Swimming Pools / Leisure / Aquatics / Spas / Health
Issue 117 April/May 2018
Straight from the earth Thermal pool heating www.splashmagazine.com.au
Complying with The critical codes Kings of the pool Reality TV grows the market
Is your pool a ticking time bomb? When it comes to swimming pool water disinfection, conventional chlorine dosing can get the job done – but at what expense?
CONVENTIONAL CHLORINE DOSING
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Potential weaponisation
2
Health and safety hazards
3
Perpetual increases in TDS levels
4
Perpetual increases in water hardness
5
Chlorine gas is a hazardous material that can contribute to industrial accidents or be used as a potential terrorist weapon.
Handling chlorine is a constant safety challenge. Chlorine leaks, spills, and off-gassing can cause harm to humans and equipment.
Liquid chlorine and calcium hypochlorite constantly increase TDS and salt levels in pool water.
Calcium hypochlorite constantly increases water hardness.
Wasteful water dumping Increases in TDS and/or water hardness demands massive water dumping to correct water chemistry.
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Chlorine generation via electrolysis is a simpler, safer and smarter solution for fresh, mineral or salt-water commercial swimming pools. (with TDS levels from 1,200 ppm to 35,000 ppm)
CHLORINE GENERATION VIA ELECTROLYSIS
1
Eliminates the threat of weaponisation
2
Reduces health and safety hazards
3
Keeps TDS levels stable
4
Keeps water hardness stable
5
Chlorine is produced inline, eliminating the need for storage on site.
No direct contact with chlorine means no fumes from storage and no PPE.
No unwanted increase of TDS level.
No addition of calcium hypochlorite means no detrimental increase in water hardness.
Protects Earth’s most vital resource Eliminates wasteful water dumping to control TDS and hardness levels.
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AstralPool Trade Centre Phone Numbers: Adelaide Brisbane Gold Coast Melbourne
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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 The age of the professionals
Contributors: Cal Stanley Advertising Manager: David Stennett Phone: 0404 725 554 Email: david@spasa.com.au Senior Designer: Chris Papaspiros
Last year when we celebrated our 20th anniversary we spoke to number of industry veterans to get stories from “the good old days”. There were plenty of fun tales of the early industry, some stories a little rough around the edges and some flavoured with a wild west atmosphere. Some were not appropriate to put into print.
Production Manager: Jacqui Cooper Head of Circulation: Chris Blacklock For Subscriptions Call: 1800 651 422 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. Copyright © 2018 - SPASA Australia.
SPLASH! contains NO advertorial.
Chris Maher Managing Editor chrismaher@ intermedia.com.au
Our industry has changed in 2018. For a start, it is much more nationally focussed. There are national training courses and recognised qualifications so people joining the industry can have a pathway to progress and further their careers. Whatsmore, these qualifications are currently undergoing review and improvement (see page 10). In the process of clearing out some of the cowboys from the wild west days and making the industry more professional, there comes more regulation and greater scrutiny – of business procedures, of risk management, and of adherence to regulations. And since we have entered the Information Age, consumers are much savvier and are more likely to take issue with aspects of a project they feel could have been done better. The maze to be navigated for builders and technicians is more complicated than ever. In this issue we look at the how ensuring compliance with relevant codes has become more important and offer advice from people who can help (see page 30).
Full page ad
Another interesting story in this issue has to do with two people I met in Orlando last year – Kyle and Justin Peek, better known as the Pool Kings (see page 26). The Pool Kings is one of a number of reality TV shows stateside looking specifically at swimming pools – and consequently improving consumers’ understanding of pool construction while raising interest in pools and helping grow the market. In Australia we have a few general home renovation shows that touch on swimming pools, but is now the time – in the age of increased professionalism and the easier dissemination of information – for something similar to happen locally? It’s an interesting idea to ponder. After all, anything that helps grow the industry can only be a good thing.
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 cover shows the new Scarborough Beach Pool in Perth which is heated by a closed loop geothermal system, estimated to save up to $530,000 off the annual energy bill. See page 52 for more. Image: City of Stirling
April/May 2018 SPLASH!
7
Contents
52 25
42
Revisiting the top end of town Cal Stanley has a cautionary tale for builders whose glorious websites are adorned with glamourous pools, while the builders themselves are not experienced enough to undertake such work. He looks closely at one particular example.
52
26
TV kings sharing the love of pools Father and son pool building team Kyle and Justin Peek are better known throughout the US as the Pool Kings, courtesy of the reality TV show of the same name. It is a highly entertaining and informative look at pool building, encouraging swimming pool ownership while showcasing innovative pool designs.
42
Now it’s a pool; now it’s a flower garden This innovative solution is a movable flowerbed that also serves as a pool cover, secreting the pool under the garden, while revealing the adjacent koi pond. Having a high thermal mass it is an excellent cover, and also a unique addition to the outdoor space.
30
Using the Earth’s heat The most unusual aspect of the impressive new Scarborough Beach Pool in Perth is that it is heated via a geothermal aquifer. The geothermal project minimises the environmental footprint by pumping water from the Yarragadee aquifer in a closed loop, using its natural heat to maintain the pools’ temperature.
30
Protecting your business through proper compliance As the swimming pool and spa industry becomes more professional, it is also facing increased scrutiny from regulators and an increased risk of litigation from aggrieved customers. Ensuring compliance with relevant codes has never been more important.
regulars News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Chemistry tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Pool DAs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Commercial news . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
New products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Spa tech tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Ad index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
April/May 2018 SPLASH!
9
news
Associations
Brendan Watkins resigns as SPASA Victoria CEO
He says they’ve achieved some amazing highs and endured some challenging times with the support of many wonderful people. “It’s the volunteers and goodwill of some very successful business people sharing their knowledge that has made this such an enjoyable association to lead,” he says. “It’s not common in representative board peak bodies to have so many long-term board members willing to donate their time and expertise to actually make their competitors better. I take my hat off to these people of great integrity who have contributed to the strength of this industry over my past dozen years.” Watkins says over this time he has tried to deliver a more holistic consumer experience – especially as pools and spas compete every day with overseas travel, luxury boats and home extensions. He cites the highly popular Melbourne consumer expos as evidence of SPASA Victoria’s success, also pointing out that consumer complaints have plummeted.
. The longest standing state-based SPASA CEO, Brendan Watkins, has resigned. He had marshalled the Victorian organisation since 2006. “Brendan has been with SPASA Victoria for the past twelve years and has done an outstanding job of guiding and growing the association under his leadership,” says SPASA Victoria president Cliff Cooke. “During this time, he has been instrumental in making many significant industry achievements which are a direct result of his professionalism and commitment in his role,” he says. “Brendan has decided to pursue other career opportunities and we wish him every success and thank him for his many years of valuable service.”
Highlights of a career Watkins has nominated a number of highlights of his long pool and spa industry career. “We’ve had a terrific run over the past 12 years, in which time we’ve doubled the association revenue and profitability,” says Watkins. “Most importantly, the association consistently records very high member satisfaction in annual surveys and has maintained over a 95 per cent member retention rate for several years. There’s a $1m plus cash resource in the bank and very pleasingly 2017 recorded the highest ever number of pools going into the ground in Victoria. The Victorian industry has never been as strong.”
“The focus on professionalism, and to ensure fantastic consumer experiences, has to be the bedrock of any industry peak body. When I started at SPASA we had over fifty live consumer complaints, we now have three,” he says.
Challenges “I’ve been lucky to have been thrown many challenges in my time,” he says. “Learning experiences I think they’re called! The severe drought between 2008 and 2011 posed an enormous threat to industry.” He says as well as leading to a lot of grey hair, it also led to the establishment of the $750,000 SPASAWater bore, the Water Neutral Pool campaign, the SPASA Pool Water Exchange program and an enormous amount of stakeholder and government advocacy. He says the persuasion of government has probably been the most rewarding aspect of his role, citing the successful mandatory barrier campaign and the demise of a retrospective barrier proposal by the government, as well as reversing the banning of electric resistance heaters in portable spas. “Our consumer events, magazines, training offerings, digital presence and huge gala dinners – I’ve loved being part of this substantial growth,” he says. “I’ve learnt greatly from some very generous presidents and have made many life-long friends in this industry. I’m indebted to some very loyal long-term staff members that have made the journey much easier. “I wish our members and the association continued success.” Watkins has agreed to stay with the association until a new CEO is appointed and an appropriate handover has been completed. Once the handover is completed Watkins plans his first long family holiday in 12 years, and will be taking advantage of some opportunities outside the industry.
Training
Pool and spa industry careers get giant boost In a win for the pool and spa industry, the skills service organisation Artibus has been commissioned by the federal government to support a review of the national pool and spa building and service trade qualifications. SPASA Australia CEO Lindsay McGrath says this is the outcome of years of advocacy to promote the industry and seek recognition of the various trades. “The agreement represents the single biggest opportunity for long term career development for the variety of skilled tradespeople within our industry,” he says. SPASA Australia believes there is a real need to improve national qualification outcomes for the current workforce and attract new 10 SPLASH! April/May 2018
entrants via traineeship or apprenticeship arrangements, including school-based apprenticeships. In this regard, SPASA has been working with Artibus to improve national qualifications for the pool building and pool service sectors. Swimming pool and spa building and service technical advisory groups (TAGs) are being formed to provide expert specialist advice and make recommendations on pool building and pool service qualifications. The national qualifications under review include the Swimming Pool and Spa Building - Certificate IV and the Swimming Pool and Spa Service - Certificate IV. For more information visit: www.artibus.com.au
news
Regulation
Market steady coming into autumn
Victoria plans mandatory barrier inspections
The available three-monthly pool DA numbers for Januaryto-March show a minor drop of one per cent over the same period last year. Over the three months, the only state to show improved numbers was New South Wales (up 19 per cent); while Western Australia stayed steady, and South Australia (down seven per cent), Queensland (down 14 per cent) and Victoria (down 15 per cent) declined.
Following a long and intense campaign by SPASA Victoria and other stakeholders, the Victorian government has agreed to implement a mandatory pool and spa barrier inspection program. SPASA Victoria CEO, Brendan Watkins says it was only six months ago that the government proposed legislation that would have compelled pool and spa owners to comply retrospectively with safety barrier laws, forcing thousands of people to endure the inconvenience and expense of re-fencing their pool and/or spa areas for no guaranteed improved safety outcome. “It is with great delight that the decision to implement a mandatory barrier inspection program and reverse the proposal of retrospective barrier legislation has been made by the state government. Our voice of reason has finally been heard,” says Watkins. “Today we have won the great safety debate. We are delighted that the Andrews government has finally listened and respected the research, knowledge and experience of those within the pool and spa industry,” he says. The government will introduce the legislation to the Victorian parliament in June, with the new mandatory pool and spa register and inspection regime expected to be in place by the 2019 summer season. Under this regulatory overhaul, households will need to register their pool or spa with their local council and declare their pool barriers compliant. A regular regime of inspections as frequent as every three years will then be enforced. Minister for Planning Richard Wynne says they are creating a dedicated database of every household pool and spa in Victoria, Year old inspected to make sure Yearthey new comply and ensuring they’re regularly 2000 with high safety standards. “Too many families have had to endure the heartbreak of losing 1500 a child in a drowning tragedy and it has to end,” he says. “All drowning deaths in household pools and spas share a common theme: 1000 a lack of adult supervision. Always watch kids when there’s water close by.”
Yearly comparison by month
The annual figures comparing the 12 months to March show a modest increase of one per cent overall, with Queensland (up 12 per cent) and New South Wales (up seven per cent) improving, Victoria staying steady, and South Australia (down 10 per cent) and Western Australia (down 27 per cent) showing declining figures.
r new
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Three-monthly comaparison
Apr May Jun
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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.
