POOL & SPA INDUSTRY

No Let Up For A Sector That’s Already Flat Out! With pandemic restrictions gradually easing, there’s even more to consider for an already busy wet leisure sector as Chris Hayes, Managing Director of the BSPF, provides his latest industry updates

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s the summer months are now upon us, some notable achievements and occurrences are reflected upon. These include the research undertaken by Water Babies with Imperial College London on the Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 in chlorinated swimming pool water. As the research becomes more widely known and discussed, it is hoped to have further discussion about the implications for how swimming pool water can be managed, with the PWTAG Technical Notes and the Swim England guidance on safely returning to pools as they are put back into action. There is still plenty of debate about what further information may be required to keep staff, contractors, users and visitors safe from the threat of COVID-19. The Water Babies research was made possible by funding from Swim England, RLSS UK, The SPATEX Foundation and Water Babies. The industry continues to benefit from media attention, including a continued interest in the high demand for hot tubs and pools. Other recent topics have included potentially negative stories about inflatable spa thefts, but this has provided the opportunity for BISHTA to promote security tips and gain positive media coverage by providing a voice for the industry. With all of the hard work undertaken last year on the PIP national marketing campaign, congratulations are due to Speed Communications, as the #everydaycation

campaign has been shortlisted for the South West PRCA Dare Integrated Campaign of the Year award! This award recognises work that uses integrated communications, led by public relations, to achieve excellent results; the winners are due to be announced in July. As June focused on Drowning Prevention Week, we welcome contributions from our friends at RLSS UK and RoSPA, who have provided articles on the importance of water safety. The RLSS UK promotes the significance of Drowning Prevention Week, especially in a year where swimming pool use has dropped significantly (due to pools being closed), which has resulted in people opting for open water activity instead. The RoSPA article highlights the Water Incident Database (WAID) as six people have drowned in hot tubs since 2014. RoSPA urges people to follow the industry guidance and be especially vigilant where children may have access to a hot tub. Continuing the PR theme, it is nearly time for BISHTA and SPATA members to find out about any changes to the criteria for entering their respective industry awards as part of the British Pool and Hot Tub Awards 2022. SPATA members will be learning about several changes to the criteria being piloted next year to recognise and reward the great work that members are undertaking. It is also nearly time for the nominations to be confirmed for the UK and other countries that are part of EUSA and are therefore eligible to enter the European Pool and Spa Awards. The shortlisted members will be confirmed in time for the August issue. As lockdown restrictions ease and it becomes possible to hold more training sessions, industry courses have been run

As lockdown restrictions ease and it becomes possible to hold more training sessions, industry courses have been run for important topics”

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for important topics such as water hygiene management. An electrical course has been run by NICEIC, and candidates have been able to attend CHTT courses. Dates are expected imminently for Dangerous Goods training, and it is hoped that SPATA members will soon be able to access training courses on heat pumps, and environmental control & ductwork. Utilising online communication has been crucial, and this has continued in 2021 with a number of webinars that have been run. Both BISHTA and SPATA would like to thank their business partners who have provided invaluable expertise, including Hampshire County Council Trading Standards and the CE Marking Association. There was a joint presentation from the Construction Planthire Association and the Association of Lorry Loader Manufacturers and Importers on guidance for the safe lifting of hot tubs, exercise spas and one-piece pools (and there is an article on this subject on page 28). A webinar was run which involved members sharing experiences and offering support on topics relating to showroom security. Finally, my thanks to Phil Bristow at Nsure for their article on page 31 summarising some of the pandemic implications on insurance policies. Phil also gives an update on Professional Indemnity. I hope you have a good summer; you enjoy the sunshine and don’t forget to capture lots of great images of your projects for entry into the 2022 British Pool & Hot Tub Awards. It would be fantastic to see a record year for entries and celebrate the awards ceremony together at the Industry Gala Evening held during SPATEX.

DIARY DATES 2021 30 Jun 1 Jul 14 Sep

EUSA Meeting, Zoom BSPF Board, WebEx BISHTA Technical Committee, WebEx 17 - 19 Sep President’s Weekend, Windsor 16 Sep SPATA National Council, WebEx 2 Sep BISHTA Committee Meeting, WebEx

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