SPLASH October - November 2017

Swimming Pools / Leisure / Aquatics / Spas / Health

Issue 114 October/November 2017

The pool at the heart Of the elemental Byron resort

www.splashmagazine.com.au

The stunning appeal Of ponds and water features Water quality considerations For spray and splash parks SPASA Australia acquires SPLASH! An exciting future

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

editorial An exciting future

Contributors: Cal Stanley, Izzy Grace Advertising Manager: Karen Jaques Phone: (02) 8586 6135 Email: kjaques@intermedia.com.au

By now, you’ll all know the news I alluded to in the last issue, but was unable to actually state outright: SPASA Australia has bought SPLASH!

Senior Designer: Chris Papaspiros Production Manager: Jacqui Cooper Head of Circulation: Chris Blacklock

As I was writing, the process was underway but nothing was actually signed, so I had to hold back temporarily. However, as our online and social media subscribers know, word got out into the digital world before the contract ink was dry.

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.

Chris Maher Managing Editor chrismaher@ intermedia.com.au

The details are in the news story on page 8, but the most important thing for readers is to be assured that we are all very positive about the acquisition, and SPLASH! will continue to bring objective, useful and engaging content to you as we have for the past two decades. If anything, we will be striving to make the magazine of even more benefit to you than ever before.

I spoke with a number of key industry leaders at the convention in Sydney and asked them specifically about the purchase of SPLASH!, and I have to say the response was overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Comments included that it makes perfect sense, it should have happened ages ago, and that instead of trying to copy something that’s already a raging success, it makes more sense to buy it. The general consensus is that it was a smart move and a highly positive development for the industry.

Full page ad

There is actually quite a bit about SPASA in this issue – and that’s to be expected considering how busy they’ve been lately organising the convention and the national awards, negotiating the new media deals and setting up the dedicated certification and accreditation program. There is an air of excitement in the industry at the moment, and a feeling that things are moving in the right direction.

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.

In this issue we also finish our three-part series on spray and splash parks, this time looking at the crucial issue of water quality.

And we take a dip into ponds and water features, to see how they can calm the mood while improving a property’s appeal.

In November, I’ll be at IPSPE, the International Pool Spa and Patio Expo in Orlando. If any of you are going to be there let me know and I’ll try to catch up and get your impressions of the US show – as our own SPLASH! expo continues to grow, the big American trade show may be something for us to try and emulate.

Copyright © 2017 - SPASA Australia.

SPLASH! contains NO advertorial.

Proudly supported by

This issue’s cover

Swimming Pools / Leisure / Aquatics / Spas / Health

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

Issue 114 October/November 2017

The pool at the heart Of the elemental Byron resort

Audited Circulation Average Total Distribution: 5,706 AMAA/CAB Yearly Audit Period ending 31 March 2017.

Despite there being a lot of natural waterways at the Elements of Byron Resort, it is the stunning pool that has become the focus for guests. Image credit: Beau Corp Aquatics

The stunning appeal Of ponds and water features Water quality considerations For spray and splash parks SPASA Australia acquires SPLASH! An exciting future

www.splashmagazine.com.au

October/November 2017 SPLASH!

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Contents

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Demand supply management of electricity Cal Stanley discusses the issue of demand-side management of residential power supply and concerns relating to the forced shutting down of consumers’ pool pumps.

56

Ensuring good water quality in splash parks In the last of our three-part series, we talk to Victorian builder Aloha Pools’ Nathan Kinder about their experiences in ensuring great water quality in the challenging world of splash parks.

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The appeal of ponds and water features Izzy Grace looks at the allure of water, and how ponds and water features are bringing calm and joy into residential backyards, and enlivening public spaces.

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SPASA National Award Winners The awards were presented at the gala evening on Sydney Harbour, with the Pool of the Year going to Western Australian builder Quality Dolphin Pools.

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Industry hones leadership skills The inaugural SPASA Leadership Convention treated members and guests to an engaging day of discussions on the challenges that face industry businesses.

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Aquatic focus for an elemental resort This stunning pool at a beautiful Byron Bay five star resort provides not only swimming options

for all, but a place for the tribe to gather after a day of exploration.

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54

Australia’s largest heat pump installation Evo Energy Technologies has recently completed the largest heat pump installation in Australia – a massive 3610kW project at Dreamworld’s WhiteWater World.

regulars News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Chemistry tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

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

Commercial news . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

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

New products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Spa tech tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Ad index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

Industry moves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

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Kids dressed up in the spirit of the launch

Culture

Pool exhibition launches in Melbourne The National Gallery of Victoria launched their Pool exhibition in August.

Kids adorned in floaties played with pool toys and frolicked in an 11m-long artistic representation of a pool.

The Pool is complete with wooden decking and bespoke pool lounge chairs, with visitors invited to dangle their feet in the water and sit

poolside to reflect on one of Australia’s greatest cultural icons – the swimming pool.

Victorian Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley, opened the multisensory exhibition that had previously debuted at the 2016 Venice Architecture Biennale, where it received more than 100,000 visitors.

Media

SPASA Australia acquires SPLASH! magazine and expo The Swimming Pool & Spa Association of Australia (SPASA Australia) has acquired the SPLASH! brand from The Intermedia Group (TIG) and Interpoint Events (IE).

The acquisition by Australia’s peak swimming pool and spa industry body took effect in August and includes both the SPLASH! magazine and the SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show, as well as the magazine’s digital offerings.

The magazine and trade show will operate exactly as before in a seamless transition of ownership. Key staff will remain in place including Chris Maher as managing editor of the print and digital titles, and Karen Jaques as national sales manager for both the trade show and the magazine. Editorial independence will remain in place.

Additionally, TIG and IE will continue to oversee the publication of the magazine and the organisation of the show under a consultancy agreement, ensuring the same standards continue to apply to both entities, with Simon Cooper maintaining similar roles to those held previously.

“Continuity is paramount for the media brand, with management contracts in place with TIG and IE to ensure the operational effectiveness of the brand is maintained seamlessly,” says Lynley Papineau, Chairman of SPASA Australia.

“Staff will deliver business as usual and editorial independence will be maintained, with national sales manager Karen Jaques, managing 8 SPLASH!

October/November 2017

editor Chris Maher and managing director/publisher Simon Cooper, working side by side with TIG, IE and SPASA,” she says.

United industry Papineau says SPASA Australia’s vision has always been to create a united industry working together across Australia to help promote and support members.

“It is without doubt that SPLASH! holds the largest and most attended industry exhibition in the country along with their successful magazine publication. We completed an extensive due diligence process and I would like to thank Lindsay and the board members of SPASA Australia for the professionalism and time they have invested in looking after the interests of members and bringing this acquisition to reality.”

She says the opportunity was made possible due to the merger of SPASA Queensland, SA and NSW/ACT and combining the assets of the entities.

“There are exciting times ahead we are looking forward to working with TIG and IE to build on the success that they have created in the SPLASH! brand.”

Key element of integrated strategy Over the past 20 years, the SPLASH! brand has developed to become the premier expo, magazine and digital platform for the Australasian recreational water trade.

Following the announcement last month of a strategic alliance with Pool+Spa magazine and collaboration with the United Media Group, the acquisition of SPLASH! forms the next step in SPASA’s plan to create a more integrated and unified communication platform for the pool and spa industry.

CEO of SPASA Lindsay McGrath says the acquisition is part of

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SPASA’s integrated strategy and delivers on a key objective – to engage more with members while expanding the brand’s exposure to a larger audience.

“Following our recent alliance with Pool+Spa media, the acquisition of SPLASH! is a natural progression for us as it increases our skill set, expands our communication reach and provides another collaborative model to shape the industry,” says McGrath.

He says SPASA Australia’s overall plan is to increase the volume of pool builds, further promote pool and spa use, and improve the overall enjoyment pool and spa owners gain from their assets.

“To achieve that outcome we need an engaged, financially viable and well-marketed association,” he says.

“SPLASH! provides a key component in our strategy, supplying a solid platform for communication to our increasingly professional industry.”

He says the acquisition shows that SPASA is financially strong and able to use that strength to improve outcomes for members and the industry as a whole.

“SPLASH! is a highly successful commercial enterprise, now coming under the peak industry umbrella. Future profits will go to supporting SPASA members, directly improving industry sustainability and growth.”

Year up five per cent, but quarterly figures dip The available three-monthly pool DA numbers for Juneto-August show a decrease of four per cent over the same period last year.

Over the three months, the states to show a decline were Western Australia (down 49 per cent), South Australia (down 22 per cent) and Victoria (down 17 per cent), while Queensland was up 25 per cent and New South Wales up 12 per cent.

The annual figures comparing the 12 months to July show an increase of five per cent with all states up except for Western Australia. Queensland was up 34 per cent, New South Wales up 10 per cent, South Australia was up nine per cent and Victoria up three per cent. Western Australia was down 33 per cent.

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From left: Lindsay McGrath, SPASA Australia CEO; John O’Brien, SPASA Australia director; Lynley Papineau, SPASA Australia chairman; Simon Grover, Intermedia Group managing director; and Simon Cooper managing director of Interpoint Events

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Simon Cooper, IE managing director, has been the publisher of the magazine and organiser of the trade show since the brand was acquired in 2005.

“SPLASH! has always strongly supported the industry and encouraged its growth,” says Cooper.

“The print magazine and digital platform have been at the forefront of communicating with and informing the industry, while the trade show has become the major event for industry members from around the country and the region to network, conduct business, gain knowledge and celebrate their successes.” old YearSPASA new Interpoint has alwaysYear worked closely with the state associations and2000 more recently with SPASA Australia. At the most recent trade show, the extensive education program included a 1500 series of SPASA Australia workshops and seminars amongst the two full days of educational sofferings, and for the second time the 1000 National Awards Gala was held at the show.

SPASA Australia “Now there is a national body set up to promote the industry, it makes sense for 500 it to run its own event,” says Cooper.

“SPLASH! has an international reputation having held events in New Zealand and0 Singapore, and together with SPASA Australia Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul we can continue to grow and support the pool and spa industry even more. We are very excited about the future of the brand.”

Yearly comparison by month

Acquisition further helps industry

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

For further information, call Cordell Information on 1800 80 60 60.

October/November 2017 SPLASH!

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Safety

Under-five pool drownings down 13 per cent on ten-year average While the newly released Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2017 shows an overall increase in total drowning deaths, in a positive sign for the swimming pool industry it also showed the number of children under five who drowned in a swimming pool has declined when compared to the ten-year average.

While the swimming pool industry is justifiably concerned about drownings – especially of young children – the report shows the most common location for drownings is inland waterways. Inland waterways accounted for 97 deaths in 2016/17, almost one third of the total. Rivers were the leading location for fatal drowning with 68 drowning deaths, followed by beaches (50 deaths), ocean/harbour locations (46 deaths) and swimming pools (44 deaths).

The 2017 report is the first to examine the impact of both fatal and non-fatal drowning. Royal Life Saving estimates that there were an additional 685 non-fatal drowning incidents requiring hospitalisation in 2016/17. Many of these people will require long term medical assistance.

Overall, drowning in children under five increased last year across all aquatic locations. Tragically 29 children aged 0-4 years drowned in 2016/17, a 38 per cent increase on the previous year, and an increase of four per cent on the 10-year average. When looking at under-five drowning deaths in swimming pools only, the number was down against the ten-year average. However, the fact that 13 toddlers drowned in swimming pools is still a cause for serious concern.

Industry working diligently to reduce risk SPASA Australia CEO Lindsay McGrath urges all families to continue the active supervision of children, the regular inspection of fencing and gates, the promotion of learning to swim and the ability to provide CPR. “While industry members have been working diligently to reduce the risks for toddlers, and while we are pleased the under-five drowning numbers are down compared to the 10-year average, we are well aware there is still much work to be done,” he says.

“This includes furthering the work SPASA has already undertaken in educating pool owners about barrier maintenance and the importance of supervision, while also working tirelessly to help professionalise the industry and standardise regulations nationally.”

He says that SPASA Australia looks forward to working with Royal Life Saving and other national groups to improve consumer education and industry programs to reduce drownings.

“Kids and families love pools, but they can pose a significant drowning risk to toddlers,” says Justin Scarr, Royal Life Saving

Keep informed by subscribing to the free online newsletter.

Australian father and son die in pool pump electrocution A retired Australian engineer died together with his 10 year old son in a tragic accident after trying to repair a pool pump at their home in Thailand.

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SPLASH!

CEO. “Royal Life Saving urges pool owners to actively supervise young children around water and check that the pool fence and gate is in good working order.”

The 25-34 year age group accounted for the highest number of overall drowning deaths (43 deaths), followed by people aged 45-54 years (40 deaths). Many of these were in inland waterways, and Royal Life Saving has highlighted the importance of safe aquatic behaviours including lifejacket use, reducing alcohol and drug consumption, checking weather forecasts and never swimming or boating alone.

Learning to swim crucial The report found there were 12 drowning deaths in children aged 5-14 years. Scarr says that drowning in school-aged children is the lowest of any age group, but no less tragic.

“Though many Australian children swim well, we still find too many kids can’t swim at all and have limited water safety knowledge.

It’s important that State and Territory Governments, local councils, schools and parents all play their part.”

In 2008 the Australian Water Safety Council set an ambitious goal of reducing drowning by 50 per cent by 2020. Interim analysis shows an overall 24 per cent reduction in fatal drownings despite significant changes in the size and makeup of the Australian population.

“Reducing drowning by 24 per cent is a significant achievement and means there are 90 people here today who otherwise would have drowned last year. The most pleasing progress has been in reducing drowning in children aged 0-14 years by 36 per cent,” says Scarr.

To download a copy of the report go to splashmagazine.com.au/ quicklinks

Swimming pool drowning deaths in children under five have decreased by 13% against the 10 year average

Top five online news stories

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

SPASA Australia acquires SPLASH!

Non-fatal drowning victim’s brain damage reversed

The Swimming Pool & Spa Association of Australia acquired the SPLASH! brand including the magazine, trade show and online components from Intermedia and Interpoint.

A toddler who suffered brain damage from a nonfatal drowning incident in Arkansas, USA, has reportedly been cured following a series of oxygen therapies.

October/November 2017

Quality Dolphin Pools wins Australian Pool of the Year

Apex Pools & Spas wins SPASA Victoria Pool of the Year

The SPASA Australia Pool of the Year has been won

by Western Australian pool builder Quality Dolphin Pools.

SPASA Victoria’s 2017 Remco Pool of the Year went to Apex Pools & Spas, while Product of the Year went to Sunbather for their DownUnder + Superslave Cover System.

