SPLASH October-November 2020 by The Intermedia Group

Swimming Pools / Leisure / Aquatics / Spas / Health

Issue 132 October/November 2020

Awards of Excellence Part 2: National and NZ awards Swim school photos Underwater pride and joy Aquatic centre data helping beat the Post-covid drop-off

Retail innovation In the time of covid

www.splashmagazine.com.au

It’s time to embrace the ‘new normal’ in swimming pool water disinfection 2020 is the year when normal became history, when our attention has turned to preserving our earth’s resources and keeping our communities safe and well. For years people have been disinfecting their swimming pools with liquid or granular chlorine dosing. It’s unsafe, cumbersome and wastes millions of litres of water each year. Independent tests and research by Griffith University Brisbane showed that when using liquid or granular chlorine pool water was unbalanced 50% and 80% of the time respectively.

Yet with AIS Water’s disinfection technology the water was balanced 100% of the time. That same research showed that AIS Water’s technology saves up to 1.6million litres of water, in one 50 metre swimming pool each year. That’s over $40,000 AUD per year in savings.* AIS Water offers the most efficient and safest method of disinfecting pool water. Chlorine is created within the pool water, not added. It’s time to farewell history and embrace the ‘new normal’ of Australian made, water disinfection.

TRADITIONAL METHODS OF CHLORINE DOSING:

AIS WATER TECHNOLOGY:

• Dangerous • Cumbersome • Waste water

• Convenient • Safe • Saves water

* Grifith University study has a 95% confidence level (+/- .05) and is based on an average long course 50m pool with a water cost of $1.60/kL. The cost comparison is based on AIS Water technology versus granular and liquid dosing. © Australian Innovative Systems Pty Ltd 2020.

aiswater.com.au

For freshwater swimming pools EcoLine® is the absolute ‘best in class’ inline chlorine generator designed for low-salinity and competition swimming pools with TDS levels between 1200ppm and 4,000ppm. AIS Water defines a commercial freshwater swimming pool as pool water with TDS levels between 1200 – 2,500ppm.

For salt-water pools AutoChlor® is a well-recognised, global brand of inline chlorine generators and is considered essential for salt-water, coastline and seawater pools with salinity levels between 4,000 - 35,000ppm.

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A 25 year history of innovation and a laser focus in chlorine generation via electrolysis.

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Published by The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd ABN 940 025 83 682 41 Bridge Road, Glebe, NSW, 2037 Australia Ph: (02) 9660 2113 Fax: (02) 9660 4419 On behalf of The Swimming Pool & Spa Association of Australia Ltd (SPASA Australia) Publisher: Simon Cooper Managing Editor: Chris Maher Phone: 0412 048 639 Email: chrismaher@intermedia.com.au

editorial

Contributors: Veda Dante, Cal Stanley, Eddie Lloyd, Tony Rogers, Joan Slaughter, Suzanne Mitchell. Advertising Manager: David Stennett Phone: 0404 725 554 Email: david@spasa.com.au Art Director: Chris Papaspiros Production Manager: Jacqui Cooper Subscriptions: 1800 651 422 Email: subscriptions@intermedia.com.au Copyright All material in this publication is copyright to the publisher and/or its contributors. No material may be reproduced without the express permission of the publishers.

Disclaimer: This publication is published by The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd (the “Publisher”) on behalf of SPASA Australia. Materials in this publication have been created by a variety of different entities and, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher accepts no liability for materials created by others. All materials should be considered protected by Australian and international intellectual property laws. Unless you are authorised by law or the copyright owner to do so, you may not copy any of the materials. The mention of a product or service, person or company in this publication does not indicate the Publisher’s endorsement. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Publisher, its agents, company officers or employees. Any use of the information contained in this publication is at the sole risk of the person using that information. The user should make independent enquiries as to the accuracy of the information before relying on that information. All express or implied terms, conditions, warranties, statements, assurances and representations in relation to the Publisher, its publications and its services are expressly excluded save for those conditions and warranties which must be implied under the laws of any State of Australia or the provisions of Division 2 of Part V of the Trade Practices Act 1974 and any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof. To the extent permitted by law, the Publisher will not be liable for any damages including special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages (including but not limited to economic loss or loss of profit or revenue or loss of opportunity) or indirect loss or damage of any kind arising in contract, tort or otherwise, even if advised of the possibility of such loss of profits or damages. While we use our best endeavours to ensure accuracy of the materials we create, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher excludes all liability for loss resulting from any inaccuracies or false or misleading statements that may appear in this publication. This issue of SPLASH! magazine published by The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd (Intermedia) may contain magazine or subscription; offers, competitions, forms and surveys (Reader Offers) which require you to provide information about yourself, if you choose to enter or take part in them. If you provide information about yourself to Intermedia, Intermedia will use this information to provide you with the products of services you have requested and may supply your information to contractors that help Intermedia to do this. Intermedia will also use your information to inform you of other Intermedia publications, products, services and events. Intermedia may give your information to organisations that are providing special prizes or offers that are clearly associated with the Reader Offer. Unless you tell us not to, we may give your information to other organisations that may use it to inform you about other products, services or events or to give it to other organisations that may use it for this purpose. If you would like to gain access to the information Intermedia holds about you, please contact Intermedia’s Privacy Officer at The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd, PO Box 55, Glebe, NSW 2037.

Chris Maher Managing Editor chrismaher@ intermedia.com.au

As I write this, with the wind howling outside my window and the rain pouring down, I can’t help but think back to how the weather was this time last year. Stinking hot, skies smoky from the first megafires, the pall of Black Summer just over the horizon. As we suffered through the extended bushfire season, most people were looking forward to the relief of rain and a drop in temperature, and hoping for an easier time. Little did we know, that was just the beginning. Fires were followed by floods – with some regions getting the double whammy of one straight after the other. And before we had a chance to draw breath, covid. There’s no doubt that the pool and spa industry has been luckier than many sectors throughout the pandemic, with so many homeowners realising the great mental and physical health benefits of owning and using swimming pools and spas. But it has still been extremely difficult for many, many businesses and the families that run them – we only have to think of the difficulties faced by the people of Melbourne. Thankfully, at the time of writing, it appears Melbourne may finally be moving out of the worst of it and things are returning, if not to normal, at least to covid-normal. Resilience has won out in this particular battle – but we know the war isn’t over yet. There have been so many changes to the way we live our lives and do business, and some of those changes may remain – at least in part – into the future. In this issue, Veda Dante looks into the changes in the retail sector to see which ones are likely to remain once this pandemic is finally over. We also continue our award season coverage, with a comprehensive list of the Australian National Awards of Excellence and the New Zealand Awards of Excellence. Next issue we will delve a little deeper into the stories behind some of those winners. I’m sure more great projects are being built right now, despite the obstacles this year has thrown up, and will be ready for the awards next year. Good luck for profitable season and, as always, stay safe.

Proudly supported by

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

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

The cover shows the National Pool of the Year by Laguna Pools & Spas. There is more on the Australian National Awards of Excellence from page 44.

October/November 2020 SPLASH! 7

Contents 27

32 25 The importance of properly

maintained water Professor Helen Stratton makes a solid case that pools and spas should be treated by professionals during covid.

All the winners and runners up in the New Zealand Swimming Pool & Spa Awards of Excellence.

Tony Rogers talks to Amanda Stephenson from the newly named pool construction business, Hydrilla.

Eddie Lloyd explains the latest thing in secondary sanitisation: advanced oxidation process, in particular, the role of photocatalytic oxidation.

Joan Slaughter explains how underwater photography can add to a child’s swimming lesson experience.

James Ellender explains the benefits of analysing data from individual aquatic centres – as well as from across the sector – to find a path for future success.

SPLASH! introduces Daena Bougoure-Latchford, whose industry journey began at her father’s retail and aboveground pool installation business in Frankston.

Veda Dante looks at the changes pool and spa retailers have had to make to continue to trade in the covid environment – and discovers some modifications are likely to continue into the future.

64 An underwater record of pride and joy

68 Using data to survive the post-covid drop-off

30 Meet SPASA Australia’s Victorian manager

32 Retail innovation in the time of covid

All the winners and runners up in the Australian National Swimming Pool & Spa Awards of Excellence.

51 New Zealand Awards of Excellence

27 The company that lives and breathes water

28 How does AOP work?

44 National Awards of Excellence

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

Commercial news . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

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

New products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

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

Ad index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

October/November 2020 SPLASH! 9

news

Covid-19

Pool and spa industry freed up as Melbourne lockdown comes to a close The most restrictive elements of the Victorian response to the second covid wave have gone and the Melbourne lockdown is over. This means greater freedoms for the industry, including enabling pool maintenance and construction services to carry out their work in an unrestricted manner while taking into account covidsafe practices.

Industry businesses must abide by covid-safe principles for business including ensuring physical distancing of 1.5 metres, wearing face masks, practising good hygiene, keeping good records and acting quickly if staff become unwell. They must also avoid interactions in close spaces and create workforce bubbles. At the time of writing further easing of restrictive

measures across Melbourne was anticipated. Spiros Dassakis says SPASA Australia is grateful for the ongoing dialogue with government that has seen their efforts crystalised and rewarded. “Small scale construction that allows for pool and spa repairs and maintenance comes after significant pressure by SPASA Australia. While we welcome this

sensible change, we recognise that it will take some time for our industry to recover the huge losses it has experienced since the restrictions first started,” he says. “This change is the right decision by Government to get pool builders and ancillary trades back on to work sites to undertake small scale construction and renovation work.” Victorian Premier Dan Andrews said in his statement that thousands more Victorians will now be getting back to work – particularly those who work outside including tradies. He says the timeline is based on the current advice of the public health team. SPASA Victoria has also been lobbying the Victorian government and said they are very pleased the government has now announced a loosening of restrictions. IMPORTANT: Restrictions in Victoria are changing regularly and at short notice. Check with Business Victoria for the latest information (www.coronavirus. vic.gov.au/industry-restrictionsroadmap-metro-melbourne) or go online to get the direct links at www.splashmagazine.com.au/ quicklinks132.

Training

IRLearning approved by VBA to deliver pool barrier inspection course The Institute of Research and Learning (IRLearning), SPASA Australia’s RTO, has been formally approved by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) to deliver the course in Swimming Pool and Spa Barrier Inspection (VBAISP2020). CEO Lindsay McGrath says SPASA Australia has participated in all stages leading up to the pool barrier inspection program being introduced into legislation, and that the IRLearning course provides excellent value and a compelling case for anyone looking to become a barrier inspection professional. “For a start, IRLearning provides full Australian Standards,” he says. “We committed to supplying the 10

SPLASH!

October/November 2020

students with full standards rather than excerpts of less than 10 per cent of the standard. Saving students $600.” Another key benefit of the course is that IRLearning schedules the simulated VBA-required inspections, providing significant value beyond the course fee. “You’re not left on your own to search for building surveyors or inspectors, as we connect you with our VBA-registered building inspectors and schedule the 10 live inspections for the students. This is a crucial aspect of the training,” he says. Additionally, he says the students have access to all online resources and can easily upload their requirements directly to the portal once complete.

“And importantly, we’re with our students for your whole journey – even after they’ve graduated and registered, we offer follow-up support and guidance to help get them started, and comply with all the requirements of a barrier inspector.”

IRLearning SPASA Australia launched IRLearning in September, a further expansion of its growing education, professional training and research offering. Over the past 10 years SPASA Australia has run SPASA Training, the only registered training organisation (RTO) dedicated to the swimming pool and spa industry in Australia.

McGrath says that during this time, SPASA Training has built a strong reputation for delivering quality training to the swimming pool and spa industry workforce. More recently it has expanded into business qualifications, as well as broadening its range of courses specific to the pool and spa industry. “We started with pool and spa service qualifications before expanding to swimming pool building and landscaping, followed closely by business qualifications to address the evolving workforce needs,” he says. McGrath says they are continuing to evolve and expand their services in education and into research, and the new brand of Institute of Research and Learning better reflects the overall focus.

news

new

Jun

Jul

Three-Stage Course Delivery 1. Introduction to Barrier Inspections Learning materials to be completed online prior to attending stage 2. 2. Training Program: Three days of intensive online or face to face training and Year old Year new online assessments. 2000 3. Simulated Inspections: Complete required 15 simulated inspections under the 1500 supervision of the accredited inspector. Course Cost: $3,640 including GST 1000 Includes: Your own Standards Australia library worth over $600 500 (AS1926.1-1986, 1993, 2007, 2012 and AS1926.2-2007) • All course materials 0 stages of training • All three Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep • Catering for simulated inspections only Eligible Students Year old Year new Those that hold5000 current Cert III or Cert IV Swimming Pool and Servicing or Cert IV Swimming Pool and Spa building 4000 wish to become certified barrier inspectors qualifications and OR those that have never worked in this area and who are 3000 starting a new career or adding to their existing skills. Alternative pathway options can be found at www.irlearning.com. 2000 Course Delivery 1000Class 1: Nov 11 – 13 (fully booked); Class 2: Nov Training Program. 25 – 27 (fully booked); Class 3: Nov 9 – 11; Class 4: Dec 16 – 18 Dec. 0 Nov 16 &QLD 17 & 18; Class 2: Aug Sep Simulated Inspections. NSW Class 1:VIC WA SA Nov 30 & Dec 1 & 2; Class 3: Dec 14 & 15 & 16; Class 4: Dec 19 & 20 & 21. Register early to secure your spot as there are only 20 spaces per class are available and the first two classes are already booked out. Contact: training@irlearning.com or 1800 802 482

Yearly comparison by month

The course covers: • Undertaking inspections of swimming pool and spa barriers to determine compliance with the applicable barrier standard • Issuing certificates of pool and spa barrier compliance • I ssuing certificates of pool and spa barrier non-compliance • Lodging certificates of pool and spa barrier noncompliance with the relevant council

The DA numbers seem be catching up to the anecdotal evidence of very high consumer interest in swimming pools, as the Cordell data for the three months from July-toSeptember shows an increase of 76 per cent. While all states were up compared with the corresponding quarter last year, the numbers were particularly high for Queensland (+269 per cent) and Western Australia (+203 per cent), while New South Wales was up by 64 per cent, South Australia up 13 per cent, and Victoria up eight per cent. The annual figures to September show the DAs up by nine per cent, with Queensland up by 40 per cent, New South Wales up by 15 per cent, and South Australia by three per cent; while Western Australia was down by five per cent and Victoria down by 20 per cent.

Year old

Year new

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Oct Nov Dec

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Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Year old

Yearly comparison by State

VBAISP2020

September quarter jumps 76 per cent

Three-monthly comaparison

SPASA Training will continue to operate specific pool and spa training courses under the umbrella brand of IRLearning. McGrath says SPASA Training has stood out among the 4000 RTOs in Australia as the only one dedicated to the swimming pool and spa industry, and in that time has built an enviable reputation. “But as our industry is evolving, our training must evolve too,” he says. “This is an exciting change for SPASA Australia and our members as it marks a strategic change in our future direction as a leading training provider, as IRLearning will offer research, advisory and advocacy services,” he says. “While we continue to deliver trade and professional qualifications and our commitment to the swimming pool and spa industry will not change, there is incredible potential to grow. Our new branding positions us for those opportunities.”

