POOL SPA& ENHANCING OUTDOOR LIVING THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SWIMMING POOL & SPA ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA sanitisationAutomated DITCH THE GUESSWORK spacesSmall DESIGN IDEAS FOR RESORT STYLE LIVING Tricks, tipsand trendsfor ownerspoolhomesweetHome SPRING 2022 RRP$7.95 WHERE EVERY DAY IS A VACATION
visit spasa.com.au to contact your local If you’re looking for a pool or spa professional, the choice is clear. SPASA members set themselves apart from the rest of the industry by setting standards of skill, workmanship and ethical business behaviour in the best interests of pool and spa owners. Why trust anyone else? Build SPASAConfidencewithmember 1300 021 482 | askus@spasa.com.au
Spring 2022 POOL&SPA | 5WWW.POOLSPALIFE.COM.AU Welcome SPRINGto 10 Superb ideas for small spaces Design inspiration to deliver the wow factor 20 Pure and simple Streamline sanitisation with an automated system 27 Fit, fun and fabulous Water workout routines 32 Quick tips After the rain 36 The need for speed How a variable speed pool pump will save save you money 41 Grow your own... ...and rule the roost 46 Quick tips Spring clean your BBQ Gold Class — award winning pools 16 ACT: Pool of the Year – Leader Pools 22 NSW: Pool of the Year – Transform Pools & Spas 34 Queensland: Pool of the Year – Norfolk Pools 48 Victoria: Pool of the Year – Striking Pools 10 20 27 41 Cover image: © Stock.Adobe.com/au/Netfalls
Editor, Dannielle Furness
WHAT’S
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Welcome to the latest issue of Pool & Spa Enhancing Outdoor Living magazine.Geez,we’ve had a rough few years, haven’t we? In a post-pandemic world, 2022 will undoubtedly be remembered for delivering its own surprises, including a noticeable rise in the cost of living. Local and global factors are driving price hikes on everything from fuel to food, leading many homeowners to keep a closer eye on the purse strings.
A: Far be it from me to stand in the middle of a marriage, but I’m going to have to side with your wife on this Whileone.it’s great that you’ve opted for plants that won’t drop too much leaf litter, that’s not all a pool cover or blanket is good for. Covers also keep out bugs, beetles and general animal mess. Birds, bats, possums, cats and dogs can all leave unwanted surprises in or around the pool and a cover will help minimise impact on the pool water and lessen the need for extra sanitation measures.
Covers are available in plenty of different styles and at a range of price points, which means you can opt for one that suits your specific environment without blowing the budget. Invest in one now and you’ll never look back. For more expert advice, email your pool and outdoor living questions to hello@poolspalife.com.au.
Q : When landscaping our backyard, we specifically chose trees and shrubs that wouldn’t fill the pool with leaves and sticks. My wife thinks we need a pool cover and I think it’s a waste of money. Who’s right?
ASK the expert
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It’s a tough time to travel as well, with increased airfares, flight cancellations and lost luggage horror stories coming from all angles. Well, we’ve got good news on that front — in this issue of Pool & Spa Enhancing Outdoor Living , our focus is on the ‘everydaycation’ lifestyle a pool delivers and on helping you get more from less.
As much as you want to keep things ‘out’ of the pool, covers are pretty good at keeping things ‘in’ as well. When using pool heating a blanket or cover helps trap the heat, ensuring the water remains toasty and saving on energy costs. In warmer months, it will help minimise evaporation, reducing water and chemical usage.
If you’ve ever had an itch to ‘grow your own’ – and in the age of the $10 lettuce, there’s good reason – we’ve got you covered with great edible garden ideas. Interested in a supply of daily free fresh eggs? Then read on for all you need to know about raising chooks in an urban environment…it’s easier than you think. As the days start to warm up, it’s time to get back in the water. If you’ve let your gym membership slip over winter – or a session in front of the mirrors is too much to contemplate just yet – take a squiz at some of our water workouts…guaranteed to get you back in the swim of things in no time. We hope you enjoy this issue of the magazine and find it full of valuable tips and tricks to help get ready for the festive season to come. Feel free to drop as a line with your thoughts, comments, questions and ideas at hello@poolspalife.com.au. Happy swimming!
In this edition, you’ll find articles on everything from design advice for small spaces guaranteed to deliver a ‘wow’ factor for all your summer celebrations, through to practical tips, products and pool systems that will help keep running costs down.
before you visit spasa.com.au to contact your local If you’re thinking about building, installing or renovating a pool or spa, it’s important to rely on someone you can trust. You’re in good hands when dealing with a professional backed by the national industry body the Swimming Pool & Spa Association of Australia take SPASAplunge...themember 1300 021 482 | askus@spasa.com.au
Heat your pool the natural way
Inswimming?1974three
young students realised that enough solar radiation falls on a pool owner’s roof every day to heat three or four swimming pools. They wanted to develop new technologies that could harness some of Mother Nature’s abundant free energy to heat those pools in an Sunbathereffectiveresponsibleenvironmentallyandcost-way,andwasformed.
8 | POOL&SPA Spring 2022 WWW.POOLSPALIFE.COM.AU SUNBATHER E: INFO@SUNBATHER.COM.AUP:1800BATHER W: WWW.SUNBATHER.COM.AU
Owningswimminga pool is a significant investment, but most pools are left unused for much of the year simply because the water is too cool for comfortable swimming. Even in the northern states, pools are shut down for up to half the year. Heating a pool not only doubles the fun the family enjoys it also doubles the value of that investment and, in Australia, we are blessed with abundant sunshine so what could be more logical than using that energy to heat your pool when you most feel like
COLLECTING FREE ENERGY Today, tens of thousands of domestic and huge commercial pools are heated by Sunbather solar pool heating systems. When the sun is shining and people want to swim, those systems collect the sun’s heat to regulate the temperature of the pool water. The only running cost is a few cents per hour to run a small circulation pump. With solar, the sun generates the heat and that heat is fed directly into the pool, so there’s very little to break down or wear out with a Sunbather solar system. So warranties are much longer with far less upkeep, but most important of all in these times, only solar technology can claim to be responsible.environmentally CONSERVING HEAT ENERGY Not satisfied with finding an friendlyenvironmentallywaytowarm a pool, Sunbather engineers turned their attention to keeping it warm for as long as possible — and with as little cost as possible.Poolcovers not only help keep pools clean and reduce evaporation, thermal covers also lock in heat, conserving heat energy and can even extend the swimming season for unheated pools. One downside is that pool covers and rollers can be thepooldeckcavityrollerpooltheofpoolsidethemhazardspace.unnecessaryalsoview.anddon’tpoolandspendHomeownersunattractive.wanttoalotdesigningbuildingtheirdreamandlandscapeandwantabulkyrollercovertospoiltheCoverssystemscantendtotakeupanamountofTheycanbeatripandclimbingonisanunwantedsafetyrisk.SunbatheraddressesalltheseproblemswithDownunderhiddencoversystem.Theandcoversitinabelowtheground/attheendofthecompletelyoutofwayandoutofsight.
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Lockdowns and stay-at-home orders may have brought our busy families together, but they also highlighted issues with living and working spaces, as everyone strived to find a part of the house to call their own. While the kids may be back at school and mum and dad have likely returned to the workplace, the need to make every part of your home a functional and enjoyable space still stands…and even the smallest of outdoor areas can be made useful with a bit of imagination.
