SPLASH 167 August-September 2026 by The Intermedia Group

Exercising in pools For health and fitness

Embracing the efficiency Of swimming pool pumps

The path to better results With adult learn-to-swim

Getting the best payday From a business sale

SPASA regional award winners

From around Australasia

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editorial

The big show

There is nothing like it in our industry – in this part of the world anyway: The SPLASH! Trade Expo.

I remember well my first SPLASH! Expo. It was first one held at Jupiter’s Casino, 20 years ago. That was not far from where the event is now held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. Not far in metres, but quite a distance in quality.

That’s not to say the show 20 years ago was not an excellent event – at the time it was the largest pool and spa industry trade event ever held in Australia, with 60 exhibiting companies and number of delegates and exhibitors from around the world.

Chris Maher Managing Editor chrismaher@ intermedia.com.au

But if you could transport visitors from that show to the modern SPLASH! held now, they would be astounded. The show now takes up the entire Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre – a vastly bigger space than Jupiter’s – and the 140-plus exhibitors have stands that are not only much larger, but are of phenomenal quality, rivalling those exhibitions in Europe and the United States.

As much as I enjoyed that first event two decades ago, SPLASH! is now even more electric with energy as visitors and exhibitors engage with each other, learning about each other and making mutually beneficial arrangements. And the educational component has been substantially enhanced as well, with workshops and seminars that address vital industry concerns and help visitors gain a better understanding of key components of the industry.

And on top of that is the WAVES breakfast, the All-Industry drinks and the Friday golf day.

Best of all is meeting old friends you may not have seen for two years, since the last SPLASH!

As usual, I’ll be buzzing around the show. If you see me please say hello and give me your insights on the industry, the show and the magazine.

I hope to see you there.

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 cover

This pool is by Boardwalk Pools, winner of the WA Concrete Pool of the Year 2026. There is more on the Regional Awards of Excellence from page 58. Photo by Michael Conroy of Silverstone Photography.

Innovation that keeps every pool one step ahead.

Smarter automation. More efficient pumps. Advanced sanitation. Intelligent heating. One connected ecosystem.

At Pentair Pool, we’re continually developing smarter solutions that work together seamlessly. From intuitive automation and energy-efficient variable speed pumps to advanced sanitation systems and intelligent pool heating, every innovation is designed to deliver greater performance, lower operating costs and exceptional reliability.

Whether you’re building the next premium backyard or upgrading an existing pool, Pentair Pool provides the technology professionals trust and pool owners love.

Innovation isn’t what we do occasionally. It’s what we do every day.

Visit us at Stand 80 during the SPLASH! 2026 Trade Expo

16 Vale Robert Savell, pool family legend

Sadly, swimming pool industry veteran Robert Savell passed away in June. We look at his journey through the industry he was born into.

18 The industry’s tentpole event

Kristin Brookfield looks at what is in store for visitors to SPLASH! 2026, the biggest pool and spa event in the southern hemisphere.

22 Compact pools, limitless workouts

Veda Dante explores how a new generation of aquatic technologies is transforming compact pools into year-round spaces for exercise, recovery and healthy ageing.

39 Why pool builders must reinvent their marketing

Raimond Volpe offers digital marketing advice to swimming pool builders, including how to capitalise on the 6.4-second window.

42 Chlorine exposure limit remains unchanged

SPASA’s policy manager Ben Makepeace provides an update on what is happening with Workplace Exposure Standards for chlorine, among other developments.

47 How swimming healed an outback farmer

The inspirational true story of Brendan Cullen, a desert farmer suffering from depression who challenged himself to swim the English Channel.

48 Selling your pool or spa business

Part one of a two-part series on preparing your business for sale to ensure you get what you’re after financially and in terms of legacy.

58 The Regional Awards of Excellence

A comprehensive list of all the winners and finalists of the SPASA Awards of Excellence for the Australian states and territories as well as New Zealand.

80 A new era of pump efficiency

Veda Dante looks at energy rebates, industry collaboration and the smarter technology changing the future of Australian pools.

102 TDS: a number in search of a meaning

David Watson, provides insights on total dissolved solid measurement, making the case that TDS is not a pass/fail threshold but a compositional question.

104 Urgent investment needed for remote pool infrastructure

Decades of underinvestment have left many remote swimming pools across the Northern Territory at risk of closure.

107 The personal way to teach adults to swim

Jason Cram describes his method of identifying the client’s personal needs and capabilities when teaching swimming to older cohorts.

Jesse Moir awarded 2026 Legends pool and spa training scholarship

For the third consecutive year, Legend Products and Services has demonstrated its commitment to developing the next generation of swimming pool and spa industry professionals by sponsoring an industry training scholarship, providing aspiring and emerging industry professionals with opportunities to expand their knowledge, strengthen their skills and contribute to the long-term success of the industry.

This year’s scholarship was awarded to Jesse Moir, who was selected as the 2026 recipient in recognition of his dedication to the industry and commitment to ongoing professional growth.

He will now partake in the Certificate IV in Swimming Pool & Spa Building course through IRLearning, sponsored by Legend.

The scholarship was presented by managing director David Webber at the annual Legend Products and Services trade night, where industry members gathered to connect, share knowledge and discuss opportunities and innovations shaping the future of the industry.

IRLearning executive training manager, Rachael Bambry, says it is inspiring to see industry leaders like Webber continuing to invest in the future of the sector.

“Dave’s ongoing support of this scholarship reflects his genuine passion for developing the next generation of industry professionals,” she says.

“For three years running, he has generously invested in education and training opportunities that help individuals grow their careers while strengthening the industry as a whole.”

A passionate advocate for swimming pool and spa industry education and professional development, Webber has continued to support training pathways that help individuals build their skills, knowledge and long-term career opportunities.

Moir was very grateful to be granted the scholarship, saying it would provide an invaluable opportunity for both his career and his family business.

“I just want to start with saying thanks so much to everyone involved in me receiving this amazing scholarship, especially Dave and his team from Legend Products and Services.

“I have now been in the pool industry for six years and love being in the pool and spa game. This scholarship means so much to me and my family. We can now take the next step – and I can’t wait to see where it takes our little company.”

Bambry says the scholarship provides an incredible opportunity for recipients like Moir to further their professional development.

“We are grateful to Dave and the entire Legend Products and Services team for their continued support of training and education within our industry.

“The ongoing partnership between Legend Products and Services and IRLearning highlights a shared commitment to raising industry standards through education, training and professional development.”

Housing body calls for smaller block sizes

In a move that could influence the amount of space available for backyard pools in some new constructions, the Housing Industry Association (HIA) is calling for the removal of minimum lot sizes for housing blocks to help increase supply.

HIA executive director of planning and development, Sam Heckel, says that new Australian research What Local Land Use Reform Does, and Doesn’t Do, by the e61 Institute and the Centre for International Economics, examined planning reforms in Adelaide’s City of Campbelltown and found that reducing minimum lot size requirements increased housing approvals by 67 per cent, with the additional supply largely delivered

through townhouses and row housing.

“At a time when governments are struggling to meet ambitious housing targets, many planning schemes continue to impose minimum lot size requirements that limit housing supply and housing choice,” he says.

“The impact is not just fewer homes. Restrictive lot size controls often prevent the delivery of smaller and more affordable housing options that can provide an entry point into established suburbs for first home buyers, downsizers and key workers.”

Meanwhile, detached house approvals have continued to pick up, with building approvals for new houses increasing to a new high in May 2026, up by three per cent to 10,690,

the strongest month since September 2021, while multi-units decreased by 7.3 per cent in the month, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics data.

HIA chief economist Tim Reardon says that even with the monthly decline in multi-units, approvals over the past three months were still up by 8.5 per cent compared to the same quarter a year earlier, led by houses (+11.1 per cent), but also multi-units (+4.6 per cent).

“The data continues to reflect the good momentum in Australian home building heading into 2026, supported by elevated population growth and low unemployment.”

However, he says, we are not building enough homes to meet growth in demand.

Jesse Moir receiving the 2026 Legend Products and Services Scholarship from managing director David Webber

Poolwerx appoints US chief operating officer

Poolwerx has appointed Marla Mock as chief operating officer of their US operations.

Mock brings extensive franchise expertise to her new role, with experience leading top home service brands including ServiceMaster, Rainbow Restoration, Aire Serv and Molly Maid.

Poolwerx global executive director

Steve Greenbaum says that Mock has built a reputation for strengthening franchise operations, elevating systemwide performance, and fostering strong, trust-based relationships with franchise owners.

“Poolwerx is entering an exciting phase of growth across the US, and Marla brings the leadership experience and expertise to help us scale the right way,” says Greenbaum.

“She has an excellent track record supporting franchise owners, strengthening operations and building high-performing teams across leading home-service brands. Marla understands what franchisees need to succeed, and we’re thrilled to welcome her to the Poolwerx leadership team.”

Mock says she is thrilled to join Poolwerx at such a pivotal moment in its US expansion.

“I am looking forward to championing our franchise partners and enhancing operational excellence as we continue building a system where owners feel supported, empowered, and positioned for long term success,” she says.

Texas expansion

Meanwhile, Poolwerx announced it is targeting San Antonio, Texas for franchise growth as the brand continues expanding in highgrowth markets across the US.

Poolwerx USA is headquartered in Farmers Branch, Texas, and the state continues to stand out as a leading market for franchise development, according to the International Franchise Association’s 2026 Franchising Economic Outlook. They rank Texas as the top state for franchise growth, and it is already home to more than 86,000 franchise locations employing more than 910,000 people.

San Antonio offers an attractive combination of steady population growth and long-term residential development. US Census reporting shows the city added nearly 24,000 residents between 2023 and 2024, highlighting its momentum as one of the country’s fastest-growing large cities.

