SPLASH 142 June-July 2022

Swimming Pools / Leisure / Aquatics / Spas / Health

Issue 142 June/July 2022

Builders making spas Stunning visual features The tricks to teaching Adults to swim Keeping pool surfaces In top condition

SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show

Preview and product showcase

Defining the future of water disinfection AIS Water has been an industry leader and innovator for over 30 years.

Our laser focus is designing and manufacturing residential and commercial chlorine generators and premium quality Anode material. This focus has brought us international recognition, and created a passion for conserving our planet’s most precious resource - water.

Our commercial chlorinators are absolutely best in class and eliminate trillions of litres of water wastage when converted from liquid or granular chlorine dosing.

AIS Water is the future of water disinfection.

Our innovation at its best: FOR PLUNGE POOLS AND SPAS • Purposefully built micro chlorine generator • Up to 10g/hr output prevents adverse health conditions caused by over-chlorination • Resistant to high ambient temperatures • 4 years warranty with no hidden terms

FOR COMMERCIAL POOLS • • • •

International award-winning technology Chlorine output from 65g/hr up to 3,000g/hr TDS range 1,200 ppm to seawater For aquatic centres, FINA (Olympic) pools swim schools, resorts/hotels, lagoons, water parks, cruise ships, schools and universities • Saves 1.6 million litres of water in one 50M pool annually (backed by university study)

aiswater.com.au

2022 TELSTRA BUSINESS AWARDS QUEENSLAND WINNER

KEEPING IT LOCAL During the pandemic AIS Water opened its new state-of-the-art anode manufacturing facility in Brisbane.

• 730m2 facility with cutting edge technology • AIS Water premium quality Anodes are now available worldwide

WATCH THIS SPACE New AIS Water residential chlorinator is coming soon.

2021

GOLD WINNER • Best Supplier

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 technology?”

The ultimate comfort, performance, and energy-efficient pool heating

SEE US AT Visit at us Splash to see our latest innovations and new products

Pool owners agree, suppliers agree...

SWIM EVERYDAY WITH

Evo Fusion-i heat pump Extended swim season | Select performance series

• 7kw to 19kw models • latest full inverter technology • heating, cooling and automatic modes • LCD touch screen controller •built-in timers • auto defrost • quiet operation • simple installation

Evo Force-i heat pump Year round swim season | High performance series

• 9kw to 28kw models • latest full inverter technology • lowest operating costs • heating, cooling and automatic modes • intelligent LCD touch screen controller • wi-fi control • built-in timers • auto defrost • quiet operation • simple installation

Evo DHP-R heat pump Cold climate performance | Premium features series

• 9kw to 27kw models • ideal for cold climate performance • heating, cooling and automatic modes • intelligent LCD touch screen controller • wi-fi control • built-in timers • stainless steel cabinet • dual defrost • quiet operation • simple installation

Evo CS-i heat pump Commercial grade | High performance series • 65kw to 250kw models • latest full inverter technology •lowest operating costs • heating, cooling and automatic modes • intelligent LCD touch screen controller • power boost mode • built-in timers • stainless steel cabinet • auto defrost • quiet operation • simple installation

2021 SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT AWARD WINNER

* ProductReview rating as of May 22

are the #1 pool heaters in Australia 1300 859 933 | info@evoheat.com.au | evoheat.com.au

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT

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www.supremeheating.co m.au

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info@supremeheating.co m.au

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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 At last, the big show is here – and it’s bigger than ever!

Contributors: Veda Dante, Cal Stanley, Brett Lloyd Abbott, Anthony Cross, Peter Hogg, Julian Brady, Fenwick Ridley.

Advertising Manager: David Stennett Phone: 0404 725 554 Email: david@spasa.com.au Art Director: Ryan Vizcarra

Can you believe the last time the whole Australasian industry got together for the SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show was 2018!

There has been plenty of water under the bridge since then, not to mention plenty of masks and RATs as well.

Four years is a long time, but the wait is finally over. And as a reward for waiting so long, everyone will be presented with the biggest show ever held in Australia. The exhibitors were so thrilled to be able to get out and show their wares that they booked out the entire four halls of the Gold Coast Conference & Exhibition Centre.

That means more exhibitors to talk to, more products to learn about, more great deals to finalise. It also means a lot more excitement than ever before.

SPLASH! Week starts with the three-day Australian Swim Schools National Conference on the Tuesday, followed by the pool and spa trade show opening on the Wednesday. This year there will be the grand opening on Wednesday morning with a keynote from Olympic swimmer and engaging speaker Brooke Hanson, immediately following the Women Attaining Vision, Excellence and Success (WAVES) breakfast.

While the trade show itself runs for two days, Wednesday and Thursday, there will be so much more going on I can’t put it all down here. There is the commercial pool technician program, seminars galore, the welcome drinks, great debates, two back of house technical tours and the new innovation section of the show to peruse. Turn to page 68 to learn more, and to page 52 for a sample of the products on show.

And after all the networking, learning and business-building of the show, you can let your hair down for the first ever SPLASH! After Party on the Thursday night, followed the next morning by the SPLASH! Golf Day. And of course, the best thing of all is meeting all those friends, clients, suppliers and business partners you’ve only been seeing on a Zoom screen for the past few years.

It will be awesome, and I’m enthusiastically looking forward to meeting you all in person.

See you on the Gold Coast!

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.

Chris Maher Managing Editor chrismaher@ intermedia.com.au

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.

Copyright © 2022 - SPASA Australia.

Proudly supported by Swimming Pools / Leisure / Aquatics / Spas / Health

The views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily represent those of the above supporters, nor should any product advertised in SPLASH! magazine be seen to be endorsed by the above.

Issue 142 June/July 2022

Builders making spas Stunning visual features The tricks to teaching Adults to swim Keeping pool surfaces In top condition

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.

SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show

Preview and product showcase

The cover This stunning mosaic tiled spa by COS Design is the undeniable focus of landscaped outdoor space. Photography by Tim Turner.

There is more on striking spas on page 40.

June/July 2022

SPLASH! 9

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40

Contents 18

36

21

40

Transformational innovation in the pool industry Julian Brady shares his thoughts on how the swimming pool and spa industry is embracing technology.

Helping pool industry people in war-torn Ukraine Anthony Cross describes the plight of pool dealers and their families in Ukraine, and explains what we can do to help.

Forty years of filter manufacturing Peter Hogg writes about the early days of his cartridge filter company in New Zealand, and the changes that have happened since.

The striking visual effect of stunning spas Veda Dante looks at how spas can become a stunning visual addition to a backyard, on top of their already proven health and lifestyle benefits.

29

23

New laboratory to help prevent heart disease Named after pool industry leader Ben Beale who passed away at just 47 years of age, the new Perth lab will help fight and prevent heart disease.

52

SPLASH! Product Showcase A look at some of the thousands of new and innovative products that will be featured at the SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show.

66

24

Can pool water boil?

Cal Stanley further delves into the qualities of water, this time explaining how “boiling” can cause cavitation in a hydraulic system.

52

26

Smart marketing decisions for the upcoming season Brett Lloyd Abbott goes through a marketing checklist to make sure we are as prepared as possible for what’s ahead in the coming season.

The great debate, part two: On the Surface We look at the upcoming SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show debate: “Who is responsible for damaged pool surfaces?”

80

Ensuring water clarity in Europe’s largest ocean-fed pool A recent refurbishment has seen this giant saltwater pool’s plantroom replaced with new technology from an Australian manufacturer.

29

Becoming the world’s best marathon swimmer We talk to Chloë McCardel, the greatest ocean water swimmer Australia has ever produced, about her early life in the pool and her determined swim to the top.

82 85

regulars News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Commercial news. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Pool DAs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

New products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Ad index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

The health benefits of the big chill Generally, we want the winter water to be as warm as possible when swimming. But there is another attitude that says, embrace the cold!

85

Learning to swim later in life Veda Dante looks at adult LTS and discovers there are different considerations to be taken into account when teaching older people to swim.

June/July 2022

SPLASH! 11

news Standards

Have your say on the new heat pump standard The draft Australian Standard AS5352 Swimming Pool Heat Pump Systems is now available for public comment.

The work on developing AS5352 Swimming Pool Heat Pump Systems commenced over three years ago, due to the concerns raised by the swimming pool and spa heating sector that existing claims in the marketplace for pool heat pumps have historically lacked engineering rigour.

Through a dedicated Swimming Pool and Spa Industry Advisory Group, SPASA Australia identified a significant need to establish performance benchmarks for the industry to observe, and for consumers to rely upon.

The objective of this new Draft Australian Standard is to specify the procedures for determining the heating and cooling capacity, coefficient of performance and installation, and sizing of swimming pool heat pump systems.

You can now provide feedback. You can view, download and comment on the above draft standard by going to the Standards Australia community website at www.standardscommunity.force.com. For a direct link, go to www.splashmagazine.com.au/QuickLinks142.

You will need to register before you can view, download and comment.

If the Draft AS5352 Standard does not immediately display, type AS5352 in the search area. You can then view the draft and/or download a copy of the draft. All comments must be directly inputted into the portal, or you can download the multiple comment sheet if your feedback is extensive and then upload it.

Public Comment Closing Date: July 1, 2022 SPASA Australia recognised the Standards Australia Committee for their time, effort, and valuable contribution to developing this very important Australian Standard, and thanked the members of the Pool Heat Pump Advisory Group, individuals and organisations who assisted throughout the pre-development phase of the draft standard.

• Adam Shelly: Waterco • Colin Mauger: Supreme • Robert Sterland: Pentair

• Mark Crowther: Rheem • Tim Martin: Evo Heat • David Daft: Fluidra • Robert Emmett: Hayward • Merv Smith: Sunbather • Jason Didsman: Pool Heating • Peter Wallace: Insnrg • Paul Were: Dontek • Lindsay McGrath: SPASA Australia • Spiros Dassakis: SPASA Australia (Chair)

Background 2019: SPASA Australia consulted broadly with pool heat pump stakeholders to understand if a new standard was required, and if so, what should it include.

2019-2020: SPASA Australia formed the Pool Heat Pump Advisory Working Group following industry consultation to review, which was required for the Australian Standard evaluation and development phase.

2020: SPASA Australia submitted a Project Proposal to Standards Australia for their consideration to support the new Australian Standard after receiving significant industry stakeholder support.

2020-2021: Standards Australia worked on finalising the Draft Australian Standard 2022: New Draft from Standards Australia is circulated for review and feedback from members of the industry.

See the heating standards debated live Be sure to get along to see the Great Debate: A Hot Topic – Raising a Standard, which looks at questions around residential swimming pool heating including how the new standards will impact the sector, and what are the best choices for the particular consumer applications.

Register: www.splashexpo.com.au

Expos

Night of nights to close SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show

It’s been four years coming, but the SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show is nearly here.

For the exhibitors it will have been rewarding but a lot of work: planning, stand building, bumping in, presenting seminars, explaining and showing products and services, networking and filling up sales books.

For delegates and visitors, it’s exciting but also tiring as they strive to take the opportunity to see everything they can: and there is so much to see – more than ever before!

After that, everyone deserves a party. And that’s exactly what we'll be getting – and not just any party. A special celebration of the industry – a joyous coming together after a four year absence.

There’ll be entertainment of course, special events, games, mystery guests and the Fabulous Baker Boys to dance the night away.

After years of meeting by Zoom, this is the big reveal. Show who you really are and how hard you like to party. Dress code: Business up!

SPLASH! After Party Party down!

Time: 7:30 pm It will be like an Date: Thursday 23rd June awards night without the Time: 7:30 pm – 11:30pm awards – food, cocktails, Venue: Gold Coast Convention Centre drinks, friends and fun.

Cost: $99+GST (bookings essential) Be sure to book, and Contact: www.splashexpo.com.au be there to dance away the night.

12

SPLASH!

June/July 2022

news

Environment

Annual pool DAs up 16 per cent, quarter dips by eight per cent

Sydney Water has announced the introduction of a Pool Cover Rebate Pilot Program which draws upon the Climate Care Certified program for verification of tested and approved pool covers.

SPASA’s chief policy officer, Spiros Dassakis, says the pilot program is an important initiative by Sydney Water that acknowledges you can love your swimming pool or spa and the environment at the same time.

“Homeowners currently have many alternatives available to them when considering a swimming pool or spa and their associated equipment,” he says.

“Through the Climate Care Certified program, homeowners are supported and empowered to reduce water and energy consumption by making a positive decision to own an environmentally sustainable swimming pool and/or spa.”

Dassakis commends Sydney Water for continued efforts to preserve water and says SPASA thanks them their recognition of the Climate Care Certified program.

The rebate is for $200 and is available between April 21 and September 30, 2022.

Owners of new and existing residential pools without existing covers who have a Sydney Water connection can take part. Owners wishing to replace existing covers with new ones may qualify for a rebate if photos can be shown that the existing cover is not fit for purpose and is at the end of its useful life.

Sydney Water says that an average sized uncovered swimming pool in Sydney evaporates over 40,000 litres of water per year, and a pool cover will stop water evaporating from the pool.

Year old Year new Sydney Water 2500 also wants to run a survey to determine how much water pool owners can save over a typical swimming season. The 2000 will be used to plan future water saving programs results of the trial for the pool and spa industry.

1500 To be eligible for the rebate, pool covers must have a minimum surface area of 1000 25 square metres, be endorsed under the Climate Care Certified scheme and be installed on a rolling system.

500 Email poolcoverrebate@sydneywater.com.au to receive the application documents. A receipt and proof of installation is required.

Comparing the available pool DA figures for the 12 months to April with the same period last year, annual applications are up 16 per cent nationally. Queensland was up by 39 per cent, Western Australia was up by 30 per cent and New South Wales was up by 16 per cent, while Victoria was steady and South Australia was down by 38 per cent.

The numbers over the most recent three months dipped by eight per cent nationally when compared to the same period last year. The February-April numbers from Cordell show Western Australia up by 12 per cent, Queensland up by one per cent, New South Wales steady, Victoria down by 29 per cent and South Australia down by 33 per cent.

Jul

Aug Sep

Year old

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Feb Mar Apr

5000 4000 3000 2000 1000

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A Daisy pool cover.

NSW

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7000 6000 5000

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0

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Yearly comparison by State

May Jun

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Sydney Water introduces pool cover rebate pilot program

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21000 18000 15000 12000 9000 6000 3000 0

While these figures give an indication of the way the market is trending, they are not comprehensive and don’t include all pools built or even all DAs lodged. By some estimates, the total national numbers including all types of pools could be almost double these figures. They do not include pool projects that are approved as part of a new home, smaller projects under the cost threshold, renovations that don’t require a DA, or some aboveground pools. Additionally, not all councils are forthcoming with data or report on time; councils in some states such as Queensland and Victoria are particularly reluctant. For further information, call Cordell Information on 1800 80 60 60.

June/July 2022

SPLASH! 13

0

news

Pool design

New book for pool and landscape professionals Structure Studios has released Noah Nehlich’s first book, Design for Story: Create Immersive Outdoor Living Experiences.

Focused on the needs of pool designers, landscapers and builders, Nehlich’s investigation examines how successful designers, artists, builders, salespeople and inventors leverage research-based storytelling techniques to connect with clients, build stronger relationships, and sell more on every project.

“Since we launched the first 3D design software for the pool and landscape industry 20 years ago, technology has improved by leaps and bounds,” says Noah Nehlich, author and founder of Structure Studios, the 3D software design company that has developed award-winning software packages Vip3D, Pool Studio, and VizTerra.

“Now, clients expect more than just a beautiful design. They want reassurance that it’s the absolutely perfect choice for their family.”

Nehlich offers advice backed by 20 years of experience in the industry. Complete with interviews and illustrations, Nehlich’s book gives time-pressed designers and builders practical and actionable guidance.

How masters leverage story to sell more on every project

Design for Story: Create Immersive Outdoor Living Experiences.

“Now, clients expect more than just a beautiful design. They want reassurance that it’s the absolutely perfect choice for their family.”

“It’s not the concrete or the water that engages your clients,” says Nehlich. “Designers need to create an emotional connection. Sales tips always tell you to focus on the benefits, not just list the features. But when you’re a busy designer or builder, it can be hard to find the time to figure out how to do that. This book shows you how.”

Design for Story: Create Immersive Outdoor Living Experiences shows readers how to use storytelling techniques to create the most incredible, immersive experiences that connect with clients and includes: • A guide to selling more designs; • Stories from seasoned designers, including ones who’ve achieved a 75 per cent closing ratio; and • Advice from the masters on how to charge for designs.

Design for Story: Create Immersive Outdoor Living Experiences is available now on Amazon as a paperback, hardcover and Kindle edition.

Contact: www.StructureStudios.com

Keep informed by subscribing to the free online newsletter.

The great heating debate, a hot topic at SPLASH! A preview of some of the presentations at A Hot Topic – Raising a Standard, one of the Great Debates being held at the SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show 2020.

14

SPLASH!

June/July 2022

Making the “pie” bigger.

Top five online news stories

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

Olympic Champion swimmer Brooke Hanson to open SPLASH! Brooke Hanson will be the keynote speaker at the Grand Opening of the SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show from 9am on Wednesday June 22, 2022.

How to get the best shots of your swimming pool The National Pool of the Year photographer Patrick Redmond explained the tricks of the trade to ensure you get the best pool shots.

Salt runs dry as impact of flooding hits The devastating floods in Queensland and New South Wales exacerbated the shortage of pool salt, leaving many consumers to turn to alternatives.

Pool salt shortage continues on Australian east coast Australian pool salt suppliers said there were a number of causes for the current shortage, but they can’t determine exactly when it will be over.

news

Upcoming events 2022 June 16-17

Fitness and Wellness Australia, ICC Sydney

June 21-23

Australian Swim Schools Association National Conference, Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre (SPLASH! Week Event)

June 22

Women in Industry Breakfast, Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre (SPLASH! Week Event)

June 22-23

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

June 23

SPLASH! After Party, Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre (SPLASH! Week Event)

June 24

SPLASH! Golf Day, RACV Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast (SPLASH! Week Event)

July 1 & 2

Awards Gala SA & NT (Virtual & Actual)

July 2

SPASA WA Awards Gala

July 9-10

Spa & Pool Show + Backyard & Garden Show, Melbourne

July 15 & 16 Awards Gala Vic & Tas (Virtual & Actual) July 22 & 23 Awards Gala Qld (Virtual & Actual) Jul 23-24

Pool & Spa Lifestyle Expo SA

July 29 & 30 Awards Gala NSW & Vic (Virtual & Actual) Aug 5-7

Pool & Spa Lifestyle Expo NZ

Aug 12

Awards Gala NZ (Virtual & Actual)

Aug 22-26

NZ Recreations Waves 2022

Sep 2

National Awards of Excellence Gala (Virtual & Actual)

Sep 17-20

ASCTA Con 22, SeaWorld, Gold Coast

Sep 28-30

Japan Build, Osaka

Oct 25-28

Interbad, Germany

Nov 15-18

Piscine Global Expo, Lyon, France

Nov 29-30

Piscina22, Rimini, Italy

www.waterco.com June/July 2022

SPLASH! 15

news

In Brief Last year, the Victorian Government officially extended the deadlines for lodging certificates of barrier compliance with local councils. The new dates were deemed necessary to ensure that pool inspections can be done in an orderly and timely manner during the pandemic. The new dates for lodgement of compliance certificates are 1 June 2022 for pools/spas constructed on or before 30 June 1994; 1 June 2023 for pools/spas constructed from 1 July 1994 until 30 April 2010; 1 June 2024 for pools/spas constructed from 1 May 2010 until 31 October 2020.

