hayward Pool Products
Best Residential Concrete Pool - Under $50,000 Sponsored by Hayward
Seaspray Pools
Best Residential Concrete Pool - Under $100,000 Sponsored by The Pool Enclosure Company
Laguna Pools & Spas
Best Residential Concrete Pool - Over $100,000 Sponsored by Cooke Industries and QuikClean
Aloha Pools
Best Concrete Pool by a New SPASA Builder Member Sponsored by Reltech
Best Residential Fibreglass Pool $40,000 - $60,000 Sponsored by Waterco
Gordon Avenue Pools & Spas
Best Residential Fibreglass Pool Over $60,000 Sponsored by Protector Aluminum
Compass Pools Melbourne
Best Fibreglass Pool by a New SPASA Builder Member Sponsored by Henden
Miller Pool & Spa Service
Compass Pools Melbourne
the process, the water circulation cools the PV cells, increasing efficiency by up to 20%. Therefore, a DualSun installation can utilise up to 4 times more energy than a standard photovoltaic installation.
Best Pool and Landscape Combination Sponsored by Remco Australia
Apex Pools & Spas Best Residential Renovation - Up to Standard photovoltaic production DualSun photovoltaic gain $25,000 DualSun thermal production Sponsored by SPLASH!
37 South Pools Best Residential Renovation - Over $25,000 Sponsored by AB Phillips
Best Commercial Pool - Under $250,000 Sponsored by Waterco
Icon Pools
Best Commercial Pool - Over $250,000 Sponsored by Waterco
Laguna Pools & Spas
Laguna Pools & Spas
Aloha Pools
Aloha Pools
Best Residential Concrete Spa Sponsored by Waterco
Baden Pools
Best Residential Pre-Engineered VinylLined In-Ground Pool Sponsored by Waterco
Albatross Swimming Pools Aust Best Residential Concrete Lap Pool Sponsored by Remco Australia
Laguna Pools & Spas
Icon Pools
Best Residential Fibreglass Pool - Under $40,000 Sponsored by Cooke Industries and Enviraflo
Best Residential Concrete Pool and Spa Combination Sponsored by GNS Ceramics
Compass Pools Melbourne
Neptune Swimming Pools
The conversion of light into electricity is called the photovoltaic effect. Solar panels convert energy from sunlight into direct current (DC) electrical energy, which is then changed into alternating current (AC) for your home’s electrical consumption. Excess energy can be fed into a battery storage system for later use, or returned to the grid for a feed-in tariff or a net-metering program.
Best Landscape Design - Under 200sqm Best ResidentialDualSun’s Fibreglass, Acrylic, or hybrid solar PV thermal technology is based on two principles: Standard PV panels generate much more heat (82.8%)featuring than electricity a Pool or Spa Vinyl-Lined Pool1. and Spa Combination (17.2%) when exposed to the sun. 2. The efficiency ofPool PV panels decreases as the surface temperature Sponsored by TheINNOVATIVE Pool Tile Sponsored by Melbourne + Outdoor HEATCompany increases. EXCHANGER Completely integrated into the C.O.S Design The innovative DualSun hybrid solar panel utilises the excess heat from the Design panel, allowing for excellent PV cells, transferring it to the heat exchanger to produce heated water. In
Best Residential Courtyard/Plunge Pool Sponsored by Spa Electrics
Best Residential Fibreglass, Acrylic or Vinyl-Lined Lap Pool Sponsored by Davey
Leisure Pools Melbourne Central
THE EVOLUTION OF SOLAR POWER
DUALSUN
HOW DOES WOR A SOLAR PANEL A TWO-IN-ONE SOLAR SOLUTION SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR WATER POOLS ELECTRICITY
Best Innovative Pool or Spa Sponsored by The Pool Enclosure Company Best Fibreglass, Acrylic, or Vinyl-Lined Concrete Pool by Country Member Sponsored by AB Phillips
Gordon Avenue Pools & Spas Best Residential Enclosed / Indoor Pool Sponsored by Aquatics & Recreation Victoria
Aloha Pools Best Pool & Spa Service Business Sponsored by SPLASH!