April/May 2018 SPLASH! 11
0
news
The pool management app is part of the Pooled Energy offering
Energy
Pooled Energy to pilot $5 million program In an attempt to help manage peak energy demand, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has kicked in $2.5 million of funding to Pooled Energy to trial technology they say will dramatically reduce energy consumption of household swimming pools and unlock the potential for demand response. The $5 million project will see Sydney energy retailer Pooled Energy expand the trial of their technology from 400 to 5000 residential swimming pools in NSW. Sydney households who join the 5MW trial will have an intelligent pool control system installed that automates and optimises the energy use as well as chemical use and water quality of their swimming pools. ARENA says that swimming pools typically use up to 40 per cent of the average Australian pool owners’ total energy use. Pooled Energy says their technology can reduces a pool’s energy consumption to 10 per cent of the household’s total energy use. The trial also aims to demonstrate how a large fleet of swimming pools can be coordinated to collectively deliver demand response using a cloud-based system. By curbing their consumption during peak times or when power surges, demand response can prevent outages during extreme peaks such as summer heatwaves or can provide grid stability. ARENA provides funding to researchers, developers and businesses that have demonstrated the feasibility and potential
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SPLASH!
April/May 2018
commercialisation to help find a good renewable energy idea and get it to market. ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht says the pilot project will demonstrate Pooled Energy’s ability to use pools to manage demand. “Household swimming pools take up a very large load on the electricity network and can contribute to high energy bills for families,” he says. “Pooled Energy’s technology will now be able to test turning that load into a significant contribution in providing low cost demand response in significant volume, alongside making significant productivity improvements,” Frischknecht says. Pooled Energy co-founder and chairman John Riedl says he is delighted to work with ARENA to demonstrate how pools can be harnessed to assist the grid with no inconvenience to customers. “There are more than 1.4 million swimming pools in Australia, and pools use approximately 10 per cent of the average demand on the residential grid,” Riedl says. “If all the pool pump and filters were on at once, they would use up to 3.7 GW of energy – the equivalent of two Liddell-sized power stations running at capacity – so there is huge potential to both reduce the amount of energy used and better manage pools for the wider benefit,” Riedl says. “This technology also reduces a household’s total energy usage by approximately 30 percent.” Contact: arena.gov.au; pooledenergy.com.au
Top five online news stories
The online stories that made the news over the past two months. AFL star “ripped off pool buyers”
Fluidra and Zodiac merger getting closer
Brendan Watkins resigns as SPASA Victoria CEO
Step-father of drowned boy jailed for seven years
Former AFL star Nick Stevens is facing an investigation by the VBA amid claims he owes substantial money to suppliers and has ripped off Mildura pool buyers.
Australian and New Zealand regulators are moving forward with the acceptance of the Fluidra and Zodiac merger.
The longest standing state-based SPASA CEO, Brendan Watkins, has resigned. He had marshalled the Victorian organisation since 2006.
The stepfather of an unsupervised five-yearold boy who drowned at a UK water park has been jailed after pleading guilty to manslaughter by gross negligence.
news
Upcoming events 2018 May 5
Landscape Australia Conference, Dr Chau Chak Wing Building, UTS, Sydney
May 8-10
AALARA Conference, Sunshine Coast
May 9-10
ARV Pools Conference, Ballarat
May 15-17
Asia Pool & Spa Expo, Guangzhou, China
May 16-18
Country Pool Managers Conference, Nambucca Heads RSL Club
May 26-27
Brisbane Pool Spa & Outdoor Living Expo, Brisbane Showgrounds
June 5-8
Asian Attractions Expo, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
June 2
SPASA Queensland Awards of Excellence
June 5-8
Asian Attractions Expo 2018, Hong Kong, China
June 9
SPASA NSW/ACT Awards of Excellence
June 16
SPASA South Australia Awards of Excellence
June 18-19 ARI Conference, Crowne Plaza Hotel Terrigal July 7
SPASA Victoria Awards of Excellence
July 16-18
National Sports Convention, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
July 21
SPASA WA Awards of Excellence, Crown Perth Grand Ballroom
July 24-26
Piscine Brasil, Sao Paulo, Brazil
July 30-Aug Australian Swim Schools Conference, Gold Coast Aug 1-2
SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show, Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Southport
Aug 2
SPASA Australia National Awards of Excellence, Gold Coast
Aug 2-3
World Infant Aquatics Conference, Gold Coast
Aug 11-12
Spa & Pool Consumer Show (Winter Show), MCEC, Melbourne
Sep 8-9
SPASA WA Pool Spa & Outdoor Living Expo Spring
Oct 10-12
World Aquatic Health Conference, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
Oct 23-26
Interbad, Stuttgart, Germany
Oct 31-Nov 2 International Pool Spa Patio Expo, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Nov 12-16
IAAPA Expo, Orlando Florida
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.
April/May 2018 SPLASH! Micron Commercial fibreglass Ad 270mm x90mm_2018.indd 1
13 4/5/18 2:50 PM
news
The Ultimate Backyard was a spectacular part of the expo
Spa Tech Tips Efficient spa plumbing In order to achieve maximum performance from spa jet pumps, it’s important to ensure optimal plumbing configuration. All pipework should be as short and straight as possible, both to and from the pump. Pipes need to be correctly sized for the flow, elbows and fittings kept to a minimum. Where possible, use sweep fittings or flexible pipe/ hose to limit harsh elbows. Align the pump wet end to suit the pipework approach for the suction, ensuring a minimum of approximately 400mm straight pipe entering the pump suction – this has a dramatic effect on pump capability. The wet end of most modern performance spa pumps can be easily rotated 90 degrees (some every 45 degrees) which may help in reduction of fittings to divert the plumbing towards the jet manifold. Position the manifold centrally to the spa jets, attempting to keep all jet lines of similar length from the manifold. Avoid plumbing restrictions by maintaining the same pipe size and minimising pipe fittings. For low flow circulation pumps it’s important to ensure there are minimal restrictions in both suction and return lines due to the low head nature of their operation. Often, flow error related issues are a result of plumbing design. For more information contact technical support at Australian Spa Parts 1300 736 025.
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Expos
Perth show breaks records Following strong showings in Melbourne and Sydney, Perth’s Pool Spa & Outdoor Living Expo also attracted excellent numbers, in the process breaking the existing record for the event. SPASA WA manager Bryce Steele says the good weather helped bring consumers along in record numbers to the Claremont Showgrounds. “The sun was out and so was the West Australian public,” he says. “The extensive marketing campaign and recent signs of improvement in consumer confidence and spending made the perfect recipe for a great weekend.
“We commend those exhibitors who made their stands look the part, and I want to offer a big thank you to our major sponsor Freedom Pools for once again getting behind the event.” The expo was marketed as the best place to see everything needed to create the ultimate backyard under one roof and Steele says the consumers weren’t disappointed, with pools, spas, landscaping, outdoor furniture, decking, paving, outdoor kitchens, lighting and more on show.
Safety
Drugged toddler’s drowning in illegal pool was preventable The 2014 drowning death of 22-month old Braxton Slager at Stanhope Gardens, NSW, was the result of several instances of poor supervision not only by the foster parents but also by the care organisation, and poor decisions by the Department of Family and Community Services (FACS), found deputy coroner Magistrate Harriet Grahame. She said the death was preventable. Police who attended the scene described the house as “messy and untidy” and the backyard as “messy, dangerous to children and similar to a dumping ground”. In particular, it was noted that the backyard contained multiple items, such as discarded building materials, tools, nails, metal objects, alcohol and beer cans. Paramedics described the property as “untidy and unkempt” and “messy and dark”. The water in the pool was green and appeared not to have been maintained or cleaned in a long time. The swimming pool in which Braxton drowned was unregistered and had never received approval from Blacktown City Council. The pool was installed in October 2012 for the use of a previous foster child. Installation was completed just a few weeks after the home environment checklist was carried out on 5 September 2012.
Neither the pool nor the enclosing fences complied with the Australian Standard. The carer organisation Life Without Barriers (LWB), which is a contracted foster care contractor to FACS, prepared a safety check of the housing in 2013 and 2014 but neither included evidence of the pool. However, other staff members were aware of the pool’s existence but had not directly informed the other officers or their managers until after Braxton’s drowning. Toxicological testing of Braxton’s post-mortem blood found the presence of an allergy treatment drug not recommended for children under the age of two, with side effects of sedation, dizziness, confusion and restlessness. LWB has accepted it needs to urgently make changes to placement practices and home environmental safety checks. In finding Braxton’s death preventable, the deputy coroner said that first, he should not have been placed with the foster parents in question, the premises provided should have been safe, and the presence of the drug was extremely troubling. The swimming pool has since been removed from the residence.
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Safety
In Brief Davey recently appointed Spa-Craft as its distributor for spa products in NSW. Davey says this change in direction will ensure customers receive industry leading expertise and specialised knowledge in the spa category. Spa-Craft director Jamie Galea has many years in the industry, including seven years working for Davey. Davey also appointed Sharon White-Hill to the role of Market Manager - Home & Garden and Kristian Tkatchenko to the role of Market Manager Farm & Irrigation. Hayward has acquired ConnectedYard, the Silicon Valley startup that invented pHin, the monitoring device that floats in the pool, monitoring chemical levels and reporting directly to the pool owner’s mobile phone while potentially directing consumers to local pool shops for required chemicals. It complements Hayward’s smartphone-controlled equipment and broader IOT strategy. ConnectedYard founders Justin Miller and Mark Janes will continue to operate pHin as a separate entity under Hayward. Sadly, Freedom Pools stalwart Mike Inman passed away in March. Rona Biernat from Freedom Pools offered a heartfelt statement: “It is with great sadness I let you know that Mike, legend of our pool industry, has now peacefully passed away. He is comfortable and not in pain. Joining his dear step daughter Melinda, who sadly passed away one year ago. Soldiers together.”
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April/May 2018
Recall of lock striker for key lockable pool gate latches SafeTech Hardware Australia is voluntarily recalling the striker component of their key lockable pool gate latches. SafeTech Hardware is the intellectual property holder for SafeTech and G8Safe branded key lockable pool gate latches, with G8Safe being a product distributed through Bunnings. The recall addresses issues with the striker component rather than the latch itself, which could result in the gate being locked in the open position when an unusually high force is used to turn the key. Consumers are being advised to remove the key from the key lock mechanism, fill the key hole with a waterproof glue, and phone 1300 034 096 to discuss their replacement options. As part of SafeTech Hardware’s commitment to water safety and resolving this issue quickly, a recall notice has been published and shared by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
Detailed information about the recall and replacement options for consumers is available on the SafeTech Hardware and G8Safe websites. A recall advertisement has been published in major newspapers, and advice and support provided to partners, affiliates, suppliers and distributors. SafeTech Hardware says consumer safety is always the priority. List of affected products: • SafeTech Top Pull Pool Gate Latch (Key Lockable) • G8Safe Top Pull Pool Gate Latch (Key Lockable) • SafeTech TriLatch (Key Lockable) • G8Safe TriLatch (Key Lockable) These products are also available for purchase as part of the following kits: • SafeTech Trade Packs (Key Lockable) • G8Safe Megapack (Key Lockable) Contact: 1300 034 096; www.safetechhardware. com.au
The G8 Safe latch Building
AFL star “ripped off pool buyers” Former AFL star Nick Stevens is facing an investigation by building watchdog the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) amid claims he owes substantial money to suppliers and has ripped off Mildura pool buyers. The investigation centres on allegations his business Leisure Pools Mildura installed swimming pools without permits and failed to complete work. There are allegations of deception and reports that several customers who paid deposits to Leisure Pools Mildura have been left with incomplete pools, as well as debts outstanding to suppliers. At
the time of writing, no-one had heard from Stevens and it is believed he has left town. Brendan Watkins of SPASA Victoria warned consumers to use registered pool builders who are SPASA members, to ensure the pools have the right permits and also to avoid "going owner builder". Meanwhile, Victorian owner-builder numbers dropped 39 per cent following greater VBA enforcement, a restriction to one owner-builder project every five years, compulsory online assessment and a requirement that owner-builders use registered trades to perform work.
