SPLASH August September 2019

Swimming Pools / Leisure / Aquatics / Spas / Health

Issue 125  Aug/Sept 2019

The best of the best National Pool of the Year 2019

www.splashmagazine.com.au

All the awards From around the states Benchmarking energy use For aquatic centres Correct pay awards For the pool and spa industry

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1.05

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Dimensions

*All tests were conducted at the temperature of 26°C, pH 7.7, Salinity level 3000ppm and flow rate 200 l/m.

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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 The pinnacle of the industry

Contributors: Adrian Lacy, David Lloyd, Brett Lloyd Abbottt Advertising Manager: David Stennett Phone: 0404 725 554 Email: david@spasa.com.au

This issue is dedicated to all the hardworking builders, designers, retailers, technicians, managers, sales staff and everyone else involved in the swimming pool and spa industry – and all the effort you put into creativity and attention to detail, drawing on all your expertise to overcome obstacles, while managing client expectations, balancing the books and of course, doing the actual physical labour.

Senior Designer: Chris Papaspiros Production Manager: Jacqui Cooper Acting Circulations Manager: Troy Brookes 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.

So it can be very pleasing when after all that work, someone pats you on the back and says “well done,” and you gain the admiration and respect of your peers.

This happens every year around the states, and then at the end of that process the industry comes together for one big night – where the best of the best are acknowledged.

Chris Maher Managing Editor chrismaher@ intermedia.com.au

It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to win at the National Awards of Excellence. It also takes an attitude that aims to elevate your work for the ultimate benefit of the client.

It’s worth noting that while Nick McCarthy, winner of the National Pool of the Year, says he is over the moon at winning, he also says that he’s really proud of the winning pool because the owners use it every day – and that they really love it. That’s the sort of validation that keeps the industry ticking – happy customers who are not only using your products and services, but also appreciate how good they are.

Full page ad

The awards night came after a stimulating day – directed by some of the best keynote speakers in the country – at the SPASA Australia Leadership Convention. The delegates were enthralled throughout the event and took away the inspiration to make their businesses better, and to turn more members of their staff into leaders themselves.

There is more on the convention on page 32.

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.

It was great to catch up with so many people from around the country, and I look forward to doing it again next year, at SPLASH! 2020 on the Gold Coast.

Copyright © 2019 - 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 125

Aug/Sept 2019

Cover shows the National Pool of the Year 2019, won by Urban Escape.

There is an interview with the builder, Nick McCarthy, on page 40.

to be decided

The best of the best National Pool of the Year 2019

All the awards From around the states Benchmarking energy use For aquatic centres Correct pay awards For the pool and spa industry

www.splashmagazine.com.au

Aug/Sep 2019 SPLASH! 7

and and and and

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Contents 32

50 25

40

28

42

What is the correct rate for my staff?

John Clements from AB Phillips enlightens readers on one of their main workplace queries from the swimming pool and spa industry: how do they work out the correct award for their staff?

Integrated pool and garden design wins National Pool of the Year Urban Escape owner Nick McCarthy says he is “over the moon” at winning the SPASA National Pool of the Year 2019.

Aussie mum revolutionises the pool broom After returning home from a four-day holiday to find her pool walls and floor lined with algae, Sydney mum Connie Gerace took inspiration from the movie “Joy” and developed her own revolutionary broom.

State awards All the awards from the states, acknowledging the best work by the industry around the country.

36

30

New technology making standard pumps variable Australian water tech company Nymet is preparing to revolutionise how consumers use their pool pumps, thanks to a new device that uses electronics to turn a standard single-speed pump into a variable speed pump.

55

36

Australia’s best and brightest lauded at national awards The National Awards of Excellence gala dinner saw accolades presented across 62 categories, recognising the remarkable achievements in creativity, innovation and service around the country.

Eltham’s redeveloped leisure centre Designed by Peddle Thorp, the new centre is a one-stop aquatic hub with a range of facilities for people of all abilities and ages, from its heated indoor pool through to its sauna room.

66

Benchmarking the energy performance of indoor aquatic centres Dr Jean Jonathan Duverge has undertaken research to investigate the energy performance of aquatic centres, with the aim of benchmarking and looking for improvements.

32

Industry convenes to focus on leadership The SPASA Australia Leadership Convention was held in Adelaide this August, with industry members converging from around the country to discuss and consider the important issue of leadership in swimming pool and spa businesses.

65

regulars News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Commercial news . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Pool DAs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

New products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Ad index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Aug/Sep 2019 SPLASH! 9

news

Both SPASA Australia and SPASA Victoria are preparing submissions on the RIS

Safety

New Victorian pool and spa safety standards to come in from December From December this year, councils in Victoria will register all backyard pools and spas in their local government areas, with property owners being required to submit a current certificate of compliance for their pool or spa safety barrier.

Local councils will take charge of this mandatory registration scheme from December, with all pool owners required to contact their council by April 14 next year and pay a $37 registration fee.

Inspection certificates for all pools built before 1994 must be lodged by 30 October 2020. For pools built between 1994 and 2010, owners will have until 30 April 2021, with all pools built after 2010 requiring to be certified by 29 October 2021.

Councils will charge pool and spa owners a maximum of $20 to lodge their inspection compliance certificates, a process they will 10 SPLASH! Aug/Sep 2019

be required to undertake once every three years. Households will have 20 days to bring their pools into compliance if an inspector identifies any safety concerns.

Regulatory Impact Statement

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) has prepared draft Regulations and a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) that examines the costs and benefits of the proposed Regulations and alternative options that were considered. The RIS and draft Regulations have been released for public consultation so that the Victorian community and relevant stakeholders can provide input on the proposed regulatory changes.

Both SPASA Australia and SPASA Victoria are preparing submissions on the RIS.

Chris Samartzis, CEO of SPASA Victoria says that, in consultation with various stakeholders, they welcome the RIS delivered by the DELWP. “Councils will be in charge of collecting data provided by a newly created Building Inspector (Pool Safety) with the aim to ensure that barriers around pools and spas are compliant to Victorian regulations and maintained to the appropriate standards,” Samartzis says.

“After many years of leading and contributing to the development of new legislation, we have begun to prepare a submission to government on behalf of the swimming pool and spa industry in Victoria. Key areas around mandatory barrier inspections, training of a new class of inspector, spas, and the cost to community will make up a significant component of our submission,” he says.

“The RIS is a comprehensive document aimed at reducing incidents in and around pools and spas. We believe the new regulations are a positive step towards ensuring families have a safe and fun experience while utilising their pools and spas.”

SPASA Australia COO Spiros Dassakis is also preparing a submission.

“We’ve met with the VBA and the DELWP in regards to the regulatory impact statement to ensure we can provide them with valuable input on the other inspection regimes around the country,” he says.

“We are also stressing the importance of nationally accredited training to ensure consistency of inspections is achieved. SPASA Australia holds some significant concerns and will be responding accordingly.”

Quarter slows while year holds steady

He says that consumers should be covered by Home Warranty Insurance.

“When consumers engage a reputable SPASA builder they are using a licenced professional and are covered by building indemnity insurance to protect them from such things as liquidation,” he says.

SPLASH! understands a range of market conditions affected the business with declared revenues down considerably compared to the previous year.

McGrath says he understands Majestic Pools has received many messages from industry and creditors thanking the company for their unwavering support and business over the past 30 years, not withstanding the difficult situation this has put creditors in.

A spokesperson for the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) says that they had no open complaints against the company, and no complaints against the company relating to monies owed.

“Now that the company has been Year old placed into liquidation, anyone 2000 owed money will need to contact the liquidator,” the spokesman 1500 says. He also says that the QBCC has commenced the administrative 1000 process that may see the company’s director excluded from 500 the industry for three years.

new

Majestic Pools and Landscapes 0 Aug and Sephad Oct was established in 1988 been Australia’s most awarded pool builder.

Year old

Nov

5000

SPASA Australia CEO Lindsay McGrath says it is sad that such a 4000 long standing family business will 3000 be lost to the industry.

Apr May

“It is disappointing2000 to see a multigeneration business of talented skilled tradespeople lose 1000 everything to the current downturn in the housing industry,” says0McGrath.

NSW Jun Jul “The pool building sector is affected by tight margins – as is the overall construction industry – yet we still see a consistent 20,000 pools built each year, with home owners understanding the health, wellness and family benefits of owning a pool.”

“This industry body and its new members will Year be working with consumers, the liquidator and the QBCC to ensure any outstanding pools are completed.”

Liquidators Anyone with questions about the liquidation should contact David Hambleton of Rodgers Reidy on Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul (07) 3136 5702 or dhambleton@ rodgersreidy-qld.com.au.

Year new

The liquidator has engaged O’Maras Valuers & Auctioneers (www.omaras.com.au) to conduct a sale campaign via Expressions of Interest for certain assets.

Questions relating to the sale can be directed to Graeme Shaw on 0439 033 560 or graeme@omaras.com.au At the time of writing that process VIC QLD WA due to SA was still ongoing, but was close before this edition is printed.

The items for sale included business name Majestic Pools & Landscapes and Majestic Constructions, the website, phone numbers, Facebook page, the “Majestic” trademark and current, past and prospective client lists.

However, the annual figures comparing the 12 months to July showed the market basically level pegging (down one per cent), with Queensland up 13 per cent, Victoria up six per cent, New South Wales down four per cent, South Australia down 19 per cent and Western Australia down 23 per cent.

Yearly comparison by month

One of Australia’s longest standing concrete pool builders, Queensland’s Majestic Pools and Landscapes, has gone into liquidation.

The available three-monthly pool DA numbers for Mayto-July show the quarter down by nine per cent compared to the same period last year. Over the three months, Queensland was up by seven per cent, but all other states were down: South Australia by nine per cent, Victoria by 10 per cent, New South Wales by 11 per cent and Western Australia by 35 per cent.

Year old

Year new 5000

2000

4000

1500

3000 1000 2000 500

1000

0

Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Year old

Yearly comparison by State

Majestic Pools and Landscapes goes into liquidation

Three-monthly comaparison

Construction

0

Jul

Year new 7000

5000

6000

4000

5000 3000

4000 3000

2000

2000 1000

0

1000

NSW

Quarter old

VIC

QLD

WA

SA

Quarter new

7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0

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

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

Aug/Sep 2019 SPLASH! 11

0

news

Environment

Lo-Chlor and Sunbather join Climate Care Program Australian manufacturers Lo-Chlor and Sunbather are the latest swimming pool and spa industry suppliers to join the Climate Care Program with their environmentally sustainable solutions. They join the growing list which includes Neptune Benson with their Defender ultra-fine filter, Daisy for their Ultradome pool cover, Sancell for their Streamline Dome pool cover, Supreme Heating for the Heatseeker Dualsun hybrid system, Remco for their Swimroll pool cover system and Abgal for their Oasis pool cover.

Now both Lo-Chlor’s Solar Shield and Sunbather’s Thermal Pool Blanket have met the stringent requirements to be certified as part of the SPASA Australia’s Climate Care Certified program.

Climate care benefits The consumer benefits of the Climate Care program include the fact that consumers can purchase with confidence knowing that they are choosing a certified environmentally sustainable solution. They will also enjoy the benefits of choosing a solution which utilises water efficiency, energy efficiency, noise reduction measures, environmentally sustainable designs, and reduce their overall carbon footprint while saving money.

For the industry, the benefits including being able to highlight the products environmentally sustainable qualities, show your commitment to preserving the environment and to industry best practice, and demonstrate your investment in the industry’s sustainable future while inspiring others to do the same.

Solar Shield It is ultra-thin, invisible and works by reducing evaporation from the surface of a swimming pool. There is no need to alter the water balance, there is no need to change anything about the pool. Simply pour the product in front of the skimmer box with the pump running and walk away.

Sunbather’s Thermal Pool Blanket also keeps pools cleaner as debris and sunlight are kept out of the water, reduces chemical consumption and aids in the prevention of algae. It comes with a five-year warranty.

Lo-Chlor’s Solar Shield is an ultrathin chemical pool cover

Benefits include: patented formula; invisible solar shield; compatible with all pool finishes; assists with minimising heat loss; protects pools from evaporation by 30 per cent; long lasting – 30 days of protection; each bottle provides four months coverage. Note: Solar Shield is not a pool cover but it is an alternative for pool owners who cannot or do not want to use traditional pool covers.

All Climate Care Certified products undergo independent thirdparty testing and/or verification to assess and report on claims being made such as water efficiency and energy savings.

Only credible and trusted local, national and international testing and verification bodies are considered by SPASA to ensure that claims being made on energy and water efficiency and sustainability are substantiated.

Sunbather’s Thermal Pool Blanket reduces water evaporation by up to 90 per cent

Thermal Pool Blanket Sunbather’s Thermal Pool Blanket has been certified by Climate Care as well as being certified by Smart Approved Watermark.

It is made from high quality multi-layered, foam-based material and is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use pools. It reduces water evaporation by up to 90 per cent, is long lasting and will not break down over time.

Keep informed by subscribing to the free online newsletter.

Top five online news stories

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

Majestic Pools and Landscapes goes into liquidation

Urban Escape’s integrated design wins National Pool of the Year

Belgravia buys beleaguered Jump Swim Schools

One of Australia’s longest standing concrete pool builders, Queensland’s Majestic Pools and Landscapes, went into liquidation.

Urban Escape won the coveted SPASA National Pool of the Year Award 2019 with director Nick McCarthy saying he is over the moon at winning the award.

Belgravia Group purchased Jump Swim Schools, ending months of speculation and uncertainty for the company and saving the business from liquidation.

12 SPLASH! Aug/Sep 2019

Laguna Pools wins Victorian Pool of the Year Laguna Pools took out the Victorian Pool of the Year award, putting it into the shortlist for the National Awards of Excellence.

Majestic Pools and Landscapes assets for sale by EOI The liquidator offered the business trade mark, website, email, phone numbers and other assets for sale via expressions of interest.

Upcoming events 2019 Sep 7-9

Pool Spa Outdoor Living Expo WA

Sep 10

SPASA Bob Stanley Memorial Golf Day NSW

Oct 9-11

Japan Gardex, Tokyo

Oct 15-18

Piscina, Barcelona, Spain

Oct 16-18 World Aquatic Health Conference, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA Nov 5-8

Aquanale, Cologne, Germany

Nov 5-7 International Pool Spa Patio Expo, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA Nov 5-8

FSB, Cologne, Germany

Nov 6-8

SETT, Montpellier, France

Dec 2-5 Canadian Pool & Spa Conference & Expo, Niagara Falls Dec 11-13

Japan Build, Tokyo

2020 Jan 13-17 International Swim Schools Spectacular 2020, Singapore Feb 14-16

Aqua Fitness Convention, Adelaide

Apr30-May3 Asctacon 20, Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre July 29-30

PLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show, Gold S Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

More details at splashmagazine.com.au. Dates are subject to change and should be checked with the relevant organisation.

Send calendar submissions to info@splashmagazine.com.au.

Aug/Sep 2019 SPLASH! 13

news

In Brief It’s proof that some people will do almost anything to get a swimming pool. Cofounder of F45 gym franchise, Adam Gilchrist (not to be confused with the cricketer), lives in Harbord near Freshwater Beach in Sydney’s north.

“Freshwater is the best beach in the world.

Better than Byron,” he told Domain’s Lucy Macken. Despite the proximity to the beach he was so determined to have a swimming pool to entertain his friends, he bought the house next door and is demolishing it to build a pool. The price tag of the house next door? A staggering $14 million. He had previously planned to rebuild on his existing block with a pool of the roof, but fell afoul of neighbours who raised objections with council.

And so his new, ultraexpensive plan was born.

Pool paint manufacturer Colormaker Industries has recently converted to 100 per cent renewable electricity at its Brookvale NSW facility. Managing director David Stuart said they had wanted to adopt clean energy for some years but hadn’t been able to find a suitable provider until now. “While it had to make sense operationally, it was mainly driven by our ethos of environmental stewardship. We believe that this is something that our customers care deeply about and this initiative will help them to reduce their environmental footprint.”

Retail

Clark's new affiliation and standalone pool and spa rollout As Clark Rubber prepares to launch its standalone pool retail franchises, it has forged a new relationship with Pentair and has set on a strategy of growing its range of consumer offerings.

CEO Anthony Grice says the affiliation with Pentair marks a new era for Clark Rubber.

knowledge of our team members to be able to sell those products.”

He says that training and product knowledge is a key part of their roll-out plan.

“At this year’s national SPASA awards we picked up the training award and training’s really important,” he says.

“As pool experts in the industry you need to know the product, and need to know how to sell the product, how to install the product and how to service the product.

“We’re very focussed on rolling out franchised businesses that are standalone pool and spa operators, and that’s a really key part of our business moving forward. We believe Pool is our next evolutionary growth stage.

“We’ll focus on not just the Clark Rubber business in its current format, but also on the roll-out of the standalone pool and spa shops, and standalone pool and spa vans. So watch this space.”

Distribution

Spa-Craft becomes exclusive Edgetec distributor Spa-Craft is now the exclusive distributor of all Edgetec products, a leading supplier of spa bath and spa pool equipment for more than 20 years.

This opportunity has arisen due the impending retirement of Edgetec managing director Des Berry, who has been a part of the swimming pool and spa industry for the past 45 years.

Spa-Craft customers will now have access to more than 400 Edgetec product lines, including a full complement of spa equipment, which includes, spa bath pumps and controllers, bath jets, spa jets, manifolds, specialised fitting, and much more.