COO Nic Brill says Poolwerx signed 30 new franchise partners in the past two years, and in the last six months enquiries have gone up 70 per cent on the same period last year. He notes the background of new franchise partners is changing, with the latest cohort including senior executives, high net wealth individuals and medical professionals. “Ten years ago, 100 per cent of franchise partners were a mobile-only operation. Today, half of our new recruits are jumping straight into retail, with multiple vans, sometimes even multiple retail hubs,” he says.

AIS Water CEO Elena Gosse says she is honoured to be joining join the WAVES industry panel on its first day of the SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show. Gosse will be a guest speaker on the topic of Why Women make Great Leaders, exploring how smart businesses can grow, retain, encourage and promote women in leadership roles.

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June/July 2022

Litigation

Sicis tile company wins Chinese copyright suit Sicis, the globally regarded tiling company producing mosaics and design products for multiple uses including swimming pools, has won a copyright case at the Guangdong Court of Appeal in China.

Sicis says the case was a complex civil lawsuit against the Chinese companies Rose Mosaic and its distributor in Beijing, Pebble, for copyright infringement.

After the initial court victory in 2019, the Guangdong High Court has now confirmed Sicis’s arguments, awarding damages and penalties at a new level for this type of ruling in China.

Sicis said in a statement: “As the Court stated, Sicis mosaics enjoy a high reputation, and the Company has an extensive commercial network in China and around the world. Sicis design mosaics and mosaic products are works uniquely created in lines, colours, or other tools which, when being viewed, impart aesthetic effect, thus shall belong to works of fine art and be protected under Chinese Copyright Law.” The lawsuit began in 2018 in the Beijing District Court after a long investigation found examples of more than 100 violations of the law from Chinese companies towards the works of Sicis.

Besides the recognition of the ownership of Sicis copyrights on all 10 subjects and the sums that will compensate for the losses and

A Sicis mosaic being hand made damages caused by the violations, the Court also ordered Rose Mosaic and Pebble to make public statements of apology.

Sicis says the judgments can be considered a great victory for Sicis and all the companies that take advantage of protecting intellectual property rights.

Contact: www.sicis.com

Industry moves

Naked appoints future development manager Naked Pools has appointed Christian Brookhouse to join its team as future development manager.

“Christian’s more than 25 years industry experience, especially his in-depth knowledge of water quality, was an ideal fit for our constantly Christian Brookhouse expanding company,” says Naked director Darren Milne.

“Based in New South Wales, this will be Christian’s main market of course, but we certainly see him assisting us growing the business nationally and overseas.”

Brookhouse has been a previous business owner covering pool construction, renovations, service and retail and was substantial in the launch and rollout of Magnapool across New South Wales and the ACT, as well as the Theralux product suite nationally.

Brookhouse says he sees a change in the industry, with more and more consumers looking for new and better alternatives for their pool water and “freshwater” seems the next logical solution.

“I’m excited to be joining Naked Pools to further assist in their growing business in New South Wales and across the country,” he says.

Contact: 0499 493 507; christian@naked-pools.com

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feature

Transformational innovation in the pool industry Julian Brady CEO of PSQ, shares his thoughts on how the industry is embracing technology.

By Julian Brady

W

e are well into an age where we have become reliant on technology. There has been a huge transformation over the past three centuries starting with the Industrial Revolution (1760-1840), where humans began to utilise the power of machines to create goods as an alternative to using their hands.

By the mid-1970s, the world had the first massmarket computers, and then in 2007, the famous tech trailblazer Steve Jobs unveiled Apple’s first iPhone.

Now in 2022, innovation in technology is a crucial element in the advancement of business processes, improving all the desirable aspects of a successful business – efficiency, productivity, profitability and sustainability.

The swimming pool and spa industry is benefiting from innovation in products, materials and services.

Water treatment, heating, cleaning, lights, pumps, digital controllers, finishes and construction methods are all changing to suit modern technology.

The SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show 2022 is an event we are anticipating, to witness the pioneering advancements in our industry. It’s exciting to see a continuation of investment into research and development to improve and transform innovative thought into reality.

The demand from consumers seeking innovation is loud and clear. Consumers looking to put a pool or spa in their backyards is one of the driving forces demanding these advancements so they can reduce their maintenance time, running costs and operate the pool remotely and easily. Gone are the days when you had to go to the filter box to turn on the pool cleaner, lights, and other accessories.

Consumers are also more in-tune and knowledgeable around the impact of the products and services they are buying, making sustainability an important aspect to be considered by innovators.

Easier quoting with SaaS

Software development in the pool and spa industry has expanded from product innovation to business processes. Today, SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) platforms are common across most industries, and the pool and spa industry in particular has transformed since the first cloud-based solution in the 1960s.

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“The SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show 2022 is an event we are anticipating, to witness the pioneering advancements in our industry.”

However, it has only been within the past few years that there is an emergence of software solutions focused on streamlining sales processes within the pool and spa industry. The world’s first fully-integrated sales software specifically developed for pool builders is Pool Site Quote (PSQ), developed by pool professionals for pool professionals, meaning that experienced members of the industry have had complete control over the creation and implementation of the software.

It is focused on streamlining the sales process for pool builders. Other software for the construction industry is developed for all different types of builders so as a result there are limitations in functionality as they try to create a general package solution for house builders, pool builders, landscapers and other trades.

In the old days, pools and spas were quoted manually. When meeting a customer onsite, I took notes on the brief and then went back to the office to draw a design and type up a quote. I used a calculator and spreadsheet to work out calculations vital to generate a quote like perimeter, interior area and excavation volumes relative to natural ground levels.

Then, I manually checked those calculations again to make sure they were correct.

Some sales executives even rely on administration staff resources to type up the quotes for them. It’s a time-consuming process to generate a manual design and quote. When the quote is finally ready, sales executives often arrange a second meeting with the customer to present the quote – another car trip spending more time and money.

The process usually doesn’t wrap up there, clients may request amendments to the quote sending the builder back to the first few steps. In this iteration, the sales process is inherently time-consuming and actively prevents productivity.

The new technology offers you all the tools in the palm of your hand to design, quote, and contract a pool while you are at your first meeting with a customer on-site. It is cloud-based and accessed on any device.

No need for calculators, no need for admin resources to type up your quotes and waste paper printing. It’s the ultimate time-saver. Time spent quoting is a cost and we all value our time, and PSQ can cut your pool quote time in half.

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feature

Magnum celebrates 40 years

By Peter Hogg

M

agnum Filters was incorporated on May 26, 1982. The two owners were myself and John Turner. It started out as a part time operation and the manufacturing was done in the basement of my house in Auckland.

In 1985 the operation moved to a small factory unit much to the pleasure of my wife Sue. Our first customer was John Davies of Trulock Products (Spaquip) followed by Filtermaster. With only these two customers we barely survived, and both directors had part time jobs.

Our first big break came when Wayne Cuff of Para rocked up with an order for 800 cartridge filters. It was pretty evident we were not going to exist if we only supplied NZ customers so we attended a pool show in Adelaide and subsequently got a small order from Warwick Heathcote of Pool Systems.

This was huge for Magnum as it was our very first export order. Forty years on and Pool Systems is still a valued customer.

Our next export order was from Graham Myers of Quiptron which was for $150,000 which was massive. It was panic stations at the time, but we did get it done. Soon after, Sue and I bought John Turner out. I started travelling to Australia regularly to knock on doors and we gradually started to pick up Aussie customers.

Then two of our clients went into receivership within a month of each other owing us approximately $50,000. Seriously scary times for Magnum but we scraped through it.

A big move

In 1992 we moved to a bigger factory unit then we then took over the units on either side. By this time we had most of the spa and pool manufacturers' business as well as most of the distributors'.

My son Cameron started work in the business and was followed by Rhys a few years later, hence I stopped having to write invoices by hand and I learnt a little bit about computers.

Cartridge filters were becoming very popular and we were running out of room, so in 2005 we purchased an acre of land and in 2007 built two warehouses. We put Magnum into one and rented the other out.

About this time, three of our largest customers in Aussie started purchasing from China, so it was evident we needed to sell further afield than Australia.

To do this we needed to have the full range, so while my sons ran the factory, I spent the next three years developing new filters to the extent we now have over 700 SKUs in our range. I’m very glad to say those customers are now back with us.

We also diversified a bit and started a water treatment business called Aqua Dynamics which is now run by my son-in-law Dave Peck, and that is going extremely well.

I started attending trade shows in the UK and Europe and then started supplying a UK company called Spaeuro, who distributed spa parts and were just starting to manufacture spa pool covers. Spaeuro ended up owing Magnum a fair bit of money so we bought it out and restructured it. So all we sell now is spa cartridges and manufacture spa covers.

We are selling approximately 70,000 cartridges and manufacture 7500 spa covers out of Spaeuro per year to the UK and European markets.

Magnum also sells full container lots to companies in Germany, France, The Netherlands and Canada from New Zealand.

However Australia will always be our main focus and we have a reasonable market share and we never take this for granted. We have had fantastic support from our Australian customers.

We have come a long way in 40 years, and I am proud of the way my family has come into the business and worked extremely hard to continue to manufacture quality products. It is a daily battle competing in the global market, but we have been proactive in improving our products.

It is also brilliant to walk around the factory and talk to two or three of my grandchildren during the school holidays.

It’s been a hell of a ride.

Contact: www.magnumfilters.com n

ABOVE: Rhys Hogg, Cam Hogg and Peter Hogg

June/July 2022

SPLASH! 21

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Ben Beale Laboratory launched to help prevent heart disease

A

cardiovascular research facility named after Aquatic Leisure Technologies former executive director Ben Beale is being established in Perth to help fight the causes and mitigate the effects of heart disease.

The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute has joined forces with the family of Ben Beale, a father of five from Perth who tragically passed away from a heart attack in 2017. The Ben Beale Laboratory in Cardiovascular Research is due to formally open in mid-2022, representing the five-year anniversary of his passing and will be a lasting and fitting legacy To save thousands of other families from heartache in the future, the Ben Beale Laboratory at the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute’s centre at the University of Western Australia will accelerate new treatments for cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis.

“After Ben’s passing, I had a number of colleagues in the industry share their stories about family members and friends that have been impacted by heart disease, and a lot of people in the industry wanted to find a way to help,” says Lynley Papineau, managing director of Aquatic Leisure Technologies and Ben’s sister.

“Ben’s wife Sarah has been working with the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute to establish The Ben Beale Laboratory, with the aim of raising much needed funds to accelerate research in heart disease and enable the institute’s world class scientists and researchers to continue their work to fight this deadly disease.”

Papineau says heart disease is the number one killer in the world and as such it is important to be able to fund research and gain a better understanding around preventative measures and treatments.

How can you help?

Funding for the Ben Beale Laboratory will progress cardiac health research and strengthen cardiovascular research in Western Australia, enable cutting edge breakthroughs and lead the way to pursue bold and impactful research projects throughout the world.

The lab will be able to continue to make meaningful and impactful breakthroughs and discoveries and support young scientists through PhD and postdoctoral fellowship programs, as well as purchase necessary cutting-edge technology to support the world class research.

One hundred percent of the funds will be directed to the institute’s executive director Professor Jason Kovacic and Professor Livia Hool specifically to advance research relative to atherosclerosis and heart disease in Western Australia.

Different ways to help: • A Foundation Gift of $50,000 p.a. for five years will support a senior scientist in their quest to cure the number one killer.

• A Chairman Gift of $25,000 p.a. for five years will help fund a post-doctoral fellow as they take their projects to the next level.

• A Partner Gift of $10,000 p.a. for five years will help fund a PhD student at the start of their scientific career.

• A Donor Gift of $5000 p.a. for five years will help purchase cutting edge equipment vital to help making scientific breakthroughs possible.

ABOVE: Ben Beale in a spa with four of his five children

Contact: Andrea Dawber, Senior Philanthropy Manager, Western Australia, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute Phone: 0407 554 304 Email: a.dawber@victorchang.edu.au Website: www.victorchang.edu.au

Atherosclerosis Ben tragically passed away from a heart attack caused by the heart disease, atherosclerosis. He was just 47 years old and unaware he was suffering from cardiovascular disease, which takes the lives of one in three Australians. He was at the peak of his health, fitness and weight goals and had been medically cleared for a charity boxing fight just a week before his heart attack. A coronary calcium score and ECG test 13 months prior had deemed him at “low risk” of a coronary event.

His death was originally described as a “one-off catastrophic event” but researchers now know otherwise.

Atherosclerosis sometimes called “hardening of the arteries” – is the disease that causes most heart attacks. An investigation of Ben’s

medical history by Professor Jason Kovacic, the executive director of Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, and a world expert on atherosclerosis, was able to identify the possibility that Ben had an increase in a cholesterolrelated particle called Lipoprotein(a), or “Lp(a)” for short, which raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.

International clinical trials of new targeted therapies to reduce Lp(a) are also taking place – which will reduce the risk of heart attack due to Lp(a) in the next few years. Despite these incredible advances, there is no cure for atherosclerosis. The VCCRI, Ben’s family and scientists across the country are determined to change that and continue to work towards finding a cure to prevent Australia’s biggest killer, heart disease.

June/July 2022

SPLASH! 23

feature

Can pool water "boil"?

T

his is the second in our series on the qualities of water. This time, boiling water.

Why are we talking about boiling water?

Because, as you will see later, pool water can and often does “boil”.

The boiling point of water is the temperature at which it changes into a vapour (gaseous state). That temperature is not always 100C – in fact, it is more likely to be some other temperature as the temperature at which water boils is always a factor of temperature and air pressure, and air pressure is less at a higher altitude.

At sea level, where the nominal atmospheric press is 101.325 kPa, water will boil at 100C. But at higher elevations it will always boil at a lower temperature. If water under a pressure higher than 101 kPa is heated until it boils it will do so at a temperature in excess of 100C. Water at the top of Mt Everest at its altitude of 8850 metres above sea level has an air pressure of only 33.6C and water boils at 68C. If water is placed in a vacuum such as outer space it immediately boils, vaporises then becomes ice. If fact it would appear to be quite confused as to which state it should be in, but it won’t be a liquid. So theoretically in a vacuum it can be said that water will boil at 0C or more likely at 0.00001C. Place some water in a vacuum and it will very quickly turn into water vapour.

Boiling of water is actually a cooling process as the water vapour that is given off takes heat energy away from the water. Evaporation is a similar process that cools the remaining water.

The reverse process is called condensation where water vapour can and does re-join a water mass as it cools thus making the water warmer.

pressure at which it will boil. It is the other side of the boiling point chart on this page.

This vapour pressure is used in the equation to determine the net positive head suction available (NPSHa) to avoid cavitation.

So what has this got to do with swimming pools?

“Can pool water "boil"?

“Every time a pool pump is starving for water, the noise you can hear is ‘cavitation’: water boiling in the pump at low pressure and at a low temperature.”

Saturated vapour pressure

While the boiling point is the temperature at which water will boil, the saturated vapour pressure is the

A pool pump does not suck water, it merely creates a low pressure zone into which air pressure on the pool surface forces water into the pump.

The lower the pressure in the pump volute, the more water can be pumped.

I say “can be pumped” as more often than not, undersized pipes, bends and other fittings in the pool plumbing system prevent the pump's flow rate from operating at its best.

Every time a pool pump is starving for water, the noise you can hear is “cavitation”: water boiling in the pump at low pressure and at a low temperature.

Note that constant cavitation can destroy the operating parts of a pump relatively quickly.

What is evaporation?

Molecules of water are in a constant state of agitation.

They are attracted to each other, bump into each other and bounce off each other. In doing so they transfer energy one to the other, and when this energy transfer is quite one-sided, molecules of water at the surface can and will escape the water body and thus evaporate.

In science speak, for molecules to evaporate, they must be located near the surface, be moving in the right direction and have sufficient kinetic energy to overcome the liquid-phase intermolecular forces.

Why is evaporation higher on a hot day? As the kinetic energy of a molecule is proportional to its temperature, evaporation proceeds more rapidly at higher temperatures.

Other factors: • Evaporation is higher when air is dry (low humidity) and less when air is moist; • Evaporation is higher at times of low pressure; • Evaporation is higher from a larger surface area;

LEFT: Saturated vapour pressure chart

Water will evaporate much quicker when there is heat, low humidity and wind – e.g. in a clothes dryer. n For these articles Cal Stanley draws on his 30 years’ experience and success in pool construction, having run award-winning pool construction company Neptune Pools in Western Australia for three decades. He currently works as a pool consultant and delivers hydraulics courses for the swimming pool industry. Contact: neptunepools@westnet.com.au.

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feature

Smart marketing decisions for the upcoming season

By Brett Lloyd Abbott

H

ave we finally put the pandemic behind us?

I’m not sure anyone can confidently predict that. But I’m fairly confident about the following predictions: • Demand will remain strong for new pools, most likely for the next 12 to 24 months.

• But that demand will gently taper off throughout the season, just as we saw in 2021/2022.

• And shortages in materials and human resources will continue to challenge the industry.

With that in mind, I offer the following “marketing checklist” to make sure you are as prepared as possible for what’s ahead of us in the swimming pool industry.

Let’s start with the most basic of marketing requirements – your website.

For those few internet laggards who still haven’t gotten the memo, you need to (1) have one, and (2) make sure the hosting is “secure”.

(To confirm whether or not your website is secure, just click the little “lock” icon at the top of your browser, to the left of your URL.) And (3), your website should also look clean and modern, and be fairly easy to navigate.

Why? Because in this industry, most of our prospects will visit a company’s website before picking up the phone. If the website is clunky, out-of-date, not secure, or non-existent, you will likely lose that prospect before the first phone call.

The second basic marketing fundamental is to “tell a good story”. We’re overwhelmed with too many options, and too many decisions to make. So give us a darn good reason to choose your company over the competition, and we will happily bestow you with our loyalty and our money.

Why? Because if you leave out the compelling story, and feed us empty, meaningless platitudes instead, we will be unimpressed, and simply choose whoever has the lowest price.

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“The second basic marketing fundamental is to ‘tell a good story’.”

The two suggestions above are basic marketing fundamentals that every business owner should have embraced at least 10 years ago. So let’s move on to the marketing plans and strategies that will help us deal with the unique challenges of 2022 and beyond.