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WHO SAID BIG IS BEAUTIFUL? WE KNOW GOOD THINGS ALSO COME IN SMALL PACKAGES. IT’S EASY TO CREATE RESORT-STYLE LIVING IN EVEN THE SMALLEST OF SPACES WITH A BIT OF DESIGN INSPIRATION. A funny thing happens when you spend a bit of extra time at home — something we can all relate to after the last couple of years — you start to notice the little things. You know, the stuff you’ve walked past a thousand times and not given a second thought: a build-up of dust on a rarely used surface, a rug that’s becoming a little threadbare or a finger-marked doorframe that could do with a lick of paint. Online shopping and trips to the big green shed got many of us through the early days of the pandemic.
PREPARATION AND PLANNING
First up, take a good hard look at the space in question. Come at it from two directions — try to identify potential uses based on size, shape and proximity to existing functional areas, but also think about problems you’d like to solve or obvious lifestyle shortfalls that need addressing. For example, installing an outdoor shower at the side of the house near the laundry entrance creates a functional space in an otherwise underutilised area and additionally stops the kids trekking water from the main entry to the bathroom when they get out of the pool — two problems fixed with a relatively lowcostWhensolution.identifying potential uses, think about additional requirements these could introduce — will you need access to power and lighting or shelter from the elements?
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While we’re focusing here on smaller formats, it’s also worthwhile considering if the current footprint is what you really want in the longer term. There may be potential to increase usable space through rationalisation of the existing elements — reducing the lawn and garden areas in favour of a larger outdoor space for entertaining, forDon’texample.bebound by today’s layout, as a little creative vision can help bring new and more useful spaces to life in the future.
START AT GROUND LEVEL… Haphazard furniture placement will give you ‘casual chic’ in some settings, or just look plain untidy in others. Using different floor treatments to section off an area is a simple and very effective way to clearly define a space. Outdoor rugs, feature tiles or pavers, painted concrete, gravel, pebbles or artificial lawn are a few simple options that will subdivide space into defined zones for dining, reading or just lazing about. You’ll need to consider a few things — like suitability with the existing flooring, exposure to elements and the expected use of the space. For example, you’ll need specific purposedeveloped paint for outdoor concrete areas that will contract and expand as required. You’ll also need to apply it
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Of course, the pool is usually the ‘star’ of the backyard. It’s where all the action is and where all the love goes when it comes to design and decor. That undivided attention can sometimes create dead zones elsewhere — pockets of space without any purpose. Don’t let good square metreage go to waste when a few simple tweaks can change the landscape completely.
There’s no law that says everything needs to be on one level. Going up is great way to increase your footprint when outdoor space is at a premium. This can range from simple raised planter boxes at different heights full of statement plants that add some drama through to fully structured tiered or stepped garden beds with seating and separate areas.
MAKE IT MULTIPURPOSE
LIVE IT UP IN LAYERS
Trellises and screens — or even strategically hung curtains and blinds — can be used to effectively divide the space vertically. If you’ve got a little more room, a pergola is always a solid option to delineate one space from the next and allow you and the family to spread out in your own areas to do your own thing.
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to a clean uncoated surface to ensure it adheres.Some‘outdoor’ furniture and furnishings — including rugs — may bear the name but won’t necessarily hold up to repeated or long-term sun and rain exposure. Think about furniture placement as well — a dining table may not work well on an uneven surface like gravel.
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…AND MOVE UPWARDS
When space is really at a premium, the best option is simply to make it multipurpose — throw up a hammock, drop in a daybed and include a table for casual dining surrounded by a few potted herbs and flowering plants. Add a water feature or fountain and you’ll be transported to another time and place before you know it. Depending on the proximity of your outdoor space to the rest of the house, creating a visual link using coordinated furnishings (cushions, rugs, planters, etc) or architectural features, will make the space appear larger by seeming connected to the other elements of your home.
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Design is all about tricking the eye, and working with small spaces is no Whendifferent.itcomes to getting the most from outdoor spaces, it’s worth reassessing every now and then.
If you’ve got big ideas for your small space, speak with a landscape architect to see what is possible.
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Don’t forget about objects in the distance — use lighting to pull focus to the furthest point of the garden, creating a sense of increased space.
DON’T FORGET THE LIGHTS
What works today won’t necessarily be so effective in five or ten years, but in trying to create beautiful and functional areas out of otherwise wasted space, you’ll ensure that your home delivers years of enjoyment for friends and family.
Even the smallest outdoor area is just a blank canvas, waiting for a little inspiration to bring a new space to life.
When space is really at a premium, the best option is simply to make it multipurpose. Use lighting to pull the eye to the furthest point, creating a sense of space.”
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Lighting can be your best friend when it comes to visually extending the range of your garden. Some strategically placed solar fittings will bring the space to life at night by highlighting plants and features and complementing your pool lighting.
the perfect system for a busy homeowner. It provides an easy way to control the chemistry of your pool and spa, as well as the heating, lighting, water features and any other pool or backyard equipment required by the user. The system takes the hassle out of pool ownership by bringing together all the elements of a modern energy-efficient pool and allowing the user to control it with an app. With an OmniLogic installed you can quickly and simply get your pool running exactly how you like it, at the touch of a button.Owners can access their pool from anywhere as long as they’re connected to the internet. So rather than having to manually switch valves or press buttons around the pool, the owner can do this from the comfort of their sun lounger. You can even get your pool up and running before you arrive home from work, allowing you to get straight in and make the most of your evening.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR BUSY HOMEOWNERS LOOKING TO NEWAUTOMATIONINCORPORATEINTOTHEIRPOOL?
To find out more about the products mentioned in this article and to find your nearest Hayward dealer, just head www.hayward-pool.com.au.to
Low maintenance is a term that is rarely associated with pool ownership. In years gone by, the work required to keep a pool in tiptop condition and looking the right colour whilst being safe to swim in was enough to turn some people off the idea of pool ownership. However, with pool equipment manufacturers racing to incorporate timesaving technology into their products along with internet integration and apps, we asked Hayward Pool Products whether it really is now truly possible to spend longer in your pool than working on it.
ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC HAYWARD PRODUCTSPOOLTHAT YOU’D RECOMMEND FOR A BUSY HOMEOWNER? WHY?
Creating a maintenancelow-pool
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Probably the quickest and easiest thing that you can do to make maintenance easy is to cut down on the time and effort it takes to clean your pool. You can do this by investing in an automatic pool cleaner. It will remove debris and scrub the pool for you — all you have to do is remember to empty it. The new AquaVac 650 Robotic Cleaner from Hayward has even done away with filters, meaning you can stay away from the mess and empty it with the touch of a button. A more long-term solution to improve the ownership experience would be to invest in an automation system to run your pool. Many owners install a pool to improve the lifestyle of themselves or their families. In the past they have been unable to fully enjoy this change due to the work required to maintain and run a pool. Automation removes many of these time-consuming and labour-intensive tasks so the owner can enjoy the lifestyle improvements that a pool can bring.
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P: 1300 766 571 E:W:SALES@HAYWARD-POOL.COM.AUWWW.HAYWARD-POOL.COM.AU
FOR BUSY HOMEOWNERS, WHAT ARE THE BEST CURRENT RUNTHEAVAILABLETECHNOLOGIESFORREDUCINGWORKREQUIREDTOAPOOL?