For Poolwerx, San Antonio aligns with the brand’s broader focus on markets where residential growth, pool maintenance needs and strong consumer demand support long-term opportunity for professional pool care.

“As more entrepreneurs look for business opportunities backed by recurring revenue and strong consumer demand, we believe San Antonio offers a compelling environment for franchise development,” says Mock.

“Our model is designed to give franchise owners the training, operational support and brand foundation they need to build a business that can scale with their market.”

Annual pool DAs up three per cent while quarter holds steady

Available pool DA figures from Cotality for the three months from April to June show applications holding steady, while the annual numbers for the 12 months to June are up by three per cent.

The three-monthly numbers show New South Wales is up by 16 per cent, while Western Australia is down by two per cent, Queensland is down by eight per cent, Victoria down by nine per cent, and South Australia is down by 13 per cent.

The national annual pool DA numbers when compared to the previous 12 months show New South Wales up by 20 per cent, Queensland up by five per cent and Western Australia up by two per cent; while South Australia is down by six per cent and Victoria is down by 27 per cent.

Marla Mock

Allnex commits to local manufacturing in changing supply chain landscape

Allnex Australia – manufacturer of resins, gelcoats and flowcoats for industrial and composite markets, including those used in the manufacture of fibreglass swimming pools – is highlighting the importance of local manufacturing in an era of global supply chain uncertainty.

Allnex recently reinforced their commitment to Australian manufacturing by relocating their essential synthesis laboratory from their manufacturing site in Botany NSW to their Wacol Gelcoat site in Brisbane.

The state-of-the-art facility was established to ensure product supply to the local market in a timely and reliable manner.

The new synthesis lab enables Allnex teams to develop, adapt and refine unsaturated polyester, vinyl ester and related thermoset polymer technologies more efficiently and safely.

This allows them to continue to advance and maintain their leading technology position in composites industry and market applications. Product line manager David Stevenson says that Allnex Australia’s teams continue to invest in local manufacturing to ensure customers have access to the products they need, when they need them.

“From our Wacol site in Brisbane, we manufacture resins, gelcoats and flowcoats that support customers across industries including swimming pools, construction, infrastructure, marine and transportation.

“What makes this particularly significant is the changing global supply landscape. While many suppliers have shifted manufacturing overseas, Allnex remains committed to producing these products locally in Australia,” he says.

“This local presence helps provide customers with greater supply security and reduces dependence on lengthy international supply

Keep informed by subscribing to the free online newsletter.

Update to the National Construction Code 2025

SPASA’s policy manager

Ben Makepeace provided a comprehensive update on the relevant changes to the National Construction Code.

“Local manufacturing is more than where a product is made.”

chains that can be affected by shipping disruptions and geopolitical uncertainties.”

Allnex’s well-known Australian-made brands include Aquaguard, Polyplex, Nutech, Ultratec and Viapal.

“These are formulated and tested with Australian conditions in mind,” he says.

“From intense UV exposure to demanding coastal environments, these products are designed to perform in the real-world conditions our customers face every day.”

The Wacol facility involves a collaborative effort involving commercial, manufacturing and warehouse teams. Together, they have been working on initiatives to further highlight the value of locally manufactured products, including new product packaging identifiers that make it easier for customers to recognise products manufactured in Australia.

“Local manufacturing is more than where a product is made,” says Stevenson.

“It gives our customers confidence that they have a reliable partner close to their business, with the capability to support them when market conditions become challenging. It is something our teams take great pride in every day.”

He says that, as global supply chains continue to face uncertainty, the Australian commitment demonstrates how local manufacturing expertise with global know-how can support customers and strengthen their position in the region.

“This is a good example of how teams across Allnex are working together to deliver consistency, reliability and customer-focussed solutions – while continuing to invest in manufacturing close to the markets we serve.”

Contact: www.allnex.com

Upcoming events

2026

Aug 11-14

Expolazer & Outdoor Living, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Aug 18 SPLASH! All-Industry Welcome Event, Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

Aug 19 WAVES Breakfast, Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

Aug 19 Master Pool Builders Forum, Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

Aug 19-20 SPLASH! Trade Expo, Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre, Broadbeach, Queensland

Aug 19 Contracts Master Class, Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

Aug 19 Australasian Awards of Excellence Gala, Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

Aug 20 Qld Pool Safety Inspector Meeting, Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

Aug 20 Sanitisation Marketing Claims Workshop, Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

Aug 21 SPLASH! Golf Event, Palmers Gold Coast Golf Course

Aug 25-27 SPARK 26, Gold Coast

Sep 2-3 RLS Pool Managers Conference, Mudgee

Sep 10-12 Asean Patio Pool Spa Expo, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

October 6-8 Interbad, Stuttgart, Germany

Nov 17-20 Piscine Global, Lyon, France

Dec 2-4 Japan Build, Tokyo

Check the pages 90 to 97 for a full list of seminars and workshops to be held at SPLASH!

More details at www.splash.online Dates are subject to change and should be checked with the relevant organisation. Send calendar submissions to info@splashmagazine.com.au.

Pentair Pool Australia appoints new South Australian representative

Pentair Pool Australia has appointed Joshua Coombe as its newest South Australian representative.

With more than a decade of wholesale experience across plumbing, irrigation and pools, he brings a well-rounded understanding of the trade to his new role.

Marketing manager Peter Kolomyjec says Coombe is driven by a passion for contributing to backyards that will make a lasting difference in people’s everyday lives.

“Josh has found a natural home in an industry built around enriching people’s lives,” says Kolomyjec.

“He thrives in Pentair’s diverse and supportive team environment and believes the business is well-positioned to remain a major force in the swimming pool market through continued innovation and outstanding customer service.”

Kolomyjec says Coombe’s approach is straightforward: to build strong relationships, earn trust, and always answer the phone.

“A proud Port Adelaide supporter and Farmers Union iced coffee drinker, Josh is ready to hit the ground running.”

Industry moves

3D Stone appoints new sales representative

3D Stone has appointed Jude Kumar as their new mobile showroom sales representative for the Brisbane and West region, servicing Brisbane, Ipswich and Toowoomba.

Kumar joins the team with more than 15 years of experience in Sydney’s stone and tile industry, bringing a wealth of product knowledge and a deep understanding of the selection process.

Sales and marketing director Daniel Suto says Kumar is known for his commitment to customer service and his passion for helping clients realise their design vision, adding he is well-equipped to support both new and existing customers across residential and commercial projects.

“With Jude now on board, customers across Brisbane and surrounding regions can book a complimentary mobile showroom appointment and receive expert guidance tailored specifically to their pool build, renovation or outdoor living project,” says Suto.

“We’re delighted to welcome Jude to 3D Stone and are confident the expertise and energy he brings to the team will further strengthen our growing Queensland customer base.”

Nick Stevens jailed over swimming pool fraud

Landscaper, unlicensed pool builder and former AFL footballer Nick Stevens has been sentenced to nine months jail for deceptively charging people for pools they never received.

He was found guilty of 12 counts of obtaining a financial advantage by deception and one charge of using a false document, in defrauding six Mildura families of $171,000 for incomplete or undelivered swimming pools.

At his pre-sentencing hearing, the court

heard Stevens had spent six months in jail for domestic violence offences in 2015. It also heard his fraudulent actions had resulted in a marriage breakdown for one of the families involved, and that other victims had been left financially crippled.

In sentencing, County Court judge Fiona Todd told Stevens he exploited the good nature and trust of his victims, offering them false reassurance. He never lodged a permit application for the pools, nor sought a building contract, insurance or oversight

from a registered builder.

Despite his lawyers arguing for a community corrections order, the prosecutors said he had shown no remorse, and prison time was warranted. The judge considered the repeated nature of the conduct, the amount of money obtained, and the consequences for the victims in sentencing him, but also said he had prospects for rehabilitation.

Stevens will begin a two-year community corrections order after he is released in December.

Industry moves

Joshua Coombe

Jude Kumar

Poolwerx wins accolades at the Australian Franchise Industry Awards

Poolwerx celebrated a successful night at the Franchise Industry Awards (FIA), taking home two major accolades, including Excellence in Franchise Innovation and Marketing Manager of the Year.

Poolwerx CEO Nic Brill says the innovation award highlights their leadership in scalable innovation, recognising systems and solutions designed to improve consistency, efficiency and performance across the entire network.

“Winning at the Franchise Industry Awards reflects the strength of our network and the dedication of our franchise partners,” he says.

“As one global family, our focus remains

on franchisee success and profitability. By investing in innovation that improves both client experience and franchise partner efficiency, we’re driving stronger outcomes across the network. This recognition from the FCA reflects the power of collaboration, innovation and a commitment to excellence.”

He says the Excellence in Franchise Innovation award was won for its Healthy Pool Plan (HPP), a solution developed to address the inefficiencies and inconsistencies of traditional paper-based pool inspections while creating greater value for clients.

Originally developed to digitise paper-based inspections, the Healthy Pool Plan (HPP) evolved into a full redesign of the technician and client experience. The AI-assisted, mobilefirst platform enables real-time assessments, personalised reporting and on-the-spot recommendations from a single system. By streamlining administration, improving consistency and delivering clear, actionable pool health insights, HPP enhances efficiency for franchise partners while strengthening client trust and engagement. It has since become a scalable benchmark for innovation within the network and is now being adopted internationally.

Poolwerx’s marketing strength was also in the spotlight, with global chief marketing officer Nicola Votier taking home the title

Spa Electrics strengthens national sales team

Spa Electrics has appointed two new account managers, strengthening their customer support across Australia as the company celebrates its 50th year in business.

John Orth has been appointed account manager for Queensland.