Automation

Automation is fast becoming the next “must-have” marketing item for anyone in the pool industry, and any other industry that is currently overwhelmed with demand. That’s because many business owners are just too darn busy to even answer the phone, much less spend 30 minutes talking to every prospect that suddenly got the bright idea to get a new pool or pool renovation.

Automated marketing can send a variety of emails and text messages to set and manage expectations from the get-go, without you ever lifting a finger. And it’s not just for prospects. You can also use automation to nurture clients through the construction process, and long after the project is completed. And again, this can all happen without any involvement from you.

ABOVE: Thinking smart will keep the work flowing

feature

(For more on this topic see “Controlling the flood of information with automation” in SPLASH! Edition 138).

To implement automation properly and effectively, you will likely need to adopt the use of a client relationship management (CRM) system as well. I must say I was shocked a few years ago when I surveyed over 100 pool builders in the US and discovered the number one most popular method of tracking sales opportunities was a piece of paper and a pen. And the second most popular method was “none”.

“Platforms such as Facebook and Houzz can be a great source for both paid and organic leads.”

We are better than this! With sales opportunities well-exceeding $50,000 each, and the inherently scattered nature of trying to manage an overflow of leads, I simply can’t imagine running a pool construction business without a professional CRM in place.

There are plenty of good CRM options out there to choose from. (For more on this look to SPLASH! Edition 141 article: “Customer relationship management more important than ever”.)

Digital marketing is likely to become a lot more popular in the 2022/2023 season for two reasons. First, as noted previously, the overall lead flow in our industry is beginning to decline. So if you want to maintain your current level of operations, you may need to start feeding that sales funnel. Secondly, the highly-targeted payper-click side of digital marketing can be laser-tuned to appeal to your ideal target market. This will help protect your sales team (or yourself ) from wasting time with so many tyre-kickers who never should have called you in the first place.

The next smart marketing decision for the coming season is to get a lot more serious about video. If you’ve created the occasional “how to” videos, or some drone videos showing off your work, that’s fine. But I’m talking about a different kind of video. There’s a lot of leverage to be gained from a well-produced video that tells your compelling story in an engaging and intelligent way. Not only will a well-crafted video help generate more leads from your website, it will also prequalify and educate your ideal prospects in advance. It will also help to filter out those mismatched prospects who would be wasting your time.

And last but not least is social media. Platforms such as Facebook and Houzz can be a great source for both paid and organic leads. But what I believe is significantly more important right now is to make sure your online reputation is solid. Just like a clunky website will stop people from calling you, a few bad reviews will prevent many people from ever getting to your website in the first place. So this is no time for “out-of-sight, out-of-mind.” If you don’t have someone monitoring your online reputation in-house, then I suggest you find someone outside to handle it for you.

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The 2022-2023 season is likely to be challenging, but in somewhat different ways from the past two years. So if you’re ready to finally get off that hamster wheel and get ahead of the sales/marketing curve, then this is the year to tighten up the loose ends described above, and make some smart marketing decisions. n These articles by Pool Builder Marketing’s Brett Lloyd Abbott’s are designed to provide pool companies with unique insights that will help them address modern marketplace challenges.

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Becoming the world’s best marathon swimmer

C ABOVE: Chloë McCardel became a competition swimmer within 12 months of learning to swim.

Images by Daniel Kucec

hloë McCardel is the greatest ocean water swimmer Australia has ever produced, and arguably the best marathon swimmer in the world.

Her brilliant career started as most swimmer’s careers do. In a swimming pool. She learned to swim relatively late at age 11 in the local Bulleen Swim Centre. Her coach said she always tried to do the hardest strokes and was more willing to learn that any other kids. Her progress was astonishing.

“I learned to swim at 11 years of age,” says McCardel.

“I became a competition swimmer within 12 months, and did all the learn-to-swim levels in four school terms.

Already I qualified for state level competition and I was just outside the finals within 12 months of learning how to swim, and I was just 12 years of age.”

She competed at national age group level up until 16, but she admits she was not talented enough in the pool to take it to the next level. But she had a lot of drive and loved swimming, and used that to her advantage.

“I didn’t have the edge in swimming. Australia is extremely competitive. Arguably the most competitive high level sport you can get in Australia. So it’s hard to crack the elite level. And Australia has great depth

in swimming at all levels, which is fantastic. Because it breeds champions. It just means there’s a lot of people like myself who are good, but we don’t have that edge.”

Instead of continuing in the pool, McCardel took to a sport that values determination and mental strength just as much as skill. Marathon swimming.

“In marathon swimming, talent is much less important than having the right mental capacity, commitment, drive and sacrifice to reach your goals,” she says.

Finding role models

The change to marathon swimming was not well received by her parents, who kicked her out of home.

“My parents made me quit swimming at 16 because they didn’t think I had the talent to go to the Olympics.

And then they kicked me out of home at 20. They told me marathon swimming is not a career. So I basically lived in poverty between the years of 20 to 24.

“And that was really hard because they obviously didn’t support what I wanted to do. And even though they’re very proud of what I’ve succeeded in doing now, there’s a bit of tension, because it’s like, Well, where were you when I needed you?”

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McCardel has swum the English Channel a record 44 times, nearly dying on her first attempt of a triple crossing.

She visualises the completion of the swim, using all five senses, to keep motivated and to move time more quickly.

However, she had role models outside her family, including her coaches.

“My first squad coach was female. And it’s fairly rare for squad coaches to be female. It’s very male-dominated. So I was super lucky that my first squad coach was a female and she was very encouraging. She gave me an encouragement award basically for effort. To me, this was like the most amazing thing ever.

I was like, oh my God, wow, I won something!

“She really helped me believe in myself.

Once I realised that an adult in my life saw my potential and believed in me, it gave me permission and confidence to believe in myself.

Then my other squad coaches after that were very supportive. They set a high bar for me, and for some kids that’s hard, because they interpret that as pressure, pressure to make cut-offs, state times or national times. But I really thrived on the pressure, because it meant that I could work hard and see the results.

“If you don’t swim seven sessions a week, three of them starting at five in the morning, then you can’t be in the swim squad. That’s really tough love, that’s not for everyone. So it wasn’t an easy ride. But when they believed in me then I saw a pathway for myself, and I believed in myself.

“As a teenager to have role models believe in you, I think is, is an invaluable gift. I was given this gift to believe in myself. And I saw the results of my hard work.

“And so I learned that life lesson if you work really hard, you have the opportunity for success, no guarantee, you have a really good opportunity. So I’m forever grateful to my squad coaches, as a teenager, for believing in me and setting me up with the mental tools that I have now.”

The improved physiology of an elite swimmer

“I think what is quite interesting about that phase of my life is that because I was training and putting my body under stress as a teenager, when I was going through a growth phase, my structures or my skeletal structure actually adapted to that physiological stress.

“So my shoulders became broader. My frame is larger than it would be otherwise.

And my heart is definitely larger than the average person of my build.

“And my lungs are larger as well. So even if I gave up sport after my teenage years and only did it very recreationally, or maybe even stopped, those benefits would have stayed with me for my lifetime.

“That’s not just me, I’m not unique. It’s a well-known sports physiology understanding that people who train a lot as teenagers keep most of those benefits throughout their lifetime.

“So I have a higher lung capacity, which means more oxygenation of my blood. And then, I guess, an increased cardiovascular base as a starting point, which is really a health benefit throughout my life.

McCardel says that encouraging people to play a lot of sport as teenagers sets them up for a healthy life, even if they never become an elite athlete or even if they’re dormant for 20 years.

She is also a swim coach – she has coached more than 150 people to swim the English Channel – and she sees the benefit in her charges having swum or played other sport in their youth.

“I have people who come to me in their 30s and their 40s, and they’re like, Oh, when I was

a junior, I used to be competitive swimmer or a water polo player. And they jump in the pool, and they’re unfit, but in a couple of months, they’re zooming past. They’ve tapped back into that fitness because they have a stronger heart and a larger lung capacity.

“And then they also have that that memory of swimming, even though literally they haven’t swum for 20 years. There’s so much benefit to getting teenagers and kids into sport, because you set them up in a very healthy way for the rest of their life. And maybe they’ll want to do some elite sport or maybe not, but at least they’ve got the foundations for life.”

Breaking records

In October last year McCardel broke the world record for the greatest number of English Channel crossings, previously held

by British swimmer Alison Streeter, who completed the crossing 43 times. McCardel’s 44 crossings include three double crossings and an unbelievable triple non-stop crossing.

She also broke the record for the longest non-stop ocean swim from South Eleuthera to Nassau, Bahamas, a 124 kilometre swim taking a gruelling 42 hours.

Her most rewarding swims were naturally the hardest – the triple crossing and the Bahamas swim.

“My first attempt at the double crossing of the English Channel, I failed. I was successful on my second attempt. My first attempt at triple crossing I failed and nearly died.”

It’s cold. 15 degrees, and your body is constantly using up energy to fight the cold, as well as performing the mammoth task of the triple-crossing swim.

After touching in France for her first lap, June/July 2022

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You start to see this little orange semicircle piercing the horizon, and then it’s like a banquet of peach and orange and yellow and really warm, reassuring colours.

she headed back into weather that was rapidly deteriorating. Storms, rough seas, colder water.

By midnight, she could make no headway, and foundered. The support crew called for the swim to end but McCardel resisted, her famous determination pushing her on. An hour later, she was pulled from the water, suffering from hypothermia and delirium, unable to recognise her own crew. He body temperature was just 28 degrees – the level at which most people would fall in to a coma.

She was taken to Canterbury Hospital intensive care unit in a critical state, having the effects of hypothermia and a serious lung condition caused by breathing in seawater. She was literally close to death.

By morning she was in better condition, but still kept in ICU. “The hypothermia must have hit me very quickly because I don’t remember the last few hours of the swim,” she said from her hospital bed. “I remember being happy and swimming in the dark towards England. The lights were quite large and I could see the shapes of the buildings.”

Smiling in her hospital bed, the indomitable champion stated her determination to try the triple crossing again as soon as possible.

It is easy to understand why going back and completing the triple, having faced death on the previous attempt – and still getting hypothermia on the second, successful swim – ranks as one of her proudest moments.

“I’m most proud that I didn’t walk away from the sport because I could have said, Look, I’ve done my double crossing of the channel, and I’ve done 10,12 crossings, that’s a

great success. But I knuckled down and made more sacrifices and still believed that I could reach the next level. Very proud. Proud to be Australian as well, and to represent Australia in these swims.”

Equally impressive is the world record Bahamas swim.

“I was getting severely burned by the sun, I was in pain from the end of the first day.

We started at seven in the morning. So by six o’clock that evening, I was in severe pain, and that just stayed as a constant throughout the rest of the swim. The swim is 42 hours. So to stay in the water when I had severe burns from the sun, and the pain was not going away. To stay in and complete that. I’m super proud of that.”

McCardell is young for a marathon swimmer who has completed so much.

“I’m younger than when Des Renford started his career at 41. And I’m 36, so I’m definitely on the younger side.”

Mind over matter

As well as the sunburn, jellyfish stings and hypothermia, McCardel gets tendon, ligament, and muscular pain, and inflammation in her soft tissues.

“I find the pain comes and goes, it’s kind of like a roller coaster, at some point, that can be quite intense. But it’s never consistently at that point in the long term, it feels like that for 30 minutes or an hour. I tell my brain, this is not permanent, this will climb, it will ease. It’s like a bit of a roller coaster, it gets worse, and then it gets better. So that’s an interesting thing to keep in mind.

“It’s very repetitive. So if you think about one lap of the English Channel is 36,000 arm strokes. And that’s 18,000 neck rotations.

And I kick at two beats per second, I kick a lot more than any marathon swimmer I’ve ever known. I kick more than 800 metre swimmers at the Olympics, and I’ll do that for whole English Channel swim. That’s 72,000 individual kicks per crossing.”

McCardel overcomes the pain by managing her mind.

“The only way you are consciously aware that you’re in pain is if pain signals are being activated. So your brain has to be reading and interpreting the signals as pain. So pain, although physical, also has a mental element to it. You can reframe the pain by reframing where your mind is, to try and not be as receptive.

“So I try and switch to something else.

One of the techniques I use is visualisation. I visualise my successful finish. So I transport myself into that future. I use my five senses, and dive deep into being there at that point in time. What does it feel like? What does it taste like? What does it sound like? What does that actual moment look like? I feel the sand between my toes and taste the saltiness of my mouth. And I look back at the support boat, waiting out there for me.”

McCardel is an international keynote speaker who has presented for SPASA events in the past. In her talks she goes over her techniques and offers mindset tips – how to get out of a stuck situation, either individually or as a team.

“Because sometimes you can’t change the June/July 2022

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McCardel is also an international keynote speaker, talking about her experiences and her mental techniques. She is also an advocate on behalf of domestic violence victims.

At just 36, McCardel is younger at this stage of her career than when Des Renford started his at 41.

circumstances around you – they’re set for whatever period of time,” she says. “But you can change the way you think, and the way you respond to those circumstances.

“It’s just like a wave. The wave has a peak, and it has a trough. And the waves are never there consistently. They may be there for hours or days, but at some point, the weather will change, it will get better, the conditions will flatten. I try and remember that, because in my brain, the monotony can be really overwhelming. I’ve just got to remember that even though right now it feels like time is going slowly, it feels like I’ve been out here forever, it is only a temporary thing. It will finish. It’s only 24 hours of my life, or 48 hours of my life. And then after that, you know, I’m free to do whatever I want. ” She tries to find joy in the small things.

“I love the sunrise. It’s incredible because you go from the darkness of a long night. It’s black, it can be cold, the air temperature drops at night. Then you just start to see this little orange semicircle piercing the horizon, and then it’s like a banquet of peach and orange and yellow and really warm, reassuring colours.

“And that gives me hope. Because the night drags on, it feels like it goes much longer than daytime hours. Then suddenly the morning bursts across the sky.”

She also focuses on her technique.

“I concentrate on points, like my hand entries, my catch, I focus on holding the water.

And that takes my energy and attention away.

So once it’s focused on something, it’s harder to be thinking about pain.”

The other thing she does is practice active meditation.

“You’re no longer conscious of the time.

And I enjoy that because it’s a very light state, I’m not concerned and not worrying about 34

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the time, I’m not worrying about things. And the breathing and swimming is very rhythmic.

It’s very controlled. You can’t be anxious and swim effectively, you have to be in a calm state, and practice deep breathing. To swim effectively, you have to use the bottom of your lungs to breathe. Because otherwise, you’re not getting the oxygenation you need to swim.

So deep breathing is known to relax your parasympathetic system.”

Advocacy

McCardel is also an advocate on behalf of domestic violence victims. When asked what we can do about it personally and in society, she says to speak up.

“Domestic violence is predominantly male violence and it’s underpinned by gender bias. Putting women down, blaming women for wearing certain clothes and then saying, Well, they were asking for it, as if they were asking to be raped. Those sort of attitudes are basically the basis of the belief that men can treat women in certain ways. So I think if we all just keep an eye out for gender discrimination and blaming women for acting in certain ways, and quote, unquote, ‘inviting any sort of male violence’, whether it’s rape or physical violence, then that’s what we do.

“There’s sexist attitudes out there constantly. We can call out our friends. And it’s not just men. I mean, women have sexist attitudes too. So just in the conversations we have in our everyday lives, and in sort of sexist attitudes just say, is that really fair, or help someone to think about the other perspective.

“Unfortunately, there can be victim blaming. It’s fairly common for women experiencing domestic violence for people around them to say, Well, why didn’t you leave

earlier? Like, why didn’t you leave that man who was being violent? Why didn’t you leave him earlier? And that’s an example of victim blaming. If you hear someone say something like that, you can change that conversation, challenge them and say, Well, why did he continue that behaviour? Why did he repeat that behaviour to her on so many occasions?

Shift the focus of blame from her, not leaving sooner, to why did he keep repeating that behaviour on that woman. The more awareness there is, the better. And the more we can support people who have experienced this, the better.”

Next up

Next up for McCardel is to attempt to be the first person in history to swim the 92 kilometres between England and Belgium.

“One person has attempted this swim, and unfortunately, they weren’t successful. It’s extraordinarily difficult. It’s across the North Sea, above the English Channel. The water is choppier, because the North Sea is renowned for having horrible waves. So it’s going to be harder than the triple swim of the English Channel. Comparatively distance wise, it’s like swimming three of laps the English Channel, but I expect it to be one degree colder and I expect it to be choppier.”

As well as attempting the swim in one go, she is organising groups of open water swimmers from all over the world to do a relay swim from Ramsgate (England) to Nieuwpoort (Belgium) across the North Sea. There will be 10 people in a group, swimming in 30 minute rotations.

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Helping pool industry people in war-torn Ukraine Compass Pools chief operating officer Anthony Cross describes the plight of a Compass Pools Europe dealer in Ukraine, and what we can do to help.

By Anthony Cross

RIGHT: The family of Andrej Flores, dealer from Cernikov.

They moved to the Czech Republic and sent their thanks for the support from Compass Pools

BELOW: Aleksander Segin with other fighters.

His family stays at Eduard Bobyk’s house

I

want to speak about the war in Ukraine, and I’d like to start by sharing a very human story.

Eduard Bobyk is the owner of Compass Pools Ukraine, which is a dealer of Compass Europe.

Compass Europe is not connected with our businesses in Australia and New Zealand, but we remain friends with their management, especially Tibor Meszaros from Slovakia, where they manufacture Compass Pools for all European dealers.

Tibor shared this story with me.

Eduard Bobyk arrived at Tibor’s in western Slovakia unexpectedly several weeks ago with his young wife and baby daughter. Eduard is 62 years old, so he’s permitted to leave Ukraine, whereas other men aged between 18 and 60 years of age must stay and fight the war against Russia. Eduard had fled his home when his family was in fear of their lives. They took nothing with them and they had no home or business to return to.

Eduard’s plea to Tibor was simple: “How can I help my Ukrainian staff and their families, all 100 of them, who have fled their homes and businesses.”

Eduard is their leader with no one else to guide them. Those that could leave had travelled with Eduard to the Ukrainian border with eastern Slovakia. Slovakia is not a rich country and has virtually no social safety net. But Eduard knew that Tibor would help him.

Over the following days, as Eduard’s family lived in Tibor's home, Compass Europe, together with Compass Pools Deutschland, arranged for a transparent bank account to be established. And calls were made to

all Compass Europe dealers in more than 20 European countries. So far, over the last four weeks, 48,000 Euro has been raised.

Go to www.splashmagazine.com.au/QuickLinks142 for a link to the donations page that also shows the withdrawals from Eduard to pay for medicine and for food and emergency accommodation in eastern Slovakia.

In total, Eduard has brought 47 of his staff and their families that are allowed to leave Ukraine across the border to relative safety. This story of Eduard Bobyk his family and co-workers is just one of the countless examples of human suffering that is the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the besieged democratic nation of Ukraine.

The world has seen the amazing resilience and strength of the Ukrainian people and their leader, President Zelensky over the past month or so. Eduard Bobyk is just one of those amazing people. Eduard and his family visited us here in Australia a number of years ago on an R&D tour with his Compass Europe colleagues.