Hayward OmniLogic pool and backyard automation is HAYWARD POOL PRODUCTS AUSTRALIA
When choosing your pool equipment make sure that you are comfortable with understanding how it operates — modern systems can appear complicated and this can be off-putting to some people. The last thing you want is to be standing around scratching your head trying to figure out how to get your filtration running when you could be in the pool splashing around. However, if a system is set up in accordance with the needs of the pool owner and a good handover is provided by the installer, pool automation can truly transform your ownership experience and turn it into the dream you always hoped it would be.
16 | POOL&SPA Spring 2022 WWW.POOLSPALIFE.COM.AU ACT POOLWINNEROFTHE YEAR C anberra’s locally owned and operated Leader Pools is a family business that has been transforming outdoor living areas and creating beautiful spaces for clients since establishing in 1987. As one of the region’s most well-respected custom pool design and construction companies, the team at Leader specialise in creating the ideal solution for your needs... and for yourThisspace.award-winning pool offers the ultimate lifestyle — a seamless integration between indoors and out that offers a functional and beautiful entertainment area. It is a stunning example of the team’s eye for detail, excellence in building and focus on delivering the very best for each client. P: 02 6297 5999 E: W:SWIM@LEADERPOOLS.COM.AUWWW.LEADERPOOLS.COM.AU POOLSLEADER SPASA SPOTLIGHT
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Using an inefficient means of heating will not only produce far less heat but will also make your operating bills skyrocket! Using an energy efficient heating solution will provide much lower running costs and reduce your household carbon emissions.
D o you have a pool that sits for the majority of the cold months unused? A pool heater may only cost you an additional 10% of your pool investment, with the added benefit of using your pool 100% of the time. Now is the time to ensure you make the most of your pool investment, by installing an energy efficient heating solution so you can use your pool year-round.Inorder to make the most out of your pool heating for the least amount of money,
CHOOSING A CORRECTLY SIZED HEATING SOLUTION
EvoHeat recommend applying as many of the following methods as possible to your heating system:
An incorrectly sized heater may not adequately heat your pool and will also create larger operating bills while attempting to do so. There are many factors other than the pool volume that will play a role in determining the correct heater size. A reputable pool heating company will provide you with a detailed evaluation report that analyses your individual pool settings to determine the perfect heater based on your requirements. This report will ensure you don’t overspend on a larger sized heater, when a smaller unit could achieve the same result.
By using a pool cover on both indoor and outdoor pools, it will greatly minimise the evaporation and loss of heat therefore producing savings of up to 70%! The use of a cover also will trap the existent heat in the pool therefore allowing you to run your heater for a shorter amount of time to reach the desired temperature
Save money on your pool heating
USING A POOL COVER
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USING AN ENERGY EFFICIENT HEATING OPTION
It is important to both check and maintain the pool’s water temperature regularly. If the pool’s temperature drops by a significant amount it will require a greater amount of energy to reheat the pool to the desired temperature, rather than keep it stable.
PAIRING WITH SOLAR PV
Solar PV can help offset the costs of running your electric heater and may reduce your pool heating costs to almost nothing! When pairing with a pool cover, solar PV is an excellent choice in reducing your household power bills.
OPERATING DURING OFFPEAK TIMES By operating during offpeak electricity rates (these are times when households are not using as much energy — generally at night or on the weekend) you can use your heater at a cheaper cost.
APPLYING SHELTERING IN HIGH-WIND AREAS
REGULAR MAINTENANCE With regular maintenance, up to 30% improvement in heater efficiency and up to 25% in savings can be expected when keeping your heater in its best operating state. By providing regular maintenance, you will prevent larger & costlier problems appearing later on, extend your heater’s lifespan and ensure the highest efficiency possible!
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For more information on energy efficient pool heating solutions, speak to EvoHeat
In high-wind areas your pool should be sheltered to prevent heat loss — this can be done through a variety of means such as landscaping, fencing or well-trimmed hedges.
NOT RUNNING AS LONG IN SUMMER In summer or warmer temperatures your heater usage will be reduced because your pool water will be warmer, and your heater will not need to run as long to reach your desired pool temperature. You may like to consider decreasing your desired water temperature in summer when the outside air is warmer and more comfortable to swim. Reducing your pool temperature by as little as one degree may reduce your running costs by up to 20%.
MAINTAINING THE TEMPERATURE
— saving energy and your money!
A s a pool owner, the dream is always crystal clear sparkling water, whether you’ve opted for a conventional chlorine, salt or mineral saltIfpool.you don’t know what you’re doing, messing about with chemicals can be the least enjoyable part of owning a pool, especially when you can’t quite get the levels right. Add too much of this or too little of that and you risk making the water unsafe for swimming, needing even more time to correct it and wasting money in the process.
WHAT THEY DO… Automation was once reserved for commercial pools, where water chemistry is measured on the hour to ensure the highest levels of safety for the swimming public. Back at home things haven’t always been so strict, where the average pool owner might have a quick scan once a week, then hand dose chemicals in an effort to get levels where they need to be. What worked beautifully one week may not deliver the same results in the next, causing frustration and taking time and effort to resolve. Water management control systems remove the need for human intervention by continually testing the water and adjusting chemical levels at pre-determined intervals. System architecture varies and available products include dedicated devices through to modular components that can be integrated to form a larger whole-of-pool automation system capable of incorporating all
WATER MANAGEMENT CAN BE A BIT HIT AND MISS. GET RID OF THE GUESSWORK WITH AN AUTOMATED SANITISATION SYSTEM, SAVING TIME, MONEY AND EFFORT.
PURE
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sanitisationStreamline with an automated system
Thankfully, automation technology is increasingly offering simple solutions for pool owners, removing the need to manually monitor, measure and adjust sanitiser and pH levels.
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• Can be integrated with other automation modules for whole-pool control other elements like pumps, cleaners, filtration systems, lighting and more. As a baseline, they feature a probe that can measure both the pH (acidity) and ORP — the oxidationreduction potential levels in the water. ORP is a bit of a ‘sciencey’ term but it’s just a measure of the level of effective chlorine in the water that is available to sanitise. The systems analyse the results and adjust chemical levels accordingly.
The benefits of sanitisation automation: Makes it easy to keep water safe, healthy, clean and sparkling Takes the guesswork out of water chemistry Saves time and money Reduces chemical usage Protects pool equipment by maintaining chlorine levels
These rapid and large fluctuations are almost impossible to manage effectively using manual methods.
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These rapid and large fluctuations are almost impossible to manage effectively using manual methods. The beauty of an automation system is that it smooths those spiked variabilities, which in turn lessens the need for extreme adjustments to bring the water back in to balance. The result is a decreased chemical usage, which not only saves you money, but also helps protect your pool interior and equipment from the harsh effects of over-chlorination.
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…AND WHY YOU SHOULD INVEST IN ONE Chlorine and pH levels are prone to fluctuations, especially in small residential pools when there are rapid changes in the number of people swimming (known as the bather load) or when external debris or organic matter enters the water. They also tend to vary greatly from season to pHseason.levels can change extremely quickly — within hours — and have an almost immediate negative effect on the sanitising power of chlorine, rendering it useless and creating a fantastic breeding ground for pool nasties like algae and bacteria.
• Compatible with most pool types
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GET THE RIGHT ADVICE
Look, some people love the challenge of creating the perfect water balance… but it really isn’t for everyone. We think life is too short to spend time doing things you simply don’t enjoy. So, if testing, measuring and messing about with chemicals just isn’t your thing, there are worse things you could do than invest in a sanitisation automation system. That doesn’t mean you should rush out and buy the first thing you see, either. It’s worth taking the time to speak with an expert who can provide advice based on the specifics of your pool, your lifestyle and any other automation requirements you may have. Check out more options on the poolspalife.com.au website or speak with a SPASA member for expert guidance.