Jul

Aug Sep

Year new 3500

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Quarter old

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3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0

While these figures give an indication of the way the market is trending, they are not comprehensive and don’t include all pools built or even all DAs lodged. By some estimates, the total national numbers including all types of pools could be almost double these figures. They do not include pool projects that are approved as part of a new home, smaller projects under the cost threshold, renovations that don’t require a DA, or some aboveground pools. Additionally, not all councils are forthcoming with data or report on time; councils in some states such as Queensland and Victoria are particularly reluctant. For further information, call Cordell Information on 1800 80 60 60. *Please note the May 2020 figures for Queensland have now been updated to the new figures.

October/November 2020

SPLASH! 11

news

Budget

Industry missing out on apprenticeship stimulus October’s Federal Budget announced stimulus to help Australian businesses hire up to 100,000 new apprentices subsidised up to $28,000 each, in addition to existing apprentice wage subsidies. However, presently the pool and spa industry does not have specific apprenticeships to take advantages of this stimulus, and Poolwerx CEO John O’Brien wants the government to recognise the specific skillset

of pool industry technicians by creating a dedicated apprenticeship. He says that finding and retaining technical staff is a key issue for retailers, and he believes if there was a nationally recognised pool technician apprenticeship, that his franchise partners would take on an apprentice as would many other retailers. “An apprenticeship that specialises in the pool and spa aftermarket would enable pool

owners to engage one provider for all pool services – plumbers and electricians wouldn’t need to be booked, our technicians would be qualified experts across all trades,” he says. “Ideally the training would also formalise qualifications on installation, maintenance and repairs for pumps, filters, chlorinators, heaters, robotic cleaners, solar systems and mechanised pool blankets.” He adds that apprenticeships

in pool construction should be another major consideration. “Our industry has reached a point where the technological complexity around the backyard pool and spa is so advanced that we are well overdue to introduce a national pool technician apprenticeship program. We are well past the days when a new hire is given a set of car keys, an address and a pool pole. “It is the next logical extension and build from our current Certificate III and IV programs.”

Partnerships

Naked partners with Focus Australian inline “freshwater” sanitisation system manufacturer Naked Pools has joined forces with chemical and water analysis software supplier Focus Products, creating what a first glance would seem an unusual partnership. However Naked Pools director Darren Milne says the partnership should offer greater confidence to the builder market to know their customers will be fully supported by a national network of stores. He also says they should gain confidence from the professional technology provided through both

Keep informed by subscribing to the free online newsletter. CRG Operations acquires Clark Rubber One of the best-known Australian retail brands, Clark Rubber, has been sold to a group comprising John Weste, Ed Plowman and Graeme Goldman.

SPLASH!

companies with comprehensive software, online resources and the soon to be released Naked Pools App. “The retailer and customer now have a full toolkit to easily maintain their healthy, crystal clear freshwater pool all year round,” he says. “What it brings for pool builders and their customers is the largest professional retail network in Australia for ongoing support of freshwater pools after handover.” Focus managing director Steven Humphris says that Focus promotes a philosophy of “swim

more, work less” and advocates a “less is more” approach when it comes to pool chemicals. “This makes Focus an ideal fit for Naked’s freshwater pools,” he says. “Consumers are looking for alternatives to the traditional chlorine or salt chlorinated pools, and with one-in-three Aussies suffering from some kind of skin condition or asthma, a smart freshwater solution is the next obvious choice,” he says. This partnership follows the news in July this year that Pool Ranger had begun distributing the

Naked Freshwater System in NSW. Focus Products was formed in 1991 to provide a full service and product solution to the swimming pool and spa market. Operations started humbly in Brisbane and have since expanded to an international network. The Naked Pools directors have a combined 40 years industry experience in pool innovation, which they used to develop the Naked freshwater system that utilises copper and silver to ﬁlter and sanitise pool water while preventing algae growth.

Top five online news stories

The online stories that made the news over the past two months. Latest pool and spa industry advice on Victorian lockdown The ongoing and everchanging situation in the Victorian Government’s response to the covid recurrence.

October/November 2020

Laguna Pools wins National SPASA Pool of the Year 2020 The National Pool of the Year from Laguna Pools & Spas features technical hydraulics, skilful finishes and absolute customisation with a stunning result.

Pool barrier standard to be rewritten The project to amend Australian Standard AS1926.1 – Swimming pool safety – Safety barriers for swimming pools, has been shelved in favour of a complete rewrite.

Narellan Pools Waikato wins NZ Pool of the Year PASA New Zealand celebrated the inaugural Awards of Excellence on September 4 with the industry virtually applauding an outstanding year for the pool and spa community.

news

Upcoming events 2020 Nov 11-13

US International Pool Spa Patio Expo and DeckExpo [Virtual]

Nov 17-20

Piscine Global, Lyon, France [Virtual]

2021 Feb 2-5

Spatex 2021, Ricoh Arena Coventry, UK

Feb 5-7

Melbourne Summer Pool & Spa Show, MCEC

Mar 6-7

Perth Pool Spa & Outdoor Living Expo, Claremont Showground

Mar 27-28

South Australian Pool Spa & Outdoor Living Expo, Adelaide

Apr30-May2 NZ Pool Spa & Outdoor Living Expo, Auckland May 17-19

AALARA Conference, Gold Coast

May 22-23

Brisbane Pool & Outdoor Expo

July 16-18

Melbourne Winter Spa & Pool Show, MCEC

Aug 24

Andrew Simons Golf Day, Gold Coast

Aug 25

Women in Industry Breakfast, Gold Coast

Aug 25-26

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

Aug 26

National Awards of Excellence, Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

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

October/November 2020

SPLASH! 13

news

Acquisitions

CRG Operations acquires Clark Rubber One of the best-known Australian retail brands, Clark Rubber, has been sold to a group comprising John Weste, Ed Plowman and Graeme Goldman, as CRG Operations Pty Ltd acquired the Clark Rubber and Luxafoam group effective September 30. Clark Rubber owner since 2000 and founder of the franchise business, Chris Malcolm, will stay on as a business consultant for the next 12 months. CEO Anthony Grice and the current management team will continue to lead the business going forward, and the existing staff will remain unchanged. Malcolm says that over a number of years he had been approached by parties wanting to purchase the business, but he had not pursued or accepted those offers. However, following discussions with his children where it was decided that they did not wish to inherit the business, he formally placed the business on the market. “Following that decision, we have had two parties wanting to acquire the business this year. I made the decision to move forward, after due diligence, with selling the business to a group comprising John Weste, Ed Plowman and Graeme Goldman,” he says. “Building on the solid foundations in place, I am certain that this team, with the support of current management, will take Clark Rubber to its next stage of growth and success as they have expressed their desire to be long term operators of the business.” Malcolm says he has seen in them an enthusiasm for the business which he views as very important, especially as the Clark Rubber brand celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2021. “I am continuing as a consultant to the business for the next 12 months and will remain as a shareholder for the next three years,” he says. “I believe this will ensure a smooth, orderly, stable and successful transition to 14

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October/November 2020

Edward, Graeme and John, that will benefit the business, staff, franchisees and suppliers.” He says that the new owners will be introducing a synergistic fourth product category which will increase the sales base. “We have also just embarked on a new initiative being the pool van franchises as independently owned franchises, which is an exciting evolution for our Group,” he says.

The new owners

Edward Plowman 20+ years of experience in Investment and Fund Management, Debt and Equity Capital Markets, mostly Australian midmarket industrials. Plowman draws specific retail experience from his direct association with the various listed specialty retailers which engaged broker channels for growth capital, and most recently via his direct association with Private Debt financing for midmarket corporate lends. Graeme Goldman 25+ years of direct experience relevant to operating and growing businesses like Clark Rubber, including but not limited to brand development, wholesale, marketing, retailers/franchisees engagement, warehousing and distribution, supply chain and logistics. Goldman is a Chartered Accountant and has both CEO and CFO experience. Most notably as the Managing Director of the Swatch Group

Australia with deep knowledge of retailing in Australia and abroad. John Weste Weste has over 30 years’ international business experience as an executive with some of the world’s leading consulting and advisory firms. He is a former Partner at Arthur Andersen having led the business consulting firms in Central and Eastern Europe and Australia over a 14-year career. He also has significant experience across Asia and India while working with TCS and the Gartner Group. He designed and led major transformation projects around the globe for a multitude of retail-based companies including Tesco, Kmart, Carrefour, Marks & Spencer, Planet Hollywood, Sydney Olympic Park, Parramatta Stadium, Mondelez, AGIP, Shell, Repco, Wickes (UK), GlaxoSmithKline, DAF Trucks, Reckitt Benckiser, and many of the world’s major retail banking groups. He is an accomplished Non-Executive Director having held positions with the Hocking Stuart Real Estate Group, Hudson Medical Research Institute, and Next Address, and is currently Managing Partner at C2 Venture Capital. He has an MBA from Melbourne University and BSc from Adelaide University. Clark Rubber Group Clark Rubber is a successful Australian retailer with a

history dating back to 1946. With 60 stores nationally, the stores are specialists in pools, foam and rubber providing a unique place in the Australian retail market. With such a broad product range, customers are all different whether it be young families, tradies, hobbyists and even commercial business customers. The Clark Rubber story began in 1946 when two men, Charlesworth and Clark formed a partnership to establish Clark Matting and Rubber. The business grew quickly, and in 1951 was listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. In 1961, the name was changed to Clark Rubber Stores. In 1982, Clark Rubber was bought by the Adsteam Group, which continued to operate the business until 1994. At this point, the Clark Rubber name and logo were sold to Vita Pacific, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pacific Dunlop, and the network of stores was closed down. It was at this time that Chris Malcolm, a veteran of Australian retailing, stepped in. After lengthy negotiations, he licensed the Clark Rubber brand from Vita Pacific. Deciding that the franchise model was the best way to grow an already strong brand, the first Clark Rubber store reopened in Nunawading, Victoria in 1995. By 1998, the 50th store had opened and Clark Rubber was once again one of the best recognised brands in Australian retail. In 2000, Malcolm bought the Clark Rubber brand from Pacific Dunlop. The store network continued to grow, and in 2003 Clark Rubber was recognised as the Franchise Council of Australia’s Franchisor of the Year in the ‘Entry Capital Over $200,000’ category. In the same year, Chris Malcolm was inducted into the Franchise Council of Australia’s ‘Hall of Fame. Three years later, Clark Rubber was awarded the Franchise Council of Australia’s highest honour, Franchisor of the Year.

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news

Industry moves

In Brief Sadly, Noel Pearce passed away in August. The owner of Dolphin Pools for many years, Noel was also president of SPASA Victoria from 1976 to 1978, and was inducted as a life member in 1984. SPLASH! offers sincere condolences to family and friends. Stephen Clarke has been appointed general manager of Driclad. Clarke had previously been business manager at Rainwise Pools, and prior to that had held a number of senior roles across the Australian pool and tank industry. Clarke’s appointment comes as Shawn Scurrah departs the business to take on another role within the industry. Group CEO Anthony Grice says that under Clarke’s leadership, the Driclad business is well placed to take on the coming season, and they look forward to partnering with their valued customers to make the season a huge success for all. New home sales are reportedly rising on the back of HomeBuilder stimulus, according to HIA chief economist, Tim Reardon. The New Home Sales Report has shown sales 11.8 per cent higher in the seven months since restrictions came into effect than at the same time last year. CORRECTION: In the previous issue of SPLASH! there was an error in the article titled: “Heating for the shoulder season.” Evo Heat was referred to as an “Australian heat pump manufacturer,” whereas they are an importer and supplier of heat pumps.

Boss appoints inaugural CEO The Boss Polymer Technology Group recent appointed their inaugural CEO, Paul Kremer. “Collaboration, not compromise, gets the best results,” says Kremer – a philosophy he extends to working with people, customers and suppliers. “Boss has a long history dating back to the 1950s, manufacturing extruded and moulded rubber parts,” he says. “In the early 1990s, Boss moved into the solar pool heating market, becoming a leading manufacturer of strip, rigid and ancillary products. Boss have also recently launched several products, including a professional grade, pre-assembled rigid panel, affectionally called Rhino.” Kremer says that Australian manufacturing has never been more important, as environmental factors put significant pressure on global supply chains.

“This pressure has left many importers of rigid solar systems in a helpless situation,” he says. “A significant challenge for Boss is meeting the increasing Paul Kremer, CEO Boss demand for locally Polymer Technology Group produced products, while not placing consumers’ dreams of a summer advantage to the market. That is ‘pool staycation’ in jeopardy. all about to change now.” It is important that onshore Kremer says the company has manufacturers, like Boss, provide aggressive growth plans, and the highest quality, Australianwhen looking for a marketing made product for professionals vehicle to launch new products, to install.” establish the brand and drive Kremer says that the Boss engagement in the pool and spa product is diverse and their industry, he turned to SPLASH! engineering team is constantly “To create a successful researching and developing, business, we had to make a pushing through new innovations courageous decision,” he says. to improve product performance. “We see SPLASH! and our “One of key focus areas for association with SPASA as an improvement has been the important strategic initiative.” promotion of our competitive Contact: www.bosssolar.com.au

Standards

New draft fibreglass pool standards Standards Australia has released the draft standards for fibreglass pool design, fabrication and installation. The project to update the standard came about after SPASA Australia established a fibreglass advisory group to develop project proposals for the following standards: •A S1838 – Swimming pools – Premoulded fibre reinforced plastics Design and Fabrication •A S1839 – Swimming pools – Premoulded fibre reinforced plastics Installation

Timeline 2016: AS/NZS 1838 Swimming pools – Pre-moulded fibre-reinforced plastics – Design and fabrication and AS/ NZ 1839 Swimming pools—Pre-moulded fibre-reinforced plastics— Installation were being reviewed as part of the Standards Australia “Aged Standards” process. 2016: SPASA Australia wrote to Standards Australia advising that these Standards are critical to our industry and we wanted to see both Standards “Reconfirmed” as they were both still technically relevant and we wanted the opportunity to review them rather than have them “withdrawn”. 2016: Standards Australia agreed to “Reconfirm” the standards on the provision that SPASA Australia submit a Project Proposal to update the Standards within 12 months. 2017: SPASA Australia established a Fibreglass Advisory Group to develop project proposals for both

standards. 2017/18: The Fibreglass Advisory Group worked on the draft Standards Australia Project Proposal over a period of approximately eight months 2018: SPASA Australia submitted Project Proposal to Standards Australia for Approval 2018: Standards Australia approved Project Proposal for both standards 2019: Standards Australia Kick-off meeting took place in March 2019/20: Standards Australia Committee PL-041 Glass Reinforced Swimming Pools started reviewing the Standards based on SPASA Australia’s Project Proposals 2020: Draft Standards available for Public Comment

New Zealand Previously, these standards were originally Australian and New Zealand “Joint” AS/NZS Standards, however Standards New Zealand did not proceed with the joint development of the above revisions due to funding and internal resource constraints at that time. This means that when approved, these Standards will no longer be joint AS/NZS Standards and will be published only as Australian Standards (AS) only. SPASA Australia and the swimming pool peak industry body in New Zealand, PASA NZ are already in discussions with Standards New Zealand on the process of how to update the soon to be updated AS Standards for the New Zealand sector. October/November 2020

SPLASH! 17

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news

AIS Water Co-owner and CEO, Elena Gosse, Queensland’s Minister for Employment and Small Business, Shannon Fentiman, and State Member for Lytton, Joan Pease

Manufacturing

AIS gets Queensland Government grant AIS Water was recognised as a Queensland industry leader with a $50,000 grant to boost growth opportunities in that state. The Business Growth Fund grant designed to help stimulate jobs within the state economy was announced during tour of the AIS facility by Queensland’s Minister for Employment and Small Business, Shannon Fentiman, and the State Member for Lytton, Joan Pease, at the company site for a tour of their facilities in September. The Minister said AIS Water, which employs 45 people, has a proven history of producing award winning water disinfection technology for residential and commercial pools and had continued to thrive during the covid-19 pandemic. “They are one of the world’s leaders in manufacturing chlorinators,” she said. “They do an amazing job of keeping our swimmers safe. I know that they are working with the Queensland Government and the Department of Education for many of our schools. “We have a local recovery plan which is all about backing businesses like AIS Water; it’s about uniting and recovering for Queensland jobs and I’m so proud that we’re backing our small businesses to keep growing and employing more locals.”