Highly experience Edgetec general manager Darryl Sweetnam will be retaining his sales and marketing role under Spa-Craft, along with three other Edgetec team members.

Meanwhile, the growth of the Victorian business has required

14 SPLASH! Aug/Sep 2019

“We’re very much focussed on growing our pool business moving forward,” he says.

“And the affiliation with Pentair is for us about giving our Australian consumers a really well known and well regarded brand.

“So we’re not only growing our range with Pentair but we’re also doing that with our incumbent supplier Fluidra, and their brands Astral and Zodiac. So we’re growing our range of pool equipment products quite significantly. We’re having the full range of these brands, predominantly in the delivery sense but also backed up with bricks and mortar stores – having the full range as well as having the expertise, training and

Anthony Grice with the 2019 SPASA Australia national award for training

a shift to larger premises at 13 Lieber Grove, Carrum Downs and Spa-Craft has issued an open invitation to existing and new customers to stop in and have a look at the new facilities.

Des Berry

In other news Spa-Craft has launched a new website (www.spa-craft.com.au) which includes real time stock levels; trade only pricing (with trade login); preferred freight provider; advanced accounting; orders automatically applying to your trading terms; current status of all quotes, orders and repairs; ability to see the status of all orders; can check past orders and any open or closed past invoices; as well as technical information, user guides, fault codes and more.

This season Spa-Craft will also be launching a new spa start-up kit. Available in either a box or 10-litre bucket version, the product contains the basic essentials for a new spa or existing spa user at an affordable price.

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news

Distribution

Naked appoints new distributors

Industry moves Pool Systems has appointed Peter Newman as general manager and country head.

Newman is an experienced senior executive who has worked in both the corporate and private business sectors. He has more than 20 years of general management experience and a proven track record of leading diverse sales and management teams and developing innovative business development programs across multisite operations.

His experience spans the electrical wholesale industry, hardware building material industry and retail – controlling businesses with sales in excess of $100 million and more than 50 branches.

He brings a wealth of experience in the wholesale/distribution sector and says he looks forward to building Pool Systems’ customer service levels to the best in the industry.

He can be contacted on (07) 3889 6722 and petern@ poolsystems.com.au Peter Newman

Swimming pool disinfection system manufacturer, Naked Pools, has appointed two new distributors: Spa Electrics for Victoria; and Swimsafe SA Pool Compliance and Services for South Australia and the Northern Territory.

Naked Director Darren Milne says they already had a close relationship with Spa Electrics, after one of the Spa Electrics directors installed a Naked System on their own pool they discovered how good

and simple the product was to use.

“Spa Electrics have an excellent reputation for quality product and service that is an ideal fit for Naked Pools,” he says.

Swimsafe SA Pool Compliance and Services is owned and operated by David Hutton, who for the past eight years was the SA/NT manager for Waterco Ltd. “During this time he has become passionate about the benefits of chlorine-free sanitisation,” says

Contacts Spa Electrics: (03) 9793 2299; info@spaelectrics.com.au Swimsafe: 0424 711 963; swimsafesapools@gmail.com

Distribution

Lincoln expands into Queensland

Tony Blomfield

Lincoln Pool Equipment has celebrated its 45th year in business by expanding into the Sunshine State with a new office and warehouse in Seventeen Mile Rocks, Queensland.

Tony Blomfield is heading up the new operation as general manager with Matt Forsdick as warehouse manager and Brad Austin as storeman. Further appointments will be made in the coming weeks.

As Lincoln celebrates its 45th birthday, managing director and owner Lindsay Hartshorne says they are proud to still be a 100 per cent Australian owned family business.

Lincoln Pool Equipment was established in 1974 (then called Lincoln Leisure Distributors) after its founders identified a need for a highly-focused distributor of pool products and spare parts in the swimming pool industry.

The concept allowed pool builders, service technicians, pool shops and other pool-related businesses to deal with a supplier that had everything they required under the one roof. Their vision was for Lincoln to be a one stop shop for all things associated with swimming pools and spas. A

16 SPLASH! Aug/Sep 2019

Milne. “David was previously acting president of SPASA SA and inaugural board member of SPASA Australia. David is committed to maintaining and enhancing the Naked Freshwater Pool System through the local pool builder and retail channels.”

key component of this strategy was to have quality products, service and staff on hand to provide technical information on a wide range of products.

In July 2002, Hartshorne purchased the business. Since then Lincoln has grown rapidly with the introduction of a much broader range of products and services, and since 2010, has had its headquarters in a 3000-square metre office and warehouse in Braeside, Victoria.

In 2007 Lincoln gained the exclusive right to distribute the highly successful suction cleaner, The PoolCleaner developed by Poolvergnuegen in the USA. In 2008 Lincoln expanded into New South Wales, which has now grown to a staff of seven, servicing all of New South Wales and until the Seventeen Mile Rocks office was established, Queensland. The New South Wales branch is based in a modern office/ warehouse in the Pendle Hill area.

Lincoln sells all major OEM equipment and carries the largest range of pool and spa spare parts in Australia, having more than 12,000 items in its range.

Lincoln is the exclusive distributor of Stanley Pool tools in Australia and New Zealand. Since its release in 2013, Stanley has become the premium quality pool tool range in Australia. The range now also includes pumps, filters, chlorinators and cleaners.

Contact: Unit 2, 67 Bluestone Circuit Seventeen Mile Rocks; (07) 3279 0083; sales.brisbane@linc. com.au.

INTEGRATIONS

news

Service

Chemical Tips Have you experienced this? Green pool; free chlorine 1ppm – 3ppm; water balanced correctly; CYA normal; zero phosphates; tried shock dosing and/or algaecide.

And the pool is still green!

The most likely cause is nitrates. Just like phosphates, nitrates are nutrients for plants and are added to the water by runoff from plants and trees or from fertilisers, duck poo, or human sweat and urine. Like phosphates, nitrates are food for algae.

Nitrates are not particularly harmful to swimmers, but once the nitrate level gets above 10ppm algae will grow and be almost impossible to get rid of. As a result, chemical usage may skyrocket.

Shock dosing will convert the nitrates to nitrites but once chlorine levels return to normal they in turn will convert back to nitrates. Both nitrates and nitrites are also resistant to algaecides. There is no known chemical treatment to eliminate the nitrates.

This can only be done by dilution or emptying the pool water. The best way to avoid the problem is to, as far as possible, remove the source by preventing run-off into the pool and discouraging ducks and other animals from entering the pool.

If this problem persists then regular testing for nitrates should be conducted and water diluted before the nitrates get too high. Nitrates can be tested for with a simple test strip.

Contact: These tips are supplied by International Quadratics’ David Lloyd.

For more information call (02) 9774 5550.

18 SPLASH! Aug/Sep 2019

Pool division wins Jims award

Jim’s Pool Care won a bag of awards at the Jim’s Group annual awards night. Jim’s surveys each franchisee every year to get direct feedback on how their regional franchisor is supporting them; such as the training they receive and the support phone calls provided.

This year, the pool care division won nine service awards. Brett Blair, general manager of Jim’s Pool Care says he is very proud of the awards received by his national franchisor team.

“We had nine pool care franchisors recognised by their franchisees as providing gold level support or higher, this is a great achievement and shows how much we want our franchisees to succeed in their businesses and in reaching their goals”.

Founder Jim Penman says the annual franchisor support awards are an important part of his business.

Jim’s Pool Care’s Brett Blair, Adam Post and Chris Pepper

“The pool care division has consistently grown year on year and has always featured well on my awards list and I know Brett is doing a great job in driving that high level of support to his franchisees.”

Industry moves

Supreme Heating expands into New Zealand Supreme Heating appointed Leigh Hearl as its new national sales and marketing manager earlier this year. Her role supports the company’s dedication to providing innovative, renewable and sustainable solutions, specialising in pool heating, hot water and solar electrical applications.

Hearl has experience in construction, manufacturing and health care, and will be directly responsible for the sales and marketing team. She will also help Supreme develop and grow, as well as driving the company’s commitment to renewable and sustainable solutions.

Colin Mauger, director of Supreme Heating, says they are incredibly excited to have Hearl on the team.

“Leigh’s experience and skills will help the business to continue to strategical grow and expand throughout Australia and New Zealand,” he says.

She has a wealth of knowledge and more than 20 years of

experience in strategic management, sales and marketing. She says her passion for sustainability grew after completing a science degree.

“Following my initial visit to the head office in Victoria, hearing about the future plans to develop the business and most importantly, meeting the people, I knew it was an exciting opportunity that I wanted to be a part of,” says Hearl.

Crossing the ditch

Meanwhile, Supreme Heating has teamed up with PBI Electrical for exclusive distribution of its pool heating products in New Zealand.

Hearl says the appointment will reinforce the exposure of Supreme’s pool heating solutions in New Zealand and will continue to grow the reach of the brand.

“We’re also looking forward to strengthening our distributor

New national sales and marketing manager Leigh Hearl

relationship with PBI Electrical and working with them to educate the industry and consumers about innovative, renewable and sustainable solutions available for pool heating, hot water and solar electrical applications,” she says.

Established in 2000, PBI Solar is a division of PBI Electrical Ltd which is a family operated business. Hearl says PBI Solar is passionate about renewable energy and enjoys providing solutions that are helpong keep New Zealand clean, green and innovative for many years to come.

Hearl says Supreme Heating and PBI Solar share the same view of creating a sustainable future together and will always be at the forefront of the renewable energy and solar industry.

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news

Branding

Australian Innovative Systems to trade as AIS Water Now in its 26th year of business, leading international water disinfection company and manufacturer Australian Innovative Systems (AIS) has announced it will begin trading as AIS Water.

The new AIS Water logo

CEO Elena Gosse says the new trading name would more accurately reflect her company’s commitment to simpler, safer and smarter water disinfection and its impact of saving trillions

of litres of water from being wasted in pools across the planet.

“As well as our new trading name, we have some incredibly exciting new projects and products that we’ll be announcing to the market very soon,” says Gosse.

“This recent work forms part of our continual commitment to innovation and excellence and heralds the start of a new era for AIS Water.”

Spas

Ikon wins good design award Ikon by Vortex Spas has won gold at Australia’s top industry design award, the annual Good Design Awards.

Ikon won a prestigious Good Design Award Gold accolade for outstanding design and innovation in the product design category. Vortex Leisure CEO Andrew Pullen says the Good Award win is a hugely significant achievement for the company.

“It is fantastic recognition for the collaborative team effort that has gone into the design and production of Ikon spa. We had an amazing Australasian design team of architects, designers, engineers, mould makers, and electronic specialists all involved to create what’s become the ‘concept car’ of the spa industry,” he says.

architectural cabinetry is made from aluminium composite cladding, the same material used on the exterior of the Dubai train station, and its maintenance-free Flexi-teek decking is used on super yachts.

To pull off the ambitious vision for Ikon, Vortex engaged award-winning architect Jorgen Andersen and international automotive and product designer Alain Brideson to collaborate on the prototype.

“This has been one of most enjoyable projects I’ve worked on,” Brideson says. “Everyone had a very open mindset throughout the whole design process.

We would come up with a crazy idea and instead of saying ‘no that’s not going to work’, the Vortex team would say ‘let’s give it a go and see where it leads us.’

“The Ikon pushes all of the boundaries and is exactly what we were hoping to achieve: a spa that is refined and beautiful – yet retains all the functionality of a conventional spa.”

Andersen says generally architects are not fans of traditional spas and the aim for this project was to design a spa that architects would recommend to clients and feature in builds.

The jury said the Ikon is luxurious and modern, high quality, and with a unique design that transforms the traditional spa.

“This recognition by Australia’s design establishment is testament that that is exactly what we’ve created,” he says.

Inspired by modern architecture, Ikon moves away from the standard plastic square box and sits proudly on top of the landscape rather than sunk within it. Another significant innovation is Ikon’s shape, with its faceted irregular polygon form and top deck under a design patent. For the first time, lightweight, floating architectural stairs are integrated into the main spa design. Ikon’s

Spa Tech Tips Spa baths may not be considered part of the pool and spa industry, but the fact is it’s our industry that’s called on to repair and to maintain spa baths. AS3861 and AS/NZS60335.2.60 are the relevant Australian Standards and they prescribe the following.

Pump positioning – a fall of at least 1:100 from the pump to the suction fitting is required. If installed too high, air bleed activation may be required.

Plumbing must have no loops or dips and plumbing must be designed to hold no more water than 500ml or 0.2 per cent of bath capacity, whichever is less.

Air injectors require nonreturn valves to prevent water entry to air lines.

Suction pipework must be equal to or greater than pump suction size.

Suctions must not be positioned in any normal seating position, be provided with a cover requiring the use of a tool for removal, and have a total opening surface area at least twice the cross-suctional area of the connecting pipe.

If 50 per cent of a suction cover’s openings can be covered by one hand, an additional suction fitting must be installed.

There are no specific flow rating requirements for spa bath suction fittings as there are with spas/pools.

Contact: These tips are supplied by Adrian Lacy of Spatex. For more information call 1300 772 839.

Vortex Leisure CEO Andrew Pullen with the Ikon design

Aug/Sep 2019 SPLASH! 21

news

LTS

Learn2Swim Week returns The annual Learn2Swim Week initiative is back for 2019 from September 30 to October 7 and Poolwerx, the company driving the initiative, is urging local swim schools to support the cause by providing free Program ambassador Laurie Lawrence swimming lessons.

John O’Brien from Poolwerx says the purpose is to improve water safety in the at-risk under-fives age group, and hope for at least 400 swim schools across the country to support the week-long event.

“Learning to swim is one of the top drowning prevention measures. It is a lifesaving skill every child needs to know and we’re calling on all local swim schools to get involved with Learn2Swim Week to help us achieve our ultimate goal of having zero drownings in under-fives,” he says.

O’Brien says 36 percent of parents who registered their child for Learn2Swim Week last year had personally experienced – or knew of someone who had experienced – a near-drowning event.

“It is scary to think so many people have had to face such a terrifying experience with a loved one. We know the ability to swim is one of the most important factors in reducing the risk of childhood drowning, so we need to introduce more kids to water familiarisation as early as possible.”

Laurie Lawrence from Kids Alive – Do the Five, is the program ambassador.

“Under-fives have one of the highest drowning rates in the country, so they need to know how to respect and handle the water,” he says.

“Ideally, offering a five-lesson intensive course is recommended but even if a swim school can provide one free lesson, it might just help prove to a parent how vital learning about water safety is.

“Last year 66 per cent of parents of who participated in the event kept their children in swimming lessons long-term, which shows the message is getting through and parents are understanding how vital it is to learn to swim at an early age.”

Manufacturing

Plunge Pools wins design award

Ben Petersen from The Plunge Pool Company

The Plunge Pool Company’s Earth Friendly Plungie received a Best in Class accolade in the product design category at the recent Good Design Awards.

The Good Design Awards jury praised The Punge Pool Company’s dedication and commitment to sustainability and their aspiration to help reduce their carbon footprint.

“The Plungie’s compact design and its approach to industrial design and manufacturing is highly innovative,” the Jury said. “Focusing on designing a pool as a kit that allows all the equipment to fit within the footprint of the pool is a very clever. This product disrupts the existing pool market through innovative use of traditional materials and a unique environmental focus. Overall, this is a brilliant example of sustainable design framed by a core philosophy to reuse discarded materials. Simply brilliant Aussie design and ingenuity all round – well done.”

Retail

Swimart’s top store scores big on award front

(Left to right) Caohlan Hills, Kit Bliss, Heidi Weekes, Ashley Weekes and Ben Brown of Swimart Jindalee

At Swimart’s annual awards ceremony recently held in Langkawi, Malaysia, family-owned Swimart Jindalee won Best Australasian Franchisee as well as the Australasian Business Champion award.

On top of these accolades, Swimart Jindalee also picked up four SPASA state awards and the 2019 SPASA Australia National Retailer of the Year Award.

“Jindalee owner/operators Ashley and Heidi Weekes have quickly become exceptional assets to the Swimart franchise network these past three years,” says Swimart franchise development manager Alex Johnson.

22 SPLASH! Aug/Sep 2019

“The dynamic duo set a stellar example proving that determination and enthusiasm are key ingredients for success.”

Swimart Jindalee has experienced consistent growth, both in its performance in the market as well as its workforce size, which has doubled since the Weekes acquired the business in May 2016.

“Our team of retail staff and in-field technicians provide an authentic customer service experience, with tailored pool care solutions, utilising the vast amount of experience our team has gained over many years caring for pools,” says Ashley Weekes. “These awards are a great tribute to everyone’s hard work and dedication.”

“Ensuring our business has the right people, with the right skills, in the right place, at the right time, has been critical to our success in providing efficient, expert advice and service to customers,” Heidi Weekes says, adding that staff training and development, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement are key priorities.

Swimart Jindalee’s in-store retail team is also encouraged to do a “day on the road” with its in-field service technicians to gain more hands-on experience.

“This all translates to a better experience for our customers and enables us to be more agile and adaptable to meet changing business needs,” she says.

Jets Tools Valves Fittings Blowers Lighting Suctions Controls Spa Pumps Electric Heaters Heat Exchangers Magnum Filter Cartridges All Spa Parts

1300 772839 sales@spatex.com.au 1300 SPATEX

feature

What is the correct award rate for my staff?

John Clements from AB Phillips enlightens readers on one of their main workplace queries from the swimming pool and spa industry: what is the correct award for my staff?