On their return to Ukraine, Eduard’s first wife Ludmila sent Ian and Kerri Mewitt a small gift for their grandchildren. The gift was a children’s book of Ukrainian folk stories signed by Ludmila and Eduard.

And for those wondering, Ludmila is safe and currently living in France. Ian and I believe it is now time to send Eduard his family and displaced work colleagues a gift of support in return. And I know that Kerri would agree if she were here today.

I’m sure that I speak for all of us in the Australian and New Zealand pool industry, an industry that has experienced unprecedented growth over the past two years. The beautiful and amazing citizens of Ukraine need our support. And if we can help one small group of swimming pool builders and their families, then it’s the least we can do.

I encourage all pool industry businesses in Australia and New Zealand, manufacturers suppliers and builders, to contribute to either Eduard Bobyk and his family and colleagues through the transparent account, or to an established charity that is helping the people of Ukraine. Thank you.

Want to help?

Go to www.splashmagazine.com.au/QuickLinks142 for a link to donations information. n 36

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The sophisticated look of a hidden spa.

Image: COS Design/ Photographer Erick Holt Photography

Making spas striking visual features

By Veda Dante

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Fine and flush

Hidden spas have also recently come to the fore where both pool and spa water are at the same level.

“This does require a balance tank for the pool so that water can be lowered (or dumped) to reveal the spa when the spa is in use,” Taylor says. “This allows the pool and spa to remain simple, timeless and sophisticated when defined as one entity, allowing the pool to feel spacious with its clean lines and contemporary form.”

com cific. ttepa .lamo www

S

pas may be synonymous with cold nights and sore muscles, but today’s manufacturers, designers and builders are heralding a new era of form, functionality and compliance.

From smart tech features and hydrotherapy inclusions to high-class finishes and safety protocols, consumers are able to make informed decisions about their spa pool purchase.

Inbuilt spas have been an important element of the poolscape for considerable time as they are an effective, efficient and cost-effective way of incorporating a spa into an overall pool package.

“In particular, in the cooler states where swimming pools have a limited seasonal usage window, spas add all year usability to your investment and when designed well, can also add some architectural flair to the poolscape,” says COS Design director and design principal, Steve Taylor.

Integrating a spa into the pool shell increases the efficiency and cost-effectiveness that comes from shared walls. Building a separate entity spa physically away from the pool doesn’t offer these savings – however there a pros and cons for both options that need to be considered.

“Recently, integrated spas have been taken to the next level with raised, full perimeter wet edges, creating an architectural element to the overall design,” he says. “Whether it be geometric or round in form, an infinity spa can add a dynamic feature that doubles as a water feature, a reflection pond (if tiled in black tiles) and a striking point of difference when executed properly.”

These raised spas can sit flush with the paving or raised several hundreds of millimetres above the pool deck.

“The scale and height of this point of difference needs to be carefully considered to ensure the overall balance and aesthetics of the pool and spa work and present in harmony,” says Taylor.

The pool-level spa replicates the curved lines of the house, making the space a stunning architectural statement.

Image: Domain Pools Melbourne/Photographer Patrick Redmond June/July 2022

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A raised spa can make an amazing feature in itself.

Image: COS Design/ Photographer Tim Turner

The spa sitting proud of the paved surface.

Image: COS Design/ Photographer Tim Turner

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While the hidden spa designs do add considerable costs to the pool and spa as they require hidden moat channels, cantilevered paving, and a greater attention to detail, when done well, they can be well worth the investment.

Technology has also improved the integration of spas with remote automation to allow owners to turn on the spa using their smartphone or device on the way home from work, while at dinner or from the comfort of their lounge room.

“For example, heating to 38-degrees can take as little as 15 minutes, making the spa a user-friendly, convenient, highly enjoyable feature to any home,” says Taylor.

“Regardless of how you integrate and automate your spa to the pool, I do recommend a minimum of 20mm water level difference with the spa sitting higher than the pool water to ensure the heated spa is not flooded with cold water when both are in use.”

Standout designs

Once considered a secondary feature to the swimming pool, spas are being elevated to new heights – figurately and literally – thanks to builders like Scott Tymkin from Enki Pools in Victoria.

Tymkin, whose career started in the landscape industry and includes winning two gold medals at

the world-renowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London, turned a 2.5-metre diameter spa into the hero of the poolscape.

Located on the Mornington Peninsula with panoramic views across Port Phillip Bay, the circular design (pictured on page 45) features a 360-degree infinity edge that falls into a concealed channel.

Resembling a refreshing slice of lemon from above, the intricately tiled finish provides a vibrant pop of colour against the polished concrete coping and surrounds — creating an amazing wow factor.

“This project has an enviable waterfront location, so from the very outset the client’s highest priority was to maximise their views to the water and across Port Phillip Bay,” Tymkin says.

However, they also required privacy from a busy road and highly trafficked footpath, so striking a perfect balance between accessing the views and maintaining privacy was key for landscape architect Kate Monk, senior designer at Enkidesign.

The house has strong architectural features, including a bold sweeping curve that encapsulates a second story daybed and surrounds the second story alfresco area.

“A key element of the success of the swimming pool and spa design is how it references and reflects these shapes, so that the project reads cohesively,” he says.

June/July 2022

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Trending spa features

Some automated spa controls enable maintenance routines to run automatically, and include selfdiagnostic controls. Along with the advanced intelligence of automation, they are more energyefficient too. Some spas even have built-in, real-time power consumption monitoring, which allows owners to calculate what their spa is costing them.

Another trending spa feature – particularly with portable spas – is integrated entertainment systems. For example, wireless sound systems that enable spa owners to connect an audio source to their spa via a dock, which are seamlessly integrated into the cabinet. Music tracks and volume are then easily adjusted via the spa’s control panel or via remote control.

Technological advancements continue to include automated water treatment systems like built-in chlorine generators and automated testing and dosing systems, making water maintenance convenient and easy. Not only does this smart technology reduce manual input, but the water quality measurements are also displayed in real-time on the controllers and through web-connected devices.

Full wet-edge spas

Also known as mirror spas, rim flow spas and 360-degree overflow spas, wet-edge spas allow the water to spill over the spa’s entire perimeter into the

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“Resembling a refreshing slice of lemon from above, the intricately tiled finish provides a vibrant pop of colour against the polished concrete coping and surrounds.” swimming pool below. Some also produce a vanishing effect where the cascading spa water looks almost like it is disappearing into the pool deck.

One example of this standout spa style is Franklin Group’s elevated spa that forms part of a luxurious swimming and entertainment space pictured on page 46.

“The pool and spa feature Italian-made Bisazza tiles for a high-class finish,” says Dave Franklin, one of Victoria’s leading boutique landscapers and swimming pool builders.

The circular spa overflows into the pool creating a seamless transition. Whereas water is traditionally channelled through a single spillway or multiple spillways in one portion of a spa’s dam wall, the water

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The intricately tiled finish provides a vibrant pop of colour.

Image: Enki Pools/ Photographer Patrick Redmond

This spa resembles a refreshing slice of lemon.

Image: Enki Pools/ Photographer Patrick Redmond

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This pool and spa feature Italian-made Bisazza tiles for a high-class finish.

Image: Franklin Pools/Photographer Patrick Redmond.

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“With a rim flow structure, the entire wall is built at a uniform height that is at least as high as a traditional spa spillway.” inside a wet-edge spa circulates out over the entire top perimeter.

“With a rim flow structure, the entire wall is built at a uniform height that is at least as high as a traditional spa spillway,” Franklin says. “That’s because the fulllength top of the rim flow wall is the spillway.”

Enhancing the user experience

Sapphire Spas’ general manager Tim Parkinson says he continues to see demand grow for technologically advanced, high-quality, easy-to-use Australian manufactured products.

“With the focus on enhancing the user experience for our customers, our smartTouch digital control panel advances spa pool operation into the touch screen era,” he says. “Simple to use, the design replicates smartphone-style icons and menu operation. Settings

are simple to adjust and scrolling activity status advises the user what the spa is always doing.”

Sapphire Spas has also harnessed the detoxification benefits of oxygen by incorporating a hydrotherapeutic “blast of bubbles” into some of its smaller models.

“This cloud of bubbles contains negatively charged ions that provide many of the benefits of expensive day spa treatments, saving users time and money,” Parkinson says.

A spa is a great way to get some respite from longterm conditions too.

“For instance, many people report reduced symptoms of chronic conditions such as arthritis from regular spa use,” he says.

“The warm water increases blood flow and loosens muscles and joints. This can help to ease pain and stiffness. The buoyancy of the water also helps to support the body and take pressure off joints. In addition, the jets massage muscles and increase circulation, which helps reduce pain and swelling.”

A spa pool can also be used as a powerful tool to rehabilitate after surgery or an accident.

Many of the benefits that make swim spas ideal for general exercise aid in rehabilitation too.

“The water reduces the weight and impact on joints and muscles, allowing for a much lower impact workout,” Parkinson says.

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“In addition, the resistance of the water means no additional loading from weights is required, the force of your muscles acting against the water is sufficient to stimulate muscle and joint recovery. A spa can deliver very real physical and mental health benefits well beyond the pure pleasure of relaxation.”

water colour, creating a striking contrast to the visual heaviness of the house,” he says.

“While an extension of the pool, the spa forms part of the relaxation zone where the family can hang out together either in or out of the spa.”

Complementing stunning architecture

While there are technical requirements such as Australian and New Zealand Standards that aim to regulate the spa industry generally and, in particular, provide safety protocols, there hasn’t been a concentrated industry focus to enforce them — until now.

SPASA Australia chief policy officer Spiros Dassakis says its new compliance resource titled Prefabricated Spa Pool Compliance – A Guide for Industry will enable the industry to identify and manage compliance issues while helping consumers make informed decisions about their spa pool purchase.

Melbourne-based Domain Pools managing director Tony McLeod, who has 40 years’ experience in the pool and landscape industry, says today’s spas can have many of the sophisticated features of the main pool.

One example is this stunning architectural home and accompanying pool and spa.

Designed by architecture studio Edition Office and built by Domain Pools, the fully tiled, in-ground spa mirrors the curtain of concrete curve surrounds.

“The light grey matt pool tiles create a pale aqua

ABOVE: Cosy space, all time of the year.

Image: Domain Pools Melbourne/Photographer Patrick Redmond

Industry compliance

Industry forecast IBISWorld’s analysts constantly monitor the industry impacts of current events in real-time – here are some of their insights.

Q. What is the biggest opportunity for growth in this industry in Australia?

Q. What is the growth rate of the Australia’s swimming pool and spa equipment industry in 2022?

A. Real household discretionary income influences demand for swimming pools, spas and equipment. An increase in discretionary incomes gives households greater purchasing power to spend on the industry’s products. Conversely, any declines in household incomes can restrict industry demand, as people delay or avoid making significant discretionary purchases. Real household discretionary income is forecast to rise, representing an opportunity for industry operators to expand

A. The market size is expected to increase 9.3 per cent in 2022.

Q. Has this industry grown or declined over the past 5 years?

A. It has grown 5.0 per cent per year on average between 2017 and 2022.

Q. How has Australia’s pool and spa equipment industry performed compared with other Australian industries over the past five years?

A. The market size increased faster than the economy overall.

Source: IBISWorld’s report, Swimming Pool and Spa Equipment Stores in Australia

June/July 2022

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Comfort and style with the Canadian cedar cabinet matching the timber deck.

Image: Sapphire Spas.

A spa installation for a spa blower from Spa King.

“Developed by a national working group comprised of prefabricated spa manufacturers eager to lift the standard of education and compliance, this goto resource will cover everything from standards, legislation, hydraulic and electrical requirements to marketing, materials and product recalls,” says Dassakis, who is responsible for national advocacy and SPASA Australia’s training division, the Institute of Research and Leaning (IRLearning).

In addition, this new “360-degree” spa pool guidance resource provides direction around how to track and manage compliance issues before they get into the costly recall phase.

“Every manufacturer of spa pools has the potential to experience a product recall,” he explains.

“Product recalls cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to many millions of dollars — not to mention

Contacts COS Design: www.cosdesign.com.au Domain Pools: www.domainpools.melbourne Edition Office: www.edition-office.com Franklin Pools: www.franklingroup.com.au IBIS World: www.ibisworld.com Sapphire Pools: www.sapphirespas.com.au SPASA Australia: www.spasa.com.au Spa World: www.spaworld.com.au

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the reputational risk and associated consequences, such as higher insurance premiums – so it makes sense for businesses to adopt a proactive industry compliant process before it reaches that stage.”

Dassakis says SPASA is heavily invested in education, compliance and advocacy to ensure manufacturers and consumers understand every element of the spa sector with the help of one resource.

“Our goal is to ensure the industry remains compliant in a sea of complex standards to ensure spas are safe and fun to use,” he says.

Spa World Australia’s head of quality and compliance, Tony Jones, says SPASA’s compliance resource will help highlight and educate consumers about the legal requirements and compliance standards relevant to the manufacturing of portable spas and swim spas offered for sale in Australia and New Zealand.

While Jones says most portable spas and swim spas available for sale in Australia and New Zealand are compliant, there certainly may be some that are not.

“There is no governing body that is monitoring this compliance, which is why this resource from SPASA is so important,” he says.

“As an industry leader, Spa World takes the safety of the public and the industry very seriously and is dedicated to protecting the integrity of our industry as a whole. This resource will help to protect the public and the many businesses in the spa industry that are doing the right thing, while educating the few that are not.”

SPASA will be releasing its Prefabricated Spa Pool Compliance – A Guide for Industry to members and the broader industry in the coming weeks. n

ABOVE: The Spa King spa blower has a noise level of just 52db at one metre.

Bluetooth sound is a much-desired spa feature.

Image: Spa Industries

For perfect swimming conditions all year round.

Innovative. Energy Efficient. Super Quiet.

Davey’s new heat pumps for residential pools offer the perfect combination of simplicity, WiFi connectivity, excellent value and super quiet operation.

Models available: DHP90 - 9kW DHP130 - 13 kW NEW DHP280 - 28kW

DHP210 - 21kW DHP170 - 17.5kW NEW DHP3503 - 35.2kW

Head to daveywater.com for your nearest Davey Dealer

Please visit us at Stand 92 At SPLASH – Gold Coast Convention Centre 22- 24 June 2022 To register for your ticket, please scan the QR code or visit splashexpo.com.au/register/

daveywater.com

new products

SPLASH! Product Showcase The SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show is the largest pool and spa trade show in the Asia Pacific region, and in the Southern Hemisphere. This year it will be the biggest ever held – with the entire Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre booked out.

There will be a dedicated innovation section as well as thousands of innovative products and services on show at the exhibitors’ stands. Here is a small sample of some of those products which suppliers are eager to show to the industry. Please go to the stand or make contact to arrange an appointment.

The Acoustic Box Soundproof enclosures

3D Stone Silver Travertine

3D Stone describes their premium grade Silver Travertine as a stunning mix of light silver variation and chocolatey undertones.

Cool and soft underfoot with a tumbled finish, it will add an extra dimension to any design and create the complete stone look. Natural stone can help achieve cohesive sophistication both indoors and outdoors around the pool and patio. They have a free walk-through mobile selection service and you can see what you like on-site, from the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane, Gold Coast and Northern NSW, with reps keen to keep your project moving and guide you through the selection process.

The Acoustic Box manufactures soundproof swimming pool filter and pump enclosures and delivers to all states. The pool filter boxes have a unique clip-together design that enables assembly in as little as 15 minutes – without any nuts or bolts.

Their pool filter boxes are 100 per cent Australian made, owned and designed, and they say they will reduce noise by up to 80 per cent, meeting state and council compliance requirements.

Industrially designed, the box has ventilation gaps for cooling, and unhindered access into the box. With more than 300 sizes and 10 standard colours, The Acoustic Box can enclose almost any site, including backless versions.

STAND NUMBER: 274 CONTACT: Luke Humphreys, 0428 000 008

STAND NUMBER: 75 CONTACT: Cris Tran: 0402 888 444

Aquea V-Lock

Aquea says their new V-Lock sets the new standard for safe and concealed access to skimmer boxes and pool equipment with its seamless lockable design. Aquea’s newest product is a flush-finish, lockable lid that blends into pool surrounds. They request you visit Stand 48 to see V-Lock’s smart design and installation features, and feel the intuitive twist and lift action, and the ergonomic die-cast key your customers will love. V-Lock’s advanced polymer construction provides superior strength and durability, without requiring electrical bonding. They say with a range to suit tile, stone and timber inlays, V-Lock is the perfect solution for a premium and affordable finish.

STAND NUMBER: 48 CONTACT: Marc or David, 0481 875 870

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BioGuard Dryden Aqua Integrated System

BioGuard says their DAISY system provides biological and sustainable swimming pool water treatment. They list features as: filtration down to 0.1 micron; self-sterilising filter media; prevents biofouling; outlasts other filter media; backwash reduced by 55 per cent; prevents transmission of pathogens (eg Cryptosporidium); stabilisation of sanitiser without CYA; reduces oxidation demand by up to 80 per cent; prevents formation of toxic disinfection byproducts; highest air quality without chlorine odour; lower operating costs (less water usage due to reduced backwash, reduced chemical consumption and energy savings); can be used with all types of pool water treatments; positive environmental impact.

STAND NUMBER: 273 CONTACT: Julian Quinn, 0418 178 424

new products

Blue Glass Pebble Company Mother of Pearl Shells

The Blue Glass Pebble Company is thrilled to announce its headturning Mother of Pearl Shells are now included free of charge with every premix or drymix product they sell. They say the dazzling shell fragments add breathtaking sparkle to the pool interior and are comfortably the most exciting addition to pool interiors they have seen in over a decade. Every premix or drymix product they sell now also comes with the brilliant new startup chemical Scale & Stain Eliminator free of charge. “The use of this wonder chemical gives new pool interiors the best possible start to life, greatly reducing calcium related issues in young pool finishes.”

STAND NUMBER: 240 CONTACT: Michael Kettewell, 1800 281 991

Boss Solar Rhino Panels

Boss Solar says their Rhino Panels have been designed for optimum heating efficiency at no cost to the environment. Using the sun’s free energy to heat the pool water, Rhino Panels do not contribute to greenhouse gas emissions or impact on climate change. This innovatively designed system features the unique clip-together design between the collector and header pipes. This means that Rhino can be installed around obstacles without losing precious roof space, while also facilitating easy servicing and repairs. Boss says their Rhino Panels provide an Australian-made alternative to the majority of imported rigid panels currently on the market, they are also Climate Care and SRCC Certified.

STAND NUMBER: 278 CONTACT: 1300 786 489

Canibuild Construction technology Brauer Swim B-Healthy Systems

Brauer Swim specialises in Advanced Ozone Technology for residential swimming pools built with robust commercial quality to last. Their new dual range of B-Healthy Systems feature advanced patented technology to create the healthiest hassle-free pool water possible by combining the natural elements of ozone-tooxygen purification with freshwater (B-Fresh up to 70,000 litres) and minerals (B-Mineral up to 150,000 litres). They say it is easy to transform a pool into an environmentally sustainable and luxurious experience that is gentle on sensitive skin with no chlorine smell or taste the way only ozone can generate.