Flowtec Leak Detection Services Best Water Feature Sponsored by AB Phillips
Laguna Pools & Spas Best Pre-Engineered Portable Spa Sponsored by Melbourne Pool + Outdoor Design
Leisurescape Pools & Spas
heat transfer between the
surface and the Best Landscapephotovoltaic Design - Over 200sqm water flow. featuring a Pool or Spa Sponsored by Reece Irrigation & Pools
C.O.S Design
ULTRA THIN DESIGN Standard dimensions of a photovoltaic panel
cell, 60 cells). Best Pool Display(156mm Centre Sponsored by IEC
MBuild Master Pools
HIGH PERFORMANCE PHOTOVOLTAICS
High efficiency Pool Store of the Year monocrystalline cells cooled water circulation. Sponsored by AB byPhillips
The Poolstore Bayside
Best In Situ Paving or Stone Product Sponsored by Remco Australia
SAI Sandstone / Grace Stone Best Spa Retailer Sponsored by Protector Aluminum
Spa World Australia
SPASA Industry Training High Achiever Award Sponsored by VBA
Beau Cannon - The Poolstore Bayside SPASA Water Neutral Pool Award Sponsored by SPASA Victoria
Rainwise Coburg
Fora full list of Award winners see www.spasavic.com.au
As pool water is circulated thro integrated into the underside of it absorbs the surplus energy cr photovoltaic effect. As a result, returned to the pool whilst simult and allowing the PV electrical ge at peak perfor
commercial news
Awards
Commercial
news International event a Spectacular success. . . 78 In Brief. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 University doubles pool utility with SwimWall. . . 81 Clear pool water crucial for making movies underwater. . . . . . . . . . . 82
AKAC wins NSW Facility of the Year Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre (AKAC) in Enmore, Sydney, has been named the Aquatic & Recreation Institute (ARI) NSW Facility of the Year. Since opening in 2010, AKAC has received a five-star safety accreditation, and was recognised for best-practice water quality protocols. The centre is one of the most ecologically sustainable aquatic centres in Australia and has been acknowledged by NSW Health for a commitment to the health and welfare of the community.
AKAC is managed by Belgravia Leisure on behalf of Inner West Council. The centre welcomes in excess of 430,000 visitors a year. AKAC was recognised for bestpractice water quality protocols
AKAC’s facilities include a fully equipped gym, indoor 50 metre pool, learn to swim pool, splash pool with water features and crèche. Belgravia Leisure CEO Nick Cox says both the council and centre staff worked hard to ensure that the facility was meeting community needs and expectations, actively implementing policies such as the council’s Inclusion Action Plan, and working with special needs groups such as refugees.
Awards
Gympie wins Queensland Facility of the Year be seen in the uptake of the impressive suite of programs on offer.” Despite Gympie ARC’s impressive credentials, Whales said selecting the winner was no easy task. “The quality of the nominations for Facility of the Year was outstanding. Each of the finalists can be very proud of what they’re achieving,” he says. It was a successful night for Belgravia Leisure, with its Queensland State Manager Dan Cullen picking up the Orimatech Award for Excellence, which recognises outstanding levels of individual career achievement. Cullen was recognised for his contribution to numerous facilities, his organisation, the community and the industry over the past 20 years. Gympie ARC was praised for their approach to working with the community One of Queensland’s newest community aquatic facilities received the Jonas Leisure Facility of the Year Award at the Australian Leisure Facilities Association Queensland (ALFAQ) Awards, held as part of the SPASA Australia Gala Dinner during the SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. Gympie Aquatic Recreation Centre (Gympie ARC) pipped finalists Miami Aquatic Centre and last year’s winner Milne Bay Aquatic and Fitness Centre to take out the award, which was accepted by Gympie ARC centre manager Courtney Murphy. Jonas Leisure sales manager Bryn Whales, who was on the ALFAQ Awards judging panel, says the award recognised best practice in the operation of aquatic facilities. “The overall design, layout and facilities on offer at Gympie ARC are of an incredibly high calibre,” he says. “Their approach to working with the community, clever marketing campaigns, and a strong focus on recruitment of staff and ongoing training has seen impressive community buy-in to the facility. This can
76 SPLASH! August/September 2018
Whales says Cullen is well-regarded among his peers for his commitment to team and staff development, and his involvement in a wide range of charity events. ALFAQ president Dan Kwaczynski said the awards were an important part of recognising the enthusiasm, hard work and professionalism of those who worked in Queensland’s leisure and aquatics industries. “There are so many great people working across leisure and aquatics facilities in Queensland, achieving great things. It’s fantastic to have a formal channel to support and acknowledge that contribution.”