Getting awarded Meanwhile Elena Gosse has picked up a swag of accolades including three international Stevie Awards for Women in Business. She was named the Gold winner for Woman of the Year Manufacturing award; Gold winner for Most Innovative Company of the Year - More Than 10 Employees award and; Gold winner for Achievement in Organisation Recovery award. The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are the world’s premier business awards for female entrepreneurs, executives, employees and the organisations they run, and this year, more than 1500 entries were submitted from around the globe in more than 100 categories, with winners decided by 180 business professionals internationally, split into seven juries. Mother of two and proud grandmother of three, Gosse also won three AusMumpreneur Awards including 2020 Queensland AusMumpreneur of the Year, as well as the Queensland Sustainability Award and the Queensland Business Excellence Award. She was also named along with AIS on the Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Honour Roll for the work she personally does to raise money and awareness for services which protect women and children escaping from domestic and family violence. Additionally, she was a finalist in the Community Philanthropist of the Year Category of the 2020 Queensland Community Foundation Awards.

The National Drowning Report 2020 has been released Safety

Pool drowning deaths of under-fives decrease by 50 per cent Drowning deaths of under-fives in swimming pools were down a dramatic 50 per cent (six drowning deaths compared to 12 in the previous year) according to new data from the RLS in their National Drowning Report 2020. In all locations, under-five drowning deaths decreased by 52 per cent on 10-year average (12 this year compared to the 10-year average of 25) and a 37 per cent decrease on last year’s number (19). Overall, swimming pool deaths recorded a 28 per cent decrease in drowning deaths compared to the 10-year average. The 28 drowning deaths were also a decrease of 11 per cent over the previous year (31 drowning deaths). Other key data includes: • 248 drowning deaths in Australia across all aquatic locations, an eight per cent decrease on 2018/19 and a 12 per cent decrease compared with the 10-year average. • Males accounted for 80 per cent of all drowning deaths. • Drowning deaths among children 0-4 years (12) decreased by 52 per cent, compared with the 10-year average, but remain tragically high. • Among young people aged 15-24 years, 48 per cent drowned while swimming, highlighting the importance of swimming and lifesaving lessons in the secondary school years. • Swimming was the leading activity being undertaken prior to drowning, accounting for a quarter of deaths (25 per cent), followed by boating (18 per cent) and falls (15 per cent). • Drowning deaths in rivers decreased by 32 per cent compared with the 10-year average, while deaths in lakes increased by 19 per cent. CEO Lindsay McGrath says SPASA Australia continues to lobby for consistent understanding and implementation of CPR charts across Australia, and that no other association plays such a large part in standards, training and lobbying on the practical side of barriers and protection of children around pools. “We will continue to promote the professional tradespeople in the swimming pool industry that take drowning prevention seriously, alongside promoting the health and wellness that swimming pools and spas bring across Australia and New Zealand,” he says.

Under fives drowning deaths were down across the board October/November 2020

SPLASH! 19

news

Associations

SPASA and PASCAA complete merger The Pool and Spa Covers Association of Australia (PASCAA) has completed the merger with the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Australia (SPASA). The industry’s peak body, SPASA represents the swimming pool and spa market across Australasia, while PASCAA is a collaboration of leading Australian manufacturers and fabricators of pool and spa covers. “SPASA actively seeks to represent and deliver benefits to all sectors of the industry in every region,” says Lindsay McGrath, SPASA CEO. “This merger is

another step in providing a better result for our members.” The announcement was made in February 2020 that the two associations intended to unify, and the finalisation of the merger has established the Pool and Covers of Australia (PASCA) advisory group. “This group of SPASA members, like many of our advisory groups, provides specific insights and knowledge that directly contributes to policy development and advocacy programs,” says McGrath “I see these members having the success we have seen from

other advocacy groups such as fibreglass manufacture, heat pump and solar committees who have recently been involved in the initiation and updating of Australian and new standards,” he says.

Achieving more together Stefan Ossenberg, SPASA chairman, and Derek Prince, PASCAA vice president, jointly issued the following statement: “SPASA and PASCAA are dedicated to the service of our industry. As the aquatics industry continues to evolve, the

association must keep up with the demands of members, regulators and consumers. We are excited to build a vision where we can achieve even more together.” Prince says that PASCAA is proud to merge with the peak industry body. “SPASA Australia set out to and has achieved their clear goals to build our national industry body and PASCAA has seen the importance of one body to unify our swimming pool industry. This merger will deliver a better outcome for the swimming pool industry and ultimately the consumer.”

heavy rain which can all affect all chemistry/water balancing levels. 4. Use the theory “prevention is better than cure”. It will save you time and money in the long run. Ideally, your regular maintenance should include doses of algaecides and phosphate removers to help keep the pool healthy and clear.

Chemical Tips By Eddie Lloyd Tips for keeping pools healthy during La Nina’s rainy weather The Bureau of Meteorology has announced that La Nina is active, bringing with it a dramatic change to our summer weather and a lot more rain. According to Andrew Watkins, the Bureau of Meteorology’s manager of climate operations, heatwaves may be less extreme as a result of La Nina, but they may last for longer and be a little more uncomfortable, with higher humidity and slower-moving weather systems. More cyclones are also likely, with Yasi appearing in a La Nina year. So with long, humid heatwaves on the horizon, our pools are going to be getting a workout. While there’s nothing better than a swim in your very own pool to cool off, it is important

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October/November 2020

5. Vacuum and scoop the pool regularly to remove any debris washed into the pool by wind or rain. La Nina is here and it’s bringing rain with it to understand that warm, wet weather can play havoc with your water quality. With a La Nina event we would expect to see fluctuating weather such as cooler temperatures one day, wind and storms the next, and humid, hot weather the day after. This makes it even harder for pool owners to keep on top of their pool chemistry. Here is how pool owners can keep their pool healthy and ready for swimming during a warm, wet summer: 1. Avoid water levels in the pool from getting too high to keep proper skimming action, and to avoid contamination

from water washing in from the pool deck/surrounds. 2. Rain brings contaminants with it so ensure your filter and pump are maintained well and in good working order. Check and clean your equipment weekly and operate the filtration system for at least six to eight hours per day. A good idea would be to run a quick, natural filter cleaner through the filter prior to the summer season. 3. Check the water balancing parameters/water chemistry of the pool every two days and adjust accordingly. Pay particular attention after a period of heavy use, a very hot day or following

6. Specialists should give the pool a check-up before and after heavy-use or heavy rain. Or take a sample from elbow-deep in the pool and take it to your local pool store for testing. 7. Before a storm, secure any toys, furniture or equipment that could become airborne in high winds. 8. Consider a magnesium mineral pool system with photocatalytic AOP, which will help the pool remain clearer and more stable for longer periods as well as providing some added health benefits.

These tips come from Eddie Lloyd, Theralux marketing director. For more information go to www.theralux.com.au.

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news

Passings

Rob Anderson passes away Sadly, the former general manager of Pool & Spa Poppits, Rob Anderson, has passed away. He spent nearly 50 years in the industry and had also been on the SPASA Victoria board. Waterco acquired Pool & Spa Poppits in 2012, and Anderson stepped down from his management role in early 2014 to spend more time with his wife Judy and his children and grandchildren, in addition to doing some travel, and reconnecting with his local community. Anderson had extensive experience in the chemicals industry. Prior to purchasing the Pool Poppits business in 2002, he

worked for WJ Manufacturing in Sydney for two years, spent 26 years with the Dow Chemical Company (where he worked across 16 countries in sales and marketing), and 10 years with Calman in sales and general management. Over the course of his career, he worked hard to promote healthy alternatives to chlorine in the pool and spa industry, was passionate about protecting people from things that can harm their health, and was particularly concerned about addressing issues around asthma and allergies. SPLASH! offers sincere condolences to friends and family.

Safety

Barrier checks more important than ever

With Australians spending more time in and around the home, it has become increasingly important to check for and remove potential safety hazards. To help protect families, leading Australian gate hardware supplier Safetech Hardware has furthered their mutual commitment with Kidsafe to promote child safety, particularly around swimming pools and water. “We have been working with Kidsafe for several years with water safety education campaigns such as the Safe Barriers Save Lives and the Safety Ninja to remind everyone to check their pool barrier regularly and to ensure children are always supervised when they are around water,” says general manager Debbie Brennan. “It is critically important that we all do everything we can to ensure the safety of our children in and around water, and part of this is regularly checking the pool or spa barrier to ensure it is operating correctly.” Resources including videos and safety checklists can be found at the Safetech 22

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October/November 2020

Safetech have been working with Kidsafe for several years on a variety of child safety campaigns

website, even including a service to send a reminder when it’s time to check your pool barrier. “This is a small way we can assist the community and a friendly reminder is always a bonus,” says Brennan. The service is open to all pool and spa owners.

Australian research and development

Rob Anderson with wife Judy

Safetech Hardware’s Melbourne-based research and development department has drawn on skilled local and overseas talent to provide creative product solutions to some of the pool and spa industry’s most complex challenges. “We manage all aspects of the design, manufacture and distribution of our awardwinning pool and garden gate hardware range,” says Brennan. “Our research and development team comes with decades of custom hardware manufacturing experience, and this goes a long way in ensuring our products are

safe, simple to use, and will stand up to our diverse Australian climate. We are so confident of this that we provide a limited lifetime warranty.” She says their award-winning TriLatch is a perfect example of how the Safetech team has gone the extra mile with a unique push-hold-lift safety button, providing an affordable childsafety solution. “Let’s face it, kids are clever. If they can find a rake or broom and use it to push up the top-pull release they will, but the push-hold-lift safety release button will eliminate this problem. It’s the simple solutions that are often the best.” Brennan says maintaining their high standards is paramount to the Safetech Hardware team. “We implement several distinct testing procedures to maintain the quality and identify any improvements we can make,” she says. These procedures include: • D uring the production phase, samples from every batch are subjected to rigorous testing. The process is then repeated in the warehouse/distribution hub. •E ngaging several independent NATAaccredited laboratories to undertake external testing to ensure the products exceed Australian Standards for durability, strength and rigidity, as well as salt spray testing to ensure they will withstand the test of time, and load testing of the hinges. • Additionally, their own internal testing facilities allow continuous cycle-testing to Australian Standards, and to test prototypes in development. Contact: www.saetechhardware.com.au; www.kidsafe.com.au

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feature essential services for pool and spa owners and keep them safe and well.”

Summary

Uni paper highlights importance of properly maintained pools and spas ABOVE: Clean pool water is essential for swimmers’ health RIGHT: Download the discussion paper at www.splashmagazine. com.au/quicklinks132

PASA Australia requested Griffith University to comment on the potential risks of residential swimming pools if they are not adequately maintained. The resultant discussion paper – The Considerations of Human Health and Poorly Maintained Residential Swimming Pools/Spas by A/Prof Helen Stratton and Lindsay Hunt – presents an overview of the potential risks to human health if residential pools are not properly maintained. This was an attempt to quantify health surveillance data with regards to incidents in swimming pools and spas – as such data is not reported in Australia. The paper was used in an information and advocacy campaign to help pursue the case that swimming pool and spa technicians must be allowed to continue to service swimming pools and spas for the safety of the owners, family and guests. “SPASA Australia acknowledges the difficulties that communities are facing during covid-19, but the swimming pool and spa industry is a contactless essential service industry provider and we do not want to replace one virus with another,” says Lindsay McGrath, SPASA Australia CEO. “Industry dialogue and a rational approach throughout this unprecedented national health and safety crisis is important so that industry can continue to provide

The researcher A/Prof Helen Stratton is a microbiologist in the School of Environment and Science, Griffith University. Her most recent role at Griffith University was as the Executive Manager of the Smart Water Research Centre, (August 2014 – October 2016), during which she set the strategic direction of the Centre, successfully engaged and managed a consortium of eight partners, lead multiple large projects, commercialised research outcomes and continued to build a training program for the water sector. Through this role she has managed a state-of-the-art facility, project budget and staff with a turnover that varies from $500k to $2M pa. She has over 25 years’ experience in water and wastewater research developing a comprehensive understanding of the technical, social

The following points can be drawn from the information presented in the discussion paper: While anecdotally, health indicators suggest that the benefits of owning and using a pool/spa exceed possible risks, research is required to better quantify residential pool water quality and quantitative risk to establish our understanding of poorly maintained pools/spas and water quality. Transparent and robust validation and verification of research into disinfection technologies needs to be conducted and readily available to enable consumers to make informed decisions when purchasing systems. There is a need to ensure that pool maintenance service technicians are providing services that ensure pool water quality meets AS 3633. This can be achieved by encouraging accreditation and development of a code to establish uniformity within the industry, based on the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC 2018). Consumers should be encouraged to use accredited service providers to maintain residential pools where they don’t have the capacity to carry out the maintenance themselves. Owners capable of maintaining pools should be encouraged to have intermittent inspections and testing of their pool to ensure the system is functioning correctly and there are no breaches of building codes, lowering legal liability and physical risks. Consumers are advised to seek out service providers that are members of a recognised industry body, such as SPASA, to ensure they carry out their work in line with AS 3633. n Contact: You can Download the discussion paper at www. splashmagazine. com.au/ quicklinks132

and economic issues that the sector faces. She has worked extensively as a consultant to the water industry and has developed strong client relationships throughout Australia and internationally. All industry projects that she has implemented or led over the past two decades, have had multiple partners and been multidisciplinary encompassing chemists, engineers, microbiologists, modellers and social scientists. Stratton has published over 80 refereed articles in international peer reviewed journals, reports and conference papers. She has been a passionate volunteer for the Australian Water Association (AWA) since 1998, including being elected to roles such as the Queensland Branch president (2004-2006) and was an AWA Director for 10 years. This dedication has resulted in her being awarded the AWA Queensland Branch Distinguished Service Award in 2015 and Life Membership in 2016.