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Expos
Sydney show draws quality crowd Chemical Tips Winterising pools Most pool shops now sell a winteriser product or program. As popular as winterising programs are, essentially what you are doing is telling the pool owner “add this product and don’t come back to my shop for three months”. When they return you’re going to tell them not to come back again for a further three months. To compensate for this reduced face-to-face time with your customers, you must maximise your sales dollars per visit and design a program to encourage them to visit your store for other reasons.
The latest Sydney Pool Spa & Outdoor Living Expo at Rosehill Gardens drew a serious audience of eager pool and spa consumers. SPASA Australia COO Spiros Dassakis says that last year’s expo saw a record breaking 25 per cent increase in attendance, and while overall numbers were marginally down on last year, exhibitors reported a better quality audience at this year’s event. “We were delighted with the turnout for the event and our members were extremely happy with results from the show,” says Dassakis. “NSW is Australia’s largest state for pool building and it is encouraging to see that consumers come to the expo to find a pool builder, buy spas and more importantly to do their homework before they buy.” He says that visitors were encouraged to bring their house plans and photos for one-on-one consultations. “They responded with exhibitors constantly engaged in serious discussions and many followup site inspections were booked as a result of the show. The spa companies were also kept busy with
a large number of orders taken at the expo as consumers took advantage of the many specials on offer at the show.” The show was a sellout with 93 exhibitors participating in the expo which was a record for the Sydney event and reflected the strength of the NSW market. A new initiative at this year’s event was the walk through landscape design feature co-ordinated by the Australian Institute of Landscape Design Managers (AILDM) in the outdoor exhibit area. “The concept was extremely popular with visitors able to see and interact with products in a real life environment. The companies and sponsors that participated commented that it has worked extremely well as it encouraged far more engagement and discussion with visitors than a normal exhibition stand,” says Dassakis. AILDM also had design experts on hand who were kept busy providing one on one design advice to visitors.
The Sydney show was sold out well in advance
First, conduct a water test and ensure that the pool water is balanced. Then provide a winteriser package that contains a minimum of the following: three-month winteriser algaecide; one bottle of phosphate remover; one bottle of clarifier or a skimmer clarifier tablet; detailed instructions on how to instigate the winteriser program. Include in these instructions a recommendation to bring a water sample back to the pool shop for testing after period of heavy rain. Also, keep the contact details of the purchaser and follow up with a reminder after 10 weeks to return to your shop and purchase a further threemonth winteriser pack.
Families were keen to get pool accessories such as slides
There were some intriguing pools, spas and swim spas on display
These tips are supplied by pool industry pioneer and chemistry expert David Lloyd. For more information on this or any other technical enquiries call International Quadratics on (02) 9774 5550.
April/May 2018 SPLASH!
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news
The Balinese influence is popular, as befits Australia’s near playground
In Brief Australian and New Zealand regulators are moving forward with the acceptance of the Fluidra and Zodiac merger. In November 2017, Zodiac and Fluidra reached agreement to merge their pool equipment businesses globally, including in Australia and New Zealand. The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission will not oppose the proposed merger, while the Commerce Commission of New Zealand has cleared Rhone Capital LLC to acquire up to 100 per cent of the shares in, or the assets of, Fluidra SA. AstralPool Australia has taken on SPASA Australia’s 2018 Platinum Sponsorship for the second year running. Lindsay McGrath, SPASA CEO, says AstralPool Australia’s support provides direct investment into member benefits. “Member marketing opportunities like the Awards of Excellence and increased education programs can continue to expand because of support from sponsors.” The stepfather of an unsupervised five-year-old boy who drowned at an English water park has been jailed for more than seven years, after he pleaded guilty to manslaughter by gross negligence. Non-swimmer Charlie Dunn was found in a pool at Bosworth Water Park in Leicestershire in 2016. The court heard he’d been allowed to “fend for himself” for more than two hours in a pool that had signs warning parents that youngsters must be supervised. Paul Smith, 36, of Tamworth UK, was sentenced to five years and two months for manslaughter, and two years for threatening to petrol-bomb the home of a witness.
Landscaping
Bringing the trends back home A recent survey has found design trends are being influenced by the experiences of homeowners while travelling abroad. According to the 2018 Adbri Masonry Great Australian Backyard Survey, the top backyard designs proven to be the most inspiring are all from popular holiday destinations such as Bali and Japan in Asia, and the Hamptons in the USA. The Japanese Zen garden creates a private retreat encouraging natural escapism; Balinese designs feature landscaped gardens with lush tropical natives, private plunge pools and paved communal areas, while the Hamptons look is all about structured details and layers, borderline hedges and privacy. The survey sought feedback from more than 1000 homeowners about the status, desires and uses of our backyards. In 2018, more than 75 per cent of
Japanese inspired Zen garden 20
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April/May 2018
those surveyed had confirmed plans to improve or undertake a new project in their backyard. “Aussies love to holiday abroad. In the past, photos and souvenirs were enough, but more than ever we’re bringing back inspiration and styling ideas for the home,” says landscaping celebrity Jason Hodges, who launched the survey with fellow landscape designers Adam Robinson and Dean Herald. “Whatever landscaping style you’re after, just continue that style into the pool,” says Herald. “If you’ve got a Hamptons design, have a rectangular pool with beautiful stone stairs – it’s really quite controlled. Whereas if you’re going for a Balinese style, look to organic shapes and wet-edge pools. And the textures that have changed now, so you can have stone inside the pool, not just glass mosaics – there are all sorts of interesting things happening with textures and swimming pools.”
Jason Hodges, Adam Robinson creative director of Adam Robinson Design and Dean Herald from Rolling Stone Landscape
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Manufacturing
AIS celebrates 25 years in unique style ABOVE: The “AIS family” on stage for Elena’s speech MIDDLE: Elena and opera singer Lisa Lockland-Bell receiving bouquets for their performance from co-host Stewart Fleming BOTTOM: Kerry Gosse mingling at the pre-event networking drinks
T
he 25-year celebration for Australian Innovative Systems (AIS) was unlike anything previously seen in the swimming pool and spa industry. Not only did CEO Elena Gosse get up and dance the tango as part of a professional routine; she also sang to the 150-strong audience. On top of that, an opera singer sang mesmerising arias, professional dancers performed a water-inspired ballet, a virtuoso violinist played tunes new and old, and there was even a guest appearance from a tiny break dancer – Elena’s four-year-old grandson.
While the gala evening was a celebration of the success of the business over the past 25 years, it was also a celebration of Elena Gosse and Kerry Gosse’s marriage, which has also lasted a quarter of a century. Kerry spoke of how he met Elena in 1992 – a performer, TV personality and entrepreneur – on the Russian island of Sakhalin, and how they fell in love and built a family and business together in Australia. The host for the evening was Elena’s daughter Valeria Ramirez who also came to Australia 25 years ago with her sister Julia Pearl. Together, Elena and Kerry have grown AIS from humble beginnings to a highly successful, innovative 22
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domestic and export business with a multi-milliondollar turnover and 40 staff. The success has been on the back of the company’s commercial and residential chlorine generators for salt, fresh and mineral water pools. When Kerry bought the business, there were only three employees. “There were things that needed to be changed and were addressed in the first year or two,” he said. The first big change came with some bold thinking to build commercial chlorinators to fill a market gap initially noticed in Spain by a distributor. “Over the years we’ve polished those products a lot, and now they’re thoroughbreds,” he said. He nominated a couple of other milestones such as the introduction of switch mode power supplies instead of transformers which were not only more efficient, but also better for the electrodes; and the development of the low salt Ecoline system which is now very popular for both residential and commercial use. “Now AIS has two big factories across the road from each other,” he said. “And the future is good.” AIS technology is used in family swimming pools across 55 countries, including high profile projects such as the two-hectare lagoon pools at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas, Centenary Pool Brisbane, Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, Malaysia National Aquatic Centre, Grand Hyatt Resort Dubai and Waterbom Bali Waterpark. Elena spoke of her former entertainment career in Russia and her transformation to an Australian CEO. Her success is all the more remarkable considering that when she arrived in Australia she spoke not one word of English (Kerry speaks fluent Russian). Despite that restriction she learned the language and gained a Diploma in Business and then a Degree in Business (Accounting) while working in the AIS business full time. She now runs AIS as its CEO. Guests included clients and supporters from around Australia and the world, as well as current and former members of parliament and local government. Elena and Kerry thanked AIS staff and attending guests for their support. “You are all a special part of our AIS family, playing an important role in our journey over the past 25 years,” Elena said on the night. “You support Australian innovation and jobs. Through your feedback, loyalty and ongoing support every one of you will help to guide our future innovation and success during the next 25 years.” Contact: www.aiswater.com.au n
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feature
Revisiting the top end of town By Cal Stanley
T
wo years ago I wrote an article for pool builders aspiring to build luxury pools for the wealthy in our society. It is an aspiration all builders should have, so I hope SPLASH! readers will do considerably better than what was done for the pool in this article. People who pay several million dollars for their lot and maybe another three or even ten more on their house are often less inclined to quibble about the price of their pool – but they most certainly expect it to be of the same high standard as their house. Today, I find more and more new pool builders entering the industry with websites that make it look like their pools are worth $150,000 to $300,000 when the truth is they have not built any of them. With good salesmanship they may snare an immediate share of the top end market. But what happens when, after “talking the talk” they fail to “walk the walk”? In some cases a real disaster! This article is about one of those disasters. The pool in question cost the owner in excess of $200,000. It was really three pools at three different levels – a spa overflowing into a lap pool, overflowing into a play pool at the end. The end result was an attractive and well finished set of pools. So why am I writing about it? Because almost the entire hydraulic system doesn’t and can’t work as it is supposed to. The pool builder installed the pool shell, the infloor cleaning and other plumbing penetrations and the pipes under the pool; concreted the shell – then went broke while the house was being constructed. The pool was completed by the head contractor. The spa and the lap pool are installed tightly between the boundary and the house and all the operating equipment is at the high- or spaend of the system. The lap pool and the play pool both have automatic covers retracting into pits at the bottom of each. First problem: The lap pool cover cannot be operated in either direction while the pool filter system is operating. Why? Because the pool cover opens from, and retracts to, the end of the pool that is overflowing – and while opening, the pool cover is pushed by the water flow, upside down over the overflow edge into the lower pool instead of back to cover the lap pool. The installation of the in-floor cleaning system was a real big mistake! The pool builder
may not be entirely to blame for this, but had he been reasonably experienced with such things he would have known from the outset that the design provided by the system supplier was faulty. He should have known! The plant area is like spaghetti junction with pipes all over the place. On the filter suction line, the number of elbows and other fittings is equivalent to about another 20 metres of pipe (all in 50mm) sucking from a skimmer box 24 metres away. Result: another cavitating pump! This part of the system will have to be completely removed, re-laid out and re-plumbed. The cleaning system: bottom line, a single pump, single diverter valve in-floor cleaning system cannot work over more than one pool at the same time and particularly not when they are at differing levels.