A

ustralia’s national workplace relations system, the Fair Work system under the Fair Work Act 2009 and other laws, has been in place for just over 10 years and covers the majority of workplaces in Australia.

The main relevant organisations that make up Australia’s Fair Work system applying to the pool and spa industry are the Fair Work Commission (FWC), the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) and the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC).

The FWC sets minimum standards through awards, deals with enterprise bargaining, handles disputes and deals with unfair dismissals. The FWO’s key role is to regulate employment standards and prosecute if required. The ABCC ensures that building work is carried out fairly, efficiently and productively in the building and construction industry.

National employment standards

The Act contains 10 minimum standards called the National Employment Standards and these apply universally. While modern awards do not contain extensive detail about the NES, these minimum standards do apply regardless of award coverage.

The following is a list of the 10 NES: 1. Maximum of 38 weekly hours of work: plus reasonable additional hours.

2. Requests for flexible working arrangements – in certain circumstances employees can request a change in their working arrangements.

3. Parental leave and related entitlements: up to 12 months’ unpaid leave for each employee, plus a right to request an additional 12 months’ unpaid leave, plus other forms of maternity, paternity and adoption-related leave.

4. Annual leave: • Four weeks paid leave per year • Plus an additional week for shift workers (who work on a 24/7 roster cycle).

“If you’re in the national workplace relations system, protections include minimum pay rates and a set of entitlements called the National Employment Standards.”

5 . Personal/carer’s leave (includes sick leave), compassionate leave and unpaid family and domestic violence leave • 10 days paid personal/carer’s leave (includes sick leave) • Two days unpaid carer’s leave as required • Two days compassionate leave (unpaid for casuals) as required • Five days unpaid family and domestic violence leave (in a 12 month period).

6. Community service leave: unpaid leave for voluntary emergency activities and up to 10 days of paid leave for jury service (after 10 days is unpaid).

7. Long service leave: the entitlement outlined in relevant state or territory laws or in an applicable pre-modern award. It is intended to have a uniform national long service leave standard.

8. Public holidays: a paid day off on each public holiday, except where reasonably requested to work.

9. Notice of termination and redundancy pay: • Up to four weeks notice of termination (plus an extra week for employees over 45 years of age who have been in the job for at least two years).

• Up to 16 weeks severance pay on redundancy, both based on length of service.

10. The Fair Work Information Statement is available from the Fair Work Ombudsman.

This must be given by employers to all new employees.

Who is covered by a modern award?

A modern award is a document which sets out the minimum terms and conditions of employment on top of the NES, providing entitlements such as pay, hours of work, rosters, breaks, allowances, penalty rates and overtime.

Modern awards apply to all employees covered by the national workplace relations system. Modern awards are industry or occupation-based and apply to employers and employees who perform work covered by the award. Each award contains a coverage clause and an extensive classification structure which assists in determining which roles are covered by an award.

Managers or higher income employees may not be covered by a modern award even if one applies to the industry in which they work.

Type of work performed

Applicable Modern Award

Pool repair or resurfacing business – employees repairing, resurfacing, painting and tiling pools.

The Building and Construction Award

Pool and equipment servicing – employees servicing pools including checking and testing the water and fixing vacuums, filters and pumps.

The Manufacturing Award

Pool cleaning business - employees cleaning pools.

The Cleaning Award

Retail stores – employees carrying out purely sales and customer service roles in a shop environment.

The General Retail Industry Award

Aug/Sep 2019 SPLASH! 25

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wages (pay), penalty rates, types of employment, flexible working arrangements, hours of work, meal and rest breaks, classifications, allowances, annual leave loading, and redundancy. To find out if you’re covered by an award, use Find my award at www. fairwork.gov.au/awards.

Enterprise agreements

When modern awards don’t apply

If the business is covered by a registered agreement, it is usually the case that the conditions of a modern award are no longer relevant. However, if the base rates of pay in an agreement are lower than those in the relevant modern award, the base rates of pay in the modern award will apply.

Some employers and employees will not be covered by an award or a registered agreement. When an employee is not covered by an award or agreement, they are considered to be award- free and agreement-free.

In these situations, the National Minimum Wage and the NES will form the minimum terms and conditions of employment.

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has since made rulings which have added transitional arrangements to some awards. All employers and employees should consult their relevant modern award for specific transitional arrangements, including state-based differences.

Employees working in the pool and spa industry

The Fair Work Ombudsman has provided the following advice in relation to employees engaged in the pool and spa industry.

Fair Work information statement

If you’re a new employee, your employer needs to give you a copy of the Fair Work Information Statement before, or as soon as possible after, you start a job. Available from the Fair Work Ombudsman, it sets out minimum rights and entitlements, minimum pay rates and information on awards and agreements.

Some of what is included in the statement is listed here: Minimum rights and entitlements Workers in Australia are entitled to basic rights and protections at work.

If you’re in the national workplace relations system, these protections include minimum pay rates and a set of entitlements called the National Employment Standards. You’re also likely to be covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement, which may provide you with more entitlements.

You might also sign a contract or agreement with your employer.

Contracts can set out additional conditions of employment but can’t provide less than your minimum entitlements under the National Employment Standards or an applicable award or enterprise agreement.

Minimum pay rates The national minimum wage is reviewed annually. You can find your minimum pay rates by using our Pay Calculator at www.fairwork.gov.au/PACT.

Modern awards

There are 122 industry or occupation awards that cover most people working in Australia. Awards may contain entitlements like minimum 26 SPLASH! Aug/Sep 2019

Enterprise agreements set employment conditions that can apply to a business and their workers or a group of businesses and their workers. Enterprise agreements are negotiated (‘bargained’) between the employer, their employees and any employee representatives (such as a union or other bargaining representative).

Bargaining for an agreement has to follow set rules.

Once approved by the Fair Work Commission, an enterprise agreement is enforceable and provides the terms and conditions of employment that apply at your workplace.

For information about making, varying, or terminating enterprise agreements visit the Fair Work Commission website at www.fwc.gov.au.

If the business you work for changes owners or is sold – and you’re employed by the new employer within three months of your employment with the old employer ending – some of your entitlements may carry over to the new employer. You can check what you’re entitled to at www. fairwork.gov.au/transfer-of-business.

Workplace flexibility

You have the right to request flexible working arrangements under the NES if: • You’re a parent of, or have responsibility for caring for, a child of school age or younger • You provide personal care, support and assistance to another person who needs it because of a disability, medical condition, mental illness or frailty and age • You have a disability • You are 55 or older • You’re experiencing family violence • You’re providing care or support for an immediate family member, or someone you live with, who is experiencing family violence, or • You’re returning to work after a period of parental or adoption leave and wish to work part-time to care for your child, or the child who you have responsibility caring for.

Your employer can only refuse a request on reasonable business grounds.

If they do, they must respond to your request in writing and include details for why they refused your request.

Individual flexibility arrangements

You and your employer can negotiate to change how certain terms in an award or enterprise agreement apply to your situation.

An individual flexibility arrangement cannot be a condition of employment – it must be a genuine choice. To find out more see Flexibility in the workplace at www.fairwork.gov.au/flexibility.

Protection from discrimination and other adverse action You’re protected from an employer taking ‘adverse action’ against you for certain reasons. These protections apply to casual, full-time and part-time employees.

Adverse action can include dismissing you, refusing to employ you, negatively changing your position, or treating you differently for discriminatory reasons. For example, you’re protected from adverse action if you make a complaint to an organisation like the Fair Work Ombudsman, or if you take personal leave or request flexible work arrangements, or exercise your right to freedom of association (including becoming or not becoming a member of a union).

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You also have the right to be protected from unlawful discrimination because of your race, colour, gender or age; and protection from undue influence or pressure from your employer about entering into an agreement in relation to your employment entitlements.

If you have experienced adverse action, discrimination or undue pressure by your employer you can seek assistance from the Fair Work Ombudsman or the Fair Work Commission. If you have been dismissed, there might be strict timeframes that apply, so make sure you lodge an application with the Fair Work Commission within 21 days of the date of your dismissal. See the Fair Work Commission website at www.fwc.gov.au for more information.

THE CLEAREST BREAKTHROUGH IN BACKYARD POOLS IS HERE

Ending employment

Your employment might end for a number of reasons – if you resign, your position is made redundant, or you are dismissed. To find out more see Ending employment at www.fairwork.gov.au/ending-employment.

When your employment ends, you should get any outstanding employment entitlements, including outstanding wages and unused annual and long service leave.

If you think you’ve been unfairly dismissed, you might be able to lodge an application with the Fair Work Commission within 21 days of the date of your dismissal. There are rules about applying, including minimum employment periods, strict timeframes for applying and special rules for small business. Go to the Fair Work Commission website at www.fwc. gov.au for more information.

Right of entry

A permit holder, often a union official, may enter the workplace in order to: • talk to employees whose industrial interests the permit holder’s organisation is entitled to represent • look into a suspected breach of workplace laws • look into a suspected breach of health and safety laws, in which case they must also comply with right of entry requirements of the work health and safety laws.

A permit holder must comply with certain requirements such as notice to the employer and can inspect or copy certain documents. Strict privacy restrictions apply to the permit holder, their organisation and your employer. n

Contacts These links are also available at splashmagazine.com.au in the Issue 125 QuickLinks post.

AB Phillips: www.abphillips.com.au Australian Building and Construction Commission: www.abcc.gov.au

Welcome to swimming Naked Invite your clients to imagine swimming in a natural, freshwater spring. No chlorine stench, no red eyes and no need for a shower afterwards. This is swimming as Mother Nature intended, pure and simple. · Give your business a point of difference · High value product with high quality margins

Awards: www.fairwork.gov.au/awards-and-agreements/ awards/list-of-awards

· Simple to install, simple to maintain

Award pay rates: www.fairwork.gov.au/pay/minimum-wages/ pay-guides

· Highest level service and support to you and your customers

Fair Work Commission: www.fwc.gov.au or call 1300 799 675 Fair Work Ombudsman: www.fairwork.gov.au or call 13 13 94 Pay calculator: www.fairwork.gov.au/PACT

John Clements is senior HR advisor at AB Phillips, providing a complete range of insurance, financial services and people solutions to businesses. Please note that the information in this article is provided as comment and should not be relied on as a substitute for detailed professional advice. For additional information and support about the content in this article please contact AB Phillips.

Swimming as nature intended

™

Call 1800 625 331 or visit naked-pools.com

Aug/Sep 2019 SPLASH! 27

feature

Aussie mum revolutionises the pool broom

ABOVE: Inventor Connie Gerace with Aqua Fingers, the first real change in pool brushes in 80 years MIDDLE: The EVA structure is highly flexible BOTTOM: The premium microfibre chenille brush is gentle on smooth surfaces

28 SPLASH! Aug/Sep 2019

T

wo years ago, a Western Sydney mum returned home from a four-day holiday to find her fibreglass pool’s walls and floor lined with algae.

“I tried sweeping it off with my pool broom, but it proved unsuccessful,” says Abbotsford homemaker Connie Gerace.

“The next day I called our local pool guy to come over and after treating it with chlorine, I asked if there was a better way to clean it. He said ‘If you come up with a better idea, let me know!’”

Gerace had watched the Jennifer Lawrence movie Joy, in which the titular character invents a mop that changes the lives of thousands of homemakers.

“A lightbulb went off in my head,” she says.

Inspired, Gerace tied a microfibre cloth to a broom and used it to successfully clean the algae from her pool.

“I could see it was working and even though I had no idea where to start, I believed in my idea.”

Her background in graphic design came into play as she created the prototype herself, and later worked with an industrial designer to create the final real-life product. After a lawyer told her she’d never get a patent, she approached a second lawyer who helped her successfully patent Aqua Fingers in Australia, and begin the process to have it patented in New Zealand, Europe, the United Kingdom and the USA. Gerace approached Waterco’s R&D division and spoke with domestic water care product manager George Flory and senior engineer Pradeep Tandon.

Immediately they saw the potential of Aqua Fingers – the first upgrade to the common pool cleaning brush in 80 years – and now Waterco has licensed the product and manufactures and markets it to pool and spa

professionals as part of their new handover range. As it’s made from flexible ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), it’s easier to clean curved corners, ridges, crevices and steps, and the premium microfibre chenille brush is gentle on smooth surfaces.

This means it’s ideal for cleaning fibreglass, tiled and vinyl lined pools – and even glass fences, windows, pool covers and pool coping. Replacement chenille attachments are available.

“This is a truly innovative addition to the pool cleaning accessories category,” says Waterco group marketing director Bryan Goh. “Nylon pool brooms have been in circulation for 80 years and consumers haven’t had a choice of a broom that better suits the make of their pool, until now,” he says.

“It is engineered for service professionals and built to last, and as it features a high-density microfibre attachment it gently removes dirt and algae.

“It has more angles of operation, making it quicker and easier to clean smooth surfaces, and furthermore, it is made from flexible EVA, which enables pool owners to clean hard-to-reach places.”

Gerace says that it only takes a quick sweep of Aqua Fingers to dislodge dirt or algae.

“And as a pool owner, I know how important it is to keep the water clean, inviting and easy to maintain.” n

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Damien Buonsanto with Bec Buonsanto

New automation technology making standard pumps variable

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n Australian water tech company is preparing to revolutionise how consumers use their pool pumps, thanks to a new device which uses electronics to turn a standard single-speed pump into a variable speed pump.

Nymet Innovation, a division of Nymet Australia, is now preparing to bring its new SplashMe automation controller to market, ready for the upcoming pool season.

The story of SplashMe started six years ago when electrical engineer Damien Buonsanto formed a partnership with mechanical engineer Peter Caretti, director of Nymet Australia.

Adelaide-based Nymet Australia has been running for 20 years, manufacturing solenoids to operate irrigation for residential, commercial and agricultural uses as well as related products such as air conditioning valves. The products are designed and built in Salisbury Plain, where they wind the solenoids, injection-mould their own plastic components and design the PCBs which are made overseas but assembled in the Adelaide facility.

Nymet Australia was already producing electronic water flow products, so it wasn’t too much of a leap to move into the swimming pool realm.

Together Buonsanto and Caretti developed the idea of a pool controller and the result is SplashMe. “Six years ago we got together,” says Buonsanto. “We’ve got a pool and Pete’s got a pool, and we realised there was nothing out there like this. So we came up with a prototype.

“We wanted to make a simple single-speed pump smart and create a brain to co-ordinate and automate multiple pieces of equipment.”

At the heart of the SplashMe unit is a single speed variable frequency drive (VFD) which can efficiently vary the speed of a standard single phase, single speed pump up to 2.2kW. Normal 240 volt AC power comes into the unit and once it is converted to DC using a rectifier, it charges a series of capacitors. The output is then switched 18,000 times per second to create a “chopped artificial sine wave” – the equivalent of one hertz. Then, using sinusoidal pulse width 30 SPLASH! Aug/Sep 2019

SplashMe comes with an app that can monitor a number of pools and also integrate with Pooltrackr data

modulation (SPWM) the wave is stretched to slow it down to whatever output is required.

“Air conditioners use this technology and we’ve implanted it into a pool control,” says Buonsanto. “So you just plug the SplashMe into a single speed pump and you’ve got a variable speed pump. And it’s true variable speed. Not just high/medium/low – it’s everything in between.

“So you can buy a really robust but more cost-effective single speed pump, and get the benefit of full variable speed operation. The whole point of it is to save money.”

Cubic pump law

Damien says that based on the cubic pump law, you can run it twice as long at half the speed, and get up to four times the savings.

“So if you’ve got a 400lpm pump and slow it down to 200lpm, you get half the flow, but using only an eighth of the power.”

He quotes figures that show the device applied to a 1.5kW pump. At 1484W they had a flow of 400lpm; then went down to 200lpm using only 276W. Then it is run twice as long to move the same volume of water, but using only 552W. “You connect this to your pump, do a pump calibration and enter your pool size,” he says. “And because we have a flow meter we know how much water is moving – then it tells you how long you’ve got to run your pump for. You’d don’t have to guess. We’ll give you an ideal summer schedule and an ideal winter one, based on number of turnovers you need.”

SplashMe comes with a series of on-board sensors including pH, ORP, a temperature sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, pressure sensor and an on-board flow meter. The device then triggers equipment to operate automatically to maintain user preferences entered via the app.

“It’s brand agnostic,” he says. “So you can link different brands of everything – so rather than having a smart chlorinator for example, SplashMe will operate your chlorinator when it’s required.”

SplashMe is operated via an app that owners can use to control the pool, and service technicians can use it to monitor a number of pools.

Additionally, technicians have the option of sharing the data with Pooltrackr in a fully integrated way.

Nymet has carried out a 50-unit field trial of the latest SplashMe units across Australia and New Zealand and are in the process of moving to a bigger facility as they ramp up production, ready for launching this season.

Contact: splashmepool.com.au n

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Industry convenes to focus on leadership ABOVE: Industry leaders came together to create the future TOP RIGHT: The rooftop welcome drinks was a great way to meet industry members from around the country

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he biennial SPASA Australia Leadership Convention was held in Adelaide this August, with industry members converging from around the country to discuss and consider the important issue of leadership in swimming pool and spa businesses.

The Leadership Convention is a one day program designed for current leaders looking to grow their businesses and for those looking to make leadership their vocation.

Delegates from around the country engaged with world class keynote speakers, beginning with Matt Church, who guided the audience on a journey of discovering positive tactics in creating work worth doing, cultures worth belonging to and leaders worth following.