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Upcoming events 2017 Oct 17-20

Piscina BCN, International Swimming Pool Exhibition, Barcelona

Oct 31-Nov3 Aquatech Amsterdam Nov 1-3

IPSPE, Orlando Florida

Nov 7-10

25th IAKS Congress, Cologne, Germany

Nov 7-10

FSB International Trade Fair for Amenity Areas, Sports, and Pool Facilities, Cologne, Germany

Nov 8

SPASA Victoria AGM

2018 Jan 30-Feb 1 Spatex, Coventry, UK Feb 9-11

Pool & Spa Consumer Show (Summer Show), MCEC, Melbourne

Mar 3-4

Sydney Pool Spa & Outdoor Living Expo, Rosehill Gardens

Apr 2-6

National Drowning Prevention Educational Conference, Tampa, Florida

May 7-9

AALARA Conference, Sunshine Coast

May 15-17

Asia Pool & Spa Expo, Guangzhou, China

June 5-8

Asian Attractions Expo, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Aug 1-2

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

Aug 11-12

Spa & Pool Consumer Show (Winter Show), MCEC, Melbourne

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.

IPSPE will be held at Orlando Florida on November 1-3, with the conference starting from October 29

October/November 2017 SPLASH!

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Acquisitions

Spa Tech Tips Spa chemical care Spas and swimming pools are vastly different in relation to chemical care. Spas require specific chemical treatment due to the small volume, high water temperature, surface material and bather “additives”.

The small water volume (typically under 2000 litres) combined with high water temperature generally results in substantially higher concentration of bather “additives” whether that be urea, sweat, body oils, skin or products such as make-up, hairspray and the like.

The level of sanitation is therefore extremely important for healthy water, as is regular oxidising to burn out the “waste” that bathers add to the spa.

Typically, chemicals used in swimming pools for sanitation and pH control are unsuitable or ineffective in warmer water or with acrylic surfaces. It’s important that chemicals added to the spa are designed for these conditions and done so by broadcasting only. Adding chemicals via the skimmer is exceptionally damaging to filters, pump seals, jets and particularly heaters.

For example: never place bromine tablets in a skimmer box or floating dispenser that is free to lodge at the skimmer when the pump is running.

Spa owners should be encouraged to purchase good quality test strips or test kit, and test/adjust the water at least twice per week. It’s very important that the water is tested again to confirm parameters are within range.

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

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October/November 2017

Iconic Queensland pool builder Pool Fab bought by Ecozen Brisbane-based Ecozen Pools + Landscapes has purchased the Ecozen managing multi-award winning Sunshine Coast pool builder, Pool Fab. director Sean Lynch The company will still operate as Pool Fab on the Sunshine Coast, where the Maroochydore-based company has played a key role in the local market for the past 30 years.

Ecozen founder and managing director, Sean Lynch – who grew up on the Sunshine Coast – says the purchase was made on the back of increased demand for swimming pools in Queensland, and particularly for environment-friendly swimming pools.

“Families are on the hunt for ways to reduce electricity costs but still maintain an outdoor lifestyle,” says Lynch.

“New trends in swimming pool construction have made pools far more eco-friendly and cost-effective, with clients now reaping the reward by saving dollars on the power bills.”

After Lynch graduated with horticultural qualifications and an environmental science degree, he sought to use his business acumen to improve swimming pool and landscape design with an eco-friendly perspective, launching Ecozen Pools + Landscapes in Brisbane in early 1999.

“Ecozen clients receive a range of technologically advanced ecosmart solutions included at no extra cost for any of our custom-designed pools,” he says.

“By making eco-smart purchasing decisions, using your pool or spa pump efficiently and following our maintenance tips, it is possible to reduce your pool and spa running costs and still enjoy all the benefits of a stunning outdoor living lifestyle.”

Retail

Kochie reminisces about life as a pool tech Ever wondered what Sunrise host David Koch’s first job was?

During a recent episode he reminisced about his days at a “pool boy”, cleaning pools and backwashing filters. To aid his memory, Stephen Sofer from Jim’s Pool Care in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs took him on a job, only for him to jokingly complain the “fancy architect” had placed the Kochie goes back to his first job as a “pool boy”

pump in an impossible position to do a backwash, and so declined to do it. However, he was very impressed with the modern water testing unit, describing it as very high tech.

There were a few other surprises too, as he thought back to the days of amorous lady pool owners.

Go to splashmagazine.com.au/video to watch the clip

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ASSA delegates enjoying the sunset over the Arafura Sea

Conferences

Top conference at the Top End The Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) held their second annual conference this August in Darwin. With more than 200 participants, expectations were well exceeded, a fact CEO Ross Gage puts down to the high calibre of presenters including five from overseas.

The speakers included Glen Heidke (Virgin Active, UK), Karen Clay (SwimWEST Swim Schools, USA), Sharron Crowley (Smartmoves Swim, Canada), Mark Saunders (Northern Arena, NZ) and Frank Sahlein (3rd Level Consulting, USA).

Gage says that nationally recognised professional speakers, Bruce Sullivan and Mary Linnell, further enhanced the experience. Swim School business and management topics were addressed – particularly staffing and customer acquisition and retention.

“The event prides itself on wonderful networking and social opportunities,” says Gage. “The Top End location enabled this to be taken to another level; with the Vorgee welcome drinks at the Darwin Ski Club, the conference reception hosted by the NT Government at Parliament House and the awards dinner lead by the local Larrikia people.”

He says that professional, engaging, motivational and informative were just some of the comments they received about the conference.

Halls of Fame Also at the conference, Paul Sadler, founder and leader of the Paul Sadler Swimland group, was inducted as Legend 03 in the Australian Swim Schools Hall of Fame, being presented with a Forbes Award by co-Legend 01, Ursula Carlile.

Sadler, whose Swimland swim schools are benchmarks across many areas of the industry, has been involved in the teaching of swimming and water safety for more than 50 years.

Others inducted into the Australian Swim Schools Hall of Fame were: Pat Taylor, Pioneer; Dave DuBois, Outstanding Contribution; AWSOM Project, Humanitarian.

The Australian Swim Schools National Awards of Excellence were also presented with recipients being: Beatty Park Swim School, Inclusive Swimming; Paul Sadler Swimland, Safer Swimming; Peter McMahon Swim Factory, Outstanding Growth.

Meanwhile in Florida, Laurie Lawrence and Julie Zancanaro were inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) at a ceremony in August at Fort Lauderdale. ISHOF is recognised by FINA, the international governing body for the Olympic aquatic sports as its official Hall of Fame.

Both Lawrence and Zancanaro were inducted into the Australian Swim School’s Hall of Fame last year, during ASSA’s inaugural awards dinner.

Lawrence, a legendary swimming coach, entrepreneur and internationally renowned water safety advocate, received the organisation’s Gold Medallion for providing a positive role model for today’s youth. The Virginia Hunt Newman International Award was presented to Zancanaro for her expertise in infant swimming and her passion for non-forceful methods.

14

SPLASH!

October/November 2017

Expos

Perth consumer show brings in new buyers SPASA WA held its first Pool, Spa & Outdoor Living Expo in September at Claremont Showgrounds, after acquiring the business The Just Spas range on display at Claremont from MH Nominees earlier this year.

SPASA WA executive officer Bryce Steele says that nearly 4000 people attended the two-day event to enjoy the offerings from more than 70 exhibitors.

“Visitors to the expo have again shown that having a backyard swimming pool is part of the Western Australian way of life,” says Steele, adding that it is a little known fact that Perth leads the way in private pool ownership.

“A 2015 Roy Morgan survey shows 18 per cent of all Perth residents live in a household with a swimming pool, well above the national average of 12 per cent,” he says.

The expo showcased swimming pools, spas, landscaping and services directly to the public, all under the one roof. An extensive marketing plan was put in place to ensure the expo was a success.

“What became evident is that even during the current tough times that are been experienced in Western Australia, owning a pool or spa is still high on the agenda,” says Steele. “This was proven by the fact that more than 70 per cent of visitors were first-time attendees to the expo, and 60 per cent of them were there to view swimming pools.”

The next Pool, Spa & Outdoor Living Expo will be held at Claremont Showgrounds March 10-11, 2018.

Expos

Quality consumers visit Melbourne’s winter show SPASA Victoria says its Winter Spa & Pool Show was a great success this August, hosting almost 4000 consumers over two days.

Visitors to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre saw an extensive range of the latest spa and pool products and received advice from industry experts on their stands and via a free seminar program that helped visitors gain important professional advice with their backyard makeovers.

The show featured 58 exhibiting companies on nearly 2000 square metres of floorspace, and exhibitors reported a high level of genuine buyers and good quality leads.

The next SPASA Victoria show will be held at the Melbourne Convention & 65 per cent of exhibitors thought Exhibition Centre the show was a good outcome February 2-4 2018.

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news

Industry moves

New BDM for Aqua-Quip Aqua-Quip has appointed Mick Bishop as their new business development manager. Bishop has a wealth of swimming pool industry experience, both in sales and construction.

He joins Aqua-Quip as business development manager for New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia and can be contacted on 0410 440 661 and michael@aquaquip.com.au.

Industry moves

SPASA Australia appoints RTO manager SPASA Australia has appointed Peter Holland as its registered training organisation (RTO) manager to expand its training and education division nationwide.

Holland has more than 20 years’ specialist experience in vocational education and training, and was involved in an industrial designer capacity in developing material for the Cert III & IV in Swimming Pool and Spa Service courses. These are now the benchmark in nationally accredited qualifications for the swimming pool and spa industry.

Holland will be supported by SPASA’s wellknown and longstanding employee, Vicki Taylor, who takes on the role of training liaison officer.

“This significant investment in education and training supports our commitment to qualify and upskill the current swimming pool and spa industry as well as promote career paths for new entrants through traineeships, qualifications and other

professional development opportunities”, says SPASA CEO Lindsay McGrath.

SPASA COO Spiros Dassakis says there are about 5000 RTOs in Peter Holland Australia, but SPASA is the only one dedicated entirely to the swimming pool and spa industry.

“As the default national educator, SPASA is well positioned to be the key differentiator of our industry’s performance and economic success,” he says.

“The continual promotion of the swimming pool and spa industry with a qualified workforce validates who we are in the eyes of consumers, regulators and government.

Most of all, it provides each of us with a sense of accomplishment.”

Holland can be contacted on 0414 005 033 or at peter@spasa.com.au.

Mick Bishop

Industry moves

Two new account managers for Pentair

Adrian Plebani

Following the retirement of NSW sales manager Harry VanVeen after 23 years, Pentair has announced a new staff member to fill the vacancy. Adrian Plebani is the new NSW aquatics account manager who will be replacing VanVeen as he heads into retirement.

VanVeen came to Australia in 1985 and after a stint managing a Sydney pool shop, he joined Onga as the company’s service coordinator, including working in the rural business arm until 1997 when he came to the aquatics side of the business. He has now retired with his wife to Crookwell, NSW. Meanwhile, Paul Condon has been employed as the Victorian aquatics account manager.

Aquatic systems product manager Robert Sterland says that both Plebani and Condon have previously worked in the pool industry and will be valuable assets for Pentair.

Paul Condon

Industry moves

Swimart appoints new franchise development manager Swimart has appointed Alex Johnson as their new dedicated franchise development manager. He will be working closely with new Australian and New Zealand franchisees to help start their own Swimart business and tap into the pool and spa care industry.

A senior entrepreneurial executive with more than 10 years’ experience in the franchise industry, Johnson is known for his passion for franchising and working with people. He has an impressive track record in the sector, including leading one of Australia’s largest franchise networks of electricians and developing the country’s

first dedicated bathroom renovation franchise network.

“I really love working with franchisees and helping them set and achieve their goals,” he says. “Seeing people achieve things they never thought possible is so satisfying.”

He says his job will be to find the right franchise partners who are conducive to success and have a real passion for customer service.

“I’ll be focusing on developing the Swimart brand and identifying new areas around the country where the market is crying out for a Swimart presence.”

Alex Johnson

October/November 2017 SPLASH!

17

news

Industry Moves

Chemical Tips Calcium levels are an important factor when balancing pool water.

Without acceptable levels of calcium, water will try to balance itself by drawing calcium from the walls (in the case of concrete or plaster pools) and from grouting in tiled pools.

Australian Standards recommend calcium levels (ideal) of 100ppm to 300ppm. Many pool shops and servicemen still use total hardness kits when testing pool water. These kits measure both the calcium and magnesium levels of the water so a reading of 300ppm total hardness may be a combination of 200ppm calcium and 100ppm magnesium – still an acceptable level. This is based on a common assumption of calcium levels being about 2/3 of the total hardness level.

However, some mineral pool systems may have magnesium levels up to 500ppm. You may get a total hardness reading of say 550ppm but if the shop or serviceman is not aware that it is a mineral pool it may be assumed that the calcium level is about 360ppm when in fact it may be only 50ppm.

If not corrected this may lead to significant corrosion of the pool surface. Always ask if the pool is a magnesiumbased mineral pool.

If this is the case, the only accurate method of measuring the calcium hardness level is to conduct a calcium hardness titration test.

For more information call International Quadratics on (02) 9774 5550.

18

SPLASH!

October/November 2017

Boss Solar appoints national sales manager Boss Polymer Technologies, manufacturer of Boss Solar pool heating equipment, has appointed Stuart Spillman as national sales manager.

Spillman joins the Boss team from AstralPool, where he managed the South Sydney branch and was instrumental in significantly increasing annual company revenues.

With a decade of experience, he brings knowledge, passion and drive for the industry.

He will be supported by technical sales manager Robert Andrews and will be responsible for sales team leadership, driving revenue, contributing to product and vendor selection in addition to other management responsibilities.

He is also furthering his academic achievements by undertaking an MBA and Stuart Spillman is currently well underway to achieving this internationally-recognised degree, with Boss management expressing willingness to support him in his professional development and looking forward to the experience, knowledge and leadership he will bring to the team.

Charity

Assistance for kids on the spectrum Zodiac’s MagnaPool brand is helping kids with autism – and their families – through a sponsorship of the charitable organisation Spectrum Journeys.

Spectrum Journeys is dedicated to assisting families with children on the autism spectrum. They provide a network of support and assistance to families in need, but they rely on donations to keep their work going.

Zodiac has released specially marked bags of MagnaPool minerals – and with each sale Zodiac will donate $1 towards helping the team at Spectrum Journeys continue their great work.

Contact: www.spectrumjourneys.org.au; www.magnapool.com

Roy Halle with daughter Candy Gold at SPLASH! 2014

Passings

Roy Halle passes away Sadly, industry veteran Roy Halle has passed away.

He was the owner of Aqua-Quip for the past quarter century.

Aqua-Quip issued a statement saying: “It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the loss of Roy Halle, the owner of Aqua-Quip.

“Roy owned Aqua-Quip for 26 years and was the driving force behind the innovation and positivity that flows through Aqua-Quip today.

“Roy’s daughter, Candy Gold together with Gary Clark, who have worked alongside Roy for 26 years, will continue to run Aqua-Quip – and hence it is business as usual.”

SPLASH! offers sincere condolences to family, friends and colleagues.

Safety

Pool owners save the date Kidsafe’s launched their national Save the Date campaign in September, with calls for all pool and spa owners to sign up to their Pool Party event on Facebook and pledge to check the safety of their pool or spa barrier when they change their clocks at the beginning of daylight saving time on Sunday October 1.

