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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