October/November 2020

SPLASH! 25

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feature

The company that lives and breathes water

Accessibility and safety was the focus of this SPASA national award winning renovation, transforming a spa section to integrate new access stairs and ensure more members of the community can access the pool

T ABOVE: Amanda Stephenson

he time has come for award winning construction company Statewide Pool Services to find a name that better reflects their brand. After all, they may be based in South Australia, but their work crosses state borders and they have a national mindset. This broader expanse of the company is even more apparent following their SPASA national gold awards in the Community Project and Commercial Renovation categories, as well as a highly commended in the Commercial Pool over $250,000 category. “For us, as a company, the awards have come at a particularly exciting time as we are expanding and about to change our name to Hydrilla,” says corporate services manager Amanda Stephenson. “The rebrand is a platform for us to carve out a uniquely identifiable brand and to position ourselves to lead the future of aquatics in Australia. After evaluating our strengths and passion for the industry we discovered the name Hydrilla, a competitive aquatic herb that, like us, lives and breathes water. With our industry-leading new products and services, we remain committed

Stephenson says that their former name of Statewide Pool Services is no longer indicative of what they do, as they work nationally with a much wider range of services than before. “We do a lot of work in Tasmania, and we have projects in Victoria, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. I think we have a natural affinity with country people and we tend to build up lasting relationships with our clients. When it is appropriate, we also take an innovative approach to pool building. An example of this would be the stainless steel pool we built at Kalumburu, one of the most remote Aboriginal communities in Western Australia, or the stainless steel pool at the University of South Australia.” They also do a lot of water quality work which is not necessarily linked to pools, having gained a reputation as water system experts, and are brought in as partners with other builders and organisations.

A pat on the back

Stephenson says their whole team has really celebrated the awards. “It’s a pat on the back and an external acknowledgement of what we do. Lindsay McGrath and SPASA have done a great job running these awards. It helps to build camaraderie both at the state and national levels. We didn’t enter for some years and we realise that was a mistake. Now, we’ve made some nice connections with the domestic pool builders and they are really worthwhile.” The company was started in 1987 by Mark Higgins and today he shares ownership with five other staff members. Higgins has always had an interest in commercial pools and the team continues to enjoy the complexities and challenges offered by commercial work. “It’s not quite as straightforward as domestic pools but it’s something to really sink your teeth into,” says Stephenson. “Part of the succession planning has been to bring in new blood and to encourage new ideas too, so we are still moving forward. There are fifteen of us now and we really are a big happy family. It’s a great place to work. “We’ve got national ambitions and we want to be the best commercial builder in Australia, or the best commercial aquatics company, while maintaining our culture of family and teamwork.” n Contact: www.hydrilla.com.au Aquacove at West Beach Parks Resort

“We discovered the name Hydrilla, a competitive aquatic herb that, like us, lives and breathes water.” to sharing knowledge, technical expertise and supporting safe, high-quality systems and commercial pool construction. “We feel the name Hydrilla really represents us,” she says. October/November 2020

SPLASH! 27

feature

How does advanced oxidation process work

The growing appeal of secondary disinfection can be attributed to consumers wanting a more natural swimming experience

here is a growing consumer interest in secondary sanitisation, “Hydroxyl radicals sound like a complicated science-y element,” says in part because pool owners want to reduce the amount of Lloyd. “But in fact, they’re very efficient and react with organic and chlorine needed to treat their swimming pool water. inorganic matter in a way that basically spring cleans your pool.” Eddie Lloyd, Theralux marketing director, says some secondary He believes this is the next trend in pool and spa sanitation options also reduce chemical spend and running costs, while water sanitisation. increasing water stability and water quality. “AOP will rise in popularity with residential pool owners. There are However, while these secondary forms of disinfection can reduce different methods of AOP, but by far the most impressive technology chemical use, he wants to dissuade readers from the myth that pools can the industry has seen for some time in respect to residential pool run chlorine-free or chemical-free. sanitation is the introduction photocatalytic and hydroxyl radical “Secondary sanitation systems are just that – secondary. A residual of technology,” he says. chlorine will always be required to help prevent algae “In the Theralux Active Quantum Purity blooms or cross contamination between bathers system, natural light is used as fuel to energise in the pool. This is because secondary sanitation the sophisticated catalyst array containing “It is estimated devices require pool water to pass through a reaction anatase, molybdenum and platinum. This not that up to chamber or similar and then go back to the pool,” only has the power to consume any oils, urea, he says. sunscreen and cosmetic deposits, but also 80 per cent “Sterilising pool water has always been a matter momentarily splits the water molecules into of chlorine of finding a balance between using chemicals strong what is called hydroxyl free radicals, attacking is used up enough to destroy the most harmful germs that may harmful pollutants.” cultivate in the pool, while at the same time limiting the He says this process destroys all known organic and oxidising negative impact of the treatment method on bathers. inorganic contaminants in pool water, including crypto. contaminants “It provides the swimming pool owner the ability It works in the Quantum system following in the water to run chlorine levels lower whilst increasing their this process: protection against bacteria and viruses. The growing 1. Pool water enters, containing bacteria, viruses, and less than appeal of this can be attributed to an ever-growing urea, suntan oil and cosmetics. 20 per is used health consciousness from consumers wanting to have 2. Photocatalytic oxidisation occurs: light energises more natural swimming experience.” the proprietary inner layer and reacts with the rare in fighting One method gaining a lot of interest is elements of anatase, molybdenum and platinum. bacteria.” advanced oxidation process, or AOP, using 3. Hydroxyl free radicals are created via photocatalytic oxidation. photocatalytic oxidisation. “Photocatalytic oxidation systems do dramatically 4. Harmful pollutants are instantly destroyed. improve the quality of water beyond that of its primary sanitation, but do 5. Naturally purified, odourless mineral water returns to the pool. not provide residual sanitation. They do however allow the pool to be run at He says that while other AOP systems generate hydroxyl far lower chlorine levels. It is estimated that up to 80 per cent of chlorine is free radicals, the Theralux Active Quantum Purity system is used up oxidising contaminants in the water and less than 20 per is used in unique as it is the only secondary sanitation option that uses fighting bacteria,” he says. photocatalytic oxidisation. Lloyd says that by both oxidising and sanitising in-line using a “And photocatalytic oxidisation is the most powerful natural photocatalytic advanced oxidation process, the residual chlorine level can be sterilisation agent available and the most effective against viruses reduced to a much lower level of about 0.5ppm or less. and bacteria.” “That is drinking water levels,” he says. The technology has been adopted from high profile industries such as hospitals and drinking water purification companies. What is AOP? Lloyd says it can keep families safe without producing any toxic byAOP pool and spa systems use a set of treatment processes designed to products, and that is the future of pool water sanitisation. n remove organic material from water by producing hydroxyl radicals. Contact: www.theralux.com.au 28

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October/November 2020

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Swim on the map. The campaign was a success, driving lead generation and brand awareness.

A serendipitous opportunity

Meet SPASA Australia’s Victorian manager Daena BougoureLatchford, SPASA Australia’s business development executive for the Victorian region

aena Bougoure-Latchford’s connection with the Victorian swimming pool and spa industry goes all the way back to her childhood, when her father ran Peninsula Pools, a pool retailer and aboveground pool installer in Frankston. Her journey back to the industry took several years, including a lengthy stint in London. “I worked for British Airways for seven and half years in the chairman and chief executive’s offices, ghost writing customer correspondence for them, before moving into mainstream customer relations as a performance manager,” she says. After the post-911 air industry downturn, she took voluntary redundancy and moved to Scotland, working for an engineering company as a customer services manager, and then a key account manager for a large beauty wholesaler, looking after spa, salon and cosmetics groups. When she returned to Melbourne with her two young girls in tow, she continued to work in the beauty industry for the likes of Loreal.

Joining the industry

One day Chris Papa from Maytronics called her. “Chris had looked after my dad’s account back in the Poolrite days and they’d kept in contact. When Chris mentioned he was looking for an account manager my dad suggested me, knowing I was looking for something different. I met Chris for a coffee and they offered me the role as the Victorian account manager, looking after elite dealers, builders and franchises.” In 2017 Maytronics asked Bougoure-Latchford to head up the Australian launch of a new concept that would eventually be called Mineral Swim. She was sent to Israel to learn about it and when she came back she became business development manager for water treatment which included Mineral Swim, Ozone Swim and other related products in that category. “It was a fantastic role, I loved it,” she says. “It was great to be involved from inception including launching the brand in Israel at the elite dealer conference to officially launching it to the Australian trade at the SPLASH! expo. From 2018 it was really about getting out there to see every dealer nationally, training dealers and growing the brand in the marketplace.” During that time she implemented a new marketing strategy, using social media influencers to help put Mineral 30

SPLASH!

October/November 2020

In her role at Maytronics, Bougoure-Latchford dealt with many people in the industry, including SPASA Australia’s sales and marketing manager Luke Daly. “One day Luke randomly sent me a text message with a link to a new role at SPASA. I called him the next day and he told me about the opportunity and then Lindsay sold me the vision. “It was a difficult decision because I was happy at Maytronics – but I thought if I don’t take it, I’d regret it – growing SPASA Australia in Victoria was a once-in-alifetime opportunity,” she says. “I loved my role at Maytronics and was really committed to the brand, but the travel was challenging because I spent so much time away from my girls, and covid was a bit of a reset for my priorities. “It seemed like it was meant to be.” She says SPASA Australia already had over a hundred members in Victoria, but they had all been acquired organically, through people approaching the organisation. Her new role involves growing the membership and helping them grow their businesses. “SPASA Australia is a really dynamic organisation and we have so many fantastic benefits we can deliver to the industry here. On the second day I started I was already on a call with Business Victoria and eight MPs putting forward the story of why the industry should be able to continue working. “And even through we’re a national association, we can have a big impact locally, representing the industry across local, state and federal jurisdictions. We sit on 24 national standards, and even though we haven’t had a presence on the ground in Victoria, we have always been invested in helping Victoria.” She says that in her first six weeks they’ve been working hard to keep the advocacy up. “We’ve been very proactive, and I hope the industry can see how committed we are to supporting Victoria – whether you’re a builder, retailer, pool tech, sub-contractor or a fencer, we’re here for everyone and its exciting that the industry now has a choice.” She believes that professionalism and standards can be improved, and SPASA Australia has a big role to play in that. “One of the things that attracted me to SPASA Australia is the commitment to education and improving industry standards. We have so many fantastic things we can deliver on education and training so the industry can become more professional, with IRLearning and the Cert III and IV for retailers and Cert IV for Building & Construction for example. “One of the things I constantly get asked about is that it’s so difficult to find staff, and having people consider the industry as a professional career with pathways for development. If we can improve standards within the industry it will be so much easier to retain talent.” She is keen to engage with members and learn what their problems are so she can offer solutions to improve their businesses. “I’m really looking forward to getting out supporting the industry and helping our members grow their businesses. The goal is for more pools to be built and for the pools to be enjoyed more and used more. “Ultimately, more pool owners that have had a great experience with our industry will only benefit us all.” n Contact: daena@spasa.com.au; 0452 366 856.

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Retail innova in the time By Veda Dante

of covid

ABOVE: The pandemic has affected business practices around face-toface customer service RIGHT: Clark Rubber has seen a steady stream of sales courtesy of people investing in their backyards instead of going on holidays

SPLASH!

October/November 2020

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WaterLink

ation T

he Australian retail sector is one of the largest employers in the country, and it has been the hardest hit throughout the covid-19 pandemic. About 40 per cent of franchising is represented in the retail sector, and the Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) has been working on a daily basis to see businesses and employees return to work safety and sustainably. “In Victoria, government restrictions are the biggest issue right now,” says FCA chief executive officer, Mary Aldred. “Across Australia, we’re also working on a number of other critical issues for the sector, one of the most significant being unfair commercial leasing arrangements that small business owners and franchisees are really grappling with. “There’s been some great examples of corporate leadership, for example energy companies are saying to their business and residential customers ‘come and talk to us if you have trouble paying your bills and we’ll help you’. That’s been sadly lacking from large commercial landlords towards small businesses through the pandemic.” Aldred says in Victoria she is concerned about a two-tiered system being established through government mandated restrictions, which has seen sole traders and small business owners unfairly discriminated against in favour of large companies and unionised workforces. “For example, lawn mowers for local councils have been able to operate throughout the state’s stage four restrictions when small business and sole trader lawn mowers couldn’t service their customers,” she says.

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“The treatment of mobile units is another example of where there’s been a two-tiered system in Victoria. It was great to see pet grooming return to operating, but that was just for fixed retail stores, not mobile units, where there’s actually less people in the one place.” Aldred predicts retail is going to change dramatically throughout the covid-19 pandemic, and that the change will be permanent. “Areas like city CBD precincts and shopping centre complexes just won’t have the high volume of foot traffic they’ve traditionally had,” she says. “Convenience outlets in suburban and regional areas are experiencing growth though, with people working from home more. I also think we’re going to see a regional boom with people realising they can work from home, perhaps for the long term in a lot of cases, and so the pace and scale of change for retail in Australia is going to be dramatic and long-lasting.”

Evidence-based approach

Unsurprisingly, the pool and spa industry has one of the most comprehensive set of covid-safe operating procedures and systems in place. “They care about the health and safety of their staff, customers and the broader community,” says Aldred. “The sector is able to provide their services without customer interaction and with electronic payment processes and safe staff procedures in place, and that’s why FCA has been spearheading this issue directly with government to see some common sense prevail.” The FCA has also been working with SPASA Australia to this end. A number of well researched, evidence-based studies have highlighted the health risks of dirty pools and why the sector desperately needs to get back to work.“It’s been pleasing to see the very small step forward of pools being able to be cleaned on the basis of health and safety, and we want to see that extended to a full re-opening for the sector,” she says.

