SPLASH April-May 2020

Swimming Pools / Leisure / Aquatics / Spas / Health

Issue 129 April/May 2020

How to survive The coronavirus crisis Public pool maintenance First principles

Making the most

Of small backyard sites

www.splashmagazine.com.au

AR

Download the AIS Water AR app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and scan the AIS Water logo to learn “Why choose AIS?”

Pixie RP10 features:

The Pixie is perfect for plunge pools, swim spas, jacuzzis, spas, hot tubs and small volume water features.

Chlorine output -10g/hr Compact and lightweight form factor - allowing easy handling and installation in tight spaces Stylish – featuring a space-efficient micro design Functionality – providing low chlorine output, geared for small water volumes Robust Powder-Coated Steel Construction - delivering a durable and corrosion resistant enclosure Simple User Interface - retaining only essential control functions Robust and Reliable Transformer - resistant to power fluctuations and high temperatures Tinted Polycarbonate Front Cover – protecting the user interface against direct sunlight

There is a significant trend in Australia toward higher density living, making properties smaller and space at a premium.

IP56 Waterproof Switch and Circuit Breaker - providing safer user interaction

However, people still want their private pool, and this means the plunge pool and spa market has exploded.

Multiple safety measures – preventing damage caused by overloading, water flow interruption, high/low salinity and other unforeseen events

This smaller application requires specifically designed pool chlorination technology. Being true to our purpose, we responded quickly to market demands with the launch of the purpose-built Pixie RP10.

External Aluminium Heatsink - providing enhanced cooling to alleviate internal heat Reverse Polarity (RP) Function - reduces calcium build-up on electrodes, resulting in less maintenance

Unlike other costly and dangerous chlorine generators designed for much larger water volumes, the Pixie provides real peace of mind because of its cost-efficiency, simplicity, reliability and ease of installation.

Genuine AIS Anode - ensuring the longevity of the electrolytic cell Proudly Australian Designed and Manufactured

Specifications Model

Chlorine Output* g/h

Input AC Power Consumption* Kilowatt hour (kWh)

Input Current Amps (A)

Water Flow L/mins

Dimensions (Packaged) L x W x H cm

Weight (Packaged) kg

Dimensions (Power Supply) L x W x H cm

Approximate Pool Size m3

Salinity Range ppm

Pixie RP10

10*

0.085*

0.4

150 – 450

48 x 35 x 17

5.5

23.0 x 21.4 x11.2

20

4000 - 5500

*All test were conducted at the temperature of 26°C, pH 7.7, Salinity level 5000 ppm and Flow rate 200 l/m.

51 MILLENNIUM PLACE, TINGALPA, QLD 4173 AUSTRALIA TELEPHONE: +61 7 3396 5222 | FACSIMILE: +61 7 3393 3441 EMAIL: INFO@AISWATER.COM.AU

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Library 30dB(A)

Computer 40dB(A)

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Air con 60dB(A)

Single speed water pump 70dB(A)

Alarm clock 80dB(A)

Evo Fusion-i & Evo Force-i from 39dB(A) in silent mode * WI-FI control available on selected models

PERA T N IO

HAVE YOU HEARD? Fridge 50dB(A)

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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 Sticking together

Contributors: Veda Dante, Cal Stanley, Adrian Lacy, David Lloyd, Brett Lloyd Abbott, Darren Fleming, Doug Fulham.

Advertising Manager: David Stennett Phone: 0404 725 554 Email: david@spasa.com.au Senior Designer: Chris Papaspiros Production Manager: Jacqui Cooper Subscriptions: 1800 651 422 Email: subscriptions@intermedia.com.au 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.

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.

Chris Maher Managing Editor chrismaher@ intermedia.com.au

I don’t need to tell anyone what extraordinary times we’re in at the moment – the effects of the coronavirus and the subsequent restrictions are all around us.

And like everyone else, here at SPLASH! we’re trying to tough it out and hope it will be over as quickly as possible so we can all get back to life as it was. But we’re not there yet, so it’s important we continue to support each other.

And of course we’re not alone in having to make a few necessary, temporary, changes. The first is that the biggest pool and spa trade show in the Southern Hemisphere has been moved into 2021. So while everyone was looking forward to getting together at SPLASH!, meeting old friends and finding great ways to improve their businesses, we’ll have to be patient and wait till next year.

The second change is that for this issue and the next one, SPLASH! will be digital only. Not only does this help with costs, but it alleviates any potential issues with printing and distribution due to the crisis.

The good news is that sometimes crises lead to innovations that improve procedures and products. From now on, you’ll see progressively more features in the digital issue – in particular, embedded video and direct links to more information.

In this digital world it’s more important than ever to stay connected. So please feel free to share the link to this digital version with anyone you think would like to read it – we’re more than happy to see it spread far and wide. And don’t forget to ensure you’re on the free newsletter subscription list so you'll get the digital editions, and remember to Like our social pages – the Facebook page in particular – so you don’t miss out on any news.

This issue we’ve also included a fair bit of advice which will help you navigate through this difficult time, including opportunities to improve your business skills, so you’re primed and ready to go when things return to normal.

Everyone at SPLASH! wishes all our readers and supporters the best with your business, home life and health during this trying time.

Let us know how you're doing, especially if you have something to share that could assist other readers.

Please stay safe, and use any downtime well.

Copyright © 2020 - SPASA Australia.

Proudly supported by

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.

This issue’s cover The Intermedia Group takes its Corporate and Social Responsibilities seriously and is committed to reducing its impact on the environment. We continuously strive to improve our environmental performance and to initiate additional CSR based projects and activities. As part of our company policy we ensure that the products and services used in the manufacture of this magazine are sourced from environmentally responsible suppliers. This magazine has been printed on paper produced from sustainably sourced wood and pulp fibre and is accredited under PEFC chain of custody. PEFC certified wood and paper products come from environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of forests. The wrapping used in the delivery process of this magazine is 100% biodegradable.

The cover shows a swimmer testing himself against a powerful swimjet – a great way to make use of a small backyard site – and also a great way to stay fit in this age of home isolation. There is more on space-saving pools on page 34. Image: Remco

Do laps without the laps.

SWIMJET Want to do some serious swimming? Or just have some serious family fun?

With the revolutionary Remco SwimJet system, you get a big pool experience in even the smallest pools. SwimJet creates a strong underwater current for you to swim against, bubble-free and with adjustable turbo speeds for swimmers of different abilities. Quiet and with no pumps or plumbing required, it adds a whole new dimension to pools of any size. Contact Remco for a free quote.

www.remco.com.au I 1800 609 986 I

Contents 34 25

Industry Snapshot: Rob Kruber Rob Kruber, CEO of Spa Industries Global, talks about his love of Australian manufacturing.

48

48

Larger format tiles enhance the impression of space Another way to help improve the appearance of a small yard is the use of large format pavers, making the poolside space look more expansive – and impressive.

26

Centrifugal pumps Cal Stanley explains some of the most important things you need to know about pumps and basic pool hydraulics.

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28

Industry Snapshot: John Daniel In the second Industry Shapshot this edition, John Daniel of Jade Swimming Pools details his move from the RAN into the pool industry in the mid-70s.

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52

Advertising during the pandemic Brett Lloyd Abbott asks whether advertising is wise during these uncertain times, and answers with yes, no and maybe. In other words, it depends on your circumstances.

31

Keeping sales up when customer visits are down Darren Fleming addresses the issues facing sales staff in the social distancing era, and has great ideas to help businesses find new ways of servicing their customers without going onsite.

34

59 56

Space saving pools Veda Dante looks at how builders and manufacturers are approaching the shrinking size of typical building blocks, and discovers that many of those solutions have added relevance in the age of home isolation.

Fundraising to help outback kids swim and learn The industry is helping revive a swimming pool for the Pintupi people who live in the remote community of Kintore, 530km west of Alice Springs.

60

Basic first principles in commercial pool water service and maintenance Pool engineering pioneer Doug Fulham offers advice on public pool water treatment and the different approaches to maintenance.

46

Siting the pool for maximum effect Architect Joe Snell offers advice on utilising small yards to best advantage, including the siting of swimming pools.

Houzz pool winners Three pools have been acknowledged in the latest Houzz awards: an infinity pool, a plunge pool and a lap pool.

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

Commercial news . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

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

New products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

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

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

April/May 2020 SPLASH! 9

news

Retail

Retailers establish procedures to help beat the virus

before returning with a digital report and, if required, the correct chemicals to rebalance pool and spa water.

Swimart executive officer Rick Graham says that all customers need do is leave a labelled sample of water – best taken from elbow depth – in their letterbox.

“During these uncertain times caused by the outbreak of coronavirus, our swimming pools and spas are playing a critical role in letting off

Swimart’s letterbox water test service provides a digital report and, if required, the correct chemicals to re-balance pool and spa water Pool and spa shops are overcoming problems associated with social distancing and the fear surrounding the Covid-19 crisis by establishing new procedures to put customers at ease, and ensure their pools are well looked after during this unprecedented period of isolation.

Pool and spa specialist group, Swimart, has responded to Australia’s new social distancing rules by announcing a nocontact service that will ensure water is kept properly chlorinated during periods of social distancing.

Swimart has established two services – initially launching its drop-off service in March, and extending that by developing a new letterbox service in April.

Swimart’s letterbox water test service sees its nationwide network of technicians conduct comprehensive mobile tests

steam, staying fit and keeping children occupied while they’re home from school and unable to participate in sporting activities,” he says.

“Hygiene is our main priority at Swimart, which is why our stores and mobile services are working hard to deliver a great range, quality service and professional advice to people unable to come in-store.”

With their other solution, the water test drop off service, pool owners are asked to simply place a water sample bottle labelled with their customer number in the designated drop-off zone and in-store technicians will conduct a comprehensive water test and return it within 24 hours – along with the appropriate maintenance advice.

“All of Swimart’s nationwide stores and fleet of 250 fully equipped mobile service vans are operating and will continue to work hard to deliver a great range, quality service

and professional advice – with hygiene being our main priority,” says Graham.

Home delivery Poolwerx has also set up a series of measures to help meet the current challenges, rolling out a range of contactfree services to keep backyard pools and spas healthy.

“Without proper care, which includes the treatment and balance of water, dangerous bacteria including E.coli and Shigella can grow in pools or spas, which could make people sick – the last thing we need right now,” says CEO John O’Brien.

“The health and wellbeing of our clients and staff is our main priority and we have now introduced contract-free solutions to support the community as more families practice social distancing or self-isolate,” he says.

The services include contact-free pool services, contact-free water test and treatment by a qualified Poolwerx technician, and home delivery of chemical products for people to maintain the right chemical levels themselves.

“The business is adapting to people’s needs and wants, while providing new avenues for franchise partners to connect with customers,” he says.

Poolwerx technicians are also armed with disinfectants and have been instructed to wipe down surfaces, tools and equipment.

They also use their own equipment, rather than a client’s, which also helps prevent cross-contamination.

Poolwerx has also set up a series of measures to help meet the current challenges

Retail

Experts say pools help intellectual development

15 to 20 minutes in the pool each day can have a positive impact on focus and learning in growing brains

10 SPLASH! April/May 2020

Whether swimming a few solitary laps or playing pool games with siblings, experts say jumping in the pool each day is extremely beneficial for growing bodies and brains.

Samantha Daley, founder and CEO of children’s speech pathology and occupational therapy organisation Spot4Kids, says that water-based activities offer a range of essential physical and

neurological benefits that can help children reach developmental milestones – especially when they are unable to participate in sporting activities and are spending more time in front of screens while isolating.

“Swimming and hydrotherapy provide weightless resistance exercise that improves balance, bilateral coordination, motor planning, flexibility, postural control, muscle

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Everyone in the pool and spa industry must practice good social distancing behaviour Lobbying

Sign the declaration and keep the pool and spa industry at work

Jan Feb

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Pool and spa businesses have an important role to play in this current 1500their clients healthy by properly maintaining their crisis to help keep swimming pools and spas, and keeping their construction projects safely advancing.1000 Of course, everyone in the industry must abide by the social distancing and strict hygiene500rules put in place by the government. This is not only for the good of the workers and clients, but for the whole industry and the broader community.

0 May Junare Julviewed Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec responsible Jan Feb Mar Apr Pool and spa businesses as professional, and trusted to work unsupervised in backyards – and it is important that the Year old Yearspa newbusinesses government continues to appreciate the role of pool and 5000 and the place of trust they have in the community.

To that end, SPASA has asked industry members to formalise current 4000 practice by signing a declaration that they will abide by government 3000social distancing, strict hygienic processes and requirements such as contact-free construction, retail and service.

2000 Not only will the declaration help maintain clients’ faith in the industry; it will also present industry members as responsible 1000 businesses to government in this time of crisis. That will considerably aid in SPASA’s lobbying0 endeavours to ensure the businesses stay Mar Apr NSW VIC QLD WA SA open and continue to be able to service swimming pools and spas, and complete construction projects.

SPASA will compile the declarations and use them to help lobby local, state and federal governments so that they are fully aware of the essential services the swimming pool and spa industry provides to the community at this crucial time.

Go to splashmagazine.com.au for a QuickLink to the Australian and New Zealand versions of the declarations, or if you’re reading the online version of SPLASH!, click here to register.

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The three-monthly swimming pool DA numbers show a decrease of 13 per cent over the corresponding period last year, which is not surprising considering the effect of the Covid-19 lockdown. The three-monthly numbers for February-to-April show that while two states went up, South Australia by six per cent and New South Wales by two per cent, the other states were down: Western Australia by 45 per cent, Victoria by 43 per cent and Queensland by nine per cent.