Dave Staughton’s fun and interactive presentation was based on real sales experience and taught the essential strategies of successful sales leaders and how to build a high performance team to help businesses grow in a turbulent and disrupting market.

The final session for the day was delivered by Matina Jewell, an inspiring story of lessons in leadership from the frontlines of change, providing key takeaways in finding a way forward in highpressure situations and being the catalyst for teamwork, empowerment and cooperation.

The convention was bookended by two social events: the welcome drinks on the stunning rooftop terrace at Hennessey’s in the heart of Adelaide city; and the night of nights for the pool and spa industry, the National Awards of Excellence, of which there is more on page 36, including an interview with the winner of the National Pool of the Year 2019 on page 38.

Becoming a fulltime leader

The most powerful response from the delegates was for the two sessions conducted by Matt Church.

Church said it is interesting when you run your own business and your business delivers a specific service, because essentially as the leader of that business you’ve got three domains.

You’re a subject matter expert – so that’s the technical innovations and the actual work you do. But equally you’re a manager of others – you’ve got people who need to do things and you have to hold them accountable and keep a quality standard.

So what does leadership look like when one, you have a technical expertise that you’re delivering and two, you have a bunch of people you’re looking after? He said it’s about understanding that leadership is not something you can schedule in your diary to go and do; it’s not like you can say I’ve got one hour to go and be a leader, and you say, okay I’m being a leader now. It’s about who you’re being in the moments.

So you can have a technical expertise, you can do good management practises such as meetings and communication, but who you’re being as a leader can have the greatest leverage on the success of your business and the productivity of your team.

He talked about being in the business of encouragement, the power of one positive word, and what to do when times aren’t so good.

Playing an inspiring video of Steve Kerr, eight-time NBA champion (five titles as a player and three as coach of the Golden State Warriors), the audience saw Kerr praise his star player who was having a bad game,

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Closing keynote speaker Matina Jewell shared her experiences across her fifteen year career in the Australian Army where she led forces through

Our purpose-built, state of the art manufacturing facility is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.

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Leading in a crisis

43 years manufacturing experience

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One of the things that got Big Dave Staughton’s audience excited was when someone asked him to describe the biggest mistake he’d ever made in his businesses.

He said one thing that became clear was that as the boss he’d been playing a game called “guess what I’m thinking” – and that it’s a very common game, and he’s found lots of people doing the same thing.

“That’s where the staff don’t know what I’m thinking and every time I thought I’d told them something specifically and they did it wrong, they kind of got ‘slapped around’ by me.”

He said after reading The E-Myth by Michael Gerber he realised he needed to be clearer to his staff in letting them know what he really wanted.

“So I came up with some rules, and systems and processes and checklists, and it became much clearer that these were the expectations.

And we came up with a recruitment system, an induction system and a training system and a whole lot of things about how we go about processing the clients, and that was the biggest shift for me in order to make my businesses more successful.

“So make sure that you’re not playing the guessing game.”

He also told the story about when he was running a restaurant, needed a bartender and immediately hired a “walk-in”.

The new bartender started to work making trays of beautiful blue champagne cocktails. But when Staughton recalled they didn’t have any blue liqueur and checked, he found the new hire had made a tray of detergent cocktails, and Staughton was moments away from poisoning 30 people!

“What I discovered at that time was that the more effort you put into recruitment and induction, the less chance you’ll kill someone!”

Prior to that, he’d hire anyone who applied and unleash them on his customers, but he then realised that was not the strategy to be successful. Ultimately, Staughton became very successful, and he described many of the lessons he learned on the way.

We pride ourselves on developing relationships and offering support without interfering in how you run your business.

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Lessons in leadership

Are you interested in joining a growing network of successful Aqua Technics fibreglass pool dealerships?

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seemingly counter-intuitively, saying: “You’re the best in the world,” and “It’s hard out there – it’s supposed to be hard, otherwise everyone would be doing it.”

Church also talked about the growth mindset and the relationship between leadership and parenting, leading into action-oriented behaviour.

He also discussed the current shift from cognitive behaviour therapy to acceptance and commitment therapy.

Most importantly, he asked “How do you know you’re succeeding as a leader?”

The answer is: “When there is a growing number of leaders in your business.”

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Confidential enquiries can be directed to: Neville Fenton neville@aquatechnicspools.com.au 0412 654 399

aquatechnicspools.com.au

Aug/Sep 2019 SPLASH! 33

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ABOVE: Big Dave Staughton added humour and humility in describing his rise to the top RIGHT: Closing keynote speaker Matina Jewell was inspirational

a variety of global war zones and crisis situations, and also her time as a peacekeeper with the United Nations in Syria and Lebanon.

She drew out the underlying principles of leading in these environments that are applicable to businesses today, especially leading in crisis. She stressed the importance of communicating with your people, particularly when things aren’t going well, and building resilience in individuals, teams and entire organisations so that you can thrive – not just survive – in those difficult times ahead.

As a UN peacekeeper in disputed territory, she was thrown into one crisis situation following air strikes on a compound adjacent to hers. This meant she had to lead an evacuation convoy through the battle zone, with roads being bombed and options disappearing as they went. But she knew if she followed her training and made the best decisions she could under the circumstances, she would have the backing of her superiors, no matter how much worse things got.

And things did get worse, when she was severely injured on the road – but still had to continue leading the convoy.

It was an inspiring story of leadership literally under fire. n

Comments

“It was wonderful to be a part of the 2019 SPASA Convention. It presented a vital opportunity to catch up with industry friends, hear words of wisdom from worldclass speakers and see how our industry is continuing to evolve. As a SPASA board member and one of the few female CEOs working in the water disinfection industry, I am excited to be part of a team which is encouraging the pool and spa business to be more inclusive, innovative, professional and sustainable. By working together, we can all help each other attain greater success.”

Elena Gosse – AIS Water “It was a great perspective from three very different speakers, I really enjoyed it and will ensure to spend more time reading and encouraging my team rather than managing and working on the day-to-day.”

Jonas Ryberg – Fluidra “The leadership convention is a great place to reconnect and network with industry peers while drawing inspiration from the fantastic speaker line-up. I had a great time at the event, there were a lot of take-aways! Especially around being a great leader and finding that inspiration around how to best conquer challenges in both our personal and professional lives.”

Anthony Ramsay – Pool Systems

34 SPLASH! Aug/Sep 2019

“The biggest thing I took away from today was the power of the word, how you portray your thoughts and feelings to your team and how just a simple phrase, and how you interpret the result in front of you, changes people’s mindsets.”

Anita Zaplin – Summer Daze Pools & Inspections “From today, it’s definitely clear that change is imminent, it’s volatile, it’s unpredictable. In our businesses we need to be agile and fast in our evolution to keep up.”

Daniel Gibbs – Jagun Pools + Landscapes “I believe we get very operational in our businesses and with managing our staff. I think that just asking the question, rather than always posing the answer, is probably the biggest thing I’ve taken out of today.”

Rob Kruber – Spa Industries Global “Matt Church was thought-provoking and reminded us all that encouragement through leadership is the difference between good leaders and great leaders. It is so difficult in our busy days to take time out for ourselves. The SPASA Australia Leadership Convention is not only an opportunity to invest in ourselves and our businesses, but to also network in the industry and meet fantastic people.”

Lynley Papineau – Aquatic Leisure Technologies “We are proud to continue its support of the SPASA Women in Leadership program, which brought Matina Jewell to the convention. Women play a crucial role in our industry and they continue to make incredible contributions across all areas. In a historically male dominated industry we value and hold in high regard the current women leaders in our aquatics and pool industry and hope by sponsoring this program we’ll all help support more and more women to become leaders in the future.”

Dan Kwaczynski – Maytronics Australia “I found the SPASA Leadership Convention once again to be a phenomenal forum. Not just for mingling with old friends and colleagues, but to provide our leaders with informative, insightful and positive presentations from the three amazing guest speakers. All speakers were sensational yet again and it is encouraging to see so many members attend this wonderful event. Like the inaugural leadership convention, I personally took away many ideas which I know will help not only myself but my team become better leaders and better in business. Looking forward to seeing everyone at SPLASH! 2020 on the Gold Coast!”

Paul Simons – Lo-Chlor

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Australia’s best and brightest

lauded at national awards ABOVE: Splish Splash Pools won the Concrete Pools over $100k category

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he best of the best in Australia’s swimming pool and spa industry were celebrated at a gala event at the Hilton Adelaide hosted by SPASA Australia on August 2.

The National Awards of Excellence gala dinner saw accolades presented in 62 categories, recognising the remarkable achievements in creativity, innovation and service across the country.

Television personality Marianne van Dorslar acted as emcee for the evening.

A highlight of the evening and a popular treat for the attendees was a guest spot by popular “adopted Aussie” Arj Barker, who kept the laughs coming with his wry observations on Australian modern life. Live band the Cast completed the evening by getting everyone onto the dancefloor.

SPASA CEO Lindsay McGrath says vision was on show throughout the evening.

“Work is such a big part of everyone’s lives,” he says. “And the awards showed that great work comes from people who love what they do. These awards show that professionals chase a vision not the money.

Chase the vision to improve yourself and your offering – and the money follows.”

The major winners awards culminated in the major winners which were proudly presented to: • Pool of the Year – Urban Escape 36 SPLASH! Aug/Sep 2019

• Spa of the Year – Quality Dolphin Pools • Commercial Project of the Year – Suncatcher Pools • Retailer of the Year – Swimart Jindalee • Employee of the Year – Anita Zaplin of Summer Daze Pools & Inspections • Concrete Pool Builder of the Year – Environ Pools • Fibreglass Pool Builder of the Year – Rainwise Clearview • Supplier of the Year – Focus Products • Product of the Year – Sunbather

Darren Hawkins, owner of Rainwise Clearview was ecstatic with the win of Fibreglass Pool Builder of the Year.

“You have key moments in life, where you’ve got your original family, then you get married. That’s a key moment in life. Then you have children, another key moment in life. But this, this is right up there as one of the key moments in my life, along with my wife, my family and my team. This is the ultimate for us, after 12 years of really hard work, we couldn’t be prouder.”

The biggest award of the evening – Pool of the Year – was won by Urban Escape. There is more on the award winning project on page 38.

The award winners

Product of the Year: Gold: Sunbather; Highly Commended: Ascon Pool; Pentair Water Australia

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Education & Training Excellence Award: Gold: Clark Rubber Franchising; Highly Commended: Reece Irrigation & Pools Marketing Campaign Award: Gold: Poolwerx Highly Commended: Clark Rubber Franchising; Kreepy Krauly Sustainable Product Award: Gold: Sunbather; Highly Commended: Pentair Water Australia; Sunline Australia Vinyl Lined Modular Pool: Gold: Classic Pools; Highly Commended: Classic Pools; Driclad Pool Technology Portable Spa: Gold: Endless Spas; Highly Commended: Spa World Osborne Park Swim Spa: Gold: Placid Pools Concrete Pool up to $50,000: Gold: Queensland Family Pools; Highly Commended: Cloud 9 Pools; Quality Dolphin Pools Concrete Pool up to $100,000: Gold: Placid Pools; Highly Commended: Cronulla Pools; Elite Pool Constructions Concrete Pool over $100,000: Gold: Splish Splash Pools; Highly Commended: Elite Pool Constructions; Graziani Pools & Landscapes Fibreglass Pool up to $40,000: Gold: Rainwise Clearview; Highly Commended: Coastline Pools; Leisure Pools North Brisbane Fibreglass Pool up to $60,000: Gold: Horizon Pools; Highly Commended: Barrier Reef Pools; Port Lincoln Fibreglass Fibreglass Pool over $60,000: Gold: Compass Pools Melbourne; Highly Commended: Narellan Pools Central West & Blue Mountains; Riverscape Landscaping & Pools Freeform Pool up to $50,000: Gold: Placid Pools; Highly Commended: Freeform Pool up to $100,000: Gold: Placid Pools; Highly Commended: Suncatcher Pools Pool & Spa Combination Concrete: Gold: Urban Escape; Highly Commended: Blue Stone Pools; Elite Pool Constructions Pool & Spa Combination Fibreglass: Gold: Bombora Pools & Spas; Highly Commended: Barrier Reef Pools; Compass Pools Melbourne

Pool & Spa Combination Vinyl Lined: Gold: Unique Freeform Pools Vinyl Lined In-ground Pool: Gold: Albatross Pools; Highly Commended: Aqualon Interiors; Pleasure Pools Enclosed/Indoor Pool: Gold: Aloha Pools; Highly Commended: Adelaide Classic Pools; Local Pools & Spas Courtyard/Plunge Pool: Gold: Cronulla Pools; Highly Commended: Aloha Pools; North Shore Pools & Landscaping Lap Pool Concrete: Gold: The Waters Edge Pool Design & Landscaping; Highly Commended: Adept Pools; Icon Pools Lap Pool Fibreglass: Gold: Compass Pools Melbourne; Highly Commended: Coastline Pools; Freedom Pools Lap Pool Vinyl Lined: Gold: Unique Freeform Pools In-ground Spa: Gold: Quality Dolphin Pools; Highly Commended: Queensland Family Pools; Splish Splash Pools Renovation up to $25,000: Gold: Jagun Pools + Landscapes; Highly Commended: 37 South Pools; Adelaide Classic Pools

ABOVE: Rainwise Clearview won the Fibreglass up to $40k category BOTTOM LEFT: Placid Pools won the Swim Spa category BOTTOM RIGHT: Lindsay McGrath sported a unique outfit made from swimming pool linings and covers

Aug/Sep 2019 SPLASH! 37

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The Cast band got everyone moving

ABOVE: Arj Barker wowed the guests and had them in stitches

38 SPLASH! Aug/Sep 2019

Renovation over $25,000: Gold: KMD The Outdoor Construction Company; Highly Commended: Jubilee Pools & Landscapes; Neptune Pools Concrete Commercial Pool up to $250,000: Gold: Suncatcher Pools; Highly Commended: Imperial Pools Fibreglass Commercial Pool up to $250,000: Gold: Leisure Pools North Brisbane Vinyl Lined Commercial Pool up to $250,000: Gold: Aqualon Interiors; Highly Commended: Moonlight Pools Commercial Pool over $250,000: Gold: Surfside Pools Commercial; Highly Commended: Aloha Pools; Leader Pools

Commercial Spa: Gold: Surfside Pools Commercial; Highly Commended: Reflections Pool & Spa Care Commercial Renovation: Gold: Dean Thomas Pools; Highly Commended: Safeway Aquatic Services Display Pool/Centre: Gold: Barrier Reef Pools; Highly Commended: Burleigh Pools; Freedom Pools International Project: Gold: Waterforms International; Highly Commended: Aqualon Interiors Pool Landscape Design: Gold: 37 South Pools; Highly Commended: Mondo Landscapes; The Other Side Landscapes Innovative Project: Gold: Evo Industries Australia; Highly Commended: Elite Pool Constructions; Leader Pools Water Feature: Gold: Domain Pools & Landscapes; Highly Commended: Adelaide Classic Pools; Ezy Living Pools Lighting Feature: Gold: The Other Side Landscapes Sustainable Project: Gold: Laguna Pools; Highly Commended: Dunsborough Pool Design & Construct; Evo Industries Australia Best Safety Barrier: Gold: Tough Glass Worx; Highly Commended: Sunline Australia

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Best Pool Store: Gold: Prospect Pool & Spa; Highly Commended: Davison Pool & Spa Service; Poolwerx Briar Hill Best Spa Retailer: Gold: Just Spas Adelaide; Highly Commended: Endless Spas; Mega Spa Best Mobile Service: Gold: Flowtec Leak Detection; Highly Commended: Clark Rubber Enfield; Pristine Pool & Spa Service Concrete Pool Builder of the Year: Gold: Environ Pools; Highly Commended: Award Pools Group; Elite Pool Constructions Fibreglass Pool Builder of the Year: Gold: Rainwise Clearview; Highly Commended: Aquatic Leisure Technologies; Bombora Pools & Spas Supplier of the Year: Gold: Focus Products; Highly Commended: Europe Imports; Fluidra Best Pool & Spa Barrier Inspector: Gold: Anita Zaplin, Summer Daze Pools & Inspections; Highly Commended: Robert Guthrie, Certified Pool Retail Service Technician Award: Gold: Melissa McPherson, Poolwerx Wagga Wagga; Highly Commended: Don Thomson, Pool & Spa Mart Canning Bridge; Stephen Moore, Swimart Jindalee In-Field Service Technician Award: Gold: Paul Rojahn, Atlantis Pool Services; Highly Commended: Mark

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“Work is such a big part of everyone’s lives,” he says. “And the awards showed that great work comes from people who love what they do."