Today, I find more and more new pool builders entering the industry with websites that make it look like their pools are worth $150,000 to $300,000 when the truth is they have not built any of them. Problem 2: The most evident problem was a loss of 4,000 to 5,000 litres of water overnight when the pumps were not running. Water would simply syphon from the two higher water bodies into the lower pool and run out the overflow pipe. As I write this article, this would still be happening were not the filtration pump running 24/7. Most of the syphoning was through the suction outlet pipes, but it also syphoned through the return line diverter valve. Problem 3: The cleaning pump is sucking from three outlet drains, one in each body of water and all at the same time. It was apparently thought that this would balance out with the return water through the pop up heads across the three pools – but the suction flow in any one water body was never and can never remain balanced with the inflow to it. Problem 4: The suction is spread over three outlet drains so that the outtake from each pool is only one third of the system flow. It doesn’t take a genius to realise that while 1/3 of the
suction is coming from the lap pool with all the return water going into the play pool things will soon get out of whack. The spa, being closest to the pump gets the most sucked from it so it should not have been surprising that when using the spa the clients would sit and watch the water level fall below the seat level within minutes. Problem 5: The pump capacity demanded 65mm or 80mm suction lines not 50mm, so the pump simply cannot be operated at or near full speed without cavitating. Problem 6: The outlets used are the 800mm long unblockable drains – and before anyone jumps to conclusions, the rest of the system including the design thereof had nothing to do with the original vendor of these drains. At first glance these outlets would seem a good idea but they don’t come with one or two 80mm pipe connections for nothing – they are designed for flow rates of 500Lpm. In this system the flow through each was only about 130Lpm. The open area on these drains is about 460cm2 and this is equivalent to the size of a Class 9 225 diameter pipe. Now I am all for lower suction velocity (not more than 1.8mps) but with a flow of only 130Lpm, the velocity of the water at the intake of these drains is only 0.05mps. Even at 500Lpm the velocity at the drain would be only 0.2mps. So unless a pop-up head has the ability to push a bit of debris to within a few centimetres of the drain, it is rather unlikely to get sucked into the system. On this job, all that is rather academic, as there is nothing other than the pump H&L basket to remove dirt and debris anyway. No filter, no debris/leaf canister! Problem 7: All the infloor heads and drains were a horrible dark blue installed within a light blue glass pebble render. They stick out like the proverbial d……. The outcome: The infloor system is now required to be completely removed from the pool. This will involve the removal and relaying of the surface render as it cannot be patched. Had the pool builder not gone broke beforehand, he may have done so with the cost of this fix up. In conclusion: This pool builder had a very fancy and professional website but in the end it meant nothing for his clients. To pool builders entering or relatively new to the industry I urge you to “walk the walk” on the smaller simpler pools, get a good grounding and gradually move up to those more complicated and expensive pools in stages until you are really ready to “talk the talk” with the top end of town. n If you have a question for Cal Stanley or a topic you think he should delve into, email him at neptunepools@westnet.com.au. April/May 2018 SPLASH!
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TV kings sharing their love of pools I
Kyle and Justin on the Pool Kings set
26 SPLASH! April/May 2018
n October, SPLASH! met up with Kyle Peek and his son Justin at the International Pool Spa Patio Expo in Orlando, Florida. The Peek father and son team are the driving force behind Peek Pools out of Nashville, Tennessee. But they are better known throughout the US as the Pool Kings, courtesy of the reality TV show of the same name. The Pool Kings is a highly entertaining and informative look at specific pool projects from go to whoa. It is also a great promotion for swimming pools and encourages swimming pool ownership while showcasing innovative pool designs. Surprisingly, Kyle dismissed the network’s first approaches as a prank. “A production company called us and said that HGTV was looking to do a reality series based around pools. And I wasn’t there so they left a message, and honestly I thought it was a joke and didn’t call them back,” says Kyle. “They left three more messages and I still didn’t call, then one day they called when I was in the office and I
realised it was real. That someone actually did want to take a look at us and follow us around and see if it would make a good TV show.” Each episode takes about three to four months to shoot. “We sell the pool, then we have to submit it to the network and they decide which ones get aired,” says Kyle. “And if they decide they like that particular project and they want to air it, then we have to go back to the homeowners and see if they’re interested in doing it.” Initially, they used to tell prospective clients about the show, but that changed as they became more popular. “In Season One, no one knew us,” says Justin. “But now that the show has aired, we get people who say ‘we love the show, we want to build a pool, what do we do to get on it’.” To avoid disappointment, they’re careful not to promise anyone that they will get on the show – even though eight out of 10 clients know about it. “We wait and see if the network likes that particular project and then talk to the homeowners about the show. Hardly anybody says no, they all want to do it.”
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An unexpected complication is that now they’re so well-known, they get calls to do jobs all over the US, and even in South America and the Caribbean. “To an extent we can entertain some of those,” says Kyle. “But it’s a mom and pop operation, a family business. It’s me, Justin, my other son Corey, my wife Mickey; we’re a family business and our core business is family. And it’s basically Tennessee – last season we did two pools in Texas, and this season we are doing more out-of-state pools. But if we wanted to jump through hoops and go crazy we could do pools all over the country.” While they have occasionally partnered with out-ofstate builders, they ensure they are present for all key stages – and remain aware not to lose focus on their core business of Nashville families. “We’re very hands-on, very personable, very proud of what we do. We put a piece of us into every single pool we do,” he says. Justin says they’re the same people they’ve always been, and Kyle agrees. “We’re the same people we were 20 years ago, it’s just that people recognise us now. But it’s the same as ever – our pools are what we want to stand by and we really want to make sure we deliver to our customers – they’re number one. Before the show, before anything else, we want to make sure we satisfy our homeowners. That’s what got us where we are and that’s going to get us where we’re going.” Kyle and Justin say while the show is the most stressful thing they’ve ever done, it’s also extremely rewarding. “We take a lot of pride in what we do, and to see other people around the country see our finished product on TV and see our heart and soul poured into it is very rewarding. And I think one of the biggest comments we get from people all the time is, ‘I can tell you guys are vested in what you do’,”says Kyle. “That you guys actually do the work and care about what the end product is,” adds Justin. “We’re the guys out there on the machines, doing the plumbing doing all the stuff, and that shows through the show, and that’s one of the things I’m proudest of.”
The good, the bad and the weather
Kyle’s favourite pool is Justin’s most hated project: the Green Pool.
Peek Pools’ customers get the family treatment whether the project is going on television or not
“It was a very difficult project – it’s the one Justin fell several times on camera – it was funny for that aspect [laughs]. The program showed that we re-dug that pool once, but in reality we did it three times, because we got caught in some really serious bad weather.” “It was just a constant string of it – it just never ended,” says Justin, who is not laughing. “We could never get ahead of the 8-ball on that one,” says Kyle. “But once we did and we got our feet under it and made some progress, for what we went through, and the way that pool turned out and the reaction from the homeowner, versus all of the steps we took to get there, for me it was probably one of the most rewarding pools we’ve done. It turned out beautiful, they were ecstatic, even with all the issues we had – a lot of people might have walked away.” Justin doesn’t remember it so fondly. “Honestly – that was my most hated one. I loathed going to that job because it was just a nightmare. It seemed like it was cursed. The running theme was we built it on an Indian burial ground and anything that could go wrong in that yard did, and it was just a constant. “So when I was building it I absolutely hated it. A lot of people don’t appreciate what we went through to build it. Only we know that. And people say, Oh that looks really good, and I say Oh my Lord, this is like the Taj Mahal. “Then you step back and see it’s finally done and it turned out exactly as we wanted it to. Did we go down a whole bunch of roads we didn’t want to go down? Yes, but it turned out the way we wanted to make it.”
BELOW LEFT: Catching up with Justin and Kyle at the International Pool Spa Patio Expo in Orlando, Florida BELOW RIGHT: “We’re the guys out there on the machines, doing the plumbing doing all the stuff, and that shows through the show, and that’s one of the things I’m proudest of.”
April/May 2018 SPLASH! 27
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A completed Pool Kings pool
Demand and reward
Kyle says they definitely cater to a higher-end of the market. “I’ve been in the business for 40 years now,” says Kyle. “And I’ve done more than 10,000 pools in that time. I’ve built pools from eight thousand or 10 thousand dollars to over two million dollars. I really pride myself that whether you are spending 20 thousand dollars with us or 800 thousand dollars with us, you’re going to get Justin and I and Corey and Mickey, and the attention to detail will be the same.” The most expensive residential pool Kyle ever built cost $US2.1 million, while his most expensive commercial pool was $US21 million, built in Hawaii for Disney, before he had his own company. “The residential one was in Maui, Hawaii – I can’t say the owner’s name – but in my career over 40 years I have built pools for some of the wealthiest clientele in the world. I’ve been fortunate to work with some billionaires – a lot of them in Maui and in Southern California. That’s really where I cut my teeth on the high end jobs. And I just love it.” “They can be demanding. Oh my Lord,” says Justin. “Yes, some of them can be extremely demanding,” says Kyle. “But some of them – you wouldn’t know you were working with a billionaire – just the coolest, nicest people in the world. Some are not so cool.” “No is not an option for them,” says Justin. “Anything can be solved with money.” “When you work for people who have a limitless budget, and they want stuff out of the box, it really stretches your imagination to how you’re going to make this happen,” says Kyle. “But money’s not an issue, so you can try a lot of different techniques and building procedures. Sometimes we develop an idea that then can be used on other projects. We’ve had to figure out something – and then two or three years down the road we’re doing something similar, and it’s like, let’s do this because we’ve done this before. It has its benefits. It lets you think out of the box, which you don’t always get to do.”
Kyle and Justin and a completed pool
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SPLASH!
April/May 2018
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AUSTRALIA Cool innovations
Justin says the coolest product they’ve seen recently is the pHin from a company they’re partnering with, which has the ability to monitor a pool from a smartphone. “You throw it in there,” says Justin. “And it tells you when you need to add shock, when you need to add acid, when you need stabiliser, all from your phone. “The market has never had anything like that. You’ve either had to go out and figure out how many drops to add of this or that, and hope that you did it right. This does it all for them, and it also connects back to us, to our home base, and tells us what their water chemistry is – so if there’s ever issues with plaster or anything like that we know – well that’s because for six months your pool was basically a pit of green algae and you’re going to have problems, sorry. We can find a way to fix it but that’s not our fault. It really helps the consumer, and helps the businesses in the same sense. It’s a big step forward.” Kyle believes there will be lot more initiatives in the “green” realm. “There’s already a lot of advances in variable speed and multi-speed pumps to keep the energy usage down, there’s products like Justin was talking about with the pHin. I think the biggest push is that everything is going to be based on your cellphone.” “That’s where everything’s going,” says Justin. “From the speed of your motor to the chemicals in your pool, to how much power you’re using to what your water levels are,” says Kyle. “All of that stuff – we’re a lazy society. If someone can just run everything off their smart device, it just makes pool ownership so much easier. It’s not as scary as it used to be.” Kyle and Justin are currently shooting season two of Pool Kings, which premieres May 2018 on HGTV’s DIY Network. Unfortunately, it is not shown our part of the world, but they hope one day it will be available in Australia and New Zealand. n
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VICTORIA
21 Westwood Drive, Deer Park, Victoria
Confidential enquiries to Murray Piesse – M: 0417 170 211 E: murray@riverinapools.com.au April/May 2018 SPLASH! 29
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Protecting your business through proper compliance ABOVE: Pool barriers and equipotential bonding are two big compliance issues
A
s the swimming pool and spa industry becomes more professional, it is also facing increased scrutiny from regulators and an increased risk of litigation from aggrieved customers. Ensuring compliance with relevant codes has never been more important. Thanks in part to easier access to information, consumers are now savvier and are more likely to take issue with aspects of the project they feel have not been completed properly. In the swimming pool and spa industry as with many building based industries and those that involve water and electricity, there is the added important issue of safety to end users. Doing a good job is a given, and complying with regulations, codes and guidelines helps mitigate risk. But as well as ensuring risk is mitigated, risk must also be insured against.