National sales manager Santo Lentini says that Orth brings more than 38 years of experience in the pool industry, having worked across a broad range of roles including pool technician, manufacturing and distribution.

“He joins Spa Electrics with extensive industry knowledge, strong customer relationships and a wealth of practical experience,” says Lentini.

Anthony Zantides has been appointed account manager for New South Wales.

“Anthony brings more than 14 years of

experience in the pool industry, with a background spanning both distribution and pool equipment manufacturing. His strong product knowledge, industry expertise and understanding of markets and customer needs makes him a valuable addition to the Spa Electrics team,” says Lentini.

“We’re excited to welcome John and Anthony to Spa Electrics. Their industry experience, technical knowledge and customer focus will further strengthen the support we provide to our customers across Queensland and New South Wales,” he says.

This year marks 50 years of Spa Electrics’ Australian manufacturing, and Lentini says they are continuing to invest in their people, products and customer support network as they build for the future.

of Marketing Manager of the Year.

“Nicola was celebrated for delivering high-impact, integrated campaigns that strengthened brand awareness and generated strong lead pipelines across the franchise network,” says Brill.

Over the past 12 months, Nicola has led a series of integrated marketing initiatives that have delivered measurable commercial outcomes for franchise partners, including a 20 per cent increase in Early Buy program adoption, a five per cent uplift in retail average transaction value and overall retail sales growth exceeding 111 per cent year-on-year in 2024.

She helped build long-term capability across the network through scalable initiatives such as the Healthy Pool Plan and Campaign in a Box.

“We’re incredibly proud to see Nicola recognised with this award. Nicola has been instrumental in elevating the Poolwerx brand while ensuring our marketing efforts deliver meaningful results for franchise partners. From driving record campaign performance to supporting innovation across the network, her leadership has had a measurable impact on our business,” says Brill.

Additionally, Phil Colburn was recognised as a finalist in the Field Manager of the Year category.

Industry moves

John Orth

Anthony Zantides

Nicola Votier taking home the title of Marketing Manager of the Year

Vale Robert Savell, pool family legend

Sadly, swimming pool industry veteran Robert Savell passed away in June. He was the owner of two influential businesses, Hydrocare Pool Services and Waterzone Australia, and had a long family history in the residential swimming pool industry.

He was well known to SPLASH! readers and attendees of the SPLASH! Trade Expo, bringing numerous innovative products to the Australian market, and developing methods to economically refurbish older public swimming pools and their plant rooms.

SPLASH! interviewed Robert Savell in November 2014, when he was celebrating the 25th anniversary of his commercial water treatment company Hydrocare Pool Services.

Below we reprise some of the comments from that and other interviews.

A family approach

Dozens of consultants, engineers, suppliers and current and past staff were present at Hydrocare’s 25th anniversary gala, as well as a number of guests who had been associated with Hydrocare in some way over the past quarter century.

The company started in 1987, but the anniversary was counted from the date of its incorporation in August 1989.

“We started work in 1987 with an associate company building 25 metre pools,” Robert said at the time.

“We actually built the Sydney Sports Ground pool in 1987. It was officially opened for the 1988 Bicentennial – and it didn’t need to be renovated until 2013.”

Robert started in the swimming pool industry in 1962, when he was 14 years old and just in second year high school. He stripped formwork from concrete pools for his father, Ray Savell, who was working for the iconic Frank O’Neill Pools, as were his grandfather and uncle.

“My grandfather was a carpenter and had a firm building spec houses, AH Savell and Sons, but they saw the big builders were coming. He could build one house, but someone was coming who could build 20. So they strapped on the nailbags and became formworkers,” he says.

“They actually built the pools, and Frank O’Neill sprayed the concrete and finished the pools – Frank had the first spray concrete rigs in Australia from about 1960.”

Robert said that as they got smarter they began talking to the guys who did the plastering and plumbing.

“That’s how I actually came fully into the business, as a pool plumber doing domestic pools. Then in 1964 they formed Mermaid Pools and that company went on for 27 years. My father, uncle, mother and Aunty Joyce Savell were the partners,” he said.

“We’re a pool family. I could introduce you to people who worked for my father, who started working for him when they were nineteen and couldn’t speak English – just got off the boat from Croatia. Those people now are still in our circle. I can pick up a phone any day and ask can you do a job for me? And they come and do it.”

He says that Hydrocare started as a family business – with his son Peter also working in the company – and they managed to retain that approach.

“If you treat this industry any other way you won’t be successful in it, I’ll tell you now. You have to give your customers the same deal as if you were doing it for your family. Literally. We treat them all like that. Every customer we’ve got, we treat them like family. And that’s why we’ve got so many of them. That’s why we’re doing so well.”

The move to commercial

Mermaid Pools really got going in 1967 with a focus on filtration and water treatment, and in 1974 they became the eastern states distributor for Swimquip filtration, then one of the largest filtration companies in the world, founded way back in 1957 and headquartered in El Monte in California near the City of Industry.

“We were bringing the filters in, knock down in containers, putting them together, spraying them and supplying half the industry. They were beautiful filters. DE filters and some sand, but mostly DE, which was very popular in those days.”

He said it was a natural step from there to commercial.

“I’ll be honest, initially I didn’t like it. I got very peeved by the then Clerk of Works and Public Works, and the actual machinery to do the work was impossible – literally impossible. When you won a contract or did a tender you were basically signing away the left one, and if you didn’t behave you lost the right one too.”

In the 1970s, Robert’s Swimquip engineer was Dr Bill Rowley, regarded as one of the world’s top experts on swimming pool design and construction, both residential and commercial. He introduced him to a health official in the US who gave him some sage advice.

“He told me in no uncertain terms that if I ever wanted to be successful in any commercial endeavour I had to be on side with the health department. So I came back and became very good friends with the health department and we have been ever since.”

He and hydraulics engineer Bob Coleridge kept good communications with the health department and sat on several Australian Standards committees.

“We lurched into the commercial business basically with two major contracts: the Sports Ground job; and the Des Renford pool at Heffron Park. I literally built the whole structure on both those pools. Then we went to Ballina and did Ballina Swim

Robert (right) back in the 1960s, with Peter Bullivant, his first service technician

Robert Savell with Anna Grant, happily catching up with old friends at SPLASH! 2022

“You have to give your customers the same deal as if you were doing it for your family.”

and Gym, and then did a reasonable amount of work on a 50m pool for Wollongong Uni.

“We figured out pretty quickly that it was a mug’s game to build these things. Because it was very hard to do, the contractors were ripping us off and of course the clients were never paying us the right amount of money for the job. So, we then stepped into it as it is today.”

They made an alliance with Jim Douse from Riviera Commercial Pools, who did the building while they did the hydraulics and filtration. They built a reputation based not only on their “family values” but their willingness to head into the country and build pools.

“For example, everyone promised they’d go to Broken Hill and no one did. The tenders were unanswered for six months, and finally after Christmas we took the plunge and went out there and did the job.”

When Douse retired, they partnered with Gino Gigliotti and the Icon Building Group who built their pools, including a renovation at Mittagong and an indoor pool at Lithgow.

In 2025, he closed Hydrocare after 36 years of operation, but continued to operate Waterzone, as he fought his battle against cancer, which sadly he lost.

SPLASH! offers sincere condolences to Robert’s family, friends and colleagues.

Above: Woolgoolga pool manager Scott Hunt met Robert at SPLASH! 2010, resulting in Robert designing a cost effective method of improving water quality based on refurbishing their gravity fed filtration system and replacing old mushroom underdrains with new laterals, dramatically improving the water quality

At SPLASH! 2016 promoting Wibit inflatables and Waterworks International splash pad lighting

Left: At SPLASH! 2012 Robert brought his innovate extra-wide 600mm wet deck grating to market, made in a parallel pattern to stop wave action crossing the trench – and so help keep contaminated water out of the pool. His innovation was successful – he picked up a half-million dollar job on the first morning of that show

One of Hydrocare’s projects at Adelong, New South Wales

The 25th anniversary celebrations at Parramatta Holiday Inn

Our industry’s tentpole event

By Kristin Brookfield

SPASA CEO Kristin Brookfield shares her excitement for SPLASH! 2026.

When I joined SPASA twelve months ago, one of the first things everyone said to me was “It’s a SPLASH! year next year.”

I nodded politely and agreed that this would be an exciting time and an exciting event. Well, 12 months on we have arrived at the main event – SPLASH! 2026 is here.

As the industry’s biennial trade event, SPLASH! is the largest trade exhibition for the swimming pool and spa industry in the Southern Hemisphere. The value of SPLASH! for manufacturers and suppliers is the opportunity for them to showcase their new and innovative products and to meet the people that matter – their trade customers.

The exhibition hall will be filled with more than 140 exhibitor stands this year offering industry a window into the new technology that will be available to help pool builders, retailers and service technicians deliver high quality projects, products and service in the years ahead.

Visiting the SPLASH! exhibition is free of charge with the hall open from 9:30am to 4:30pm on Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th August.

But SPLASH!2026 is more than just the exhibition hall – this year, SPLASH! includes a range of professional development and networking opportunities.

More than just the expo Across the week, make sure you join us for at least one of these extra events and turn your SPLASH!2026 visit into a genuine learning experience:

Tuesday 18 August

• ALL-INdustry Welcome Drinks

Wednesday 19 August

• Women in Industry (WAVES) Breakfast

– Own Your Voice

• SPASA Contracts Master Class

• Water Chemistry & Diagnostics

Master Class

• Pool Systems Performance: Hydraulics & Automation Master Class

• Business Growth through Excellent Customer Experience

• Master Pool Builders Forum

Thursday 20 August

• Queensland Pool Safety Inspector Forum

• Water Chemistry & Diagnostics Master Class

• Pool Systems Performance: Hydraulics & Automation Master Class

• Business Growth through Excellent Customer Experience

• Swimming Pool and Spa Sanitisation Standards & Marketing Claims Workshop

Of course, SPLASH! is also about having fun and celebrating the success of the industry over the past year. The Australasian Gala Awards will be presented on Wednesday night and we look forward to celebrating with the industry as you recognise the best of the best for 2026.