Beckett, Pristine Pool & Spa Service; Todd Jones, Prospect Pool & Spa Pool Sales Representative Award: Gold: Ross Starkey, Rainwise Clearview; Highly Commended: Chris Nicholls, Queensland Family Pools Supplier Salesperson Award: Gold: Mark Porter, Focus Products; Highly Commended: Kerstin Bottrell, Fluidra; Michael Kettewell, Blue Glass Pebble Company Rising Star Award: Gold: Alex Cronshaw, Australian Outdoor Living; Highly Commended: Rob Martin, Norfolk Pools Construction Tradesperson Award: Gold: Michael Barbour, Queensland Family Pools Operational Excellence Award: Gold: Steven Burton, Swimart Jindalee; Highly Commended: Cameron Hawkins, Fluidra; Emma Johnson, Laguna Pools SPASA Training Excellence Award: Gold: Corinne Brookhouse; Highly Commended: Amy Ahchay Commercial Project of the Year: Gold: Suncatcher Pools; Highly Commended: State Wide Pool Services Australia; Surfside Pools Commercial Employee of the Year: Gold: Anita Zaplin, Summer Daze Pools & Inspections; Highly Commended: Kerstin Bottrell, Fluidra; Todd Jones, Prospect Pool & Spa Pool of the Year: Gold: Urban Escape; Highly Commended: Blue Stone Pools; Laguna Pools Retailer of the Year: Gold: Swimart Jindalee; Highly Commended: Davison Pool & Spa Service; Prospect Pool & Spa Spa of the Year: Gold: Quality Dolphin Pools; Highly Commended: Placid Pools

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p 02 9624 8842 | f 02 9674 5115 e sales@lamottepacific.com www.lamottepacific.com Aug/Sep 2019 SPLASH! 39

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Urban Escape’s integrated design wins National Pool of the Year

ABOVE: This attractive, integrated design by Urban Escape was the winner of the SPASA Australia National Pool of the Year 2019

BOTTOM: Floating stepping stones and a glass-walled spa add a luxurious appeal to the design

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rban Escape owner Nick McCarthy says he is “over the moon” at winning the SPASA National Pool of the Year 2019.

“We were really proud of winning just the NSW award,” he says. “Then to get the national award – we were blown away –I thought the other entries were just stunning so we really weren’t expecting it.

“I’m so proud of this pool because the owners use it every day – they love it and really appreciate it. That means a lot on a business level and on a personal level. And getting an award like this is a great validation for our work.”

The pool and landscape was designed and built by Urban Escape on Sydney’s North Shore. The owners are a professional couple with teenage children, and the whole family gets great use from the pool.

“The father plays sport and likes to come back and soak in the spa afterwards,” says McCarthy. “The mother likes to swim laps and relax with friends, while the kids are always in the pool. It’s a real multi-use zone.”

He says the owners were fantastic clients who included all the suggested options in the design.

The 10 metre by four metre pool is fully tiled in glass mosaics, has an internal glass spa and “floating” stepping stones.

It is also completely automated, has infloor cleaning, colour changing lights, a water feature, and both gas heating and solar heating. Additionally, it includes two multi-speed pumps – one for the pool and one for the water feature – and a rainwater tank for topping up the pool and watering the extensive garden through an integrated irrigation system.

Partnership of pool and landscape

Initially the owners contacted Urban Escape to look at a landscape design including a pool, garden, outdoor kitchen and outdoor entertaining areas.

“When they saw what was possible, they trusted us to come up with a design solution for their block and property,” he says.

“The top priority was to make sure the pool was integrated into the landscape – and coming from a landscape design point of view, I wanted to make sure it was not only functional but was aesthetically pleasing as well.”

Because of a couple of large trees on the site, the location was limited, but by having it close to the entertainment area it tied the pool and the home together.

“There’s a focus on the spa area as it’s close to the outdoor living areas of the house, so we wanted it to still be a part of that area even though there was a 40 SPLASH! Aug/Sep 2019

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ABOVE: Urban Escape’s Nick McCarthy (right) receiving the award from Pentair’s Queensland sales manager Tony Ford

BOTTOM: McCarthy believes a swimming pool should become a large water feature when not in use

glass fence between it and the garden.

The aim was also to be able to enjoy looking at it when it’s not in use.

“That’s the way I see pools in general, that they’re large water features when not in use.”

For this project Urban Escape did everything – consultation, council approval, pool construction and landscaping. Even the garden maintenance is carried out by McCarthy’s other business, Urban Form Landscape Management.

Holding a science degree in horticulture and landscape design, McCarthy started Urban Escape 23 years ago. Initially it was solely a landscaping concern, but over the years they started doing pool renovations, eventually graduating to full new constructions – usually as part of a landscape job.

McCarthy’s move into pool construction came from a desire to ensure the swimming pools became an integrated part of the landscape and garden.

“There was a tendency to put pools just where the client said, without thinking it through, or even to just put it where it was easiest for the builder, rather than best for the outcome.

“That’s essentially why I got into building pools – so I could be sure our pool was put in the best location to work – sometimes an architect just draws a rectangle and that’s it.

A swimming pool is a big item and needs to be integrated and thought through so it works with the landscape.”

He says it was a natural progression for the business and he is very pleased they expanded into the pool industry.

“I love it. I really enjoy what I do – especially at times like this when there’s some validation for your work and effort.”

He says balanced integration of pools into the landscape is not only good for the pool owners, but it’s good for the industry as well, because the clients get much more from their purchase.

“I think the two industries should really co-exist and they need to feed off each other as well. Pool builders need the landscapers to come in and make the area above the water shine, while the landscape guys need pools – they’re a big item.

“Over my time in the industry I’ve noticed the customer mindset has changed too, with customers seeing value in putting money into the landscaping, and seeing the pool as more a part of the garden.”

He says that as a one stop shop they get a lot of work because the clients like to see one company handle the whole process, and they will keep moving forward with the existing balance between landscape construction and swimming pools.

“We’ll just keep doing what we’re doing, and if more awards come our way, that will be the icing on the cake.”

Contact: www.urbanescape.com.au Bringing the garden, home and pool into one integrated space is the key to the winning design

Aug/Sep 2019 SPLASH! 41

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New South Wales and ACT Awards

of Excellence ABOVE: Freeform Pool up to $100,000 winner, Suncatcher Pools RIGHT: Commercial Pool over $250,000, Leader Pools BELOW: Courtyard/ Plunge Pool winner, Cronulla Pools OPPOSITE PAGE: Awards Pools Group won Concrete Pool Builder of the Year

T

he NSW/ACT Awards of Excellence were held in June at the Westin Sydney, with Urban Escape taking out the coveted NSW/ACT Pool of the Year accolade. Urban Escape went on to win the National Pool of the Year Award – see page 38.

Representatives from all sectors of the industry gathered to celebrate the acknowledgement of their peers and witness their achievements in construction, innovation and professionalism.

Members and guests were entertained by the energetic and fiery antics of the Stunt Dance Crew and boogied the night away to the amazing Atomic Band.

Aaron Hayes, the NSW sales manager of Fluidra says it is a considerable privilege for Fluidra to partner with SPASA Australia as Platinum Sponsor.

“It is imperative for companies like ours to get behind the association, to help ensure we are all heading in the same direction,” he says. “The evening was unbelievable, with a fantastic turnout and lots of new faces compared to previous years. This shows we are moving in the right direction and providing the support that members are looking for.”

The major winners were:

Concrete Pool Builder of the Year – Award Pools Group Fibreglass Pool Builder of the Year – Bombora Pools & Spas Commercial Project of the Year – Suncatcher Pools Pool of the Year – Urban Escape Retailer of the Year – Davison Pool & Spa Service Employee of the Year – Mark Beckett 42 SPLASH! Aug/Sep 2019

Supplier of the Year – Europe Imports Product of the Year – Pentair Water Australia

Award winners

Product of the Year: Gold: Pentair Water Australia; Highly Commended: Sunbather; Waterco Limited Education & Training Excellence Award: Gold: Clark Rubber Franchising Marketing Campaign Award: Gold: Clark Rubber Franchising; Highly Commended: Sunbather Sustainable Product Award: Gold: Sunbather; Highly Commended: Pentair Water Australia; Sunbather Concrete Pool up to $50,000: Gold: Cloud 9 Pools; Highly Commended: Dynamic Pool Designs; Coastline Pools

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Concrete Pool up to $100,000: Gold: Cronulla Pools; Highly Commended: Coastline Pools; Concept Pools Australia Concrete Pool over $100,000: Gold: Splish Splash Pools; Highly Commended: The Other Side Landscapes; Dynamic Pool Designs Fibreglass Pool up to $40,000: Gold: Coastline Pools; Highly Commended: Local Pools & Spas; Coastline Pools Fibreglass Pool up to $60,000: Gold: Mark Pollard Pools & Outdoor Designs; Highly Commended: Local Pools & Spas; Bombora Pools & Spas Fibreglass Pool over $60,000: Gold: Narellan Pools Central West & Blue Mountains; Highly Commended: Capital Fibreglass Pools; Narellan Pools Central West & Blue Mountains

“This shows we are moving in the right direction and providing the support that members are looking for.”

Freeform Pool up to $100,000: Gold: Suncatcher Pools; Highly Commended: Adept Pools Pool & Spa Combination - Concrete: Gold: Urban Escape; Highly Commended: Splish Splash Pools; Leader Pools Pool & Spa Combination – Fibreglass: Gold: Bombora Pools & Spas; Highly Commended: Swimspaplungepool; Local Pools & Spas Enclosed/Indoor Pool: Gold: Local Pools & Spas; Highly Commended: Jade Swimming Pools; Narellan Pools Central West & Blue Mountains Courtyard/Plunge Pool: Gold: Cronulla Pools; Highly Commended: Award Pools Group; Senator Pools Lap Pool – Concrete: Gold: Adept Pools; Highly Commended: Leader Pools; Adept Pools

Aug/Sep 2019 SPLASH! 43

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ABOVE: The International Project was won by Waterforms International

44 SPLASH! Aug/Sep 2019

Lap Pool – Fibreglass: Gold: Coastline Pools; Highly Commended: Local Pools & Spas In-ground Spa: Gold: Splish Splash Pools; Highly Commended: Leader Pools; Senator Pools Renovation up to $25,000: Gold: Aquastone Pools & Landscapes Renovation over $25,000: Gold: KMD The Outdoor Construction Company; Highly Commended: Aquastone Pools & Landscapes; Outside Signatures

Concrete Commercial Pool up to $250,000: Gold: Suncatcher Pools Commercial Pool over $250,000: Gold: Leader Pools Display Pool/Centre: Gold: Mark Pollard Pools & Outdoor Designs; Highly Commended: Freedom Pools; The Other Side Landscapes International Project: Gold: Waterforms International Pool Landscape Design: Gold: The Other Side Landscapes; Highly Commended: Award Pools Group; Urban Escape Innovative Project: Gold: Leader Pools; Highly Commended: Splish Splash Pools; Valente Dolphin Pools Water Feature: Gold: Leader Pools; Highly Commended: Award Pools Group; The Other Side Landscapes Lighting Feature: Gold: The Other Side Landscapes; Highly Commended: Leader Pools Sustainable Project: Gold: Leader Pools; Highly Commended: The Other Side Landscapes; Jade Swimming Pools

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Best Pool Store: Gold: Davison Pool & Spa Service; Highly Commended: Clark Rubber Dubbo Best Mobile Service Business: Gold: Pristine Pool & Spa Service; Highly Commended: Davison Pool & Spa Service; Jims Pool Care Shellharbour Concrete Pool Builder of the Year: Gold: Award Pools Group Fibreglass Pool Builder of the Year: Gold: Bombora Pools & Spas; Highly Commended: Capital Fibreglass Pools Supplier of the Year: Gold: Europe Imports; Highly Commended: Focus Products; Reece Irrigation & Pools Best Pool & Spa Barrier Inspector: Gold: Robert Guthrie - Certified Pool; Highly Commended: Garth Jackson - Triton Pool & Spa Inspections Retail Service Technician Award: Gold: Melissa McPherson - Poolwerx Wagga Wagga; Highly Commended: Danny Sinkovic - Clark Rubber Kotara In-Field Service Technician Award: Gold: Adam Camilleri - Pristine Pool & Spa Service; Highly Commended: Chris Newman - Jims Pool Care Shellharbour; Graham Cheney - Poolwerx Wagga Wagga Supplier Salesperson Award:

Highly Commended: Mark Porter - Focus Products SPASA Training Excellence Award: Gold: Corinne Brookhouse Commercial Project of the Year Gold: Suncatcher Pools Employee of the Year: Gold: Adam Camilleri - Pristine Pool & Spa Service Pool of the Year: Gold: Urban Escape Retailer of the Year: Gold: Davison Pool & Spa Service

ABOVE: Davison Pool & Spa Service won Pool Store of the Year

IA g R vin TO o 19 C M 0 VI fice ly 2 f u O J

1300 498 819 info@spa-craft.com.au www.spa-craft.com.au Head Office: 20 Curtis Road, Mulgrave NSW 2756

VIC Branch: 39B Rimfire Drive, Hallam VIC 3803

Aug/Sep 2019 SPLASH! 45 Spacraft_HPH_JJ19.indd 1

14/06/2019 10:50 AM

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Queensland Awards

of Excellence T

ABOVE: Concrete up to $100k winner, Placid Pools

MIDDLE RIGHT: Fibreglass up to $60k winner, Leisure Pools North Brisbane BOTTOM RIGHT: Freeform up to $100k winner, Placid Pools

he Queensland Awards of Excellence were held in June, celebrating creativity, innovation and excellent service from the Queensland members of SPASA Australia. Representatives from all sectors of the industry gathered to celebrate and acknowledge their peers at the Westin Brisbane.

Guests were entertained by comic Joel Salom, and danced the night away with the Elevation Band.

“It is great to share in such a fantastic celebration of industry success,” says SPASA CEO Lindsay McGrath. “This year’s winners which are featured on our dedicated Awards website and in our marketing, will provide inspiration and guidance to the researching consumer on the latest in innovation, skills and professionalism our members have to offer.”

The major winners were:

• Concrete Pool Builder of the Year: Environ Pools • Fibreglass Pool Builder of the Year: Leisure Pools North Brisbane • C ommercial Project of the Year: Surfside Pools Commercial • Retailer of the Year: Swimart Jindalee • Spa of the Year: Placid Pools • Supplier of the Year: Focus Products • Product of the Year: Ascon Pool

Award winners

Product of the Year: Gold: Ascon Pool; Highly Commended: Sunbather; Waterco Limited 46 SPLASH! Aug/Sep 2019

Education & Training Excellence Award: Gold: Clark Rubber Franchising; Highly Commended: Poowerx Marketing Campaign Award: Gold: Poolwerx; Highly Commended: Clark Rubber Franchising; Sunbather Sustainable Product Award: Gold: Sunbather; Highly Commended: Waterco Limited; Sunbather Vinyl Lined Modular Pool: Gold: Classic Pools; Highly Commended: Classic Pools; Classic Pools Swim Spa: Gold: Placid Pools Concrete Pool up to $50,000: Gold: Queensland Family Pools; Highly Commended: Norfolk Pools Concrete Pool up to $100,000: Gold: Placid Pools; Highly Commended: Environ Pools; Ezy Living Pools Concrete Pool over $100,000: Highly Commended: Queensland Family Pools; Summer Daze Pools & Inspections Fibreglass Pool up to $40,000: Gold: Leisure Pools North Brisbane; Highly Commended: Freedom Pools; Leisure Pools North Brisbane Fibreglass Pool up to $60,000: Gold: Leisure Pools North Brisbane Fibreglass Pool over $60,000: Gold: Leisure Pools North Brisbane Freeform Pool up to $50,000: Gold: Placid Pools; Highly Commended: Burleigh Pools; Queensland Family Pools

2018-SPLASH-IRIS A4 1HALF-20180606.pdf 1 6/06/2018 10:12:43 AM

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Freeform Pool up to $100,000: Gold: Placid Pools; Highly Commended: Leisure Pools North Brisbane Pool & Spa Combination - Concrete: Gold: Queensland Family Pools; Highly Commended: Queensland Family Pools Pool & Spa Combination - Fibreglass: Gold: Leisure Pools North Brisbane Vinyl Lined In-ground Pool: Gold: Aqualon Interiors; Highly Commended: Aqualon Interiors; Aqualon Interiors Courtyard/Plunge Pool: Highly Commended: Brisbane Prestige Plunge Pools; Queensland Family Pools Lap Pool - Concrete: Gold: Environ Pools; Highly Commended: Queensland Family Pools In-ground Spa: Gold: Queensland Family Pools; Highly Commended: Ezy Living Pools; Highly Commended: Queensland Family Pools Renovation up to $25,000: Gold: Jagun Pools + Landscapes; Highly Commended: Aqualon Interiors Renovation over $25,000: Gold: Jagun Pools + Landscapes; Highly Commended: Aqualon Interiors; Aqualon Interiors Fibreglass Commercial Pool up to $250,000: Gold: Leisure Pools North Brisbane Vinyl Lined Commercial Pool up to $250,000: C Gold: Aqualon Interiors M Commercial Pool over $250,000: Gold: Surfside Pools Commercial; Highly Commended: Surfside Y Pools Commercial CM Commercial Spa: Gold: Surfside Pools Commercial MY Commercial Renovation: CY Gold: Dean Thomas Pools; CMY Highly Commended: Aqualon Interiors K Display Pool/Centre: Gold: Burleigh Pools International Project: Gold: Aqualon Interiors Pool Landscape Design: Highly Commended: Noble Pools;

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PLUS Premium handset design Long Range RF Plug & Play installation Suitable for new & existing pools

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Aug/Sep 2019 SPLASH! 47

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ABOVE: Vinyl-lined in-ground pool winner, Aqualon Interiors

Innovative Project: Gold: Evo Industries Australia; Highly Commended: Rikell Pool Automation Solutions Water Feature: Gold: Ezy Living Pools; Highly Commended: Placid Pools; Queensland Family Pools Lighting Feature: Highly Commended: Queensland Family Pools Sustainable Project: Gold: Evo Industries Australia; Highly Commended: Evo Industries Australia Best Pool Store: Gold: Swimart Jindalee; Highly Commended: Clark Rubber Rockhampton; Warner Pool & Spa Care Best Mobile Service Business: Gold: Reliable Pool Care; Highly Commended:

Aqualon Interiors; Jim’s Pool Care North Brisbane Concrete Pool Builder of the Year: Gold: Environ Pools; Highly Commended: Norfolk Pools; Queensland Family Pools Fibreglass Pool Builder of the Year: Gold: Leisure Pools North Brisbane Supplier of the Year: Gold: Focus Products; Highly Commended: Blue Glass Pebble Company; Reece Irrigation & Pools Best Pool & Spa Barrier Inspector: Gold: Anita Zaplin - Summer Daze Pools & Inspections; Highly Commended: Mitchell Rowing - Reliable Pool Care; Nick Robson - Robson’s Pool Safety Inspections Retail Service Technician Award: Gold: Stephen Moore - Swimart Jindalee; Highly Commended: Joe Hendren - Warner Pool & Spa Care; Kylie Rojahn - Atlantis Pool Services In-Field Service Technician Award: Gold: Paul Rojahn - Atlantis Pool Services; Highly Commended: Chris Trevean - Jim’s Pool Care Camp Hill; Mitchell Rowing - Reliable Pool Care Pool Sales Representative Award: Gold: Chris Nicholls - Queensland Family Pools; Highly Commended: Danica Vansleve - Norfolk Pools; Geoff Smith - Brisbane Prestige Plunge Pools

Become a SPASA Australia Member and get free

People Matters Advice is a telephone and email advisory service that gives employers direct access to experts in the areas of: ∙ Human Resources ∙ Workers Compensation ∙ Safety & Wellbeing Normally this service would cost employers hundreds of dollars, but is free to SPASA Australia Members as part of their membership!