STAND NUMBER: 128 CONTACT: Matt Gillam, 0472 734 876

Canibuild describes their business as a world-first, venturebacked, hyper-growth property technology company that is transforming how construction companies transact. Canibuild allows builders to replace the need for physical site visits, drafting, surveying and estimating, instead optimising this complex series of high friction steps into an instant point of transaction. Canibuild subscribers can confirm setbacks, check zoning, contours, compliance, and site access, qualifying a lead in seconds. In the Canibuild Marketplace, you can order geo tech reports and architectural plans, as well as submitting your forms and plans for CDC/DA approvals with ease.

STAND NUMBER: 272 CONTACT: Jim Harris and Phil Cox sales@canibuild.com 1300 102 495

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new products

Colormaker Industries Luxapool Poolside & Paving Paint

Clearwater Acrylic Acrylic pool panels

Clearwater Acrylic says that recent ground-breaking acrylic projects including the stunning sky pools in London and Melbourne have really pushed the boundaries of what can be done with acrylic and with pools. Clearwater Acrylic have also designed and installed some incredible panels in Melbourne last year with some even more exciting projects to come in 2022, including more world firsts in the use of the product. Acrylic has always been a spectacular product and Clearwater Acrylic have been actively innovating within the industry, continuing to push the boundaries on what can be reliably built with acrylic.

Colormaker Industries has released a new on-trend range of 15 colours in their non-slip Luxapool Poolside & Paving paint product for pool decks and surrounds. The new colour palette is themed around elegant neutrals, charcoals and beach hues that complement contemporary design, and will allow renovators to integrate indoor and outdoor spaces with colours from the Australian Standard (AS 2700) and Colorbond Steel colour ranges. Colormaker says the range offers a versatile, decorative surface that brings a modern look to pool surrounds. The P5-rated, non-slip coating delivers a clean finish to pool decks offering a safe, anti-slip surface for both residential and commercial swimming pools.

STAND NUMBER: 90 CONTACT: www.luxapool.com.au

STAND NUMBER: 124 CONTACT: Justin Bell, 0418 515 450

Dab Eswim pump

The pump is the beating heart of the swimming pool since it moves the water for the purpose of filtration and treatment. A conventional pump, however, can be extremely expensive as it consumes more power than all the other devices combined. For this reason, Dab designed the highly energy-efficient Eswim electronic pump with low-consumption variable speed motor and hydraulics far superior to those of single-speed pumps. Dab says the Eswim is the ideal solution for keeping down energy costs: it requires up to 90 per cent less power than a conventional pump at constant speed.

STAND NUMBER: 70 CONTACT: Luke Wanless, 0497 888 141

Daisy Matte black and grey rollers

Daisy has brought modern and sleek design to its most popular range of roller models, with the release of matte black roller products. Daisy says the customers wanted a Matte Black Range, so they made it happen, meaning a greater ability to integrate Daisy’s popular pool roller innovation into the aesthetic of a pool area. Also, the Anodic Grey Roller works well with modern pool designs and provides design flexibility for those wanting to explore a metallic look for their pool cover roller. Options available across three existing roller models, including the A75, ST and MKII. STAND NUMBER: 292 CONTACT: Derek Prince, 1300 551 811

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new products

Everhard EasyDrain Edge

EasyDrain Edge is an architectural and sustainable drainage system that is installed completely underground revealing a small 20mm slot of complete water capture. The system creates new landscaping opportunities for areas such as patios and swimming pools without compromising on water collection needs. Manufactured in Australia using cost-effective 100 per cent recycled polymer, Edge is budget-friendly and will put drainage at the forefront of your landscape design.

Driclad Pool Technology Coastal Modular Pool

STAND NUMBER: 60 CONTACT: Jamie McFeeters, 0408 071 162

Driclad says their new Coastal Modular Pool is prefabricated and offers exceptional quality, designed to be easily installed and easy to maintain. It is a true rectangular pool, consisting of simple to assemble rectangular steel panels, supported by foundation reinforcement and steel buttress bracing. The structure is encompassed by an external concrete footer for increased support. No cranes required. It has a height of 1320mm and is available in widths of 1220mm and 610mm for landscape flexibility to suit any backyard.

STAND NUMBER: 288 CONTACT: Mike Smith & Paul Falconer, (03) 9729 3100

EvoHeat Evo CS-i

EvoHeat says their new Evo-CS-i has been engineered to meet the demands of any commercial application, and is the most reliable and efficient way to heat or cool a commercial pool. Designed with the latest EvoTech inverter technology and exclusive smart features, the Evo CS-i delivers reliable year-round performance with the lowest running costs. Ideal for aquatic facilities, sports and leisure centres, water parks, apartments, resorts and hotels – there is no job too big for the Evo CS-i series. Visit stand 225 to see why the Evo CS-i commercial inverter heat pump won the 2021 National SPASA Sustainable Product Award.

STAND NUMBER: 225 & 226 CONTACT: 1300 859 933

Hayward Pool Products SumHeat Fi heat pump

Hayward offers the opportunity to experience the new generation of vertical full inverter heat pumps. The new SumHeat Fi top discharge heat pump is ideal for new construction and aftermarket installations and features the latest In-Tech full inverter technology. This allows it to fully adapt its power output to match climatic conditions and energy requirements of the pool, saving up to 30 per cent on energy usage. The SumHeat Fi also features super silent operation, a self-adaptive defrost system and an intuitive control screen for simple operation and diagnostics.

Come and see the new SumHeat Fi on the Hayward stand at SPLASH! 2022.

STAND NUMBER: 36 CONTACT: Rob Emmett, 1300 766 571

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new products

Jewels 4 Pools Glass pool lining

Jewels 4 Pools is an affordable 100 per cent glass pool lining requiring minimal maintenance which is guaranteed never to fade.

It comes in a variety of colours and can be custom blended to suit any style.

They offer two ranges – Original and Ultra. Jewels 4 Pools says you won’t have to worry about scratched feet or ruined swimwear thanks to the super smooth finish.

It is easy on the eye and has easy application due to their specially formulated geo polymer technology.

STAND NUMBER: 116 CONTACT: Kristy Allen, (02) 4303 1192

Lincoln Pool Equipment Cosmy the Bot by BWT

Cosmy the Bot by BWT (Best Water Technology) is a line of high-performance robotic pool cleaners with a lightweight, customisable design from Lincoln Pool Equipment. The cover and sides can be customised from a choice of eight colours.

The 6kg robotic pool cleaner is suitable for all pool shapes and finishes. With their rapid and logical travel mode and powerful suction, Cosmy robotic cleaners work fast and consume less energy.

Come by stand 41 to see this innovative, market leading range and meet the teams from Lincoln Pool Equipment and BWT. STAND NUMBER: 41 CONTACT: Chris Price, 0418 874 143

Magen Eco-Energy Heliocol heating

Magen says that the world’s number one selling solar pool heating system, Heliocol, is making a splash in Australia’s swimming pools. Unique engineering, strict compliance with the most stringent regulations, and continuous research and development empower the company to provide pool owners across the continent with a durable, eco-friendly and affordable heating solutions.

Devoted to promoting sustainability, Magen says Heliocol adheres to ecological manufacturing practices and is a Climate Care Certified product. A global company whose systems can be found in more than half a million pools in 50+ countries, Magen Eco-Energy established its Australian corporate office and warehouse in 2021.

STAND NUMBER: 188 CONTACT: www.mageneco.com.au, 1300 146 553

Maytronics Dolphin M700

Celebrating 10 years of pool cleaning excellence, Maytronics have released a limited-edition top of the range robotic pool cleaner, the Dolphin M700. Packed with new cutting-edge features and a market leading warranty, designed to deliver exceptional pool cleaning performance and convenience. As part of its advanced design, it includes cloud-connectivity via the MyDolphin Plus mobile app, with the ability to set up cleaning programs or manually navigate the Dolphin, for scrubbing and complete control anytime, anywhere. Maytronics invites you to visit their stand to learn about the latest in exceptional pool cleaning.

STAND NUMBER: 248 CONTACT: David Dean, 0435 422 521

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new products

Naked Pools New look pH controller

Naked says the perfect complement to their Naked Freshwater System is the new NKD-pH acid feeder. Designed to be simple to install for the builder and easy to maintain for the customer, everything is plug-n-play and uses the same smart digital interface currently available in the NKD-R System. The unit is probe-free and doses are based on the size of the swimming pool, avoiding the need for constant cleaning and calibration of probes.

Acid dosing can be daily, based on the pool size; or based on weekly pH demand.

This also allows for the priming of the system when first running the system or replacing a squeeze tube.

STAND NUMBER: 49 CONTACT: Justin Ahern, sales@naked-pools.com, 1800 625 331

Neptune Benson Australia Ultra-fine filter

Evoqua says their Neptune Benson Defender range of filters are the world’s leading ultra-fine filter, servicing leading aquatic centres globally and providing up to 50 per cent saving on energy, 90 per cent reduction in water waste, 30 per cent reduction in chemical use and 75 per cent less plant room space compared to sand filtration. They say the filters have demonstrated the lowest cost of ownership compared to other forms of filtration. Filtering down to one micron provides bathers with the healthiest, crystal clear water. They have filter models suited to the largest waterparks such as Wet n Wild, SeaWorld, Whitewater World and Raging Waters, and aquatic centres down to small hydrotherapy and learn-to-swim pools.

STAND NUMBER: 174 CONTACT: Brad Weir: 0407 484 847; Grahame Bateman: 0419 602 433

Palintest Lumiso Pooltest Expert

The Lumiso Pooltest Expert is a multi-parameter photometer designed as an all-round solution for pool and spa water testing.

With a large touchscreen interface and simple to follow onscreen instructions, the Lumiso Pooltest Expert can be used with little or no training. Its robust construction and IP67 waterproof design enable it to be used in any environment even with wet hands. The Lumiso Pooltest Expert also provides easy results retrieval and data traceability for auditing and compliance purposes. With 35 tests, all routine and troubleshooting testing needs are made easy with quick and accurate results.

STAND NUMBER: 261 CONTACT: Warren Thomas, 1300 13 15 16

Para Mobility Pelican pool and spa access hoist

The Pelican pool and spa access hoist allows a person with any disability to have access to both above and below ground spas, swimming pools and hydrotherapy pools – without any manual lifting. Para Mobility says they understand that all pools are different, so they will work to ensure the hoist is made to meet specific pool needs. With a range of lifting attachments available, they can enable safe entry into your aquatic environment. Call Kim to have a chat or see them at the stand.

STAND NUMBER: 77 CONTACT: Kim Old, 1300 444 600

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new products

Professional Certification Group Swimming pool and spa approvals

The Professional Certification Group can look after your swimming pool and spa approvals. They are industry leaders in dealing with difficult sites, complex build over sewer issues, and town planning controls when they arise. Their inspectors have years of expertise in dealing with complicated pool fencing requirements, helping owners find cost effective solutions for their project.

Pentair Australia UltraTemp HXi inverter heat pump

The Pentair UltraTemp HXi inverter heat pump automatically heats or cools the pool according to the desired temperature and offers auto defrost. It adapts to outdoor conditions to ensure optimum bathing comfort while minimising energy consumption. Pentair says that, equipped with full-inverter technology, the new UltraTemp HXi delivers powerful yet quiet energy efficient performance, thanks to the combination of a variable speed compressor and fan motor.

The pumps adjust their speed automatically following the operating mode selected by the user via the intuitive colour LCD touchscreen or optional app. Wi-fi module included, compatible with app freely available on app store.

STAND NUMBER: 238 CONTACT: Robert Sterland: 0475 828 202

STAND NUMBER: 56 CONTACT: Ain Kuru, John Reeve or Donna Dale, 1300 060 136, enquiry@pcgroup.net.au

Pool Controls Ozone XLM

Pool Controls says their fully-integrated mineral system, Ozone XLM, harnesses the power of ozone to deliver a truly exceptional bather experience. A powerful ozone generator eliminates harmful pathogens and a safe residual of sanitiser is provided by the XLM system, designed to operate at extra-low concentrations of specially blended XLM Minerals. An algorithmic pH control system is incorporated making the Ozone XLM a fully-integrated pool water management system. The Ozone XLM is available in a range of output sizes to suit a wide variety of pools. It is simple to install and because it operates in an extra low salt environment, it is extremely cost-effective to maintain.

STAND NUMBER: 1660 CONTACT: David Charles, 0499 030 406

Pool Service Solutions Riptide Electric Pool Vacuum System

The Riptide Electric Pool Vacuum System is described as the perfect addition to any service business, commercial property or even pool builder. Pool Service Solutions says that every aspect of the Riptide has been engineered for durability, function and efficiency, enabling an increased output to clean more pools with less work. The XP is a portable unit that can be carried into any application, perfect for a service technician.

The SL comes with a cart and can hold a larger battery, perfect for commercial pools. Pool Service Solutions says this is a game changer to enable working faster without working harder.

STAND NUMBER: 265 CONTACT: Stuart Kelso, 0405 087 665

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new products

Poolranger Vapure

Poolpower say that Pool Lab is the world’s most reliable, accurate and easy to use water management system. The Pool Lab salt chlorinator works with their patented auto sampling photometer (ASP) to manage pH and chlorine levels. There are no probes, no cleaning, no calibration and no stabiliser interference. The Free Chlorine readout is in ppm and is not affected by fluctuations in pH as are ORP probes. Pool Lab is clever yet simple to operate, and requires little to no programming when installed. Visit the stand to see the full suite of Pool Lab commercial hybrid water management systems and automation products.

Poolranger says their Vapure chlorinator is an exciting new product for the market, with a sleek modern design and brilliant functions. Its digital touchpad has a multi-function menu system which enables end users to easily set and forget. The Vapure chlorinator is salt and mineral compatible and produces efficient chlorine levels in swimming pools. This fully automated chlorinator has the option of installing the cell housing horizontally or vertically and has an ultralong-life selfcleaning cell. As an added bonus it has an in-built digital salinity tester. It is also compatible with a variable speed pump and comes with a four-year warranty.

STAND NUMBER: 65

STAND NUMBER: 134

CONTACT: Ben Bremauer, ben.b@poolpower.com.au

CONTACT: Clare Griffin, 0419 439 322

Poolpower Aust P/L Pool Lab

Poolwerx Business conversions

Poolwerx says that if you’re an independent pool retailer looking to take your business to the next level or thinking about an exit strategy, then come see their team on stand 136. Poolwerx is the largest global pool service franchise brand and with 30 years’ experience, they offer expert advice whether you’re considering converting your existing business or you want to start your entrepreneurial journey. With a wealth of experience, they have supported many people through their Poolwerx journey. Pop in for a confidential chat and learn more about the opportunities they can offer and why their brand could be a great fit.

STAND NUMBER: 136 CONTACT: Mike Geddes, 0421 003 552

ProMinent Dialog750

ProMinent has been a market leader in pool water chemistry technology for many years. Their new diaLog750 pool water chemistry package is ideal for remote monitoring and controlling pH, Temperature, Free Chlorine and TDS for outdoor pools. The diaLog750 provides many features and benefits including: optimum control of pH, Chlorine & TDS levels; backboard mounted, prewired and tested; illuminated display; single point calibration; SD card for water chemistry data storage; and Dulconnex connectivity for remote monitoring. Visit the ProMinent stand or call Craig for more information.

STAND NUMBER: 268 CONTACT: Craig Ball, 0419 278 115

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new products

Remco Swimjet

Reece Irrigation & Pools Henden inverter heat pumps

Remco SwimJet System is a great health and fitness accessory for swimming pools, producing a strong current and bubble-free underwater stream to swim against. It’s so strong, Olympic gold medallist and 100m world champion Kyle Chalmers even uses SwimJet for training. While the different turbine configurations offer different stream strengths, the speed of the more powerful configuration can also be adjusted to suit less capable swimmers.

Before the end of the year, Remco will have a retrofit configuration ready to supply to the market. It will suit swimmers of every level, ranging from beginners to seasoned experts.

STAND NUMBER: 257 CONTACT: www.remco.com.au; 1800 609 986

Designed and built with pool professionals in mind, Henden’s inverter heat pumps feature the latest in DC inverter technology to achieve an energy efficient and whisper quiet pool heating solution. Reece says that combined with a sleek and compact design, Henden’s heat pumps provide the form and function that every Australian pool deserves. They are backed by market leading warranties, dedicated after-sales support and national availability via Reece Irrigation & Pools’ 40+ locations.

STAND NUMBER: 120 CONTACT: Andrew Twyford, 0458 324 654

Robo-Tek Robo-Tek Plus robotic pool cleaner

Robo-Tek says their Robo-Tek Plus robotic pool cleaner has the most powerful pump on the market. This, teamed with the fine filter bag, handles the largest leaves, as well as superfine dust, making it the most comprehensive cleaner on the market. They say they’re so confident in their pool cleaners, they provide a 3-year warranty on the motor box, and back it all up with outstanding old fashion customer service. The Robo-Tek Plus won the Product Review Award for Robotic Pool Cleaners in the past two years running.

STAND NUMBER: 260 CONTACT: Steve Scown, steve@robo-tek.com.au, (03) 9357 5662

Shipping Container Pools Shipping container pools

Shipping Container Pools repurposes A-grade containers into award winning modern pools, creating a revolutionary, all-in-one lightweight product. The pools arrive complete with decking, plumbing, paint and everything needed to get started.

Shipping Container Pools says their flexible and intuitive design with technical structural support means the new pool installation is only limited by imagination.

STAND NUMBER: 50 CONTACT: Helen Johns, 1300 969 549

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SERVICES AND WHOLESALERS

www.aquasw.c

om.au

sales@aquasw.com.au

new products

Seko IoT-enabled systems

Seko is a world leader in the design and manufacture of chemical dosing pumps and control systems for every conceivable application within the watertreatment sector, with innovative solutions for indoor and outdoor swimming pools of every size. Seko’s products include IoT-enabled systems that allow technicians and end-users to monitor chlorine consumption and water quality 24/7 from any location courtesy of dedicated smartphone apps. With live and historical data at their fingertips, operators can reduce chlorine consumption, optimise chemical performance and improve water safety for a healthier, more efficient pool.

Soprefa Slatted swimming pool safety covers

Soprefa SA is a Portuguese extrusion company that manufactures its own swimming pool covers under the trademark Safeswim. Soprefa says slatted covers are an essential product for all pool owners, not only to protect their loved ones from accidental drowning but also as an ecological and money saving product. In fact, these types of covers, by drastically reducing evaporation, allow its owners to save energy, water, chemicals, etc. Soprefa can sell their extensive range of covers or the profiles and components so that local partners can manufacture their own covers.