While safety barriers can be effective in reducing the risk of drowning incidents, evidence suggests that a large number of drowning deaths are the result of barriers that are faulty, or non-compliant with Australian standards.

Former Olympian Matt Welsh OAM joined the campaign as Kidsafe ambassador. “Common faults or non-compliance issues include gates and doors that are no longer self-closing or latching, gates that are propped open and climbable objects near the barrier,” says Welsh.

Matt Welsh with his children

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news

Manufacturing

Global news

AstralPool parent Fluidra has acquired an 80 per cent shareholding of the Belgium start-up Riiot Labs, the creator of an innovative piece of remote control technology for pool maintenance from any mobile device. This operation has built on the relationship that started a few months ago with a distribution agreement for France, Spain and Benelux.

They have also recently acquired Piscine Laghetto, the Lombardy-based manufacturer of highend above-ground pools, following the purchase of 90 per cent of the Italian company’s shares.

AIS is investigating the US market by taking the ground-breaking EcoLine chlorine generator for commercial and residential fresh water pools to the International Pool, Spa and Patio Expo (IPSPE) in Orlando in November.

“We know there is great potential for EcoLine in the US, not only for residential swimming pools but also with some of the larger scale aquatic facilities and competitive swimming arenas,” said Elena Gosse.

SPLASH! will be at IPSPE this November so be sure to contact us so we can get your opinions of the show.

Facebook saved a woman in New Hampshire, USA in August, after she was trapped in her aboveground pool when one of the ladder rungs broke. Leslie Kahn, 61, could not lift herself out of the water, but she managed to use a pool pole to reach across to a chair where her iPad was sitting, and posted a desperate message. A neighbour’s son came to the rescue.

EvoHeat goes global Due to the high demand for EvoHeat pool and spa heating products in South East Asia, Evo Industries Australia owners, Travis McNeill and Tony Mills, have made the strategic decision to launch an expansion company, Evo Industries Singapore, with the head office on Beach Road.

“We are extremely excited about the possibilities that Evo Industries Singapore offers,” says McNeill.

“Having an office based in Singapore allows us to readily reach more of our customers. Over the past decade we have seen exponential growth and it doesn’t look to be slowing down any time soon”, he says.

“We have seen an increase in pool heating requests from overseas, particularly in the past few years,” says Mills.

“Just recently the Kuala Lumpur Aquatic Centre required a major upgrade of their pools in preparation of the SEA and Asean Para Games. Evo were contracted to upgrade their diving pool, 50m swimming pool and their training pool with our heat pump technology.

“One of the unique benefits of our heat pump technology is the ability to cool as well as heat which makes our product more versatile, especially for aquatic and sporting facilities,” he says.

Travis McNeill in the new EvoHeat Singapore office

Awards

AIS picks up international awards Australian Innovative Systems (AIS) has picked up several business awards recently.

The company won the People’s Choice Award (Manufacturing Category) in the 2017 Stevie International Business Awards. Winners were declared by a worldwide public vote and eligible companies receiving the highest number of votes in their respective category. More than 14,000 votes were cast.

AIS previously won four other awards in the 2017 International Business Awards. AIS’ expertise lies in the design, manufacture and supply of innovative, inline chlorine generation technology via electrolysis for residential and commercial swimming pools. The company’s technology helps to reduce the spread of waterborne disease in recreational water and ends

the dependence on hazardous chlorine dosing.

AIS CEO, Elena Gosse says to receive the People’s Choice Award is testament to their proud, 25-year history of R&D and manufacturing excellence.

“Our Brisbane-made technology is renowned and respected world-wide and used in a wide range of applications from home pools and spas to major competition swimming pools and aquatic facilities.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our customers, distributors and suppliers who voted for us.”

Meanwhile, Gosse won the Innovation and Technology Award in the 2017 Women in Business Awards (Greater Brisbane). The award recognises her leadership and commitment to developing world-first innovative technology.

Safety

Australian father and son die in pool pump electrocution Andrew Fenwick, a retired Australian engineer who worked extensively in the UK before retiring with his wife and children to Thailand, has died together with his 10 year old son Jason in a tragic accident after trying to repair a pool pump at their home.

Police found the bodies of the father and son in the pool equipment room at their housing estate home in the Muang district of Rayong province.

The 66-year-old Fenwick was still clutching a spanner in his right hand. His son had burns on his body and face, as well as on his left hand which still gripped an iron gate.

Police told Thai PBS English that Fenwick was killed by electric shock, and that Jason was killed when he was also shocked by the current leak on the wet floor as he ran to help his father.

A security guard was riding past the home when he saw Fenwick’s younger son, four-yearold Justin, running from the house. When he asked what was wrong the boy told him his father was dead. The guard then immediately alerted the police.

The bodies have been sent for forensic analysis to determine the exact cause of death.

October/November 2017 SPLASH!

21

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news

Awards

In Brief Pool Ranger held its 25th anniversary celebration in August at the Novotel Manly Pacific Hotel.

Managing director Michael Griffin says it was a great evening, well attended by the Who’s Who of the NSW pool and spa industry, as well as many interstate and overseas suppliers and customers. “My thanks to all our customers, suppliers and staff for attending the night,” he says. “Pool Ranger is a family business and there definitely was a family atmosphere in the room. So many guests in the room have been with us since the journey started back in 1992. The night had guest speakers Chris Papa from Maytronics and Will Lunt from Pool Ranger WA. Special mention to Pentair, Maytronics and Reltech for providing prizes on the night.” He adds that Pool Ranger is looking forward to celebrating its 30th anniversary in five years’ time!

The ACT government has agreed in principle to amend its pool fencing laws to require all existing backyard pools to comply with the latest version of the building code, regardless of when they were put in.

After the inquest into the 2015 drowning death of toddler River Arama Parry last November, Coroner Beth Campbell urged the territory government to overhaul its “inadequate” and “confusing” pool fencing laws. While a lack of supervision was a key factor in the child’s drowning, the pool barriers were not up to current standards, but they were not required to be because the pool was installed in 1986.

Coffs Harbour couple picks up big award Poolwerx capped off its 25th annual convention in Fiji with a gala awards night, presenting the national Franchise Partner of the Year award to Shann and Ged O’Sullivan from Coffs Harbour, who also took out the Top National Mobile Sales Award.

This was the O’Sullivan’s first time winning the national award – which includes a $10,000 overseas trip – although they had previously won the top NSW award three years in a row.

Their team has grown to 14 since they started as a three-person operation 11 years ago.

Bathurst pool technician Mitchell Thornberry took out the national New Pool & Spa Technician of the Year award less than a year after taking up a full-time role at his parents’ franchise.

IQ managed a clean sweep of the supplier categories, winning Partner in Profit of the Year, State Based Partner in Profit of the Year, and Partner in Profit Representative of the Year.

IQ director Adam Lloyd says the wins sums up the culture and dedication the IQ team fosters with all partnerships, and the recognition is something they are really celebrating.

Shann and Ged O’Sullivan from Poolwerx Coffs Harbour

IQ managed a clean sweep of the supplier categories

Training

SPASA Australia launches certification and accreditation program A new initiative to acknowledge the professional development of industry members was launched at the SPASA Convention in Sydney in August.

The SPASA Certification & Accreditation program is an industry first that provides recognition for industry members of their training and development, which they can then use to promote their professionalism and elevated industry knowledge to consumers.

The continuing professional development (CPD) education and training program is only available to individuals, employees and business members of SPASA Australia.

The program provides recognition for members within the SPASA network for their professional skills and commitment to ongoing learning and development.

Spiros Dassakis, COO of SPASA Australia, says the initiative reflects SPASA’s commitment to its members through educating consumers, regulators and government about the professionalism of SPASA Certified and Accredited members.

Individuals and employees who are members of SPASA will automatically qualify as SPASA Certified when they achieve and retain 12 SPASA CPD points annually. Businesses may apply to become SPASA Accredited when their key employees achieve and retain 12 SPASA CPD points annually.

Earning points “As the leading provider of industry education and the only registered training organisation (RTO) in Australia dedicated to the swimming pool and spa industry, SPASA offers diverse, flexible and tailored opportunities for members wanting to meet their commitment to CPD,” says Dassakis.

Members of SPASA can participate in CPD in the following ways: nationally recognised qualifications for pool builders and pool service technicians; short courses for pool builders, service technicians, retailers and other sectors; SPASA approved courses; and SPASA CPD meetings, seminars and workshops.

SPASA CPD opportunities provided to members will be relevant to one of the eight CPD topic areas: technical; sustainability; compliance; communication; dispute resolution; contracts; safety; business management.

Got to splashmagazine.com.au/quicklinks to download the SPASA CPD brochure or to see a video about the program.

Individuals and employees who are members of SPASA will automatically qualify as SPASA Certified when they achieve and retain 12 SPASA CPD points annually

October/November 2017 SPLASH!

23

feature

Awards

In Brief Narellan Pools is hunting for Australia’s “best pool builder” to fill a new role overseeing builders within the franchise network.

Narellan is looking for a talented pool builder who is seeking to move into a senior leadership role leading and advising a large team of highly skilled pool builders. As Australia’s largest single brand supplier of pools in the country, Narellan Pools built a record number of pools over the past financial year – with an expected 25 per cent further growth over the next 12 months.

Narellan also has an export market, meaning the role will also include assisting with international markets such as Canada, New Zealand and the South Pacific. For a link to the job description go to splashmagazine.com.au/ links A review of the Northern Territory’s pool fencing laws is expected to see an end to rural exemptions for pool fences. The review came about following the 2016 death of three-year-old Justin Morgan-Parke, who drowned in an unfenced spa on a 2ha rural block. The NT passed mandatory pool fencing legislation in 2003 but the laws exempt pools built before March 2003 and those on properties larger than 1.8ha. Kidsafe NT chief executive Kellie Shewring says she is optimistic the review will advocate for change. “There’s no substitute for supervision, but obviously kids are quick.

Any body of water that a child has access to needs to have appropriate pool fencing,” she told NT News.

24

SPLASH!

October/November 2017

Jindalee wins Swimart Franchisee of the Year initially attracted to the pool and spa industry as The Jindalee pool shop picked up both the it has a mix of retail and mobile services, which Queensland Franchisee of the Year and diversifies the revenue stream. We’ve also added to Australasian Franchisee of the Year gongs at the product range by selling spas,” says Weekes.

Swimart’s awards ceremony held in Hong Kong “Swimart has an effective franchisee support after the company’s annual conference. system, through online and face-to-face channels,” “More than 60 per cent of small businesses cease he says. “As well as formal support from Swimart, operation within the first three years of starting but I was allocated a mentor store where you receive Swimart bucks the trend,” says Chris Fitzmaurice, hands-on training with them but also a year of Australasian manager of Swimart. “Since our support where you’re able to call them with any inception with a single store in 1983, Swimart questions you might have.” has grown into a successful franchise with 73 franchisees across Australia and New Zealand with a fleet of over 250 mobile service vans, so we must be doing something right!”

Fitzmaurice says you need motivated, competent teams that consistently offer a high level of customer service to succeed as a franchise in today’s highly competitive retail market.

“And in our business, you also need people who are prepared to keep abreast of the latest technological advances in pool and spa care.”

What makes the awards even sweeter for Swimart Jindalee owner Ashley Weekes is that this is only his first year of operation.

Soon Sinn Goh presents the award “I have really enjoyed the challenge to Swimart Jindalee owners of running my own business and was Energy

Regulator calls for comments The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) is investigating the potential of demand-side management (DSM) of consumer and business energy access. Potentially, this could lead to pool pumps being remotely turned off by the energy provider.

Demand side management is also called demand system management and demand side response.

In Alan Finkel’s recent Independent Review into the Future Security of the National Electricity Market, DSM is touted as a way to mitigate the necessity for governments to build more electricity infrastructure.

One aspect of the DSM is direct load control, by which consumers are paid to allow power companies to turn off their air-conditioners or even pool pumps at times of peak demand. One example of direct load control is by Queensland’s Energex, which currently offers up to $400 for the ability to remotely lower the performance of airconditioners in peak time.

However, a potential issue with pool pumps being remotely turned off is ensuring that the required

turnover rates are still met to ensure safe and healthy water quality.

A spokesperson for the Federal Department of Energy and Environment’s Energy Rating team told SPLASH! that the Australian Government does not have a DSM program for swimming pool pumps at this stage.

“Some state governments or some electricity networks, however, may be considering these types of demand side approaches.”

The AER recently released a draft incentive scheme to improve demand management in electricity networks. The draft scheme is intended to provide incentives to electricity distribution businesses to implement demand management options to reduce network costs, so they don’t need to invest in new infrastructure.

The AER invites people to submit their views and suggestions on the draft incentive scheme and innovation allowance to dm@aer.gov.au by 12 October 2017.

The AER plans to finalise these instruments by December 2017.

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feature

John, Adam and Ted Martin from Compass Pools Melbourne taking the pink theme to the next level

CEO Anthony Cross (left) with Pool Builder of the Year winners, Central Pools from Tauranga NZ, Steffan Hudson, Ray Hudson and Mike Hudson

The Compass dealer network, all decked out in pink

Compass’s Ian Mewett presenting Charlie Magro with the Hall of Fame Award

The Vivers family who won the Fiji holiday

Tracy Bevan from the McGrath Foundation being presented with $3500 raised by Local Pools

Compass in the pink in Fiji

E

very year the Compass Pools dealers from across Australia and New Zealand come together for their annual dealer conference.

This year saw more than 130 people head across the Pacific to enjoy the warm hospitality of the Fijian people at the InterContinental Resort on Viti Levu.

On the first day, CEO Anthony Cross formally launched Compass Pools’ charitable partnership with the McGrath Foundation. Right throughout 2017 and 2018 Compass will be donating a portion

The entire dealer network also showed strong support for the initiative raising an additional $50,000 at a charity auction held during the Compass Pools gala awards dinner. of the proceeds from each pool they sell to the McGrath Foundation with a minimum pledge of $65,000 each year.

The entire dealer network also showed strong support for the initiative raising an additional $50,000 at a charity auction held during the Compass Pools gala awards dinner. Compass sought donations from throughout the industry and was amazed by the 28

SPLASH!

October/November 2017

generosity of the wider swimming pool community and their dealer network.

Tracy Bevan from the McGrath Foundation also attended the Gala awards dinner in Fiji and spoke to the dealer network about the vital work the McGrath Foundation does throughout Australia.

John Maclean was the keynote speaker at this year’s conference, talking about the John Maclean Foundation ( JMF) which exists to change the lives of young Australians who use wheelchairs. Compass Pools and its dealer network also made a commitment during the conference of $15,000 to sponsor the John Maclean Foundation.

As part of Compass’s work with the McGrath Foundation, the company is running a promotion via social media that if you take a photo of a pink pool and hashtag #pinkcompasspool, you will go into the draw to win a family holiday to Fiji.