Join SPASA Australia today and enjoy this and many other great membership benefits.

Call 1300 021 482 or email askus@spasa.com.au

Call 1300 021 482 or email askus@spasa.com.au 48 SPLASH! Aug/Sep 2019

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Supplier Salesperson Award: Gold: Michael Kettewell - Blue Glass Pebble Company; Highly Commended: Michelle Norris - Focus Products Rising Star Award: Gold: Rob Martin - Norfolk Pools; Gold: Andrew Thompson - Reliable Pool Care Construction Tradesperson Award: Gold: Michael Barbour - Queensland Family Pools; Highly Commended: Mark Chapman - Environ Pools; Terry Nicholls - Queensland Family Pools Operational Excellence Award: Gold: Steven Burton - Swimart Jindalee; Highly Commended: Amy Smith - Brisbane Prestige Plunge Pools; Lee Gibson - Blue Glass Pebble Company SPASA Training Excellence Award: Gold: Amy Ahchay; Highly Commended: Darren Liptrott Employee of the Year: Gold: Anita Zaplin - Summer Daze Pools & Inspections Spa of the Year: Gold: Placid Pools Commercial Project of the Year: Gold: Surfside Pools Commercial Retailer of the Year: Gold: Swimart Jindalee

TOP: Renovation up to $25,000 winner, Jagun Pools + Landscapes LEFT: Commercial Pool over $250k winner, Surfside Pools Commercial

Aug/Sep 2019 SPLASH! 49

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South Australian Awards

of Excellence ABOVE: Pool of the Year

by Adelaide Classic Pools BELOW: Fibreglass over $60k winner, Riverscape Landscaping and Pools TOP RIGHT: Concrete Pool and Spa Combination winner, Elite Pool Constructions

S

outh Australian members and guests of SPASA gathered at the newly refurbished Adelaide Oval in June to celebrate the winners of the Awards of Excellence. Outstanding achievement was acknowledged across all sectors of the industry and guests were entertained by Katie Wright’s hilarious circus act, and afterward partied to the sounds of the Pulse Band.

Julie Stroud, national sales manager for Pentair Australia says that as platinum sponsor for 2019, it was a pleasure to attend the event.

“It was wonderful to see everyone in South Australia enjoying the industry and winning their awards and it was really exciting to be a part of such a great night,” she says.

The presentation of the awards was delivered

by SPASA COO, Spiros Dassakis and SPASA communication manager, Suzie Kent culminating in the celebration of the major winners: •C oncrete Pool Builder of the Year: Elite Pool Constructions • Fibreglass Pool Builder of the Year: Rainwise Clearview • Commercial Project of the Year: State Wide Pool Services Australia • Pool of the Year: Adelaide Classic Pools • Retailer of the Year: Prospect Pool + Spa • Employee of the Year: Todd Jones • Supplier of the Year: Fluidra • Product of the Year: Sunbather

50 SPLASH! Aug/Sep 2019

Todd Jones, manager of Prospect Pool + Spa, is delighted by the dual wins, saying it was an absolutely amazing night.

“Thank you very much to the SPASA team for all of your hard work. I’m blown away by our success tonight and we’ve had a great time celebrating with a terrific crew of people here in Adelaide,” he says.

Award winners

Product of the Year: Gold: Sunbather; Highly Commended: Ascon Pool; Waterco Limited Education & Training Excellence Award: Gold: Clark Rubber Franchising

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Marketing Campaign Award: Gold: Australian Outdoor Living; Highly Commended: Clark Rubber Franchising Sustainable Product Award: Gold: Sunbather; Highly Commended: Pentair Water Australia; Sunbather Vinyl Lined Modular Pool: Gold: Classic Pools; Highly Commended: Complete Pools SA; Classic Pools Concrete Pool up to $50,000: Gold: Australian Outdoor Living Concrete Pool up to $100,000: Gold: Elite Pool Constructions; Highly Commended: Australian Outdoor Living; Elite Pool Constructions Concrete Pool over $100,000: Gold: Elite Pool Constructions; Highly Commended: Elite Pool Constructions; Elite Pool Constructions Fibreglass Pool up to $40,000: Gold: Rainwise Clearview; Highly Commended: Everclear Pool Solutions; Australian Outdoor Living Fibreglass Pool up to $60,000: Gold: Port Lincoln Fibreglass; Highly Commended: Creative Pools & Landscaping; Freedom Pools Fibreglass Pool over $60,000: Gold: Riverscape Landscaping & Pools; Highly Commended: Freedom Pools Pool & Spa Combination - Concrete: Gold: Elite Pool Constructions; Highly Commended: Australian Outdoor Living; Elite Pool Constructions Pool & Spa Combination - Fibreglass: Gold: Freedom Pools; Highly Commended: Australian Outdoor Living; Freedom Pools Vinyl Lined In-ground Pool: Gold: Pleasure Pools Enclosed/Indoor Pool: Gold: Adelaide Classic Pools Courtyard/Plunge Pool: Gold: Elite Pool Constructions; Highly Commended: Elite Pool Constructions Lap Pool - Fibreglass: Gold: Freedom Pools; Highly Commended: Australian Outdoor Living Renovation up to $25,000: Gold: Adelaide Classic Pools Renovation over $25,000: Gold: Adelaide Classic Pools; Highly Commended: Pleasure Pools Commercial Pool over $250,000: Gold: State Wide Pool Services Australia; Highly Commended: South Pacific Pools; State Wide Pool Services Australia Display Pool/Centre: Gold: Freedom Pools Aug/Sep 2019 SPLASH! 51

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ABOVE: Best Water Feature, Adelaide Classic Pools

BOTTOM RIGHT: Fibreglass Pool and Spa Combination winner, Freedom Pools BELOW: Commercial Pool over $250,000 winner, State Wide Pool Services Australia

52 SPLASH! Aug/Sep 2019

Pool Landscape Design: Gold: Elite Pool Constructions; Highly Commended: Creative Pools & Landscaping; Riverscape Landscaping & Pools Innovative Project: Gold: Elite Pool Constructions; Highly Commended: Elite Pool Constructions Water Feature: Gold: Adelaide Classic Pools; Highly Commended: Rainwise Clearview; Freedom Pools Best Pool Store: Gold: Prospect Pool & Spa; Highly Commended: Poolwerx Somerton Park; Everclear Pool Solutions Best Spa Retailer: Gold: Just Spas Adelaide Best Mobile Service Business: Gold: Clark Rubber Enfield; Highly Commended: Prospect Pool & Spa Concrete Pool Builder of the Year: Gold: Elite Pool Constructions Fibreglass Pool Builder of the Year: Gold: Rainwise Clearview; Highly Commended: Australian Outdoor Living; Freedom Pools

Supplier of the Year: Gold: Fluidra; Highly Commended: Reece Irrigation & Pools; Focus Products Retail Service Technician Award: Gold: Tim Cain - Rainwise Clearview; Highly Commended: Caleb Birch - Clark Rubber Enfield; Marc Piteo - Advanced Pools In-Field Service Technician Award: Gold: Todd Jones - Prospect Pool & Spa; Highly Commended: Karl Piteo - Advanced Pools; James Lunnay – Jim’s Pool Care West Lakes Pool Sales Representative Award: Gold: Ross Starkey – Rainwise Clearview Rising Star Award: Gold: Alex Cronshaw – Australian Outdoor Living Operational Excellence Award: Gold: Cameron Hawkins – Fluidra Commercial Project of the Year: Gold: State Wide Pool Services Australia Employee of the Year: Gold: Todd Jones – Prospect Pool & Spa Pool of the Year: Gold: Adelaide Classic Pools Retailer of the Year: Gold: Prospect Pool & Spa

Thank you to our generous Sponsors and Partners

PLATINUM Sponsors

The Awards of Excellence is designed to promote the ownership of pools and spas and to showcase the best in the industry.

The regional and national awards, Choosing Your Pool & Spa magazine and ongoing annual promotions through digital marketing and consumer shows are all made possible by the valuable contribution of our sponsors and partners.

Consider your next purchase

GOLD Sponsor

These companies dedicate a significant investment towards marketing to future pool and spa owners.

SPASA encourages all industry participants to support the brands that are a part of the growth of our community of professionals.

visit spasa.com.au to view the full complement of 2019 award winners contact us: P 1300 021 482 E askus@spasa.com.au

We wo uld lik e to tha n k a l l of ou r ge n e r ou s s pon s or s

ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR

RF COMPOSITES PTY LTD

WELCOME DRINKS SPONSOR

MAJOR SPONSOR

irrigation & pools GOLD SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSOR

Rheem

THERMAL SYSTEMS GROUP

BRONZE SPONSOR

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Western Australian Awards

of Excellence

ABOVE: WA Pool of the Year by Blue Stone Pools

T

he WA Awards of Excellence were held recently at the Crown Towers Perth, with Blue Stone Pools taking out the coveted WA Pool of the Year accolade.

The main winners are:

Pool of the Year – Blue Stone Pools

Pool Shop of the Year, The Pool Shop, Floreat RIGHT:The pool of the year is tiled in glass mosaics to reflect the water colour of the river

Zorzi Homes designed and built a luxury Mount Pleasant residence high on the river escarpment with City and river views. The brief was to create a pool that took advantage of these views and truly reflected a lifestyle feel, flowing seamlessly from the alfresco areas. Suspending the pool above the lower basement level allowed for elevated views from the pool deck area, leading into the main pool, the relaxing spa and a wading area for children. The pool is tiled in glass mosaics to reflect the water colour of the river.

Fibreglass Pool Builder of the Year – Aquatic Leisure Technologies

Aquatic Leisure Technologies have had many achievements over the years, the most notable being the patenting of their Pool Colour Guard technology and the construction of their state of the art production facility in Jandakot. Management and staff strive to exceed customer expectations as they understand that customer service and communication is crucial to the survival of a large business. The company has in place a continuous improvement reporting process to aid in problem solving and avoid issues before they occur. The ALT team receives training in many areas ensuring technical knowledge is up to scratch. ALT has 10 display centres in the Perth metro area showcasing

Concrete Pool Builder of the Year – Imperial Pools

Imperial Pools has achieved significant business growth since the recent re-launch of the company, embracing new technologies and ensuring staff receive all relevant training so that someone is always available with the required technical knowledge. Their commitment to excellent customer service and communications is clearly appreciated by their clients. The team has shown exceptional problem solving skills on some of their recent projects ensuring that deadlines were met and clients were not inconvenienced. Imperial Pools has demonstrated that it exceeds the criteria and is a worthy winner of the Concrete Pool Builder of the Year award.

Aug/Sep 2019 SPLASH! 55

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ABOVE: The winning pool takes advantage of the city and river views RIGHT: Pool Landscape Design of the Year (over $60,000) by Mondo Landscapes BOTTOM RIGHT: Fibreglass Pool Builder of the Year, Aquatic Leisure Technologies

their products, along with continuous advertising and promotional campaigns.

Pool Shop of the Year – The Pool Shop – Floreat

The Pool Shop Floreat opened in 2015 and has steadily grown its client base over four years. The staff pride themselves on providing an accurate water testing service and advising customers on suitable products.

The shop is equipped with dual water analysis stations allowing multiple customers to be served. The Pool Shop Floreat is a worthy recipient of the 2019 Pool Shop of the Year.

Product of the Year- Sunline Aquavent Pool Blanket

materials and finishes were incorporated into the design throughout the space to achieve this unique urban resort style landscape. Plants were selected for their form, texture and mature size, also taking into account waterwise capabilities and minimal leaf drop.

Award winners

Pool of the Year – Blue Stone Pools Concrete Pool Builder of the Year – Imperial Pools Fibreglass Pool Builder of the Year – Aquatic Leisure Technologies Pool Shop of the Year – The Pool Shop – Floreat Product of the Year- Sunline Aquavent Pool Blanket Pool Landscape Design of the Year – over $60,000 – Mondo Landscapes Residential Concrete Pool - $50,000 to $100,000 – Boardwalk Pools Residential Concrete Pool - over $100,000 – Graziani Pools & Landscape Residential Fibreglass Pool - up to $40,000 – Barrier Reef Pools Residential Fibreglass Pool - $40,000 to $60,000 – Barrier Reef Pools Residential Fibreglass Pool - over $60,000 – Barrier Reef Pools Residential Vinyl Lined In-Ground Pool – Unique Freeform Pools Residential Pre-Engineered Vinyl Lined Pool – Classic Pools Lap Pool – Concrete – The Water’s Edge Pool Design & Landscaping Lap Pool - Fibreglass – Barrier Reef Pools Lap Pool - Vinyl Lined – Unique Freeform Pools Residential Spa - Concrete – Quality Dolphin Pools Residential Pre-Engineered In-Ground Spa – Spa World

The Aquavent Breathable Solar Blanket The company has in place a continuous has a cell improvement reporting process to aid design which has changed in problem solving and avoid issues the way before they occur. sanitised water interacts with all pool and equipment surfaces it comes into contact with by releasing excess chlorine to prevent chemical build up. In doing so, the pool blanket still retains warmth, heats pool water, and reduces evaporation by up to 97 per cent while venting excess chemicals. The former is achieved by the patented sloped vented cell technology allowing a pool to breathe.

Pool Landscape Design of the Year – over $60,000 – Mondo Landscapes

This space is effectively one giant pool zone so it was important for areas to flow. A range of high quality 56 SPLASH! Aug/Sep 2019

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Best Water Feature – Quality Dolphin Pools Residential Courtyard or Plunge Pool 2019 – North Shore Pools & Landscaping Residential Pool & Spa Combination - Concrete – Blue Stone Pools Residential Pool Spa Combination - Fibreglass – Barrier Reef Pools Residential Pool Spa Combination - Vinyl Lined – Unique Freeform Pools Commercial Pool - over $250,000 – Imperial Pools Commercial Pool Concrete - up to $250,000 – Imperial Pools Commercial Pool Vinyl Lined - up to $250,000 – Moonlight Pools Commercial Concrete Spa 2019 – Reflections Pool & Spa Care Secondhand Pool – Bay Pools & Spas Best Safety Barrier – Sunline Australia Innovative Pool or Spa – Quality Dolphin Pools Renovation Residential - up to $25,000 – The Concrete Pool Company Renovation Residential - over $25,000 – Jubilee Pools & Landscapes Commercial Renovation – Safeway Aquatic Services Pool Landscape Design of the Year - up to $60,000 – Mondo Landscapes Pool Landscape Design of the Year - over $60,000 – Mondo Landscapes Supplier of the Year – Agent Sales & Services Display Pool or Centre – Barrier Reef Pools Pool Shop of the Year – The Pool Shop Floreat Product of the Year – Sunline Australia Sustainable Product of the Year – Sunline Australia Sustainable Project of the Year – Dunsborough Pools Design & Construct Marketing Campaign of the Year – Kreepy Krauly Education & Training Excellence Award – Reece Irrigation & Pools Pool & Spa Service Business of the Year – Wanneroo Pool Services Spa Retailer of the Year – Mega Spa Pool & Spa Service Technician of the Year – Andrew Morrison – Pool Assist & Pool Time Retail Salesperson of the Year – Don Thomson – Pool & Spa Mart Canning Bridge Supplier Representative of the Year – Kerstin Bottrell

NATIONAL AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Aug/Sep 2019 SPLASH! 57

2019 Remco Pool of the Year Winner - Laguna Pools

9

With over 440 industry stakeholders in attendance, the SPASA Victoria Awards of Excellence Gala night is the largest industry event of its kind in Australia and the most anticipated industry event on the Victorian calendar.