STAND NUMBER: 114 CONTACT: Marco Smania, +33 6 86 18 26 54; Valter Mendes, +351 91 745 00 99

STAND NUMBER: 232 CONTACT: James Norgate, j.norgate@seko.com

SR Smith Destination Series in-pool furniture

SR Smith’s new line of professional grade in-pool furniture has been inspired by the world’s most luxurious resorts. The Destination Series features table and seating options designed to create spaces for conversation and relaxation. Made in the USA using resin transfer moulding (RTM), Destination Series products are lightweight and super strong. RTM is an advanced manufacturing process that is used in a diverse range of applications from aerospace to automotive products. The RTM process creates a composite material that has a high strength-toweight ratio – although lightweight, it is exceptionally strong and durable. RTM products are salt pool friendly and UV resistant to protect colours from fading.

STAND NUMBER: 132 CONTACT: Jeremy Smith, (07) 3812 2283

Supreme Heating Heatseeker Dualsun

Supreme Heating has over 30 years of experience in the pool and spa heating industry, and the team is dedicated to sustainability and renewability, focusing on extending the clients’ swimming season and abating costs. Their Heatseeker Dualsun using cutting-edge technology is a testament to that.

Their award-winning hybrid panel uses the abundance of energy radiating from the sun. The Dualsun cell simultaneously provides solar electricity and thermally heated water in one footprint. It can maintain the energy produced and allows for peak performance by up to 20 per cent. Compared to a standard PV, this solar cell can utilise up to four times as much of the sun’s power.

STAND NUMBER: 26 CONTACT: Anthony Denahy: (03) 9460 4200; www. supremeheating.com.au

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new products

Swimplex Aquatics SX-50 starting block

Sunbather Suntube-2 and Downunder cover system

Sunbather has been designing, manufacturing, installing, and servicing award-winning pool heating and covers in Australia since 1974. Sunbather says their Suntube-2 solar panel and Downunder hidden pool cover system are perfect energy-saving partners. The tough and durable Suntube-2 collects the Sun’s free heat, the thermal pool cover conserves this heat, while also saving water, time and money. The Downunder Roller and Thermal Cover sit in a cavity below the ground/deck at the end of the pool completely out of the way and out of sight. See them at SPLASH! for more information on collecting and conserving pool energy.

High performance swimming has seen many technological advances in recent years but the key component of the race has remained untouched in decades – the starting block! The Swimplex SX-50 platform is a next generation swimming block completely redesigned from the ground up. Introducing carbon fibre to the pool environment for the first time, the SX-50 combines a patented innovation such as a locking sliding system and integrated ergonomic handle and a customised rubber deck. It is a Good Design and Good Design Chicago award winner. See the block at Booth 158.

STAND NUMBER: 158 CONTACT: Oz Ikiz, sales@swimplex.com.au, 1300 796 759

STAND NUMBER: 152 CONTACT: Anthony Lestani, 1800 228 437

TBWS BECSysLive

BECSysLive is a simple and secure on-line access to BECSys controllers using just about any device – PC, Mac, laptop, smartphone or tablet. Access is free via the web browser and is simple to set up with any BECSys controller that uses BECS EZConnect. Messages are encrypted and accounts are protected by two-factor authorisation.

Real time dashboards instantly update with the latest readings and pool status. You can remotely change controller settings (password protected) from your device, and review graphs of all readings and see how the pool is performing over time. You can also run reports to summarise key performance metrics, text kit logs and water quality.

STAND NUMBER: 124 CONTACT: Tim Batt and Aart de Boer, 0438 889 268

The Pool Tile Company Travertine-look porcelain tile

Coastal Cream Travertino is a lavish, light-coloured travertine-look porcelain tile. A gorgeous mix of off-white, creamy beige and soft silver veins. Coastal Cream Travertino is ideal for projects requiring a classic, upmarket appearance with cool or warm tones. The patterns and colours are natural yet reliable. Coastal Cream Travertino porcelain tiles are hard, dense and durable making them very resistant to staining. What’s more, the colour variation in the tiles hides marks in between cleans. The grip finish is rated P5 due to the non-slip finish on the tiles, making them ideal for use around swimming pools and outdoor areas.

STAND NUMBER: A3 CONTACT: Jessica Tanner, 0402 225 576

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feature

Unicum Unimot 120 pool cover motor

Unicum says their Unimot 120 is the best solution on the market to drive any external pool reel (bubble, thermal or slatted covers). Economic and powerful, this 24V DC motor contains technical solutions and patents which strongly increase reliability in such a harsh environment as swimming pool surroundings. A contactless permanent magnetic brake retains the weight of the cover in any condition and the choice of material makes this motor IP55 waterproof. Installation is simple and a wide range of control electronics allow fitting this motor anywhere. Solar version is available as well.

Waterco Electrochlor Plus

Electrochlor Plus mineral chlorinator makes a pool smarter by automatically taking care of sanitisation, pH management, filtration and auxiliary equipment. This one device will monitor and display everything you need to know about the pool in real time. Electrochlor Plus automatically controls pH balance through feedback from inline sensors and you can monitor the pool, and control and monitor the critical functions of the Electrochlor through the My Waterco Connect app.

STAND NUMBER: 263 CONTACT: www.waterco.com.au

STAND NUMBER: 114 CONTACT: Marco Smania, smania@unicum.fr, + 33 6 86 18 26 54

Watermaid EcoBlend chlorinator

The Watermaid EcoBlend chlorinator is an all-in-one salt and mineral blend compatible chlorinator, built for performance and reliability by one of Australia’s most reputable manufacturers.

The EcoBlend chlorinator offers low salt operation, pump run-dry protection and a super chlorinate boost feature. For ease-of-use it houses a large back-lit liquid crystal display, user-friendly clock and timer, a safety backwash button and reverse polarity self-cleaning. Proudly Australian made with high grade materials and Australian-based customer support. Watermaid was the first company to design, develop and sell salt water chlorinators into the Australian market in 1971 and says it has maintained a commitment to manufacturing superior quality products ever since.

STAND NUMBER: 96 CONTACT: Charles, 1300 190 909

WhiteWater Surf rides

FlowRider brings the cool lifestyle experience of surfing to leisure developments. WhiteWater, the world’s largest manufacturer of waterpark attractions, presents two inland surf technologies that will attract new guests and repeatedly bring them back. FlowRider is the world’s most recognised name in stationary surf, with dedicated communities of flowboarders and hundreds of machines operating in venues such as hotels and resorts, cruise ships, retail, municipalities, and water parks around the world. Endless Surf is a new cutting-edge surf pool that offers customisable, authentic 6ft surf waves as well as 360 degrees of entertainment and shopping potential, including a natural design for a waterfront.

STAND NUMBER: 286 CONTACT: Jim Corbett, 0418 755 159

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feature

The great debate PART TWO

A

t the SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show on the Gold Coast, there will be two Great Debates – panel discussions on topics of importance to the industry, featuring leaders in their particular fields.

Last issue we ran a preview of the heating debate: “A Hot Topic – Raising a Standard”, which looks at questions around residential swimming pool heating including how the new standards will impact the sector, and what are the best choices for the particular consumer applications.

This issue we look at the other Great Debate – “On The Surface”. This debate asks: “Who is responsible for damaged pool surfaces?”

In this discussion, expert panellists will work through such questions as: • Has the introduction of new equipment, the demand for heating and types of sanitation affected pool surfaces?

• Are today’s professionals equipped to deal with these changes?

• How are customers being impacted?

• What is the united, best practice view to prevent the deterioration of pool equipment and surfaces look like?

Panellists are Steven Humphris from Focus; Lynley Papineau from Aquatic Leisure Technologies; David Daft from Fluidra; Derek Prince from Daisy Pool Covers; David Stevenson from Allnex; and Matt Galvin from Environ Pools. Mediator is Lindsay McGrath from SPASA Australia.

The SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show Be sure to get along to see the great debate in person and enjoy the lively discussion.

June 22-23, 2022 Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre Broadbeach, Queensland REGISTER NOW AT

www.splashexpo.com.au 66

SPLASH!

June/July 2022

The Great Debates are must-see events for the swimming pool and spa industry at SPLASH! 2022

Below are some of the panellists’ thoughts and notes on the topic.

Steven Humphris

Has the introduction of new equipment, the demand for heating and types of sanitation affected pool surfaces?

Absolutely! Over the years equipment has evolved and can simply do more and do it better. A fine example of this is a salt chlorinator from the 90s that was single polarity that produced 20g of chlorine per hour if all the stars aligned. The reality was that most pool chlorinators would end up as a solid white brick and send the pool a shade of green many times per year. Fast forward 30 years and we have full pool management systems that hardly ever need any cell cleaning and also maintain pH while controlling lights, blowers and solar pumps. This can quite often give the pool owner a false sense of security that their pool is another “no touch” asset in their backyard.

When the pool equipment isn’t well monitored by the pool owner, or by the pool owner in conjunction with the pool service tech, this can lead to the chemistry of the pool water going to extreme levels which were not common in years gone by. Extreme chlorine and pH levels are definitely the enemy of any pool surface.

Are today’s professionals equipped to deal with these changes?

Yes and no. There is a fair void that the consumer often finds themselves in which is usually between being sold the “dream” of their new pool and equipment, and the reality of maintaining it. Often the consumer will neglect their pool because it “looks great” causing these extreme levels. Once the pool tech or pool shop is involved, the damage may already be done. Consumer education at all levels is the key.

How are customers being impacted?

The worst case scenario is the consumer is caught in the middle of a warranty vs consumer responsibility claim. This is a no-win for the supplier, consumer and the industry as a whole.

What is the united, best practice view to prevent the deterioration of pool equipment and surfaces look like?

Education, education, education. This is simply the key to get all parties on the same page and to avoid any confusion of responsibilities.

Lynley Papineau

For me the question is not necessarily about “Who is responsible for damaged pool surfaces” as the question goes wider and bigger than that. Damage is happening to pool equipment (inside and outside of the water environment), pool covers, and surrounding landscaping/coping headers.

The advancement of pool and equipment warranties (which we are also responsible for) and the comments that pools are “maintenance-free” also means that customers have an expectation that owning a pool is a hands-off experience, even more so with the development of technology and apps. No products in our industry are invincible and we need to educate the consumer on how to care for their pool and equipment. That can only be achieved when the industry has a united understanding of what is required right through from the sale process, installation of the pool, equipment instruction and ongoing maintenance and water chemistry.

feature

I am seeing record levels of chlorine in swimming pools that I have never seen before in the past five years. How do we educate the seasonal pool shop worker/technician so they understand water chemistry, equipment and the advice that customers need?

What testing equipment is being used and what records are being maintained? We are seeing more phosphates in water than ever before. Bushfires, floods and nature – what are the contributing factors? What information are the pool builders giving to customers at handover and has this been updated for the new Australian Standards?

David Daft

How things have changed with residential swimming pools and spas in the past 20 years. The cost to maintain a swimming pool really does depend on the pool design, age and equipment that’s installed.

Advancements in swimming pool technology over the past 10 years have really helped to reduce the cost of maintaining a pool.

When consumers are planning to build a swimming pool in their backyard, they want it to be everything they dreamed of. The last thing you want is the consumer being disappointed in any way or them thinking there were things they wish they knew before installing the pool.

Unfortunately, this happens all the time. Consumers don’t always know what to ask for, or what considerations must be taken into account. It’s not until they’re actually spending time in the pool that they realise there are things they would have done differently.

Derek Prince

I believe the conversation is what affects the water chemistry, furthermore, what the impact of imbalanced water chemistry has on the swimming pool, equipment and the health of the people swimming in the pool.

We all want to encourage more people to enjoy pools, so consumer education has to be the basis of our discussion.

Sanitisation system changes and the impact of the changes to consumer and trade: • Understanding of different systems and their workings.

• Environmental conditions and accessories that can impact water chemistry: • Pool covers, are a physical stabiliser, they maintain the water chemistry differently to an uncovered pool. Consumers and trade need to understand where to take the water samples.

• Indoor pools.

• Water features and what they do to the water (and heating); fountains; shallow water features with large surface area and low water volume (wading style features).

How often should a consumer be expected to monitor the pool water and how regularly should they get it checked by a professional?

Further to this, has the consumer been educated how to maintain a pool? I know it’s a leap too far to say you need formal training, however similar to having to have a driver’s licence…what does a pool owner NEED to know to be considered competent to maintain their own pool water?

This lies at the base of all warranty claims, the consumer saying I have done everything correct, I have “always” maintained the water chemistry correctly.

How do we know that the water has always been maintained? Or over what periods? We look retrospectively at the damage that shows in general excessive or out-of-balance chemicals have caused the issue.

I believe the pool maintenance side of our industry being more of a specialist trade style qualification needs to lead by being professional with their service. I question the giving away a “free water test” as it devalues the importance of what they do and the advice they give. n June/July 2022

SPLASH! 67

Wed 22 - Thu 23 JUNE 2022 Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre • Expo 30% larger with more than 25 new companies • New Innovation Zone with products you will probably have never seen • Introducing the all new industry party event - SPLASH! The After-Party.

• Do not miss out. Register now.

• Grand Opening event plus free access to important seminars on 2 stages including inspiring keynote from Brooke Hanson and compelling lively industry debates

YOUR GUIDE TO SPLASH! EXPO 2022 Owned By

Platinum Sponsor

Media Partner

Organised By

Gold Sponsors

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irrigation & pools

the After-Party – Thursday 23 June 2022 Join the SPLASH! team to network at SPLASH! The After-Party being held when the trade show finishes on Thursday 23rd June 2022. A great way to celebrate a fantastic week of pool & spa industry events.

The fun starts at 7:30 pm and kicks off with welcome drinks with a twist and not to be missed entertainment including live performances by The Baker Boys.

Date: Thursday 23rd June Time: 7:30 pm – 11:30pm Venue: Gold Coast Convention Centre Cost: $99+gst (bookings essential) Inclusions: Stand up cocktail function with drinks and entertainment Dress Code: Dress like a Zoom meeting - Business Up/Party Down

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Tuesday 21st Thursday 23rd June (for three days) Australian Swim Schools Association Conference – Re: Engage, Re: Purpose, Re: Plan.

Wednesday 22nd June (times and speakers may vary, check website for latest updates) 7.30am-8.30am Breakfast Workshop WOMEN IN INDUSTRY (WAVES Breakfast) Striving for Excellence whilst Striving for Balance Brooke Hanson OLY OAM

9.00am-9.45am When Silver Is Gold – Believing, Succeeding and Achieving Brooke Hanson OLY OAMT

10.00am Expo Opens ro M ok OA e Ha nson OLY

B

8:00am - 4:30pm Commercial Pool Technician Program (separate registration required)

WAVES Industry Panel 8.15am - 8.45am Why Women Make Great Leaders - How to grow them and how to retain them.

Elena Gosse – CEO, AIS Water Valentina Tripp – CEO, Davey Water Products Lynley Papineau – Managing Director, Aquatic Leisure Technologies Amanda Stephenson – Corporate Services Manager, Hydrilla Kelly Micallef – Chief People, Performance & Culture Officer, Poolwerx

The Commercial Pool Technician Program (CPT) delivers the required Aquatic Industry Qualifications to compliantly manage public and commercial swimming pool and spas in Australia.

CPT is a new training program that contains nationally accredited units of competency to ensure that participants are provided with up-to-date skills and knowledge and standards to manage public and commercial pool operations.

The Commercial Pool Operations program is based on the following units of competency.

1. SISCAQU001 – Test pool water quality 2. SISCAQU003 – Maintain aquatic facility plant and equipment 3. SISCAQU004 – Develop and implement pool water maintenance procedures 4. SISCAQU005 – Develop and implement aquatic facility maintenance procedures 5. BSBRSK401 – Identify risk and apply risk management processes

10.00am – 10:45am Exhibition Room 1 Mineral Pools, which one?

Jonathan Bristow – Senior Category Manager, Fluidra Group Australia 10.00am – 10.45am Central Room 2 Health & Wellness Panel – Better for Body and Business Daena Bougoure-Latchford – Business Development Manager, SPASA 11.00am-11.45am Exhibition Room 1 Innovation in Cloud Based Sales Software for Pool/ Spa Builders Julian Brady – CEO/Founder, Pool Site Quote 11.00am-11.45am Central Room 2 The new energy efficiency regulations for pool pumps: what do I need to know?

Speaker TBA – GEMS Product Review, Residential Energy Efficiency Branch, Energy Efficiency Division 1.00pm – 1.45pm Exhibition Room 1 A Dive into the Deep End: A look into the emerging challenges & opportunities facing our industry John O’Brien – CEO & Founder, Poolwerx

1.00pm – 1.45pm Central Room 2 The digital solution to supercharge your pool and spa sales Timothy Cocaro – Founder and CEO, canibuild 2.00pm-3.30pm Central Room 2 The Great Debate – On The Surface: Who is responsible for damaged pool surfaces?

Moderated by Lindsay McGrath – CEO, SPASA PANELISTS: Steven Humphris – Focus Products Coating Specialist – TBC Lynley Papineau – Aquatic Leisure Technologies Derek Prince – Daisy Pool Covers Matt Galvin – Environ Pools David Daft – Fluidra 4.00pm- 4.45pm Exhibition Room 1 Climate Care: The Next Crisis – Active measures you can take to generate momentum from an energy & water shortage Spiros Dassakis – Chief Operating Officer, SPASA 4.00pm- 4.45pm Central Room 2 Pool Barrier Australian Standards. – A complicated affair.

Jacqui Murphy – Principal Trainer, Institute of Research & Learning 5.00pm NETWORKING RECEPTION on exhibition terrace Sponsored by - Australian Energy Systems and Sterns Pools

Thursday 23rd June 9.00am – 10.30am Site Tours to Sea World Back of House and Somerset College Back of House (separate booking required limited seats available)

10.00am Expo Opens 10.00am-10.45am Exhibition Room 1 People – Risk Minimisation to Profit Brenda Garrard-Forster – General Manager, People Risk Solutions, AB Philips 10.00am-10.45am Central Room 2 An introduction to Integrated Energy Systems for aquatic centres Derek Harbison – Negawatt Projects & Stefan Jensen – Scantec 11.00am-11.45am Exhibition Room 1 The 10 most important things you must know when you lead.

Lindsay McGrath – CEO, SPASA 11.00am-11.45am Central Room 2 Hydraulics Session Michael Brennan – Business Development Executive, SPASA 1.00pm – 1.45pm Exhibition Room 1 Increase your Reach – Using Audience Extensions to increase your brands exposure Cameron Bailey – Sales Director, Reach Lease 1.00pm – 1.45pm Central Room 2 The 15 Minute Marketing Week – How you can effectively market your business in the time it takes to have your morning coffee.

Rob Emmett – Marketing Manager, Hayward Pool Products Australia 2.00pm- 2.45pm Exhibition Room 1 Understanding leak detection for swimming pool service, builders, remodelers and inspectors.