Safety, swim schools and facility automation ALFAQ also held an information session at SPLASH! about safety, swim schools, and facility automation in commercial pool settings. The key speakers covered off a range of aspects to architecture and design for aquatic centres: Paul Barry, RLSS Queensland CEO, spoke about the improvements at RLSSQ including new lifeguard accreditation and public pool safety research. David Speechley spoke about the forthcoming updates and developments on GSPO. Ross Gage presented ASSA’s role and
commercial news
how it works with other associations. Bryn Whales delivered a presentation on member automation options and how they can benefit member facilities. Michael Bystram, manager of Centaman Entrance Control – informed members about gate automation and different styles and functions for a range of facilities. John from Brauer Industries talked about chemical automation and introduced members to a new technology using spectrophotometry to test water quality and contaminants. Jon Maskell from Fluidra talked about filtration control, using a new product traditionally used for agricultural industries. The next ALFAQ information session will be held on November 27.
A drone shot of Gympie ARC
Awards
Accolades for the NZ aquatics industry New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA) held its 2018 Aquatics Awards in August in Rotorua. The Lifeguard of the Year award went to Victor Thompson, who was nominated by colleague Mark Blake, who says that in his 35 years working in the aquatics industry he has never seen anyone more energetic, supportive and dynamic. “It is difficult to explain in simple terms how superior his customer service and work ethic is in comparison to every other lifeguard I have met.” The Aquatic Innovation Award went to Belgravia Leisure for their Access and Inclusion Initiative, aimed at supporting minority groups who have difficulty accessing their facilities due to disability, economic costs or transport issues. One customer said the staff have built an environment based on support and acceptance. “My disabled daughter is welcomed and included which is, sadly, extremely rare.” NZRA aquatics program manager Tracey Prince-Puketapu says they had to introduce merit awards for the first time to congratulate more of their quality nominees. “I am incredibly proud of the work that is taking place across New Zealand in the aquatics sector, we are really setting the standard for high-quality aquatic recreation.” Merit awards went to Agnes Figota and Kanae Atsumi in the Lifeguard of the Year competition and to Kāpiti Coast District Council, Hanmer Spring Thermal Pools & Spa, YMCA, Plunket and Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000 for the Aquatic Innovation Award. The Lifeguard Team of the Year went to Community Leisure Management. August/September 2018 SPLASH! 77
commercial news
Events
International event a Spectacular success When the Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) held its first national conference in 2016 – at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) in conjunction with the SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show – it attracted 70 participants per day. Last year, over 160 revelled in Darwin. This year, back at the GCCEC with SPLASH!, more than 460 participants turned up to enjoy the broad range of entertaining and informative sessions and events. Equally remarkable was that 89 delegates from 17 overseas countries turned up for ASSA’s International Swim Schools Spectacular 2018 (ISSS 2018). The ISSS 2018 broke new ground for the swim schools world with the More than 460 participants turned up to enjoy the entertaining and informative sessions
Australian Swim Schools Conference flowing into the World Infant Aquatic Conference, all under the umbrella of the SPLASH! Week and all under the one roof. Twenty two international speakers joined local business consultants, industry leaders and academic experts to present world-class information to challenge perceptions and raise the industry bar. Presentations by grass roots practitioners continued to hold an important place; with those by the National Swim Schools Excellence Awards recipients being very well received. Similarly, the report by the ASSA-USSSA Coutts Family Scholarship winners drew great interest – this time on “futuristic swim schools”. Both will now hold spots annually in the Australian Swim Schools Conference.
Multi-state, multi-event In addition, a series of experiences and functions was built around the core events: • Friday: Bondi Beach Experience, featuring the Bondi Rescue crew, Sydney • Saturday: Sydney Swim Schools Tour, followed by dinner in Darling Harbour
www.watertoys.com info@watertoys.com 1 866 833 8580 905 649 5047
78 SPLASH! August/September 2018
commercial news
• Sunday: transit to the Gold Coast for the Broadbeach Country Music Festival. • Monday: Vorgee - ASSA Welcome Reception at the Star Casino’s Garden Bar • Tuesday: Australian Swim Schools Awards Gala • Wednesday: LifeFloor Reception for Industry Leaders • Thursday: International Swim Schools Association’s (ISSA) Welcome Reception at Q1’s SkyPoint • Friday: Australian Outback Spectacular • Sunday: Greater Brisbane Swim Schools Tour The standout function was ASSA’s Awards Gala hosted by Duncan Armstrong and Jasmin Forsyth, including inductions into the Australian Swim Schools Hall of Fame: • Legend 04: John Bainbridge • Pioneer: Terry Gulliver • Outstanding Contributor: Claire Timmermans • Humanitarian: Little Heroes Swim Academy Founding ASSA president David Urquhart was bestowed with the Association’s inaugural Life Membership, and the first meeting of the ISSA’s officials was held, including the participation of 29 directors, advisors and ambassadors from 11 countries.