The annual figures to April show the DAs down by 11 per cent, with South Australia up by four per cent and Queensland up by two per cent state, but all other states down: Western Australia by 32 per cent, Victoria by 23 per cent and New South Wales by eight per cent.

Three-monthly comaparison

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Numbers down as Covid-19 bites

Yearly comparison by month

tone and core strength,” Daley says. “All of these set the foundation blocks for higher level learning and executive brain functions.”

With kids spending more time in front of screens while isolating and home schooling, Daley says that 15 to 20 minutes in the pool each day can have a positive impact on focus and learning in growing brains.

“Classic swimming strokes like freestyle, breaststroke and even dog paddle have a sequence of repetitive movements and this same sequencing skill is applied to the sequencing of letters for spelling and numbers for times tables,” she says.

Chair of the Australian Physiotherapy Association’s Aquatic Physiotherapy Group, Miriam Fletcher agrees that the benefits of exercise at home in the family pool are multi-fold – especially when it comes to strengthening the heart and lungs.

“Where there is a lack of cardiovascular fitness, exercise can be done safely at a higher intensity as there is better blood flow to the lung resulting in more oxygen uptake – up to 30 per cent – with less stress on the heart to assist with this,” Fletcher says.

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

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

April/May 2020 SPLASH! 11

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Environment

More products join Climate Care The list of companies with Climate Care certified products continues to grow, including Lo-Chlor for its Solar Shield product, Sunbather for its Thermal Pool Blanket, Neptune Benson with their Defender ultra-fine filter, Sancell for their Streamline Dome pool cover, Supreme Heating for the Heatseeker Dualsun hybrid system, Remco for their Swimroll pool cover system, Abgal for their Oasis pool cover, NCS for their pool cover, Sealed Air for their Suncap pool cover, Daisy for their ThermoTech and Ultradome pool covers and AquaSaver invisible solar shield, and Sunline for their Aquavent pool cover. Waterco has new additions and is already part of the program for their MultiCyclone pre-filter and dual filtration system, and their Hydrostorm 100 Eco-V Pump.

EcoLine and AutoChlor AIS Water has received Climate Care certification for its range of AutoChlor and EcoLine commercial pool chlorinators. AIS Water CEO Elena Gosse welcomes the move by SPASA to provide more transparency and accountability in the pool and spa industry.

“This is a big step for our industry as it will help pool operators to select the most advanced and sustainable technology while eliminating the cowboy companies,” she says.

Keep informed by subscribing to the free online newsletter.

Coronavirus causing supply issues for pool and spa industry On top of the other issues the local pool and spa industry faced this summer, a new threat of coronavirus had begun to appear.

12 SPLASH! April/May 2020

“Independent university research shows that in just one 50 metre pool, our technology can save 1.6 million litres of water annually when compared to Ecozen Pools + Landscapes has become the second conventional liquid pool builder to achieve Climate Care certification or granular chlorine dosing, and $40,000 in water rates achieved Climate Care certification the actual energy savings from annually. In a city with a hundred with the introduction of their simply switching out the hard 50 metre pools, that equates to Climate Care Certified Ecozen Pool.

90 degree bends to sweeps over 160 million litres of water and To meet the Climate Care criteria, elbows is modest, the reduced $4 million per annum. these pools use a range of already total dynamic head (TDH) from “This Climate Care certification Climate Care Certified products introducing sweep elbows can be provides our current and future including a Sunbather thermal combined with other measures customers with extra assurance pool cover, a Waterco Hydrostorm for a synergistic effect overall regarding our proven track 100 ECO-V Pump, a Waterco reducing the TDH of the system record of the quality, efficiency MultiCyclone filter and a Maytronics and enabling the use of a and reliability of our AutoChlor Dolphin robotic pool cleaner. Other smaller pump. and EcoLine chlorinators, along inclusions used to satisfy the A major feature of the Micron with a way to save our planet’s necessary criteria include the use of 50mm Port ECO Filter range is its precious resources.” sweep elbows, 100 per cent recycled unique “fish tail” laterals which glass media and an LED energy virtually eliminates dead areas Boss Solar saving pool light. and ensures better water flow Boss Solar’s Cobra, Rhino The Ecozen Pool is estimated distribution through the filter’s and Strip solar collectors are to save thousands of litres of media bed, enhancing its filtration Australian-made from high water every year, reducing and backwashing efficiency. grade materials. energy consumption while saving The Micron 50mm Port ECO They extend the swimming hundreds of dollars.

Filter is supported by Glass season, are designed and Pearls. The water saving ability engineered for the harsh Waterco of Glass Pearls is due to their Australian conditions, and provide Waterco’s 50mm sweep elbow, spherical smooth shape, as energy savings of up to 86 per Micron 50mm port ECO filters and this result is a low coefficient of cent when compared to other glass bead filtration system have friction. After each backwash, traditional forms of pool heating. been certified under the program.

Glass Pearls are effectively The sweep elbow is the perfect cleansed of their trapped Ecozen Pool solution to improving a pool’s contaminants with an estimated Ecozen Pools + Landscapes has hydraulic efficiency, and while 30 per cent water saving.

Top five online news stories

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

Pentair acquires A&A Manufacturing Pentair bought the USbased manufacturer of infloor cleaning systems, marketed as QuickClean locally, with A/NZ distribution and service

by Cooke Industries to continue.

SPASA launches free 12week business training program The popular webinarbased training program offered free to the entire pool and spa industry started in April and runs for 12 weeks.

Pool and spa industry more important than ever In the lockdown age, the place of the humble backyard swimming pool has become more important than ever in keeping homebound families fit and healthy.

Swimart launches contact-free water test service The retail group responded to social distancing rules by announcing a no-contact service that will ensure water is kept properly chlorinated during quarantine and selfisolation.

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Upcoming events 2020 May 5

Recruiting the right team for your business – the X Factor [Webinar]

May 12

Intelligence V emotional intelligence – what is right for leaders of tomorrow? [Webinar]

May 19

How to market the business to stay in business [Webinar]

May 26

The Clear Sales Pitch – Presenting solutions to sell more [Webinar]

June 2

Is your team effective? How to lead for results [Webinar]

June 9

Progressing beyond the start line – Revisit & refine your business [Webinar]

June 16

The Importance of Timing – Identifying trends to stay ahead of the pack [Webinar]

June 23

Leading your team into developing and managing workplace relationships [Webinar]

June 30

How & where to find your potential customers? [Webinar]

Aug 15-16

Adelaide Pool Spa & Outdoor Living Expo

Sep 12-13

Perth Pool Spa & Outdoor Living Expo, Claremont Showground [TBC]

Oct 11-12

Brisbane Pool Spa & Outdoor Living Expo

Oct 14-16

World Aquatic Health Conference, Omni Houston Hotel, Texas USA

2021 Feb 5-7

Melbourne Summer Pool & Spa Show, MCEC

May 17-19

AALARA Conference, Gold Coast

July 16-18

Melbourne Winter Spa & Pool Show, MCEC

Aug 24

Andrew Simons Golf Day, Gold Coast

Aug 25

Women in Industry Breakfast, Gold Coast

Aug 25-26 SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show, Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre Aug 26

National Awards of Excellence, Gold 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.

April/May 2020 SPLASH! 13

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Sydney consumers learning about pool covers The revitalised outdoor area was very popular on the sunny Sydney weekend

The Sydney expo bustled with eager consumers

The Perth crowd was very healthy

The garden was an attractive exhibit at Perth

Double strollers were in abundance in Sydney

A large number of Sydney families turned up

Expos

Last two expos draw big crowds before lockdown Held following the summer of widespread bushfires and floods, and as the coronavirus publicity was building, you would expect a small turnout for the Sydney Pool Spa & Outdoor Living Expo at Rosehill Gardens.

However, the exhibitors were ecstatic at the number of enthusiastic families coming through the door and the quality of leads, with many saying it was the best crowd they’d seen in years. The numbers were excellent across both days of the sunny weekend and the atmosphere was highly positive.

SPASA CEO Lindsay McGrath says that it was a fantastic show.

“The industry was concerned that with all of the difficulties this summer – fire, flood, coronavirus – that the consumers might not come,” he says.

“So it was amazing to see the show having such an impact.

14 SPLASH! April/May 2020

And to have so many exhibitors come up and tell us that this has been a great show, that it looks fabulous and they love what we’ve done with the outside was very rewarding.”

This year the show had a different format – the seminar space was replaced with more stands and the outdoor area was expanded with popular exhibitions, including many swimming pools.

“We continue to sell out the space at the show,” says McGrath. “So this year we had the opportunity to extend the outdoor area and we also replaced the seminar area with some more stands. It offers more choice – and the reason for the show is to provide a plethora of choice to the consumers.”

In place of the seminar area, the SPASA stand became an Ask the Expert stand, and the change was very well received.

“We had lots of staff on hand to answer questions, making sure the visitors were comfortable that they’re dealing with a SPASA member and they’re dealing with a professional. It gave us an opportunity to have lots of one-on-one conversations and make sure the customers come and leave happy.”

McGrath says the numbers were fantastic.

“We actually ran out of magazines on the first day and out of bags on the second.

There’s always a mix of visitors but there’s definitely been more families this year. We’ve had so many strollers – lots of double strollers too!

“So many consumers came to the SPASA stand saying they were happy with what they’ve got, and that they’ve found everything all in one place. It was all just very rewarding and positive. We

couldn’t be happier, the show has been exceptional.”

As well as the constantly busy Ask an Expert stand, the Interactive Landscape Design Feature, presented in association with the Australian Institute of Landscape Design Managers, also attracted excellent traffic.

Perth

SPASA WA’s Pool Spa & Outdoor Living Expo also proved to be a stunning hit. This followed on a week after the highly successful Sydney show.

Unfortunately, this was the last consumer show for a while, as the restrictions on gatherings came in two weeks later.

However, consumers braved simmering concerns surrounding Covid-19 and the ongoing challenges facing the Western Australian economy to head out to Claremont Showgrounds.

In fact, SPASA WA CEO

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Bryce Steele says the first day broke the attendance record to kick the weekend off, with a further increase in attendance the following day.

“Driving consumer interest and engagement was a real focus for this expo and it certainly didn’t disappoint,” says Steele. “We encouraged consumers to ‘join the backyard revolution’ and head to the expo where they would find everything needed to create the ultimate backyard.

“Exhibitors were kept busy by consumers who were hungry for everything on offer and the feedback we have received to date from exhibitors was that they were blown away by the interest and the quality of the consumer leads received this year.”

Bob Biernat, managing director of the event’s major sponsor, Freedom Pools, congratulated the organisers.

“This expo is right up there as one of the best in Australia, the effort put in by all concerned to ensure its success is outstanding. Freedom Pools is proud to be part of it.”

Pool shop owner Paul Edmonston bid farewell to his friends in the pool industry after selling his business and retiring on his 67th birthday, after30 years in the industry. He told former golfing partner, SPLASH!, that he planned to do some fishing, work on his handicap, and drive around Australia in his new grand tourer – although following the various state lockdowns, that plan has probably been put on hold. We wish him well!

Lighting up the Sydney AquaQuip stand

All variety of paving was on display at the Perth expo April/May 2020 SPLASH! 15

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Expos

SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show 2020 rescheduled to August 2021

The industry will be able to gather, network and socialise once again in 2021

Due to the escalation of Covid-19 and with the Federal Government announcing a ban on all non-essential indoor events, the organisers and owners of the SPLASH!

Pool & Spa Trade Show have made the difficult but sensible decision to postpone SPLASH! for this year keeping in mind the health and safety of the swimming pool and spa community.

The SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show is now re-scheduled to Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th of August 2021.

SPLASH! is owned by SPASA Australia and organised by Interpoint Events. In a joint statement, SPASA CEO Lindsay McGrath and Interpoint Events MD Simon Cooper said that SPLASH! is gratified at the level of support from the industry, with the exhibition completely sold out. The level of interest in

attending the expo has also been high from retailers and builders Australia-wide.

“Thank you for your patience and we will reconnect with you soon with more updates on the programs. We look forward to seeing you at the largest pool and spa trade show in the southern hemisphere at the Gold Coast next year.”

SPLASH! sales manager David Stennett says the decision to reschedule the SPLASH! Pool and Spa Expo to August 2021 has been well received by exhibitors, visitors and delegates, especially by international exhibitors.

“We are glad to report that major supporting events around the expo have also reconfirmed they will take place, including Fluidra’s building and services members conference, Jim’s Pool Care national conference, ALFA Queensland’s conference and the Australian Swim Schools conference week.”

Training

SPASA launches free 12-week business training program SPASA Australia has launched a webinarbased training program, offered free to the entire pool and spa industry. The program runs for 12 weeks and the early webinars in were booked out, so be sure to register early.

Lindsay McGrath, CEO of SPASA, says the aim is to prepare the industry’s business professionals so they are ready when the current crisis eases.

“Covid-19 continues to be a challenging time for all of us,” he says. “What we know will determine how we survive this unprecedented event when it’s over. That is why SPASA Australia wants businesses to think ahead of the curve.

“We’ve developed a practical and dynamic program which provides students with the opportunity to register and undertake a range of webinar-based training programs covering business, sales, leadership and management.”

Each of the training programs provides students with a sample of learnings from each of SPASA’s nationally accredited business qualifications.

“Best of all, the webinar-based training programs are free of charge. What better way for SPASA Australia to invest in the industry than to better prepare pool and spa businesses for when the world and trading conditions return to normal,” he says.