Events like these don’t happen without our SPLASH! Event Partners. Thank you to our Platinum Partner Fluidra, our Gold Partner Pentair Pool and our Silver Partner Reece Irrigation & Pools. They are joined by our Activation Partners – AIS Water, Davey, Maytronics, and our WAVES breakfast partners Compass Pools Australia, AB Phillips and Reece Irrigation & Pools.

Achieving Excellence

The 2026 Awards of Excellence series kicked off this year in New Zealand. Over eight weeks, SPASA celebrated the finalists and winners from each region across New Zealand and Australia.

The awards are a highlight for the association and our members each year. It is no easy feat, with more than 1500 entries from pool builders and installers, manufacturers and suppliers, retail and service providers – along with our muchcelebrated industry professionals.

This year the entry criteria was reviewed and the categories adjusted to help entrants showcase their projects and build the standard of excellence that we know members and consumers

expect our awards to represent. These changes were the first step, and there will be more improvements made in 2027 and beyond.

I’d like to thank our expert panel of judges. We were excited to receive such a remarkable response from across the industry, with almost 50 judges contributing their time, expertise and professionalism to the process. Their involvement has helped elevate the standard of judging and ensure that every entry is assessed with the depth and fairness it deserves.

The awards are not possible without the support of businesses that understand their value in promoting excellence and innovation in the pool and spa industry. Thank you for each of our partners for helping us deliver such a high quality program in 2026.

• Platinum Industry Partner – Fluidra.

• Gold Industry Partner – Pentair Pool.

• Silver Industry Partners – Daisy Pool Covers, Davey Pool Systems, Reece Irrigation and Pools, Pool Systems, The Acoustic Box and Waterco.

• Silver Awards Partners – AB Phillips and Allnex.

• Regional Awards Partners – Austral Pool & Spa Products (NZ), Glazed Co (NSW), The Pool Tile Company (NSW & Qld), Building Approvals & Advice (Qld), Legend Pool Products, Madimack (NT), Reece Irrigation & Pools (NT), Building Rules Consent (SA), JGB Cranes (WA), Tunnel Vision (WA) and WA Salt Supply (WA).

This year we celebrated our finalists and winners in front of almost 2000 guests across the eight regional awards. Congratulations to all our 2026 Regional winners and good luck as you now compete for the coveted Australasian Awards of Excellence on Wednesday 19 August at SPLASH! 2026. See more about the regional winners from page 58.

SPLASH! is the largest trade exhibition for the swimming pool and spa industry

Compact pools, limitless workouts

Veda Dante explores how a new generation of aquatic technologies is transforming compact pools into year-round spaces for exercise, recovery and healthy ageing.

The humble swimming pool is undergoing one of its biggest transformations in decades.

Across homes, aquatic centres, rehabilitation clinics and fitness facilities, it is evolving from a place of recreation into a yearround environment that supports healthier, more active lifestyles.

This shift is being driven by several converging trends. Residential lot sizes continue to shrink while consumers place greater emphasis on health and longevity. Commercial operators are responding by creating spaces that offer far more than recreation, while manufacturers are developing equipment that extracts maximum

performance from a small space.

By Veda Dante

Driven by innovations such as swim jets, underwater treadmills, hydrotherapy and thermal recovery, today’s pools are bringing advanced aquatic fitness within reach of more people than ever before.

Why compact pools are booming

Advances in design and technology have transformed compact pools from a spacesaving alternative into highly versatile aquatic environments. No longer simply a place to escape the summer heat, today’s compact pools are designed to deliver multiple experiences within a modest footprint, making them one of

the fastest growing segments of the market.

Adam Gallagher, business development manager at Compass Pools Australia, says the biggest change isn’t the pool itself, but what consumers now expect it to deliver.

“We’ve seen extraordinary growth in the small pool and recovery market over the past two years,” he says. “People are looking beyond recreation and seeing pools as an investment in their health, recovery and overall wellbeing.”

The company has expanded beyond traditional plunge pools to include immersion therapy pods designed for hot and cold-water therapy.

“What was once considered a niche market has become one of the fastest growing segments of our industry,” Gallagher explains. “We’re working with homeowners, recovery specialists, gyms and medical practitioners who are all recognising the value of water-based wellness.”

Compass Pools has collaborated with organisations including P3 Recovery, World Gym and allied health professionals incorporating hydrotherapy and thermal recovery into rehabilitation, injury management and performance programs, reflecting the broader shift towards aquatic spaces that support active ageing.

The demand for more versatile aquatic spaces is also reshaping product design. Rather than asking homeowners to choose between a pool, spa or fitness solution, pool companies are increasingly combining these experiences into a single installation, giving rise to a new generation of multi-purpose swim spas.

Making every square metre count

As backyards become smaller and outdoor living more considered, swim spas are emerging as an increasingly popular alternative for households wanting to make the most of every square metre.

Lex Grice, Australian business development manager for Hot Spring Spas, says the biggest change has been in the way buyers approach their outdoor spaces.

“People are no longer asking whether they have room for a pool,” he says. “They’re asking how they can create a space that works every day of the year,” he explains. “They want something the whole family can use, whether that’s swimming, unwinding after work, keeping active or simply spending more time together.”

Grice believes this changing mindset has helped move swim spas from a niche product into one of the fastest-growing categories in the aquatic market.

“Fastlane challenged the idea that you needed a long pool to swim properly,” Grice says. “That innovation completely changed what was possible in a residential backyard and it’s even more relevant today as block sizes continue to shrink.”

Long before swim spas became part of the mainstream conversation, Fastlane pioneered propeller-driven, swim-in-place technology in the late 1980s, allowing users to enjoy continuous swimming without the space required for a traditional lap pool.

Rather than choosing between a swimming pool and a spa, consumers are increasingly looking for products that combine multiple functions in a single installation.

“The conversation has shifted from ‘pool or spa’ to ‘how can I create a space that delivers the greatest value for my family?’” he says.

“People want flexibility. They want somewhere they can swim before work, the kids can enjoy after school, and everyone can relax in at the end of the day.”

“Recovery specialists, gyms and medical practitioners are all recognising the value of water-based wellness.”

Designed for everyday living

Grice believes the latest generation of swim spas is broadening the market even further through integrated technologies such as underwater treadmills.

“Not everyone wants to train like an athlete,” he says. “Almost everyone understands walking. When you combine walking or jogging with the buoyancy of water, you create an activity that’s approachable, enjoyable and suitable for people of all ages and abilities.”

For retailers and builders, he says the opportunity extends well beyond selling a single product.

Above: Both rehabilitation and intense workouts are possible with swim jet technology.

Image: iGarden Swimjet from Waterco

Right: Versatility is key –one person can relax while the other exercises.

Image: Hot Springs

“We’re helping people create complete outdoor lifestyle spaces,” says Grice. “Consumers are bringing together swim spas, premium spas, saunas and cold plunge experiences to create somewhere they can use throughout the year. They’re looking for products that deliver lasting value, not just something they’ll enjoy during summer.”

“We’re seeing hydrotherapy, thermal experiences and active recovery become part of everyday routines rather than specialist treatments.

As consumer expectations continue to evolve, Grice believes the strongest products will be those that combine versatility, convenience and everyday enjoyment.

“The more reasons people have to step into the water, the more value they see in their investment,” he says. “That’s where this category is heading.”

Compact pools also provide the ideal platform for a new generation of aquatic exercise technologies. Chief among them are swim jets, which are transforming even the smallest backyard pools into effective training environments.

Turning pools into endless lanes

Few innovations have done more to redefine backyard pools than the swim jet. Creating a continuous current that swimmers can work against, it delivers the experience of lap swimming within a much smaller footprint, transforming plunge pools and courtyard pools into versatile training environments.

“People are no longer asking whether a pool can

be used for fitness,” says Carl Voshege, managing director of Remco Pool Products. “They’re asking how much more it can do.”

For decades, residential pools were designed primarily for leisure and entertaining. Today, homeowners increasingly expect them to support active lifestyles throughout the year.

“The modern pool has evolved beyond recreation,” says Voshege. “Homeowners increasingly see it as an investment in their health, whether that’s swimming for fitness, recovering from injury or staying active each day.”

Counter-current swim systems have removed one of the biggest limitations of residential pools: length. Instead of swimming laps from one end to the other, users remain stationary while swimming against an adjustable current, creating an almost limitless swimming distance in a compact pool.

Today’s systems are designed to adapt to every member of the household.

“Consumers expect much more than simply a strong current,” says Voshege. “The experience needs to feel natural, comfortable and adaptable to different users. One family member might be training for endurance events, another recovering from surgery, while children simply want to play in the current. Remco’s SwimJet is designed to accommodate all those needs.”

Adjustable flow rates, wireless remotes and smartphone controls allow a single system to accommodate everything from technique drills and endurance training to gentle water walking and family games.

“As one of water’s greatest advantages, buoyancy reduces stress on joints while still providing excellent resistance,” he explains.

“The same swim jet can support highperformance training one day and gentle rehabilitation the next.”

The immunotherapeutic benefits of hot and cold bathing is driving increasing interest for these features.

Getting a good workout with a Hot Springs underwater treadmill.

Image: Compass Pools

As demand grows, manufacturers are now turning their attention to another challenge: not just generating a powerful current, but making it feel as smooth and natural as possible.