Darren Merlob – CEO, Leaktronics / Torque Lock Structural Systems

2.00pm- 2.45pm Central Room 2 A Hot Topic – Pool & Spa Heating options to ensure customer expectations are met Panelists Tom Boadle, Sunbather Tim Martin, Evo Heat Callum Ross, BOSS Colin Mauger, Supreme Rob Sterland, Pentair 3.00pm-3.45pm Central Room 2 Equipotential Bonding – What pool and spa builders, service technicians and fencing contractors need to know Anthony King – Senior Technical Advisor, Master Electricians Australia

Thursday 23 June 9.30am – 1.00pm.

International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS) Programme (separate registration required) The event will address important issues around commercial aquatic operations and design. Speakers will be drawn from key sectors of the industry to address staffing, safety, and sustainability.

Sessions will be applicable for commercial operators of aquatic and leisure facilities, local government, planners, and architects.

Resilience and Reinvention 9.30am – 9:45am Customising to your target market: presented by ActiveXchange and Brand Service 9.45am – 10.00am Communicating with your customers: presented by Bryn Whales, Jonas Leisure

10.00am – 10.15am Future Leaders- staff investment, retention and succession planning, presented by Blue Fit. 10.15am 10.45am Panel Discussion: Resilience and Reinvention of our Centres: Jonas Leisure, Blue Fit, YMCA, Belgravia (TBC), Aligned Leisure (TBC), City Venue Management.

Designing for Sustainability and Safety 11.00am – 11.15am Developing modern facilities and social sustainability, presented NBRS Andrew Tripett and Derek Mah 11.15am – 11.30am Functional facilities for sustainability, presented by Liquid Blue Yuri Dillon 11.30am – 11.45am Pool Safety technology, presented by Simon Haire 11.45am – 12.00pm Creating Safer pools; Guidelines for Safe Pool Operations (GSPO) RLSS TBC, – RJ Houston, Penny Larson (TBC) 12.00pm-12.15pm Financial sustainability for facilities – YMCA Adam Luscombe and Shane Stoddart.

12.15pm-12.45pm Panel discussion: How do we plan for sustainability: NBRS, Liquid Blue Architecture, Simon Haire, Brisbane City Council (TBC), Adam Luscombe

5.00pm Expo closes 7:30 pm – 11:30pm The After-Party Cost: $99 +gst Inclusions: Stand up cocktail function with drinks and entertainment Dress Code / Theme – Business UP/ Party DOWN! Dress like you are on a ZOOM meeting!

Friday 24 June 2022 RACV Royal Pines Resort Golf Course Ross Street, Benowa, Queensland With three 18-hole, par-72 combination layouts including a Championship course, a visit to Royal Pines guarantees a memorable round of golf for both serious and casual golfers. Situated just a short drive from Surfers Paradise and embracing the natural formation of the land, the course boasts superbly manicured greens, scenic lakes, deep bunkers and an idyllic backdrop of the mountains.

11.00am Arrival & registration 11.45am Welcome & briefing 12.00noon Shotgun start 4.30pm Presentations & dinner

6.00pm Event finishes $175pp ticket price Includes • Green fees for 18 holes • Electric golf cart hire (1 cart between 2 players) • Lunch box to take on course • 4 drinks tokens • Burger buffet after the round • Great prizes to be won – nearest the pin, longest drive, straightest drive and the overall winning team • Access to a 10% discount in the Pro Shop (excluding golf balls)

AUSTRALASIA’S LARGEST POOL & SPA TRADE SHOW MORE EXHIBITORS, MORE SUPPLIERS, MORE NEW PRODUCTS List of exhibitors in alphabetical order 3D Stone

Hayward Pool Products

Quest Fresh Water Pool Systems

AAT Acrylics

Hi Tech Pacific

Reece Irrigation & Pools

AB PHILLIPS

Hotspring Spas Australasia

Remco Australia

ABGAL LINERS & COVERS

HydraSpa

River Sands/Quartzon

AIS Water

International Quadratics

Robo-Tek International

Albatross Pools

Jewels 4 Pools

SABdrain

Aqua -Quip

Jilin Test Bio-electron

SEKO S.P.A

Aquarius Technologies

Lailey and Coates International

Select Chemicals Ltd

AQUEA

LaMotte Pacific

Shipping Container Pools

AquaBoss

Life Floor

Skimmer Lids Pty Ltd

Ascon Pools

Lincoln Pool Equipment

Skypebble

AT Fluid Management

LUXAPOOL® Swimming Pool Paint

Soundblock Solutions

Australian Energy Systems

Magen eco-Energy – Heliocol Solar Pool Heating

Spa - Craft

Australian Plunge Pool

Maytronics Australia

AutoPool

Mega Spa Australia

BIOGUARD | Dryden Aqua Blue Glass Pebble Company Boss Solar

Neptune Benson Australia ORIMATECH

Brauer Industries Building Approvals & Advice Canibuild

Pacific Pool Products Australia | SIP Topology PAL Lightning

ClearWater Acrylic

Palintest

Conductor Hub

Para Mobility

Confast

Payright

Cooke Industies

Pentair

DAB

Pinch Payments

Daisy Pool Covers

Podium

Davey Water Products Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources Designer Beadcrete

Pool + Outdoor Design Pool Controls Pool Pro Products Pool Ranger

Driclad Pool Technology Eco Solar Pool Heating Australia | Aussie UnderCover® Everhard Industries

Pool Service Solutions | Riptide Pool Vac Pool Site Quote Pool Water Products

EvoHeat Evolution Water & Lighting Fluidra Australia

Pool Werx Poolpower Australia Pooltrackr

Focus Products Guangdong New Energy Technology Development Hanna Instruments

Naked Pools

Professional Certification Group Prominent Fluid Controls PSL (Pool Systems)

Spa Electrics Spa King Blower Co Spa Parts Online SPASA SPATEX SplashMe Pool Automation Systems SR Smith Sterns Pools Sunbather Sunline Australia Sunlover Heating Supreme Heating Swimart Swimplex Aquatics TBWS Aquatic / PULSAR The Acoustic Box The Little Pool Co. by Compass Pools Australia The Pool Tile Company UNICUM & SOPREFA Viewa Waterblade Waterco Limited Waterlilly Australia WATERLINK WATERMAID® WhiteWater

Correct at time of printing check website for latest exhibitors

commercial news

Commercial & Aquatics In brief ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 78 Fund boost for disability swimming in New Zealand ������������������� 78 New aqua fitness courses for trainers ������������������������������������������� 79 The chill thrill of cold water swimming ����������������������������������������� 82 Adults learning to swim ������������������������������������������������������������������� 85

Public pools

New draft of NSW public health regulations

Water in all public swimming pool, including Water Play and Splash Parks, can transmit disease if the quality of water is not monitored. The role of NSW Health is to protect the public. Evidence of a problem to support the proposed amendments has not been demonstrated and reduces the current legislative requirement that keeps people and in particular, young children safe.

SPASA Recommendation

SPASA Australia does not support the proposed new clause which seeks to redefine a public swimming pool or spa pool for the purposes of Section 34 of the Act, to exclude Water Play and Splash Parks.

Schedule 1 Requirements for public swimming pools and spa pools

All references and requirements related to ORP systems would be removed from the Regulation. This change effectively removes ORP systems as an accepted alternate method for monitoring and controlling water quality in public swimming pools and spa pools.

SPASA Response

Clause 14. A new clause is proposed to define a public swimming pool or spa pool for the purposes of Section 34 of the Act. Under this new definition, a water play park or other recreational aquatic structure is declared not to be a public swimming pool or spa pool if it: (a) uses a public water supply, and (b) does not use a recirculation system, and (c) does not store water.

The Studies referred to within the RIS are not readily available and without access to these, it is impossible to determine the methodology used, such as the following factors: • Public pools initial baseline compliance with exiting requirements; • Time of day testing; • Duration of tests and over what period; • Bathing loads; • Indoor, outdoor, hydrotherapy, aquatic facility; • Calibrated testing device(s) used; • Water temperature; • pH levels; • Alkalinity level; • Cyanuric acid level; • ORP set point vs free chlorine reading; • ORP set point vs ORP actual reading; • Combined chlorine reading; • Backwashing duration, frequency, and top-up; • ORP equipment calibration date; • Other associated and correctly installed equipment.

Oxidation reduction potential (ORP) has been an accepted sanitation control measure for swimming pools and spas both here in Australia and globally for many decades. Existing references to ORP within the NSW Public Swimming Pool and Spa Pool Advisory Document, Public Health Regulation 2012 relate to where ORP systems are used.

Operators have who have an accepted alternative ORP system installed and who use them correctly should not be compelled to refit their facility at significant and unnecessary cost. Despite the Purpose/ Rationale of the Proposed Amendment provided in the RIS, there is no demonstrated or valid reason to remove ORP as a perfectly viable and accepted alternative method for monitoring and controlling water quality in public swimming pools and spa pools.

SPASA Response

SPASA Recommendation

T

he NSW Ministry of Health recently circulated proposed changes within the draft Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) and the draft Public Health Regulation 2022. Proposed changes that relate to the swimming pool and spa industry related to the following: • Specific water playparks and other recreational aquatic structures to cease being captured under the existing swimming pool and spa definition.

• Proposed removal of oxidation reduction potential systems (ORP systems) for all public swimming pools and spas.

SPASA Australia chief policy officer Spiros Dassakis says SPASA carefully reviewed the RIS and, after industry consultation, raised significant concerns with the proposed amendments, which they don’t support.

Part 3 Control of public swimming pools and spas

Despite the purpose/rationale of the proposed amendment provided in the RIS, there is no justified rationale as to why Water Play and Splash Parks are unable to comply with Section 34 of the Act. It would be helpful to be provided with examples of such facilities as: (a) All Water Play and Splash Parks rely on public water supply. (b) All Water Play and Splash Parks are all constructed with some form a recirculation system, that consists of circulation pumps, filtration, and sanitisation equipment. (c) All Water Play and Splash Parks store water in different ways and to varying degrees.

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SPASA Australia does not support the proposed removal of ORP systems from the existing Regulation.

Contact: spiros@spasa.com. au; 1300 021 482. Go to www. splashmagazine.com.au/ QuickLinks142 for links to documents.

commercial news

Associations

Australian Swim Coaches and Teachers Association evolves with rebrand

Brendon Ward and Gary Toner showing off the new logo.

The Australian Swim Coaches and Teachers Association (ASCTA) is rebranding to now be known as Swim Coaches and Teachers Australia.

President Joanne Love says they will now use the stylised Swim logo, currently incorporated into the Swim Australia logo.

“The objective of the rebranding is to ensure that the ‘Swim’ logo is instantly recognised and associated with everything Swim Coaches and Teachers Australia does,” she says.

“This includes our highly successful Swim Safer Week, our newly established Swim Jobs Victoria project (to recruit, train and place 280 swim teachers into employment), the charitable Swim It Forward fundraising campaign, our national conference Swimcon, and our recognition programs for swim coaches and swim teachers.”

ASCTA was originally known as Australian Swim Coaches Association (ASCA) when first formed more than 50 years ago. In the 1990s, Swim Teachers were added to the name and included in their core purpose. Swim schools were also added under the Swim Australia brand and more recently the organisation has been using both the ASCTA and Swim Australia branding.

Life member Laurie Lawrence says he is excited by the rebranding and the opportunities it brings for the organisation.

“As a proud life member, I’m delighted to have contributed to the success and evolution of ASCTA. I’m impressed with the passion and professionalism displayed over the past few years and where it’s heading. The new name and branding is fresh and fun. I love it!” he says.

CEO Brendon Ward says the new branding allows the entity to evolve and engage their swimming community of almost 50,000 people with a unified and consistent identity.

“Dual branding served the organisation well for more than two decades,” he says.

“This is an opportunity to consolidate our brand, inspire our community to create lifelong swimmers who thrive and succeed.”

ELECTROCHLOR PLUS

DOSING PUMP CHLORINATOR CELL

SENSOR

ACID INJECTION POINT HEATER FILTER

PUMP

www.waterco.com June/July 2022

SPLASH! 77

commercial news

Inclusion

New Zealand funding for learning to swim with a disability Swimming NZ has funding available for those living with a disability aged up to 24 years wanting to learn how to swim, or who are early into their learning to swim journey. The funding aims to help alleviate part of the cost barrier, connect local expertise with the participant and their swim school, and to support positive experiences.

This funding round closes June 30, 2022, followed by the next rounds closing on September 30 and December 23, 2022.

Swimming New Zealand is promoting swimming for all and swimming for life – regardless of whether someone has a disability/impairment or not. It is intended to spread the enjoyment of the water and swimming and improve well-being.

Statistically, raising a child with a disability can be more expensive, and it can take longer for those living with an impairment to gain water confidence and learn to swim.

Swimming New Zealand is seeking to alleviate part of the cost barrier and connect local expertise with the participant and their swim school to support a positive experience early in their aquatic experience.

This contestable fund seeks to be a connecter between the varying levels

The SR Smith Mobile Aquatic Chair enables individuals with disabilities to control the lift as it lowers them into the water

of learning to swim and participating in recreational and/or organised club swimming.

Who can apply and what can be applied for?

Those living with a disability aged up to 24 years wanting to either learn how to swim or are early into their learning to swim journey.

This includes lesson/s and/or coaching expenses for learning in either a group or oneon-one setting.

Individuals are encouraged to apply.

However, applications from swim schools, teachers, or coaches on behalf of individuals (with their permission) will also be accepted.

Swimming equipment and/or adaptation can be applied for also.

This fund is aimed at the following disability types: • Intellectual (including developmental delays); • Invisible;

• Hearing; • Brain injury; • Short stature; • Vision; • Cerebral palsy; • Other physical impairments; • Long term health conditions.

The demographic focus is: • Tamariki; • Rangatahi; • Pacifica communities; • Maori; • Women and girls.

The fund is not aiming to cover all expenses associated with learning to swim but rather alleviating part of and offering a koha towards the cost barrier.

Application forms and enquiries are to be sent to Cameron Leslie via email cameron@ swimming.org.nz

In Brief This August, swimming’s ultimate rivalry returns to Sydney, as Australia and the United States face off in the rejigged Duel in the Pool team competition.

The new format will see each country select a team of 30 top athletes to contest pool events at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre and an open water component at one of the world’s most renowned beaches, Bondi. The event will showcase innovation both in and out of the pool, with new race and relay formats, an innovative broadcast overlay with insight into the technology that powers the sport, and fan engagement activations incorporating lighting and AR to bring the entertainment to life. The 2022 Duel in the Pool will run from August 19 to August 21 and serve as the opening to a festival of swimming in Sydney in August.

Swimming Australia and FINA have announced Melbourne as the new host city for the FINA World Short Course Championships. It marks the first time the prestigious event will be held in Australia, with the meet to be contested at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. The six-day event is expected to attract more than 1000 athletes from more than 180 countries. It will be the first time Melbourne has hosted the World Short Course Championships, having previously hosted the FINA World Championships in 2007 and several FINA Swimming World Cup events. It will run from December 13 to December 18, 2020.

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commercial news

Let’s make a Stand 49

Aquatics

Training program launched for aqua fitness instructors Active Training has launched a new instructor training program. Three and a half years in the making, this new program, in consultation with AusActive, SkillsIQ and a raft of industry experts, provides a structured skill set program to ensure instructors have appropriate professional qualifications to meet the increasing demand and ensure the safety of participants in the water.

“With Aqua Fitness proliferating in popularity across the country, instructor shortage is a significant issue. Therefore, the development of quality and qualified aqua instructors is more critical than ever. The new skill set will address this,” says Julie Stevens, CEO of Active Training.

Stevens says the new instructor units carefully consider creating a training program that reflects the industry’s commitment to professionalism. At the same time, AusActive, the health and exercise industry association, has implemented a membership category specifically for holders of the aqua exercise instructor skill set.

“The new streamlined skill set aims to meet the growth in industry demand for aqua exercise instructors. These professional instructors contribute significantly to our vision of activating everybody, every way, every day. AusActive is encouraged by the engagement and proactive work of Active Training to support the aqua exercise sector”, says Chris Alexander, general manager at AusActive.

The skill set comprises six units and includes units in first aid, WHS and water rescue skills. The remaining three units capture relevant information to enable aqua fitness instructors to deliver programs to a diverse range of participants successfully.

Once synonymous with the older generation Aqua Fitness has a legion of new fans. Water-based fitness programs are now in high demand, on the back of increasing awareness of the benefits of low impact exercise for strength building, fitness and injury recovery. The sector is attracting young and old, with many top athletes incorporating water training and new tools such as aqua pole, spin bikes and drag resistance equipment alongside their traditional training programs.

Contact: www.activetraining.net.au

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Ensuring water clarity in Europe’s largest ocean-fed saltwater pool ABOVE: The largest saltwater pool in Europe.

RIGHT: The Arribas Sintra Hotel pool is famed for its view.

O

verlooking the Atlantic Ocean is one of the world’s largest saltwater pools – and the largest in Europe. A recent refurbishment has seen its plantroom equipment replaced with technology from Australian manufacturer Waterco, helping provide crystal clear swimming conditions.

Situated on the Praia Grande in the Portuguese Riviera, the Arribas Sintra Hotel features an impressive 100-metre long saltwater pool filled directly from the sea. Built in 1966, it has since become an iconic landmark and even used as a location for U2’s video clip for hit single Vertigo.

The pool consists of two areas: one for children, with a depth up to 0.65 metres and the other for adults, with a depth between 0.80 metres and 3.95 metres.

“To avoid future corrosion and costly downtime, Cimai chose Waterco’s reinforced fibreglass filters and injection moulded thermoplastic pumps.”

While the spectacular location provides swimmers with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the corrosive coastal environment certainly compromises equipment. Despite carrying out a regular maintenance program on the mild steel filters, continued contact with seawater caused the filters, pumps and metallic components to rust.

Consequently, maintaining consistent water clarity and quality for guests became virtually impossible.

“The entire system was inefficient due to being full of rust,” says Cimai’s technical supervisor Mario Alves.

“This led to the whole technical area needing urgent intervention.”

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Considered Portugal’s leading chemical product developer and producer, Cimai looked for alternative equipment to achieve the following results: • Resolve current issues with water quality; • Improve the recirculation of pool water; • Increase circulation efficiency and flow rate; • Solve existing technical issues.

“We did consider a range of brands but found the thickness of the filter walls were inferior and all had metal parts in contact with water – which meant within time, the issue of corrosion would repeat itself,” says Alves.

Sea-worthy swimming pool solutions

To avoid future corrosion and costly downtime, Cimai chose reinforced fibreglass filters and injection moulded thermoplastic pumps to replace the antiquated

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The original steel filters were replaced with five sidemounted reinforced fibreglass wound filters designed and engineered by Waterco

Hydrostar Plus injection moulded thermoplastic pumps completed the install

equipment — all of which are free of metal parts and therefore ideal for use in saltwater installations.

Consequently, the swimming pool underwent a complete refurbishment in 2019, which involved replacing the original steel filters with five side-mounted SMDD2350 fibreglass wound filters designed and engineered by Waterco.