A total of 39 Awards of Excellence categories made up the SPASA Victoria Awards of Excellence program, including major awards - Product of the Year, Spa of the Year and Remco Pool of the Year.

The 2019 Remco Pool of the Year was awarded to Laguna Pools, the 2019 Spa of the Year Award was awarded to Out From The Blue and the 2019 Product of the Year went to Sunbather for their CoolPv product.

CEO of SPASA Victoria, Chris Samartzis said, “This year’s high number of award entrants again demonstrates excellence across the board and proves

Platinum Sponsors

that SPASA Victoria members are true leaders within the national industry.

Our high award entry numbers show healthy competition amongst our most passionate and talented members.”

“The Victorian pool and spa association represents a very mature industry which has evolved over the past 60 years to become truly world class. The innovation and sheer ‘wow factor’ present in Victorian backyards exceeds much of what is celebrated in Europe and America. There’s never been a better time to invest in a pool or spa,” Mr Samartzis said.

With images of the best pools and spas in Victoria on prominent display around the prestigious Melbourne Room, guests were treated to superb food and entertainment which led to a night enjoyed by all.

SPASA Victoria 2019 Awards of Excellence Category Sponsors:

irrigation & pools

PMS 660C

Congratulations to all 2019 Awards of Excellence entrants and winners.

PMS 123U

2019 Product of the Year Award Sponsored by Reece Irrigation & Pools

Best Innovative Pool or Spa Sponsored by Hayward Pool Products

Aqua Dreamz

Sunbather - CoolPv

Gold Winners of the SPASA Victoria Awards of Excellence 2019 2019 Remco POOL OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Remco

Laguna Pools 2019 Spa Of The Year Sponsored by AB Phillips

Out from the Blue 2019 Product of the Year Award Sponsored by Reece Irrigation & Pools

Sunbather - CoolPv Best Paving or Stone Project Sponsored by The Pool Tile Company

Domain Pools and Landscapes Best Residential Concrete Pool Under $60,000 Sponsored by AB Phillips

Seaspray Pools Best Residential Concrete Pool Under $100,000 Sponsored by The Pool Tile Company

Out from the Blue Best Residential Concrete Pool Over $100,000 Sponsored by Cooke Industries

Enkipools Best Residential Fibreglass Pool Under $60,000 Sponsored by AB Phillips

Horizon Pools Best Residential Fibreglass Pool Over $60,000 Sponsored by Remco

Compass Pools Melbourne Best Residential Courtyard/Plunge Pool Sponsored by Reece Irrigation & Pools

Aloha Pools

Best Residential Concrete Spa Sponsored by Melbourne Pool + Outdoor Design

Out from the Blue

Best Residential Vinyl-Lined In-Ground Pool Sponsored by Cooke Industries

Albatross Swimming Pools (Aust) Best Residential Concrete Lap Pool Sponsored by Remco Australia

Icon Pools Best Residential Fibreglass, Acrylic or Vinyl-Lined Lap Pool Sponsored by AB Phillips

Compass Pools Melbourne

Best Residential Concrete Pool and Spa Combination Sponsored by AB Phillips

Laguna Pools

Best Residential Fibreglass, Acrylic, or Vinyl-Lined Pool and Spa Combination Sponsored by Melbourne Pool + Outdoor Design

Compass Pools Melbourne

Best Pool and Landscape Combination Sponsored by Reece Irrigation & Pools

37 South Pools Best Residential Pool Renovation Up to $25,000 Sponsored by Hayward Pool Products

37 South Pools

Best Residential Pool Renovation Over $25,000 Sponsored by Remco

Neptune Pools

Best Commercial Pool Sponsored by Waterco

Best Innovative Pool or Spa Sponsored by Hayward Pool Products

Aloha Pools

Aqua Dreamz

Best Fibreglass, Acrylic, or Vinyl-Lined Concrete Pool by Country Member Sponsored by Waterco

Gordon Avenue Pools & Spas Best Residential Concrete Pool by Country Member Sponsored by Waterco

Cookes Pools and Spas Best Residential Enclosed / Indoor Pool Sponsored by Aquatics & Recreation Victoria

Aloha Pools Best Pool & Spa Service Business Sponsored by Pool Box

Flowtec Leak Detection Best Water Feature Sponsored by Melbourne Pool + Outdoor Design

Domain Pools and Landscapes Best Safety Barrier Sponsored by Action OHS Consulting

Tough Glass Worx Best Portable Spa Sponsored by Sunbather

Endless Spas Best Landscape Design Under 200sqm featuring a Pool or Spa Sponsored by Landscaping Victoria

Out from the Blue Best Pool Display Centre Sponsored by IEC

Laguna Pools Pool Store of the Year Sponsored by Sunbather

The Poolstore

Best Spa Retailer Sponsored by Pool Box

Endless Spas

SPASA Victoria Training High Achiever Award Sponsored by Victorian Building Authority

Adrian Weinman of PJ Pools and Spas

SPASA Water Neutral Pool Program Award Sponsored by SPASA Victoria

Rainwise Pools Melbourne

Best Lighting Feature Sponsored by Action OHS Consulting

Out from the Blue

Employee Of The Year Sponsored by Victorian Building Authority

All Season Services - Lauren Tessier Laguna Pools - Emma Johnson

Best Automated System or Convenience Product Sponsored by SPLASH!

Sunbather - CoolPv

Best Sustainable Pool or Spa Project Sponsored by SPLASH!

Laguna Pools

SPASA Victoria Sustainable Product Award Sponsored by SPASA Victoria

Pentair - Intelli-o 2 VSF

Fora full list of Award winners see www.spasavic.com.au

commercial news

Awards

Commercial

news

Suncatcher wins Commercial Pool of the Year 2019 The SPASA Australia National Awards of Excellence were recently held in Adelaide, and the Commercial Project of the Year went to Suncatcher Pools & Landscapes for their stylish circular pool design and build.

Belgravia buys beleaguered Jump Swim Schools. . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Fluidra installs 22 pools in Hungary . . . . . . . . . . 63

Suncatcher Pools & Landscapes is a family operated business. For more than 17 years they have been servicing the southern Gold Coast to Byron Bay and surrounds. They are based in Kingscliff, on the New South Wales side of the Queensland border.

Eltham’s redeveloped leisure centre. . . . . . . . 65 Benchmarking the energy performance of indoor aquatic centres. . . . . . . 66

For all the national winners go to page 36.

Suncatcher’s winning design

Contact: suncatcherpools.com.au

The Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre, Belgravia’s Leisure Facility of the Year

Management

Annette Kellerman wins again Following last year’s victory as the Aquatic & Recreation Institute (ARI) NSW Facility of the Year, the Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre in the Inner West of Sydney has added Belgravia Leisure’s Facility of the Year 2019 trophy to its cabinet.

AKAC also won Belgravia’s NSW award for the second year in a row.

Doncaster Aquarena picked up the Health and Safety Award and the Health Club of the Year Award, while North Lakes Aquatic Centre, Queensland picked up Swim School of the 60 SPLASH! Aug/Sep 2019

Year. The Innovation Award went to Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre, the Community Program Award to Ascot Vale Leisure Centre.

Greater Auckland’s Aquatic Action Plan picked up the Community Inclusion Award while the New Zealand Facility of the Year Award went to Mt Albert Aquatic Centre in Auckland.

Belgravia’s state awards were: Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre: NSW Facility of the Year

Splash Devonport: Victoria/Tasmania Facility of the Year Mudgeeraba Aquatic Centre: Queensland Facility of the Year Loftus Recreation Centre: Western Australian Facility of the Year Salisbury Swimming Centre: South Australian Facility of the Year

commercial news

Associations

ALFA changes structure The Australian Leisure Facilities Association (ALFA) has recently restructured its administration tasks and financial dependency to better align the interest of the state-based associations and broader industry.

Mark Collins, ALFA Chair, says that ALFA will adopt a consolidated approach utilising the expertise of the state-based associations and national board members to complete the executive and secretariat roles of the organisation. ALFA had previously sought financial sponsorship and membership through industry stakeholders in direct competition with its own voting members.

“In a time where collaboration is paramount and duplication is too common, ALFA’s purpose is to support the national industry and its state based peak bodies, not work against or compete with them,” he says. “ALFA has now structured the association so that there is no longer ongoing financial contribution required by individual state associations or national sponsors in order to operate the association.”

The structure would see a transition away from the current national trade sponsorship income model which he says removes a major barrier and a previous conflict of interest with state associations, ultimately allowing further transparency and unity between ALFA and its members.

In Brief 44 people have been injured at the Chinese Yulong Shuiyun Water Park, near the border with North Korea, after a wave pool malfunctioned sending a three-metre wave crashing onto swimmers. The pool was full of swimmers in inflatable rings, many of whom were swept from the pool by the giant wave. Preliminary findings suggest the cause was damage in the wave machine control room’s power distribution cabinet. A statement by Longjing City denied online claims that the accident was caused by “a drunken man”.

Auckland Council has apologised after staff apparently told a Muslim woman her swimwear was not suitable for its public swimming pool, despite the Burkini being designed specifically as swimwear. The authority said it was deeply sorry for the incident which happened at the West Wave pool. It was reported by the New Zealand Herald that the woman was sniggered at and told to leave the pool. Staff at Auckland Council-run public pools are being briefed on customer service and swimwear guidelines.

Austswim is providing a subsidised Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety course for members of the culturally and linguistically diverse community, so they can gain essential knowledge, skill and understanding to teach vital swimming and water safety education and develop a rewarding career.

The courses will be held at the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre on the weekend of September 21 and 22, and at Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre on November 9 and 10 (women’s only course), and February 22 and 23. The subsidised cost is only $50 instead of $412. Contact: 1300 885 666

Aug/Sep 2019 SPLASH! 61

commercial news

Swim schools

Belgravia buys beleaguered Jump Swim Schools Belgravia Group has purchased Jump Swim Schools, ending months of speculation and uncertainty for the company and saving the business from liquidation.

Administrator, Glenn O’Kearney of GT Advisory, said in a statement that the agreement with Belgravia Group is the best outcome for all stakeholders, including franchisees.

Jump Swim Schools, which has more than 100 franchisees throughout Australia, will now become part of the Belgravia Kids portfolio.

The Belgravia Kids portfolio is managed by CEO Mark Collins, and operations are expected to continue as usual while Belgravia Group communicates with stakeholders. Belgravia Group has written to all franchisees confirming the sale, and has asked for some patience as the business transitions to the control of Belgravia Kids.

Belgravia Group Chairman, Geoff Lord, welcomed the acquisition.

“When you combine Belgravia Leisure’s Learn to Swim, the Jump Swim Schools and the Belgravia Kids centres we are building – we are now approaching 100,000 Learn to Swim Kids,” Lord says.

“This new arrangement ensures the programs and centres remain open for business, which is important for all stakeholders. Swimming is one part of the group’s stated vision of getting one million children active per year through its various activities.’’

Collins says he is excited to add Jump Swim Schools to the burgeoning Belgravia Kids portfolio as it grows its membership base throughout Australia.

was appointed to Swim Loops following a wind-up application brought by Barry Ryle and Dorothy Ryle from Western Australia.

Jump had grown dramatically and has more than 100 franchise swim schools in the network, including 60 in Australia and others in New Zealand, the US, Singapore and Brazil.

The ACCC alleged Jump Swim made representations in its promotional material that a prospective Jump Swim School franchisee would have an operational swim school within 12 months of signing a franchise agreement, when it did not have reasonable grounds for making that statement.

Many franchisees were not provided with an operational swim school within this period and in some cases it was not provided at all. There are over 90 Jump Swim franchisees who did not receive an operational swim school within 12 months or at all. The initial costs of setting up a Jump Swim School generally ranged from approximately $150,000 to $175,000.

“Franchisors need to take their obligations under the Australian Consumer Law seriously. Purchasing a franchise is a big decision, and people looking to open a franchise business rely on the information from the franchisor being accurate,” says ACCC chair Mick Keogh.

“We allege this conduct caused substantial harm to franchisees who paid significant sums but did not receive an operational swim school within the time specified, or at all.”

Action against director The ACCC also took action against Jump Swim’s director, Ian Michael Campbell, alleging he was involved in the conduct.

Additionally, the ACCC alleged that the franchisor Jump Loops Pty Ltd wrongfully accepted payment from franchisees where it failed to supply an operational franchise within the 12-month period specified, or alternatively, within a reasonable time.

“The agreement is a fantastic outcome for everyone; franchisees, other stakeholders, and the thousands of children and families involved in swim programs every day,” he says.

“Jump Swim continued to accept payments when it knew, or ought to have known at the time it accepted the payments, that the timing for its delivery of operational franchises was dependent on events that were outside its control,” Keogh says.

“We are confident we’ll be able to continue to offer the programs under our management and look forward to working with everyone involved through the transition.”

Each Jump Swim School required development and building approvals from council, and in many instances, it was taking longer than 12 months to provide franchisees with operational swim schools.

Former Jump franchisee Juliet Sharpe says the Belgravia Group acquisition was a positive step forward for the embattled network.

“I feel it is the best way forward and the administrator has made the right decision under a lot of scrutiny,” she says. “It’s great news for Swim Loops franchises. They are lucky they have a school and are no longer under the control of poor management.”

Debts and legal action Swim Loops, the company that represents the largest number of Jump Swim Schools, went into voluntary administration in May as the business became entangled in issues with leases, mounting debts and escalating legal action. In June the ACCC initiated proceedings against Jump Loops Pty Ltd and its parent company Swim Loops Holdings Pty Ltd (collectively Jump Swim) in the Federal Court. Jump Loops Pty Ltd is an Australian-based franchisor that sells franchises to those wishing to operate their own Jump Swim School to supply learn-toswim services. It was noted at the time that as individual Jump Swim Schools are independently owned, they were not covered by the order.

Jump Swim Schools had been facing challenges following a series of court cases and disputes with franchisees, and an administrator

62 SPLASH! Aug/Sep 2019

Belgravia Kids

commercial news

Waterparks

22-pool Hungarian project Fluidra is to supply and install equipment for 22 pools for Debrecen Nagyerdei Strand, a waterpark in the city of Debrecen, in eastern Hungary.

including 44 filters and more than 100 pumps, as well as the hydraulic system embedded in the shell and will run pressure tests prior to concreting.

Fluidra has also designed the equipment and is currently handling the installation of the pools in coordination with the waterpark’s construction company.

Debrecen Nagyerdei Strand will be the largest waterpark in the city, covering a total water area of 5700m2 and will use water drawn from hot spring pools. With more than 200,000 inhabitants, Debrecen is the second-largest city in the country and one of its leading cultural centres.

The project, scheduled for completion in April 2020, will see Fluidra install the engine room equipment,

POOL HEATING PANEL

BELOW: Debrecen Nagyerdei Strand waterpark is scheduled for completion in April 2020

The Eco-therm panel is manufactured by Aquatherm Industries in the US, who have been manufacturing pool heating panels for over 30 years, and its fluted design gives more surface area to achieve one of the highest heat transfer ratings in the Australian market.

The strategically placed slots in the webbing prevent moisture build up under the collector and allow pressure relief during high winds.

Of all the options available to heat your pool, solar energy is the most cost effective and environmentally friendly method available.

To find out more visit our website.

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p 1300 688 828 e info@ecosolarpoolheating.com.au

ecosolarpoolheating.com.au Aug/Sep 2019 SPLASH! 63

29-30 JULY 2020 Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre

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commercial news

Eltham’s redeveloped leisure centre

A

TOP: The 25-metre pool is the focus of the centre MIDDLE: The new ramps make the pool much more accessible to more people

BOTTOM: The pools include purpose chroma pool tiles from Agrob Buchtal and plural mosaic tiles for the underwater seating

t the end of last year,

the long awaited Eltham Leisure Centre’s $20.2 million redevelopment was completed, and they are now gearing up for the first complete summer season.

Designed by Peddle Thorp, the centre is a one-stop aquatic hub with a range of facilities for people of all abilities and ages, from its heated indoor pool through to its sauna room.

Design director Peter Brook says it was a replacement for a tired old centre and it is now state of the art and open to beautiful views.

The previous aquatic facilities were more than 30 years old, and the equipment broke down every so often causing the shutdown of parts of the aquatic area. The facility attracts in excess of 760,000 visits on an annual basis and the redevelopment will bring the pool up to a modern day standard to ensure and increase continued use.

This was made possible by $13.4 million from Council and $6.8 million from the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund and Community Facilities Funding Program – Better Pools.

The centre offers: • A 25 metre, eight-lane indoor heated pool with ramp access • Warm water program pool with ramp access • Leisure pool with toddler zone • Outdoor water splash pool • Spa with ramp access • Sauna and steam room • Accessible change rooms • Multi-purpose program room • Poolside seating • New equipment and improved car parking Ceramic Solutions partnered with Peddle Thorp Architects and Behmer and Wright to bring the revamped centre to fruition, supplying and installing all tiling for the project. This includes purpose chroma pool tiles from Agrob Buchtal featuring specialised edging on all tiled areas.

To create some contrast within the leisure pool, Ceramic Solutions used plural mosaic tiles for the underwater seating. All entrances to the pool incorporated step treads to further increase the slip resistance of the facility.

The team also managed to seamlessly colour match 100 mm x 100 mm format tiles with mosaic 50 mm x 50 mm mosaic tiles along the back wall in the colours of light green, teal and blue.

Ceramic Solutions also provided Malmsten lane ropes, flags and starting blocks and Lawson specialised curved grating.