Making every stroke count

Engineering is now focused less on generating more power and more on improving the quality of the swimming experience.

Rather than simply producing more water flow, we’re now seeing engineering propulsion systems that create stronger, smoother and more consistent currents. This allows swimmers of all abilities to train comfortably and efficiently.

Waterco’s domestic water care product manager George Flory believes the biggest transformation isn’t technical, but behavioural. Swim jets encourage families to use their pools more often and in far more varied ways.

“The real innovation is in the quality of the current,” says Flory. “A smoother, more uniform flow allows swimmers to maintain their rhythm and technique, making the experience feel much closer to open-water or lap swimming.”

Among the latest innovations is Waterco’s Swim Jet P Series, recognised in TIME Best Inventions 2025 for its advanced propulsion technology. Powered by a next-generation permanent magnet motor, it generates water flow of up to 240 cubic metres per hour, while its patented Flow Channel design accelerates water velocity and reduces turbulence to create a more stable swimming experience.

For Flory, swim jets are changing the way homeowners use smaller pools, turning them into spaces that offer far more than a quick escape from the summer heat.

“People want to get the most from their investment,” he says. “A plunge pool is no longer just somewhere to cool off,” he says. “It becomes somewhere to race the kids, improve your fitness, recover after a workout or simply spend more time together as a family.”

Flory says that, as households become more conscious of discretionary spending, many families are spending more time at home.

“People are looking for ways to create memorable experiences closer to home,” he says. “If children are

Five ways to exercise in a compact pool

1. Resistance swimming with swim jets.

2. Water walking and running.

3. Underwater treadmill training.

4. Hydrotherapy and rehabilitation.

5. Strength and balance exercises.

choosing the backyard over another day glued to a screen, that’s a pretty good return on your investment.”

Among the latest innovations are underwater treadmills, which combine water’s natural buoyancy and resistance with controlled cardiovascular training. Together, these technologies are expanding what’s possible in aquatic environments for both commercial operators and homeowners.

Underwater exercise equipment is trending globally . Image: AdobeStock

Underwater treadmills make waves

As aquatic exercise continues to diversify, the industry is also rethinking how people walk, run and rehabilitate in the water.

Swimming isn’t the only aquatic workout benefiting from rapid innovation. Once largely confined to rehabilitation facilities, underwater treadmills are now making their way into aquatic centres, wellness resorts and premium residential settings. By combining the buoyancy of water with controlled cardiovascular exercise, they allow users to walk, jog or run with reduced impact on joints while benefiting from the water’s natural resistance.

Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on durability, user experience and operational efficiency, with advanced hydraulic systems, marine-grade materials and simplified maintenance features helping to broaden the appeal of the technology across commercial and leisure markets.

Warner Pool and Spa Care sales manager Michael Sullivan says increasing demand is

“We expect continued growth in aquatic fitness

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Express Swim Spa from Compass Pools

currently showing strong interest in underwater treadmills,” he says.

“Across Australasia, there is a noticeable shift towards integrating hydrotherapy and low-impact fitness solutions to meet increasing demand for health and recovery services.”

Designed for continuous operation in aquatic environments, the Underwater Treadmill utilises marine-grade materials selected for durability and corrosion resistance. Stainless steel alloys, specialised composites and tempered glass components are engineered to withstand prolonged exposure to chlorinated and saline water while minimising maintenance requirements and extending equipment life.

Performance is further enhanced through hydraulic drive systems and advanced motor technology. Unlike conventional belt-driven treadmills, hydraulic systems provide smooth and consistent resistance while reducing mechanical wear.

“The Underwater Treadmill’s hydraulic running system provides precise control of speed and resistance while eliminating the risk of belt slippage,” Sullivan says.

“Combined with an F-class servo motor, the result is superior responsiveness, quieter operation and reduced maintenance requirements.”

Commercial operators are also seeking equipment that can be installed and serviced efficiently. Modular construction, integrated diagnostics and accessible service points are becoming increasingly important features for facilities looking to minimise downtime and operating costs.

Beyond rehabilitation, underwater treadmills

“Consumers expect much more than simply a strong current.”

are creating opportunities for aquatic centres to expand their service offerings. Operators are using the technology to attract seniors, athletes and fitness enthusiasts seeking lowimpact training options, while developing specialised hydrotherapy programs and premium fitness experiences.

“Over the next five years, we expect continued growth in aquatic fitness solutions driven by demand for healthy ageing, recovery and holistic wellness,” he says.

“Underwater treadmills will play an important role in helping facilities deliver versatile, lowimpact training options that support evolving health and lifestyle expectations.”

With no pumps or plumbing the Remco SwimJet Retrofit counter current system can be installed easily into existing pools

The powerful inbuilt Remco SwimJet dual turbine model

Exercising with wrist weights against the water flow adds more resistance.

Image: Waterco

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Future homes will be built for health

The Global Wellness Summit’s 2026 Future of Wellness report identifies Longevity Residences as one of the decade’s most significant emerging trends, with homes increasingly designed to actively support healthier, longer lives.

Rather than focusing solely on square footage or luxury finishes, tomorrow’s homes are expected to prioritise features that encourage daily movement, recovery and preventative health. The report predicts residential design will increasingly integrate technologies that help people remain active, independent and able to age in place.

For the swimming pool industry, that represents a significant opportunity.

Compact pools equipped with swim jets, hydrotherapy systems, thermal recovery and other aquatic fitness technologies align closely with this shift. Instead of serving as seasonal recreational features, pools are becoming year-round health assets that encourage regular exercise, rehabilitation and active ageing.

As the report concludes, future homes may ultimately be judged not by their size or amenities, but by how effectively they support healthy ageing over the decades, transforming housing into an active partner in lifelong health.

Global wellness trend, local opportunities

Having worked with boutique spas, health retreats, and luxury hotels around the world for more than two decades, international spa and wellness consultant Judy Chapman has watched consumer expectations change dramatically. The traditional hotel pool, she says, is no longer enough.

“Wellness has evolved from something associated with luxury into an everyday expectation,” she says. “People now want spaces such as magnesium pools that help them move, recover, relax and genuinely improve their health.”

Rather than relying on a single recreational pool and adjoining spa, hotels and resorts are increasingly creating dedicated facilities featuring

hydrotherapy magnesium pools, cold plunges, contrast therapy circuits and recovery spaces designed around movement and restoration.

According to Chapman, those experiences are also directly influencing residential design.

“Many of the ideas emerging in boutique hotels eventually find their way into residential backyards, which is really exciting” she says. “People are often introduced to new aquatic experiences while travelling, then ask how they can recreate those benefits in their own backyard.”

From luxury to lifestyle

Chapman says the shift extends well beyond highend tourism.

“I believe some of the best ways to recharge are also the simplest, whether that’s hiking, surfing or walking around your local park,” she says. “However, not everyone has access to those environments. There is an increasing range of affordable options that make many of those same

The iGarden Swimjet from Waterco

The global wellness trend is transitioning from the commercial sphere into Australian backyards

Remote control convenience with the Beta Wellness Swim Machine

“Many of the ideas emerging in boutique hotels eventually find their way into residential backyards.”

physical and mental health benefits available every day, regardless of where you live.”

Her observations align with the Global Wellness Summit’s Future of Wellness report, which identifies healthy ageing, preventative healthcare, and healthy living as some of the defining trends shaping homes, hospitality, and community spaces over the coming decade.

“Wellness real estate is now one of the most robust sectors of the entire wellness economy,” she says.

“We’re seeing hydrotherapy, thermal experiences and active recovery become part of everyday routines rather than specialist treatments,” she says.

As aquatic facilities diversify their offerings and manufacturers continue to innovate, compact pools are evolving into year-round environments for movement, rehabilitation and recovery.

The question is no longer whether a pool integrates with the surrounding landscape, but how it can contribute to healthier, longer lives. From swim jets and hydrotherapy to underwater treadmills and aquatic bikes, today’s technologies are redefining the swimming pool as an investment in lifelong health rather than seasonal recreation.

For homeowners, that means a pool is increasingly viewed as an investment that delivers value every day of the year rather than only during the peak swimming season. For designers, builders and manufacturers, it represents a fundamental shift in the way aquatic spaces are conceived. The question is no longer how large a pool should be, but how effectively it can support movement, connection and healthier living across every stage of life.

www.beta-wellness.com.au

www.compasspools.com.au

www.globalwellnesssummit.com

www.hotspring.com.au

www.judychapman.com.au

www.warnerpoolcare.com

www.waterco.com.au

The benefits of buoyancy with the Warner underwater treadmill, suited for professional training or family leisure

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The Davey Lifeguard system adjusts dosing, chlorination, and heating automatically, even alerting you when salt or minerals run low.

If Wi-Fi isn’t available, control from the unit locally is easy. With seamless integration of Davey’s Nipper, and compatibility with Davey heat pumps, the Davey Lifeguard makes pool care effortless, so you can spend less time maintaining and more time enjoying.

The 6.4-second window: why pool builders must reinvent their marketing now

By Raimond Volpe

Dynamo Selling managing director Raimond Volpe is an award-winning author who has been coaching sales teams for leading Australian organisations for the past 20 years. Here, he offers advice on how to make the most of digital marketing.

Two years ago, the average human attention span was 26 seconds. Today, it’s 6.4. By 2027, it will be 3.7. If you’re a pool builder still running the same marketing you used five years ago, you’re already losing leads. You just don’t know it yet.

Pool building is a high-trust, highinvestment purchase. Customers don’t hand over eighty grand to a stranger. They hand it to someone they’ve already decided to trust before they ever pick up the phone. The question is: in 6.4 seconds, how do you become that someone?