The first holiday was drawn at conference, won by Mr and Mrs Vivers from Maitland NSW. A second holiday to Fiji will be drawn at the end of this year.

Also drawn was the prize of two Platinum Passes to SPLASH! 2018, won by Adam Martin from Compass Pools Melbourne. ■

Contacts

Compass Pools: www.compasspools.com.au John Maclean Foundation: www.jmf.com.au McGrath Foundation: www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au

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The NEM and AEMO have been subject to an exhaustive review under the guidance of scientist Dr Alan Finkel AO who has produced a 205-page report on the way forward for the NEM. The main focus of this report is about cutting carbon emissions whilst producing electricity for sale and while it is primarily about the NEM in the east, it is a surety that changes that evolve from it will affect WA and the NT as well. It is after all a Commonwealth Government authority.

A sensible way forward

I commenced this commentary with the idea of producing a rousing case against the ability of a provider of this basic and vital product to cut off electrical supply in peak use periods as recently suggested [see the article on page 24].

I have read parts of this report and scanned over the rest finding that, while Demand System Management (DSM) is discussed, nowhere does it suggest giving energy providers the power to turn off domestic or indeed any other appliances at their whim. Rather it sensibly recommends that these providers offer financial incentives for consumers to voluntarily reduce power usage in peak periods.

I say “sensibly” because doing it the other way will create real difficulties for many consumers in dire need of power at peak demand periods. In this 21st century, why should the aged and infirm have to worry about losing the benefit of their air conditioning at the hottest time of the day?

Why should pool owners and their families lose the ability to safely use the pool at that time of the day when it is being used most and for the very reason it was purchased.

Giving energy providers the ability to arbitrarily turn off the appliances

By Cal Stanley of households at peak demand should never be permitted.

To shut down a pool’s ability to be filtered and chemically maintained when the temperature is at its highest is far from a sensible thing to do.

Even those pool owners who voluntarily do this to grab the small financial hile electricity in one form or another has been around benefit that may be on offer, would put their children at risk should they for centuries, the first electric motor did not appear until allow them to use the pool during such a shutdown period.

Michael Faraday provided one in 1821, and it took until Such a policy would be unlikely to distinguish between a standard pool 1879 before Thomas Edison invented the first light bulb. pump and a variable speed (VS) pump operating at an energy saving That light bulb only lasted for 40 hours, but these two events marked speed. In fact it could and should be argued that the pool industry is doing the beginning of the electrical industry as we know it today. its best at energy saving by its promotion and sale of VS pumps.

In this modern era, virtually every home in Australia depends There remain many places in the pool industry where a fixed speed on electricity for lighting, cooking, washing, ironing, cooling and pump is still appropriate. However, I am advised heating; and to filter the water in the that many pool builders today also remain that swimming pool or spa. still do not support or promote the sale or use Electricity is a commodity that we all expect Why should pool owners of VS pumps. I am equally sure that this is only our governments to provide in one way or and their families lose because they have not yet been trained in the another. Along with clean water, it has become the ability to safely use advantages a correctly selected and installed VS a right of the citizens of this country. We expect pump can bring to their clients. that our governments will provide a safe and the pool at that time of It is worth noting that in some markets continuous supply of these commodities. We the day when it is being the use of VS pumps is now mandatory. I can don’t normally consider how they provide it – used most and for the see the time when it will happen in Australia we just assume they will. It is one of those things as well if we as an industry cannot promote we elect our parliaments to ensure is done. very reason it greater use of it.

For the majority of the past century, all was purchased?

As for DSM, I have no problem with electricity in Australia was provided by the this provided it becomes and remains an state or state agencies. Today, the five eastern opt-in process. states get their electricity through the National The AER invites people to submit their views and suggestions on the Energy Market (NEM) which is primarily owned and operated by draft incentive scheme and innovation allowance to dm@aer.gov.au by government even though private generators sell into the NEM and 12 October 2017. ■ private retailers may on sell to the consumer.

Western Australia and the Northern Territory get electricity from government-owned agencies that are responsible for generation, For these opinion pieces, Cal Stanley draws on his 35 years’ experience distribution and retailing. and success in pool construction, having run award-winning Neptune The NEM is managed by the Australian Energy Market Pools in Western Australia for three decades, and sitting on many Operator (AEMO), a corporation whose membership comprises the standards committees and industry body boards. More recently he Commonwealth Government, every State and Territory government has worked as a pool consultant and trainer and delivers hydraulics (other than the NT) and 101 corporations involved in power generation, courses for the swimming pool industry. If you have a question distribution and retailing. It is effectively a giant cartel with enormous regarding his columns or a have a topic you think he should delve power that affects the lives of almost every citizen in this country. into, you can contact him directly: neptunepools@westnet.com.au

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The appeal of

ponds and water features I

By Izzy Grace

ABOVE: Zodiac’s laminar jets in magenta strike a stunning foreground to the sunset

s there anything more mesmerising to the senses than the sight and sound of a water feature?

Whether it is Rome’s majestic Fontana di Trevi, Vegas’s jaw-dropping Bellagio aquatic show, or a koi-filled pond in a Balinese villa, water has an irresistible quality that draws us toward it.

You could say we’re genetically predisposed to it – our brain is 75 per cent water after all, and the majority of the earth’s population lives near an ocean, lake or river. And in our ever-increasing digital lives, water reconnects us with nature via the shimmering kaleidoscope of colour and movement. Psychologists may try to understand this illusive attraction, but maybe it’s best to simply say we love being around water.

Bubbling rock fountains, sheer descent waterfalls, garden fountains, water play parks and koi ponds – water features come in all styles, shapes and sizes.

Whether we’re watching it, playing in it or relaxing by it, water continues to provide creative inspiration and a striking focal point when integrated into commercial, public and private settings.

Including water features and fountains can provide pool and landscape contractors with an extension to their businesses and increase the value of individual projects, while encouraging their customers to engage with the space more closely, furthering their enjoyment of it. Water features can also create background sound to subdue the noise of nearby traffic or neighbours.

Types of water features

Reflecting pool: These usually consist of a still, shallow pool of water, undisturbed by fountain jets or 34 SPLASH!

October/November 2017

waterfalls. Think of the reflecting pool leading up to India’s Taj Mahal or Bali’s famous Tirta Gangga Royal Water Garden.

Fish pond: A decorative body of water that houses species of carp such as koi or goldfish. They are very popular in Asia.

Water garden: Also known as aquatic gardens, their primary focus is to showcase different aquatic plants.

Fountain: A decorative feature that pours or projects water from a piece of architecture into the air or a basin. Think of the Trevi Fountain or Sydney’s Archibald Fountain.

Waterfall: Often created with natural stone boulders to replicate what you would find in nature, water flows vertically over a single drop, or cascades down different levels, usually ending in a pool.

Stream: Horizontal water feature that meanders along walkways, paths or pool decks.

Water wall: A vertical sheet of water cascading freely or trickling down a wall, water walls are seen everywhere from residential poolscapes to inner city restaurants.

Splash park features: Splash parks and spray parks include a wide array of colourful, dynamic features to attract and entertain young children.

What’s trending in water features

Anthony Ramsey from Pool Systems says that for residential installations, people are striving for the “wow factor”, pushing geometric design boundaries in both the visual and auditory effect of freeflowing water.

“Properties are reducing in size and we now find ourselves living closer to others, as a result water features create a great option as focal points in the landscape,” he says.

He says water features are now considered in the overall house design, to make them visible from both the outdoor entertaining area and from primary indoor living spaces.

“Homeowners are creating unique environments that feature both fire and water to enhance the overall experience,” he says, adding that the trend is coming out of the United States.

He also says that decorative outdoor water features have often attracted unfair criticism, being accused of wasting water.

“Water features do not necessarily use excessive amounts of water,” he says.

“They are low-maintenance, with the occasional cleaning of the filter and minimal top up of water lost through evaporation. This argument is less prevalent now that modern designs can harvest storm water runoff and store adequate water for use in the water features,” he says.

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A case study in style and serenity

This residential water feature project was designed and built by the multi-award-winning Sydney landscaping team at Art in Green.

The pond was constructed using bluestone as the cladding to the spill-over wall and capping to the wall behind.

“The pebbles through the garden bed below disguise a hidden water reservoir, which provides a seamless transition from planting to the water spilling down the bluestone,” says landscape architect Nick Kennedy. [see over the page] “This type of water feature requires very precise construction to ensure an even flow of water across the entire wall,” he says.

“The side garden has an enclosed garden space that is viewed only from the formal dining room through a large fixed window.

The focus of the space is a large shallow bowl placed in a gravel area offset by a single Japanese Maple.” [see below] Large floor-to-ceiling windows and doors on the ground floor of the house provide a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor areas and reward the owners with striking garden vistas.

“This includes a graceful water feature that sits in the front garden, providing a magnetic focal point from the formal lounge,” he says.

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• Soft and natural feel • Moisturises your skin as you swim • Gentle on sensitive skin • Provides a natural relief to muscular complaints and relaxes your nervous system • Eco intelligent and easy to use technology • Super low running costs • Operates at a low TDS level of 3000ppm • Offers the flexibility of running the system with or without a mineral additive

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As our lives become busier and more digitised – and the world around us more unpredictable – the simple pleasures that come from listening to a water feature or watching lights dance across a pool become more appealing.

One way this can be achieved is through laminar jets.

Producing crisp, clear arcs of coloured lights that shoot across the water, laminar jets give landscape architects, pool designers and

Combining advanced filtration technology with a mineral enhanced additive, Theralux will provide the healthiest and safest swimming environment for your backyard.

A DIVISION OF

Tranquillity in abundance with this Art in Green project.

The focus of this space is a large shallow bowl placed in a gravel area offset by a single Japanese Maple

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Its low-flow requirements allow for multiple fountains and symmetry and it can be stand-alone or automation-compatible. It is available in six stunning finishes and in either a round or square style.

Biological and mechanical filtration

water effects specialists an opportunity to create – and control down to a molecular level – a visual spectacle that appears to defy the laws of gravity.

Originally pioneered in the United States where they are also called “jumping jets”, laminar technology is all about precision and speed. Engineered from state-of-the-art machinery including computercontrolled cutters, the nozzle inside the jet straightens and smooths the flow of water molecules. This creates defined, streamlined arcs that are accentuated with fibre optics and neon LED lighting, programmed to only illuminate the laminar jet stream.

The effects can be spectacular and crowd pleasing, which is why we’re starting to see more of them in large resorts, shopping centres, public fountains and amusement parks where light, water, colour and sometimes music are choreographed to perfection.

Scaled down, laminar jets can add a striking focal point to residential pool settings – especially if your clients want to transform their humble backyard pool into a stylish event space fit for a graduation party, engagement, or New Year’s Eve soirée that will be the talk of the neighbourhood.

“We are seeing backyards becoming a masterpiece with home owners and an extension to the popular alfresco areas,” says Jason Bonello, category manager at Zodiac Pool Systems.

“As a result, home owners are looking for lighting and water to create a relaxing environment. What better way to do this than with the use of laminar jets.”

The magic of light and water

Sculpted from a durable, UV resistant material, Pentair’s new MagicBowl Water Effects with FireFX LED lights is a stunning addition to any backyard.

With its dramatic sights and soothing sounds, the MagicBowl is a dazzling accent piece during the day. But come night-time, and the energy-efficient LED lights combine with the flowing water to flicker and dance like an actual glowing fire, creating an enticing experience.

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TOP LEFT: A koi pond as part of the Art in Green project PHOTO CREDIT:Peter Brennan

TOP: A combined bowl and pond water feature from A Total Concept BOTTOM: The Magic Bowl stunningly combines the visual effect of fire and water

“When we’re talking about a residential setting, gone are the days of the water feature in the back corner of the garden constructed with three decorative rocks piled high over a swimming pool or plastic pond, pump and a PVC return line poking out the top to create a ‘natural’ waterfall,” says landscape architect John Storch, from A Total Concept.

He says that while large water features and pond systems require professional advice on filtration, pumping and sanitation, the pumping for simple ponds, water walls and fountains can often be more easily resolved.

“If fish and plants are to be used in the water feature, it is important to ensure that a biological filter is set up and sized appropriately,” he says.

“This will allow for a balanced ecosystem to be established whereby oxygen and nutrients are provided and waste products effectively removed. If this system is set up correctly the living organisms will thrive and the water will remain clear. It’s important to note that chlorinated water cannot be used if you want fish or plants to survive.

“If fish and plants are not to be utilised in the water feature, or if the water feature is incorporated into a swimming pool, regular chlorination, ozonators or ionisers may be an option to maintain clear, healthy water.”

Creating the right aquaculture environment in your water feature, pond or fountain depends on a number of factors, including choosing the right species of fish, installing appropriate filtration and sanitation, and ensuring a maintenance program is adhered to.

“Cold water fish are easy to keep and there are both native and exotic species to choose from,” he says. “Koi and goldfish are extremely dirty and require substantial maintenance to ensure they’re able to thrive in healthy water. Tropical fish can also be kept in external water features in temperate

“If fish and plants are to be used in the water feature, it is important to ensure that a biological filter is set up and sized appropriately.”

climates but heaters may be required to keep the fish happy and healthy.”

For aquatic plants and fish to thrive in ponds and water gardens, water needs to be filtered, UVsterilised and circulated, 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

One solution is that is different to the conventional pond filters that separate mechanical and biological filtration is Waterco’s Aquabiome dual-filtration solution.

“Able to support a dense population of nitrifying bacteria, Aquabiome is reliable, easy to control and

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The healthy alternative with lowest levels of TDS, delivers crystal clear water that leaves you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after swimming.

PHOTO CREDIT: Veda Dante

One of the world’s most amazing water features, the Tirta Gangga Water Palace in Bali

The latest Fresh Water System for pools and spas

Easy to use, multi-function digital display A water feature at the Gaia Day Spa encouraging relaxation

Flexible time controls for variable speed pumps Smart self-cleaning technology Variable OXI and ION control

economical to operate,” says Waterco’s group marketing director Bryan Goh. “Maintenance is really easy – simply turn the multi-port valve handle to backwash, to hydraulically clean your filter using water from the pond.”

To assist with the backwashing process, an air blower is used to agitate the biofilter media prior to backwashing.

“Air is forced upwards through the filter’s laterals to break up the entire media bed and loosens the sediment trapped by the biofilter media,” says Goh. “The addition of an air blower reduces the amount of time and water required for backwashing, and improves biological filtration capacity.”

Another Waterco product useful in this arena is Hydroxypure.

When water features are used as a focal point, especially in spaces such as busy restaurants, it’s important to maintain healthy, hygienic water for both aesthetic and public health purposes. However, the smell of chlorine can affect the ambiance.

Chlorine-free systems such as Waterco’s Hydroxypure remove bacterial threats using an advanced oxidisation process, free from chlorine or bromine. It not only sanitises water but enriches it with oxygen, so it’s also perfect for fish ponds and aquaculture installations.