“Manufactured from the highest grade of non-corrosive materials and utilising the latest in fibreglass winding technology, Micron fibreglass filters are designed and built for many years of trouble-free operation,” says Waterco Europe sales director Jo Ainsworth.

Waterco’s digitally controlled machine winds continuous strands of high-quality fibreglass filament under controlled tension to create a seamless one-piece vessel with refined consistency and superior quality. There are no welds or seams or special tank linings which can corrode or electrolyse.

“For this installation, we upgraded the vessels with titanium hardware that is resistant to the aggressive sea water environment,” says Ainsworth. “Waterco’s Hydrostar Plus 7.5kW pumps upgraded with silicone carbide seals suitable for sea water were also installed.”

Contact: www.waterco.com.au n

www.aquea.com.au June/July 2022

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organs, and your body in general. It solidifies in that overwhelming sense of warm flush you feel when you get out and warm up. Basically, cold water swimming is a win for your heart health!

Getting in

The health benefits of the big chill Generally, when swimming in winter, we want the water to be as warm as possible. But there is another attitude that says, Embrace the cold! It may not be for everyone, but Fenwick Ridley – ice swimmer, cold-water junkie and Red Paddle Co ambassador – tells us why he finds cold water and ice swimming so addictive.

By Fenwick Ridley TOP: Cold water swimming offers a number of health benefits, but have something warm to get into after

RIGHT: A cosy changing robe is a great winter accessory, even if you’ve been swimming in heated water

When you’re chilled, you’re more stress-resistant

Initially, cold water swimming puts stress on the body both physically and mentally, but just as stress causes an adrenaline surge (which culminates in a person’s fight or flight response), it also kick-starts the immune system and activates the body’s defences. Just think, every time you repeat your cold-water swimming experience, you’ll have more control over your stress response, which will ensure you’re in better shape to cope with stress when you’re out of the cold water too.

Chilled to the bone, but great

While cold water will increase our capacity to cope with stressful situations, it also reduces inflammation as well as our risk of depression too. While it’s easy to focus on the cold, it’s what happens afterwards – the surge of endorphins – that’s the real secret. You can expect heightened alertness, improved concentration and a mood lift following each cold-water swim, because, as well as activating your endorphins, cold water swimming is also a form of exercise, which is proven to help mental health.

Re-wired circulation

Plunge into cold water and while you may only feel the electricity of liquid burning cold, your blood is on the move! Essentially the cold water allows your blood and oxygen to flow faster around your skin, your vital 82

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Ever heard the phrase “you have to learn to walk before you can run”? Well, the exact same goes with cold water swimming. Before you get carried away, understand that every cold plunge will be an individual experience and your body can react differently every single time depending on external factors.

In the beginning, it needs to be a staged activity, keep it small calm and collected. Enter the water in a normal state, there’s no need to “warm up” prior as then you’re heightening your body temperature, which can then lead to cold water shock once in. On the first or second run, you may not last long and that’s normal, don’t fret, you’ll get there in time.

As you enter, don’t focus on swimming, just focus on being in a small space, taking measures on the body’s change into cooler conditions and allowing the body to go through a huge change in temperature and energy.

Stay in until you’ve had enough, if you get to a point where your hands are numb, you’ve gone too far, take it one step at a time.

Getting out

When leaving the water, bear in mind that your body temperature will continue to drop even once you’re back on land, take this activity slowly and your body will reward you afterwards. Hot chocolate helps too!

To dry off, gently pat yourself down with a towel, avoiding any vigorous drying techniques as this can lead to sensitive skin and itching. Get yourself cocooned in clothes and a good quality change robe, warming yourself from the inside out is crucial.

Changing robes

The Pro Change Robe Evo is ideal for winter swimming – especially if you’re in cold water, but even if the water is warm. The advanced fabric technology on the outer shell is both waterproof and breathable so you can wear it in varied weather conditions. The robe performs amazingly and looks stylish too – you can throw it on after a swim and feel confident nipping into the shops on the way home.

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Learning to swim later in life

By Veda Dante

ABOVE: Half of all adults should be able to swim continuously for 400 metres Image: ASSA

F

or many adults, just the thought of going to their local aquatic centre or waterpark can cause anxiety, ranging anywhere from mild discomfort to paralysing fear and even a panic attack – all because they never learnt to swim.

Migrating from a land-locked country where swimming isn’t an option (let alone a priority), lack of access to a pool, or a physical disability are just some of the reasons people reach adulthood without swimming skills.

Unfortunately, missing out on those skills that come from learning to swim can impact quality of life, whether it means not being able to safely supervise your own children in the water or missing out on family events.

Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) general manager Emily McNeill outlines some of the common barriers that prevent adults from learning to swim.

“It’s a broad mix and ranges from age, time, external judgement, family obligations, putting others’ needs first, lack of opportunity and cost,” she explains. “It can also be a result of not having access to lessons as a child, financial barriers, growing up in a country where swimming is not a large part of the culture, to a fear of the water.

“Poor swimming skills and a lack of understanding of swimming environments were major contributing factors in many of the drowning incidents.”

“Many adults were raised in countries where swimming was not an intrinsic part of the culture as it is in Australia,” she says.

Some people, she says, also have a fear of being “out swum” by younger swimmers – even their own children.

Age-appropriate swimming milestones

We often talk about our children not reaching the ageappropriate milestones as defined by Royal Life Saving Australia, but there are also milestones for people aged seventeen and over set out in the National Swimming and Water Safety Framework.

They are that a minimum of fifty per cent of adult Australians should be able to: • Identify rules for safe behaviour at aquatic environments at or near the home; • Assist others to exit deep water using bystanders; • Float, scull or tread water for five minutes and signal for help; • Swim continuously for 400 metres; search in a deep water environment and recover a person; • Respond to an emergency and provide first aid; • Rescue an unconscious person in deep water; • And perform a survival sequence wearing heavy clothing.

“When considering your family unit, would at least one in two adults be capable of these milestones?” asks Julie Sheldrake from the Nepean Aquatic Centre and Eva Bory Swim School.

“Would you be able to help a member of your family if they got into trouble in the water? Can you swim?”

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Part of the nationwide AusPlay survey, which has been running since October 2015, the Swimming State of Play study reports the annual population estimate for Australian adults participating in regular swimming. It shows just under three million swimmers, or 14.8 per cent of the adult population over 15 years of age are regularly participating in swimming.

“Poor swimming skills and a lack of understanding of swimming environments were major contributing factors in many of the drowning incidents,” she says.

Inability to swim can really impact quality of life in Australia, and for parents and grandparents that will hinder the ability to safely supervise children in the water.

“There are so many reasons to take the plunge and choose to learn to swim as an adult,” says Sheldrake.

“For those with a fear of water, swimming lessons for adults will ultimately provide a huge confidence boost – and your kids will notice, too! Children benefit hugely from practice outside of class, so having a parent or guardian who can get in the water with them who is able to monitor their kids swimming safely and confidently is ideal. Being able to guide your child through the process of learning to swim will create meaningful memories to last a lifetime.”

Another benefit of swimming is that it is a low impact workout that is gentle on joints and bones, and in general far gentler on your body than landbased exercise.

“Swimming is a full-body resistance workout, which in turn helps you to build strength, flexibility and muscle mass,” she explains. “Every major muscle group in your body has to work, and that means more calories burned! Your lungs become more efficient and blood flow improves throughout your body. As with any aerobic exercise, your resting heart rate improves, and you can also decrease your blood pressure. Most importantly, getting acclimated to the water and learning the fundamental aspects of swimming can save your life. Being a strong swimmer is not only a safety measure for yourself but for your family.”

For adults who can swim but are a little rusty, Royal Life Saving Australia advises testing your skills and fitness in the controlled environment of a public swimming pool prior to going on holidays or recreating in open water locations, such as beaches and rivers.

“This is particularly important if you have not been in this type of aquatic location for some time or if your swimming skills have not been maintained,” Sheldrake explains. “Nepean Aquatic Centre and Eva Bory Swim School pools offer indoor heated public swimming seven days a week, so take the plunge and see where you are at before going away.”

The usefulness of treading water

Here’s a question: What’s the difference between knowing how to tread water and knowing how to swim?

Royal Life Saving Society Australia (NSW) community engagement manager Louise Magee says one starts off as a by-product of the other.

“Treading water involves being able to keep the body afloat using sculling techniques with the hands and leg movements — it is a crucial element to water safety particularly if a person were to find themselves out

Just under three million swimmers over 15 years of age are regularly participating in swimming.

Image: YMCA

It is important that adults how learn to swim and how to tread water, as well as understanding their limitations in and around water.

Image: Ipswich City Council

Key drowning statistics • Between July 2009 and June 2019 there were 572 drowning deaths amongst persons born overseas, accounting for 29 per cent of total drowning deaths in Australia (284 in NSW) • 80 per cent of all the drowning deaths are male • 69 of all drownings have occurred where a lack of swimming and survival skills was a key factor • Adults account for 98 per cent of all drowning deaths in multicultural communities • Eight of the top 12 local government areas for drowning in NSW are in south-west Sydney

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“For them to take deep relaxing breaths and slow down to learn how to control their body and buoyancy is difficult for many, but also therapeutic when they figure it out.”

ABOVE: Many adults were raised in countries where swimming was not an intrinsic part of the culture as it is in Australia.

Image: YMCA

of their depth and in water for a prolonged period of time,” she explains.

“An adult may be able swim for a short distance or in shallow water but may not be a strong enough swimmer to save themselves if they got into trouble.

It is therefore important that adults learn to swim and how to tread water in all conditions and understand their limitations in and around water.”

While the fundamental skills are the same, there are notable differences between adult swimming lessons and child-centred ones.

“Teaching swimming is a progression of skills around movement through the water focussing on body position, and the introduction of breathing, arm and leg movements,” Magee explains.

“Generally, adults learning to swim present with many more inhibitions than children, and so the classes and delivery from the teachers will need to reflect this.”

Children’s lessons typically involve more games and playful activities to incorporate skill development, whereas adult lessons are primarily focused on building confidence and breaking down the fears they have towards the water.

“Adults have a more demanding presence, depending on the age of the instructor, the adult swimmer could be the age of their parents/grandparents. So that can be difficult for the adult to learn to respect and listen to someone younger,” she says.

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“Adults also have many more years of fear and anxiety, which also takes longer to break down. They also tend to overthink everything!”

Magee attributes the fast pace of modern living to posing a challenge for many adults who struggle with the idea of floating in water.

“To take deep relaxing breaths and slow down to learn how to control their body and buoyancy is difficult for many, but also therapeutic when they figure it out.”

Adults, she says, are a little harder to physically work with.

“We can use safe touch practices with children to help with learning movement whereas this is a little harder with an adult’s height, weight and comfort of someone assisting them physically,” Magee explains.

“That’s why it’s important to always use safe practices and ask permission before touching.

Children typically follow our lesson program, whereas adults we work with each has to figure out their goal and what they need assistance with.”

An increase in new residents from a range of countries and cultures in recent years has important implications for drowning prevention strategies to ensure everyone recreating in and around Australia’s waterways remains safe.

Royal Life Saving Australia reports that, on average, 288 people drown in Australia each year, with around one in four people who drown being born overseas, on average.

BELOW: Generally, adults learning to swim present with many more inhibitions than children.

Image: Ipswich City Council

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ABOVE: While the fundamental skills are the same, there are notable differences between adult swimming lessons and child-centred ones.

Image: Ipswich City Council

While the number of drowning deaths was highest among people from the United Kingdom and New Zealand, the rates of drowning for migrant populations were highest among those born in Korea, Taiwan and India (based on 100,000 population residing in Australia by country of birth).

There is, therefore, a need for tailored water safety strategies to target multicultural communities appropriately using clear messaging that is both culturally sensitive and educational.

This requires specific information aimed at overseas transient populations (such as holiday makers, seasonal workers or those visiting on short-term business), new permanent residents and international students.

One element of this targeted approach is to encourage greater cultural diversity among those working in the aquatics industry in Australia, which can help to engage multicultural populations.

Royal Life Saving NSW has several funded Cultural and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) adult learn to swim programs being delivered throughout aquatic centres

Get your First Lap voucher The First Lap voucher program provides $100 vouchers for parents, guardians and carers of children aged 3-6 years living in New South Wales who are not enrolled in school to contribute towards the cost of swimming lessons.

The voucher may be used for an eligible child’s participation in a structured swimming lesson program with an approved First Lap provider. Vouchers are valid for redemption during the financial year of issue. Current First Lap vouchers are valid to 30 June 2022.

Go to www.splashmagazine.com.au/QuickLinks142 for links.

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in western and south-western Sydney to encourage migrants and refugees newly arrived in Australia to learn how to swim.

Furthermore, it recently launched a new learnto-swim campaign with the support from the NSW Government to increase swimming lesson participation across NSW. The inclusive “Everyone can learn how to swim” initiative centres on six different community members and their heartfelt stories of how they have overcome barriers to capitalise on the many health and social benefits swimming can bring to individuals.

Between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2019, there were 572 drowning deaths amongst persons born overseas, accounting for 29 per cent of total drowning deaths in Australia during this period.

Of these drowning deaths in multicultural communities, 98 per cent were adults over the age of 18 who have drowned due to a lack of swimming and survival skills.

“We hope to promote positive engagement in swimming and water safety lessons,” says Craig Roberts, general manager of drowning prevention and education with Royal Life Saving NSW. “In sharing stories about swimming experiences, we hope that families from multicultural backgrounds feel seen, represented, and have an increased awareness of the value of swimming lessons and the numerous benefits that arise from it.”

Roberts says families and community members from multicultural backgrounds have said there are barriers to participating in swimming lessons, including a lack of clear knowledge on lesson procedures, costs, and cultural and religious considerations.

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“Swimming is a full-body resistance workout, which in turn helps you to build strength, flexibility and muscle mass.”

“We want to develop the community bond between aquatic facilities and diverse local members, encouraging families to feel comfortable, asking questions and approaching their local swimming pool for lessons,” he says.

The campaign provides resources and support for local communities to understand and navigate through the barriers to swimming. In turn, the resources will assist the aquatics industry to channel consistent and relatable information to their diverse local community.

Translated guides in key language groups and varied storytelling films will feature in the campaign, encouraging positive engagement in joining swimming and water safety lessons.

Royal Life Saving community educator Noora Jasim features in one of those films, explaining the importance of her role to her peers.

“Being on the campaign was meaningful for me.

I had the opportunity to increase people’s awareness around water safety,” she says.

“I was able to encourage people from a multicultural background to approach swimming lessons and spend

Another benefit of swimming is that it is a low impact workout that is gentle on joints and bones.

Image: RLS

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For those with a fear of water, swimming lessons for adults will ultimately provide a huge confidence boost.

Image: RLS

their time on the activities that support their wellbeing.”

She says that with the introduction of the NSW Government’s First Lap voucher initiative in late 2021, they have included updated resources and easily accessible information to utilise the vouchers which can bridge the costs associated with swimming lessons.

Aquatic services manager for Whitlam Leisure Centre, Tammy Weatherby, looks forward to sharing the important messages behind the campaign.

“Whitlam Leisure Centre and Belgravia Leisure is proud to partner with Royal Life Saving NSW in launching the NSW multicultural water safety and engagement campaign,” she says.

“Learning to swim is a life skill for all communities and cultures. Through training and education, we can all do our part in saving lives and creating employment opportunities within our local community.”

SEAL pool safety program

The SEAL program.

Image: Ipswich City Council

Contacts www.assa.com.au

www.engadinehealth.com.au www.evaboryswimschool.com.au www.ipswich.qld.gov.au www.nepeanaquaticcentre.com.au www.swimmechanix.com.au www.royalnsw.com.au www.royallifesaving.com.au

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Across the border in Queensland, Ipswich City Council has launched an initiative aimed at pool safety which includes an adult component.

The SEAL pool safety program has been designed to encourage active adult and child participation in programs such as learning to swim, supervision, CPR and pool fence compliance, in order to educate the community to the benefits of water safety.

SEAL comprises four key water safety actions: • Supervise around the pool; • Enclose the pool with a fence; • Actively check the pool gate and fence; • and Learn CPR and how to swim.

SEAL offers water safety lessons and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) awareness sessions, water safety and general pool compliance information.

All programs on offer are free to Ipswich residents.

A major part of the program is free water safety lessons to adults.

The council says the program educates adults and children in water safety which builds confidence and water awareness to assist with developing water safety and swimming skills which are vital lifesaving elements.

The program offers free water safety swimming lessons during the summer months.

For adults aged 18 and over, five 45-minute lessons are offered for

consecutive days at the same time every day.

The SEAL program conducted learn to swim sessions in partnership with Royal Life Saving Society Queensland for adults in November 2021 and March 2022 The council says they received positive feedback from participants.

“Ipswich has a large diverse cultural population and since adopting Australia, and in particular Ipswich as their new home, this is the first time some participants have ever engaged in water safety activities. This program has given them more confidence in the water, and some wished to further their lessons.”

A free cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) awareness program for adults and children are also being held as part of the program, as in the case of an emergency, CPR can help until paramedics arrive at the scene of an emergency.

SEAL offers CPR awareness sessions in partnership with Queensland Ambulance Service for adults aged 18 and over (as well as for children aged 5-11 years). Sessions are scheduled for 45 minutes, teaching participants important CPR skills that could be lifesaving.

The SEAL program also includes water safety educational programs for children. Topics of discussion include the importance of active adult supervision in and around the water, by continually supervising children both in and around the water, putting away distractions. (e.g. Phones, iPads, Books etc) and always being within arm’s reach; knowing the importance of fencing, checking the pool barrier and gate regularly to ensure they are safe and work correctly; the importance of learning CPR and in the case of an emergency, what to do and who to contact.

For children aged 6 months to 5 years, the SEAL program offers a 45-minute lesson per week over 4 weeks. SEAL swimming lessons were conducted in October 2021 and February 2022. These were held at local swim centres throughout Ipswich.

Some children who participated in these sessions followed on to book further lessons with the swim centres.

Information is available on the SEAL website covering water safety topics such as supervision, pool barriers, pool compliance and CPR. Go to www.splashmagazine.com.au/ QuickLinks142 for a link to the site. n

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Clark Rubber CEO Anthony Grice says the optional add-on with a pool purchase in-store and online will be welcomed by their customers as it removes the pain of having to shop elsewhere for temporary fencing.

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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

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Aqua Technics Pools has released Graphene Nano-Tech, a revolutionary process infusing graphene technology in every Aqua Technics pool. Developed in Western Australia after more than three years of research and development, it incorporates graphene into the composite layers of Aqua Technics pools, creating a totally new patent-pending construction process that is the next generation of fibreglass pool technology.

Graphene is 200 times stronger than steel, making the pools 30 per cent stronger and giving the consumer the strongest pool ever. Graphene is also surprisingly light, so the pools have exceptional strength without added weight. A pool with Graphene Nano-Tech has increased flexural and impact strength along with higher resistance to water and chemicals.

Contact: www.aquatechnicspools.com.au

sales@aussieundercover.com.au June/July 2022

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