National Drowning Prevention Alliance president and director, and directors from the Stop Drowning Now organisation. All agreed to further build on their excellent sharing and cooperation. A feature of ISSS 2018 was the valuable opportunity for SwimSchoolers to attend the SPLASH! Expo on the same site with lunches provided by SPASA to maximise time in the expo hall. SPASA also sponsored USA Swim Schools inclusion expert, Krissy Bartlett, which Gage says provided ISSS 2018 with a further world leading edge. Taking on the broader perspective, ASSA President Wayne Pollock, said, “The magnificent event is further evidence of the exceptional value in having an association uniquely, solely, focused on Swim Schools.” Conference 2019 will be held in Cairns, around 29 July to 31 July. ASSA events manager Emily McNeill says that like Darwin, Conference 2019 will be built around the combination of an extremely strong program and a unique destination. The broad range of associated events included the World Infant Aquatic Conference
ASSA’s Pedagogy Committee met with the USSSA’s Infant and Toddler Committee and ASSA’s Water Safety Committee met with the USA’s
Environmentally Friendly Filtration Neptune-Benson’s Defender® Regenerative Media Filter is one of the most efficient water filtration system available today. It offers unprecedented water, energy and space savings. The Defender Filter delivers up to:
• 90% Less Total Water • 50% Less Energy • 30% Less Fuel & Chemicals • 75% Less Space • 95% Less Particulate vs. Sand Filters
www.neptunebenson.com
August/September 2018 SPLASH! 79
commercial news
In Brief The National Sports Convention (NSC) was held in July in Melbourne, and organisers say it was Australasia’s largest community sport and recreation knowledge sharing event, with the key support of the Australian Sports Commission, Sport New Zealand, the Victorian Government, VicHealth and more than a dozen peak bodies. This year the NSC more than doubled in size with 1465 individual delegates, exhibitors and registered visitors over the two days: 233 delegates came from local/state government, 215 from sport, 71 from peak bodies, 60 from education, and 130 from Belgravia Leisure. The exhibition side attracted 429 exhibitors and expo attendees. Among the global keynote speakers, IAKS president Dr Stefan Kannewischer presented two papers about global trends in the sports and leisure facility industry. In what has been reported as a chemical mixing error in the swimming pool, 22 guests were treated by firefighters for chlorine gas poisoning at Disneyland Paris, and three hotel employees and one guest were transported to hospital. The hotel swimming pool and its surrounding rooms were evacuated after the incident, which was believed to be the result of incorrectly mixing bleach and sulfuric acid. Guests complained of breathing problems and nausea. Firefighters drained the pool, after which guests were allowed to return.
BECSys EZConnect & EZMail Finally... secure online access made simple, including alarm notification messages!
Simple Secure No Monthly Fees BECSys Pool pH & Free Chlorine Controllers
Easily access your BECSys controller from anywhere! Simple: no VPNs, firewall mods, IP addresses Secure: rigorous multi-layered security approach including message encryption
Contact Tim Batt Water Solutions at: 0438-889268 www.tbwsaquatic.com.au 80 SPLASH! August/September 2018
commercial news
Aquatics
University improves pool utility with SwimWall Aquatic industry supplier SR Smith has completed the installation of a SwimWall system at the newly opened aquatic centre at Griffith University’s Gold Coast campus. The new centre consists of a 50-metre swimming pool and an associated fitness orientated facility. The installation of the SwimWall system provided the operational flexibility to achieve the university’s aim of attracting maximum pool usage by students and the local community. The SwimWall is positioned on the pool floor when not in use; and when filled with air, it moves into a vertical position, forming a pool wall that is designed to fit around lane lines. This system effectively doubles the number of lanes, while also offering the flexibility to have some swim lanes 50 metres in length and others 25 metres. It also allows multiple simultaneous uses from learn-to-swim to water polo. SR Smith director Keith Hall says that the SwimWall system is proven Australian-developed technology. “It provides pool operators with the flexibility to create multiple operational zones within their pool, increasing revenue opportunities,” he says. SR Smith has also completed SwimWall installations at Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast and Bond University’s aquatic centre. “The Australian market is looking positively at the technology,” says Hall. Miami Aquatic Centre and St. Hilda’s College, both located on the Gold Coast, have also committed to SwimWall System installations in 2018.
