STAINLESS STEEL SOLUTIONS
The Enduring Appeal Of Stainless Steel The appeal of stainless steel for use in the construction of various pools and spas goes much further than it being a material chosen for challenging environments. Trendsetters love its clean and polished looks, and the same applies for many accessories too. Strength and durability combined with timeless aesthetics are a winning combination that ensures stainless steel solutions are always in demand and here, we examine options utilising it By Jon Wadeson
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he durability and longevity of stainless steel used in the production of pools, spas and their associated accessories not only makes for a responsible choice, but the timeless material also provides luxury, high-end looks too. Stainless steel is recyclable, so is ecologically sustainable, as well as being eminently durable. It can also withstand challenging climate conditions meaning it’s equally at home in both an outdoor or indoor environment. Lightweight and watertight, designers of projects of a more challenging nature, such as in hard to reach or elevated positions, often turn to the material too. In short, its numerous benefits mean that the wet leisure industry has implemented stainless steel in many situations – from small spas and hot tubs to the largest of pools, plus a wide range of ancillary products such as gratings, drains, lighting, filters – all utilise this multitalented material with its flexible nature and timeless looks capturing the imagination of many manufacturers and end users making it a popular option across many sectors. In this latest stainless steel-focused feature, we examine a selection of products that are utilising the versatile material and benefits it provides.
was highlighted. A few years ago, AstralPool introduced new one-piece stainless steel pool options, which offer a degree of flexibility and functionality to cater for this niche market where users desire a high-end product but with the convenience of a one-piece solution. They offer a stunning luxurious finish with functional performance and can be provided with a range of optional extras such as turbine driven counter-current units, loungers and neck massagers. The company are committed to developing this niche sector and have a dedicated Business Development Manager working alongside a technical and project team. With a remit to develop this area, AstraPool seeks to expand the awareness of the company’s offering to existing trade customers but also to create awareness amongst key architects, specifiers and spa consultants who may be involved at various stages within the design process in this niche market. Based on the fact that customers are continually looking for that exclusive ‘wow’ factor, AstralPool are confident that the demand will continue to grow as a pool with a polished stainless steel finish will certainly deliver this plus much more!
ONE-PIECE STAINLESS STEEL POOL OPTIONS FROM ASTRALPOOL
FLOLUX FITTINGS – THEIR QUALITY IS REFLECTED IN THEIR FINISH
AstralPool UK Ltd have supplied a number of complete stainless steel pools ranging from commercial applications to high-end developments. Due to their intrinsic link with the manufacturers through its parent company Fluidra, AstralPool are well placed to build on the existing technical expertise by introducing further R&D of the pools, an example being where different flooring finish options are being developed to provide customers with a variety of styles to choose from. This is based on direct customer feedback where the need for alternative flooring options
A huge amount of thought goes into designing luxury swimming pools and spas. But when selecting swimming pool and spa fittings, such as eyeball returns, pool builders
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AstralPool offer one-piece stainless steel pool options, which provide a degree of flexibility and functionality to cater for this niche market
Flolux fittings come in push-fit and threaded systems that are very easy to install during the build, or retrospectively
tend to default to white PVC as standard. For luxury builds though, PVC fittings can compromise high-end design by detracting from a polished and luxurious look. Not only this, plastic fittings are known to break down and discolour over time due to chemical and UV exposure. Flolux stainless steel fittings are superior in both style and substance. Purposefully designed to finish any build impeccably, their mirror-finish causes them to disappear into their surroundings, enhancing, instead of detracting from the design. Made from 316L marine-grade stainless steel, they’re also longer-lasting than the PVC alternative. Compare the two hand-in-hand and the difference in quality is obvious – Flolux fittings are solid and weighty. Suitable for concrete and some fibreglass pools, Flolux fittings come in push-fit and threaded systems that are very easy to install during the build, or retrospectively. The ideal upgrade for any luxury pool or spa, stainless steel fittings are successfully offered as a contract variation by builders across the globe, helping to increase customer satisfaction and profitability. With distributors worldwide, their range of quality products are available in the UK through Certikin and Fairlocks Pool Products. For high-quality pool design and construction that companies are proud to put their name to, for many projects, it makes sense to finish with a Flolux fitting.
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