The webinars, held on Tuesdays, are 60

16 SPLASH! April/May 2020

The online training webinars can be accessed from wherever you are

minutes in duration and will canvass all major points covered in the units of competency within each of the business qualifications.

Upcoming webinar dates 12 May – Intelligence v emotional intelligence – what is right for leaders of tomorrow?

19 May – How to market the business to stay in business 26 May – The Clear Sales Pitch – Presenting solutions to sell more 2 June – Is your team effective? How to lead for results 9 June – Progressing beyond the start line – Revisit & refine your business 16 June – The Importance of Timing – Identifying trends to stay ahead of the pack 23 June – Leading your team into developing and managing workplace relationships 30 June – How & where to find your potential customers?

While the webinars have been designed so any employee or manager can benefit, they are especially geared towards sales managers, building contractors, frontline sales teams, retailers, office sales teams, service and field technicians, team leaders, landscapers, managers and supervisors, subcontractors, administrators, consultants, warehouse

logistic teams and manufacturing teams.

On completion, students will be given a certificate of participation for each of the webinar-based training programs they attend and complete. Students who wish to work towards a nationally accredited qualification after completing the webinarbased training programs can do so by separate enrolment and will receive a 20 per cent discount off any business qualification.

Nationally accredited business qualifications include: • BSB40615 Certificate IV in Business Sales • BSB40215 Certificate IV in Business • BSB42015 Certificate IV in Leadership & Management • BSB42518 Certificate IV in Small Business Management • BSB50215 Diploma of Business • BSB51918 Diploma of Leadership and Management If you are reading the online version of SPLASH!, click here to register. Otherwise checkout the QuickLinks at splashmagazine. com.au.

For more information call toll free 1800 802 482, or email training@spasa.com.au

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Chemical tips Support

Helping bushfire volunteers With so much disruption surrounding the Covid-19 crisis, it’s easy to forget the summer from hell that saw unprecedented bushfires ravage most parts of the country.

To support the brave volunteers, the Narellan Group raised a total of $18,000 to help firefighter organisations in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

“We’ve all been touched by the tragedy of our recent bushfire crisis,” says Narellan Pools managing director, Chris Meyer. “I am continually overwhelmed by the great values and heart that our Narellan Group franchisees possess and display in their actions.”

The fundraising campaign was kicked off by Narellan Pools Sunshine Coast franchisee, Mark Martin, who pledged to donate a percentage of each pool sold during January to bushfire volunteers – with franchisees across the network quickly following suit.

Martin says that these volunteers have made such as sacrifice to protect people, property and animals across the country.

“As a community we wanted to show our respect and appreciation for these brave firefighters,” he says.

Inspired by the generosity of its franchise network, the Narellan Pools Group stepped forward to match franchisee contributions.

“Our community of franchisees continue to inspire us, and calling on us to support the bushfire crisis is no different,” says Meyer.

The funds will be distributed between the Victoria Country Fire Authority, NSW Rural Fire Service and Queensland Rural Fire Service.

“We know and trust these organisations will put the funds to great use, and help take care of those remarkable Australians who put their lives on the line for our country,” he says.

Keeping the pool and spa balanced during lockdown

By David Lloyd In these times of concern regarding transmitting viruses and bacteria, correct water balance and filtration has never been more important.

As we would have all read by now through various channels, there is no evidence that Covid-19 can be spread to humans through the use of properly maintained pools and hot tubs. Proper operation, maintenance and disinfection of pools and hot tubs should remove or inactivate the virus that causes Covid-19.

Start by using correct levels of an approved sanitiser such as chlorine.

We need to make sure there is a good residual of free available chlorine by testing the pool water on a regular basis, and not just keeping high levels of total chlorine which may be holding high levels of chloramines hindering the efficiency of the chlorine.

The next step – and just as important – is to keep the pH level within the standard range of 7.2 to 7.6. If this pH level is allowed to increase upward to say 7.8 to 8.0, you will lose around 80 per cent of the direct killing power of the sanitiser, allowing bacteria and algae to bloom.

The Narellan Group raised a total of $18,000 for firefighters

Support

Soothing essential workers’ sore muscles During this crisis we are all becoming aware how much we are in the debt of the essential workers who have put themselves in danger for the benefit of the community.

International Quadratics had been thinking of some small way to thank them, and came up with a social media campaign to offer them free mineral bath packs.

The Theralux bath mineral packs are rich in magnesium, perfect for soothing sore muscles after a hard day in the hospital, school or supermarket. All they need do is soak in the mineral-laden bath for 20 minutes to rejuvenate both body and mind.

Once they send their details, IQ will forward a

week’s worth of minerals right to their door, handled and packed with gloves, face masks and freshly sanitised hands. The packs are available to Australian residents while stocks last.

If you’re reading the online version, click here to access the offer, or go to a QuickLink at splashmagazine.com.au.

Keeping the total alkalinity in check will make life a lot easier to assist with keeping the pH balanced, meaning the efficiency of the chlorine is at its best to keep the bacteria at bay.

If you are treating an algal bloom, it is suggested that a good quality algaecide is used in conjunction with the chlorine.

These products work synergistically in treating the algae and will allow the chlorine to do its job of killing off bacteria and viruses.

The use of a chlorine dioxide precursor is also recommended, as this will remove any biofilm build-up from the surface, pipework or filter, further reducing the chance of bacteria and virus build-up within the water.

These tips are supplied by International Quadratics’ David Lloyd. For more information call (02) 9774 5550.

April/May 2020 SPLASH! 19

news

Christian Tyra

Pete Whalley

David Dean

Spa Tech Tips Electrical safety around spas With the tragic death of a Perth man in December last year while working under his spa, it’s a timely reminder of the extreme electrical safety hazards that spas can produce.

Water and electricity are a lethal mix.

Never work on a spa with the power on. Never attempt any electrical work without a relevant licence – this includes opening a spa pack to unplug touchpads, pumps or other equipment.

Never assume power is disconnected even with an isolator turned off. Be extra cautious when the ground is wet and always wear rubber-soled boots.

Report ANY electric shock, including tingles, to the relevant electrical authority ASAP and ensure the spa power is disconnected or isolated. Do not have repairs made prior to reporting. It’s impossible to receive an electric shock from the water in a spa if the electrical installation of the house is intact, despite what might be the cause.

Inaction could result in tragedy such as another Perth victim who was electrocuted touching a garden tap in 2018.

Use a visual/audible voltage proximity tester such as a Fluke VoltAlert against any metallic/conductive materials before touching – this includes the spa’s metal framing, pump motors, fences, cover lifters and electrical cords. While not a definitive test, it’s the primary level of defence against electric shock.

These tips are supplied by Adrian Lacy of Spatex.

For more information call 1300 772 839.

20 SPLASH! April/May 2020

Industry moves

Three new placements at Maytronics Maytronics has appointed two new state managers and a marketing manager to support its continued local expansion.

Christian Tyra successfully filled the position of New South Wales state manager having spent the past 14 years at DHL supply chain with 10 years in warehouse/ logistics operations and the past four years as a key account manager in the demanding healthcare sector.

“I am very excited about the transition into the pool industry with Maytronics and I see an amazing opportunity for organisational growth and challenge of learning a new industry, new products and building strong client relationships,” says Tyra.

Pete Whalley has been appointed state manager for Victoria and South Australia.

With a long history in franchising, his roles have included operational support, compliance and sales training. Most recently he assisted Poolwerx franchise partners in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.

“I was fortunate enough to experience the fantastic Maytronics range of products and team during my two and a half years with Poolwerx. Add to this their market leading robotic cleaners dominating the market segment and some exciting releases into the future, and the move to join Maytronics was a decision made easy,” says Whalley.

Maytronics also appointed David Dean as marketing manager. Dean has a wealth of knowledge across manufacturing and distribution networks in the UK and will be responsible for marketing across Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the South East Asian markets.

“I’m excited to be joining a growth orientated market leader who is leading the way to change attitudes across the pool sector. We have some exciting projects for our flagship Dolphin product range in 2020 and look forward to working with our trade partners, dealer network and of course end customers,” he says.

Manufacturing

Pentair acquires A&A Manufacturing In April Pentair successfully acquired A&A Manufacturing, a US-based manufacturer best known for its infloor cleaning systems. The infloor systems are marketed as QuickClean in Australia and New Zealand, and have been supplied and serviced through Mildura-based Cooke Industries for the past 15 years.

Cooke Industries will remain the exclusive Australasian distributor, and managing director Cliff Cooke has welcomed the acquisition by Pentair.

“The acquisition will accelerate investment in product development processes and provides an opportunity for A&A Manufacturing to introduce

some exciting new products which will reinforce QuikClean’s reputation for energy efficient, premium quality cleaning systems,” he says.

A&A Manufacturing and Pentair have both confirmed their support for Cooke Industries to remain the exclusive Australasian distributor of QuikClean infloor cleaning systems and the acquisition is expected to strengthen Cooke Industries’ product offering.

Don McChesney, general manager of A&A Manufacturing says Cooke Industries are the best placed company to represent the brand locally.

“Cooke Industries has built a strong reputation and a loyal following during the past 15 years and they are the best company to represent QuikClean in the Australian and New Zealand markets,” he says.

Established in 1982, A&A Manufacturing is based in Phoenix, Arizona, and has built a portfolio of advanced products in the fields of energy efficient circulation and cleaning systems, auto levellers and water features. They also produce plastic LED niche lighting, chlorine and ozone/ oxidation sanitisation systems, and noise suppressors.

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Heating

Extending the swimming season in a time of social distancing Zane Solar has been experiencing a spike in enquiries, and Zane solar and heating manager Adam Shelley believes that is because of the benefit solar pool heating provides for homebound families during the current crisis.

Shelley says that a solar-heated pool can often double, or even triple, the average swimming season – increasing it from two to three months to eight or nine months. This is important considering the large number of people who are restricted to their homes just as the weather starts to cool.

After weeks of social distancing, selfisolating and home schooling, many parents are wondering how they’re going to keep their children entertained in the coming months if fulltime face-to-face learning doesn’t resume.

And the concern over too much screen time is only adding to the anxiety.

If children have cabin fever because they’re unable to play sports, or the family had to cancel holidays due to coronavirus quarantining, then a staycation can be the next best thing – especially if they have a heated swimming pool.

“Summer in the pool is where memories are made but as the months become cooler so too does the water,” says Shelley.

“Instead of leaving it to languish till the weather warms up, installing a heating system means you and the kids will be able to continue using your pool year-round.”

One of the great benefits of swimming is that it gives your body an all over workout regardless of your age or fitness ability.

From simple laps swum daily to more vigorous aqua aerobics and resistance training, your swimming pool can be a valuable tool to help you stay in shape, both mentally and physically.

Even basic water-based exercises in a reduced gravity environment are good for the mind and body – and you don’t need a big pool to reap the results.

A solar-heated pool can often double, or even triple, the average swimming season

Manufacturing

Fluidra acquires PCB manufacturer Fabtronics Many of these products designed and manufactured in Australia have gone on to be sold throughout the world via Fluidra’s global network.

Fluidra Group Australia, the local arm of the Spanish listed multinational Fluidra SA, has acquired Fabtronics Australia Pty Ltd, an Australian based designer and manufacturer of electronic appliances and circuit boards which has had Fluidra and previously AstralPool as its major customer.

Fabtronics has played an integral role in just about every significant product which has embedded electronics that Fluidra Australia has launched under the AstralPool brand in the past 16 years including the Viron and EQ chlorinators, the Viron XT pumps, the Connect10 automation system and the FLX and SLX pool lights.

22 SPLASH! April/May 2020

Many of these products designed and manufactured in Australia have gone on to be sold throughout the world via Fluidra’s global network. This investment in product development and innovation played a key role in AstralPool’s growth trajectory in Australia over the past decade.

Fabtronics was established in 2003 by Rod Briggs and Frank Harris to provide complete, efficient and cost effective electronics manufacturing solutions, and local R&D support to Australian businesses.

Fluidra Australia’s first Fabtronics project – the AstralPool VX chlorinator – quickly led to a steady stream of new product development work for Fabtronics with AstralPool and then Fluidra which continues to this day.

Having established themselves as one of the leading electronics designers in Australia, Fabtronics expanded beyond the pool industry into areas as diverse as HVAC, aftermarket automotive and medical.

Fluidra Australia MD, Stephen Matysiak, says Fluidra is committed to continuing to invest in product development and innovation, and the acquisition of Fabtronics will enable the business to fully integrate its R&D resources with the rest of its operations.

“The acquisition further reinforces our commitment to the APAC and South African pool market and will enable the business to accelerate innovation to meet local market needs,” he says.

Bruce Brooks, Fluidra CEO, says he is excited to have Briggs and Harris and their team join the Fluidra family.

“They have a wealth of experience in electronics design and product automation, which are instrumental to our product development plans globally,” he says.

Fabtronics are based in Braeside, 10 minutes from Fluidra’s manufacturing facility in Keysborough, Victoria. The Fabtronics operation includes a team of eight in-house design engineers, as well as a state-of-the-art 3000sqm circuit board manufacturing plant.

Fabtronics will continue to operate from its current location, with Briggs and Harris continuing to lead the team.

The Fabtronics founders and team are looking forward to integrating into the Fluidra Group Australia operation.

“We have been working with Fluidra Australia for many years now. This step is the natural evolution for us and we now look forward to contributing to Fluidra’s R&D efforts beyond our immediate region,” says Rod Briggs co-founder of Fabtronics.

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Industry Snapshot: Rob Kruber

N

ext in the series of Industry Shapshots is Rob Kruber, CEO of Spa Industries Global and chairman of SPASA Australia.