22 | POOL&SPA Spring 2022 WWW.POOLSPALIFE.COM.AU NSW POOLWINNEROFTHEYEAR
P: 0405 461 430 E: W:INFO@TRANSFORMNSW.COMWWW.TRANSFORMNSW.COM POOLSTRANSFORMAND SPAS SPASA SPOTLIGHT
T
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ransform Pools and Spas build all types of pools from plunge-style to large-scale entertainers’ pools. With a focus on quality and a sharp attention to detail, we listen when our clients tell us their needs, wants and dreams, so we can deliver a concept and result that exceeds expectations. The Transform team is always looking for innovative new ideas to give each project an individual look and the wow factor our clients love. Working only with quality products and other trades, we offer total assurance that a Transform pool is built to love and last. This pool and landscape is spectacular and offers another level of design and innovation. With all the enjoyability and none of the responsibility, this pool cleans itself, so all the client needs to do is swim, relax in the beach area or warm up in the spa. A totally modern surround makes this the perfect entertaining paradise.
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When you consider constantly rising energy costs, the time has never been better to invest in an energy-efficient heat pump for your swimming pool. So, how much can you save? Under optimal conditions, the UltraTemp HXi’s heat pump uses just $1 worth of electricity to produce $14 worth of heat generated using other methods, like gas or electric element heaters. How? The UltraTemp HXi’s heat pump offers the best in class in terms of efficiency and COP (coefficient of performance) ratings, thanks to its ability to transfer heat from the air into the pool to heat water directly — using only a fraction of the required energy! In addition, the heat pump’s variable speed compressors and (full inverter) fan motors operate at a reduced speed when full power is not required, cutting not just noise, but electricity costs as well.
Experience andheatingultra-balancedthepowerefficiency
CONVENIENCE Everyone wants a convenient life and the UltraTemp HXi will help you achieve just that. The unit’s self-diagnostic software carries out continuous monitoring, while the automatic defrost senses temperatures to prevent the heat pump from freezing, allowing the UltraTemp HXi to operate effectively even in lower temperatures. That means you’re free to sit back and relax in your warm and tranquil pool and spa, even in the winter chill.
The UltraTemp HXi is the perfect companion to the Pentair IntelliCentre Pool and Spa Control System or the Pentair EasyTouch PNP Pool and Spa Control System — allowing you to manage the heat pump control system that administers all pool and spa operations and features with a
A COST-EFFECTIVE OPPORTUNITY
W ho says you can’t have the best of both worlds? You can tell them that they are wrong with the Pentair UltraTemp HXi Inverter Heat Pump. The epitome of harmony, the UltraTemp HXi delivers the optimal balance of heating power and efficiency by using just a fraction of the energy required to generate the same amount of heat. It’s simple...just select the temperature you desire on a crystal clear, full-colour LCD display, with easy-to-follow icons and messages, and the UltraTemp’s onboard AI will do the work for you.
Durability: The UltraTemp HXi heat pump is housed in a UV-resistant and rustproof thermoplastic case designed for harsh Australian conditions. Cost effective: The UltraTemp HXi offers reduced electricity costs and decreased ongoing maintenance costs.
P:
PENTAIR ECO SELECT
PENTAIR AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 1300 137 344 E: AU.SALES@PENTAIR.COM W: WWW.PENTAIRPOOL.COM.AU simple touch of your fingertip. The system’s easy barrel union plumbing connections and thermostatic expansion valve used to control water flow and optimise efficiency over a wider operating temperature range means you are free to enjoy leisuretime in your own backyard paradise.
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Ease of use: The unit’s crystal clear LCD touchscreen interface in full colour makes it easy to see, set up and operate using clear and simple graphic icons and messages.
The UltraTemp HXi follows the Pentair three ‘S’s — smart, sustainable solutions. For life. The UltraTemp HXi uses nonenvironmentallyEPA-recognisedsafe,ozonedepletingR32 refrigerant, which has allowed the pump to be branded as an Eco Select product for
THE BENEFITS
orientatedanmanufacturing.leaderchoicesstriveHXiGetwarmtheleadingcompletelongperformanceensuringtitaniumincludesresponsibility.environmentalItalsoa100%heatexchanger,corrosionfreeforextralifeandvalue,withamarketwarranty.Don’twaitandmisschancetorelaxinapoolthiswinter.yourselfanUltraTempandjoinusaswetoprovidegreenerastheglobalinpoolandspaEmbraceeco-friendlyanduser-poolscape.
Power and efficiency: The inverter compressor gives you the power to heat up water and the efficiency to maintain that heat. Quiet operation: The UltraTemp HXi heat pump has a ‘silent mode’, which slows the variable speed DV fan, reducing noise for whisper quiet operation.
Jonas Ryberg, Marketing Director from Fluidra Australia, said: “Fluidra is focussed on improving the pool ownership and overall swimming experience for everyone, not only through our products and services, but also through our ESG Plans supporting vital programs like Swim and Survive. We are proud to be partnering with The Royal Life Saving WA in the quest to reach children in remote WA communities and provide them with essential swim and survival skills to safely enjoy the water.”
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L earning to swim and survive is a vital life skill that all children should learn to safely participate in activities, in and around water.
Learn to swim partnership formed to save lives
The Royal Life Saving WA’s Swim and Survive program has been developed to target the 21% of children in Western Australia who miss out on learning to swim each year due to socio-economic reasons or distance to public swimming pools and lessons.Fluidra Australia is proud to be partnering with The Royal Life Saving WA to support this important initiative and help prevent child drowning accidents in the state’s remote communities. There are more than 200 remote communities in Western Australia and many of these are hundreds of kilometres from the nearest town. Most of these communities do not have access to public swimming pools and swimming lessons and tragically, young children in these regions are five times more likely to drown than children in metropolitan areas. In the warmer weather, children in remote towns find themselves at the local watering hole, river or gorge to cool off and unfortunately, drowning accidents occur due to the lack of basic swimming and water survival skills.
“Royal Life Saving WA is proud of the new partnership with Fluidra to ensure more West Australian children receive vital Swim and Survive skills. Quite often, many sectors of the community, including those from Aboriginal, multicultural, and regional communities, are missing out on this essential swimming and water safety and the health and social outcomes this brings. Royal Life Saving thanks Fluidra for their support and commitment to the cause to ensure no WA child will miss out on learning to Swim and Survive,” said Peter Leaversuch, CEO, Royal Life Saving WA.
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Water workout routines WANT TO SAVE ON THE GYM MEMBERSHIP THIS SPRING OR SIMPLY SHED A FEW UNWANTED KILOS BEFORE THE FESTIVE SEASON STARTS? THESE WATER WORKOUTS WILL GET YOUR HEART RATE UP AND HAVE YOU READY FOR SUMMER IN NO TIME. > FIT, FABULOUSFUN AND Spring 2022 POOL&SPA | 27WWW.POOLSPALIFE.COM.AU watmanStock.Adobe.com/au/©
One of the most significant (yet largely unsung) benefits is that you can exercise whenever you like without leaving the privacy of your own home. All you need is a bit of motivation and some basic moves to get you Workingstarted.out in water is a great all-round form of exercise that delivers the best of both worlds — it’s a fabulous cardio kicker that also uses water resistance to help build strength.