Hook them, or lose them

Every piece of marketing you create, a Google ad, a YouTube short, a Meta reel, a website headline, has one job in the first second: stop the scroll. The hook is everything.

The strongest hooks aren’t about beautiful pools or impressive inclusions; they’re about creating uncertainty that immediately captures attention so you can then articulate the value that sets you apart.

You

Rather than leading with price, they encourage customers to question their decisions and understand the importance of true value. What happens if they choose an unlicensed or unproven builder? The risks can include costly mistakes, unfinished work, disputes, delays and expensive rectification long after the project is complete. Those decisions can ultimately lead to extended timeframes and significantly higher costs.

Image: AdobeStock

Once that uncertainty has been established, the conversation naturally shifts to the value and the solution: a licensed, tried, trusted and proven builder with a reputation for quality, accountability and peace of mind. These hooks cut through the noise, create engagement and keep customers listening.

That’s marketing that lands inside 6.4 seconds.

AI is the new shopfront

The biggest shift happening right now isn’t on Google. It’s on ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. When a homeowner asks an AI “Who’s the best pool builder near me,” the AI hands them a shortlist. If you’re not on that shortlist, you don’t exist in this market.

The good news: ranking on AI is winnable, and it’s winnable fast. AI rewards the same things humans reward: relevance, authority, and consistency. Build SEO content that actually answers the questions your buyers are asking. Enter the industry awards and get them written about. Collect reviews and case studies. Get mentioned across other websites and directories.

The models look at the same signals over and over, so the more consistent your message is across the web, the higher you climb in the answer.

This isn’t a slow burn anymore. Builders who move now can be ranking in months, not years. The ones who wait will be invisible by the time their competitors lock it in.

Meta, Google, and the message everywhere

Meta is where your hook proves itself. Run reels and image ads that lead with the fear and deliver the solution in the same fifteen seconds.

Use Meta to retarget anyone who has visited your site so your message keeps showing up in their feed until they’re ready to call. Layer in Google Ads aligned to the same value proposition so the buyer searching “pool builder near me” sees the exact same promise you ran on Meta.

YouTube is the most underused weapon in the pool building industry. Every video needs four ingredients in this order: a hook in the first three

Raimond Volpe helping his seminar audience unlock their potential

only have 6.4 seconds to convince a consumer to consider you.

“Pool building is a high-trust, high-investment purchase. Customers don’t hand over eighty grand to a stranger.”

seconds, a tight intro, a sharp value proposition, and a direct call to action. Done well, a YouTube video builds trust, boosts your search ranking, and feeds the AI models deciding your next ten years of leads.

And pick up the phone

One last thing. One of our pool builder clients recently told us how they landed a fresh build. The homeowner had rung another local builder first and got an automated message pushing them to fill in a website form. They hung up, dialled the next number, and our client answered. That call became the job. In a 6.4-second world, that is exactly how leads move. Pick up the phone.

Your message is your moat

Stop trying to say everything. Pick one message, your single sharpest value proposition, and hammer it across every channel. What is the one thing every pool buyer wants from you? Certainty? Craftsmanship? A builder who finishes what they start? Find it, own it, and repeat it until your market can recite it back to you.

That message belongs on your website, in your Meta ads, in your Google Ads, in your YouTube hooks, and in the mouth of whoever picks up the phone.

The window is closing

By 2027 you’ll have 3.7 seconds to win or lose a customer.

The pool builders who thrive in that world are the ones moving now: building hooks, naming fears, ranking on AI, running Meta and Google in lockstep, and answering the phone when it rings.

If you’re ready to zero in your marketing for the AI era, from messaging to SEO to AI search rankings, Dynamo can help you get there quickly. Because in a 6.4-second world, slow is the same as invisible.

Contact: rvolpe@dynamoseling.com.au

“YouTube is the most underused weapon in the pool building industry.”

Time is a valuable resource. Buyers make initial online decisions quickly Image: Illustrative only, created with Myedit AI

There are millions of offerings in the online space. You need to cut through quickly. Image: AdobeStock No matter what social platform you’re using, the aim is to stop the scroll. Image: AdobeStock

Chlorine exposure limit remains unchanged

New chlorine exposure limits

In April 2026, SPASA advised members that Safe Work Australia (SWA) had proposed significantly lower airborne Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for nine chemicals, including chlorine, as part of Australia’s move away from Workplace Exposure Standards (WES).

At the time, this revision looked like it would have widereaching disruptive consequences on almost all sectors of the swimming pool industry. You can read the original article outlining SPASA’s concerns and letters to Ministers here: https://tinyurl.com/exposure-limits.

Following this communication, in mid-June SWA released all the information regarding Australia’s transitioning from the WES list for airborne contaminants to the WELs limits. The new WELs come into effect on December 1, 2026.

With this release, SWA revealed the new WELs airborne contaminants hub which brings together practical information and a range of resources to support employers, workers and technical audiences, including occupational hygienists and WHS professionals, to prepare for the transition.

Most relevant for the swimming pool industry, the new WELs list confirmed that there is no change to the WELs for chlorine. They remain an eight hour time-weighted average, short term exposure limit of 1ppm (or 3mg per cubic metre).

View the airborne contaminants hub and access the resources: https://tinyurl.com/airbornecontaminants-hub.

WA home building contract consultation

In May, the WA Government, through the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIRS), and Building and Energy, undertook a major review of the homebuilding contract legislation, including the Home Building Contracts Act 1991 (except Part 3A), and the dispute resolution/ complaint process in Parts 2 and 3 of the Building Services (Complaint Resolution and Administration) Act 2011.

There were 41 proposed changes across 20 different areas, including deposit limits, cooling-off periods, price escalation time frames, inspections, powers, and more. After seeking feedback from members, SPASA provided LGIRS with a submission which addressed the swimming pool industry’s key concerns.

SPASA also took the opportunity to raise two related issues not addressed in the discussion paper: registration and licensing, and expanding the permitted inclusions for price escalations.

Read SPASA’s submission to the consultation, as well as view the consultation material here: https://tinyurl.com/WA-contract-consultation.

Vic Home Warranty insurance replaces DBI

From 1 July 2026 the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) introduced Home Warranty, which is the new mandatory insurance cover scheme builders must purchase on behalf of the homeowner, for residential building projects up to three storeys and valued at more than $20,000.

While the Home Warranty has completely replaced the Domestic Building Insurance (DBI), existing DBI policies which were in place before July 1 will remain in place until their

By Ben Makepeace

expiry, with private insurers supporting those policies under their current terms and conditions.

These changes came alongside changes to Minimum Financial Requirements (MFR) and the introduction of Rectification Orders. For more: www.bpc.vic.gov.au.

Contracts

SPASA’s contracts for each state are available to members through the Member Portal on its website. Members are able to get support and training on the digital platform, and the practical use of the contract in their business. This suite also includes a range of contract notices such as extensions of time, variations, commencement and completion.

Our goals are to ensure our contracts are legally up-to-date, reduce risk, improve enforceability, and make it easier to use and understand both for members and their clients.

SPASA has this year revised its standard contracts for Western Australia, Queensland, and will shortly revise the SPASA Standard contract for Victoria to bring it in-line with the most recent changes brought on by the BPC. In the interim the Victorian contract has a transitional amendment agreement to ensure clarity while updated regulations continue to be released.

SPASA members can organise training and access through our contracts team contracts@spasa.com.au.

SPLASH! 2026 launch

SPASA Guide: Swimming pool and spa sanitisation marketing claims will be launched at SPLASH!.

Last year, SPASA recognised the growing concerns from members regarding inconsistent output claims, unclear labelling, and product transparency across the various products and systems used to meet water quality standards in swimming pools and spas.

These inconsistencies have the potential to impact consumer trust, product safety, and regulatory compliance.

SPASA convened a dedicated advisory working group of industry members, technical experts and regulatory stakeholders. Together, they developed a guide, which includes a framework for validating product claims, ensuring that any claim made in the market is verifiable, transparent, and comparable.

Importantly, this initiative goes beyond commercial fairness. It is about safeguarding public health, ensuring product safety, and preserving trust in the industry.

SPASA is excited to be able to launch this guide at SPLASH! 2026. Attendees will be able to hear from panel members who were involved in its development, take a first look at the guide, and ask questions of the panellists.

For tickets: https://tinyurl.com/SPLASH-ticketed-events

The airborne contaminants hub

Reversed

The inspirational story of how swimming healed an outback farmer

From severe depression on an outback sheep station to swimming the English Channel.

We all know swimming can be reinvigorating and excellent for physical and mental health. It can also be life-saving.

The Desert Swimmer is the inspirational true story of an Aussie bloke from the outback, crippled with depression, who challenges himself to swim the English Channel as a way of managing his mental health struggles.

Brendan Cullen manages Kars Station, a 10,000-head sheep property 65 kilometres outside Broken Hill, New South Wales. In 2022, despite his nearest beach being more than 600 kilometres away, he swam the English Channel.

Brendan is passionate about fitness and health, as he likes to live by the “fit body, fit mind” ethos. Taking up swimming was part of Brendan’s recovery from his severe depression,

and the story of how swimming helped him overcome his mental health challenges is compelling.

The illness had seen him cope in highly unhealthy ways. He was drinking, overworking, and being emotionally absent for years – until he found the strength to walk through the doors of Broken Hill Hospital and ask for help. Then, in 2015, he watched his brother compete in an open-water swim. A year later he was doing the same.

Despite it being exhausting and challenging, it made him feel vitally alive. In 2018 he saw an advertisement encouraging swimmers to take on the English Channel, and an idea was sparked.

His swimming pool on Kars Station was his daily routine, but soon he was adding to that by training for hours before dawn in the murky Menindee Lake system, determined to take on one of the world’s most extreme ocean swims.