How did you get into the pool and spa industry?

It was about 15 years ago. My friend owned Spa Industries back then, and I was an electrician. And he was having troubles with his manufacturing. I did a lot of project managing, and started setting up his manufacturing lines and got everything running. And one thing linked to the other – once manufacturing was sorted, the link between that and sales needed setting up, so we then moved into that, and I slowly progressed my way through the company.

What are your highlights in the industry?

What we’ve achieved over the years – we’ve won a lot of awards over the years. And probably one of the highlights is that we’ve managed to maintain manufacturing in Australia. I love manufacturing and love that Australians can still manufacture. So

“Consumers want products to be easier to use and more integrated.

So they’re easy to look after and more efficient to run, and a better experience.”

being able to keep manufacturing in Australia is probably my highlight, I reckon, of my time there.

Where do you think the industry is heading?

Consumers want products to be easier to use and more integrated. So they’re easy to look after and more efficient to run, and a better experience. And they’re all things that we’re actually looking at to improve in our products. You know, water saving devices, things that will make the spas clean a bit easier and even the integration, through a lot more artificial intelligence to make them operate a lot more easily as well. So better experiences from products.

How do you see the local scene?

I’ve been involved in SPASA associations for the past eight years, and go back just five years ago and SPASA Australia was just a vision. To where it’s become today is an absolute credit to its staff and the vision of the board. Absolutely amazing – a great result.

More: Videos of these and other interviews are available on SPLASH! TV at splashmagazine.com.au/videos.

April/May 2020 SPLASH! 25

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Centrifugal pumps

By Cal Stanley

TOP: Pumps are the beating heart of a pool.

Image: Waterco

W

hen we think of a pool pump, we often think and talk of the “suction” ability of that pump. In reality there is no such thing: a centrifugal pump cannot “suck” water. Equally, a centrifugal pump can’t pump air.

It can only pump a substance that is denser than air but still very liquid. It is designed specifically to pump water.

Water easily flows downhill from the effect of gravity and air pressure on it. However, air pressure is also strong enough to make water flow “uphill” against the pull of gravity. If it wasn’t, then we wouldn’t be able to get water to flow into a pump sitting even a few millimetres above the pool water level. Water will also flow, or try to flow, towards a low pressure area, the lowest pressure area

“If flow requires it, the outlet pipe size should be increased, but never use a smaller diameter suction pipe than the diameter of the pump outlet.” available being a vacuum. A centrifugal pump provides a very low pressure zone into which water is “pushed” by the air pressure outside the pump.

In most cases a centrifugal pump needs some assistance for the flow to commence because the 26 SPLASH! April/May 2020

pump itself starts off with the same ambient air pressure (100 kPa) inside it and it pumps air very poorly if at all.

Centrifugal pool pumps

Some things to know about centrifugal pumps: Although a centrifugal pump doesn’t actually suck water in, “suck” or “suction” are common terms in general use, so I may use them here.

• The pump’s impeller spinning within the volute creates a very low pressure zone at its centre and a very high pressure at its outside as it flings water up into the return pipe.

• Air pressure forces the water into the pump which, once fully primed, continues to replace return water with suction water.

• The pump impeller creates the pressure to drive the water through the return pipes, filters and other equipment, back to the pool.

• A pool pump will generally have identically sized inlet and outlet connections, while larger commercial pumps often have an outlet of smaller diameter than the inlet.

• If flow requires it, the outlet pipe size should be increased, but never use a smaller diameter suction pipe than the diameter of the pump outlet.

• Depending on the complication of a pool return system it may be necessary to use a return pipe size larger than that of the pump outlet.

• In the pool industry a pump normally draws water from and returns it to the same water body – hence we call it a “return line” not a discharge line.

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Why the pump need priming

We assist the pump to commence pumping by priming it or filling the pump chamber (called the volute) with water. We fill it via the hair and lint pot.

Switch the pump on and it quickly moves that water into the discharge pipe leaving behind a very low pressure zone into which water in the suction pipeline quickly moves. The pumping cycle has begun.

To ensure priming is not a problem, the suction line should proceed to the pool on the level or on an even upward slope. Ensure that it does not have any humps in it as that will result in trapped air that is difficult to remove from the line. Even worse is a suction line raised above the pump inlet at some point. (I have seen this done too many times.) These errors are less likely when the pump is installed below the pool water level.

How the pump works

Most if not all pumps for domestic pools use a closed impeller. The spinning impeller creates a low pressure area at its centre. The water then begins to rapidly increase pressure as it moves towards the outside of the volute where the impeller velocity is many times faster, and the water is ready to escape into the return line at a pressure sufficient to return it to the pool.

What is cavitation?

Cavitation is caused when a pump, normally running at a fixed speed, is able to discharge water faster than it can suck new water from the pool. Just throttle back the pump inflow with a valve and you will hear a different sound – it is called cavitation.

Every pump has a “net positive suction head required” (NPSHr), while every plumbing system has a “net positive suction head available” (NPSHa). The NPSHa should always be greater than the NPSHr. When NPSHa is reduced or restricted by a limited available flow, cavitation will commence.

When a pump is trying to return more water to a pool than the system permits to be taken from it, it may look like air in the suction system – it is actually vapour bubbles.

• When a pump struggles for water, the pressure at the centre of the impeller is very low: 2 KPa to 4 KPa only.

• At a pressure of 3 KPa, water at 250C will boil.

• Boiling is the formation of vapour bubbles.

• Vapour bubbles form at the low pressure centre of the impeller gaining tremendous energy in the process.

• As they move out along the impeller axis, they encounter higher pressure and then collapse or implode.

• The energy released on collapse is very concentrated causing damage to impeller. If not corrected it could entirely destroy the impeller.

• A vapour bubble lifetime in an impeller is 3 milliseconds thus these bubbles form and collapse at the rate of 333 per second.

When a pump is “starving” for water, it is possible to get some visible air bubbles in the hair and lint pot. This is a sign of cavitation but is not, in itself, cavitation. It is actual air dragged through pipe connections under considerable vacuum pressure.

Future articles will explore in some detail energy efficiency, the movement of water through pipes, pipe friction and head loss, water velocity, sizing pipes to advantage and variable speed pumps. n For these columns, Cal Stanley draws on his experience and success in pool construction, having run award-winning Neptune Pools in Western Australia for three decades, as well as sitting on many standards committees and industry body boards, and working as a pool consultant, trainer and delivering hydraulics courses for the swimming pool industry. If you have a question regarding his columns, email him at neptunepools@westnet.com.au.

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April/May 2020 SPLASH! 27

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Industry Snapshot: John Daniel

N

ext in the series of Industry Shapshots is John Daniel, owner of Sydney-based construction company Jade Swimming Pools.

How did you get into the pool and spa industry?

Jade Swimming Pools was established in 1977. To this day we work as a team at Jade – there’s my son and my

“I think there’s going to be a great future in the industry, and hopefully my son will be a part of that with many of the other fathers that have got sons in the industry.”

wife who’s the financier, and the team at the office and our subbies out on the road.

I’m an ex-Vietnam veteran. I was an engineer in the Royal Australian Navy, and did many trips to Vietnam and was always involved with water. And after that I just decided that’s what I wanted to do.

So we spent time in project management for a while, 28 SPLASH! April/May 2020

before I got into the industry in ’77 and we moved forward from there.

What are your highlights in the industry?

The highlights are most probably the passion I’ve been able to derive from the industry, and the people I’ve met.

I got away from the industry five years ago when I had a few procedures done and then I came back again. I was president of SPASA NSW from 2000 to 2002. I’m now on the NSW board and I’m on the SPASA Australia board as well.

Where do you think the industry is heading?

It was a surprise for me [how far we’d come] from 2000 to where we are today. I looked at strategies, pillars, posts – and of course in my day, at 71 years of age, a post was something you put in the ground and “pillas” were something you slept on. But I’m learning that we’re going further in this industry, and technology is leading.

I think there’s going to be a great future in the industry, and hopefully my son will be a part of that with many of the other fathers that have got sons in the industry.

More: Videos of these and other interviews are available on SPLASH! TV at splashmagazine.com.au/videos. n

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Keeping sales up when customer visits are down

By Darren Fleming ABOVE: When selling over the phone, all you have is sound BOTTOM: The four questioning techniques: Level, Language, Point and Person

W

ith social distancing set to be the dominant theme of 2020, businesses will have to find new ways of servicing their customers without going onsite. Understanding how this setup will affect salespeople, customers and business-as-usual is essential to making it through to the other side when we can set up a new normal.

There are three areas that sales managers, salespeople and business owners need to be aware of. These are the person, process and perception. These will all play a crucial role in transitioning people from selling face-toface to selling over the phone.

The person

Salespeople are finding their work environment turned on its head. Previously they had been free agents out on the road able to do as they wanted, free from the constant oversight that comes with being in an office.

As long as they were making budget they were pretty much left to their own devices.

Now, being stuck in the office they will feel as though they have had their wings clipped. Cabin fever will set in for them more quickly than for other staff.

Being stuck in the same place with the same people all day will cause some people to become agitated. Sales managers should watch out for this as it can cause tensions to rise between salespeople and the rest of the office. Remember, salespeople love being on the road, but office staff love salespeople being on the road more.

If salespeople are able to work from home (as most should be) working may be more difficult than usual.

If there is no designated home office, salespeople may find themselves working from the kitchen table, coffee table or outdoor patio. Throw into the mix other family members working and schooling from home and it makes it almost impossible for salespeople to get into the zone to do their best work. It’s at this time that motivation falls and self-talk turns negative.

Environmental signals

Salespeople rely on a host of environmental signals to sell their services. These include what they see in the customer’s office, changes from last visit and chance interactions with other staff members.

On top of this, salespeople rely on the social cues from their customer. The way they move, how they interact, hold back or lean in all come together to signal to the salesperson what they should do next. When selling over the phone these cues are missing.

Without the environmental signals and social cues, sales calls will be shorter.

Salespeople are used to sales calls being a particular length. They turn up, have rapport building conversation over a coffee, move into the sales conversation, solve the issues and walk out with a reasonable order at a good margin. This might take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes.

But over the phone, a lot of this is missing. Calls will go from being 20+ minutes to being over within five minutes.

Where it used to take all day to make six sales calls, this will now be completed before morning tea. What then?

As a sales manager, it is important to understand these changes in your sales team. Put strategies in place to ensure they can have a familiar space to work – perhaps even sitting in the car.

April/May 2020 SPLASH! 31

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RIGHT: Listening is key LEFT: Sometimes you just need to leave a little space in the conversation

The process

Many sales managers are seeing that their sales teams and methods of selling need major adjustments.

If your sales team has been using “show and tell” as their means of selling they will struggle in the current times. If your sales team are selling out of catalogues, needing new widgets as a reason to call on customers then they will struggle to offer value to their customers in the Covid-19 world.

Right now customers need problems solved – not just more stock to sell. Salespeople need to look beyond the current Covid-19-caused problems and see what problems they can solve for their customers on the other side of the pandemic. The way your salespeople walk alongside their current customers as the trusted partner they have always said they are is to ask better questions.

The better question to ask

The table on page 31 shows the four types of questioning techniques I teach my clients. Going well beyond open and closed and the five “W” questions, each style of questioning has a different focus to achieve different objectives.

The first focus is Level. Are you asking contextrelated or content-related questions – is it big picture or nuts-and-bolts details. Asking the big picture questions helps salespeople get a lay-of-the-land view to know what is happening.

Language is about challenging the meaning of the sentence or the word. If a customer says, “I can’t buy from you” the usual response is to ask ‘Why not?” or "What would you need to see so you could?"

But the answer to that only serves to reinforce the objection. The answer could be as reasonable as “We have a contract with someone else”, through to something as bizarre as “When I was a five-year-old I didn’t get a hug from mum, so I won’t buy from you”.

Whatever the answer, it reinforces their position and makes it harder for you to push ahead. That’s because the challenge goes to the meaning of the sentence.

There is a better way. Instead of challenging the sentence and the meaning of it, challenge the words used.

Challenge “I” – Who here can buy from me? (Maybe they don’t have the budget but someone else does) Challenge “can’t” – What is stopping you? (Is it as systems issue, a managerial directive or laziness?)

32 SPLASH! April/May 2020

Challenge “buy” – What would happen if you did? (Is it an accounts issue, stock issue or cashflow issue?)

Challenge “from” – Could you buy through our distributor? (Is it a procedural issue?)

Challenge “you” – Could you buy from my colleague?

(Is it a personal or company thing?)

When you challenge the words used it opens up the conversation to a deeper level of information that can then be addressed. This is how you set yourself apart in the market.

The Point is where most salespeople spend their time – getting into the detail and understanding of what is going on so they can solve a problem. The concern here is that we all make assumptions and then these assumptions get in the way of us communicating.

The final focus of Person is about listening over talking. In a bid to help out, solve a problem and then move on, salespeople often talk over others, finish their sentences and make assumptions as to what is needed. This is done in the name speed and being helpful. Another version of this is when salespeople offer their own experience of what the customer is speaking about under the guise that it is about building rapport.

But it doesn’t. All it does is brings attention back to you and away from the customer. Let the customer speak and share their ideas, problems and issues. When you have these you will know what to sell them.

Perception

When selling over the phone, all you have is sound.

How well you manipulate it will determine how successful you are.

Listen: the most obvious thing to do with sound is to listen to it. Don’t jump in, don’t finish sentences and don’t offer your thoughts. Just listen to the customer.