ABOVE: The SwimWall system provided the university with the flexibility to create multiple operational zones within their pool
POOL HEATING PANEL
The addition of the aquatic centre at Griffith University’s Gold Coast campus, which was a training facility during the 2018 Commonwealth Games, is part of an expansion of the institution’s Health & Knowledge Precinct. More than 17,000 students currently attend Griffith’s Gold Coast campus. This is expected to rise to more than 25,000 in the next 10 years. Contact: srsmith.com/au
The Eco-therm panel is manufactured by Aquatherm Industries in the US, who have been manufacturing pool heating panels for over 30 years, and its fluted design gives more surface area to achieve one of the highest heat transfer ratings in the Australian market. The strategically placed slots in the webbing prevent moisture build up under the collector and allow pressure relief during high winds. Of all the options available to heat your pool, solar energy is the most cost effective and environmentally friendly method available.
To find out more visit our website.
IF YOUR CLIENTS HAVE A COOL POOL, WE HAVE A WARM SOLUTION
p 1300 688 828 e info@ecosolarpoolheating.com.au
ecosolarpoolheating.com.au August/September 2018 SPLASH! 81
commercial news
Crucial clarity in
The Meg’s underwater studio
The producers need a “blank canvas” to ensure shots match up. This image shows part of the filming of Shannara Chronicles
The 1.3 megalitre dive tank where parts of The Meg were shot
T
he Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Piano, The Chronicles of Narnia, King Kong, The Last Samurai, Avatar – for a small nation, New Zealand has produced an incredible range of successful big budget movies. New to the scene is Kumeu Film Studios, a converted screen production complex just 25 minutes from central Auckland. Initially built around the ChinaHollywood co-produced action-adventure film Meg starring Jason Statham and Li Bingbing, the 27-hectare site now includes extensive stage, workshop and manufacture spaces, production offices, 12 hectares of forest, and two water tanks. These are the only water tanks of this size and type in New Zealand. Before filming The Meg, American movie giant Warner Bros Studios needed assurance that the underwater dive tank was able to create a blank canvas – a default position – for filmmakers, which meant the water needed to be as clear as possible. “When shooting underwater shots, we are usually trying to match footage to cut into a sequence that is either shot on a location or a surface tank, on a previous date or to be shot in the future,” says Steve Ingram, special effects designer/supervisor. “So, we need to be able to control the ‘underwater atmosphere’ as much as possible.”
Clear water for clear eyes
The best place to start is with crystal clear water that doesn’t irritate the actors’ eyes or skin. 82 SPLASH! August/September 2018
“The lighting options and available image definition resulting from this water clarity usually deliver a better and more believable end look to the sequences. Post Production VFX work, if required, is usually a lot less complicated when you can remove a variable and often ‘swirling’ atmosphere out of the equation,” he says. “Along with the comfortable water temperature, easy access and multitude of ‘rigging points’ available, we are able to get the best shots possible in a very safe and efficient process.” They found the solution in chlorinefree Hydroxypure. Producing the same quality of water demanded by high-end hotels all over the world (which the studio says is a major selling point it uses when pitching to producers), Waterco’s Hydroxypure has brought myriad benefits to the cast and crew. “The actors have commented that the water feels soft on their skin and gentle on their eyes, unlike chlorinated water which causes red eyes,” says screen production attraction executive, Jasmine Millet. “That is hugely beneficial for actors who need to be consistently underwater for hours at a time without masks. And, unlike chlorinated pools, Hydroxypure doesn’t bleach costumes or deteriorate divers’ wetsuits.” She says they haven’t emptied the tank since it was filled. “A chemist tests the water every week and it has remained clean and
commercial news
healthy with the Hydroxypure treatment system. We haven’t had any instances at all where the water has triggered any concerns from a health and safety perspective.”