Backwash and winter mode functions Concrete, fibreglass, vinyl & tiled pools Retrofit any existing pool or spa Designed and engineered by one of Australia's largest manufacturers

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ABOVE: A stone water feature in an Argo installation, including water control TOP LEFT: Laminar jets can come in a multitude of colours

heliocol splash half 082017.indd 1

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Curing the water

Storch says that water features also need to be “cured” if living organisms are to be incorporated into the design. For example, products used in the construction such as paint, cement and concrete are toxic for fish and plant life, and need to be chemically treated or aged to ensure they’re suitable.

Much like the human heart, the pump is integral to most water features to keep the water circulating.

Pumps are either external or submersible, with

ponds less than 8000-litres generally using submersible pumps, and external pumps used for larger ponds.

“It is important to choose a pump that has adequate lift, that is, has the capacity to pump the volume of water to the height of the fall,” says Storch. “There is nothing more disappointing than completing a water feature, turning it on, and seeing a dribble of water where you had envisaged a gushing cascade.”

8/1/17 10:05 AM

To determine an appropriate pump capacity, you need to factor in the volume of water, type of filtration system, hose sizes, how high you need to pump the water and energy efficiency.

To maintain an efficient pump, it’s important to regularly clean out the impellor, and avoid leaving the transformer in direct sun where it can overheat.

Pond-friendly plants

Choosing the right species of plants for your water feature is important, especially if you plan to add fish to the mix. Plants not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the overall design but can also provide a valuable service by helping to keep the water clear and clean.

For non-chlorinated biological systems, Ricardo Moral from PondMan likes to incorporate plants as part of the filtration system.

“When it comes to aquatic plants, there are three basic things we need to consider – water, sunlight and nutrients,” he says. “We use these plants not only for visual effect but also to remove the excess nutrients which is the cause of algae blooms.”

Choosing a site is important as all plants need sunlight – some more than others.

“Water lilies, for example, thrive on sunshine, so they don’t work well where there’s a thick canopy overhead blocking the light,” says Moral.

He says that for a healthy aquatic ecosystem, it’s good to have a mix of oxygenators like water

lilies at the bottom, floating plants like duckweed on the surface, submersibles such as water fringe, and marginal or bog plants like sedge for the shallow parts.

“Once the plants are established, which should take at least a couple of weeks, then you can introduce your fish to the pond.”

Allow the plastic bag they are in to float in the water for half an hour before releasing them, to allow them to adjust to the water temperature

ABOVE: Koi add colour and movement to a pond, but once fish are added, there are many more considerations to be taken into account

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ABOVE: Triple water chutes flowing into a swimming pool, by A Total Concept TOP RIGHT: An English memorial in Woking, Surrey, commemorating the sacrifice of Muslim soldiers who died fighting for the British during World War I and World War II MIDDLE: Sheer descent waterfalls into the pool water, especially when lit, can provide an excellent landscaping focus, even when the pool is not in use.

PHOTO CREDIT: Water Features Direct

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and therefore minimise shock, which can make fish vulnerable to disease.

“The last thing you want to do is obstruct the view of your fish with tall reeds, so plant these at the back and use a lower marginal plant for the front,” says Moral.

Designing for public spaces

Since ancient times, people have valued the healing and transformational properties of water and the booming day spa sector around the world is testament to its enduring appeal.

“In Roman times, part of cultural life was to find relaxation and connection with each other in public baths, while in ancient Greece, ‘thalassotherapy’ incorporated seawater in cosmetics and health treatments,” says Joe Palumbo, a water effects designer from Gold Coast’s Techno Water Designs.

“We love to sit near the water, observing its movement,” he says.

“We are held in a state of mild attentiveness – engaged but not overloaded by the visual impact. Our brain becomes relaxed and focused, which benefits the mind and body on different levels.”

Palumbo has been responsible for designing a number of fountains and water parks including Brisbane’s Southbank Aquativity Project, which uses water features to simulate summer storms, rain and floods.

He explains some of the considerations for purposebuilt water environments.

“Public safety is the first priority, starting with the water quality,” he says.

“For example, to prevent any health risk in a water splash park, water must be maintained at drinkable standard while surrounding playground equipment components need to comply with Australian Standards recommendations.”

October/November 2017

While safety and water quality is still paramount in residential installations, Palumbo says a client’s brief and budget will typically dictate design.

“At first, we need a briefing with the client to establish the fountain location and size to determinate the type of impact the client would like to create within the architectural/ landscaping context,” he says.

“After this we need to evaluate the availability of the services so we can design the most efficient and low maintenance solution within the budget allocated for the project.” ■

Contacts: www .artingreen .com .au www .atotalconcept .com .au www .ecopooldrain .com www .pentairpool .com .au www .pondman .com .au www .poolsystems .com .au www .techno-waterdesigns .com .au www .waterco .com .au www .zodiac .com .au

To celebrate our partn ership we’ve painted the exterior of our pools pink.

Keep an eye out #pinkc ompasspool

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SPASA National

Award Winners

ABOVE: Shaun Conley accepting the award for Pool of the Year TOP RIGHT: Commercial Project over 250,000 winners, Surfside Pools MIDDLE: The Pool of the Year by Quality Dolphin Pools

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he SPASA Australia Pool of the Year has been won by Western Australian pool builder Quality Dolphin Pools. The award was presented to director Shaun Conley at the gala awards evening at Doltone House, Pyrmont, which was held following the inaugural SPASA Convention.

As well as thanking his business partner Adrian Elphick, Conley thanked his family, staff and suppliers in an emotional acceptance speech.

Conley helped his father build swimming pools when he was a child in Zimbabwe in 1971.

“We came to Australia in 1983,” he said to rousing applause. “To the most magnificent country in the world.”

“I’m lucky to have a great partner Adrian,” he said.

“We built a business over the past 25 years together.

Without him and my family’s support, and also my suppliers – AstralPool Solutions, Austral and other people like PoolWater Products and Chadsons – people who’ve supported me over twenty to thirty years.

Without them I couldn’t have achieved what we’ve done. And to me that’s also the success of our business.

The people we work with. It’s not just about me. My staff don’t work for me, they work with me.

“And I’d like to thank all of you tonight. And one last thing I’d like to say. I’m a very emotional person.

“We lost a very dear friend in Ben Beale. He was an amazing man and touched my heart like you would not believe. And to the Beale family I don’t know what to say. You are just amazing people.”

October/November 2017

All the winners Pool of the Year: Gold: Quality Dolphin Pools; Silver: Apex Pools & Spas; Bronze: Splish Splash Pools Retailer of the Year: Gold: Pristine Pool & Spa Service; Silver: Prospect Pool and Spa; Bronze: Endless Spas Spa of the Year: Gold: Laguna Pools & Spas; Silver: Freedom Pools & Spas; Bronze: The Pool & Spa Shop Supplier of the Year: Gold: LoChlor; Silver: Austral Pool Solutions Product of the Year: Gold: Sunbather; Silver: The Pool Enclosure Company; Bronze: AstralPool Australia Education & Training Excellence Award: Waterco Marketing Campaign of the Year: Gold: Hayward Pool Products; Silver: Prospect Pool and Spa; Bronze: Aqua Technics Sustainable Project of the Year: Gold: Heliocol Solar South Australia; Silver: Commercial Aquatics Australia; Bronze: Majestic Pools & Landscapes Sustainable Product of the Year: Gold: Supreme Heating; Silver: Pentair Water Australia Residential Concrete Pools Up to $50,000: Gold: Majestic Pools & Landscapes; Silver: Dynamic Pool Designs; Bronze: Seaspray Pools Residential Concrete Pools: $50,000 to $100,000: Gold: Eco Design Pools; Silver: Majestic Pools & Landscapes; Bronze: Apex Pools & Spas Residential Concrete Pools Over $100,000: Gold: Splish Splash Pools; Silver: Urban Oasis; Bronze: Quality Dolphin Pools

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Residential Fibreglass Pool Up to $40,000: Gold: Coastline Pools; Silver: Barrier Reef Pools Perth; Bronze: Rainwise Clearview Residential Fibreglass Pool $40,000 - $60,000: Gold: Barrier Reef Pools Perth; Silver: Rainwise Clearview; Bronze: Horizon Pools Residential Fibreglass Pool Over $60,000: Gold: Barrier Reef Pools Perth; Silver: Compass Pools Melbourne; Bronze: Esana Aquatic Residential Pool & Spa Combination - Concrete: Gold: Quality Dolphin Pools; Silver: Majestic Pools & Landscapes; Bronze: Award Pools and Spas Residential Pool & Spa Combination – Fibreglass: Gold: Quality Dolphin Pools; Silver: Majestic Pools & Landscapes; Bronze: Award Pools and Spas Residential Vinyl Lined In-ground Pool: Gold: Albatross Swimming Pools; Silver: Reflections Pool & Spa Care; Bronze: Aqualon Interiors Residential Pre-Engineered Vinyl Lined Pool: Gold: Classic Pools & Spas; Silver: Albatross Swimming Pools; Bronze: Classic Pools Perth Residential Enclosed/Indoor Pool: Gold: Urban Oasis; Silver: Aloha Pools; Bronze: Quality Dolphin Pools Display Pool/Centre: Gold: Freedom Pools & Spas; Silver: Wisdom Landscapes; Bronze: Laguna Pools & Spas Residential Courtyard/Plunge Pool: Gold: Laguna Pools & Spas; Silver: Quality Dolphin Pools; Bronze: Esana Aquatic Lap Pool – Concrete: Gold: Award Pools Group; Silver: Freedom Pools & Spas; Bronze: Surfside Pools Lap Pool – Fibreglass: Gold: Freedom Pools & Spas; Silver: Nautical Pools; Bronze: Dunsborough Pool & Spa Commercial Pool Up to $250,000: Gold: Compass Pools Australia; Silver: Urban Oasis; Bronze: Surfside Pools Commercial Pool Over $250,000: Gold: Surfside Pools; Silver: Commercial Aquatics Australia; Bronze: Waterforms International Residential Renovation Up to $25,000: Gold: Polar Pools; Silver: Jagun Pools; Bronze: Panas Pools Residential Renovation Over $25,000: Gold: Urban Escape; Silver: Jagun Pools; Bronze: Adelaide Classic Pools Renovation – Commercial: Gold: Queensland Family Pools; Silver: Aquatic Developments Australia Landscape Design of the Year: Gold: COS Design; Silver: Mondo Landscapes; Bronze: Award Pools Group Residential Pre-Engineered Portable Spa: Gold: Leisurescape Spas; Silver: The Pool and Spa Shop; Bronze: Just Spas Residential In-Ground Spa: Gold: Laguna Pools & Spas; Silver: Freedom Pools & Spas; Bronze: Just Spas Innovative Pool and/or Spa: Gold: Commercial Aquatics Australia; Silver: Aloha Pools; Bronze: Majestic Pools & Landscapes Water Feature: Gold: Neptune Pools; Silver: Pools By Design; Bronze: Waterforms International Lighting Feature: Gold: COS Design; Silver: Majestic Pools & Landscapes; Bronze: Sunrise Pools Pool Store of the Year: Gold: Rainwise Coburg; Silver: The Pool Shop Kalamunda; Bronze: Prospect Pool and Spa Pool & Spa Service Business of the Year: Gold: Jim’s Pool Care Caloundra; Silver: Safe2Swim; Bronze: Pristine Pool & Spa Service Spa Retailer of the Year: Gold: Endless Spas; Silver: The Pool and Spa Shop Lonsdale; Bronze: Just Spas Pool & Spa Service Technician of the Year: Gold: Andrew Patterson – Bluewater Pool Care; Silver: James Lunnay – Jims Pool Care West Lakes; Bronze: Jason Pollack - Jims Pool Care Umina Retail Salesperson of the Year: Gold: Kylie Rojahn – Atlantis Pool Services; Silver: Ben Jarvis The Pool Shop Kalamunda; Bronze: Ross Starkey – Rainwise Clearview Industry Trade Representative of the Year: Gold: Michael Kettewell – Blue Glass Pebble Company; Silver: Glenn Welton – Austral Pool Solutions Rising Star Award: Jake Dugan-Gorrie – Aqualon Interiors

SPASA 2017

National Awards of Excellence Hosted by the Swimming Pool & Spa Association of Australia (SPASA Australia), the Awards of Excellence celebrate the best of the best, with winners from across the country competing for the top prize of national winner.

Representatives from all sectors of the pool and spa industry gathered to celebrate achievements in creativity, innovation, design and service at Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf, Sydney on Thursday 31st August 2017. Guests were thoroughly entertained

by Master of Ceremonies for the evening, SPASA Australia’s own Spiros Dassakis, plus music by the highly polished corporate act “Venus”.

SPASA Australia congratulates all entrants and winners of this year’s awards and to the sponsors who made the night possible with their ongoing support and generosity: Platinum Sponsor - AstralPool

Gold Sponsor - Zodiac Australia

Bronze Sponsors Hayward and Sunbather

Category Sponsors & Partners - AB Phillips, Pool+Spa, Poolside Magazine, Splash!, The Pool Enclosure Company, UL, and United Media Group

The full list of award winners are available on the SPASA website https://www.spasa.com.au/award-winners/national-awards/ Photos from the event are available via the same link.

We would love to hear your feedback of the event! The feedback form can be found at https://www.spasa.com.au/members-only/ event-evaluation-form/

Please contact SPASA Australia on 1300 021 482 or members@spasa.com.au if further information is required.

October/November 2017 SPLASH! 43

feature

Industry hones

leadership skills T ABOVE: Michael McQueen highlighting new forms of business disruption

TOP RIGHT: Jason Fox exploring meaningful progress and how to achieve it

Alisa Camplin inspiring the audience with her powerful life story

44

SPLASH!

he inaugural SPASA Leadership Convention was held in August at Doltone House on Sydney Harbour, where members and guests were treated to an exciting day of leadership presentations and discussions on the challenges that face industry businesses.

Keynote speakers included trends expert Michael McQueen, leadership expert Dr Jason Fox and Olympian Alisa Camplin. These speakers shared their strategies for success, encouraging attendees to look at the big picture and plan for future growth within their businesses.

Thanking Platinum Sponsor AstralPool Australia for its ongoing support and generosity, SPASA Australia CEO Lindsay McGrath said the day was a raging success.

“It’s exactly what we were hoping for,” he said. “To have this many leaders together in a non-competitive environment, to work on themselves – to take time out

from their business to be inspired, be motivated, and to really be challenged with new world-class concepts, far beyond what this industry has seen previously.

“The quality of the speakers is world class and will help take the industry through to the next level.

Industry members were excited to see SPASA’s new education program and our new media program, and how we’re working to make the industry a bigger pie.

“It was good to see the programs we have been working on for more than a year culminate in this event. And the awards night is the icing on the cake for a fabulous year.”