Contacts: Ceramic Solutions: www.ceramicsolutions.com.au Peddle Thorp Architects: www.pta.com.au Eltham Leisure Centre: elthamleisurecentre.com.au

Aug/Sep 2019 SPLASH! 65

commercial news

Benchmarking the energy performance of indoor aquatic centres

By Dr Jean Jonathan Duverge

A ABOVE: Aquatic centres can use up to seven times the energy per floor area of an office building

quatic centres and indoor swimming pool facilities are major community facilities that require a large volume of water and a large amount energy to operate. They are unlike other types of buildings in terms of energy and water consumption and can consume up to seven times more energy per floor area compared to an average commercial office building.

HVAC systems, pool-water heating and evaporation are the main factors that require particular attention when determining the energy efficiency in aquatic centres. Indeed, pool-water heating in particular is a major energy consumer which must be maintained at a specific temperature to provide comfort and reduce evaporation. To date there have been insufficient studies examining the energy performance of aquatic centres nationally and internationally, and the consequent lack of information and research has complicated the understanding of energy usage markers.

My PhD research study was undertaken to investigate the energy performance of aquatic centres.

The main research objectives were to: Benchmark the energy of aquatic centres by analysing the data collected from existing aquatic centres.

Investigate operational and building design features that can improve the energy performance of a sample aquatic centre by using building energy simulation.

Aquatic centres were chosen as the subject of this study as they are considered one of the most complex and largest buildings amongst swimming pool facilities. For the purpose of this study and based on data collected, an aquatic centre was defined as a community or public venue that provides at least one indoor swimming pool and three different types of amenities, including a gymnasium, sauna or spa, a cafe Coefficients

Energy benchmarking

It was identified during this study that there was a lack of reliable energy benchmarks that aquatic centres could use to compare their own energy usage.

Benchmarking the energy performance of buildings is instrumental to determine their current energyefficiency status, establish targets for improving energy performance, increase the accuracy of property value assessments and gain recognition for excellent energy efficiency achievements.

Energy use per unit area, or energy usage intensity (EUI), is the most commonly used indicator for benchmarking buildings. For swimming pool facilities, the two most common EUI units used are: kWh/m2 ua (usable area) and kWh/m2 ws (water surface).

A guideline on how to perform energy benchmarking for aquatic centres was created and published prior to perform the benchmarking analysis. A statistical regression-based benchmarking method was used to identify the relevant correlations and significance of several variables such as conditioned usable floor area, gross floor area, water surface area and number of visitors in relation to the energy use of aquatic centres.

This analysis indicated that conditioned usable floor area had the strongest correlation and significance to aquatic centre energy consumption – however, no strong correlation was found between energy use and water use.

The energy use marker selected for aquatic centres is kWh/m2 ua (conditioned usable floor area). The Figure 1 table shows that conditioned usable floor area is the most appropriate variable with a lowest p-value of 0.001.

SE

t

p

OverallR2

Intercept

-401218.452

864836.581

-0.463

0.648

Conditioned usable floor area

865.053

221.378

3.907

0.001

0.796

Water surface area

1537.201

810.084

1.897

0.073

0.762a

3.075

1.929

1.594

0.128

Number of persons

66 SPLASH! Aug/Sep 2019

and a creche. However, the investigation and analysis methods/processes used in this study can be applied to any type of indoor swimming pools facilities.

Figure 1: Total energy use multiple regression analysis

commercial news

Using box and whisker analysis displayed in the Figure 2 tables below, an energy benchmark for aquatic centres was proposed which ranged between 648 kWh/m2 and 2283 kWh/m2. The energy benchmark can be categorised into three: aquatic centres between 1177 kWh/m2 (Q1) and 1619 kWh/ m2 (Q3) can be classified as medium energy users, aquatic below 1177 kWh/m2 (Q1) as low energy users and aquatic centres above 1619 kWh/m2 as high energy users. The median energy use intensity for aquatic centres is 1410 kWh/m2.

Labels

Conditioned usable floor area

Min

648

Q1

1177

Median

1410.5

Q3

1619.5

Max

3544

IQR

442.5

Upper Outliers

2

Lower Outliers

0

Upper Whisker

2283

Lower Whisker

648

Figure 2. Box and Whisker analysis result for conditioned usable floor area

An aquatic centre can refer to the energy benchmarks provided in this study to decipher whether they are classified as a low-, medium- or high-energy user.

This can then assist their decisionmaking when making any necessary adjustments to be more energy efficient, should they be classified as the latter.

However, this method has limitations in understanding the influence of different control strategies, design and occupancy variables on the energy use of aquatic centres. Indeed, building energy simulations have been identified as an alternative approach to address such enquiry.

existing performance in an existing building in order to propose improvement strategies.

In this study, simulation has been used for the second purpose – looking towards improvement strategies. There exist few building energy-modelling programs that can fully model a swimming pool.

The main requirement is to model water evaporation interaction with mechanical equipment; yet, the current tools in most energy-modelling software cannot be combined and controlled to emulate some of the more specialised pool mechanical systems.

In many past swimming pool building simulation studies, heat losses and gains from pool-water evaporation were manually calculated using formulae such as the ASHRAE evaporation formula, which were then added as sensible and latent heat within the building simulation software. This method questions the accuracy and purpose of using building simulations when manual calculation is required.

Our study used EnergyPlus Version 8.7 which has recently introduced an indoor swimming pool module.

Special modifications were made to EnergyPlus’s heatbalance procedure to monitor the radiation between the pool-water surface and the surrounding space, the convection to the surrounding air, the evaporation of water, the conduction to a pool’s bottom, the solar radiation absorbed in pool water, the pool-heating system and the presence of a cover.

Detailed procedures and processes for simulating the aquatic centre using EnergyPlus were created for this study as no studies using this software were found in the literature. An existing aquatic centre was used as a case study to demonstrate the process used to simulate its energy use. The case study building selected is part of a sample of several aquatic centres for which data was collected for energy and water benchmarking purposes.

All architectural and electromechanical data for the aquatic centre was obtained from the aquatic centre’s management team and through site visit.

The simulated total energy consumption is sub-divided into six categories (air heating, air cooling, pool water heating, lighting, DHW and equipment & pump). As expected, the combined simulated heating load for air and pool water is much higher than the other end uses.

The first simulation runs showed some reasonable results and there were no noticeable abnormalities such as excessive energy use by any individual end user.

BELOW: It was identified during this study that there was a lack of reliable energy benchmarks that aquatic centres could use

Energy building simulation

Energy building simulation sets up a mathematical model to calculate theoretical energy consumption and make a comparison between theoretical energy consumption and observed energy consumption to evaluate a building’s performance energy consumption.

There are two major uses of simulation: one is to simulate a new building to predict future performance (investigate as well as optimise relevant parameters to improve the performance), and the other is to diagnose Aug/Sep 2019 SPLASH! 67

commercial news BOTTOM RIGHT: Plan of the aquatic centre used for the case study

Calibration and verification of the simulation model was undertaken to eliminate discrepancies between simulation results and measured data (utility bills) from the building hence making the building simulation model reliable. The calibration process adjusts the simulation inputs so that the simulated energy consumption closely matches the measured energy consumption. Both MBE and CV(RMSE) factors are used as statistical indices (Figure 3 table) to evaluate whether a model can be considered fully calibrated.

These measures have been recommended by three main international bodies, including ASHRAE, the IPMVP and within FEMP’s M&V Guidelines.

Statistical indices

The calibration processes have verified and improved the accuracy of the simulation model in relation to the actual aquatic centre energy use, thus granting it a high level of certainty. As such, this newly calibrated model could be used for parametric studies to provide further understanding about the energy performance of the aquatic centre. Several energy efficient features such electromechanical features, operational features and renewable energy features could then be investigated shown in the Figure 4 table below.

Monthly calibration ASHRAE Guideline 14

IPMVP

FEMP

MBE

+–5%

+–20%

+–5%

CV(RMSE)

15%

15%

Figure 3: All Relevant Statistical Indices Threshold Limits

Two rounds of calibrations were required for the statistical indices to be between the required threshold for the simulation model to be considered calibrated.

Total energy (MWh) Existing condition

% Energy reduction

4,044.9

Greenhouse gas emissions (tonne CO2e)

% Greenhouse gas emissions reduction

2,188.7

Boilers Increasing boiler efficiency by 5%

3,954.7

2.3%

2,170.7

0.8%

Condensing boiler

3,751.7

7.3%

2,130.2

2.7%

3,901.8

3.5%

1,990.1

9.1%

3,797.4

6.1%

2,138

2.3%

3,669

9.6%

2,112.1

3.5%

3,577

11.5%

2,096.7

4.2%

3,651

9.5%

2,143

2.1%

3,939

3%

2,167.5

1%

Unglazed solar panel

3,761.3

7%

2,145.5

2%

Glazed solar panel

3,423.7

15.4%

2,088.7

4.6%

3,901

3.5%

2,019

7.7%

3,863.3

4.9%

1,974.5

9.8%

LED upgrade LED lighting Temperature reductions Air temperature reduction (1oC) Water temperature reduction (1oC) Air temperature reduction (1oC) Water temperature reduction (2oC) Air temperature reduction (2oC) Water temperature reduction (2oC) Night-time temperature reduction Air (5oC) & Water (5oC) Pool covers Use of pool covers at night Solar pool-heating system

Solar photovoltaic system 100 kW solar PV system Wind turbines Vertical axis wind turbines (4 x 10kW)

Figure 4: Effects of Electromechanical, Operational and Renewable energy Features on Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions 68 SPLASH! Aug/Sep 2019

commercial news

Overall, this study provides a significant contribution to the knowledge of energy usage in aquatic centres. In addition, it also models the energy consumption of an aquatic centre using the indoor swimming pool module in EnergyPlus.

A set of energy benchmarks for aquatic centres was proposed, which can be subsequently applied for wider industry use. Also, a step-by-step guide on how to simulate an aquatic centre using EnergyPlus is provided in this study.

The results will be beneficial for not only future simulation of swimming pool facilities but for also to the aquatic industries. Moreover, other organisations

such as local councils, state government and building associations can use the findings to identify targets for energy or greenhouse gas reduction projects, measures or regulations.

Overall, any structure with indoor swimming pool facilities can refer to this study to further understand how best to approach and investigate the complex interaction of air and water present in buildings with indoor swimming pools.

Contact: Further information on this study can be obtained online or by contacting Dr Jean Jonathan Duverge by email at jd@nedesign.net.au.

BELOW: No strong correlation was found between energy use and water use

Aug/Sep 2019  SPLASH!  69

THE NEW BENCHMARK IN ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY FOR SWIMMING POOLS & SPAS

The Climate Care Certification Program is an initiative of the Swimming Pool & Spa Association of Australia Ltd (SPASA). It is the industry’s efficiency and sustainability certification program.

SPASA is proud to deliver an industry wide program to support, protect and promote the way the swimming pool and spa industry operates and strives for best practice sustainable solutions.

BENEFITS OF CERTIFICATION CONSUMER BENEFITS

ü Purchase with confidence knowing that you are choosing a certified environmentally sustainable solution ü Enjoy the benefits of choosing a solution which utilises water efficiency, energy efficiency, noise reduction measures, environmentally sustainable designs or efficiency/sustainability innovations ü Reduce your overall carbon footprint whilst saving money

INDUSTRY BENEFITS

ü Highlight your product/system/installation’s environmentally sustainable qualities ü Show your commitment to preserving the environment and to industry best practice ü Demonstrate your investment in the industry’s sustainable future and inspire others to do the same

THIRD-PARTY VERIFICATION All Climate Care Certified products undergo independent third-party testing and/or verification to assess and report on claims being made such as water efficiency and energy savings.

Only credible and trusted local, national and international testing and verification bodies are considered by SPASA to ensure that claims being made on energy and water efficiency and sustainability are substantiated.

SPASA is proud to have appointed Smart Approved Watermark as their certification partner for water efficient products. www.smartwatermark.org

SWIMMING POOL & SPA ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA TEL 1300 021 482 WWW.SPASA.COM.AU

feature

Curvy alfresco sofa

Boasting plush cushions and minimalist lines, the Montego three-seater sofa is a stylish addition to alfresco spaces.

This low-profile sofa features a sturdy aluminium frame with earthy curves and soft corners, adding to the relaxing feel of the collection.

On its own or with the rest of the set, the Montego lets you tailor a unique personality to your outdoor space.

Contact: www. globewest.com.au

Zoggs launches recycled fabric range

Zoggs Summer 2019 swimwear will be made from a new type of fabric manufactured using plastic waste. Additionally, plastic in their goggles packaging will be reduced by 57 per cent and all packaging will be 100 per cent sustainable by 2020.

made from the revolutionary Ecolast+ fabric, which is produced from recycled plastic bottles and consumer waste. Zoggs says it’s not just great for the environment, it’s 100 per cent chlorine-proof too. Zoggs is so confident of its new fabric, it is offering a lifetime guarantee.

In 2019, more than 90 per cent of the Zoggs swimwear range will be

Contact: www.zoggs.com.au Aug/Sep 2019 SPLASH! 71

feature

Poolpower to sell direct to industry

New reagent disc for magnesium pools

The growing popularity of mineral pools now requires a closer examination of water quality, especially factors such as hardness.

In response, LaMotte Pacific has launched a new Waterlink Spin Touch reagent disc for use with magnesium mineral pools to enable checking a higher range of total hardness, magnesium hardness and deducing calcium hardness.

This is now able to test up to 2400 ppm total hardness and 1600ppm magnesium hardness. The other test factors in the new 801 Series is Salt, Total Chlorine, Free Chlorine, Combined Chlorine, Alkalinity, pH, Cyanuric Acid, Magnesium and Phosphate.

Test results of up to 11 factors only takes 60 seconds, with results displayed on the WaterLink Spin Touch screen.

Contact: sales@lamottepacific.com; (02) 9624 2754

The announcement coincides with the release the new Pool Lab range of patented salt chlorinators and photometric pH and chlorine control systems. Poopower says these Australian designed and manufactured products are unique and of the highest quality, incorporating world’s best technologies.

Contact: www.poolpower.com.au; (03) 9439 1320

Protect Pool, Protect Your Your Pool, Protect Kids Protect Your Your Kids View our online video showing common pool fencing faults and how to spot them at View our online video showing common pool fencing faults and how to spot them at www.kidshealth.chw.edu.au/projects/drowning-prevention/swimming-pool-fencing www.kidshealth.chw.edu.au/projects/drowning-prevention/swimming-pool-fencing

KIH1025/0811/SC KIH1025/0811/SC

72 SPLASH! Aug/Sep 2019

Poolpower Australia will be dealing directly with trade customers for sales of all manufactured products and will canvas interest from distributors. Hayward Pools Australia had successfully promoted and distributed Poolpower salt chlorinators and water management products for many years, however both companies have mutually decided to pursue different marketing strategies. The team at Poolpower has thanked Hayward and all of Hayward’s customers for their support over this time.

feature

New Waterco handover kit

Waterco’s new range of Pro Pool Care Tools is engineered for service professionals and is available to pool owners who are looking for quality equipment built to last. It includes a new-look algae brush, brush vacuum head, flexible vacuum head, pool broom and leaf rake.

Special features of the range include: non-corrosive, UV-stabilised plastics; efficient designs minimise water resistance; flexible heads clean from the waterline to the pool floor; universal designs fit standard telescopic poles; storage holes for easy hanging; designed for homeowners and professional pool cleaners; sustainable packaging made from recycled materials.

New access cover stylishly hides the Hub

Under AS/NZS3000:2018 (Wiring Rules) it is a requirement to make an equipotential bond between all metal components in the 1.25m zone from the water’s edge. This also includes any metal skimmer lids/access covers.

The new kit also includes the revolutionary Aqua Fingers (see page 28 for more on this innovation).

Conductor Hub and Skimmer Lids have combined forces to offer superior safety and poolside aesthetics. The development of the new Hide 206 access cover provides the ability to comply with your obligations while also allowing a wide choice of locations for the Conductor Hub, with the knowledge it can blend into the surrounding landscape.

Contact: www.waterco.com

Contact: www.conductorhub.com.au

Aug/Sep 2019 SPLASH! 73

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Eco Solar Pool Heating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Evo Industries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Evolution Water & Lighting Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43, 51 Fluidra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Hayward Pool Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 International Quadratics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 LaMotte Pacific . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Lincoln Pool Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

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offers and or events from SPLASH! The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd ABN 94002583682 PO Box 55 Glebe NSW 2037. Fax back your subscription to: (+61) 2 8580 6312 www.intermedia.com.au or call 1800 651 422

Spa-Craft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Spa Relax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 SPASA Victoria. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 SPASA WA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Spatex. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Supreme Heating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Swimart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Waterco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 61 Westmead Hospital. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

PARAMOUNT IN-FLOOR CLEANING SYSTEMS THE WORLD’S NUMBER 1 IN-FLOOR CLEANING SYSTEM BROUGHT TO YOU BY POOL-WATER PRODUCTS

Paramount’s custom built in-floor cleaning systems are engineered to automatically clean any pool you design, including floors, steps, benches and spas.

Minimising maintenance and maximising enjoyment.

Aquarius Pools – Mornington VIC

AUSTRALIA’S LEADING POOL BUILDERS CHOOSE PARAMOUNT

Pool-Water Products | P: 03 9873 5055 Email: info@poolwaterproducts.com.au www.poolwaterproducts.com.au

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