Clean line of sight
Jasmine says water clarity is absolutely critical for underwater filming, in terms of transparency, health and safety, and the ability to control the environment. “We are now on the radar of major international studios that are looking for facilities with water tanks,” she adds. “Thanks to the size of the underwater tank and quality of water, we now have the ability to compete with film and television projects from all over the world.” n
Contacts: Waterco: www.waterco.com.au Kumeu: +64 21 824 740
As actors need to be consistently underwater for hours at a time without masks, irritating disinfectants are not an option
Kumeu Film Studios Underwater Dive Tank (indoor) • Volume: 1.267 million litres • Diameter: 18m • Maximum depth: 4.9m • Stair access and 6.8m2 platform just below water level for diver access • State-of-the-art Hydroxypure/Ozone water treatment system that creates crystal-clear water with maximum temperature 33°C Ocean Surface Tank (outdoor) • Volume: 2.5 million litres • Length: 36m- 54m • Width: 40m • Depth: 0.7m to pit of 3m with the base of the pit 17m2 with a 9.6m2 reinforced concrete foundation pad below the liner for attaching hardware • Traditional chlorine treatment system with a maximum temperature 32°C
August/September 2018 SPLASH! 83
National Swimming Pool Foundation® Presents
Educational Topics: • • • • • • • • •
Shaping the Future Through Aquatic Research and Education 15th Annual World Aquatic Health™ Conference
October 10–12, 2018 · Charleston, SC
Advanced Service Concepts Aquatic Career Progression New Industry Technology Environmental Health Issues Advanced Water Chemistry Aquatic Health Benefits Facility Management Recreational Water Illnesses Facility Risk Management
Attendees:
1st Annual WAHCity Broadcast Event
October 11–12, 2018 · Various Locations
• • • • • • • • •
Pool Operators Manufacturers Service Technicians Facility Managers EH Officials Academia Pool Builders Retailers Health Advocates
The WAHC is a Premiere Aquatic Research Forum. New This Year, WAHCity Brings the WAHC to You: • Boston, Massachusetts
• Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Dallas, Texas
• Los Angeles, California
• Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Niagara Falls, Ontario
Register now at theWAHC.org
WAHC $595
WAHCity $300
Questions: call 719-540-9119 or email conference@nspf.org #WAHC2018
@TheWAHC
new products
Europe pergolas enter Australian market
Europa Aluminium Systems have been available in Europe for more than 40 years, with a product portfolio including opening, folding, sliding and hanging aluminium windows, retractable insect screens, roller shutters, pergolas, railing systems, panels and mounting bases for photovoltaic panels. It is now launching into the Australian market with its popular Europa Pergola. Constructed from high quality aluminium, compact, and with elegant European styling, the Europa Pergola provides shade in summer and shelter during winter. The louvres conveniently rotate up to 135 degrees via push-button control. The Pergola comes in both 3150mm square and 2500mm square sizes. Contact: Van Tarnanas: 0418 411 172 Tas Nikas: 0481 385 710
Blue Connect smart pool analyser The Trace sunlounge
Tait has won Denfair’s Best Australian Product for the Trace sunlounge designed by leading Australian designer Adam Goodrum.
AstralPool has launched the innovative Blue Connect – a smart pool analyser that uses a quality sensor and smart algorithms to collate data from the pool water, the weather and the user, to help the pool owner or professional remotely monitor the pool 24/7.
The Trace sunlounge epitomises resort-style relaxation and poolside indulgence, and with its natural curves and plump upholstery, it showcases Goodrum’s finesse for organic form.
It continuously measures and analyses key parameters from pH to conductivity, and the smartphone app notifies you when something needs to be done to the pool, along with an easy-to-follow assistant to help fix the issue. It can also be fitted to the technical room’s piping.
Comprising seven forms including armchair, sofa, modular sofa, coffee table, drinks trolley, planter and now sunlounge, the Trace collection has swelled into an all-encompassing luxurious outdoor lifestyle series. It is available in a range of hard-wearing, UV-stable textured powder coat hues and a variety of premium, exterior-grade fabrics.
Blue Connect is connected via the cloud-based Sigfox, Bluetooth and/or wifi (via Blue Extender). As well, Blue Connect Plus allows the pool professional remote access to monitor the pool via Virtual Pool Care, a Pro Remote Assistance platform, which includes 24 daily readings, weather forecasts, multi-user options, data history and the ability to create custom alerts.
Contact: madebytait.com.au
Contact: www.astralpool.com.au/blueconnect August/September 2018 SPLASH! 85
new products
Artificial intelligence for the pool
Pool System’s new ICO is artificial intelligence for the pool. It measures, analyses, anticipates and formulates suggestions, and displays them on a smartphone. With its integrated sensors, ICO takes readings of water temperature, pH, ORP, and conductivity/salt levels. Compatible with a pool cover, it is simply placed in the pool or in the skimmer from where it starts monitoring the pool. It can be connected using wifi or Bluetooth, is UV-treated and has a rechargeable battery function lasting six months.
V-pattern cleaning with new H2O robo
Pool System’s new Robo H2O uses V-pattern cleaning in its ultra-wide cleaning path, and combined with its twin-drive roller system, provides maximum coverage and scrubbing ability.