There are other ways to progress, both with or without equipment. If you want to keep it simple, extend your arms out to the sides (with palms facing out) to increase resistance as you move through the water. If you’re keen to add equipment, use some ankle or wrist weights or even hold on to a set of aquatic dumbbells — you can get your hands on most of these options for as little as $20 to $30 a pair. If you really want to take it up a notch, and your heart can take the Once you feel ready to take it up a notch, you can increase the number of sets or add wrist or ankle weights. “ ”
wning a swimming pool delivers some of life’s great delights — from taking a dip on a hot summer night when the mercury just won’t drop through to spending close times with family and friends while you celebrate special events.
With just a few simple moves, it’s easy to get a full body workout a few times a week, progressing when you feel like you are ready to take on more.
deeper water — staying at about chest height — and continue on for about 10 minutes.
Start out slow and aim for about five minutes’ duration. Once you feel more confident you can move into
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The inbuilt buoyancy makes it a great option for anyone recovering from injury or with conditions that make working out on land difficult.
Walking may seem like a pretty simple exercise, but it’s a lot harder in water than it is on dry land. Start in the shallow end of the pool at about waist height. When you step, try to keep pressure on your heels — you’ll have to fight a natural inclination to walk on your tiptoes. Hold your core tight and keep your arms by your sides, moving them in the water as you walk. Using both arms and legs will help get your heart rate up and get you into a fat-burning zone.
WALKING… AND RUNNING
SIMPLE ROUTINES DELIVER
FULL-BODY RESULTS
O
Despite the obvious benefits, somewhere along the line, water aerobics was unfairly labelled as exercise for ‘people of a certain age’, to put it politely. The inference being that it wasn’t a ‘proper’ workout at all, just a bit of kicking and hand waving for seniors. If you’ve done any lifesaving training, or learnt water survival techniques, you already know there’s nothing ‘soft’ about exercising in water.
START WITH THE BASICS AND PROGRESS AS YOU CAN The size, shape and depth of your pool will have a bit of influence on the types of exercises you can perform and the equipment you may want to use. When starting out though, you can probably get away with nothing more than goggles and a swim cap and see how you feel as things progress.
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STAR JUMPS AND JUMP SQUATS
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extra pace, try running. You don’t even need to move through the water for this one to have effect. Running on the spot in waist-high water will definitely let you know you’re alive. Remember to connect your heels with the pool floor and stay off your tiptoes to get the full effect.
The classic star jump — or jumping jack — will never let you down as a cardio exercise. Start in chest-high water with your legs together and arms down by your sides. Jump your legs out to the sides while bringing your arms up over your head in the classic motion. Reverse the move, returning your legs back together and arms by your sides. Try to keep the movement fluid and repeat about 10 or 12 times in total. Once you feel ready to take it up a notch, you
This one requires nothing more than the pool edge to get going and will work both your leg muscles and your core. Hold the pool edge and kick your legs as though you are using a kick board. Continue for around one minute then swap to a different kick — breaststroke, dolphin, scissor — any kick you can think of and are comfortable doing. Keep each of them up for around a minute, continuing till you’ve done five minutes in total. You can make this one harder by adding ankle weights.
Arm lifts in water are a fantastic way to build up strength, using resistance. You’ll probably want a set of dumbbells for these two exercises.
Repeat 12 times and progress to three sets of 12 repetitions.
Jump squats in the pool are a great lower body workout. Start with your feet hip-width apart and squat down under the water. Jump up out of the water as high as you can. Repeat six to eight times and add ankle weights when it feels too easy.
can increase the number of sets (say, three sets of 10 repetitions) or add wrist or ankle weights.
ARM LIFTS
STAY SAFE While working out at home is a convenient option, that should never be at the expense of your comfort and, most importantly, safety. Always check with your doctor or healthcare professional before embarking on a new exercise regime. If you are not a confident swimmer, you should definitely consider an alternate exercise form. At a minimum, stick to the shallow end, wear a buoyancy vest or similar and ensure that someone is nearby in case you need assistance. Contrary to what you would expect, it’s easy to dehydrate when exercising in water, as the environment masks the fact you are losing fluids through sweat. Keep a non-breakable water bottle in easy reach and make sure to take regular rest breaks. Stop if you feel dizzy, nauseous, faint, have trouble breathing or experience any chest pains or dull aches. These workout tips are just the beginning and there’s tonnes of information available online to give you more ideas. You can find programs and exercises to target specific body areas or to concentrate on your individual goals, including videos and diagrams to step you through each exercise and to make sure you’re getting the most out of yourHappyworkout.swimming!
The first focuses on arm, chest and back muscles. Stand shoulder deep in the water with your arms by your sides, holding the dumbbells if you are using them and palms facing your thighs. Raise your arms to shoulder height, keeping them straight and forming a ‘T’ shape with your body. Hold for a second or two and slowly release. Repeat 12 times. Progress to three sets of 12 when you feel ready.
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LEG KICKS
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The second arm lift targets different arm muscles and also works best with dumbbells. Again, in shoulder-deep water, hold the dumbbells at your side, though this time with palms facing up. Pull your arms up to the water level, rotate your wrist to turn your palms down and lower to the starting position.
STEP 4 Add the required dose of phosphate remover to eliminate unwanted phosphates that encourage algal growth.
• It dilutes the salt and mineral content of the water. We recommend the following steps to get your pool back to sparkling.
STEP 3 Shock dose the pool.
STEP 5 If the water is cloudy, use a clarifier. STEP 6 Add a winteriser product or algaecide treatment.
After the rain
Clean the pool of dirt and debris. Remove large items, such as branches, and scoop out as much leaf litter as you can. Empty the skimmer and the pump basket. In the case of very dirty water — where soil has been flushed into the pool, for example — you may need to use a flocculant. It’s a reasonably simple process, but it does involve a few steps, a bit of chemistry and will take some time. Follow the flocculant label instructions carefully or speak to a SPASA member for advice.
• It introduces phosphates.
eavy rain and flooding can cause problems for your pool if left unchecked. As we roll into springtime — and the rainy weather that time of the year often brings — we’ve created a step-by-step guide to quickly getting things back on track.
If you aren’t using a pool cover, heavy rain and blustery winds are guaranteed to increase the amount of dirt and debris in your pool. In addition, an influx of rainwater alters the water chemistry in the following ways:
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As a final word of advice, no matter how bad you think the water looks after a storm, don’t be tempted to drain the pool. Floodwater and heavy rain saturate the foundations and swimming pools should never be drained until ground conditions have dried to at least the depth of the pool. All but the most severely affected pools can be revived after floods, storms and fire without the need to drain them. If you need advice on getting your pool back in order, speak to a SPASA member or visit www.poolspalife.com.au.
• It dilutes chlorine, which encourages algal growth.
H
STEP 2 Test and re-balance the pool water. You may need to add salt and minerals to bring levels back to normal. Always follow the instructions when adding anything to the pool water.
STEP 1
Daisy brings modern and sleek design to its most popular range of roller models. With the exciting new trends emerging in Australian pool design and landscaping, Daisy is following suit with the new release of matte black rollerTheproducts.newmatte black range is what more of our customers wanted, so we made it happen. This means more opportunity to integrate Daisy’s popular pool roller innovation into the aesthetic of your poolManufacturedarea. to the same five-star standard as the original white model, the matte black option is available across three existing roller models, including the A75, ST and MKII.