Matching: if someone is speaking fast you can speak fast too. If they are slow, slow down to their pace. This matching will build a connection that makes it easier for you to sell your wares.

Selling over the phone will be the new normal for the next few months. Done well it can strengthen your business and enable you to walk alongside your customer as the trusted partner they need. n Darren Fleming is an expert in sales and communication who has authored six books including More Sales, More Profit and Don’t be a Dick. Go to splashmagazine. com.au/videos to see some of his webinar clips.

Contact: www.DarrenFleming.com.au.

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Getting healthy exercise without leaving the home has never been more important 34 SPLASH! April/May 2020

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Saving space in

By Veda Dante

the plunge pool boom

S

uburban housing blocks succumbing to subdivision, tougher development controls and tighter household budgets have created a boom in small scale swimming pools across Australia.

During the 1980s and 1990s, the average suburban pool measured a generous 9 metres by 4.5 metres whereas today’s trends have slimmed down to roughly 6 metres by 4 metres.

Plunge pools, spa pools, cocktail pools, splash pools, spools – whatever you call them – small pools can offer many of the benefits of their bigger counterparts without consuming the whole backyard.

April/May 2020 SPLASH! 35

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Put simply, a small pool is typically larger than a spa but smaller than a swimming pool. And with options ranging from customised concrete tanks and stainlesssteel shipping containers to prefabricated modular designs and DIY fibreglass kits, homeowners have plenty of sizes, shapes and styles to choose from.

Reducing a pool’s footprint certainly cuts operating costs – fewer chemicals are required to keep it sanitised and it takes less electricity to filter the water – but it’s the feeling of instant gratification that seems to be the most appealing to homeowners.

“Compact pools require less maintenance, they are easy to clean which provides customers with more time to enjoy the pool instead of looking after it.”

When it comes to drop-in precast concrete pools, most of the work is completed in a factory environment and delivered to customers’ homes finished and ready to install. And they are considerably more affordable than pools poured onsite.

“Installation typically takes one to two days and customers are able to swim at the end of the second day,” says Brisbane Prestige Plunge Pools COO Amy Smith.

“Owners don’t have to endure weeks or months of living amongst a building site with tradespeople traipsing through your backyard. The process is quick, easy, and can all be handled by one tradesman.”

Smith says fixed-price is also a huge selling point for new pool owners.

“There is nothing worse than signing a contract with provisional sums or allowances included in it that may either be unrealistic or blow out during the construction process,” she says. “Our customers have the reassurance that there are no provisional sums or allowances. Everyone pays the same price that is shown both on our price list and their contract.”

Precast plunge pools have a distinct advantage over traditionally built pools when installed above ground – they can be up to 50 per cent cheaper than pools framed up and formed on-site.

“Our precast plunge pools are also made with 40mpa strength steel reinforced concrete, which is considerably

Image: Brisbane Prestige Plunge Pools

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Image: Remco

The small footprint of a Brisbane Prestige Plunge Pools installation

Ease of use is critical when choosing swim jets.

What to look for before investing in swim jets Because choosing a swim jet can be challenging with so many options on the market, Remco’s Carl Voshege shares some useful tips.

Lower running costs It’s important to do your research and find an energy efficient model that will reduce your running costs over the years. I recommend looking at swim jets with an impeller system.

How powerful is it?

The power of the water flowing from the jet is another important factor to think about. This is measured in gallons per minute (GPM) and can be the difference between an average and an amazing swim experience. Don’t even contemplate getting a jet below 600 GPM. Remember, even on higher powered swim jets, you can always use lower levels for remedial swimming and then turn it up to unleash your inner Ian Thorpe.

Noise level The last thing anyone wants is disgruntled family members or neighbours when you’re just trying to get a few laps in before work. Different swim jets can have varying levels of noise so ensure yours has a low noise output so you can exercise without disturbing the peace.

Easy installation

Some systems require pumps and plumbing to be installed, resulting in a longer installation time and increased set-up costs. All-in-one systems are not only easier and cheaper to install but are also easier to maintain.

Placement It is important to consider where the swim jet will be located. Certain models can protrude out from the walls of the pool, taking up extra space and ruining the aesthetics. The best swim jets sit flush with the pool wall.

User friendly It’s all very well and good to have a swim jet system in place, but you also need to consider how easy it is to use. Look for one that comes with a remote control and has the benefit of being able to adjust what power level you are using for different activities or levels of intensity.

Bubble-free Bubbles mean that your system is pushing through air rather than pool water. This is both inefficient and means that you cannot see! Make sure that the swim jet system you choose is completely free of bubbles.

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Photographer: Peter Brennan

ABOVE: This project

by The Other Swimart has designed a series of visual Side made the family aids for its Landscapes Australasianhas franchise network, size spa an attractive described as apool foolproof system mosaic to help tiled feature of the landscape. franchise partners explain pool chemicals and water chemistry to their customers, with nine LEFT: The AIS Water Pixie icons to enable pool care professionals to use chlorinator is specially designed everyday language when discussing topics for smaller pool and spas like algaecides, oxidisers and sanitisers.

38 SPLASH! April/May 2020 36 SPLASH! Oct/Nov 2019

more than the 25mpa concrete used for pools built in“The Aussie tradition of having family and friends situ,”for sheasays. over barbeque and lots of fun in the pool She says this enables customers to create a unique still requires chlorination to remove bacteria and feature in their yard that not such only looks but is importantly organic matter as dirtamazing and dust, also functional andoils adds without breaking thecan bank. sunscreens, body andvalue other nasty things kids do in “Compact a pool.” pools require less maintenance, they are easy to While clean and after which provides customers with it’s look important to have a residual disinfectant more time tosafe, enjoy the pool instead of says looking to maintain quality water, Milne thatafter it.

Many also choose to add a heater tobe their pool toand allow residual doesn’t necessarily need to chlorine the for year-round swimming as it is not cost prohibitive to associated chemicals to maintain chlorine levels. heat a smaller through cooler like months.”

“The Nakedpool system uses athe residual the ancient Greeks and Romans used for their drinking water, Investing in and lower which is copper silvercosts opposed to chlorine and Australia’s first Climate Care Certified installation these are actually more efficient than chlorine itself was

by Brisbane Prestige Plunge Pools. without the required chemicals,” he says.

The money Adrian Volders and Annie BarclayVolders savedthe by opting a plunge pool was spent Reducing needforfor chlorine improvingChemicals the efficiency of the overall – Lo-Chlor managing directorproject Paul Simons something they mayis not afforded hadnew theymethods opted agrees that residual stillhave required but that for grander can areduce thedesign. level of chlorine needed in a pool.

The couple chosetouting an eco-friendly He says thesays newthey products to be thepool next to best minimise theirand carbon footprint without compromising thing in pool spa disinfection are typically based on their lifestyle. traditional sanitation models.

“As an new environmental scientist, amnothing aware that “Most systems coming out Iare new as small changes at the household cansays translate to a far as their ability to sanitise the level water,” Simons. big“Instead, impact,”they’re says Volder.

“Theorcombination Daisy’s revamps upgrades ofofcurrent thermal pool blanket Waterco’s MultiCyclone ideas whether they beand mineral pools, ionisation or filter and advanced Hydrostorm pool pump has salt chlorinators.

feature Image by Suncatcher Pools

Cronulla Pools won gold for this Courtyard Pool in the 2019 National Awards. Height variation in the plants behind the pool helps create the impression of more space

“Natural stone draws the landscape into the splash pool by Suncatcher Pools.”

Placid Pools won gold for this swimspa at the 2019 National Awards. The elevated setting overcame the lack of a large, flat site, and accentuated the stunning tropical view

April/May 2020 SPLASH! 39

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significantly reduced both our electricity bill and environmental impact.”

Compared to traditional swimming pools, a small pool uses up to 80 per cent less water – and substantially less electricity when a variable speed pump is installed.

Multi-purpose spools

“There is a significant trend in Australia toward higher density living, making properties smaller and putting space at a premium.”

Small pools may lack the length required to swim laps but that doesn’t mean you can’t use them to stay fit.

Spools combine the features of a pool and spa, providing a range of relaxation, fitness and therapeutic outcomes in one compact design. Strategically placed swim jets create a current to swim against while a combination of spa jets and a heating system provide the perfect antidote for sore muscles or an overworked mind.

Swim jets work by pushing large volumes of water through jets – usually two or more positioned at the shoulders and one positioned below, angled up at the chest – which create resistance for the swimmer to work against.

Advanced jet technology like Remco’s Swimjet creates a steady current that provides enough resistance to achieve a solid workout. It offers a fivespeed setting so you can adjust the water flow as you work on your stroke.

“This is the perfect way to incorporate swimming into your fitness routine or as a way to help your children become stronger, more capable swimmers – especially when you have a small pool and social distancing means you can’t go to the gym,” says Remco managing director Carl Voshege.

“With the ability to control functions or turn it off completely when you want to just enjoy the water, this counter-current swimming machine provides hours of fun for the whole family.”

Space saving equipment

Photographer: Brigid Arnott

ABOVE: This spa pool by Good Manors shows how even in a tiny backyard, a body of water can be an integral part of a beautiful landscape.

RIGHT: The MultiCyclone Ultra occupies less space than a sand filter and eliminates the need for a backwash line FAR RIGHT: This Senator Pools project makes clever use of a narrow, sloping space at the side of the home.

40 SPLASH! April/May 2020

There’s no point going to the effort of installing a small pool if the plantroom needed to house the necessary filtration and sanitisation equipment takes up a bigger footprint than the pool itself.

Companies like swimming pool and water treatment specialist Waterco have engineered a range of products

Photographer: Top Snap, Karin Barschow

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Plunge pool makes enviro benchmark SPASA’s water and energy efficiency label, Climate Care Certified, reached a milestone with the launch of the first Climate Care Certified swimming pool – a plunge pool built by Brisbane Prestige Plunge Pools.

The new Climate Care Certified Plunge Pool is a completely environment-friendly package, providing consumers with the ability to purchase a pool with confidence knowing that their pool delivers verifiable water and energy savings that have been certified by the peak industry body.

SPASA CEO Lindsay McGrath says this industry first reflects the philosophy of SPASA Australia to provide sustainable solutions so consumers can love their swimming pool and the environment at the same time.

Geoff Smith, director of Brisbane Prestige Plunge Pools says it is the company’s vision to actively engage their customers, staff and the community in achieving a sustainable environment which fosters and inspires best practice.

“We have embraced the importance of preparing and empowering consumers

to become responsible for contributing to a sustainable future with our Climate Care Certified Plunge Pools,” he says.

“Our customers have welcomed the opportunity to future proof their pool by upgrading to our environmentally sustainable, energy efficient, water-saving Climate Care Package.

Customers are prepared to make the investment to minimise their environmental footprint while not having to compromise on lifestyle.”

To meet the Climate Care Certified criteria, these pools use a range of already Climate Care Certified products including: • Daisy’s Ultradome Pool Cover; • Waterco’s Hydrostorm 100 ECO-V variable speed pump; •W aterco’s MultiCyclone filter technology.

Other inclusions used to satisfy the necessary criteria include a cartridge filter, robotic pool cleaner and LED pool light.

It is estimated that the Climate Care Certified Plunge Pool will save thousands of litres of water every year while at the same time reducing energy consumption, saving hundreds of dollars per annum.

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Brisbane Prestige Plunge Pools’ circular pool is a visual feature as well as a great addition to the owner’s lifestyle

April/May 2020 SPLASH! 41

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“Bubbles mean that your system is pushing through air rather than pool water. This is both inefficient and means that you cannot see!”

that are compact and quiet, conserving space and keeping neighbours happy – ideal solutions for small backyard pools.

For example, its MultiCyclone Ultra combines centrifugal and cartridge filtration in one streamlined housing which can be plumbed vertically.

“There is no filtration system in the world that is more space-saving,” says Waterco group marketing director Bryan Goh. “Ultra’s streamlined design combines the benefits of MultiCyclone’s pre-filtration technology with a compact cartridge filter. Simply put, this enables a reduction in pool equipment footprint and required pipework – thus reducing the filtration system’s overall head loss. In addition, the MultiCyclone Ultra can be mounted using the specially designed support stand.”

Further space saving benefits can be achieved by combining Waterco’s MultiCyclone with an Opal cartridge filter. This allows the filtration system to increase its capacity without increasing its footprint.

“This dual-filtration system occupies less space than a sand filter and eliminates the need for a backwash line,” says Goh.

Chlorination for small pools

Another product designed specifically for small pools and spas is AIS Water’s new Water Pixie chlorinator.

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Image: Remco

ABOVE: A small space made better by the addition of a plunge pool.

LEFT: Visually bringing the outdoors inside. Image: Brisbane Prestige Plunge Pools

April/May 2020 SPLASH! 43

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The indoor/outdoor appeal of adding a pool to a small space

Leading Australian designer and manufacturer of water disinfection technology, AIS Water, introduced the Water Pixie especially for plunge pools, swim spas, jacuzzis, spas, hot tubs and small volume water features.

CEO Elena Gosse says the company was satisfying a demand for a market that had previously not been adequately accommodated.

“There is a significant trend in Australia toward higher density living, making properties smaller and putting space at a premium,” she says.

“People still want to enjoy the luxury of a private pool however, and this has seen the plunge pool and spa market increase.

“This smaller application requires specifically designed pool chlorination technology and we have responded quickly with the launch of our purpose-built Pixie RP10.”

Gosse says that unlike chlorine dosing or costly chlorine generators designed for much larger water volumes, the Pixie provides peace of mind because of its cost-efficiency, simplicity, reliability and ease of installation.