October/November 2017

The speakers

Michael McQueen opened the day, talking about the main forms of disruption to a business, including coping with change and dealing with a new disruptive force: empowered consumers that mean you no longer have control over your own brand. He used the example of United Airlines and how a video shared on Facebook Live of a passenger being manhandled not only saw the company’s share price drop, but saw the CEO lose his job. He had some very useful and innovative strategies for staying ahead of the game, keeping an eye of your brand and taking advantage of new communication tools – not just to spread a message, but to learn from your customers.

Jason Fox explored the concept of meaningful progress, and how to avoid the “delusion of progress” – a phenomenon that grips busy leaders who become “too busy” to ensure future relevance. The themes of curiosity and empathy were explored, specifically looking at translating intent into specific behaviours and the visible sense of progress to ensure that you remain relevant into the future. Some questions included what rituals you have in place to ensure meaningful progress – and what does meaningful progress even look like.

Alisa Camplin surprised many but proving she is much more than “just” an elite athlete. The audience was captivated by her journey in which she strategically changed sports and learned skiing at 19, honing her physical skills and mental toughness to a precisely timed plan aimed at achieving her “impossible” dream – representing Australia at the dangerous, demanding sport of freestyle aerial skiing.

Not only did she succeed, she became Australia’s first ever female Winter Olympic Gold medallist – and much more besides. While pursuing her challenge, she built a global career at IBM as a senior executive of the $200m business. Her presentation literally had the crowd out of their seats, as they become fully engaged in her amazing story and came to understand her call to have both vision and planning, as a vision without a plan is just a wish.

There were also two panel sessions where six industry leaders let the audience in on their business secrets, and what enables them to continue to succeed in difficult situations and times of change. ■

feature

Leaders’ opinions of leadership convention Paul Simons, Lo-Chlor

The conference was fantastic . I wasn’t sure how it would be received by the industry and some people were deterred by the expense, but even after hearing the first speaker, Michael McQueen, I could have walked away and it would have been money well spent .

Very impressed .

of positive things away from it that we can put into our own businesses . It makes you think outside the box in little things you might overlook in the business . I got a lot out of it . I’d absolutely come again, it’s been great . I love the new ideas; just like planting a couple of little seeds that you can take away and grow . I’d love to come back .

Colin Mauger, Supreme Heating

Brett Blair, Jims Pool Care with Tom Boadle, Sunbather: I’ll be coming again and I’ll be bringing more of my team

The convention has been an opportunity to actually block out everything in the business and focus on working on the business and absorb what they’re offering up today . It was absolutely worthwhile attending and I think we need to make time for this, so for me it’s awesome that SPASA is putting these events on . It’s something I’d mark down in the calendar on a yearly basis to make sure that not only I attend, but also key leaders within our organisation attend .

Brett Blair, Jims Pool Care

Brad Baxter, Award Pools Group

Cal Stanley, Neptune Pools

The speakers here have just been amazing .

Top shelf stuff – and obviously they come with a price tag but this needs to grow and it will grow with speakers like that . 100 per cent it’s worthwhile coming . It would be nice to see some more young people here – there were a few here, but as we’ve spoken before, succession planning is so important . What I’ve got out of today is that it’s all about people, managing those people, managing your business . When your competitor zigs, you zag . Do it differently but do it well .

Janine Bellifemine, Sunrise Pools

I think this convention has been a wonderful first for the industry and I look forward to many more to come . I think it’s really important that we get together and network like this . We’re taking a lot

The audience learnt leant aabit bitmore more about the art of aerial skiing

I’d like to thank Lindsay and his team to get so many industry leaders in the one room, it’s quite exciting . And I think SPASA Australia has a lot of exciting times ahead of it . We can only do it together so it’s good to have everyone in the same space . The speakers have been really motivating and thought-provoking . I’m looking forward to the next couple of years working with SPASA Australia .

I thought Michael McQueen was fantastic .

He speaks my language .

Janine Bellifemine, Sunrise Pools: “Like planting a couple of little seeds that you can take away and grow.”

Tom Boadle, Sunbather

I’m absolutely rapped with the convention .

I think it’s a really positive step for this industry to pull its key leaders together and motivate and inspire and mentor, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it all wraps up . I’ll be coming again and I’ll be bringing more of my team to share all of this knowledge .

Bryan Goh, Waterco

The speakers have been fantastic and very thought-provoking, with much to reflect on how we can apply it back to our own businesses . I’d definitely come again if we get the same calibre of speakers . I think the more people you can bring the better – all your senior management people would be ideal .

Rohan Beasley, Pool-Water Products

The convention has been excellent and the speakers have been very insightful; I’ve taken a pad full of notes and I’ve got a lot of good ideas to take away .

An ideal location to network over lunch

October/November 2017 SPLASH!

45

7 2017 Remco Pool of the Year winner Apex Pools & Spas

2 0 1 75 The 2017 Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner is the industry event of the year for SPASA Victoria.

With more than 430 industry stakeholders in attendance, the SPASA Awards of Excellence Gala night is the most anticipated event on the Victorian calendar.

A total of 40 Awards of Excellence categories made up the SPASA Awards of Excellence program, including major awards - Product of the Year and Remco Pool of the Year.

The 2017 Remco Pool of the Year was awarded to Apex Pools & Spas while Product of the Year went to Sunbather for their Commercial DownUnder + Superslave Cover System.

Major Sponsors

Platinum Sponsor

Hosted by popular entertainers Rusty Berther and Mike McLeish, guests were treated to songs and comedy by the duo ‘Rusty and Another Guy’.

A total of 71 Gold and Highly Commended awards were presented to well deserving SPASA members.

SPASA President John D’Arcy congratulated all winners and stated, “This year’s entrants demonstrate excellence across the board and prove that SPASA members truly are leaders within the Australian industry. The calibre of entries just gets better year after year”.

For full details & images, go to: www.spasavic.com.au/awards-of-excellence

SPASA 2017 Awards of Excellence Category Sponsors:

PMS 660C

POOL COVERS & PRODUCTS

PMS 123U

Brighton Pools

Media Sponsor

Entertainment Sponsor Dry-Treat

Coastal Pools

POOLSIDE 44 DON’T MISS OUT! Get into Poolside - Australia’s no.1 best selling pool magazine - and reach readers who are actively looking to build a pool and create their dream outdoor living haven. Poolside is their go-to resource for the best products and services in the market.

Poolside magazine provides readers with an informative guide on all they need to know about swimming pools, covering all aspects of the design and construction process and including products, not only for the pool itself but also exterior products such as accessories, decorative features and design. With an easy-to-read, down-to-earth editorial style, it displays fact sheets with the vital information on the companies behind the pools and other vital details, such as dimensions, construction materials and products used to achieve the overall design or effect.

In our exciting next issue, we will be featuring: Trends for summer 2015 What’s hot in paving, landscaping and other outdoor trends Poolside Entertaining Advice on poolside entertaining, including BBQs, recipes and tips

Advertising sales close:

29 August 2014 On sale date:

20 November 2014

PUBLISHING NOVEMBER 2014 | ADVERTISING SALES CLOSE END OF AUGUST

Congratulations to all 2017 Awards of Excellence entrants and winners.

For more information on how to be involved, contact your local sales manager.

NSW & Publishing Manager: Emil Montibeler T: 0411 424 335 E: emontibeler@universalmagazines. com.au VIC/SA: John Oliver T: 0417 316 820 E: joliver@universalmagazines.com.au QLD: Antonia Bewley T: 0418 424 410 E: abewley@universalmagazines.com.au WA: Bonnie Sullivan T: 0407 072 325 E: bonita.sullivan@bigpond.com

7 Best Fibreglass, Acrylic or Vinyl lined Pool by COUNTRY Member Naughtons Pools & Spas

For more Gold Award winners see

www.spasavic.com.au

Best Landscape Design- 60200sqm with pool or spa COS Design

The 2017 Product of the Year Award Sunbather for their Commercial DownUnder + Superslave Cover System

Gold Winners of the SPASA Awards of Excellence 2017 2017 Remco POOL OF THE YEAR

Best Innovative Pool or Spa

Best Spa Retailer

The 2017 Product of the Year Award

Best Residential Concrete Pool by a Country Member

Pool Store of the Year

Apex Pools & Spas

Sunbather for their Commercial DownUnder + Superslave Cover System Sustainability Award

Pentair Water Australia for their Pantera Evolution Dual Speed Pool Pump SPASA Water Neutral Pool Award Rainwise Coburg Best Control, Water Quality or Convenience Product

Sunbather for their Commercial DownUnder + Superslave Cover System Best Residential Concrete Pool under $50,000

Seaspray Pools

Best Pool Display Centre

Laguna Pools and Spas Best Concrete Pool by a NEW SPASA Builder Member

Australian Spas & Pools

Best Residential Concrete Pool - Under $100,000

Apex Pools & Spas

Aloha Pools

Acquavita Pools & Spas

Endless Spas

Rainwise Coburg

Best Residential Courtyard/Plunge Pool

Best Residential Concrete Pool Over $100,000

Laguna Pools and Spas

Best Residential Fibreglass Pool - Under $40,000

Platinum Swimming Pools

Enkipools

Naughtons Pools & Spas

Best Residential Fibreglass Pool - $40,000 - $60,000

Horizon Pools

Best Commercial Pool - Under $250,000

Cookes Pools & Spas

Best Commercial Pool - Over $250,000

Aloha Pools

Best Residential Concrete Spa

Laguna Pools and Spas

Best Residential Pre-engineered, VinylLined Inground Pool

Albatross Swimming Pools Aust Best Residential Fibreglass Pool - over $60,000

Compass Pools Melbourne

Best Residential Renovation - Over $25,000 Pre-Engineered Portable Spa

Best Landscape Design – 60-200sqm featuring a Pool or Spa

C.O.S Design

Best in situ Paving or Stone Product

SAI Sandstone / Grace Stone Best Residential Concrete Pool and Spa Combination

Award Pools & Spas

Best Residential Fibreglass, Acrylic or Vinyl-Lined Pool & Spa Combination

Leisurescape Spas

Naughtons Pools & Spas

Sustainable Pool or Spa

Best Fibreglass, Acrylic or Vinyl-lined Pool by a Country Member

Tassie Pools & Spas Best Residential Concrete Lap Pool

Acquavita Pools & Spas

Best Pool and Landscape Combination

Naughtons Pools & Spas Best Lighting Feature

C.O.S Design

Apex Pools & Spas

Best Pool & Spa Service Business

Best Residential Fibreglass. Acrylic or Vinyl-Lined Lap Pool

Best Residential Enclosed/Indoor Pool

Aloha Pools

Horizon Pools

Aloha Pools

Best Water Feature

SPASA Industry Training High Achiever Award

Neptune Swimming Pools Best Safety Barrier

Frameless Impressions Best Landscape Design - Under 60sqm featuring a Pool or Spa

Apex Pools & Spas

Dick Hearn - Flowtec Leak Detection

1-2 AUGUST 2018

Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre SPLASH! is Australasia’s foremost pool and spa trade show, attracting over 2,000 visitors from more than 27 countries. This year expects to see close to 200 exhibitors under one roof making SPLASH! the must attend event for industry professionals to stay ahead as our industry continues to grow.

For further enquiries please contact SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show Team Within Australia 1300 789 845 Outside Australia +61 2 8586 6103

EXPO FREE TO ATTEND EDUCATION SESSIONS NETWORKING DRINKS GOLF DAY

REGISTER NOW Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS

NEW CO-LOCATED EVENTS

The largest pool and spa trade show in Australia,SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show, is currently looking for speakers to deliver informative and exciting education to the 2,000 expected attendees.

Don’t miss the INTERNATIONAL Swim Schools SPECTACULAR – to be held alongside SPLASH! in the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Our visitors would love to hear about topics like how to minimise pool drownings, decrease the risk of chemical explosion, or perhaps how to cope if your pool or facility is struck by flood or fire.

With SPLASH! being held on the Gold Coast, there’s also an opportunity for leisure and commercial aquatic parks to speak about the day to day challenges they face in running their facilities, and how their learnings can translate to pool and spa operators.

We’d also like to hear from speakers on popular education topics like water chemistry, landscaping, hydraulics, green technology, chlorination and chemicals, as well as marketing and HR for pool and spa business owners.

SPLASH! is only held every two years, so this is your chance to address key issues in the pool industry, or present new technology or innovation to a captive audience.

Go to www.splashexpo.com.au/present for more information and to submit a presentation.

A WORD FROM OUR PLATINUM SPONSOR “AstralPool is excited to once again be the major sponsor of the world class SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show - A great event to showcase all the new products the suppliers have been working hard on for the past two years... See you there!”

Matt Adlam, Managing Director, AstralPool

www.splashexpo.com.au Silver Sponsor

Education Partner

SAVE THE DATES

30 July – 1 August 2018

2 – 3 August 2018

AUSTRALIAN SWIM SCHOOLS CONFERENCE

WORLD INFANT AQUATICS CONFERENCE

For more information go to www.splashexpo.com.au/ASSA

BECOME SPASA ACCREDITED SPASA Certification & Accreditation is a continuing professional development (CPD) education and training program available only to individuals, employees and business members of the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Australia (SPASA).

The program provides recognition for members within the SPASA network for their professional skills and commitment to ongoing learning and development.

Individuals and employees who are members of SPASA will automatically qualify as SPASA Certified when they achieve and retain 12 SPASA CPD points annually.

SPASA will be hosting a series of training courses at SPLASH! which can be used to acquire CPD points towards SPASA Certification status.

Becoming SPASA Certified or SPASA Accredited gives you and your business an instantly recognisable badge of professionalism, demonstrating that you have the required education, technical competence, experience and a commitment to your own professional development.

1300 789 845 Media Partner

Golf Sponsor

commercial news

Partnerships

Commercial

news Mexico earthquake delays Paras Worlds. . . . . . . . 52 Antibacterial tiles at Budapest Worlds. . . . . 52 Tenders. . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Aquatic focus for an elemental resort . . . . . 54 Ensuring good water quality in splash parks. 56 Australia’s largest heat pump installation. . . . . 60

AIS and Alto Pacific form school pool relationship Geoffrey Balcomb, operations manager at Queensland-based commercial swimming pool heating, filtration and maintenance company, Alto Pacific, says building quality business relationships is one of the most valuable lessons has learned from more than 20 years’ in the industry.

Alto Pacific enjoys regular work with state and local government organisations and has recently chosen Australian Innovative Systems’ (AIS) AutoChlor salt water chlorine generators for 20 of its Queensland school pool contracts.

For Alto Pacific’s operations manager, Geoffrey Balcomb, the decision to use AIS’ systems is based on a combination of quality products, service and the mutual respect that exists between the two companies.

“We are very loyal to our customers and suppliers and value the excellent working relationship we’ve established with the AIS team,” says Balcomb.

“We know their products are reliable, cost-efficient and able to be retro-fitted to existing pools where necessary. Their systems use very little space in the plant room and their technology complies with engineering

specifications and the recent move away from liquid and granular chlorine water disinfection.”