Daisy continues to grow its suite of roller products to ensure Australian pool owners have more choice when it comes to finding the perfect Daisy solution.
It’s the ultimate solution for pool owners looking for a roller with the same look and feel of complete anodised aluminium or stainless steel rollers. The anodic grey roller works well with modern pool designs and provides design flexibility for those wanting to explore a metallic look for their pool cover roller.
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MATTE BLACK ROLLER PRODUCTS
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Daisy is proud to be the first to release a new anodic grey colour to the range of pool rollers, extending the range to ensure we have all colours to suit all customers’ needs.With the new release of the anodic grey roller, you can now purchase the A75, ST and MKII models in this striking new colour.
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F or over four decades, Norfolk Pools has been providing home owners across Brisbane with stunning, award-winning pools. Norfolk specialises in the jobs that other construction teams won’t touch; those with unusual designs located on challenging sites. As part of a locally owned and operated family business, every member of the Norfolk team knows Brisbane inside out. They have a deep understanding of the types of issues encountered when creating the pool of your dreams and know exactly how to smooth the way. This stunning courtyard pool allows the owners to both relax and to exercise. Generously sized sunbeds, a spa, an outstanding amphitheatre with acrylic window infinity edge and fountain, laminar jets and a misting machine under the bridge create a spectacular entertaining area. 655
036 E: W:INFO@NORFOLKPOOLS.COM.AUWWW.NORFOLKPOOLS.COM.AU POOLSNORFOLK SPASA SPOTLIGHT QUEENSLAND WINNER POOL OF THE YEAR
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36 | POOL&SPA Spring 2022 WWW.POOLSPALIFE.COM.AU BurmakinStock.Adobe.com/au/Andrey© How a variable speed pool pump will save you money’ WHILE IT MAY NOT BE THE MOST EXCITING PIECE OF POOL EQUIPMENT, THE HUMBLE PUMP IS THE WORKHORSE OF YOUR POOL’S FILTRATION SYSTEM. CHOOSING THE RIGHT ONE CAN BE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SPARKLING WATER AND A MURKY POOL. IT CAN ALSO HAVE A SERIOUS IMPACT ON YOUR ENERGY USAGE. THE NEED FOR SPEED
SINGLE VERSUS VARIABLE SPEED
That constant use means that pool pumps won’t — and don’t — last forever. A life span of about 10 to 12 years is about average, so it’s likely you will need to replace yours at some point. When it comes time to shop around, there are two main types to choose from: 1) singlespeed (conventional) and 2) variable speed (energy saving) varieties. No prizes for guessing what the names indicate.
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The first thing you’ll notice when comparing products is that single-speed pumps tend to be a little cheaper than variable speed options. This may make them a more appealing choice at face value, but it’s worth understanding the basic difference between the two and the impact this has on ongoing running costs.
E very pool needs a pump… it keeps the water circulating to other equipment so it can filtered, treated and heated. Without a functional pump, things start to go south pretty quickly, so it’s an important piece of kit to keep an eyeToon.do the job properly, a pool pump needs to be on long enough to turn over the pool water — to move it all through the filter system — once a day. The time it takes to effectively do this depends on a few things including the size of your pool and the volume of water it holds, the type of equipment installed, how often the pool is used and by how many people, as well as environmental variances. Using a conventional pump, it will generally take somewhere between six and eight hours to turn over water in the average residential pool.
Needless to say — but we’ll say it anyway — a single-speed pump is either on or off, regardless of the task being carried out. That means the pump is running at full speed every time it’s turned on, often using energy unnecessarily and contributing to higher power bills.
GO WITH THE FLOW
A pool pump can be one of the largest consumers of energy in the home — often coming second only to heating and air conditioning. Opting for a pump that includes variable speed technology is an investment that should pay for itself in energy savings within a couple of years.
Whatever option you decide on, be sure that it is Climate Care Certified. The CCC mark is your guarantee that the product you have chosen is industry-leading in terms of water and energy efficiency, noise reduction and environmentally sustainable design. Check out the Climate Care Certified section on the poolspalife. com.au website for more information and speak with a SPASA member for guidance.
It’s worth understanding the basic difference between the two and the impact this has on ongoing running costs. “ ”
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IT’S ALL DOLLARS…ABOUTAND SENSE
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Unlike a single-speed pump, variable speed varieties allow the user to run the pump at a speed best suited to a specific activity. This means you don’t need to run at full throttle when a lower speed will do the job of moving water more efficiently. Most variable models come pre-programmed with a range of speeds to suit a variety of tasks.
When moving water through the pool, some tasks are more effective at a higher flow rate. For example, backwashing or operating a water feature will require a higher flow rate than a standard filtration routine, which is more effective when run slowly.
THE QUIET LIFE
One of the most noticeable aspects of a variable speed pump is its quiet operation — mostly because it isn’t running on high for hours each day. You can also take advantage of offpeak electricity rates by running at low speeds overnight without fear of disturbing your family — or your neighbours.
SMART AND CERTIFIED Variable models not only offer a range of pre-programmed speeds, many can also be scheduled to run at predetermined times so you really don’t have to think about anything… just set and forget. Plenty of models now offer integration with pool automation systems and apps, putting complete control into the palm of your hand using only a mobile device.
There is no hard and fast rule about what speed should be used for each activity, as the specifics of your pool will determine the best choice. Experiment with speed settings and adjust timing until you hit the perfect mix.
Spring 2022 POOL&SPA | 39WWW.POOLSPALIFE.COM.AU The clearest breakthrough in backyard pools. With the world’s best quality water on tap, Aussie’s appreciate the bene ts of fresh water. Now there’s a breakthrough alternative to chlorine, salt and mineral pools that produces water so close to the natural balance of freshwater you could drink it. The bene ts are crystal clear: • No more red eyes or irritated skin • Ideal for asthma or eczema sufferers • No need to shower afterwards or even wash your swimwear • Up to 50% less running costs • Longer lasting equipment and pool surrounds • Recycle water direct to your garden Talk to us about the pure and simple way we can transform your backyard sanctuary into a crystal clear, freshwater oasis. Freshwater Pool Systems Call 1800 625 331 or visit www.naked-pools.com Swimming as nature intended™ The benefits of variable speed • Pre-programmed speeds tailored to specific tasks • Take advantage of off-peak electricity with scheduling functionality • Whisper-quiet operation won’t disturb the neighbours • Reduced running costs • Extended product life
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40 | POOL&SPA Spring 2022 WWW.POOLSPALIFE.COM.AU Get ready for the best pool experience N othing fromcomingbeatshomealong day at work and jumping into a pool full of clean, healthy, swimmable water. To make that dream a reality every time, look no further than the new Lifeguard Wi-Fi enabled pool chemistry controller fromLifeguardDavey. offers simple pool water management, right from your phone. Sanitisation, pH and acid dosing — even the water temperature — can all be automated. The app will let you know if you’re running low on salt or minerals and when it’s time to check the acid drum. No more nasty surprises when you hit the water for a swim.