Hydrotherapy

A heated plunge pool not only extends the bathing season but also provides great health benefits.

Miriam Fletcher, chair of the Australian Physiotherapy Association’s Aquatic Physiotherapy Group, says that aquatic exercises enable people to work many areas of the body for strength, range of movement, function and balance in the one session that would take much longer to achieve on land.

“Exercising in warm water is an ideal tool for improving postoperative or injury rehabilitation results especially in complex or multiple conditions,” she says.

44 SPLASH! April/May 2020

Big isn’t necessarily better when working out in the pool, especially one fitted with swim and spa jets.

Fletcher says that if a person has a lack of cardiovascular fitness – perhaps through lung conditions, heart problems or even pregnancy – simple exercises can be done safely at a higher intensity in water as there is better blood flow to the lungs resulting in up to 30 per cent better oxygen uptake with less stress on the heart.

“In a hydrotherapy pool, the warmth and smoothness of movement and the ability to adjust your tolerable weight-bearing assists with facilitating pain-free exercises that would not be tolerated on land,” she says.

While small pools can be an inexpensive alternative to a traditional swimming pool, that doesn’t mean they all come cheap. Popular add-ons like water features, infloor cleaning systems and intelligent devices can add thousands to the finished product.

With Covid-19 forcing many people to work from home, home school and postpone gym memberships, it will be interesting to see if the small pool boom skyrockets over the next 12 months. n

Contacts:

AIS Water: aiswater.com.au Australian Physiotherapy Association: australian.physio Brisbane Prestige Plunge Pools: goplunge.com.au Climate Care Certified: spasa.com.au Ecozen Pools + Landscapes: ecozen.com.au Remco Swimjets: remco.com.au Waterco: waterco.com.au

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Siting the pool for maximum effect

ABOVE: The pool should become a great feature you can see from inside and outside the house, all day, year-round. Image: Evolving Construction BOTTOM: A second floor can create shade for a well-sited outdoor space and pool

46 SPLASH! April/May 2020

A

rchitect Joe Snell says that when you have a small backyard to work with, it is crucial to site the pool to its best advantage – not just for the utility of the pool itself, but also the visual effect it offers the rest of the property, including from inside the house.

“So many outdoor areas are ruined by plonking the pool right in the middle of the garden,” says Snell.

When you add up all the hours in the day that the pool isn’t used, and the days in the year when it might be too cold for swimming, then the visual element becomes even more important.

“Surprisingly, we actually use a pool very little in a year as a swimming pool and instead it is more important day to day as a landscape water feature,” he says. “What an opportunity!

“Design the pool first as a water feature, by ensuring it is part of your view as you move around your home and draws your eye out into the garden,” he says.

“I often wrap a house around a pool and if you have a second floor to your house you can bring a pool in under it by cantilevering the second storey,” he says.

Snell, who is also a James Hardie ambassador, says that this literally brings the pool into the home which can be achieved by using premium fibre cement products like Linea Weatherboard and Matrix cladding, which don’t require the support of heavy masonry, but are still resistant to moisture, peeling and rot, unlike timber.

“The bonus with a design like this is that your pool is now a major feature of the home and is also getting shade provided by the upper level of your house.”

Additions still popular

An estimated $2.2bn was spent on alterations and additions to residential buildings in the first quarter of this year, showing the popularity of upscaling and improving existing homes.

“While increasing square feet is an obvious benefit of any home addition, it should also be an opportunity to consider your block and how you live, to define the new space and redefine the entire home,” says Snell.

That of course includes the opportunity to redo the backyard – with a pool of course.

“Focus down on your most important times of day and build back from there,” he says. “For example, if you’re a great entertainer or enjoy family meals you might consider an extension to create a dining alfresco space that can be used year-round.”

He says the basics of home design rely on five key concepts: light, sound, space, view and air. Creating an addition offers the opportunity to harness these concepts to improve the experience of living in the home.

These have never been more important in this time of social distancing, with everyone spending so much time at home.

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Larger format tiles enhance the impression of space ABOVE: This project by Gardner Design & Construction features Tavira Alfresco Limestone large format pavers from Sareen Stone

W

hen looking at ways to make small backyard spaces look bigger there is one thing often overlooked – the size and shape of the paving surrounding the swimming pool area, or constituting the entertainment area.

Large format tiles require less grout lines and therefore make the space less busy and better showcase the stone rather than the grout. While the fewer grout lines give a more open feel, as a bonus they also require less cleaning and are easier to maintain. Additionally, if using large format

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rectangular pavers, they can be run in one direction or the other to make the space look either longer or wider, depending on the requirement.

There are a number of other benefits of larger sized pavers including the fact they can be used both indoors and out, making them ideal for a seamless flow between the two spaces and to enhance an outdoor room feel.

An important benefit for landscapers and installers is that larger format pavers require less work and time to lay – including needing less cutting.

Whether the project is for indoors or for outdoors, or needs to flow seamlessly between the two, large format stone pavers can provide an upmarket appeal.

Sareen Stone says the current trend in floor tiles is undoubtedly larger format offering many benefits for residential and commercial projects. Their range of larger format tiles has expanded to include limestone, travertine, granite and sandstone in a variety of finishes, tones and sizes.

The following tiles, pool coping and step treads are available in larger formats for the following limestone, travertine and granite: • Tavira Alfresco Limestone – 812mm x 406mm • Crema Vialle Alfresco Limestone – 900mm x 600mm • Cathedral Alfresco Limestone – 900mm x 600mm • Manhattan Alfresco Limestone – 812mm x 406mm

• Fantasia Granite – 800mm x 400mm • Atlantic Grey random lengths – each tile is 600mm wide and comes in a set of lengths of 1000mm, 800 mm and 400mm.

They suggest the following stone tiles in larger formats with paired finishes to work together to achieve a seamless flow from inside to out: • First Choice Classic Travertine Filled & Honed or Tumbled – 915mm x 610mm

“While the fewer grout lines give a more open feel, as a bonus they also require less cleaning and are easier to maintain.”

• Tavira Limestone Honed or Alfresco – 812mm x 406mm • Manhattan Limestone Honed or Alfresco – 812mm x 406mm • Luna Chiaro Limestone Honed or Alfresco – 800mm x 400mm • Coliseum Striato Vein Cut Travertine Filled & Honed – 800mm x 400mm n Contact: www.sareenstone.com.au

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April/May 2020 SPLASH! 49

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Houzz announces pool winners ABOVE: The serene infinity pool

by Living Style Landscapes RIGHT: The tropical plunge pool

by Good Manors Pool + Garden BOTTOM: The modern lap pool by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects

O

nline home renovation and design platform Houzz has announced its community’s picks for Best of Houzz 2020 for design and service, including three awards for swimming pool designs: a serene infinity pool; a tropical plunge pool and a modern lap pool.

The Australasian managing director of Houzz, Tony Been, says he is proud to highlight the winners on the Houzz website and app.

“This year’s Best of Houzz awards go to an incredibly talented and service-oriented group of home renovation and design professionals,” he says. “These awards are particularly meaningful as it reflects the sentiment of the millions of homeowners in the Houzz community who are hiring home professionals for their projects across Australia and around the world.”

Best of Houzz is awarded annually in three categories: Design, Customer Service and Photography.

Design awards honour professionals whose work was the most popular among the Houzz community.

Customer Service honours are based on several factors, including a professional’s overall rating on Houzz and client reviews submitted in 2019.

Photography badges are awarded to architecture and interior design photographers whose images were most popular.

Popular pools

The winning pool designs are: 50 SPLASH! April/May 2020

Infinity Pool: Living Style Landscapes Plunge Pool: Good Manors Pool + Garden Lap Pool: Madeleine Blanchfield Architects Melissa Barrett of Living Style Landscapes was excited to get the acknowledgment from homeowners.

“We are proud to have won another Houzz badge as we feel this strengthens our Houzz profile and reassures our clients that we are a professional business,” she says.

A Best Of Houzz 2020 badge, specifying category won, appears on winners’ profiles to help homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals on Houzz locally and around the world.

Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Houzz also has international offices in Sydney, London, Berlin, Moscow, Tel Aviv and Tokyo. n Contact: www.houzz.com.au/best-ofhouzz-2020

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p 02 9624 8842 | f 02 9674 5115 e sales@lamottepacific.com www.lamottepacific.com April/May 2020 SPLASH! 51

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S Make sure your website is up to the task of advertising in the current climate

Advertising during the pandemic

By Brett Lloyd Abbott

52 SPLASH! April/May 2020

hould you be advertising during the Covid-19 pandemic?

Well, that depends...

Everyone’s a little bit nervous right now, wondering: (1) How long is this pandemic going to last? And (2) Will my business be able to survive?

These two questions have a lot of business owners frozen, as leads and sales drop precipitously.

Builders in particular are getting desperate for sales, so they’re “ready to advertise in the worst possible way.”

(That’s an inside joke for marketing people, and it’s not a compliment.)

So that leads to the big question – should you be advertising during this pandemic?

Well, I’ve got several answers for you.

Answer #1

Yes! If you’ve already been advertising for a while, then it makes sense to continue at some reasonable level. But the tone of your message needs to shift a little. Right now, people are going through a lot of emotional stuff.

They need to see and hear some compassion from others, including advertisers.

Otherwise, you are going to look and sound painfully “tone deaf.” This is not the time to be self-serving (even

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(APVMA) and variousis health department guidelines systems where that additional elements When the prospect ready to buy, they’re though our primary goal is admittedly to help you–get to a website disappoints andsupport doesn’t convert. chlorine, bromine hydrogen peroxide,” he says. the preferred pool or spa sanitiser.” much likely and to buy from you. moremore sales).

This is overwhelmingly true if you are looking at “They are theofcornerstones sanitation for pools and The common supplementary products An automated system willofalso The slant your message needs to pivot.

No one online/PPC advertising, but it’s also fairly accurate spas.

If youitcannot residual of at least wefortypically in conjunction withtoo. an For example, if periodically “drip” informative explains betterdemonstrate than Wizardaemail of Ads marketing all othersee forms of advertising one of these sanitisers your poolcold, orhespa thenait19 may approved arebillboard, ozone, UV, copper/ content to leads that in have gone great Roy Williams.

Fortunately, made someonesanitiser sees your vehicle signage or yard not be safevideo to enter.” silver, a plethora of algaecides, potentially re-engaging them.

Renewed minute on this exact topic which you can see sign,and there’s an excellent chance they’ll go to your Forathe operation a commercial clarifiers, interest (such as clicking a link) can swimming via QuickLink atofsplashmagazine.com.au or pool by website phosphate before theyremovers call you. and Heck, even a referral will orclicking spa, it ishis mandatory one of these to assist of the before calling you. be tracked and reported automatically, image if that you’re reading thesanitisers online version chemicals most likely checkthe outability your website is of used. sanitiser to work effectively. immediately alerting your sales team to SPLASH! So again, if the website doesn’t impress them, then “In locations, hydrogen peroxide can onlycheck be “Thesales challenge for the will swimming potential activity.

If some youlead plan to continue advertising, definitely that opportunity dry up right there on used in combination with a supplementary product,” pool industry is how can we achieve the Email marketing is already exceptionally out this video. the spot. says Briscoe.

“For domestic pools and spas, ultimate swimming environment and then profitable, posting an averageswimming return of 4300 the cent. operation should adhere to the guidelines balance this with per Personalised email sent through an but Answer #3 the operational costs and generally this is at theisdiscretion the homeowner maintenance required,” says Briscoe. automated campaign even moreofeffective Probably not, if you weren’t advertising already. it is per notcent mandatory.

It isto therefore vital that any “There is a genuine demand for alternatives claim to “This -as22.2 more likely be opened, It’s easy for an outsider to philosophically consumer considering a sanitation chlorine that will provide a betterThose experience such as and earning 18 times more revenue system than must is the perfect time to advertise! who invest now understand the measurable residual sanitiser will hydrogen systems generic emailwhat blasts. will comeperoxide-based out ahead at the end.” but there have been beThis for any system challenges a long-term cost-effective could be a considered.” game changer.

It may in be delivering true, but that’s only if you survive. It can In additionsaves to an time approved solution for this method.” n Automation and sanitiser, money Briscoe says there be dangerous advice if you don’t have the cash reserves arestreamlining many supplementary by the salesproducts processthat andcan enhance the set upto anspend automated system to nurture a lot offollow-up money on advertising for an extended ability of the toawork effectively.

AIS Water: aiswater.com.au reducing the chosen time itsanitiser takes for potential lead to yourContacts: prospects to buy(If from period of time. youyou. are n counting on the advertising “The reality is all of the approved sanitisers become a customer. to makeAPVMA: you rich apvma.gov.au overnight, prepare to be disappointed.) have limitations.

Even when operated at theand upInternational It also gives you the chance to cross-sell These articles by Builder Marketing’s Brett A muchPool better ideaQuadratics: is to reachwww.interquad.com.au out to your existing recommended levels there can still(and be outbreaks, Chemicals: lochlor.com.au sell, increasing#2 the lifetime value revenue) ofsuch Lloyd prospects, Abbott’sLo-Chlor areand part of a series designed to provide Answer “shake the tree”.

Reaching out to your asOnly cryptosporidium andisgiardia thattask. can have severe www.maytronics.com.au your customers. pool companies with unique insights will and they are if your website up to the existingMaytronics: prospects costs almostthat nothing, impacts on themake wellbeing of humans.