As Aldred explains, pools are important to people’s health and wellbeing for a variety of reasons. “For example, for someone with dementia who is still able to be at home with their partner or carer, who uses their pool as a really important part of their daily routine to keep them cognitively and physical active. Not being able to have their pool cleaned would be profoundly detrimental,” she says. “This issue has had a major impact on people’s mental and physical wellbeing, especially where swimming, even a few laps a day, and just being in the water, is a key part of their mental and broader health plan. They’re the reason why we’re pushing for logic and fairness to prevail to get the sector properly and safely reopened.”

TOP: Pools and spas rely on chemical supplies to keep them safe and hygienic BOTTOM: Jim’s new Test & Balance option will likely remain in some cities after the pandemic is over

Triple-digit growth

Clark Rubber initially reacted to the pandemic by adopting free home delivery, click-and-collect options and contactless pool services. “In-store, we installed protective transparent screens, social distancing floor decals, hand sanitisation stations, surface cleaning and signage communicating key covid messaging,” says Damian Lucas, Clark Rubber’s general manager of marketing. Lucas says the pandemic has affected business practices around the face-to-face customer service, whether that be in-store, click and October/November 2020

SPLASH! 35

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“Going contact-free hasn’t really been a big change for Poolwerx technicians”

collect or on-site at people’s homes for pool and spa servicing and home deliveries. “During this time, we’ve learned to communicate frequently with our customers on how best they can shop with us, whether online or in-store,” he says. “We have learnt to be highly fluid and adapt quickly to consumers, regulations, restrictions and competitors to ensure our stores remain open and trading safely.” Clark Rubber has seen a steady stream of sales courtesy of people investing in their backyard oasis in lieu of going on holidays. “As we’ve witnessed in North America and Europe, people unable to travel are using their savings to invest in a new pool or spa,” says Lucas.

“Customers have been buying them from late April until the present in numbers we haven’t seen before, and the demand doesn’t look like slowing down at all.” Demand for pool cleaners and chemicals have also spiked nationally throughout the various lockdowns. “With Melbourne’s recent stage four restrictions, the need for cleaning products and equipment significantly increased — especially robotic pool cleaners — as people wanted to ensure their pools were clean and safe to swim in. Online sales for contactless delivery and click-and-collect services have subsequently seen enormous four-digit growth year on year, helping these stores stay open and remain trading.” Prior to the pandemic, Clark Rubber invested in a new online store alongside a renewed marketing program heavily skewed to digital, social and search, which Lucas says has achieved outstanding results. “Our digital strategy keeps capturing and converting customers from incremental sales from website enhancements to new digital channels that drive more customers in-store,” he says. “Our online sales have significantly increased across the whole business since late April — triple-digit growth year-on-year in both sales and orders.” Lucas says the company has also seen unprecedented demand across the country for its pool and spa mobile servicing van franchises.

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“There are so many people wanting to invest in their own business, to work for themselves with the added value partnering with a brand that has 74 years’ of experience in the Australian pool and spa industry,” he adds. “Combine this with Clark Rubber’s Pooltrackr software that manages and tracks servicing jobs to staffing, customers, invoicing and even water testing, and all on a mobile phone; it is an unbelievable opportunity.”

Reassuring stakeholders

Jim’s Pool Care Australia general manager Brett Blair says engaging suppliers and stakeholders to develop best-practice processes was instrumental during the first phase of the virus’ outbreak. “We had regular Zoom meetings, and continue to, in an effort to reassure franchisors and franchisees by helping them overcome fear and develop a clear path forward,” says Blair. “We also worked with SPASA to develop safer work practices and protocols.” While contactless services were introduced in response to coronavirus, Blair says its new Test & Balance option will likely remain in some cities. “It’s a short, sharp, cost-effective service for pool owners who cannot or do not want to leave home,” he explains. Jim’s Pool Care is also experiencing the benefits that come from the “holidaying at home” trend by experiencing a spike in particular product sales.

Jim’s Pool Care is also experiencing the benefits that come from the “holidaying at home” trend by experiencing a spike in particular product sales

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“Many customers are now upgrading equipment and installing pool heating solutions as the home becomes the new place to work, play and relax.” Blair says the group continues to adhere to government guidelines — “we can only control what we can control” — while turning a challenging time into an opportunity for growth. “We’ve learnt that you need resilience in times like these and that opportunities are everywhere if you open yourself up to see them.”

The end of cold calling

With manufacturer Lo-Chlor Chemicals facing a steady stream of couriers and delivery drivers entering its premises each day, managing director Paul Simons

says it immediately implemented strict guidelines to prevent access to the entire complex from anyone outside of the organisation. “Anyone who was granted access had to sanitise hands, fill in an entry log providing full personal details and was given personal protection equipment (PPE) before entering the building,” he says. “All staff were provided with hand sanitiser, PPE and strict training on covid-safe workplace guidelines.” Simons says business operations has not been affected by the pandemic – other than from a financial point of view. “Other than the covid-safe practices outlined above, we have not had to alter the way we run the business,” he says. “We are a manufacturer in a purpose-built

All staff were provided with hand sanitiser, PPE and strict training on covid-safe workplace guidelines

Suiting up for covid Personal protection equipment and data capture procedures were enforced when Swimart Glen Waverley owner Jonathon Roseman provided an onsite pool service during Melbourne’s stage four lockdown. “We were engaged by a disability service provider conducting a deep clean of a house where two occupants had previously tested positive to coronavirus,” he says. “It was also the home of a young boy who relied on the pool for therapy, so Swimart was given an exception despite not being considered an essential service during that time.” To conduct Swimart’s test and balance service, Roseman followed strict health and safety protocols. “We wore full body suits, two sets of gloves, visor and a mask, ensuring the health of everyone on-site.”

October/November 2020

SPLASH! 39

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People unable to travel are using their savings to invest in a new pool or spa

Shipping uncertainty increases local solar demand Covid has generated a sharp increase in interest in solar pool heating as more people are spending time at home, and want to maximise the potential of their backyard swimming pool.

delays in securing product internationally, impairing their ability to fulfil customer orders. So, in response, we have committed to an additional shift in our Melbourne plant to support those businesses in trouble.”

Compounding this increase in demand for solar is a difficulty in securing containers from China, in particular 40-foot-high cubes, which has left many importers of rigid solar systems in a difficult situation, says Boss Solar CEO Paul Kremer.

The additional shift is expected to increase plant capacity by 30 per cent.

“DHL, the global logistics provider, also indicates in their October 2020 shipping update that some carriers have introduced a ‘box priority fee’, making shipping more expensive when you do eventually receive product,” he says. Kremer says these supply chain issues have created unprecedented demand for local solar product, in particular their Australian made and engineered Rhino Black rigid solar pool heating system. In response, Boss Solar has extended shifts in its Melbourne manufacturing facility to meet the increased demand for its locally produced solar pool heating solutions. “At Boss, we have been inundated with enquiries regarding our Rhino Black rigid solar pool heating system. Many customers are venting their frustrations about lengthy

SPLASH!

October/November 2020

He says the issue was compounded by the Chinese factories being closed for October’s Golden Week Holiday, which traditionally leads to demand spikes before and after the holiday, as well as marking the beginning of the Christmas period. “We are in the perfect storm of pressure on our global logistics supply chain, which has a knock-on effect to the many customers seeking the perfect backyard pool ‘staycation’. That is why we are committed to investing in local manufacturing, for local markets, producing products that generate value to our customers in Australia. “We do not want to let Australian families' dreams of owning a solar heated pool evaporate this season. Boss Polymer is focused on optimising our integrated manufacturing business and distribution channels to support the continued supply of high-quality, locally produced flexible and rigid solar heating products,” he says.

The extension of the manufacturing shift has already begun with vendors supplying additional raw ingredients to meet production demands. “Importantly, it is available for purchase now. No ocean freight lead-times, it’s ready now.”

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3000sqm warehouse with 15 warehouse staff, so social distancing and hand hygiene was never an issue.” One thing that has changed and is likely to remain for Lo-Chlor’s sales team? No more cold calling. “Our training specialists have reverted to online training portals through Zoom and MS Meetings and that seems to be very well received,” he says.

Lobbying an essential service During Victoria’s harsh stage four lockdown, pool and spa specialist Swimart urged Melburnians to keep water properly chlorinated while technicians were restricted to only conducting “urgent, emergency residential repair and maintenance” services. Without proper pool and spa chemicals and a maintenance regime, water borne pathogens including pseudomonas, cryptosporidium, E. coli and shigella can cause outbreaks. Poorly sanitised swimming pools can also create a breeding ground for mosquitoes, pests and the diseases

A lot more clients are at home now, but it hasn’t had a negative impact on Poolwerx operations

they may carry, which presents a risk not only to bathers but entire communities. “I find it incredible that, if I lived in the Melbourne metropolitan area and my fridge failed or I had an issue with electricity or water, I could call a professional tradesperson to fix it or I could walk into a retailer and replace it,” says Swimart’s National Advisory Committee representative Tony Arbidans.

1300 498 819 info@spa-craft.com.au www.spa-craft.com.au Head Office: 20 Curtis Road, Mulgrave NSW 2756

VIC Branch: 13 Lieber Grove, Carrum Downs VIC 3201

October/November 2020

SPLASH! 41

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advocacy which identified the fact that without proper maintenance, hundreds of thousands of residential pools and spas could potentially become a public health risk. “Despite repeated requests to government to provide clarity, 370,000 residential pools and spas could have become a public health risk if they weren’t allowed to be serviced and maintained,” says SPASA COO Spiros Dassakis. “We didn’t want to replace one virus for another.”

Franchisees on the frontline Lo-Chlor Chemicals immediately implemented strict guidelines to prevent access to the entire complex from anyone outside of the organisation

“Pools and spas rely on chemical supplies to keep them safe and hygienic as well as ongoing maintenance of sanitation equipment to ensure they operate correctly,” he explains. “If that body of water in your backyard is not properly maintained, not only is it a health issue for everyone swimming or bathing in it but it can also become a mosquito breeding ground when it turns green — especially when the weather heats up.” Swimart’s call was in line with the SPASA Australia’s

SPLASH!

October/November 2020

Jordan Bedson from Swimart Mornington says the network reacted quickly to the pandemic’s outbreak by adapting, crafting and delivering a range of contactless services. “This included services like kerbside delivery, letterbox drop water tests and an online ordering portal for essential cleaning and sanitisation chemicals,” he says. With many people working from home, and restrictions limiting travel and school holidays on the horizon, Bedson says pool owners need to be extra vigilant with their maintenance regime this summer. “We have found the pools are getting more use than ever before and the concern is that if they are not being properly maintained, the potential health risks can be severe.” Poolwerx Shepparton franchise partner Craig Henry says the biggest change brought on by covid-19 has

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been wearing facemasks and consistently sanitising and spraying down equipment. “As far as going contact-free, it hasn’t really been a big change for us as technicians. A lot more clients are at home now, but it hasn’t had a negative impact on our operations,” he says. “On the contrary, we can chat with the homeowners from a safe distance and train them on the maintenance they can be doing between our visits.” Henry says customers are careful and conscious with regards to respecting social distancing guidelines. “When we knock on a client’s door, we step back, and if the client wants to come out and ask questions, we keep our distance. In store, we have sanitiser at the entrance, stickers on the floor, retail shields and adhere to all government guidelines to make sure our clients’ shopping experience and our team stay safe.” While the pandemic has caused social and economic disruption, Henry says his business has had the opposite experience: “We’re rocketing. People can’t go anywhere, so they’re putting holiday money back into the backyard.”

Challenges and opportunities

Poolwerx chief operating officer Nic Brill says equipment sales have gone through the roof – the value of spa sales in Victoria alone have grown a monumental 1000 per cent since the pandemic hit this March, and sales of heating equipment across the country have more than doubled on last year. “We experienced nearly double-digit growth in revenue last financial year, and in June alone we were up 15 per cent in revenue,” he says. “Covid has certainly brought on challenges but also huge opportunities for the pool and spa industry. “This is really down to that rise in home cocooning and priority – the whole industry is bucking the retail trend, or rising from within it, and we all need to ride the wave while we can.” n

In-store, Clark Rubber installed protective transparent screens, social distancing floor decals, hand sanitisation stations, surface cleaning and signage communicating key covid messaging

Contacts

Boss Solar: www.bosssolar.com.au Clark Rubber: www.clarkrubber.com.au Franchise Council of Australia: www.franchise.org.au Jim’s Pool Care Australia: www.jimspoolcare.com.au Lo-Chlor Chemicals: www.lochlor.com.au Poolwerx: www.poolwerx.com.au SPASA Australia: www.spasa.com.au Swimart: www.swimart.com.au

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SPASA 2020 National Awards of Excellence ABOVE: 2020 National Pool of the Year, Laguna Pools & Spas (Victoria)

he National Awards of Excellence were held in a virtual format for the first time, a necessity due to covid social distancing requirements and border closures. Nonetheless, it was an exciting event ably hosted by David Stennett and Luke Daly. In the following issues we will bring more details on some of the outstanding entries that picked up accolades. And the Australian national winners for 2020 are…

Pool of the Year

Highly Commended: Elite Pool Constructions (South Australia) Highly Commended: Endless Pools & Spas (Victoria)

Employee of the Year Gold: Robert White – Brisbane Prestige Plunge Pools (Queensland) Highly Commended: Chris Newman – Jim’s Pool Care Shellharbour (New South Wales)

Highly Commended: Pools By Design (Queensland)

Highly Commended: Maurice Zoia – Waterco (South Australia)

Concrete Pool Builder of the Year

Supplier of the Year Gold: Evo Industries Australia (Queensland)

Gold: Elite Pool Constructions (South Australia)

Highly Commended: Europe Imports (New South Wales)

Highly Commended: Cronulla Pools (New South Wales)

Highly Commended: Focus Products (South Australia)

Highly Commended: Laguna Pools & Spas (Victoria)

Fibreglass Pool Builder of the Year Gold: Leisure Pools North Brisbane (Queensland) Highly Commended: Horizon Pools (Victoria)

Product of the Year Gold: Hayward Pool Products (Queensland) Highly Commended: International Quadratics (New South Wales)

Highly Commended: Narellan Pools Wollondilly & Southern Highlands (New South Wales)

Highly Commended: Maleco Pool & Spa Covers (Victoria)

Spa of the Year

Gold: Narellan Pools Pty Ltd (Queensland)

Education & Training Excellence Award

Gold: The Concrete Pool Company (Western Australia)

Highly Commended: Fluidra

Highly Commended: Endless Pools & Spas (Victoria)

Highly Commended: Waterco (Victoria)

Highly Commended: Freedom Pools (New South Wales)

Commercial Project of the Year

(New South Wales)

Marketing Campaign Award Gold: AIS Water (Queensland)

Gold: Horizon Pools (Victoria)

Highly Commended: Daisy Pool Covers (Victoria)

Highly Commended: Freedom Pools (New South Wales)

Highly Commended: Narellan Pools Pty Ltd (New South Wales)

Highly Commended: Norfolk Pools (Queensland)

SPLASH!