The Lifeguard integrates with our saltwaterChloromaticcompactNipperchlorinator and is available either as part of the set or as a standalone for pool owners looking to communicatesupgrade.Thecontrollereasily with other Davey pool equipment and is connected via plug connection or Wi-Fi. It is suitable for pools up to 175,000 litres and can be used for salt or mineral chlorination. DAVEY? been delivering innovative pool products PRODUCTS 1300 2 DAVEY WWW.DAVEYWATER.COMSALES@DAVEY.COM.AU to Australian home owners for almost ninety years. From heat pumps to chlorinators and a range of heavy-duty pool pumps that suit the needs of every pool, big or small, if you are looking for a trusted brand to deliver the best possible pool experience, look no further than Davey.
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Spring 2022 POOL&SPA | 41WWW.POOLSPALIFE.COM.AU GROW ...and rule the roost WITH INFLATION AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH AND FOOD PRICES STILL ON THE RISE, IT’S A GREAT TIME TO PLANT YOUR OWN EDIBLE GARDEN.
YOUR
W e’re all keen to do what we can to help the planet, right? We’re more likely now to use less plastic, minimise our food waste and opt for locally sourced produce when we can. Good news… you can do all three by planting your own edible garden. Throw in a few chooks and a good compositing system and you’ll have yourself a perfect little self-sufficient enterprise. Growing your own food can be incredibly satisfying, especially if you’ve never been known for your green thumb. Watching tiny leaves sprout from bare earth and mature into something you’ve only ever seen wrapped in plastic on the supermarket shelves has the potential to change the way you think about shopping and eating forever. There will probably be hits and misses, a few pest control issues and a lesson or two learned along the way, but you’ll be rewarded with beautiful fresh food at a fraction of the going price — all raised by your very own hand. Here’s some tips and tricks to get you on the path to market gardener. OWN...
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KEY CONSIDERATIONS
SOIL — Make sure you’ve got a good organic mix suitable for growing veggies. This is as technical as it gets, but you will need to measure pH levels using an electronic pH meter. There’s a million to choose from but you can pick up a basic version at a hardware store for under $20. The pH level determines suitability for specific fruit and vegetable types.
• A pH value under 7.0 is considered acidic soil. This can be problematic as it may be low in calcium, potassium and copper, among other nutrients. It’s got some other issues with solubility, but it’s also not a bad environment for growing broccoli, potatoes, beans, peas, lettuce and blueberries.
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BEFORE YOU START
SUN — Most vegetables like lots of sun, so don’t expect a shady spot to yield a big crop. Some plants will tolerate a bit of shade, but you should aim for as much exposure as possible.
• Over 7.0 is considered alkaline, which is favourable for plants like cabbage, Brussels sprouts and leeks. It also means that the soil is likely low in nutrients, including iron and phosphorous. You don’t really need to worry about that too much just yet.
For what it’s worth, we think both approaches have their merit… and their limitations. Doing some research on plants and the ideal growing conditions including site selection, soil type, temperature and humidity, rainfall and watering, the amount of sun and shade, suitable companion plants, maintenance requirements and pest resilience might give you the best chance of success, but it also seems like… a lot. Too much information can easily lead to analysis paralysis and end the project before it even begins.Atthe other end of the spectrum, you can ignore all the advice, choose the plants you are most likely to eat, chuck the seeds in and hope for the best. It’s nice in theory but might also be an exercise in wasted time andAseffort.anew gardener, you can probably safely aim in the middle.
Identify a few suitable plants — some are just inherently easier to grow and less susceptible to pests — make a few basic decisions and take it from there. Starting with one, two or three simple crops will let you enjoy some success and gain a little confidence rather than aiming for a full market garden on day one.
At the risk of oversimplifying things, gardeners generally fall into one of two main types: 1) the plotter and planner or 2) the chuck-it-in-and-seewhat-grows variety.
We’ll talk about some easy starting crops a little later, but you will need to think about the following before you get going: 1 243
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NUTRIENTS — Plants need food to maintain growth, so you’ll need a good fertiliser. There are obviously a multitude of commercially available alternatives, or you can make your own if you’ve decided to go down the compost route.
STAY SIMPLE Herbs are a great starting point, especially if you’re working with containers. They are great bang for your buck because they grow quickly, can be harvested almost immediately, are useful in all types of cooking and will give you a sense of satisfaction in the short term. Concentrate on those you are most likely to use — there’s no point in growing a bushel of rosemary if you only ever eat mint — but also keep in mind that some (like coriander) are more difficult to cultivate than others. When it comes to high-yield vegetables, go for things like zucchini and cucumbers (both will benefit from a trellis), carrots, radishes, peas, snow peas, beans and leafy greens like lettuce, kale, spinach, rocket and silverbeet. They’ll deliver results quickly and get you inspired for more. While everyone loves a tomato, they are notorious for attracting pests. Save yourself the heartbreak — at least initially — and concentrate on some of the other hardier options. If fruits take your fancy, you can’t go wrong with strawberries or blueberries as a starting point.
If you do go for the garden bed or large yard space, you’ll really need to consider companion planting. Why stop at fruit and veg in your quest for self-sufficiency?
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5 “ ”
POTS… OR FREE RANGE — Where you choose to plant can be the difference between success and an overgrown mess. Some herbs (including mint and oregano) and veggies (looking at you pumpkin) will take over the garden before you know it and may be best confined to pots, whereas others (like lettuce) are equally at home in either environment. That said, some plants will quickly outgrow their container home, requiring constant repotting.Ifyoudo go for the garden bed or large yard space, you’ll really need to consider companion planting. Some plants work well together because they deter pests, attract beneficial insects and fix soil nutrient imbalances. Some plants should never be planted together for the exact reverse reasons. Thankfully, the internet abounds with plenty of quick-reference charts that will tell you at a glance which plants will live in harmony.Ifyou’re looking for the best of both worlds, raised gardening beds (like vegepod. com.au) offer a controlled self-watering environment that keeps plants off the ground and away from pests, while providing a generous soil depth.
Urban chickens have really hit their stride in recent years. A 2019 survey reported over 400,000 Aussie families kept chooks, which made them the most popular domestic pet after dogs, cats and fish. While they are no doubt considered beloved family members in many Australian homes, they are also great contributors: as a bottomless repository for (most) food scraps and a dependable supplier of freshMosteggs.Australian councils allow you to keep chickens (for obvious reasons, this does not include roosters) provided you have installed an escape-proof chicken coop. If you plan to let the ladies have a bit of free-range time, the backyard must be chook-secure as well. Check with your council prior to purchasing any birds or commencing construction, as there may be specific limitations on the number of hens you can keep.
The site helpfully covers other aspects of chicken ownership including dietary needs, egg production estimates and factors that can impact happy egg laying, along with poultry health care and even how the pecking order is established when new birds are introduced.
According to Poultry Australia, a happy and healthy bird will lay anywhere between 120 and 300 eggs in their first production year, depending on the breed. She will stop laying somewhere between three and six years but can live to the ripe old age of 15 in some cases. While these clucky ladies may not necessarily contribute eggs for the duration of their lifetime, they’ll definitely contribute to a nice little closed-loop system: The chooks produce manure, which can be combined with other uneaten kitchen scraps and added to the compost bin. This, in turn, produces material that is mixed back into the soil and provides nutrients to insects, plants and weeds which are eaten by the chickens… and so the cycle continues. They are the gift that keeps on giving.
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FEELING CLUCKY Why stop at fruit and veg in your quest for self-sufficiency?
We’re only two years in to the 2020s and it’s been non-stop surprises so far. For many people that has meant thinking about the state of the world, our place within it and the responsibility we all bear to ensure its survival. Not surprisingly, it’s shone a light on sustainability and selfsufficiency, and made us all appreciate the importance of quality time spent with family and friends. With dramatic weather patterns and financial instability predicted to hang around for a little while yet, the days of the $10 iceberg lettuce may live on. There’s never been a better time to get into the garden, get your hands dirty and enjoy the homegrown advantage.