Key and secondary codes
Spiros Dassakis, chief operating officer of SPASA Australia, says there is an absolute minimum of four 30 SPLASH! April/May 2018
main Australian Standards that pool and spa service technicians should adhere to, and approximately seven for pool and spa builders, but there are many more that should be understood. “On top of those, there are related standards like plumbing, gas and electricals that we need to be aware of, but we may not be able to undertake work covered in the standards.” Understanding the details of those standards helps create a better working relationship with other trades, leading to a more cost effective and compliant project. There are various standards that are currently being reviewed, including the electrical standard (otherwise known as the wiring rules) which covers equipotential bonding and the Temporary Fencing & Hoardings Standard which for the first time will include a specific section related to swimming pools and spas. Dassakis says that equipotential bonding is not just important for pool and spa builders, but also for pool and spa technicians because replacing equipment such as luminaires, installing pumps or facilitating the installation of heating equipment may require bonding under the electrical standard. “The same can be said for temporary fencing,” he says. “And with a growing focus in this space we are seeing a great level of policing by regulators and certifiers in almost every jurisdiction.” Dassakis says that temporary fencing is a work health and safety issue and the draft Temporary Fencing & Hoardings Standard is likely to come up for public consultation in June this year. “In many ways that will crystallise the requirement
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for a temporary fence in the installation or construction of a pool,” he says. “The temporary pool fence should restrict access of unauthorised persons during the construction phase and when complete – the pool should not be used by anyone until such time as it has been approved as compliant by the local authority, full stop, end of story.” The issue of temporary fencing gained renewed interest following the inquest into the 2015 death of 21-month-old Jake Rhodes, who drowned in a newly built North Coast NSW pool whose permanent pool fence was still under construction. The deputy coroner found the toddler likely gained entry through a gap in the temporary fence, and recommended changes to the law to provide for warning notices to be erected and maintained during pool construction which state the pool is not to be used until issued a final occupation certificate. Another issue that has been of concern to the industry over time relates to safety suctions. While risks associated with safety suctions have now been significantly minimised, it can still be confusing, so SPASA Australia has produced a guideline available on its website to help industry participants better understand Australian Standard AS1926.3 – 2010 Swimming Pool Safety – Water Recirculation Systems. “The free guideline seeks to further clarify the standard and they should be read together to better understand the requirements of the standard and how to follow it,” says Dassakis.
LEFT: There is an absolute minimum of four main Australian Standards that pool and spa service technicians should adhere to, and approximately seven for pool and spa builders BOTTOM: The Conductor Hub gives the contractor and homeowner peace of mind knowing there is a “safety seal” that can be easily tested and inspected at any time
He also points out that the National Construction Code (NCC) applies to all installation and construction of swimming pools and spas, and is also critical for service technicians who are replacing pipes, pumps and suction covers.
Equipotential bonding
Equipotential bonding is the act of bonding all the metal components in an area together to create substantially the same electrical potential. In a swimming pool or spa environment, these components could include the reinforcing steel shell of the swimming pool, the steel within a deck or under tiling, the metal pool fencing or spigots, any metal lights, windows, downpipes, ladders etc that are within arm’s reach (1.25m) of the pool/spa’s edge.
April/May 2018 SPLASH! 31
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ABOVE: A good way for a visiting pool tech to cover themselves and ensure the owner is made aware of any barrier or other issue is to leave a small note on the invoice
The Standard AS/NZS 3000:2007 Electrical installations (also known as the Wiring Rules) covers equipotential bonding for swimming pools. This standard is currently under review and there are a number of elements that may change. SPLASH! will update this story when the review is completed, but we currently need to look at what the situation is at present. SPASA Australia has published a document repeated here in the breakout box on page 38, summarising important elements of the AS/NZS 3000:2007 – as it stands at present, before the current review is completed. Em Ritchie, managing director of Conductor Hub, says equipotential bonding has widely been a point
“Equipotential bonding is not just important for pool and spa builders, but also for pool and spa technicians.” of confusion across the industry as to which trade the liability lies with in relation to ensuring this requirement is met. “As a tradesperson who is constructing the area that is included in this ‘equipotential zone’ being either a builder, pool builder or landscaper it is your responsibility to work with a licenced electrician to ensure that your work complies with the standard and you are making a safe environment for the end user,” she says.
“A swimming pool is one of the biggest investments a homeowner will make outside the purchase of their home, it is an area that is constructed to be enjoyed by family and friends and it is paramount that the pool environment is safe.” One new product that can help is made by Ritchie’s company, and is also called Conductor Hub – a connection and inspection point for equipotential bonding. The Conductor Hub is a world first, Australianmade hub that is installed between the reinforcing steel before the concrete is poured and fits inside standard mesh without requiring any steel cutting to ensure structural integrity is maintained. It is made up of a copper bar, stainless steel zip-ties and a buss bar housed in a lidded base made from ASA, which includes a unique collar that can be sized to suit any concrete thickness. Ritchie says the Conductor Hub has the ability to include multiple connection points either during initial construction, or over time as additions are made to a pool environment. These connections are encapsulated for safety and protection in-line with the wiring rules which require all grounding points to be protected against mechanical damage and corrosion. “The requirement under legislation for an equipotential bond and an accessible connection point to be installed has been around since 2007, but to date, there has not been a product on the market that has satisfied all the requirements of the rules,” she says. “Developing the Conductor Hub and making it available in the market has been one of our greatest achievements. To know that you have invented a product that can ensure the compliance and the safety April/May 2018 SPLASH!
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ABOVE: It is the responsibility of the pool builder to work with a licenced electrician to ensure the work complies with the standard BELOW: It’s not simply a case of saying, “that’s the way we’ve always done it” BELOW RIGHT: Temporary fencing has seen an increased level of policing by regulators and certifiers in almost every jurisdiction IMAGE CREDIT: Terry White Cap Fencing
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of people from electrical shock in these environments is quite an accomplishment.” Ritchie believes installing a Conductor Hub gives the contractor and the homeowner added peace of mind knowing there is a “safety seal” that can be easily tested and inspected at any time. She says it is important that all contractors know their liability when it comes to the legislation. “With the new Wiring Rules set to be released later this year and equipotential bonding requirements to be once again included, it is a good time to familiarise yourself with the current requirements to ensure you are working in-line with your legal obligations.”
Insurance
Dassakis says that anyone who is providing any consulting or design aspect to their work should have appropriate professional indemnity insurance attached. “This is critical in the off-chance that advice provided – or the design of the installation – is flawed or not fit for purpose. Or worse – leads to injury.” Koula Stamatovski from AB Phillips has offered some advice on what insurance swimming pool builders need.
“There are two types of insurances that swimming pool builders need to operate a business,” she says. “Builders warranty insurance and contract works insurance.” Builders warranty insurance is a legislated product that differs between states. It is essentially a consumer protection policy principally designed to respond if a builder was to die, disappear or go insolvent. Contract works insurance is intended to cover your construction project while in progress for things such as weather related events or theft. For example, if a swimming pool was to cave in due to heavy rainfall, the labour and material costs involved to bring that job back to where it was prior to the weather event would be covered under this policy. Contract works insurance also typically includes public and products liability. “There are a number of other policies a swimming pool builder may need based on their business particulars and the owner’s attitude to risk,” says Stamatovski. “These policies may include management liability, tools of trade, property insurance and motor vehicle covers to name a few.”
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Stamatovski also says that if a builder gets involved in design work in-house, they will require a professional indemnity policy. “These are about protecting the business for third party losses that arise from the design work or professional advice they provide. If this work is outsourced, the builder’s risk diminishes proportionate to the amount of in-house design performed. It is becoming more common as a principal contractor, that builders are being exposed to litigation of a professional nature.” She also says that swimming pool builders working in the commercial sector have a requirement for contract works insurance with much higher limits aligning to the size of the contracts they are undertaking. However, there is no requirement for builders warranty insurance on commercial swimming pool construction projects.
Mediation and being proactive
Dassakis says that when there is an issue, the pool and spa builder or technician should try to manage the problem before it gets to a dispute stage. “By the time complaints come to SPASA, in many cases, the contractor and the consumer may have had ample time and opportunity to navigate a mutually acceptable solution. Issues arise when communication breaks down – our role is to ensure the SPASA member
is supported while at the same time the consumers concern is taken seriously. In this regard, our main focus is to reconnect the consumer and contractor back to “fix mode” – to help them find a resolution. “Many of these things are minor in nature, but if left alone can fester – the magnifying glass comes out and everything is scrutinised in greater detail and has the potential to be blown out of proportion.”
Fencing and service techs
Everyone who attends a site has a duty of care to inform the owner of any issue they believe exists, says Dassakis. “In some instances, contractors may believe there is an issue but not fully understand what that issue is. In such cases the contractor should direct the pool owner to seek expert opinion – through SPASA, council or the state regulator.” Dassakis suggests a good way to cover yourself and ensure the owner is made aware of the issue is to leave a small note on your invoice. “It is something the customer must read because he pays the bill,” he says. He says the wording should be very simple, such as: “In the interests of safety we believe there is an issue with your gate/fence/barrier/suction. As we are not experts in the space, you should seek expert opinion. Please seek an expert through SPASA or seek guidance through your local council.”
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“‘I didn’t know’ doesn’t cut it! The modern consumer has access to unprecedented information – the internet has opened up access to legislation, forums and – rightly or wrongly – consumers are more informed than ever – and we owe it to ourselves as an industry to be better informed. And the need for continued professional development cannot be overestimated.”
Non-compliant materials
Dassakis points out that one of the benefits of SPASA membership is that members have access to on-board expertise and will trawl through regulations and standards on the members behalf. “While it’s important for businesses to understand their compliance requirements, they can always refer, discuss, question and challenge these instruments with someone within the association who has dealt with this on numerous occasions, in many circumstances and in most sectors.” He also highlights the fact that ignorance of the law is no defence.
heliocol splash half 082017.indd 36 SPLASH! April/May 2018 1
Crystal Ray of Construct Law Group says that the issue of non-conforming building products can affect pool and spa industry members. “The construction industry has recently been the subject of a further layer of regulation – this time, in relation to non-conforming building products,” she says. “This follows a string of highly publicised building product failures in both Australia and internationally forcing governments and stakeholders to reduce the instances of, and increase accountability for, non-conforming building products being used in construction.” The introduction of laws relating to nonconforming building products is part of a wider focus on building safety in Australia, particularly in light of: • The fire in the Lacrosse Building in Melbourne which was spread through external cladding;
8/1/17 10:05 AM
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• The widespread installation of faulty electrical cabling (Infinity cabling) which affected up to 22,000 projects; and • Concerns about the importation of products containing asbestos. What is a Non-Conforming Building Product? A non-conforming building product (NCBP) is any building product or material which is associated with a building or the construction of a building and which: • Does not meet the required standard for the intended use; • Claims to be something/do something that it is not; • Is marketed or advertised with the intent to deceive. The specific requirements for building products are governed by the National Construction Code, building regulation laws in each state and territory as well as specialist regulatory regimes (such as WaterMark certification in respect of plumbing products). “The rules relating to NCBPs apply to every link of the supply chain, from manufacturers to importers to suppliers to contractors and consumers,” says Ray. “No matter where you fit within the chain of responsibility, you have a duty to ensure the next person in the supply chain is given all required information.” This includes information such as: • The suitability of the product for its intended use in the conditions; • Installation instructions; and
• Operation instructions. “You need to ensure that any products that are used in the construction of a pool are safe and suitable for their intended purposed,” she says. The Australian Building Codes Board provides some guidance on different methods of determining whether a product conforms and complies with the National Construction Code (which can assist in determining that a product is not a NCBP), including whether a product has a:
“The pool should not be used by anyone until such time as it has been approved as compliant by the local authority, full stop, end of story.” • Certificate of Conformity by CodeMark or WaterMark; • Certificate of Accreditation from a State or Territory Accreditation authority; • Certificate from an appropriately qualified person such as an engineer; • Certificate from a product certification body accredited by JAS-ANZ; • Report registered by a registered testing authority.
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Equipotential bonding technical update This clarification of equipotential bonding requirements for swimming pools and spas has been created by SPASA Australia in collaboration with Master Electricians Australia. Bear in mind the Wiring Rules are currently under review, and this information relates to the standard as it currently exists.
deteriorates, so electricity can escape when the insulation of a charged electrical circuit fails. The only difference being that one can get you wet while the other can kill you. Escaping electricity can reach and electrify otherwise latent conductive material such as a steel reinforced concrete pool structure, metal fixtures, pool water and the exposed surface of electrical equipment, any one of which can be fatal.” By joining items of differing potential to a common earth (bonding), the potential for electric shock in the event of electrical leakage is avoided as it all goes straight to earth.