The homeowner can receive alerts on their smartphone, and the service technician can monitor several pools in real time, anticipating problems, tracking maintenance and easily organising the required action.
Pool Systems says Robo H20’s self-cleaning gears and bi-directional steering feature in both forward and reverse cycles means it can quickly change direction, and has better reliability with less wear. Additionally, it’s adjustable suction and the fact that debris does not pass through its engine reduces the likelihood of jamming. Its smart tracks only make contact as needed to navigate around obstacles and during transitions, again meaning less wear.
Contact: 1300 366 020; sales@poolsystems.com.au
Contact: 1300 366 020; sales@poolsystems.com.au
Protect Pool, Protect Your Your Pool, Protect Kids Protect Your Your Kids View our online video showing common pool fencing faults and how to spot them at View 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 www.kidshealth.chw.edu.au/projects/drowning-prevention/swimming-pool-fencing
KIH1025/0811/SC KIH1025/0811/SC
86 SPLASH! August/September 2018
new products
Timber-style equipment enclosure kits
Daisy has introduced Wood Look pump & filter enclosure kits. There is no digging or concrete required. Each kit contains bolt-down plates and hardware, an entry gate and a lid on gas struts, aluminium wood-look slats and 10mm slat spacers.
IQ gets APVMA approval for C-5
International Quadratics’ C-5 tablet product is the only chlorine dioxide precursor to be registered by the APVMA and complies with all Health Department and APVMA requirements.
Daisy says the aluminium slats won’t warp or bend and are maintenance-free. The DIY kits are supplied flat packed and contain all self-drilling screws and hardware to construct the enclosure.
IQ says it is the ultimate “code brown” response product as it is recommended treatment for cryptosporidium; effectively eliminates chloramines; removes and prevents biofilm; and doesn’t require chemical mixing thanks to its peel-and-pop dosing method.
There are sizes to suit most pool equipment areas and they come in a range of three colours: Western Red Cedar, Light Oak and Jarrah
The easy-to-use tablet formulation can greatly reduce pool closure time. It comes in a 10kg pack size for commercial pools, and a 2kg pack size for semi-commercial applications such as LTS pools, hotels, motels, etc.
Contact: 1300 551 811; hello@daisypoolcovers.com.au
Contact: www.interquad.com.au; 1300 131 788
Revolutionising ownership, maintenance and servicing Multiple user remote access via IoT
Compatible with leading brands of equipment*
Upgrade existing systems or integrate with new builds
Converts single speed filter pump to variable speed to reduce run costs by 63%**
* Up to 2.2 kw filter pump ** Based on 1.5 kW filter pump
SplashMe Automation Controller
VISIT splashmepool.com.au
Smart Pool Automation August/September 2018 SPLASH! 87
new products
Sunlover seeks NQ agents
Due to the strong growth of the Oasis heat pump range in the Australian market, national pool and spa heating company Sunlover Heating is seeking agents and distributors in Northern Queensland. The Oasis heat pump range was a highlight of the Sunlover Heating
stand at the 2018 SPLASH! expo, with many people checking out the pump units which varied from 7kW all the way up to 200kW. For further information about this business opportunity please contact Kris Jones on kris@sunloverqld.com.au or (07) 5679 6821. Contact: www.sunloverheating.com.au
New portal offers instant heat pump sizing
EvoHeat has launched an online trade portal designed to provide distributors and trade partners with extensive product information on their pool and spa heat pumps. The trade portal offers access to a pool heater sizing guide, pool heat evaluation reports, detailed product information and specifications, technical support videos and training and selling information. The sizing guide offers an immediate projected heat pump size and operating cost by location, assisting trade partners when they need a projected heat pump size and running cost on the spot. They can also request customised pool heat evaluation reports for every customer via the portal. Trade partners can register via the link below. Contact: https://evoheat.com.au/ tradeportal/ 88 SPLASH! August/September 2018
new products
BioGuard distributing Dryden Aqua’s AFM
BioGuard is now the primary ANZ distributor of Activated Filter Media (AFM) by Dryden Aqua, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of glass filtration media. Developed by marine biologists, Dryden says it is biofilmresistant and selfsterilising, and has been independently proven to double the performance of sand filters and outperform all other media on the market. Undergoing a patented three step chemical activation process, Dryden says that AFM has up to 300 times more surface area than sand, and can trap 30 per cent more organic substances. Unlike some other crushed glass media the process eliminates shards, so will not cut handlers.