THE HOME-GROWN ADVANTAGE
Poultry Australia (poultryaustralia. com.au) is a great source of information on suitable breeds and their sizes, the space you’ll need for the coop — and for each bird inside it — along with details on waterproofing and shelter, protection from predators, pest deterrents and suitable nesting materials.
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6. When the grates and plates are clean and dry, pop them back on and give them a light rub with some cooking oil to help prevent rusting.
Spring clean your BBQ T
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7. Reattach the gas and you’re good to go.
3. Check the food grates and hotplates, along with the drip tray hopefully, there are no leftover snags from the last barbie to contend with. Remove excess fat, grease or leftover food from the grates/hotplates using a barbecue scraper, then soak them in hot soapy water. Do the same for the drip tray, including a soak if necessary. Use a metal scouring pad on plates and grates if necessary.
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Barbies are the true workhorse of the Australian summer, so they need a little bit of TLC to keep them ticking over. Exposure to the elements year-round can really reduce a barbie’s lifespan, so make sure you invest in a heavy-duty cover and try to locate the barbie out of the weather if possible. Likewise, a quick clean at the end of every cook is a much better option than the once-a-year mega scrub and soak, ensuring it’s always ready to go when you are.
he summer season is nearly upon us — lazy days and nights filled with the smells and sounds of the blissful backyard barbie. Don’t wait till the beers are on ice and the steaks are perfectly seasoned before you check that everything is ready for action… get in now for a spring clean on the BBQ to avoid disappointment come the party season.
4. Clean the BBQ interior depending on the amount of usage and the state it was left in, this could be anything from a simple wipedown to a vigorous scrub. Hot soapy water will give you the best results.
5. Once you’ve finished soaking and drying, line and replace the drip tray.
1. First up, do a visual check and give the BBQ exterior and cover a bit of a wipe down. If it’s been sitting unused or exposed to the elements for months, this might take a bit of elbow grease.
2. If your BBQ is gas-fired as most are these days make sure you’ve turned off the gas at the bottle. Have a quick check of the hose and bottle to make sure everything looks okay check for cracks, holes or suspect-looking connections. Disconnect and remove the bottle while you clean the barbie.
Ideal for allergy sufferers — Australia has one of the highest rates in the world when it comes to asthma sufferers and skin allergies like eczema or psoriasis. Chlorine aggravates symptoms to the point where some children cannot swim in public or highly chlorinated backyard pools. Freshwater pools are ideal for sufferers, as there is nothing in the water to cause breathing difficulties, dry skin or even red eyes. Swimmers leave the pool feeling fully refreshed, with no need to shower or even rinse out their bathers. Better for the environment — Freshwater systems typically require 50% less chemical and 80% less salt or mineral salts than traditional swimming pools. Some also state up to 50% savings in power consumption. They are not only better for you, they are better for your pool equipment and pool surrounds, and the water can even be recycled for use on the garden or other storage tanks. With the amount of information now freely available on the internet, consumers are better educated about available options and free to seek further advice from their builder. Do your research when buying or renovating a pool in order to determine the best solution for you, your family and the environment you live in.
A n often forgotten or planningelementoverlookedwhenandbuilding a pool — and yet probably the most important part — is the type of water that you’re going to be swimming in. With the world’s best quality water on tap, Aussies appreciate the benefits of fresh water. Yet, when it comes to our nation’s favourite pastime, we’ve all accepted chlorine and salt water as the natural order of things when it comes to filling a pool.But that’s all changing. In the past decade we have seen the introduction of new Aussie innovations and smart technologies that allow manufacturers to combine different methods of sanitisation, reducing — and in some cases, removing — the need for residual chlorine in the pool.Some of the processes and materials, like the use of copper or silver for sanitisation, date back for thousands of years and have even used by NASA to create drinking water. But it’s only now that they are being adapted to suit the domestic swimming pool. Other products combine ozone and UV to help lower chlorine levels while still providing a very effective method for killing germs and bacteria in the pool water. So what are some of the benefits of these new hybrid pool systems? They’re healthier — As consumers, we are all looking for fewer chemicals in our lives — whether in the food we eat, in cosmetics or in cleaning products. These new sanitising systems can reduce consumptionchemicalbyup to 70% compared to salt- or liquid-chlorinated pools. POOLS P: 1800 625 331 E:W:SALES@NAKED-POOLS.COMWWW.NAKED-POOLS.COM
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Aussies are world leaders when it comes to be both developing and adopting new technologies. Although these new sanitising systems aren’t exactly a complete reinvention of the wheel, they are becoming increasingly sophisticated, combining wellproven water treatment technologies to provide you with a better way to swim.
A better way to swim
48 | POOL&SPA Spring 2022 WWW.POOLSPALIFE.COM.AU VICTORIAN WINNER POOL OF THE YEAR POOLSSTRIKING SPASA SPOTLIGHT
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triking Pools is a multi-award-winning swimming pool building company. Our team is passionate about integrating unique and inspiring landscape designs with luxurious, quality-built concrete swimming pools and spas that engage and inspire soon-to-be pool owners. Each pool and spa is custom-built, providing clients with a property enhancement that adheres to their desired size and shape. This curved infinity edge and wet deck pool features an impressive sunken lounge with swim up bar, accessed over the beach area via five floatingeffect stepping stone pavers. Complete with tiled bar stools and a custom round green roof pergola, the pool includes an internal infinity edge, wet deck seven-seater spa with custom rolled seats and a herringbone brick feature wall that incorporates six custom waterspouts. The 1.8 metre-high infinity pool is finished with rolled sides allowing for water to gently cascade down the face. 03 9438 6352 E: W:ADMIN@STRIKINGPOOLS.COM.AUWWW.STRIKINGPOOLS.COM.AU
50 | POOL&SPA Spring 2022 WWW.POOLSPALIFE.COM.AU All material published in this magazine is published in good faith and every care is taken to accurately relay information provided to us. Readers are advised by the publishers to ensure that all necessary safety devices and precautions are installed and safe working procedures adopted before the use of any equipment found or purchased through the information we provide. Further, all performance criteria was provided by the representative company concerned and any dispute should be referred to them. Information indicating that products are made in Australia or New Zealand is supplied by the source company. Westwick-Farrow Pty Ltd does not quantify the amount of local content or the accuracy of the statement made by the source. PP 100008830 • ISSN 2200-2464 Pool & Spa is produced for SPASA Australia by WestwickFarrow Westwick-FarrowMedia. Media A.B.N. 22 152 305 www.wfmedia.com.au336 Head Office: Unit 7, 6–8 Byfield Street, (Locked Bag 2226) North Ryde BC NSW 1670, Ph:AUSTRALIA+6129168 2500 Editor: Dannielle dfurness@wfmedia.com.auFurness Publishing Director: Geoff Hird Art Manager:Director/Production Julie Wright Art/Production: Colleen Sam, Linda Klobusiak Distribution: Dianna circulation@wfmedia.com.auAlberry Advertising Sales: David Stennett Ph: 0404 725 david@spasa.com.au554 YOU CAN LOVE YOUR POOL AND PRESERVE THE ENVIRONMENT FIND OUT MORE AT SPASA.COM.AU
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