Alto Pacific also values AIS’ proximity. “We pride ourselves on providing outstanding service to our clients, so having a local manufacturer based in Brisbane gives us easy and fast access to materials, spare parts and advice,” he says.

AIS CEO Elena Gosse says that AIS was proud to be working with Alto Pacific and having its technology protecting young swimmers.

“Safety is not negotiable. As well as having clean and clear pool water, one of the major advantages of inline water disinfection is that the risks associated with transportation, handling and storage of liquid and granular chlorine are eliminated” she says.

“We know that our technology provides a great return on investment with most commercial systems paying for themselves within two to three years, with the facilities then enjoying ‘free’ in-line chlorine production.”

Awards

Milne Bay named Queensland Leisure Facility of the Year Champions of Queensland’s leisure and aquatics industry were recognised for standout achievements and their commitment to excellence at the first Australian Leisure Facilities Association Queensland (ALFAQ) Awards in August during the Aquafutures International Conference at Noosa.

The inaugural Jonas Leisure Facility of the Year Award went to the Milne Bay Aquatic and Fitness Centre in Toowoomba.

Jonas Leisure national sales manager Bryn Whales congratulated the facility on standing out from a field of “extremely high calibre” nominations.

Other award finalists included Kawana Aquatic Centre on the Sunshine Coast, which was noted for its versatility and strong elite sports program.

Brisbane’s Yeronga Park Pool shone for its outstanding community programs, while Newmarket Olympic Pool, also in Brisbane, stood out thanks to technological and design improvements which led to a large increase in visitor numbers over the year.

ALFAQ president Dan Kwaczynski said the first annual awards were introduced to recognise the hard-working people and organisations behind Queensland’s leisure and aquatic facilities for the opportunities they provide for people to get active and enjoy themselves.

50 SPLASH!

October/November 2017

The first Orimatech Award for Excellence award went to Shelley Douyere, currently responsible for several of Queensland’s pools as managing director of Multi-Level Sports, for her longstanding work with local communities to encourage greater participation and develop aquatics programs for everyone from beginners to elite athletes.

commercial news

In Brief Queensland industrial relations minister Grace Grace has moved to introduce legislation to make industrial manslaughter an offence, following the independent review prompted by the death of four people on Dreamworld’s Thunder River Rapids last year . She says that industrial manslaughter will draw in the corporation, not just the individual, and will come under the Workplace Health and Safety Act with an independent prosecutor .

Sunshine Coast Council approved construction of bulk earthworks in September for the active lifestyle destination, Actventure . Tenders went out to six civil contractors based on the Sunshine Coast and in Brisbane, who will submit their bids to complete the bulk earthworks for the entire site . The bulk earthworks will entail around 150,000 cubic metres of cut and fill, including a new lagoon area and the beautification of the existing waterways, and immediate preparations for Stage 1 of construction and all future stages .

A faecal incident at a Lake Macquarie City Council swimming pool led to a $15,000 fine from the NSW Environment Protection Authority, reports the Newcastle Herald . The council said following a faecal contamination from a young child without a correctly fitted aqua nappy, the swim centre staff followed a rigorous procedure in line with NSW Health guidelines . They evacuated the pool, chemically treated the water and backwashed the filtration equipment to remove pathogens . However, a pump failure led to the discharge of 16,000 litres of chlorinated water into a nearby creek, resulting in the EPA fine . No observable damage occurred and the pump was quickly replaced .

Awards

Water safety awards Seven representatives have been recognised for their significant contribution to aquatic safety within their community in the inaugural National Aquatic Industry Safety Awards, presented by the Royal Life Saving Society Australia .

The award winners are: • Best Solution to an Identified Aquatic Health and Safety Issue: AquaPulse • Excellence in Aquatic Safety - By an Individual: Gary Johnson • Excellence in Aquatic Safety - Innovative and Safe Design: Parkinson Aquatic Centre • Excellence in Aquatic Safety - Public Messaging and Education: Milne Bay Aquatic and Fitness Centre • Excellence in Aquatic Safety - Induction and Professional Development: Seadragonz Swim School • Excellence in Aquatic Safety - By an Aquatic Facility (Small): Goulburn Aquatic Centre • Excellence in Aquatic Safety - By an Aquatic Facility (Large): Hawthorn Aquatic and Leisure Centre

High commendations were awarded to: • Excellence in Aquatic Safety – Public Messaging and Education: Leisure Institute of Western Australia Aquatics (LIWA Aquatics) • Excellence in Aquatic Safety – Public Messaging and Education: Belgravia Leisure • Best Solution to an Identified Aquatic Health and Safety Issue: South Gippsland Splash October/November 2017 SPLASH!

51

commercial news

Competition

Mexico earthquake delays Para Worlds The Dolphins Swim Team selected to race at the 2017 Para World Swimming Championships, formerly in Mexico City, are now heading to the 2017 Para Swimming Canadian Open in Toronto .

After a devastating earthquake hit the planned host city, the Para World Championships were postponed indefinitely

with no further news from World Para Swimming regarding a replacement competition at the time of writing .

the decision to compete in Canada was made with the best interests of the athletes at heart .

Swimming Australia made the decision to send the Para Dolphins Swim Team to the Canadian Open, which will take place in Toronto from October 2 to 4 . Paralympic high performance manager Adam Pine says

“The Canadian Open is the optimal alternative event for our team for a number of reasons . Our swimmers are ready and wanting to race and this event will provide a good alternative for them,” says Pine .

IPSPE in Orlando

LGA

The 2017 International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo (IPSPE), sponsored by The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP), will be held November 1-3, 2017 at the Orange County Convention Center . Orlando, Florida .

Tender

This year SPLASH! is travelling to IPSPE to report on the show . Editor Chris Maher would like to catch up with Australians and Kiwis who are at the show to get their observations and see if they’re kicking any goals overseas or picking up any useful ideas . If you’re going to be there, let him know by emailing chrismaher@intermedia .com .au .

This tender and other tenders are put online prior to the print magazine publishing . Be sure to Like the SPLASH! Facebook page or Follow SPLASH! on Twitter to keep alerted to new tenders, and for quick access to more information .

Also, SPASA Australia is organising a delegation to IPSPE which includes many perks . Go to www .spasa .com .au to find out more .

Wodonga City Council – Victoria/NSW Expression of Interest: Management and Operation of Wodonga and Albury Aquatics Facilities (W1162 – 17) Closing on the 10th October 2017 at 2:15pm Documents and further information: http://www .wodonga .vic . gov .au/tenders Contact: Wodonga City Council Ph: 02 6022 9300 http://www .wodonga .vic .gov .au

Competition

Antibacterial tiles help athletes at Budapest Worlds

One of the FINA competition pools in Budapest

Known as the City of Spas, Budapest is renowned internationally for its thermal springs .

This year Budapest has a new wonder called the Duna Arena, the main venue for the 2017 FINA World Championships, featuring two Olympic size pools, warm-up pool, diving pool, teaching pool and spa .

Constructed in record time, this facility is equipped with state-of-theart materials providing athletes with excellent swimming conditions .

German manufactured Agrob Buchtal HT tiles feature throughout the facility offering innovative antibacterial finishes to help prevent the growth of pathogens and remove chloramine odours to provide a healthy indoor climate for both swimmers and spectators .

52

effects of Agrob Buchtal HT tiles means oxygen is activated when in contact with light .

Agrob Buchtal HT tiles are supplied in Australia by Ceramic Solutions .

“It’s this activated oxygen that decomposes microorganisms such as bacteria, fungus, germs and unpleasant odours to create a feel good environment,” she says .

Kathryn Hay from Ceramic Solutions says the photocatalytic

Contact: www .ceramicsolutionspools .com .au

SPLASH!

October/November 2017

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Zodiac is always thinking of better ways to clean the pool.

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commercial news

Aquatic focus for an elemental resort Even though there are nearby creeks, beaches and ponds, it is the swimming pool that has become the aquatic focus of the resort MIDDLE: The ashlar pattern tiling creates a unique beach entry

P

eggy and Brian Flannery had a vision for their chosen site in Byron Bay, shadowed by Mount Warning and adjacent to two kilometres of pristine beachfront. They saw a poetry in the place that verged on prehistoric.

Peggy named the resort Elements to capture that coming together of earth, sun and water. The resort hugs the bay and embraces the landscape – a secluded space by Belongil Creek where it meets the South Pacific Ocean. The summer bustle of Main Beach is a world away, while still remaining uniquely Bryon.

“The stunning element of this pool is its position.

It is the heart of the resort and serves as a social meeting place, an agora where guests can mingle, relax and recharge.”

They surveyed every tree and made a decision not to lose any native species, and by touching the earth lightly and maintaining the existing hydrology of the area, they managed to create a retreat not only for humans, but for native animals and birds.

54 SPLASH!

October/November 2017

As well as the creek and ocean, the 90 hectare resort features a number of natural ponds and waterways.

Even so, more water was needed, for what is a resort without a swimming pool?

And a stunning five star resort needs a stunning pool – not only for swimming, but as a relaxation and entertainment focus – a place for the tribe to gather after a day of exploration.

The pool

Michael Hoy is co-owner of award-winning national builder Beau Corp Aquatics. He says that rather than just build swimming pools and waterparks, they try to create experiences.

Shane Thompson from Shane Thompson Architects designed the resort, with Bennett Construction building it, while Beau Corp Aquatics built the pool, water features, plant room and surrounds.

Beau Corp was briefed to design and construct a massive 1000m2 lagoon-style resort swimming pool, with poolside settings and a hanging lounge area. The unique design combined a wet deck grate system while the negative edge infinity overflow required precision in both in the layout and when interfacing with Bennett’s surrounding works.

The innovative construction included pneumatic concrete application which created structural integrity

commercial news

and cost effective outcomes for client.

Hydrophilic water stops and sealants were modified to effectively seal concrete construction joints.

The pool features a glass bead pebble interior, while the spa is fully tiled, featuring Bisazza glass mosaics.

The stunning paving on the surrounds and in the shallow section is in ashlar pattern, creating a practical as well as stylish take on a sand-coloured beach entry. Three interactive water features are included and LED lighting is used throughout.

Equipment includes Prominent disinfection and Hoy says they chose the Smart Approved Watermark Neptune Benson Defender filtration system to benefit sustainability, water minimisation and water conservation, while delivering pristine water quality.

“The build came in on time and on budget,” says Hoy. “This is despite having to contend with very adverse weather – the worst floods in our company’s history. As well as that, the

water table and ground water inflows required advanced engineering and superior construction methods.”

He says his favourite part of the build was working with the clients. “The Flannery’s are awesome – very creative people who entrusted us with our liquid architecture and build.

“Our workmanship for this pool saw us win the 2016 MBA Award for Best Concrete Swimming Pool which we are certainly very proud of. The stunning element of this pool is its position. It is the heart of the resort and serves as a social meeting place, an agora where guests can mingle, relax and recharge.”

Already boasting a reputation as one of Australia’s best resorts, Elements is undergoing further additions – improving the already sumptuous fittings while adding a large adults-only swimming pool, which is currently being undertaken by Beau Corp.

While the massive 1000m2 lagoon-style resort swimming pool caters for all, the new Stage 2 pool currently being built will be child-free, so adults can chill out entirely if they so desire

Contact: www.beaucorp.net.au

A basket suspended over water is the perfect spot to just hang around on a summer day The wide, curved infinity overflow required exactitude in construction and finishing October/November 2017 SPLASH! 55

feature

Water quality is critical when you consider the water will be aerated and small kids will be playing in it – and it’s likely to find its way into their mouths at some stage

Ensuring good water quality in splash parks

T

his is the third of our three-part series on splash parks. We have previously looked at splash and spray installations in waterparks (Edition 112), and how councils are creating splash parks for the benefit of their residents (Edition 113).

This edition we talk to Victorian builder Aloha Pools’ Nathan Kinder about the allimportant issue of water quality in splash parks. He offers us the benefit of his experience building spray and splash parks for local councils, and lets us know about some of the challenges and how they overcame them.

Kinder says Aloha Pools went through a steep learning curve with the installation of splash parks but they picked up a lot of useful ideas from the experience.

“They’re a fairly new idea and councils like them because there’s no water to drown in,” he says.

“So they sound like a great idea from a zero supervision standpoint, and of course they are wonderful and families love them and they attract hundreds of people from all over the place.”

He found that managing the fun factor with the compliance risk was the trickiest part of creating a splash park, and that as with all projects, it’s important to start at the beginning and have some input at the earliest stages.

“Water quality and clarity can be affected by the design of the park,” he says.

“That is, the placement of sand or mulch near the water will place additional load on the system. Understanding how the parks are used and abused will allow you to design a better park with better water quality that is not struggling against poor design decisions. If you can have a say in the preliminary sketch design phases of the play structure then many of the niggling design issues can be avoided.”

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Aloha tends to take a “belt and braces” approach to these projects, as they’re designing them, building them, and then maintaining them as well – so they can see how they perform over time.

The problem of dirt and debris

Debris can be a nightmare with splash parks.

“When designing hydraulic systems think mass debris,” says Kinder. “The ability for the system to handle mass debris is imperative. A number of partitioned balance tanks, as well as primary and secondary screens to remove mass debris will be required.”

He says the ease and frequency with which these screens can be cleaned will determine water quality and ease of maintenance. One project he built at Hadfield had an automatic wash-down (or first-flush diverter) which meant the splash pad could be rinsed prior to it running in normal operational mode.

Kinder says that as well as the leaves, dirt and chip packets that get drawn into the park, he has seen some appalling behaviour from the general public – which all needs to be taken into account.

“I’ve seen dirty nappies and dog’s faecal material. They’re not fenced and you have people urinating on them overnight, and birds and possums and all that kind of stuff. From a hazard point of view they’re super critical.”

From a water quality point of view, he uses the description of them as being like a combined public douche and drinking fountain.

Frightening as the description is, it helps focus attention on how critical water quality is in this tricky environment.

The three-balance tank system

The first-flush system they installed helps tackle the issue of contaminants being accrued overnight.

“Say you turn it on at seven in the morning, the water that runs off the splash pad doesn’t end up in the balance tanks. The balance tanks are really where the bulk of the water’s going to be held. How you filter and circulate that water and sanitise it – all those things become very, very important, obviously,” he says.

The first couple of parks they designed had a dual balance tank system – separating clean water from dirty water.

“Then we actually worked out we need a third balance tank, so we’ve got a number of different tanks that are almost settlement tanks, to ensure we’re putting clean filtered water through the splash features. We have to have opportunity to take out debris and sand. We can’t aerate water that’s come straight off the splash pad, so you can’t put it back into the balance tank and then shoot it up through the feature. You’ve got to give it time to be filtered.”

He says they generally look at hydrotherapy pools or spas as a guide for water turnover standards.

“So we’re not turning the water over in two hours, we want to do it as quickly as we can, so even 10 to 20 minutes.”

He says it’s important to get the turnover through the balance system, and not be waiting for it to go down the course before you turn it over. This way there is always clean water ready to go through the features.

One way to keep the turnover rate high is to have very short hydraulic pipelines.