Naked Pools:to naked-pools.com ToItturbo-charge your and conversion efforts, address modern marketplace challenges. doesn’t sensesales – in good times or bad – to help them significantly easier convert than trying to persuade “It is for this reason,” he says, “that many health Swimart: www.swimart.com.au and make it easier for your designers to close deals, Contact: www.poolbuildermarketing.com spend good money on advertising, only to send people total strangers. n department guidelines recommend sequential disinfection Waterco: www.waterco.com.au

Naked’s NKD system

Oct/Nov 2019 SPLASH! 4353 Feb/Mar 2020 April/May 2020 SPLASH! SPLASH! 55

commercial news

The design features a 10-lane 50m outdoor pool.

Commercial News Gage steps back from ASSA 56 Limassol’s pools impress . . . 56 Ardent may face prosecution over tragedy . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Fundraising to help outback kids swim and learn . . . . 59 First principles in commercial pool water service and maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Image: Grimshaw-ABA-McGregor Coxall

Public pools

Parramatta Pool moving ahead Parramatta Council has approved the lodgement of a main works development application for long-awaited Parramatta Aquatic and Leisure Centre, at the same time endorsing the winning design by Grimshaw, Andrew Burges Architects and McGregor Coxall, chosen from a shortlist of four entries following a high-calibre international design excellence competition.

This sees the project one step closer to final approval. The project had been delayed initially by arguments over funding after the initial plan was costed over budget.

The new pool plan came to life once the City of Parramatta Council and New South Wales State Government agreed to equally co-fund the project to the tune of $38.5 million each.

The aquatic centre is not due to be completed until 2023, but some councillors told the Parramatta Advertiser they hoped it would be completed earlier.

You can download the guidelines from a QuickLink at splashmagazine.com.au, or click here if you’re reading the online edition

The design features a 10-lane 50m outdoor pool; 25m indoor pool; learn-to-swim facilities; café; fitness centre and parking facilities.

Public pools

Commercial sector questions Victoria’s new aquatic facility guidelines Guidelines from the Department of Health and Human Services Victoria has caused consternation among the commercial sector of the pool and spa industry and calls for clarification that media filtration still plays a crucial part in the overall disinfection process for Victorian public aquatic facilities, among other issues.

Hydraulic engineer, Hydrautech Design’s Ross Weight and Waterco’s Andy Gale have both expressed concerns about the document to SPLASH!.

Waterco’s commercial and water treatment spokesperson, Andy Gale, says the “Water quality guidelines for public aquatic facilities: Managing public health risks” report has not been clear on the role of media filtration, and is calling on public aquatic facilities to exercise due diligence and employ best-practice processes when formulating their water quality risk management plans.

The statement comes in response to the report which highlights the need for multiple barriers, including media filtration, when mitigating water quality associated risks.

54 SPLASH! April/May 2020

“While Waterco supports suitable system design measures to reduce risk to bathers in public facilities, it wants to clarify that the state government’s water quality guidelines do not exclude media filtration but rather validate methods to ensure media filtration effectiveness,” says Gale.

Commercial water treatment uses a combination of treatment processes (barriers) to provide safe water environments for the public. Filtration is regarded as one of the tools that can be used, along with primary and secondary disinfection.

Gale says that the Victorian water quality guidelines recognise the limitations of any one method: “Each barrier (treatment process) on its own may not be able to completely remove or prevent contamination, but together, the barriers work to provide greater assurance that the water will be safe for use.”

Gale says that media and regenerative diatomaceous earth (DE) filters are both nominal filtration methods, not absolute filtration.

“Neither method is excluded under the Victorian water quality guidelines, rather they provide a guide to reducing risk. And while the guidelines say that filters capable of removing particles to four microns provide additional protection, this does not provide absolute protection,” he says. “Meaning that secondary barriers are still required.”

He says that Waterco also supports further statements made in the Victorian water quality guidelines on media filtration, all of which assist in reducing risks. These include multiple filters for one body of water, filtration velocity, coagulation, media type and backwashing.

“Media filtration is still very much an accepted choice for public facilities, if suitably designed,” he says.

Flawed document

Ross Weight, managing director of Hydrautech Designs and immediate past president of the Association of Hydraulic Services Consultants Australia, is less diplomatic. He is scathing about the Victorian

commercial news

government’s water safety guidelines and the processes they went through to come up with them.

“They’ve gone from risk aversion to risk hysteria and they haven’t focussed on any of the important technical issues that someone like me who works in this industry comes to rely on,” he says.

“For example, when recommending turnover rates in swimming pools, which is the time taken for a quantity of water that is equal to the volume of water in the aquatic facility to pass through the filtration system, they’ve got it totally wrong,” Weight says.

“They have included spas and hydrotherapy pools in every category, so, instead of just putting it under a 20-minute turnover, which is where it should be, they’ve also put it in one, two, three and four hours.”

He says the filtration section isn’t right either, and queries the overall effectiveness of pre-coat filtration compared to the readily commercially available enclosed filtration methods such as sand or glass bead filtration.

“With sand filters there are countless independent reports confirming their effectiveness.”

He says that when time came for public comment on the document, engineers and water experts raised their concerns over potentially misleading information.

“We told them the document was flawed – everything from super chlorination to contact times and the potential to damage equipment – but our feedback was completely ignored,” he says.

In Brief The WA Department of Health is urging people who have had diarrhoea not to enter any aquatic facility (including swimming pool, spa, spray park/interactive water feature) until at least two weeks after they have fully recovered. The warning follows a substantial increase in cryptosporidiosis notifications – 195 cases have been reported to the Department since 1 January 2020, compared to an average of 63 cases for the same period in the previous five years. The highest rate of infection is in children under five and most cases occurred in the Perth metropolitan area. As only a small proportion of people who contract the parasite are tested for it by a doctor, many cases are likely unreported.

Caulfield Grammar School was going to name its new $25m swimming pool after champion alumnus, Olympian Mack Horton. However, those plans were shelved and questions have arisen about why – with many speculators believing it is because of Horton’s strong stand against Chinese rival, banned star Sun Yang. Horton called Sun a drug cheat at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and refused to join him on the podium at the 2019 World Championships. Caulfield Grammar has strong connections with China, opening a boarding house in Nanjing and sending students on immersions programs every year. Sun has since been banned for eight years for doping breaches.

Horton’s parents revealed to the Australian newspaper that since the feud, their home has been broken into, broken glass was placed on the bottom of their pool, dog excrement thrown over the fence, and pots were banged during the night to keep them awake.

April/May 2020 SPLASH! 55

commercial news

The amazing view from one of the rooftop pools. Image: Jean-Charles Augier

Drawing strongly from nature, the swimming pools are based on a series of floral corollas. Image: Raphael Petit

Developments

Limassol’s pools impress Cyprian city Limassol is the proposed location for a unique apartment development that not only puts the swimming pools front and centre, but also makes them an integral part of the spectacular design and a vital element of the lifestyle of the residents.

Architectural practice Hamonic+Masson & Associés has proposed the development

which draws strongly from natural elements, with the pools based on the shape of flowers.

“The project rises from nature, echoed by the corolla-shaped balconies found in each apartment. Home to private swimming pools and planted green areas, they are like an independent island, but

The unique shape of the development is accentuated by the external shape of the corollas. Image: Raphael Petit simultaneously have a direct link to the apartment. This creates a luxurious living experience, where exterior meets interior.

The corolla system is also found on the ground floor green landscape; round platforms and sunshades engender a distinctive architectural concept.”

Contact: www.hamonic-masson.com

Swim schools

Gage steps back from ASSA Ross Gage is transitioning to a new advisory role with Australian Swim Schools Association

Coronavirus Task Force,” Says Pollock.

(ASSA), stepping away from his current leadership role to pursue other interests in the swim school sector.

Gage has been involved in the swim school sector for nearly four decades. He was the architect and driving force behind the establishment of industry peak bodies Swim Australia, the Australian Swim Schools Association and the International Swim Schools Association and was recognised by his global peers in 2017, being inducted into the US Swim Schools Association’s Hall of Fame.

ASSA president Wayne Pollock says the board has been engaged with Ross to ensure a positive transition process so the organisation continues on its successful path.

Emily McNeill is taking on the role of general manager.

“While we are sad that we won’t have the benefit of Ross’s expertise and wise counsel in a formal leadership capacity, we are excited that he will still be involved with ASSA in an advisory role – leading special projects that might require his distinctive knowledge and experience, exploring commercial and sponsorship opportunities that will benefit ASSA members, and volunteering as a member of ASSA’s Water Safety and Inclusion Committees and the

56 SPLASH! April/May 2020

Ross Gage and Emily NcNeill

He was instrumental in successfully lobbying the Australian Government to classify swimming lessons as an essential education and life-saving service, resulting in lessons for all Australian children to be categorised as GST-exempt, and he built

momentum around the ground-breaking research conducted by the Griffiths University team who confirmed empirically and unequivocally the far-reaching physical, cognitive and social benefits resulting from a child’s exposure to swimming from an early age.

commercial news

Safety

Ardent Leisure may face prosecution over Dreamworld tragedy A coroner has condemned Dreamworld over multiple systemic failures leading up to the deaths of four patrons at the Thunder River Rapids ride in 2016, referring owner Ardent Leisure to Queensland’s Office of Industrial Relations for potential prosecution.

In February coroner James McDougall handed down his scathing report into the 2016 tragedy at Dreamworld, which claimed the lives of Cindy Low, Kate Goodchild, Luke Dorsett and Roozi Araghi, in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday morning.

The coroner told the court that while Dreamworld had a reputation as a modern, world-class theme park, its safety and maintenance systems were “rudimentary at best” with “frighteningly unsophisticated systems” and there had been a “systemic failure

by Dreamworld in relation to all aspects of safety.”

He said there is no evidence that Dreamworld ever conducted a proper risk assessment of the ride in its 30 years of commission.

The coroner believed shoddy record keeping was a significant contributor and the inquiry had heard staff were both over-stretched and under-prepared for serious incidents.

He said it was unclear why an inexpensive and basic device such as a water level monitor was not installed on the ride.

He said there were a number of occasions that should have triggered hazard identification risk assessment and it was clear from expert evidence that at the time of the incident the design and construction of the ride posed a significant risk to the health and safety of patrons.

He said the required assessments were not carried out and that while owners should be risk-averse, this was not the case with this ride.

Safety certificates were issued for the Thunder River Rapids Ride only weeks before the tragedy, although the external engineer had not been provided with paperwork detailing the ride’s safety audits.

The coroner is referring parent company Ardent Leisure for possible prosecution under section 48 of the Act, believing the company may have committed an offence under workplace law. He is also referring the findings to the Board of Professional Engineers Queensland.

The Queensland Government has accepted the coroner’s findings and referred the matter to the independent Work Health and Safety Prosecutor to decide whether action will be taken against Ardent.

Under Queensland law, companies can be fined up to $3 million and individuals fined up to $600,000 or jailed for up to five years.

In 2018, Dreamworld employees including first responders sued Ardent Leisure for psychological trauma.

April/May 2020 SPLASH! 57

spasa.com.au 1300 021 482 | askus@spasa.com.au

For a champion performance you can’t beat a SPASA member SPASA members appreciate the importance of listening, asking the right questions and applying their considerable experience, knowledge and expertise to their clients’ project challenges.

Contact SPASA today and find out how you can join the community and become a member!

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Fundraising to help outback kids swim and learn ABOVE: The initial fundraising goal is $25,000, which will provide the first of the free entry tickets for the local children RIGHT: The pool and spa industry is helping supply valuable equipment for the upgrade

BELOW: Rob Guthrie, Lindsay McGrath, Fran Island-Noles, Ed Murphy and Lachie promoting the campaign at the NSW pool & spa expo

A

bout 450 Pintupi people live in the remote community of Kintore, known as Walungurru in the Pintupi language, 530km west of Alice Springs.

In 2005 the indigenous community used money from artwork sales to build the community pool. Since then, the council has been maintaining the pool – a costly exercise in the western desert.

Monica Robinson, the Walungurru leader, says they have now started fundraising again.

“We have generous donations for solar panels and a new filter at cost but we need financial support to install everything as the community is in the middle of the desert and getting trades out there is expensive,” she says.

“We hope to gain enough money to give our kids free entry as a reward for going to school. We have to empower our kids,” she says.

Almost half of the Kintore community are children, with 40 per cent of the population under the age of 18.

The initial fundraising goal is $25,000, which will provide the first of the free entry tickets for children.

SPASA is working with its members to supply products including an upgraded filtration system. During the

installation process Red Dust (an NGO that has been operating in remote indigenous communities for 20 years), the MacDonnell Regional Council and SPASA plan to work together with local community members to build capacity with indigenous youth.

“Research has found swimming pools provide a range of health and wellbeing benefits. In communities like Kintore, hygiene can be improved and infection rates, particularly eye and skin infections, can be reduced,” says Nadia Brandon-Black who is helping drive this fundraiser with her colleagues Fran Island-Noles and Ed Murphy, after attending a cultural immersion with Red Dust this year.

If you’re interested in offering assistance contact SPASA to see how you can help. n Contact: lindsay@spasa.com.au; www.reddust.org.au

April/May 2020 SPLASH! 59

commercial news

Basic first principles in commercial pool water service and maintenance Fulham Engineering Services principal Doug Fulham has offered some advice regarding the basic first principles of commercial pool water treatment (PWT) service and maintenance. Fulham has been active in the swimming pool industry since 1957 and has seen many changes over this time. Based on his experience as a designer, manufacturer, wholesaler and installing contractor, Fulham has acquired a unique insight into PWT plant and more specifically commercial swimming pool filters.