And complete it he did – but not without many physical and mental challenges. After strong currents dragged him off course, his journey was extended to 64 kilometres – almost double the most direct route – and it took him 17 hours to make the crossing.

A role with Lifeline then eventuated with Brendan becoming a peersupport mental health champion for rural people through the We’ve Got Ya Back initiative, a partnership between Lifeline and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

The Desert Swimmer is written with the help of Melbourne-based writer Paul Mitchell, whose works include the novel We. Are. Family., and collections of non-fiction, fiction, poems and essays.

The Desert Swimmer by Brendan Cullen with Paul Mitchell is available for $34.99 from https://tinyurl.com/Desert-Swimmer

The Desert Swimmer by Brendan Cullen with Paul Mitchell

Brendan Cullen on the outback station he manages

Selling your pool or spa business

Many small business owners in the pool and spa industry work long hours and forsake holidays for years – their big payday often coming when they sell their business. But how do you ensure it is ready for sale, and that you'll get the best price? This is part one of a two-part feature series.

Don’t leave planning too late

Christian Golding of Pitcher Partners explains the importance of planning ahead.

For many small-to-medium enterprise owners, the business is both their primary source of income and their largest capital asset. Yet sale and succession planning is often left too late, with attention only turning to the issue when a buyer appears, a health event occurs, or retirement becomes immediate.

Often, better outcomes are achieved when planning starts early and exit readiness is approached as an ongoing strategic process rather than a one-off transaction.

Preparing a business for sale or transition to the next generation involves many moving parts.

Key considerations include the owners’ objectives and legacy, the quality of the financial records, the strength of the operating framework, and the structuring of the transaction and sale proceeds to improve after-tax outcomes for the owner and their family.

Start with your own objectives

A common mistake is to begin with mechanics before first deciding what success looks like.

Owners should step back and articulate why they are considering a sale and what they are trying to achieve. Obviously maximising value is often the first thing that comes to mind, however other priorities may include preserving the brand, protecting long-serving staff, retaining the business within the family, securing ongoing involvement during a transition period, or creating liquidity to fund retirement.

These objectives can conflict with one another and a seller who wants the highest price may need to accept a third-party buyer and stronger earn-out conditions, whereas a family succession may involve a lower immediate value but better legacy outcomes.

Clarifying these trade-offs early helps shape all later decisions.

Each option has different implications for timing, value, funding, governance and tax. A third-party sale often requires stronger market positioning and a more formal due diligence process. Family succession typically calls for greater attention to governance, fairness between active and non-active children, and the estate planning consequences of transferring value over time.

Financial statements and business records

Well before any transaction, owners should ensure that the financial statements, management accounts and tax records present a clear and credible picture of the business. Buyers value certainty. Where reporting is incomplete, inconsistent or overly dependent on the owner’s personal knowledge, it can result in a lower valuation or more onerous contract terms given the buyer is typically talking on more uncertainty and hence risk. Buyers want quality financial and business information that clearly explains how the business works and what risks and rewards attach to it.

customer relationships are crucial.

“Every improvement you make today contributes to the value of the business you’ll eventually hand over tomorrow.”

In practical terms, this may include normalising earnings, separating personal expenses from underlying business performance, and ensuring lodgements are current. The stronger the integrity of the numbers, the easier it is to explain maintainable earnings and defend value.

Ensure key contracts and legal arrangements are in place

Owners are often surprised by how much value can be lost because critical relationships are poorly documented. A buyer will want to understand exactly what it is acquiring and whether important revenue streams, supply arrangements and intellectual property are secure. This means reviewing customer contracts, supplier agreements, leases, finance documents, employment agreements, licences, franchise documentation. If material terms are only dealt with informally, risk increases and value can be negatively impacted.

Planning a sale begins a long time before the final handshake.

Image: AdobeStock

It is equally important to prepare forwardlooking information. Historical accounts matter, but successors are also interested in future cash flow, customer concentration, staff dependency, margins and working capital needs. A business with sound budgeting, reliable cash flow and a clear growth story is generally easier to sell or transition. By contrast, where revenue depends heavily on a small number of customers, margins are under pressure, or the owner remains central to daily sales and relationships, these issues should be identified early and addressed where possible before any process begins.

For businesses with multiple parties, ownership transfer should be formalised through appropriate agreements that address transfer events such as death, disability, retirement or dispute. A buy-sell agreement is a framework to formalise aspects such as who can buy an owner’s interest, when that can occur, and how price will be calculated.

In a family business legalities can also intersect with family dynamics, if the next generation is expected to assume control, the business should be clear on roles, decision rights, remuneration and accountability.

Review ownership structure and tax outcomes before the transaction

One of the most important areas in planning is the ownership and tax structure through which the business is held. The structure that made sense when the owner is considering its future sale. Ownership structure can materially affect tax, risk, and how sale proceeds are ultimately distributed or reinvested. These matters should generally be reviewed well before any deal is contemplated.

Documented

Image: AdobeStock

“Financial statements, management accounts and tax records should present a clear and credible picture of the business.”

There are some very generous tax concessions available for small businesses and recently announced changes will increase the eligibility for some accessing the concessions.

There are four separate small business CGT concessions that can significantly reduce or eliminate tax on the sale:

• The 15-year exemption,

• The 50 per cent active asset reduction,

• The retirement exemption, and

• Rollover relief.

The applicable concession/s and potentially the order in which concessions apply also matters. These should be part of forward planning, because ownership structure can impact the application of the concessions.

The concessions can directly interact with retirement planning strategies, meaning accounting and financial planning should work closely together. A transaction that is commercially successful but poorly structured can result in materially weaker outcomes for the owners.

Succession and estate planning

Well before any transaction, owners should ensure documentation truly and visibly represents the business.

Succession to the next generation is often discussed as though it were simply a transfer of ownership, but in reality it raises broader questions of capability, fairness, control and family dynamics. These factors can be commercially and emotionally difficult to address, which is why they benefit from early and structured discussion. Legal input and the use of governance structures such as a Family Charter may assist in providing frameworks and guidelines to help streamline operations and reduce family disputes in the future.

Succession planning should also account for unplanned events. Illness, incapacity or death can destabilise a business quickly if there is no documented pathway for ongoing continuity.

Estate planning is equally important. The sale of a business represents a material change to the owners financial position often requiring a complete review of the existing estate plan.

The estate plan is more than just wills, and needs to consider the transition and control of non-estate assets such as family trust and nominations in superannuation arrangements. These mechanisms need to work collaboratively with intentions stated in the will to avoid any surprises. Other elements such as powers of attorney also need to be considered to allow financial matters to be addressed in the event of an owner’s incapacity. The business transition often exposes long-standing estate planning gaps that need to be addressed before they become disputes.

From an advisory perspective, succession planning sits squarely at the intersection of corporate, tax and financial planning advice, therefore requiring a co-ordinated approach across professionals.

A conversation about sale readiness can naturally extend to business valuation, family governance, retirement modelling, superannuation strategy, estate planning, investment of sale proceeds, asset protection and philanthropy.

Earlier engagement allows more time to improve outcomes, manage expectations and demonstrate value through a genuinely integrated advice process rather than a reactive post-sale investment discussion.

SPLASH! will look more closely as succession planning in the next edition.

Christian Golding and Pitcher Partners Wealth (WA) Pty Ltd are Authorised Representatives of Sentry Advice Pty Ltd, (ABN 77 103 642 888) AFSL 227748. This information is general information only and is not intended to constitute advice. Individuals should seek formal advice concerning their own specific circumstances and needs. Contact: www.pitcher.com.au

It’s never too early to start preparing your business for sale

Swimart multi-store franchisee Brandon Hill offers his expertise on preparing a business for sale.

Your journey to sell starts from day one of purchase.

By imagining your business’s future outcome (sunset point) you then can work towards achieving your goal – whatever that might be.

Don’t worry if you haven’t considered this upon starting, you can reboot and commence now. By doing so you can demonstrate your strategies, your purposes, your actions, and your outcomes to achieve this goal. This not only keeps you focused, but it also challenges you to continue to adjust and tweak your plans, as the business and consumer landscape changes, to keep true to your own objectives.

In certain circumstances, by being in touch with both factors (your desired outcome and market conditions) you may need to pivot the business significantly to keep relevant. By staying close to your plan through your business journey, you will be amazed how incredibly ready you are. And don’t forget, someone might just come along unexpectantly and want to purchase.

What preparations are required to ensure a business is sale-ready?

From day one, create a clear strategy and business plan. Your infrastructure should then reflect your plans resulting in your increased ability to demonstrate, by measurable and saved outcomes, your results (key performance indicators) against the plans.

Like every story, keep all parts of your journey visible and recorded. Trying to explain the unexplainable is most difficult. A comprehensive independent third party (typically your accountant), reconciled P&L and balance sheet are a must, including a crystal-clear asset list (while maintaining the quality of your assets) and stock at valuation (SAV) is vital.

It is therefore important to keep your closing stock (if it is a product business) counted (via stocktake). Relationships are vital, they are your verbal and written references, in particular a clean bill of health with your creditors.

And finally, the most important endorsement, your customers. Besides impressive revenue, GP and EBITDA results, the business’ database of credible consumer information is critical.

By doing so, your purpose can be shared with your team and your associated business partners without encumbrance or surprise.

The information memorandum

Post the signing of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) by your potential business suitor or investor, an Information Memorandum (IM) is shared.

This high-level window of insight to your business is crucial. Generally speaking, your IM is a comprehensive business paper that is used when buying a business (or raising capital). Your IM should cover typical key business points including an executive summary, company overview and history, market and industry analysis, products and services, financial performance and projections, management and personnel and sale price. Don’t hesitate to provide the buyer with opportunities to continue business growth – this is imperative for dialogue and negotiation throughout the selling process.

