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The great debate PART TWO
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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.