Gold: Allan’s Pool Shop (Queensland)

Gold: Laguna Pools & Spas (Victoria) Highly Commended: Urban Oasis (South Australia)

Business of the Year

October/November 2020

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Sustainable Product Award Gold: AIS Water (Queensland) Highly Commended: DAB (Victoria) Highly Commended: Summerwave Heat Pumps (South Australia)

Best Pool Store Gold: Allan’s Pool Shop (Queensland) Highly Commended: Pool Logic (Western Australia) Highly Commended: The Poolstore Warehouse (Victoria)

Best Spa Retailer Gold: Endless Pools & Spas (Victoria) Highly Commended: Just Spas Adelaide (South Australia) Highly Commended: Pool & Spa World (Tasmania)

Best Mobile Service Business Gold: Davison Pool & Spa Service (New South Wales) Highly Commended: Flowtec Leak Detection Services (Victoria) Highly Commended: Jim’s Pool Care Nth Brisbane (Queensland)

Best Pool & Spa Barrier Inspector Gold: Nick Robson – Robson’s Pool Safety Inspections (Queensland Highly Commended: Robert Guthrie – Certified Pool (New South Wales)

Retail Service Technician Award Gold: Rodney Beck – Clark Rubber Shellharbour (New South Wales) Highly Commended: Kylie Rojahn – Atlantis Pool Services (Queensland) Highly Commended: Michael Lussenburg – South Perth Pool Supplies (Western Australia)

In-Field Service Technician Award Gold: Chris Newman – Jim’s Pool Care Shellharbour (New South Wales)

Highly Commended: Adrian Bradshaw – Jim’s Pool Care Thornlands (Queensland) Highly Commended: Todd Jones – Prospect Pool + Spa (South Australia)

Pool Sales Representative Award Gold: Rhiannon Royall – Ecozen Pools + Landscapes (Queensland)

ABOVE: Aerial view of the Pool of the Year BOTTOM LEFT: Spa of the Year, The Concrete Pool Company (Western Australia)

Highly Commended: Greg White – Hawkesbury Pools (New South Wales) Highly Commended: Rachel Williams – Endless Pools & Spas (Victoria)

Spa Sales Representative Award Gold: Rachel Williams – Endless Pools & Spas (Victoria) Supplier Salesperson Award Gold: Geoff Inglis – Europe Imports (New South Wales) Highly Commended: Gavin Bane – Fluidra (Western Australia) Highly Commended: Jayne Orth – Lo-Chlor (Queensland)

Commercial Project of the Year, Horizon Pools (Victoria) Product of the Year, Hayward Pool Products (Queensland)

October/November 2020

SPLASH! 45

feature Concrete Pool up to $50,000 Gold: Horizon Pools (Victoria) Highly Commended: Concept Pools Australia (New South Wales) Highly Commended: North Shore Pools & Landscaping (Western Australia)

Concrete Pool up to $100,000 Gold: Dynamic Pool Designs (New South Wales) Highly Commended: OMG Pools (South Australia) Highly Commended: Pools By Design (Queensland)

Concrete Pool over $100,000 Gold: Aquastone Pools and Landscapes (New South Wales) Highly Commended: Distinctive Pools (Western Australia) Highly Commended: Laguna Pools & Spas (Victoria)

Fibreglass Pool up to $40,000 Gold: Local Pools & Spas (New South Wales) Highly Commended: Narellan Pools Port Phillip (Victoria) Highly Commended: Narellan Pools Sunshine Coast & Moreton Bay (Queensland)

Fibreglass Pool up to $60,000 Gold: Leisure Pools North Brisbane (Queensland) Highly Commended: Horizon Pools (Victoria) Highly Commended: Narellan Pools Northern Sydney & Sydney City (New South Wales)

Fibreglass Pool over $60,000 Gold: Built Right Pools (Queensland) Highly Commended: Barrier Reef Pools (Western Australia) TOP: Portable Spa, Mega Spa (Western Australia) BOTTOM: Business of the Year, Allan’s Pool Shop (Queensland)

Rising Star Award

Highly Commended: Compass Pools Australia (New South Wales)

Gold: Robert White – Brisbane Prestige Plunge Pools (Queensland)

Freeform Pool up to $50,000

Highly Commended: Benjamin Bishop – Europe Imports (New South Wales)

Highly Commended: Sundollar Pools (Queensland)

Construction Tradesperson Award Gold: Bradley Ward – Environ Pools (Queensland)

Operational Excellence Award Gold: Manfred Warmus – Waterco (South Australia) Highly Commended: Amy Smith – Brisbane Prestige Plunge Pools (Queensland)

Gold: Placid Pools (Queensland) Highly Commended: Australian Outdoor Living (South Australia) Highly Commended: The Other Side Landscapes (New South Wales)

Freeform Pool over $100,000 Gold: Blue Haven Pools (New South Wales)

Training Excellence Award

Gold: Mermaid Pool Constructions (South Australia)

Gold: Charbel Moussa (National)

Highly Commended: Environ Pools (Queensland)

Vinyl Lined Modular Pool

Highly Commended: Leader Pools (Australian Capital Territory)

Pool & Spa Combination – Concrete

Highly Commended: Classic Pools (South Australia)

Pool & Spa Combination – Fibreglass

Highly Commended: Classic Pools (Queensland)

Gold: Gordon Ave Pools & Spas (Victoria)

Portable Spa Gold: Mega Spa (Western Australia) Highly Commended: Endless Pools & Spas (Victoria)

Swim Spa Gold: Endless Pools & Spas (Victoria) Highly Commended: West Coast Spas (Western Australia)

SPLASH!

Freeform Pool up to $100,000

Highly Commended: Matthew Kosta - Clark Rubber Franchising (New South Wales)

Gold: Classic Pools (Western Australia)

Gold: Dynamic Pool Designs (New South Wales)

October/November 2020

Highly Commended: Freedom Pools (South Australia) Highly Commended: Leisure Pools North Brisbane (Queensland)

Prefabricated Composite Pool Gold: Brisbane Prestige Plunge Pools (Queensland) Highly Commended: Capital Fibreglass Pools (Australian Capital Territory)

feature Vinyl Lined In-ground Pool Gold: Aqualon Interiors (Queensland) Highly Commended: Moonlight Pools (Western Australia)

Enclosed/Indoor Pool Gold: Boardwalk Pools (Western Australia) Highly Commended: Pools By Design (Queensland)

Courtyard/Plunge Pool Gold: North Shore Pools & Landscaping (Western Australia) Highly Commended: Laguna Pools & Spas (Victoria) Highly Commended: Suncatcher Pools (New South Wales)

Lap Pool – Concrete Gold: Elite Pool Constructions (South Australia) Highly Commended: Horizon Pools (Victoria) Highly Commended: Noble Pools (Queensland)

Lap Pool – Fibreglass Gold: Freedom Pools (Queensland) Highly Commended: Freedom Pools & Spas (Western Australia) Highly Commended: Local Pools & Spas (New South Wales)

In-ground Spa Gold: The Concrete Pool Company (Western Australia)

Endless Pools & Spas (Victoria)

2020’s most awarded swimming pool sanitiser.

Highly Commended: Freedom Pools (New South Wales)

Renovation up to $25,000 Gold: Busselton Spa & Pool Installations (Western Australia) Highly Commended: Adelaide Classic Pools (South Australia) Highly Commended: Aquastone Pools & Landscapes (New South Wales)

Renovation over $25,000 Gold: Freedom Pools (New South Wales) Highly Commended: Laguna Pools & Spas (Victoria) Highly Commended: Mermaid Pool Constructions (South Australia)

Concrete Commercial Pool up to $250,000 Gold: Horizon Pools (Victoria) Highly Commended: Endeavour Pools & Spas (New South Wales) Highly Commended: Sundollar Pools (Queensland)

Fibreglass Commercial Pool up to $250,000

Proudly designed, manufactured and supported in Australia.

Gold: Aqua Technics Commercial (Western Australia) Vinyl Lined Commercial Pool up to $250,000 Gold: Aqualon Interiors (Queensland) Concrete Pool over $100,000, Aquastone Pools and Landscapes (New South Wales)

We’re here to support you and your customers, seven days a week via phone, online and mobile app.

1800 625 331 www.naked-pools.com October/November 2020

SPLASH! 47

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Innovative Project Gold: Ecozen Pools + Landscapes (Queensland) Highly Commended: Horizon Pools (Victoria) Highly Commended: The Other Side Landscapes (New South Wales)

Residential Water Feature Gold: OMG Pools (South Australia) Highly Commended: Norfolk Pools (Queensland) Highly Commended: Valente Dolphin Pools (New South Wales)

Residential Lighting Feature Gold: The Other Side Landscapes (New South Wales) Highly Commended: Adelaide Classic Pools (South Australia) Highly Commended: Ecozen Pools + Landscapes (Queensland)

Pool & Spa Combination – Concrete, Mermaid Pool Constructions (South Australia)

Sustainable Project Gold: Leader Pools (Australian Capital Territory) Highly Commended: Brisbane Prestige Plunge Pools (Queensland)

Commercial Pool over $250,000

Best Safety Barrier

Gold: Freedom Pools (New South Wales) Highly Commended: Norfolk Pools (Queensland) Highly Commended: State Wide Pool Services Australia [Hydrilla] (South Australia)

Commercial Water Display Gold: Waterforms International (New South Wales) Highly Commended: Leader Pools (Australian Capital Territory) Highly Commended: Surfside Pools Commercial (Queensland)

Commercial Spa Gold: Surfside Pools Commercial (Queensland)

Commercial Renovation Gold: State Wide Pool Services Australia [Hydrilla] (South Australia) Highly Commended: Aqualon Interiors (Queensland) Highly Commended: Distinctive Pools (Western Australia)

Community Project Gold: State Wide Pool Services Australia [Hydrilla] (South Australia) Highly Commended: Norfolk Pools (Queensland)

Display Pool/Centre Gold: Freedom Pools (South Australia) Highly Commended: Riverina Pools Rockingham (Western Australia) Highly Commended: Wisdom Pools & Landscapes (New South Wales)

Pool Landscape Design Gold: Ecozen Pools + Landscapes (Queensland) Highly Commended: Elite Pool Constructions (South Australia) Highly Commended: Transform Pools & Spas (New South Wales)

SPLASH!

October/November 2020

Gold: Riverscape Landscaping & Pools (South Australia) BOTTOM: Marketing Campaign Award, AIS Water (Queensland)

Highly Commended: Freedom Pools (New South Wales) Highly Commended: Norfolk Pools (Queensland)

Setting the

Standard

If you’re looking for a pool or spa professional to assist with your business, the choice is clear. SPASA members set themselves apart from the rest of the industry by setting standards of skill, workmanship and ethical business behaviour in the best interests of the pool and spa community. Why trust anyone else?

visit spasa.com.au to contact your local

SPASA member

1300 021 482 | askus@spasa.com.au

We’ve got you covered this summer. Designed to provide long-lasting durability, the 100% Australian-made Henden Solar Pool Cover is an effective solution to getting the most out of a swimming pool. All year round, it protects, retains heat and reduces maintenance.

550 MICRON

550 micron thickness A thicker, better quality cover that lasts much longer compared to thinner covers.

Tailored to fit Available in standard pre-cut sizes to accommodate most pools, and a custom size to suit the length and width of the pool. A precise cutting service can also be done for fibreglass pools.

10 year warranty Our pro rata warranty covers you for manufacturing defects for a total of 10 years, while accounting for the natural aging of the cover.

Available at Reece Irrigation & Pools reece.com.au/henden

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2020 PASA New Zealand Awards of Excellence ABOVE: New Zealand Pool of the Year, Narellan Pools Waikato

s with the awards in Australia, the PASA New Zealand Awards of Excellence were also held virtually, hosted by David Stennett and Luke Daly. In the following issues we will bring more details on some of the outstanding entries that picked up accolades. And the New Zealand award winners for 2020 are…

Pool of the Year Gold: Narellan Pools Waikato

Concrete Pool Builder of the Year Gold: Alfresco Pools

Fibreglass Pool Builder of the Year Gold: Narellan Pools Waikato

Commercial Project of the Year The magnificent deck surrounding the Pool of the Year

Gold: Alfresco Pools

Business of the Year Gold: Poolside Christchurch

Employee of the Year Gold: Rainbow Morris – Ultimate Pools

Supplier of the Year Gold: Fluidra

Product of the Year Gold: Naked Pools Highly Commended: Fluidra Highly Commended: DAB

Education & Training Excellence Award Gold: Waterco

Sustainable Product Award Gold: Naked Pools

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SPLASH! 51

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Best Pool Store

Prefabricated Composite Pool

Gold: Poolside Christchurch

Gold: Ultimate Pools

Highly Commended: Poolwerx Hamilton Highly Commended: Ultimate Pools

Best Pool & Spa Barrier Inspector

Gold: Leisure Pools Auckland North

Lap Pool – Concrete Gold: Alfresco Pools

Concrete Commercial Pool up to $250,000 Gold: Alfresco Pools

Gold: Rainbow Morris – Ultimate Pools

International Project

Pool Sales Representative Award

Residential Water Feature

Gold: John Patterson – Narellan Pools Waikato

Supplier Salesperson Award Gold: Jade Pearce – Fluidra ABOVE: Commercial Project of the Year, Alfresco Pools

Courtyard/Plunge Pool

Gold: Narellan Pools Waikato Gold: Narellan Pools Waikato

Residential Lighting Feature Gold: Narellan Pools Waikato Product of the Year, Naked Pools

Operational Excellence Award Gold: Olivia Down – Narellan Pools Waikato

Concrete Pool up to $100,000 Gold: Alfresco Pools

Fibreglass Pool up to $40,000 Gold: Leisure Pools Auckland North

Fibreglass Pool up to $60,000 Gold: Narellan Pools Waikato Highly Commended: Narellan Pools Waikato

Fibreglass Pool over $60,000 Gold: Narellan Pools Waikato Highly Commended: Narellan Pools Waikato BOTTOM: Supplier of the Year, Fluidra

SPLASH!

Freeform Pool up to $100,000 Gold: Alfresco Pools

October/November 2020

Business of the Year, Poolside Christchurch

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Up to 90% compared to any other traditional solution

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Make a splash in the “new normal” with the help of digital marketing By Suzanne Mitchell

LED Strip Lighting Bring any outdoor space to life with the all new LED strip lights, the perfect addition to any backyard to highlight landscapes and water features. Synchronise with your MULTI PLUS pool lights for a truly harmonious look. Amplify your illumination with MATRIX.

www.spaelectrics.com.au

o matter the industry, it’s safe to say that many contractors and small business owners have felt the effects of the ongoing and evolving pandemic. Despite the current environment remaining shrouded in concern and uncertainty, contractors and small business owners in the pool and spa industry should be identifying strategies to help them grow, succeed and serve their customers in the “new normal”. During a period in which business as usual has been almost entirely disrupted, implementing a fresh digital marketing approach could provide a big competitive advantage to help reach and engage both new and existing customers. So, as you think about how to expand and adapt for the months ahead, here are some tips to help you elevate your business by leveraging digital marketing.