1.0 The Standard AS/NZS 3000:2007 Electrical installations (also known as the “Wiring Rules”), is the bible for all electricians but it also contains essential requirements for swimming pools and spas that all pool & spa builders and barrier installers need to be familiar with. The Wiring Rules are called up via legislation in all Australian states and therefore compliance with its requirements is mandatory.
4.0 What needs to be Bonded? 4.1 The exposed conductive parts of 240V electrical equipment in a pool or spa zone. This may include items such as the metal motor of a pool pump, the metal cabinet of a heat pump or gas heater using mains voltage (240V) if it is not isolated (insulated) from the electrical equipment inside and any control equipment with a conductive surface or a conductive part that is exposed.
2.0 Some Definitions 2.1 Equipotential Bonding (bonding or bonded): The joining together of earthing wires to a common earth point.
4.2 The conductive parts of electrical equipment that are in contact with the pool water, wherever located.
2.2 Conductive: Not defined in AS/NZS3000 but is a material capable of carrying an electrical current of a strength that is potentially dangerous to those who come into contact with it, such as steel, many other metals and includes the water in a swimming pool or spa.
Note: Equipment, including pumps, that plugs into a socket outlet using an earthed 3 pin plug are already earthed back to the switchboard and thus do not require bonding. 4.3 The steel reinforcement in a concrete pool shell, including any attached and steel reinforced beam or decking.
Note: Pure water is not conductive, but all the minerals and chemicals in pool water make it highly conductive. Clay soils are much more conductive than sand, but the difference shrinks markedly when both are saturated.
4.4 The steel in a reinforced beam or deck attached or adjacent to any type of pool.
2.3 Double insulation: Primary insulation, common to the insulation of all mains voltage appliances and wiring, plus supplementary insulation. A device using extra low voltage (ELV) through a transformer is deemed to be double insulated. See also AS/NZS 3000, Sub section 7.4 – electrical separation. Examples include 12-volt pool lights and robotic cleaners supplied with their dedicated ELV power supply, etc
4.5 Where 4.1 and/or 4.2 above apply, bonding shall be extended to:
2.4 Exposed: Capable of being touched (with the standard test finger as specified in AS/NZ 3100 Approval and test specification - General requirements for electrical equipment).
Note: When all common pool equipment (pumps, heaters, etc) is earthed back to the switchboard through the wiring and a 3 pin plug, then 4.1 and 4.2 do not apply, and as a consequence 4.3 and 4.5 above also do not apply, leaving only the pool and decking reinforcement to be bonded.
3.0 Introduction to Equipotential Bonding 3.1 Equipotential bonding is neither easy for a pool builder to understand nor easy to implement. However, it is a mandatory requirement in all states. There is a general assumption that equipotential bonding only applies to concrete swimming pools and spas whereas, it can, in differing ways be applicable to ALL types of swimming pools and spas. 3.2 Equipotential bonding is regulated and deemed to be electrical work, therefore it must be carried out by a licenced electrician. However, under contract, all pool builders may be held liable in the first instance, should an accident occur because it was not done or not done correctly. Accordingly, all pool builders and installers of barriers need to have a better grasp of what is involved. Note: Full details for the bonding of swimming pools are set out in Clause 5.6.2.6 of AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules. 3.3 What is equipotential bonding? Equipotential bonding is the equalisation of electrical potential (voltage). By connecting any electrically conductive building materials (pool equipment, pool fences, diving boards, etc) to the earthing system of the house by electrical cables. Using a simple analogy “Just as water in a pipeline can escape when joints or the pipe itself
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Note: Only one bonding point is required when all the steel reinforcement is wire-tied as one complete unit. a) Any conductive fittings in or attached to the pool such as ladders, hand rails, diving boards, etc. b) Any conductive material within 1.25m of the pool edge including metal pool barriers and metal supports for glass pool barriers.
5.0 What Doesn’t Require Bonding? (a) Pool equipment and other items exempted under 4.0 above. (b) Fixed conductive parts and fittings that are not part of electrical equipment and not more than 100mm in any dimension. (c) Any item of equipment that is double insulated or operating at extra low voltage through a transformer. E.g. an underwater light or electric cleaner, a pump manufactured to AS/NZS 60335.2.51. 6.0 Engaging an Electrician Equipotential bonding is a regulated activity and deemed to be electrical work. Therefore, it must only be carried out by a licenced electrician. Pool and spa builders and barrier installers should get an electrician involved early in the process to avoid costly additional works later on. In some states, it may be a requirement that bonding of the pool reinforcement steel be inspected and/or certified prior to the concrete being placed. Note: It is possible that AS/NZS 3000 may be interpreted differently by some electricians and state energy regulators. Important Note: A new revision of AS/NZS 3000 is imminent. SPASA Australia will provide an updated overview once the new standard is published.
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How can you protect yourself ? Ray says you cannot contract out of your obligations in respect of NCBP but you can take steps to protect yourself from accountability in the event that a product is determined to be a NCBP. As a pool builder or retailer of building products used in the construction of a pool such steps would include: • Ensuring that you obtain all necessary information when you receive the product to be able to pass it on to the next person in the chain of responsibility and the eventual owner; • Do an audit of your current processes and building products to ensure compliance; • Consider adding a contractual warranty for any products supplied to you or purchased by you which states that the product is safe for its intended use in the construction of the pool – such a warranty could then be used to recover any costs you expended in complying with the legislation in the event that compliance enforcement action is brought against you; and • Contact your insurance broker to see if you are able to obtain coverage for NCBPs (including products subject to recalls). Who governs NCBPs? Each state and territory is responsible for the governance of NCBP and is managed in: • Queensland by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC); • New South Wales by the New South Wales Office of Fair Trading; • Victoria by the Victorian Building Authority; • Western Australia by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety; • Tasmania by the Department of Justice;
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Critical codes Spiros Dassakis says these are the MINIMUM codes members of the pool and spa industry must have a good knowledge of. Pool and spa builder • AS 1926.1-2012 Swimming pool safety barriers for swimming pools Note: In the Northern Territory, swimming pool fences must comply with various legislation and Standards, depending on when the pool was constructed (before or after 1 January 2003) Note: Queensland has developed a pool safety standard, Queensland Development Code Mandatory Practice 3.4 (MP 3.4), it is a modified AS 1926.1-2007, Swimming pool safety – Safety barriers for swimming pools. • AS/NZS 1839:1994 Swimming pools - Premoulded fibre-reinforced plastics - Installation
with various legislation and Standards, depending on when the pool was constructed (before or after 1 January 2003). Note: Queensland has developed a pool safety standard, Queensland Development Code Mandatory Practice 3.4 (MP 3.4), it is a modified AS 1926.1-2007, Swimming pool safety – Safety barriers for swimming pools • AS 2610.2-2007 Spa pools Private spas • AS 1926.3-2010 Swimming pool safety Water recirculation systems • AS 3633-1989 Private swimming pools - Water quality State Legislation Each Australian state and territory has its own legislation and regulatory schemes in relation to swimming pool and spa planning, construction, certification, safety as well as the management of public pools.
• AS 2783-1992 Use of reinforced concrete for small swimming pools • AS 2610.2-2007 Spa pools Private spas • AS 1926.3-2010 Swimming pool safety Water recirculation systems • AS 3633-1989 Private swimming pools - Water quality • National Construction Code Pool and spa service technician • AS 1926.1-2012 Swimming pool safety barriers for swimming pools Note: In the Northern Territory, swimming pool fences must comply
Sunline AuStrAliA welcomeS ernie BevilAquA Sunline Australia welcomes Ernie Bevilaqua to the position of National Sales & Business Development Manager with his 40 years experience in the swimming pool industry across Australia and overseas. Ernie is committed to providing and implementing a strategy for Sunline’s next phase of growth across Australia and export markets. Ernie has been a key figure within SPASA WA, being a member of the Executive Committee and recently the Association President. We believe this new appointment is a valuable step in the right direction as we continue to develop products that offer real solutions for our valued cliental. Established in 1996, Sunline Australia is a family owned and operated company, that specialises in the manufacturing and supply of pool accessories in Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia,
•Underground Blanket Boxes •Glass Fencing •LED Pool Lighting •Solar Heating •Amalfi Mosaics •Above Ground Rollers •Pool Blankets
At Sunline Australia we pride ourselves on delivering the best customer service and a comprehensive range of pool accessories. We have undertaken extensive research and development to provide a range of products to the swimming pool industry. We are a major supplier of glass fencing, pool solar covers, above ground and in-ground roller systems, solar heating and sun blade spillways. Our exclusive Amalfi Glass and Ceramic range of mosaic tiles have become a preferred product to many pool builders.
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• South Australia by local Councils and the Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure; • Australian Capital Territory by the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate – Planning; • Northern Territory by the Building and Development Department. Important matters to remember In running your business, it is important to keep in mind: • That the rules relating to NCBP’s affect everyone in the industry both up and down the supply chain; and • You have an obligation to ensure that what you are supplying is not a NCBP (and to provide and keep records of this). As NCBPs are governed differently between each state and territory it is important that you are aware of your obligations in each state as some states (particularly Queensland following the recent introduction of enforcement powers being given to the QBCC) have wide ranging powers, including the ability to enter places to gather evidence, direct remedial works, take disciplinary action and even prosecute. n Understanding regulations and standards is critical to running a successful building company Don’t risk a headache down the track: keep on top of your compliance issues
Contacts AB Phillips: www.abphillips.com.au Conductor Hub: www.conductorhub.com.au Construct Law Group: www.constructlaw.com.au SPASA Australia: www.spasa.com.au For links to Standards go to splashmagazine.com.au/quicklinks
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Now it’s a pool; now it’s a flower garden ABOVE: The garden over the pool, exposing the koi pond MIDDLE: The koi pond covered, and the pool is ready to use TOP RIGHT: The garden bed glides over coping stones on bespoke conical wheels BOTTOM RIGHT: The pool is again the focus of the yard
A
lmost everyone enjoys looking out on a beautiful swimming pool in the garden – almost everyone. But this homeowner in the Netherlands preferred to reflect upon his garden and koi pond, only having his swimming pool open and visible for weekend visits by his grandchildren. It seemed like an impossible request, but the builder made use of Twinscape movable pool floor technology to build a movable flowerbed in the backyard. The Twinscape solution is a movable flowerbed that also serves as a pool cover, secreting the pool under the garden, while revealing the adjacent koi pond.