Documentation and brokers

Avoid the pressure. Remember you buyer may astutely want to go beyond IM and investigate your business processes. Building process documentation over your time as a business owner is both organic and simpler to update and finesse, rather than writing it in full throughout the selling process. Your ability to explain any necessary detail throughout helps add believability.

“Your ability to explain any necessary detail throughout helps add believability.”

Typically, a business broker acts as your intermediary between the buyer and seller. From marketing your business to their buyer audience, the broker’s role is to assist you in getting market ready including preparation and valuation, marketing and match making, confidentiality and negotiation, closing the deal.

Selling a franchise sale versus a privately owned company

Should you own a franchised business the main point of difference is to proactively include your franchisor throughout the process.

While you will need to check your deed, there can be clauses that allow the franchisor the power of veto of the hopeful buyer. They too have their brand to protect.

The franchisor may have a preferred path and partners to assist in the selling process. The strength of the franchised brand – Swimart in my case – can and will attract interested buyers simply by the market penetration and brand’s recall and awareness. Work with them, they too have a long-term financial interest, and customer satisfaction is in their interest.

In Swimart’s case, there is now a powerful relation with Eden Exchange. Eden Exchange is an all-in-one digital platform and marketplace that simplifies the process of buying, selling and franchising businesses. They have a significant reach in the market that tailors your offer to a large, targeted pool of purchasers.

Brandon Hill has accumulated extensive business expertise derived from 30 years of corporate leadership including small-to-medium sized enterprises, 20 years of executive & C suite responsibility, and buying, merging and selling businesses from startups to owning, developing and selling his own businesses. He is presently working through the process of selling Swimart Lindfield through Eden Exchange.

Contact: https://swimart.com.au/franchise-centre https://edenexchange.com

Brandon Hill at his Swimart store

One of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make.

Andrew Walker, chief of franchise development at Poolwerx, discusses preparing your business for a successful sale.

For many owners, selling their business is one of the biggest financial decisions they’ll ever make. Yet it’s surprising how many owners spend years building the business, but spend very little time preparing for the eventual exit.

Many independent pool business owners feel very attached to their business and sometimes have difficulty deciding to sell. But having an exit strategy with a reputable pool business willing to either acquire your business or offer a pathway to conversion, would take the pain out of selling.

The businesses that achieve the strongest sale prices aren’t necessarily the biggest. They’re the ones that are well organised, financially disciplined and capable of thriving without the owner.

If selling is on your horizon, whether that’s in two years or twenty, the work starts well before the business goes to market.

Great businesses are built to outlast their owners

One of the first things a buyer looks for is risk. If every major client relationship sits with the owner, if only one person understands the estimating process, or if key decisions can’t be made without you, the business becomes much harder to sell.

Regardless of whether you operate a pool construction company, retail business, service operation or manufacturing business, your goal should be to create an organisation that can continue performing without your daily involvement.

That means documenting processes, developing leaders within the business and ensuring knowledge is shared rather than held by one individual.

Buyers purchase confidence, not just profit

Financial performance will always influence value, but buyers are looking for more than healthy revenue – they want confidence.

That confidence comes from clean financial records, consistent profitability, reliable reporting, strong cash flow, and a business with predictable future earnings.

Working with your accountant to present clear financial information well before a sale can significantly improve buyer confidence and reduce friction during due diligence.

Strong relationships create lasting value

In every sector of the pool and spa industry, relationships matter.

Long-term commercial clients, repeat residential customers, trusted supplier partnerships and an experienced team all contribute to the goodwill of a business.

Increasingly, your digital reputation is just as valuable. Positive online reviews, a professional website and an active digital presence all demonstrate that the business has a strong reputation that extends beyond the current owner.

Systems increase value

Businesses with documented systems are almost always more attractive than those built on instinct alone.

Whether it’s quoting, project management, inventory control, customer communication or service delivery, buyers place significant value on businesses that operate consistently and efficiently.

Technology also plays an increasingly important role. Businesses that have embraced digital systems generally offer better visibility, stronger reporting and smoother transitions for new owners.

“Business

sale planning and private wealth advice should be closely integrated.”

Presentation matters

Selling a business is similar to selling a home. Potential buyers notice everything, from the condition of equipment and vehicles through to the cleanliness of your workshop, warehouse or showroom.

Small improvements can have a disproportionate impact on how professionally the business is perceived.

Transitioning from independent to franchise

For many independent pool business owners, the biggest hurdle to a lucrative exit is scale and structure. You might have a fantastic local reputation, but without a national brand footprint or corporate scaffolding, a buyer might see your business as too reliant on your personal name.

This is where a strategic pivot can change the game. In my opinion, transitioning your independent business into a structured network like Poolwerx before executing your exit strategy acts as the ultimate value accelerator. It instantly solves the biggest concerns an incoming buyer has. If you are looking to sell in the next two to five years, bringing in a franchise partner isn’t just an operational change; it is a deliberate wealthcreation strategy designed to set up the biggest sale of your life.

Know your purpose and your magic number

Before you sit down at the negotiating table, you must be clear on your personal goals. Why are you selling, and what do you hope to achieve?

Having a definitive exit strategy prevents you from making emotional decisions during negotiations. It also helps you identify the right buyer, someone who will look after the staff and customers you spent years building a community with.

The best time to prepare is now

The strongest business sales rarely happen by chance.

They are the result of years of disciplined planning, continuous improvement and deliberate investment.

Whether your exit is approaching or still many years away, every improvement you make today contributes to the value of the business you’ll eventually hand over tomorrow.

Contact: www.poolwerx.com.au

ACT Awards of Excellence

The ACT winners and finalists of the SPASA Regional Awards of Excellence

Major awards

Business of the Year: Leader Pools

Concrete Pool of the Year: Curtin, Leader Pools

Fibreglass Pool of the Year: Capital Fibreglass Pools

Prefabricated Pool of the Year: Capital Fibreglass Pools

Product of the Year: Opal Ultra Cartridge Filter, Waterco Limited

Professional of the Year: Rob Sterland, Pentair Pool

Renovation Project of the Year: Leader Pools

Small Pool of the Year: Leader Pools

Spa of the Year: Leader Pools

Business

Best Concrete Pool Builder: Leader Pools

Best Fibreglass Pool Builder: Capital Fibreglass Pools

Finalist: ACT Pools

Best Mobile Service Business: Total Pool Service

Finalist: Pristine Pools Canberra

Best Professional Service Business: ACT Certification

Finalist: Pool Site Quote (PSQ)

Best Supplier: Pentair Pool

Marketing Campaign Award: ACT Pools

Finalist: Waterco Limited

Person

Construction Tradesperson Award: Tom Hickey, ACT Pools

In-Field Service Technician Award: Aaron Matthews, Pristine Pools Canberra

Finalist: Andrew Sefton, Pristine Pools Canberra

Operational Excellence Award: Rob Sterland, Pentair Pool

Finalist: Charlie Hamilton, Pristine Pools Canberra; Nicholas Gainey, Capital Fibreglass Pools

Pool & Spa Barrier Inspector Award: David Eadie, Canberra Pool Inspections

Finalist: Jason Huntly, Total Pool Service; Scott Wrigley, ACT Certification

Professional of the Year: Rob Sterland,

Concrete Pool of the Year: Curtin, Leader Pools

Pentair Pool

Pool Sales Representative Award: Tom Jones, ACT Pools

Finalist: Ben Main, Pristine Pools Canberra

Rising Star Award: Jordan Smith, Total Pool Service

Finalist: Nathan Simmons, Pristine Pools Canberra

Spa Sales Representative Award: Harry Whyte, Spa World Australia

Supplier Salesperson Award: Adam Gallagher, Compass Pools Manufacturing Australia

Product

Innovative Product Award: Opal Ultra Cartridge Filter, Waterco Limited

Finalist: Freshwater IQ Precision Dosing System, Hot Spring; Tri-X Filter, Hot Spring

New Product Award: Luxury Vortex Elementa

Outdoor Sauna, Spa World

Finalist: Freshwater IQ Precision Dosing System, Hot Spring; Tri-X Filter, Hot Spring

Sustainable Product Award: Opal Ultra Cartridge Filter, Waterco Limited

Project

Concrete Lap Pool: Leader Pools

Concrete Pool & Spa Combination: Leader Pools

Finalist: Leader Pools

Concrete Pool over $240,000: Leader Pools

Finalist: Leader Pools

Concrete Pool up to $160,000: Leader Pools

Finalist: Leader Pools

Concrete Pool up to $240,000: Leader Pools

Finalist: Leader Pools

Courtyard/Small Pool over $80,000: Leader Pools

Finalist: Capital Fibreglass Pools

Courtyard/Small Pool up to $80,000: Pristine Pools Canberra

Enclosed/Indoor Pool: Leader Pools

Fibreglass Pool & Spa Combination: Platinum Springs Sanctuary, Capital Fibreglass Pools

Fibreglass Pool over $120,000: Solstice Sanctuary

Fibreglass Pool up to $120,000: ACT Pools

Finalist: Capital Fibreglass Pools

Fibreglass Pool up to $60,000: ACT Pools

Finalist: Pristine Pools Canberra

In-ground Spa: Leader Pools

Finalist: Capital Fibreglass Pools

Prefabricated Pool over $60,000: Capital

Fibreglass Pools

Renovation over $80,000: Leader Pools

Fibreglass Pool of the Year: Capital Fibreglass Pools

Business of the Year: Leader Pools

Best Mobile Service Business: Total Pool Service

Concrete Pool of the Year: Transform Pools and Spas

NSW Awards of Excellence