HIGH PERFORMANCE FLOORING SOLUTIONS… FROM POOL-SIDE TO PLANT ROOMS Flowcrete offers a range of high performance flooring solutions ideally suited to all areas of the pool & leisure environment, including… ü Entries & Foyers
ü Showers & Toilets
ü Internal Corridors
ü Plant Rooms
ü External Walkways
ü Pool Surrounds
ü Offices
ü Grandstands
ü Change Rooms
DON’T M
IS
QLD +61 7 3205 7115 FREE A S OUR FLOORINQUATICS NSW +61 2 4648 0397 ONLINEG GUIDE VIC +61 3 9578 5959 NOW australia@flowcrete.com www.flowcreteaustralia.com.au
Contact: bioguard.com.au; 1800 635 743 (AU); 0800 441 662 (NZ).
BioGuard releases Gold Plus chlorinator
BioGuard has added a top-tier model to its range of saltwater chlorinators – Gold Plus, Australian-made from quality titanium by aftermarket chlorinator specialist Allchlor. The Gold Plus salt water chlorinator features: weather proof lid; vermin-proof backing; aluminium extruded back locks into the front; cell on/off switch for simplified backwashing; user-friendly on/off/ auto timer control switch; reverse polarity technology; low salt option (4000ppm); three-year warranty. BioGuard says it is modern, sleek and simple to operate. Contact: bioguard.com.au August/September 2018 SPLASH! 89
✁
Subscribe to
Index
Advertisements Australian Innovation Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC Allchlor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44, 56 AquaIdea. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Tax invoice
Aqua-Quip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Please find enclosed my cheque/money order for $_________ payable to The Intermedia Group Pty. Ltd. OR please charge my:
Aquatic Elements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Mastercard
Visa
Amex
AstralPool Australia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Australian Spa Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Conductor Hub. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Cordell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78, 86
Cardholder Name: _____________________________________________________
Driclad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Eco Solar Pool Heating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Expiry Date: __ __ / __ __ Signature: ________________________ Name:
___________________________________________________________________
Empex Water Toys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Evo Industries Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Evolution Water & Lighting Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Job Title:
________________________________________________________________
Company:
_______________________________________________________________
Flowcrete Australia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Freedom Pools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Hayward Pool Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Address: _________________________________________________________________ Suburb/Town: _______________________ Postcode: ______________________
Heliocol Solar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 International Quadratics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 La Motte Pacific. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Ph:_______________________ Fax: _________________________________________ Email: ____________________________________________________________________
Lincoln Pool Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Lo-Chlor Chemicals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Neptune Benson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 NSPF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Yes! I wish to receive SPLASH! magazine Within Australia * $AUD65.00 – 1 year, 6 issues $AUD104.00 – 2 years, 12 issues – Save 20% $AUD136.50 – 3 years, 18 issues – Save 30%
Nymet Energy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Pentair Aquatic Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OBC Pool Ranger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Poolstar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Pool-Water Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC
* Prices quoted include GST
Remco Australia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Overseas Rates
Rheem Australia/Accent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
New Zealand
Siemens-Tim Batt Water Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
$AUD75.00 – 1 year, 6 issues Asia Pacific $AUD80.00 – 1 year, 6 issues All Other Countries $AUD90.00 – 1 year, 6 issues
Spa Electrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26, 37, 83 Spa-Craft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 SPASA Australia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 SPASA Victoria. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
We are committed to handling your personal information in
SPASA WA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
accordance with the privacy act.
Sunbather. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Please Select one of the following: Yes
No - Please send me information about special
offers and or events from SPLASH!
Sunline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Supreme Heating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 57 United Aqua Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd ABN 94002583682 PO Box 55 Glebe NSW 2037. Fax back your subscription to: (+61) 2 8580 6312 www.intermedia.com.au or call 1800 651 422
Waterco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15, 77 Westmead Hospital. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Zodiac Group Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25, 55
90 SPLASH! August/September 2018
PARAMOUNT IN-FLOOR CLEANING SYSTEMS THE WORLD’S NUMBER 1 IN-FLOOR CLEANING SYSTEM BROUGHT TO YOU BY POOL-WATER PRODUCTS
Paramount’s custom built in-floor cleaning systems are engineered to automatically clean any pool you design, including floors, steps, benches and spas. Minimising maintenance and maximising enjoyment.
Aquarius Pools – Mornington VIC
AUSTRALIA’S LEADING POOL BUILDERS CHOOSE PARAMOUNT
Pool-Water Products | P: 03 9873 5055 Email: info@poolwaterproducts.com.au www.poolwaterproducts.com.au