Having a large thermal mass, the movable garden is a highly efficient pool cover with excellent insulating quality, retaining water warmth and extending the swim season even in this northern European climate. The Dutch garden is planted entirely with lavender and glides smoothly and silently without tracks along the graded pool coping on engineered composite wheels. While the grandkids splash and play, the koi pond is temporarily hidden beneath the garden. Having a large thermal mass, the movable garden is a highly efficient pool cover with excellent insulating quality, retaining water 42
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warmth and extending the swim season even in this northern European climate. The product can be built to any size and finished in any material to complement aesthetic design. Although this project is a garden, the technology could be used just as easily for a movable terrace arrayed with a table and deck chairs. Twinscape has completed more than 60 projects over the past eight years in the UK, Europe and the USA, using their Hydrofloors variable depth and movable pool floor technology. Variable depth swimming pool floors are the perfect fusion of state-of-the-art-technology with functionality and beauty, doubling the floor space and adding to the property value. The indoor or outdoor swimming pool can simultaneously be a deep diving pool, a child friendly shallow depth pool or a mid-depth pool for exercise. Once closed, it offers full security and converts the pool
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into a multifunctional room or terrace. The surface can then serve other purposes such as being used as an additional living space, hosting a party or having a space to work out. While Twinscape gets a lot of interest and enquiries from Australia, they have not done any local installations as yet, but are looking for dealers and sales agents. Contact: www.twinscapegroup.com; r.plompen@ twinscapegroup.com n
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Sp nTouch
Specifications • Constructed of stainless steel beams (AISI304), prefabricated and assembled on site with stainless nuts and bolts. • Travels trackless over the pool’s graded coping stones on made-to-purpose conically-shaped composite wheels. • The drive system is an ever-reliable rack and pinion gear, driven by a low voltage drive motor and custom-made gearbox. • Behind the pool is secreted a dry motor pit for the drive system. There is a drain in the flowerbed that is opened when sitting atop the motor pit with a catch that efficiently channels garden water down and away to municipal drains. • The flowerbed is waterproofed and laid in with a Nophadrain ND 5+1 drainage layer beneath an environmentally-friendly Geotextile. The drainage system prevents the build-up of hydrostatic pressure on the waterproofing membrane, protects it against mechanical loads and ensures that vapor can evaporate freely. Upon this, the landscaper has set in expanded clay aggregate stones and 350mm of clean soil. The total height of the flowerbed structure is 500mm. • The structure is covered with stainless panels in a pearl-treated finish that is both eye-catching and durable. • For security, the entire system is controlled by a key enabled three-button control panel (Open – Close – Stop) and an optional touch screen with digital passcode.
The Future of Water Testing Super fast and simple—results in 30 to 60 seconds Stand-Alone or Cloud-Ready Seamless integration with DataMate Web Ready To Go Anywhere, designed for... § Pool Operators § Service Technicians § Retail Professionals Learn More!
p 02 9624 8842 | f 02 9674 5115 e sales@lamottepacific.com www.lamottepacific.com April/May 2018 SPLASH! 43
1-2 AUGUST 2018
Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre SPLASH! is the largest pool and spa trade show in the southern hemisphere, attracting over 2,000 visitors from more than 27 countries and close to 200 exhibitors under one roof. The opportunity to attend four days of conference and training, network at the National Awards, and see the best of the best, is here. For further visitor enquiries please contact SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show Team Within Australia 1300 789 845 Outside Australia +61 2 8586 6115
EXPO FREE TO ATTEND EDUCATION SESSIONS NETWORKING DRINKS GOLF DAY
REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
SPLASH! WEEK MONDAY 30 JULY 2018 8.30am-4.30pm Australian Swim Schools Conference 8:30am-4:00pm SPASA Training
TUESDAY 31 JULY 2018 8.00am-5.00pm Australian Swim Schools Conference 8:30am-4:00pm SPASA Training
WEDNESDAY 1 AUGUST 2018 9.00am-5.00pm Australian Swim Schools Conference 9.15am-5.00pm Education program 10.00am-5.00pm TRADE SHOW OPEN 5.00pm-6.30pm Welcome Reception - FREE to attend
THURSDAY 2 AUGUST 2018 8.30am-5.00pm World Infant Aquatics Conference 9.15am-4.00pm Education program 10.00am-4.00pm TRADE SHOW OPEN 6.30pm-late
SPASA Awards Gala Dinner
FRIDAY 3 AUGUST 2018 8.00am-2.00pm
Andrew Simons Memorial Golf Day
8.30am-5.00pm World Infant Aquatics Conference
Attend the expo or seminars to earn CPD points Visit www.splashexpo.com.au for all education details
www.splashexpo.com.au Silver Sponsor
Education Partner
PUT YOURSELF IN THE PLACE WHERE YOU WILL PROGRESS Life gets busy with making your business operational. If business is good, you have the steady flow of customers, pool builds and proposals out. There will be things that may go wrong, that you are spending time on to ensure the customer is kept happy, whether it be the pool build, landscaping, ensuring orders are coming in or equipment failure. The last thing you will be thinking about doing is planning for the next phase of your business. However, we all know that the key to an ongoing successful business is, planning for progress. Without learning about new current trends, products and services it is hard to plan effectively for the future. Make the time now to help plan for your business by registering for the SPLASH! Pool and Spa trade show. SPLASH! has grown to be the biggest of its kind in the southern hemisphere. With more than 2,500 expected to attend the event and three different Aquatic conferences, it encompasses all elements of the aquatic industry from residential to commercial planning, products and services. The Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Australia (SPASA), conference, Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) national and international swim school conference and the Australian Leisure Facilities Association Queensland (ALFA Q) conference are all run under the one roof at the same time! The extensive education program includes popular SPLASH! sessions operating in conjunction with the SPASA training sessions. Both will enable delegates to achieve CPD points to remain accredited, plus give you many business tools to use to increase potential revenue for your business. The event is located at the Gold Coast Convention Centre - right in the heart of some of Australia’s most significant attractions, the city still basking in the after-glow of one of Australia’s most successful Commonwealth Games. Queensland weather is renowned for being beautiful one day and perfect the next. For those who want to extend the week into a holiday, shopping is great, there are many theme park attractions for family visits and beautiful golf courses to get in some practice. There are various day trips that can be organised to see more of the beautiful nature of Queensland from rainforests to some of the best beaches in the world.
1300 789 845 Media Partner
Golf Sponsor
SITE VISIT
Optus Aquatic Centre (Commonwealth Games Pool)
SPLASH! ANDREW SIMONS MEMORIAL GOLF DAY
Wednesday 1 August
Friday 3 August 2018
Optus Aquatic Centre is located on Marine Parade, Southport, Gold Coast QLD 4225. The Optus Aquatic Centre formerly known as Southport Pool and was established originally in 1964, has been fully redeveloped with a $42 million upgrade as part of a legacy project and joint funding initiative by the Queensland Government and the City of Gold Coast in preparation for GC2018. The Commonwealth games 2018 held the swimming and diving events at this centre. It consists of six pools, including a new 50 metre 10-lane competition pool, a full suite of diving facilities and a dry dive training pit, fully equipped fitness centre, onsite café and multi-function meeting rooms. The site tour will consist of the operations manager and pool builders involved with the project.
Join the LoChlor and SPLASH! teams to network at the Golf Day! The day includes an ambrose tournament with a twist – the unique sudden death playoff format selects the top eight teams to play over two holes in front of a gallery of participants. With prizes including international airfares and accommodation it is only fitting that the course hosting the day is the RACV Royal Pines. RACV Royal Pines Resort is a golfer’s dream and the home of championship golf in Queensland. The course is proudly home to the Australian PGA Championship and the RACV Australian Ladies Masters. The Golf Course has also recently been nominated ‘Australia’s Best Golf Hotel 2017’ by the World Golf Awards.
REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
CONFIRMED EXHIBITORS INCLUDE: • AAT Acrylic Windows • AB Phillips • Abgal Liners and Covers • Advance UV Systems • Air Supply International • AIS (Australian Innovative Systems) • Albatross Pools • Aqua Action Slides • Aqua Idea • Aqua-Quip (Automatic Pool Cleaners (Australia)) • AquaGem (Fairland Electric) • Aquarius Technologies • Aquatherm Industries • Ascon Pool • AstralPool Australia Platinum Sponsor • Aussie Chlorinators/ Legend Products & Services • Austail Supply Co. • Australian Leak Detection • Australian Spa Parts • Autopool • Blue Glass Pebble Company • Boss Polymer • Brauer Industries / Ozone • CIPU Pool&Spa Technology Co, Ltd • Classic Pools • Conductor Hub • Cooke Industries • Coral Detection Systems • Coulson Tiles Pty Ltd / Sicis • CSN Global • Daisy Pool Covers • Davey Water Products • Designer Beadcrete • Driclad Pool Technology • Easycare Products USA • Eco Solar • Elite Pool Covers • Emaux Water Technology • Enviroswim • Evo Industries • Evolution • Evolve Group (Poolrite) • Fix a Leak • Flowcrete Australia
• Focus Products • Green Element Technology • Guangdong Poolking Filtration Equipment Manufacturing Co.Ltd • Guangdong Wotech Renewable Energy & Technology Company • Guangzhou City Freesea Industrial Co, Ltd • Guangzhou Huantong Industry Company • Guangzhou Taisheng Sanitary Ware Technology Co. Ltd • Hayward Pool Products Australia • Heliocol • Hi-Tech Pacific • ICH International • International Quadratics / Theralux • International Speciality Aggregates • Jewels 4 Pools • Just Spas • Life Floor & Everglaze • Lincoln Pool Equipment • Lo-Chlor Luxapool Pool Paints - Colormaker • Magnor • Magnum Filters • Maytronics • Naked Pools • National Swimming Pool Foundation • Neptune-Benson • New Fluid Technology • Ningbo Jade Motor Co . Ltd • Nymet Australia (exhibiting as SplashMe Automation) • Pacific Pool Products Australia • Pal Lighting (Bellson Electric) • Palintest • Pentair • Pool & Outdoor
EXHIBITION
STANDS
SOLD OUT!
• Pool Controls • Pool Pro • Pool Ranger • Pool Spa Bath China • Pool Systems • Pool-Water Products • PoolStar Pool Products • Poolwerx • ProMinent Fluid Controls • Qingdao Develop Chemistry Co. Ltd • Reece Irrigation & Pools • Remco • Rheem Thermal • River Sands • RP Industries SA • Saint-Gobain Industrial Ceramics • Select Chemicals • Shenzhen Prow Electronics & Technology Co., Ltd (Joyonway) • SIP Topology Environmental Protection and Purification Co. (Wonderlight) • Skimmer Lids Pty Ltd • Skypebble • Solartech • Spa Electrics
• Spa-Craft • SPASA Australia • SR Smith • Sterns Pool • Sunbather • Sunline • Sunlover • Supreme Heating • swimart • The Acoustic Box • The Builders Little Black Book • The Pool Enclosure Company • The Pool Tile Company • Tianjin Kaifeng Chemical Co, Ltd • Tim Batt Water Solutions (TBWS Aquatic Pulsar) • Vendart • Waterblade • Waterco • Waterjet Modular Pools • Waterlilly Australia • Watertec Engineering • Zhoushan HaoLide Pump Industry Co. • Zodiac
Correct at time of printing visit www.splashexpo.com.au for updates.
www.splashexpo.com.au Silver Sponsor
Education Partner
1300 789 845 Media Partner
Golf Sponsor
commercial news
The Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, scene of many a victory
Commercial
news Swim school franchise in trouble after underpaying 1300 staff. . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Melbourne surf park goes ahead on back of $28 million investment . . . . .50 Tenders . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Geothermal energy warming Perth pools . .52
Competition
Aussies break Comm Games record The Australian Swim Team are taking home a record breaking 28 golds from a total of 73 medals after the most successful Commonwealth Games in history. The team featured 70 athletes who between them netted 28 Golds, 21 Silver, 24 Bronze as well as one world record, 11 games records and 45 personal bests. Swimming Australia says these highlights herald the start of a new golden era for the sport two years out from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
However, Kieren Perkins, four-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist, told the Courier-Mail that swimming against the Americans at the Pan Pacs in Japan in August will be a whole different ball game. “I’m being realistic, not negative, because the beauty of the Gold Coast over the past two weeks has been the positivity and momentum for our swimmers to feed off. It can work wonders but you can’t get complacent after a high like this.”