Build a digital one stop shop

The internet has become ubiquitous to everyday life, with many Australians using it to purchase goods and services, interact with brands and stay in touch with loved ones. Consider, therefore, how a website could help your business by acting as the foundation of your digital marketing strategy, as you look to interact with customers on the channels they use most. After all, with many of us spending more time at home than usual, there may be an increased demand for your services as the summer months approach. To get your website set up, you first need to register a domain name – your website address that appears in a browser. Ensure your domain is short, memorable and applicable like, for example, brisbanepoolcare. com.au. Once registered, tools like GoDaddy can help you build a professional website to act as a central hub for your marketing activity. Use it to talk about your business (including expertise, services and location), showcase positive customer testimonials, and incorporate imagery of beautiful pools you’ve worked on.

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To make it easier for potential customers to contact you to book a consultation, it’s worth making an online booking function prominent on your site, and encourage people to register for your newsletter if you have one. And if you’re affected by lockdowns or other restrictions, explain this on your site, too.

Align digital marketing channels with your customers

Once your website is live, consider the digital marketing channels that will be most effective in promoting your services to your customers. The great news is that digital marketing doesn’t have to be costly or time-consuming. Considering nearly half the world’s population uses email, many of your customers will too. Email marketing is a quick, cost-effective way to help you stay top of mind with your audience. To help build trust and credibility consider an email address matching your domain, like hi@brisbanepoolcare.com.au. Then use it to communicate important business updates, promote a new service or qualification, or share photos of your outstanding projects. While email is a great way to connect with existing customers whose contact details you already have, search engine optimisation (SEO) can help make your website more visible to potential customers. SEO is an algorithm that helps determine where your website will rank in Google’s search results when a related term is searched online. The better optimised your site, the easier it is for someone to find it. Populating your site with keywords is one way to increase its SEO ranking, so include terms that people may search for, like “Brisbane pool maintenance”. In addition to a website and SEO strategies, social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter can also be good channels to reach current and potential customers, especially considering the visually appealing nature of pool and spa businesses. While many contractors and business owners in the pool and spa industry are still determining what the “new normal” may hold, implementing a robust digital marketing approach could go a long way in helping you engage with your audience. So, as you look to grow or regroup in the months ahead, consider how digital marketing could help your business swim with the current, rather than against the tide. n As Australia marketing director for GoDaddy, Suzanne Mitchell is responsible for directing marketing strategies and campaign executions in the region. Contact: www.godaddy.com.au

Pool water so good, your customer’s could drink it. Prospective and existing pool owners are discovering alternatives to having chlorine and high chemicals in their pool water. So why not get onboard today and find out more about getting your customers Naked in their pool.

Call 1800 625 331 or visit naked-pools.com October/November 2020

SPLASH! 55

Thank you to our generous Sponsors and Partners

PLATINUM Sponsors

GOLD Sponsors

The Awards of Excellence is designed to promote the ownership of pools and spas and to showcase the best in the industry. The regional and national awards, Choosing Your Pool & Spa magazine and ongoing annual promotions through digital marketing and consumer shows are all made possible by the valuable contribution of our sponsors and partners.

Consider your next purchase These companies dedicate a significant investment towards marketing to future pool and spa owners. SPASA encourages all industry participants to support the brands that are a part of the growth of our community of professionals.

INDUSTRY Sponsors and Partners

visit spasaawards.com.au to view the full complement of 2020 award winners contact us: P 1300 021 482 E askus@spasa.com.au

NEW

DATES

For more information visit www.splashexpo.com.au or call 1300 789 845 Owned By

Platinum Sponsor

Media Partner

Gold Sponsors

Organised By

Silver Sponsor

Golf Sponsor

Largest pool & spa show in Southern Hemisphere Expanded exhibition area now encompassing all available expo space in Convention Centre New education format with training outside of expo hours Enhanced SPASA Awards Increased collaboration with other aquatic industry sectors

commercial news

Commercial News Endless Surf in Vietnam . . ....................... 63 An underwater record of pride and joy. . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Using data to survive the post-covid drop-off. . . . . . .

LTS

Swimming lessons drop by 25 per cent Data from Royal Life Saving (RLS) and the aquatic recreation and swim school industry shows a significant fall in swimming lesson enrolments.

covid‐19 may create a generation of non‐swimmers, who will never be safe around water.

Swim lesson numbers are falling throughout the covid-19 pandemic

“Parents should be reminded that learning to swim is not only a partial vaccine against drowning, it boosts a lifelong love of swimming for fun, health and fitness,” says Scarr. Royal Life Saving analysed swim school enrolments provided by partners YMCA, Belgravia Leisure, BlueFit Group, Aquatic Recreation Institute NSW and the Australian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association (ASCTA). The data excludes Victoria as most pools have been closed throughout September. The research shows that September 2020 enrolments (compared with September 2019) have:

• Fallen by 25 per cent on average across The greatest impact shown is in metropolitan Australia (excluding Victoria) areas and among children aged seven to 12 • Fallen by 8 per cent in children 0 to 3 years years with a fall of 40 per cent in some areas. and 22 per cent in children 4 to 6 years Children’s swimming and water safety skills • Fallen by 29 per cent in children 7 to 9 years, are critical to drowning prevention and RLS and 41 per cent in children 10 to 12 years is urging parents to assess their children’s swimming skills. If they can’t reach the National • Impacts are greater in metropolitan areas, compared with regional areas Swimming and Water Safety Benchmarks for their age, they should enrol them in lessons prior to summer.

• The biggest decrease in enrolments recorded are in metropolitan Sydney (41 per cent)

Royal Life Saving CEO, Justin Scarr, • The sharpest decline in enrolments is in says the fall in swimming lesson enrolments school aged children, which have fallen is so dramatic that they are concerned between 29 per cent to 41 per cent.

Scarr says school age is exactly the wrong time to be quitting lessons. Research shows that cost, distance, parental awareness, and negative experiences are all barriers to swimming lessons. Covid‐19 has placed financial pressures on families and raised safety concerns.

ASCTA CEO Brendon Ward says that swim schools have been profoundly impacted by closures through winter; they now have comprehensive covid‐19 plans in place to do everything possible to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their community. “Professional swimming lessons provide essential skills that last a lifetime and enable people to enjoy the water safely.” Melinda Crole, CEO YMCA Australia, which runs aquatic facilities and swim schools across Australia, says the social and mental health benefits of a swim at the local swimming pool is often overlooked. “Aquatic centres provide a safe, social place to exercise, practise vital swimming skills, relax and feel a sense of connection to community. All these things are vital during a covid impacted summer.” Scarr says if a seven, eight or nine‐year‐old child can’t yet swim 50m and tread water for two minutes, then they should be in swimming and water safety lessons. “Cost can be a barrier, and we encourage parents to investigate state government sport vouchers, planning ahead to enrol in the subsidised holiday programs and asking grandparents to gift lessons for birthdays or Christmas,” he says.

Training

Upskilling in Queensland Queensland Health released a new guideline for swimming pool water quality management in December 2019. The new guideline is available on the Queensland Health website and is titled “Water quality guidelines for public aquatic facilities”. Chapter 10 of the new standard refers to operator training. It states: “The level of operator training should be proportionate to the risk of the facility. Operators of high-risk aquatic facilities should undertake more extensive training than those who operate low risk facilities. It is strongly recommended that operators of high-risk facilities complete

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October/November 2020

the relevant competency of either a Certificate III or Certificate IV in Swimming Pool and Spa Service, as offered by a registered training organisation.” Royal Life Saving Society Queensland (RLSSQ) says the updated Queensland Health guidelines are a significant change to the industry and will impact most aquatic centres in Queensland. The guidelines categorise the risk for aquatic centres based on usage. Almost all aquatic centres in Queensland will fall into a medium or high-risk category, with pools used for learn-to-swim being considered a high-risk facility.

RLSSQ chose to develop a course to be available for existing operators. Paul Barry, executive director RLSSQ says that in developing a Certificate IV training program it was important that the course competencies provided their learners with the skills which they require to manage and operate larger operations. The courses are offered face to face, both at the Brisbane headquarters situated at The Plantation, 1204 New Cleveland Road Gumdale, and in regional areas, when sufficient numbers register. Contact: www.rlssq.com.au; (07) 3823 2823

commercial news

Training

IRLearning helps Raging Waters upskill for the summer As Sydney’s premier waterpark Raging Waters Sydney prepared for the summer, they decided to reach out to SPASA Australia’s training body IRLearning to upskill their team and get compliant by undertaking the SISSS00110 Aquatic Technical Operator course. The Aquatic Technical Operator course forms part of the minimum recommended standards published by the NSW and other local governments and focuses on public swimming pools with multi-purpose aquatic and recreation facilities. The nationally accredited units of competency within the Aquatic Technical Operator course include: • SISCAQU005: Develop and implement aquatic facility maintenance procedures • SISCAQU004: Develop and implement pool water maintenance procedures • BSBRSK401: Identify risk and apply risk management processes • SISCAQU001: Test pool water quality • SISCAQU003: Maintain aquatic facility plant and equipment “The commercial aquatic sector is a new focus for IRLeaning and we are proud to have been engaged by Raging Water Sydney to assist them with their training needs,” says Spiros Dassakis, COO of SPASA Australia. IRLearning delivers trade and business qualifications for the following sectors: • Retail & Business • Building & Construction • Aquatic Pool & Spa • Tailored Workshops • Group training Raging Waters Sydney is registered as a CovidSafe Business and officially opened for summer on Saturday 3rd October with some changes to its operation to satisfy covid requirements. Contact: www.irllearning.com.au; 1300 021 482

Course participants Mark Spilsbury, IRLearning trainer; Liam Thorne, water quality technician; Toby Willett, facilities supervisor; Mitch Wallace, facilities manager; Jack Strasiotto, water quality team leader; Lauren Gibson, water quality leading hand

October/November 2020

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CERTIFICATE IV IN SWIMMING POOL AND SPA SERVICE (CPP41319)

ENROL NOW!

COURSE DATES: Monday 30 November to Friday 4 December 2020, and Monday 7 to Wednesday 8 December 2020

COURSE VENUE: The Plantation 1204 New Cleveland Road, Gumdale Qld

DAYS INTENSIVE FACE TO FACE TRAINING PROGRAM!

COURSE COST: $3,600.00

Designed for existing operators of commercial aquatic centres

Refer to www.rlssq.com.au for course outline and more information.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT ROYAL LIFE SAVING QUEENSLAND: (07) 3823 2823 admin@rlssq.com.au www.rlssq.com.au

RTO 5431 Note: To meet the Queensland Health water quality guidelines, the operators of public swimming pools in Queensland offering learn to swim lessons are required to have an operator with a Certificate IV in Swimming Pool & Spa Service. © Royal Life Saving Society Queensland Inc V20.3

commercial news A range of water sports will be provided including the surf park, helping set an active lifestyle tone for this high-end healthfocused community Waterparks

Endless Surf rolls into Vietnam

ietnam is changing. Recent years have seen rapid growth of tourism infrastructure and significant real estate expansion as international investors recognise the potential of this culture-rich, tropical destination To support the new technology hub east of Ho Chi Minh City, land developers are creating a large mixed-use community. Endless Surf will be the anchor amenity to attract residents – fitting the master plan to create an appealing place to live for a highly skilled workforce. Residences in this vibrant destination will look out over the expansive beach of the ES3200’s huge heart shaped pool and beach area, with the spectacle that comes with a world class surf venue. Endless Surf waves are designed to satisfy the needs of experts and beginners simultaneously in different zones. Alongside are a couple of smaller lagoons designed for kayaks which when combined with the planned FlowRider triple-sheet wave, means

WhiteWater’s expertise in aquatic engineering and experience design. WhiteWater built its first surf pool in 1989 and it still operates today. Endless Surf takes that heritage and with expert wave designers enhanced the reliable pneumatic technology to create Endless rolling sets, designed for operational ease, flexibility, high capacity, and above all else, safety. “Endless Surf provides iconic inland surfing that will draw guests of all ages to surf parks; and WhiteWater brings developers the comfort of a proven track record designing experiences which keep guests onsite and drive ROI.” Surf the Wave is one of the Asia Pacific’s most established and experienced allencompassing lifestyle and real estate development companies, with a focus on utilising surf pools as the key feature in a development. Contact: www.surfthewave.asia; www. whitewaterwest.com n

there will be plenty of opportunity to keep board lovers happy. Providing a range of water sports, especially the appeal of surf, as a core offering not only improves the aesthetic but helps set an active lifestyle tone for this high-end health-focused community. Tony Bulcraig CEO of Surf the Wave, says the decision to choose Endless Surf came after a thorough analysis of the options. “We concluded that Endless Surf offers both the best value and surf versatility, with a more natural aesthetic, that fits our development goals best. That it is backed by a company already experienced in large scale developments is important given the institutional investors involved.” This will be the first surf pool in the country and will give over 10 million people access to perfect man-made waves delivered by Endless Surf. Endless Surf brings the next generation of powerful, efficient and customisable waves backed by four decades of ABOVE: This will be the first surf pool in Vietnam

In Brief Melbourne’s indoor pools are open to a maximum of a maximum of 20 people per venue from November 9, as the state government made concessions to easing restrictions. The Victorian Aquatic Industry Alliance (VAIA) has been advocating for an advanced reopening of swimming facilities in that state, with indoor aquatic facilities previously slated to remain closed until the last step of the state’s roadmap to recovery. The VAIA argued that while indoor pools remained closed, the industry was unable to deliver essential swimming and water safety programs to the community. At the time of writing outdoor swimming pools (including swimming lessons) were limited to the density quotient of the pool itself or 50 per pool, whichever is smaller, other than for the following exceptions: Exclusive use by a single school at any one time for education purposes;

Exclusive use for community sport. As covid positive case numbers were continuing to decline, it is likely restrictions will ease further. Check with https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/ coronavirus-covid-19-restrictions-roadmaps for more. To replace this year’s Safer Swimming Week, ASSA is running a water safety campaign called Count Down to Summer. This water safety campaign is to share the vital water safety messaging year-round and incorporate ASSA’s SaferWater Warriors. Each SaferWater Warrior has a vital message attached to them and is designed as a fun approach to spreading vital water safety messages through swim schools. Swimming Skills = Glide; Adult Supervision = Skye; Fences & Gates = Force; Emergency Action Plan = Dash. An official date for the 2021 Safer Swimming Week will be announced later in the year.