By Doug Fulham ABOVE: Prevention is better than cure

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s a fourth-generation manufacturer, Fulhams is a strong supporters of Australian-made pool products. This commitment remains today with a current focus on the supply of replacement spares parts for Chadson, Atlas and Fulfab pool products. Fulhams also offers other services including advice on plant optimisation, plant sizing and replacement filters.

The performance and reliability of PWT is directly related to service and maintenance. This also helps compliance with many diverse obligations. Effective service and maintenance are largely dependent upon the availability of replacement spare parts.

Fulham Engineering Services believes the interest of owners and facility managers is best provided by using a specialist service provider. An experienced service provider will have the necessary trade skills. They will also have broad process experience, safe work methods (SWM) required by modern legislation and quality controlled (QA) check lists.

Many accredited service providers are strong asset managers, with experience of common problems and knowledge of the likely service life for different products and individual components.

In its various forms, this experience can prove invaluable and cost-effective for all owners and facility managers.

Performing to full potential

If your commercial pool filter is not performing to its full potential, the first step is to review 60 SPLASH! April/May 2020

the operating and maintenance instructions provided by the original installing contractor.

In many cases, apparent issues can be resolved with simple reasoning. In other cases, this review will help identify possible causes so that you can better discuss your concerns with an experienced service provider. Lost your original operating and maintenance instructions? Filter manufacturers will gladly supply replacement instructions, if so needed.

Without adequate service and maintenance, even high-grade commercial pool equipment will not provide optimum performance. Nor will it last forever.

When it comes to service and maintenance, there are two broad options: Predictive maintenance (sometimes called preventative or corrective maintenance); and Run to failure (sometimes called repair only on failure – ROOF).

Predictive maintenance

Predicative maintenance replaces critical component parts prior to failure. This may be a simple age-based consideration. In other cases, it may be due to earlier inspections indicating the early stages of wear and tear. It can also include corrective maintenance designed to correct undesirable conditions indicating a potential fault or the possibility of introducing a better operational method.

Regardless of the detail, the key benefit of predictive maintenance is to complete the work at a known time that is convenient and acceptable to the owner/

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operator. Contrary to popular opinion, predicative maintenance does not necessarily add cost.

Predictive maintenance is a proven strategy used by many different industries to reduce the risk of an embarrassing and expensive closure of the facility. The cost of predictive maintenance is also an investment in reliable, optimum performance and longer plant life.

It shouldn’t come as a revelation that a plant that is regularly serviced and maintained is likely to last far longer. Unfortunately, the converse is also true.

Run-to-failure

Run-to-failure (RTF) or repair only on failure (ROOF) does have one apparent advantage.

It requires little or no planning. With RTF or ROOF maintenance policies, there is no forward scheduling. All this happens after the breakdown.

The key disadvantage with RTF or ROOF maintenance is its unpredictable nature. There is also the high probability that decisions made on an urgent, unscheduled basis are likely to cost substantially more. Due to time pressure, these decisions may not even be the best possible option.

When adopting an RTF or ROOF maintenance policy, effective risk management is strongly recommended. Remember that “risk” can be expressed as a multiplier of probability and consequences. The impact of these consequences can vary substantially according to the facility type. A seasonally used outdoor pool will generally have lower risks than an indoor facility designed to operate all year-round.

Consider a simple example with an O-ring or gasket used on the lid of a typical pre-pump strainer. An unexpected failure of this low-cost component will impede and, in some cases, prevent a full flow of water through your PWT plant. Without the ability to process soiled pool water (at the correct rate) the facility would have no choice but to temporarily close until the plant was back on-line. This outcome would not apply when using a predictive or preventative maintenance policy. With predictive or preventive maintenance, the O-ring or gasket would have been replaced prior to failure. Alternatively, a spare O-ring or gasket would have been available and stocked in advance of the failure.

It is important to consider maintenance choices in full context with the type and size of your facility. Similarly, the age and the sophistication of the installed plant are critical. Naturally, as a plant continues to age, higher service and maintenance costs can be predicted. Service and maintenance costs are usually far lower in the first seven years of operation. The cost of effective service and maintenance are usually far lower than the cost of a replacement plant.

The maintenance preferences of an owner/ operator are likely to be vastly different to the preferences of an appointed facility manager.

In this case, it is not uncommon that service

and maintenance obligations are clearly defined within an agreement between the owner and the facility manager. Alternatively many owners prefer to protect their assets by appointing an independent service provider.

Asset management overview

No discussion of service and maintenance can ever be complete without an understanding of asset management. Here are some recommendations: • Make informed procurement decisions by first buying the “right” equipment.

[Fulham points to the ready availability and proven long-life of Australianmade equipment.]

• Install and operate the asset in strict accordance with all published instructions.

• Consider outsourcing all service and maintenance to an experienced service provider.

• Establish a detailed list of all maintainable equipment i.e., an asset register. This register will confirm what assets you have, where are they located, what systems are in place to identify them, what is the age and condition of each asset, are there any significant current risks, how much longer will the assets last, who does the work and how, etc.

• Develop and broadly distribute a written maintenance policy, stating the tasks to be completed, by whom, and at what frequency.

• Think twice about doing your own in-house maintenance. In many cases, unauthorised repairs and maintenance can void product warranty. Furthermore, the task of in-house maintenance may not be included within the typical job specifications of a pool/plant operator.

• When issues first become apparent, find the root cause and correct it promptly. Minor issues can easily become major problems.

• Keep the asset and the workplace clean and tidy.

• Maintain a small strategic stock of simple low-cost spare parts.

• Complete routine and other maintenance according to all documented procedures.

• Maintain a record of all maintenance work, complete with material and labour cost.

Good future decisions will depend greatly upon solid and reliable data.

• Replace assets based on sound information. This includes age, reduced capacity, obsolescence, technical benefit, risk and increasing maintenance and/or operating costs.

There are many good references and guidelines applicable to the service and maintenance of swimming pools and plant. The Asset Management Guide by Department of Sport and Recreation WA is but one example.

See splashmagazine.com.au for a QuickLink.

It is widely reported that many aquatic centres struggle to produce sufficient income to meet

their operating costs. An apparent lack of funding is not a viable excuse for a lack of adequate asset management. In fact, the converse is true – limited funding is the very reason to implement and maintain strong asset management with appropriate maintenance policies.

Maintenance is not a simple, inconsequential topic. It has many diverse impacts on public health, environmental issues, occupational health and safety, whole of life costs, reliability, service life and even the financial viability of your aquatic facility.

Selecting a service provider

Servicing and maintaining a PWT plant is a complex task that requires many years of training and experience over a wide range of different disciplines. Many tasks also require trade-based qualifications and licencing.

While Australia is blessed in having many capable service providers, it is not like laying 1000 bricks, where you might have hundreds of potential contractors to choose from.

Just as swimming pools come in all different shapes and size, so do service providers. Some service providers are large companies. Others provide service and maintenance as an adjunct to other larger tasks, like pool construction, or the supply and installation of complete PWT plants.

Here are some tips: • Pick a service provider who has the resources necessary for your particular facility. If you have a large facility, you most probably need a larger service provider, who has the staffing level necessary to provide services as required.

• Review references and samples of the service provider’s documentation.

• Make an assessment based on skill and experience – talk to some of the service provider’s other customers and consider their opinions.

• Selecting a service provider based purely on lowest apparent cost will not necessarily provide an ideal outcome. In the words of life cycle experts – it’s unwise to spend too much, but it is also foolish to spend too little.

Many owners and facility managers have already forged very effective supply arrangements with a selected service provider.

These arrangements (providing various forms of preventative maintenance) work well and are known to provide many mutual benefits.

However, due to probable misconceptions, RFT and ROOF maintenance policies remain very popular throughout Australia.

With the great global uncertainty of Covid-19 before us all, there might be no better time to consider future maintenance policies. If there are to be widespread shutdowns and limitations on pool patronage, now might be the time to keep this ticking along by servicing, maintaining and upgrading PWT plant. n Contact: (02) 9550 3253 April/May 2020 SPLASH! 61

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.

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

new products

The Mood bar table

Studio Segers has designed this practical and stylish bar table, ideal for enjoying time by the pool while taking in the view.

Environmentally friendly and water-resistant, the Mood collection by Tribu typifies innovative design in outdoor furniture. The natural feel of this range will help inspire a relaxed and calm ambience encouraged by the natural teak timber.

The table is 980mm high, 1770mm long and 500mm wide.

Contact: www.coshliving.com.au

All-in-one variable speed solution

Pentair’s new Max-E-ProXF VS, five horse power commercial variable speed pool pump is an all-in-one pump and variable frequency drive combo for commercial pools.

Pentair says this is the first five horsepower variable-speed pool pump that runs on single-phase or three-phase power. It’s an economical, combined motor/drive solution for both HMAC (hotel, motel, apartment, condominium) or large residential installations. Pentair says it provides sophisticated, energy-saving pump technology without the high costs typically associated with independent pump/external drive setup.

Additionally it has external control capability through automation systems or relays, intuitive programming and operation, and a two-year commercial warranty. Optional external flow sensors are available separately.

Contact: www.pentair.com.au

Caddy Pro for commercial pools

Daisy’s Caddy Pro is the commercial portable drive console to recover and deploy single or multiple commercial pool covers onto Daisy commercial roller systems.

Caddy Pro is a fully self-contained stainless steel console with 24V heavy duty internal batteries and an inbuilt battery charging system. It drives forward and reverse with the push of a button to wind covers onto rollers or pull covers onto the pool.

With the console’s ergonomically designed handles and simple height adjustment, along with tilt and overload protection, Daisy says this simple yet robust system is designed to make every pool operator’s life easier and reduce OH&S risk.

Contact: commercial.daisypoolcovers. com.au April/May 2020 SPLASH! 63

commercial news

Small pool and spa chlorinator

Davey’s new 8-star pump

Davey’s new super quiet ProMaster Premium energy efficient pool pump boasts an 8-star energy rating, is Bluetooth enabled and allows for control via a user-friendly app, enabling customers to set speed schedules that align with the most efficient times of the day for a closer management of energy consumption.

The easy to use dial allows for manual control without using the app. The ProMaster utilises Davey’s patented water-cooled technology providing users with a smooth and very quiet operation rated down to 50dBa. This is the first pump of its kind to have a dedicated backwash function using speed alternating technology during the backwash to agitate the filter media and offer a more effective filter backwash.

AIS Water’s new Water Pixie chlorinator is designed specifically for plunge pools, swim spas, jacuzzis, spas, hot tubs and small volume water features.

CEO Elena Gosse says the company was satisfying a demand for a market that had previously not been adequately accommodated. “There is a significant trend in Australia toward higher density living, making properties smaller and putting space at a premium,” she says.

“This smaller application requires specifically designed pool chlorination technology and we have responded quickly with the launch of our purpose-built Pixie RP10.”

Contact: aiswater.com.au

Contact: www.daveywater.com/au

Disinfection unit

You can help stop the spread of Covid-19 with mobile dry fog disinfection unit from Tecpro. Using dry fog technology, the AE-T portable pneumatic humidifier will sanitise and disinfect enclosed areas up to 800m3 without causing excessive wetting of surfaces.

Dry fog is different to a mist. The secret to its non-wetting abilities is the size of each droplet – a uniform 7.5 microns. These ultra-fine droplets won’t burst when they come into contact with surfaces such as walls, floors and ceilings. This means there’s no risk of pooling, slipping or water damage.

The AKIMist AE-T has a spray capacity of 2.4-9.6 L/hr and comes with a telescopic pole, tank, gauge-mounted pressure regulators and a mobile mounting unit, and Tecpro says it’s simple to put the kit together.

Contact: www.tecpro.com.au

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

64 SPLASH! April/May 2020

BioGuard’s business management system

BioGuard has introduced a complete pool business management system which they say brings together every aspect of a pool business in one simple interface, giving owners and managers complete oversight of their operations an at-a-glance.

With BioGuard Retail Lynx owners and managers can now automate workflows, eliminate paperwork, boost sales and serve even happier customers. BioGuard says the Retail Lynx delivers stateof-the-art BioGuard Water Cloud and BioGuard Service Pro water testing, servicing and invoicing software; Vend point-of-sale and; Xero accounting which are collectively used by almost 2.25 million businesses worldwide.

BioGuard says this app will eliminates hours of paperwork each day by automating and bringing multiple tasks together into the one platform.

A stump tooth stool

Useful as a seat or a table, this unique tooth-like Paprika Stump Tooth will add a touch of terrazzo energy to a poolside area. Fenton & Fenton’s new style terrazzo is reimagined with larger marble chips and designed in-house.

The custom blend of marble chips and other fine aggregates are cast into a concrete finish, then polished and sealed to ensure a long life.

As a natural material, each terrazzo piece will slightly vary in disposition and colour. The Stump Tooth is happy poolside, in a bathroom, bedside or dotted around the house and garden, offering extra seating or a table-top for summer entertaining.

Contact: www. fentonandfenton.com.au; 03 9533 2979

Contact: bioguard.com.au

TRAINING BY THE INDUSTRY FOR THE INDUSTRY Flexible delivery & assessment to suit your circumstances

National training and accreditation for Pool Builders and Service Technicians Become recognised and rewarded by working in the pool and spa industry. Courses include: ü ü ü ü ü

Certificate IV Swimming Pool and Spa Building CPC40808 Certificate III Swimming Pool and Spa Service CPP31218 Certificate IV Swimming Pool and Spa Service CPP41312 Certificate IV in Building and Construction CPC40110 Certificate III in Landscape Construction AHC30916

P: 1800 802 482 E: training@spasa.com.au W: spasa.com.au April/May 2020 SPLASH! 65

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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.

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