They use sand filters with sand or sometimes glass media, direct dose chlorine, acid-based pH control, and a high level reporting switchboard so they have dual reporting – so if there is ever an incident due to the water quality, they will be covered.

feature

Dontek Solar Controllers “From our point of view we want to be sure the water quality has been properly maintained because we’re responsible for the design and construction of it.”

They also generally include UV. “It would be best if you can get UV on the system or at least make provision for it to be installed later. Without it you are likely to have issues with chloramines, which will result in the splash pad being higher maintenance,” he says.

Smarter By Degrees

Varying standards

There are a wide variety of standards to be aware of, not only because of different jurisdictions, but because of the broad range of issues that need to be addressed when building splash parks.

“Being knowledgeable in the different Australian standards will help in designing parks and knowing your risk factors,” he says.

“The Australian standards apply to many items that affect waterplay.

For example, slip standards on fittings and fixtures. Signage and electrical safety standards apply as does storage and handling of materials, OH&S requirements and the like.

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According to Section 34 of the NSW Public Health Act 2010, the term “swimming pool” includes any structure that is used or intended to be used for human bathing, swimming or diving, including a water slide or other recreational aquatic structure.

NSW Health understands there is some ambiguity of the phrase “other recreational aquatic structure”. To address that concern, the Public Health Amendment (Review) Bill 2017 is currently before Parliament. This Bill clarifies that public swimming pools include pools on private residential premises that are used for a commercial purpose such as commercial backyard learn-to-swim pools, splash parks and interactive foundations.

Those people or businesses and organisations that are operating or responsible for these types of facilities need to be made aware of the proposed and likely changes to the Act which will impact on how these facilities are to be operated and managed.

Essentially, if the Bill is passed by Parliament, this definition will come into effect and all NSW operators will need to adhere to Schedule 1 of the Public Health Regulation which is the Requirements for public swimming pools and spa pools.

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feature

Safety and slip hazards

Pooling water can be avoided through good placement of drains and well planned contouring

Kinder says it’s a balance to try and keep everything safe and still have a level of excitement.

“There is a big difference between zero water and five to ten mm of water. Someone can drown in a very small amount of water. So having the splash parks largely dry on the surface is a great safety advantage. You can’t have pooling water,” he says.

One way to avoid pooling water is to build contours and manage flow.

This may also be assisted by building on an elevated site or on a hill – with the added advantage of vastly reducing the amount of debris finding its way into the play area. Building on an elevated site also means you can have trees – which otherwise would be too problematic because of leaf litter and gumnuts – but have them planted lower than the splash park so the leaves are much less of an issue.

Kinder says that even though some standards allows for up to 290mm depth in the parks, for unsupervised facilities, he believes the maximum water depth should not exceed 100mm anywhere throughout the watercourse.

“Zero depth should be zero water. But you can’t remove every risk because then it stops being fun.”

Nozzles, apertures and other similar openings provided throughout the watercourse must have openings smaller than 8mm or larger than 25mm in accordance with AS4685 – Australian Standard for Playground Equipment.

“Victoria does not really have a code as such that is to be complied with – other than the Health Regulations.

However, WA and NSW do have specific requirements with respect to splash pads. All of these different guides on standards need to be attained.”

Kinder notes for example that the WA code requires the splash pad volume to be turned over at least once every 30 minutes but as mentioned above Aloha is already turning the water over more quickly than that in any case, and when the individual features are not operational the filtration system is still turning over water.

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feature

Watercourse surfaces, grates, plates and other similar surfaces must be slip resistant in accordance with HB197.

For surfaces, they recommend blasted concrete. “You can get a range of different textures in blasted concrete, it’s a natural look, and you can get embedded stone in it.

It generally fits in with the natural theme that landscape architects want to do. However the micro-pores can trap material and you need to be mindful of that.”

They also recommend exposed aggregates like Pebblecrete and Pebblesheen, which are low risk and well proven.

“A mix of different surfaces is quite good as well, which adds design benefits and keeps the architects interested.”

He says that soft fall material has its place but it should probably be restricted to where very small children are likely to play.

However, he says the biggest slip issue is with the return vents – they needs to have certified slip ratings and also be tamper proof.

Finally, he says that you have to ensure you can fulfil the vision for an engaging splash park, but you also have to be aware of the lowest common denominator in terms of Joe Public using it.

“Everyone’s liable in the end. The most successful stuff that you can do – and the most exciting stuff that you can do – is to make them both work. Some people go into this thinking they can’t possibly do what the architect wants, because they’ve got to manage compliance.

“But you can do both – there might be compromises on the way, but we can make both work and that’s the exciting result. It lasts a lot longer, and people enjoy it a lot more. And it becomes loved and used more, and then hopefully respected a bit more too.”

Contact: www.alohapools.com.au

Quay lessons In 2016 Western Australia’s Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority (MRA) CEO Kieran Kinsella told a Parliamentary Estimates committee that they hadn’t understood water science when planning the Elizabeth Quay water park.

“We did not actually understand all of the science about how these things operate.

It was a new initiative for us, but we have now come to that understanding,” he said.

In February 2016, the WA Department of Health closed the park, less than a month after opening, and the next month the Premier apologised to the family of a five-year-old girl who developed an eye infection that left her partially blind after playing in the water park.

The closure was due to finding Pseudomonas type bacteria in the water spray and amoebae in the waste discharge pipes, although media reports also suggested Naegleria fowleri bacteria had been found.

The park reopened in December 2016 after a 10 month closure during which the authority doubled the number of filters, added two UV filters and another pump and improved the chemical calibration at a cost of about $290,000.

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www.sunloverheating.com.au Melbourne 03 9887 2131 | Queensland 07 5679 6821 | Sydney 02 9838 0000 October/November 2017 SPLASH!

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commercial news

Australia’s largest heat pump installation

E

vo Energy Technologies has recently completed the largest heat pump installation in Australia – a massive 3610kW project at Dreamworld’s WhiteWater World.

The installation heats more than 30 slides, water rides and pools to 27 degrees for year-round warm water.

Unlike many outdoor waterparks in the southern states, Gold Coast waterparks remain open all year – meaning water temperature is an important factor in bringing visitors to the park.

Bearing this in mind, the park operators opted for the latest technology to keep the water warm.

The system upgrade has seen some of the newest advancements in water heating technology replacing WhiteWater World’s gas boiler system with 19 energy efficient EvoHeat CS200 GEN2 heat pumps that now reduce Dreamworld’s water heating running costs by more than 70 percent.

This cutting-edge technology has helped WhiteWater World move one step closer to becoming one of the most energy-efficient water parks in the world.

WhiteWater World is open all year, so the water temperature is vital to keep the customers coming in

Everyone has a better time when the water temperature is right

Operational boost

On top of the environmental benefits, the smart control and monitoring capabilities also boost WhiteWater World’s operational efficiencies. The park operators can now monitor and remotely control all aspects of their water heating plant to ensure maximum comfort levels for their guests year round.

The massive water heating redesign took over three months to install and involved various trades including hydraulic engineers, plumbers, electricians, BMS/controls specialists, civil works contractors, labourers, gas technicians and design draftsman.

Teamwork played a major part in the successful completion of this immense installation that has resulted in 19 heat pumps online, at set point and connected to the external monitoring system.

While there are still some final tweaks to the system required, Paul Callander, Ardent’s executive GM of commercial and development, says he is delighted not only with the final results and quality of workmanship shown, but how well all those involved collaborated.

“As we stand today, the works undertaken have been a resounding success,” he says.

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“This is a tremendous and sustainable step in making Dreamworld’s WhiteWater World the best waterpark in Australia. I genuinely believe this install will continue to exceed all expectations well into the future and will encourage other businesses to follow in our footsteps.”

WhiteWater World patrons aren’t the only ones to benefit from the water heating upgrade, with upgrades also taking place to the existing heating at Dreamworld’s Tiger Island and the crocodile pools.

Using an energy efficient EvoHeat CS 57 heat pump, the water in Tiger Island now remains at a comfortable 28-degree temperature for 12 of their big cats.

Contacts

Evo Heat Technology: www.evoheat.com.au WhiteWater World: www.dreamworld.com.au/whitewater-world

commerical news

Water temperature is maintained at 27 degrees around the park

ABOVE: The new installation heats more than 30 water rides, slides and pools

MIDDLE: Vital aspects of the project are the smart control and monitoring capabilities BOTTOM : The install is expected to reduce the waterparks heating bill by 70 per cent

October/November 2017 SPLASH!

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new products

True energy efficiency

Zodiac launches Tornax robotic pool cleaners

Enviraflo is the only pool circulation system which allows you to maintain full water circulation with a variable speed pump tuned to low speed.

The new light robotic cleaners only weigh 5.5Kg, and both models are easy to operate with a one touch cleaning cycle.

The pre-packaged Enviraflo kits are suitable for new concrete pools, integrate with all water management systems and are available in white or grey. Enviraflo is also available with the popular pebble/tile cover drains exclusive to Cooke Industries.

Contact distributors or Cooke Industries directly to learn more about installing Enviraflo into your next project.

The top access filter canister makes it easy for users to empty and remove debris by hosing it clean without actually touching the debris. In addition, the TX35 features a transparent top cover with direct visibility of debris trapped into the canister making it obvious when to empty and clean. The TX35 also comes with an easy-to-assemble caddy, ideal to store the cleaner or move it around the pool.

Contact: www.enviraflo.com.au; www.cookeindustries.com.au

Contact: www.zodiac.com.au

The award-winning Enviraflo Venturi Circulation System from Cooke Industries has been packaged into an easy-to-install kit which includes a drain, hydro valve, safety suction and venturi skimmer.

Cleo’s Italian cool and comfort

Osmen’s new range of Cleo outdoor furniture incorporates modern Italian design with elegance and simplicity. Inspired by life and created for living, the new Cleo Collection Alu sofa and chair set is crafted to turn heads this summer while creating an outdoor living space that is comfortable and inviting. The Quick Dry Form makes for easy

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Zodiac says their new Tornax robotic pool cleaner range, which includes the TX20 & TX35 models, is efficient, light and convenient at an affordable price.

maintenance, so you can relax or entertain in style all year round.

Founded in 2000, Osmen have been a key outdoor furniture wholesaler and have now opened their own retail business, offering a diverse range of high quality and stylish outdoor furniture.

Contact: www.osmen.com.au

new products

Pristine glass fencing to match an exclusive site Untreated glass is porous and absorbs contaminants which can lead to permanent etching and discoloration. EnduroShield keeps glass looking new, guaranteed for up to 10 years.

of frameless glass panels to optimise the view, allowing clear sight lines through to the stunning infinity pool and the beach beyond.

The glass at this designer beach house overlooking Sydney’s Whale Beach has EnduroShield easy-clean treatment professionally applied to the interior and exterior of the building and pool surround. The home has been designed with extensive use

EnduroShield helps reduce the build-up of salt caused by constant ocean spray, and the protective coating seals the porosity of the glass helping to prevent permanent staining from the salt.

POOL HEATING PANEL

Contact: 1300 720 050; www.enduroshield.com

The Eco-therm panel is manufactured by the number one panel company in the US, who have been manufacturing pool heating panels for over 40 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.

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ecosolarpoolheating.com.au October/November 2017 SPLASH!

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new products

New name, even better service!

Anti-slip protection film Vendart Pty Ltd is now LaMotte Pacific Pty Ltd. — servicing the Australian market for LaMotte products and services since 1988. This establishes a partnership with LaMotte Inc of the USA. LaMotte are already well known to the pool and spa industry for supplying test strips, individual kits and Water Link Spin. To compliment this partnership LaMotte Pacific now have their own in-house chemistry department to support the expanding product range. pool and spa water testing: Waterlink Spin Touch

Contact us now for more information.

LaMotte PacificPtyLtd p 02 9624 2754 • f 02 9674 5115 www.vendart.com.au 64 SPLASH!

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The 3M Anti-Slip & Surface Protection Film is a thin, almost invisible film that protects surfaces from everyday wear and tear. It has been certified to a P4 slip rating and comes in a 1.2m x 15m mini roll as well as a 80mm x 15m roll which is ideal for staircases.

It needs no special tools or techniques for installation or removal.

The film is ideal for waxed vinyl, sealed concrete, marble, ceramic tile, terrazzo and more. In addition, it is compatible with standard floor cleaning procedures and cleaning chemicals, and will assist with meeting a P4 slip rating classification for problematic floors.

Contact: 1300 363 565; www.3M.com

BriteLUX diffuser lens solves lighting dilemma

Waterco says landscape architects, pool technicians and pool builders can now eliminate harsh hot spots and distracting shadows from their pool lighting thanks to the latest lens innovation.

Unlike traditional LED lenses that restrict the light output to unflattering hot spots, Waterco’s new BriteLUX diffuser lens radiates light throughout the entire circumference of the lens. It features a diffused finish that emits more than 200 per cent more luminosity when compared to Waterco’s earlier LED lights equipped with a standard clear lens.

It is available in new installation kits and replacement light kits that can be used to upgrade older halogen or LED pool lights.

Contact: www.waterco.com

new products

When only the best will do!

Choose Zelbrite, the only filter media to be awarded

New range of AstralPool robotic pool cleaners AstralPool’s new range of robotic pool cleaners is their most technologically advanced yet, from the floor-only RF model to the flagship RPT Plus with remote control.

The many new and updated features include the inbuilt Aquasmart – AstralPool’s patented algorithmic “brain” – to the innovative mechanical swivel system that prevents the cord tangling. Also featured is the Gyro smart navigation system, which senses movement in three dimensions via a three-axis sensor, and is equipped with an accelerometer to tell if the robotic cleaner is moving, ensuring the pools are thoroughly cleaned during each cycle by avoiding all types of obstacles.

RF and RPB robotic pool cleaners have bottom access to deliver high quality filtration with a large debris storage capacity, while the RPT and RPT Plus robotic pool cleaners have top access for effortless cleaning. The RPT units include a caddy and remote control.

for it’s water saving capacity Only Zelbrite® produces pool water of crystal clear clarity. Zelbrite® is suitable for use in all types of media filters and is endorsed by Australia’s leading filter manufacturers and swimming pool product suppliers.

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

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Hydrochlor MK3 increases energy efficiency Waterco says its new energy-efficient Hydrochlor MK3 mineral chlorinator enhances chlorine production while reducing energy consumption, creating a pool that’s easier to maintain than a traditionally chlorinated one.

This latest addition to Waterco’s EnviroPro range is a dual-pool solution, suitable for pools using salt chlorination or Waterco’s mineral crystals.

As well, Waterco says the inclusion of the latest switch mode power technology increases energy efficiency by more than 50 per cent, significantly reducing power consumption and energy bills. Hydrochlor draws less current and this translates to high power conversion and less energy wastage, without compromising chlorine output.

It also includes a salt level protection alarm, easy-to-use timer and No Flow detection.

Contact: www.waterco.com October/November 2017 SPLASH!

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