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commercial news

An underwater record of pride and joy By Joanne Slaughter

ABOVE: The fast cameras can capture plenty of images very quickly. Puddle Pics

SPLASH! asked Joan Slaughter to explain how underwater photography can add to the child’s swimming lesson experience. Underwater photography is one of the most exciting events swim schools can offer their customers and staff.

“Smaller siblings, who may not be as confident swimmers, benefit from the time they spend with their older sibling having photos taken.” After nine years in the business, the most rewarding part of the job is the interaction with the children and encouraging them to swim the best they ever have. Time and time again parents are amazed at what their child can do in front of a camera. You can 64

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feel the joy and pride poolside as parents watch and record this very special event. Puddle Pics has developed a style of underwater photography that goes beyond just getting the kids to pose underwater. We offer swim schools a fun alternative activity for the children to apply their swimming skills and develop confidence. The opportunity to engage with the camera often stretches children to new skill levels. Paddling independently, opening their eyes underwater without goggles or swimming better than they have shown their instructor are just some examples. There is nothing more rewarding than a toddler coming up from the water with a big smile on their face shouting: “Mummy I did it, I did it!” I remember the time a little boy five years old had refused to put his eyes in the water. Both his mother and instructor said I would not be able to photograph him. As he watched his other classmates getting photos, I could see his curiosity grow. I turned to him and asked: “Are you going to have a go?” Before you knew it, he was paddling underwater and had the biggest smile on his face. His mother was

commercial feature

The kids will have memories of their friends for life. Puddle Pics

in absolute shock and asked if I could come to lessons every week.

Putting the fun in fundraising

Puddle Pics uses state of the art underwater camera equipment to give ideal lighting, speed, clarity and quality. Photography is a great opportunity for siblings and family members to share some quality time. Smaller siblings, who may not be as confident swimmers, benefit from the time they spend with their older sibling having photos taken. Again it builds their confidence in the water. The grin of achievement

both under and above water is wonderful to witness. Props provide colour, movement and support to ensure the best photo opportunity. Our service is also used for fundraising. Pools use the funds in underfunded areas of their business such as specialty equipment, staff development and charity fund raising. While providing the opportunity for parents to document their children’s swim journey, photography also allows instructors to see how their students can apply their skills. It’s a fun yearly event that provides long lasting memories.

Babies instinctively know when not to blow bubbles. Puddle Pics

Props provide colour and movement, making for a better shot. Puddle Pics

The whole family can get in on the act. Puddle Pics

A lasting memory for Mum. Puddle Pics October/November 2020

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commercial news

TOP: And a memory for Dad too. Puddle Pics ABOVE: A boy and his horse. Puddle Pics RIGHT: Sometimes the presence of the photographer makes the kids try extra hard. Puddle Pics

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October/November 2020

How often have we heard: “I wish this had been offered when my kids were younger.” Puddle Pics celebrates 10 years in 2021 and has more than 200 swim school partners. We are the official underwater photography provider for Swim Australia, Kids Alive Do the Five, World Wide Swim School and ASSA.

Baby shots

Our most popular photos are with babies. We work with instructors and parents to ensure the babies are comfortable and the photography integrates into the lesson. Due to the speed of our cameras, we can capture up to six images in one submersion. Parents are always surprised how their little ones open their eyes and even smile underwater. We can also show them how babies blow bubbles during their submersion. Even if the babies are not going under, we are able to capture above-water shots of babies and parents during their lesson. During this time of covid these are unique, as currently many schools do not allow spectators. They can go home with images from the swim lesson and share them with family and friends. Baby submersions are then followed by the opportunity to do a parent/baby photo underwater.

Again, parents are amazed at how little time they spend underwater to capture the shot. It is literally straight down and straight up. The hardest thing for parents is to smile and not blow bubbles. The babies always nail it. Parents of special needs children are always excited at the prospect of getting underwater photos of their children. One mother recently had her autistic son photographed. He had not smiled at a normal camera in two years but as soon as he saw ours and went underwater he was smiling from head to toe. She was so overwhelmed by her son’s positive reaction and by the experience that it brought her to tears. She bought every single image. This is just one example of how underwater photography can add value to swim school programs. n

SHOW YOUR COMMITMENT TO

PRESERVING THE ENVIRONMENT

The Climate Care Certification Program is an initiative of the Swimming Pool & Spa Association of Australia Ltd (SPASA). It is the industry’s efficiency and sustainability certification program. SPASA is proud to deliver an industry wide program to support, protect and promote the way the swimming pool and spa industry operates and strives for best practice sustainable solutions.

BENEFITS OF CERTIFICATION CONSUMER BENEFITS ü Purchase with confidence knowing that you are choosing a certified environmentally sustainable solution ü Enjoy the benefits of choosing a solution which utilises water efficiency, energy efficiency, noise reduction measures, environmentally sustainable designs or efficiency/sustainability innovations ü Reduce your overall carbon footprint whilst saving money

INDUSTRY BENEFITS ü Highlight your product/system/installation’s environmentally sustainable qualities ü Show your commitment to preserving the environment and to industry best practice ü Demonstrate your investment in the industry’s sustainable future and inspire others to do the same

THIRD-PARTY VERIFICATION All Climate Care Certified products undergo independent third-party testing and/or verification to assess and report on claims being made such as water efficiency and energy savings. Only credible and trusted local, national and international testing and verification bodies are considered by SPASA to ensure that claims being made on energy and water efficiency and sustainability are substantiated.

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

commercial feature

Using data to survive the postcovid drop-off

TOP LEFT: Graph 1: Pre-covid vs post-covid member numbers by membership status and state TOP RIGHT: Graph 2: Top five age groups that have highest proportion of cancelled members BOTTOM LEFT: Graph 3: Pre-covid vs post-covid member number by membership status and deprivation BOTTOM RIGHT: Graph 4: Top five age groups that have member duration decline

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uring the covid pandemic, aquatic and leisure centres have seen membership number decline. While many members have only suspended their memberships, there are realistic fears they many may not be coming back. James Ellender, CEO of ActiveXchange, says analysing data from across the sector as well as from individual centres provides the opportunity to focus on those most likely to return, and in doing so, securing future membership for the post-covid world. ActiveXchange, powered by the SportsEye platform, enables analysis of data from hundreds of aquatic centres, as well as sports, fitness and leisure centres. The data analysis indicates that venues may be drifting towards an even greater crisis in the months ahead. However, Ellender says that by interpreting the data, it is possible to avoid the pitfalls ahead and maintain a healthy membership. “The platform is purpose-built for analysing member and participant data and making sense from it; working out who is leaving and who is returning so we can have much more specific information on which programs to target, based on the changing age groups and demographics returning or not returning to the venues,” he says.

October/November 2020

“As well as the general spread of data we can look immediately at their catchment and understand supply and demand at their location with a much greater insight.” He says a whole range of other factors can help understand supply and demand at the venues. “Because we’re monitoring participation of members in our fitness centres, we can understand different age groups usage of particular programs, learn to swim for example, and can adjust their programs to suit.”

What is the current picture?

Graph 1 compares, as a baseline, the number of members prior to covid (February) with the average percentage of members who have cancelled, or are still on suspension, and the similar proportion of new joiners over this period (through to September). Graph 2 shows that when we split this out by demographics, we can see which is the highest proportion who have cancelled or are still on suspension. “This data is helping operators focus on which groups to re-engage, how to prioritise these efforts, and how to optimise and tailor the messaging and offering, tracking across the industry what’s working best on a rolling basis,” says Ellender. “You can then apply this up-to-date intelligence to each partner venue.”

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Graph 3 compares the level of deprivation of members who have cancelled or are still on suspension with current live members. The graph highlights that those in less affluent areas are being more greatly affected. “This will have significant health and wellbeing costs, some of which will be immediate such as mental health. ActiveXchange will be releasing further insight on the impact of covid on social value, and how we are helping operator partners articulate this at a local level and use SportsEye intelligence to mitigate the impact across these priority communities,” he says.

Forecasting a second wave

Graph 4 shows the pre-covid average member lifetime by demographic group and the 12-month membership length trend leading up to this point. The graph highlights that the older age groups have the higher lifetime values (worth most to venues), yet as we see above, these are the groups who have cancelled most or are still on suspension, and are not being replaced through the new member joiner rates. It is also these groups that generally have the highest social value costs to local communities and government. SportsEye now powers advanced predictive forecasting for operators, tailored to their local circumstances. The analysis is forecasting in 12 months the average venue will see a reduction of 31.3 per cent in monthly

membership revenue, equating to 25.3 per cent fewer members compared to pre-covid, and importantly 10.3 per cent fewer members than today. “We’ve got a covid recovery dashboard where we can extrapolate data based on a breakdown of segmentation of who’s coming back and who is not, so it has an impact on forecasting member revenue, and that gives the venue a responsive dashboard. We help them with what to change with a program or from a marketing perspective,” says Ellender. ActiveXchange operates in Australia and New Zealand using a platform developed in Australia specifically for the leisure sector. Contact: www.ActiveXchange.org n

BELOW: Graph 5: LTS covid recovery dashboard

Come join us at the last TRUE distributor in the Pool Industry

RAINBOW POOL PRODUCTS PTY LTD

Where the service is!

Make the call today – 07 3849 5385 Our team is ready to welcome you!

October/November 2020

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Commercial Pool Technician Program The program is based on the following units of competency; • SISCAQU001 - Test pool water quality The new Commercial Pool Technician Program (CPT) is proudly delivered by IRLearning and is endorsed by the peak swimming pool and spa industry body, SPASA Australia. The Program meets the various requirements nationally for commercial pool technicians and those charged with maintaining lower risk levelled aquatic centres.

• SISCAQU003 - Maintain aquatic facility plant and equipment • SISCAQU004 - Develop and implement pool water maintenance procedures • SISCAQU005 - Develop and implement aquatic facility maintenance procedures • BSBRSK401 - Identify risk and apply risk management processes

Only $600 Visit www.irlearning.com to check state and territory requirements. IRLearning also offers the full Certificate III and Certificate IV in Swimming Pool and Spa Service - as in some states (Victoria and Queensland) for higher risk pools, operators require the full qualification.

Wherever you want to go, IRLearning will help you get there!

The program covers: • Correct water testing procedures and recording results • Water quality issues and corrective actions • Microbiological testing procedures and parameters of safe operation. • Responses to various bather incidents – faecal and non-faecal

Get Qualified through IRLearning and receive the Commercial Pool Technician Certificate. Flexible delivery allows students to complete the CPT program via correspondence or face to face instruction (where offered).

• Disinfection requirements for commercial operations • Maintenance requirements of plant and equipment – including maintenance log completion and designing site-specific maintenance checklists and plans • Troubleshooting plant and equipment issues – initiating appropriate corrective actions • Record keeping for site-specific pool water testing and maintenance procedures • Having site-specific identification and management process to eliminate or minimise risk

Visit: www.irlearning.com | Call: 1300 021 482 Email: training@irlearning.com | RTO: 6235

new products

Poolside rockers relaxing in style

Hommés Studio has released the Volaris swing bed, a stylish way to relax by the swimming pool. Volaris is a reinterpretation conceived by a mix of inspirations, including taking its shape from a boat’s wooden hull. It means you can rock gently by the water of the pool, but in total comfort, thanks to the fact the large sofa is upholstered with a selection of aged leather, granting an elegant look and premium style. Contact: www.hommes.studio

Automatic disinfection system

A new disinfection system has been launched to protect staff and visitors as they enter premises including facilities such as aquatic centres. The temporary outdoor awning extends from the building entrance, automatically spraying a disinfection solution which is harmless to people, clothing and bags, but deadly to bacteria and viruses.

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October/November 2020

There is no sensation of wetting and no pooling of liquids around the area because the nozzles emit a fine water mist that is deposited on all surfaces, before quickly evaporating. The Disinfection Tunnel is designed and manufactured in Italy by EmiControls and is exclusively available in Australia from Tecpro Australia. Contact: www.tecpro.com.au

new products

Hi-Tech commercial gas heaters

Hi-Tech Pacific says the Rinnai 210HD commercial condensing water heaters behind their new range of commercial gas heaters have up to 95 per cent efficiency. This is combined with the reliability of EJ Bowman titanium tubed heat exchangers that come with a 10-year warranty.

EvoHeat’s new 300kW commercial heat pump

Hi-Tech says the heaters comfortably comply with the new National Building Code requirements for swimming pool or spa gas heaters, which if rated to consume 500Mj/hour or less must achieve a minimum thermal efficiency of 86 per cent, or if rated to consume 500Mj/ hour or more must achieve a minimum thermal efficiency of 90 per cent.

They say it is ideal for aquatic facilities, sports and leisure centres, water parks, apartments, resorts and hotels – there is no job too big for the Evo CS-i series.

Both systems come with the peace of mind of a 10-year warranty against pool water corrosion on the titanium tube.

EvoHeat says their new Evo CS-i heat pump is engineered to meet the demands of any commercial application, and is the most reliable and efficient way to heat or cool a commercial pool. Designed with the latest full inverter technology and exclusive smart features, the Evo CS-i delivers reliable year-round performance with the lowest running costs.

Contact: www.evoheat.com.au; 1300 859 933

Contact: www.hitechpacific.com.au

Supersized brush to get rid of stubborn black spot

Waterco has supersized the traditional bristle brush to help owners of large pools and commercial cleaning teams remove stubborn black spot and algae. The new 450mm wide head is more than triple the size of Waterco’s 143mm Pro Algae Pool Brush – which remains a popular pool handover tool – and its special ergonomic design easily manoeuvres in water. It has heavy duty bristles to remove stubborn black spot and algae; non-corrosive, UV-stabilised plastics engineered to last; a universal design to fit standard telescopic poles; storage hole-hangs for easy access in equipment room; is designed for homeowners and professional pool cleaners and its packaging is made from recycled materials. Contact: www.waterco.com.au

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October/November 2020

PARAMOUNT IN-FLOOR CLEANING SYSTEMS THE WORLD’S NUMBER 1 IN-FLOOR CLEANING SYSTEM BROUGHT TO YOU BY POOL-WATER PRODUCTS

Paramount’s custom built in-floor cleaning systems are engineered to automatically clean any pool you design, including floors, steps, benches and spas. Minimising maintenance and maximising enjoyment.

Aquarius Pools – Mornington VIC

AUSTRALIA’S LEADING POOL BUILDERS CHOOSE PARAMOUNT

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

EASYTOUCH® PNP +INTELLICHLOR™ POOL & SPA CONTROL SYSTEM NEW SMART SALT CHLORINATOR FOR EASYTOUCH! EasyTouch® Control Systems are now available with built-in IntelliChlor™ power. The IntelliChlor™ is the most technologically advanced salt chlorine generator you can buy. What’s more, by adding an IntelliChlor™ salt chlorinator to your EasyTouch® system, you’ll automate the sanitisation job for a much lower investment.