Waterparks
Brisbane court holds Dreamworld hearing A pre-inquest hearing into the four deaths on a malfunctioning ride at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast in 2016 has heard that a faulty water pump caused a raft to became stranded, which then likely led to the deaths. The pre-inquest hearing into the deaths of Cindy Low, Kate Goodchild, her brother Luke Dorsett and his partner Roozi Araghi heard the group were killed almost instantly when they were thrown from the ride. Counsel assisting, Ken Fleming, told the Brisbane Magistrates Court the victims’ raft flipped when a collision occurred 15 seconds after one of the ride’s pumps stopped working, causing the water level to drop. He said the victims died almost instantly as a result of compressive or crushing injuries after they were tipped into the conveyor mechanism. The two children in the raft managed to escape. Fleming proposed splitting a formal inquest into the deaths into two sections — the first to examine exactly what happened and the response to the fatal incident, and the second to look at whether law changes were needed to prevent similar tragedies. The construction, maintenance and modifications to the ride will also be within the inquest scope, along with Dreamworld’s riskmanagement processes, training and staffing. The first half of the inquest will likely be heard in June and July, with proposed dates for the second portion slated for October, November and December. Lawyers for Ardent Leisure, Dreamworld’s parent company, said they would cooperate with the inquest. 48
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Fleming said the inquest would not result in blame being laid on any parties, but acknowledged the Director of Public Prosecutions and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland could take their own legal action.
Police investigating the tragic accident at the Thunder River Rapids ride at Dreamworld
commercial news
Waterparks
Wet play revitalises Singapore hotel Empex Watertoys together with Singapore’s landscape architect Playpoint Singapore Pte have created an exciting new splash park at the famous Singapore Shangri-La hotel in Singapore. The Shangri-La was opened in 1971 and is the flagship of the Shangri-La brand. As part of 15 acres of landscaped gardens which are visible through the glass walls in the hotel, the splash park area, Buds by Shangri-la, is the newest attraction to cater to children up to age 12. Soft water cone jets shoot out from a series of columns creating a labyrinth of water fun. A large tipping bucket fills and tips over with a dynamic splash on the players below. On the ground the Aquaseal and Aquaorc provide interactive sprays while pirates in tipping vessels turn and drop water on anticipating children below. For the preschool tots there is a pirate slide designed just for them. Watershooters provide endless fun for water gun battles. Adding a unique splash park to the hotel greatly increases young family traffic year-round. The parents are able to relax while the children burn off that endless energy without being in deep water. Kids having fun at the Singapore Shangri-La
In Brief New research from Royal Life Saving has found that while children are now starting swimming lessons at a younger age, they may be stopping lessons before achieving essential swimming, lifesaving and water safety benchmarks. The study analysed children from a sample of private swim schools in four States. Overall, four-year old children made up the highest age group of children attending private swimming lessons, with 65 per cent being seven years and younger. Of primary school aged children in private lessons, 53 per cent are aged between five and seven years. Data shows that 75 per cent of children exit swimming lessons by the age of eight years; this is often prior to achieving benchmarks outlined by the National Swimming and Water Safety Framework. The study found that on average children are aged between nine and 10 years old by the time they could achieve the national benchmark minimum skills of 50m freestyle, 25m survival backstroke, and treading water for 2 minutes. Crystal Lagoons is celebrating a new milestone by opening its first lagoon in the US. Epperson (Tampa) has been developed as part of a strategic partnership with Metro Development Group. Epperson is the first of 16 signed projects for the US and the first out of five planned with Metro within Florida. The firm is planning 44 other initiatives for Texas, Nevada, Arizona, and California, with a total investment value of over $US50bn.
April/May 2018 SPLASH! Hydrostar Plus_Splash 270mm x 90mm_2018.indd 1
49 4/5/18 2:52 PM
commercial news
Waterparks
Melbourne surf park backed by $28 million investment
Planned Urbnsurf Park in Melbourne
Urbnsurf has announced it has recently secured $28.3 million in funding to develop Urbnsurf Melbourne at Melbourne Airport, the world’s first fullsized Wavegarden “Cove” surfing lagoon. Planning consent has been obtained and construction is scheduled to commence at the site adjacent to the Essendon Football Club on Airport Drive. Urbnsurf expects the project to be completed by Easter 2019. The completed project is expected to deliver up to 1000 two-metre high ocean-like surfing waves every hour, servicing up to 84 surfers per hour across six different surfing zones. Urbnsurf’s founder and executive chairman, Andrew Ross says they
are delighted to be bringing the southern hemisphere’s first surf park facility to Melbourne. “Urbnsurf Melbourne unlocks the geographic limitations of surfing by bringing the beach to your backyard. We are aiming to provide surfers of all abilities the opportunity to engage in their sport more frequently, conveniently, and safely – allowing them to simply ‘surf more’”. The $28.3 million development capital was secured from a range of Australian-based, high net worth investors and private-equity sources. Urbnsurf says these funds will fuel the company’s construction activities in Melbourne together with activities associated with its other two surf park projects in Sydney and Perth.
Swim schools
Swimland signs up to scrutiny after more than 1300 staff underpaid $1.4 million Swim school franchise network Swimland – which underpaid its staff across a six-year period – is now required to implement extensive measures to ensure compliance with workplace laws, after signing up to an Enforceable Undertaking (EU) with the Fair Work Ombudsman. Franchisor Paul Sadler Swimland Pty Ltd and 12 franchisees entered into an EU following the disclosure of widespread underpayments throughout its network, with 1308 workers underpaid a combined $1,425,477 between July 2010 and March 2016. The EU imposes significant obligations on the franchisor and franchisees, including requiring third party audits of the swim schools across Melbourne and Bendigo during the next two years to ensure ongoing compliance. 50
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The underpayments related to breaches of both the Fitness Industry Award 2010 and individual enterprise agreements signed by each of the 12 franchisees in 2013. The underpayments arose from failing to correctly progress employees according to their experience, implement junior workers’ age increments; and apply the Award’s transitional wage provisions. Most workers were swim instructors or administrative staff, with a large proportion being young workers. In recognition of its contrition for the underpayments, under the EU the franchisor has also undertaken to make total donations of $50,000 to two charities, with The Smith Family and Western Chances to receive $25,000 each.
commercial news
Tenders
Latest tenders These and other tenders are put online prior to the print magazine publishing. Be sure to subscribe to the free newsletter, or follow SPLASH! on Facebook or Twitter to keep alerted to new tenders, and for quick access to more information.
North Sydney Council North Sydney Olympic Pool Redevelopment - Design Services Request for Tender: 34/2018 Consultants are invited for the provision of Design Services for the redevelopment of the North Sydney Olympic Pool. - Stage 1 - Detail Design Development - Value Management Workshop - Stage 2 - Documentation for Development Application/ Statutory Approvals - Stage 3 - Documentation for Tender/Construction Purposes (CC) - Stage 4 - Services during construction/post Construction/Post Construction/Occupancy Documents: https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/Council_ Meetings/Financial/Tenders_amp_Procurement Closing: 4.00pm, Tuesday 15 May 2018.
North Sydney Council North Sydney Olympic Pool Redevelopment - Project Management Request for Tender: Number: 33/2018 Project Management companies are invited that can provide Project Management Services for the redevelopment of the North Sydney Olympic Pool. - Stage 1 - Project Appraisal - Value Management Workshop, Detail Design Development - Stages 2 & 3 - Development application and statutory approvals documentation for tender/construction purposes (CC) - Stage 4 - Services during construction/post construction/ occupancy Documents: https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/Council_ Meetings/Financial/Tenders_amp_Procurement Closing: 4.00pm, Tuesday 15 May 2018.
Mildura Rural City Council Management of Council Owned Aquatic Facilities Request for Tender: 1718/47 Management of Council owned aquatic facilities including Colignan Swimming Pool, Irymple Swimming Pool, Merbein Swimming Pool, Mildura Waves Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Murrayville Swimming Pool, Ouyen Swimming Pool, Red Cliffs Swimming Pool and Underbool Swimming Pool. Closing: 2.00pm, 3 May 2018. Mildura Rural City Council Phone: 03 5018 8100 http://www.mildura.vic.gov.au/
Hinchinbrook Shire Council Lease of Hinchinbrook Aquatic Centre Request for Tender: Ref No: 18/05 Council is inviting tenders for the lease of the Hinchinbrook Aquatic Centre for five (5) years from 1 July 2018 with one (1) x five (5) year option to extend. Closing: 2.00pm Thursday 3 May 2018. www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au
www.watertoys.com info@watertoys.com 1 866 833 8580 | 905 649 5047
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commercial feature
Using the
Earth’s heat
ABOVE: The option of drawing ocean water was investigated but the geological environment of the Scarborough Beach foreshore didn’t lend itself to an ocean pool concept IMAGE CREDIT: City of Stirling
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T
he most unusual aspect of the impressive new $26 million Scarborough Beach Pool in Perth is that it is heated via a geothermal aquifer. The geothermal project minimises the environmental footprint of the Scarborough Beach Pool by pumping water from the Yarragadee aquifer, using its natural heat to maintain the pools’ temperature. This is a closed loop geothermal system (known as a geothermal duplet), which means the water is pumped through the aquifer solely to gain a heat benefit, with no net water extracted from the aquifer. Warm water from the geothermal extraction bore is pumped through a heat exchanger and then returns to the ground through the injection bore. Water is then pumped through the other side of the heat exchanger to gain temperature and provide heat to the pools. Geothermal production and injection bores were sunk into the Yarragadee aquifer to depths of 960
metres and 430 metres respectively. This technology allows renewable energy to heat the swimming pools instead of conventional gas boilers. It is estimated that this will result in an annual greenhouse gas abatement of approximately 1800 tonnes of CO2 while saving the City of Stirling up to $530,000 each year. Consultant hydrologists Rockwater dug the bores, with the geothermal duplet providing the ability to produce significantly greater flow than the required 35 litres per second, and the water temperature of 51°C exceeds the project’s requirement of 45°C. The Scarborough Beach Pool is the 13th swimming pool facility in the Perth basin to employ direct-use geothermal energy for heating. The bore duplet at Scarborough will produce 2200 kW of geothermal heat, increasing the total installed capacity of Perth basin direct-use geothermal
commercial feature
systems to 16,580 kW. This is equivalent to 1105 Beach foreshore does not lend itself to an ocean pool conventional household (15 kW ) gas hot concept. In addition, pumping ocean water from a water systems. clean position in the sea would be logistically difficult Despite some setbacks during the construction and expensive given the level of sand movement of the bores, such as encountering unconsolidated along the coastline. material at the surface and sand locking of the The City of Stirling joins several other government development tool in the injection bore screens, the and private schools with geothermally heated bores have been constructed within a very reasonable swimming pools including the Mandurah Aquatic time frame. From installation of the surface casing and Recreation Centre and the Cockburn ARC. The the program took only four months. City of Armadale has also commenced drilling for a The facility includes a combined 2.5 megalitre salt chlorinated, sandfiltered pool (consisting “It is estimated that this will result in an annual greenhouse gas of a 50 metre eight-lane pool and a 25 metre abatement of approximately 1800 tonnes of CO2 while saving the four-lane pool) heated to City of Stirling up to $530,000 each year.” between 26°C to 28°C, and a separate leisure pool heated to 32°C. There are also family change rooms, universally accessible facilities, geothermal system at its Armadale Aquatic Centre, food and dining outlets, a 200-seat undercover which will be completed in 2018. n grandstand spectator area, a spacious outdoor grassed informal spectator area and an outdoor BOTTOM: Both the 2.5 sunlounge decking area. Approximately 575 people megalitre combined pool and the smaller can use the pool at any one time and about 1000 program pool are heated people each day are expected to visit when the by a geothermal loop facility is fully operational. Rockwell: www.rockwater.com.au IMAGE CREDIT: City of Stirling The option of using ocean water was investigated City of Stirling: www.stirling.wa.gov.au but the geological environment of the Scarborough
Contacts
April/May 2018 SPLASH! 53
new products
Augmented reality app for pool builders
It can be frustrating when the client just can’t visualise how the swimming pool is going to turn out, even with the help of the best drawings or 3D concepts. Now, Structure Studios has released their newest and boldest product yet, called YARD (Your Augmented Reality Design) and it can change the way pool builders sell their products and services.
Designers sketch quick concepts in 3D on an iPad Pro with YARD, then drop the design right onto the property, giving clients a clear sense of scale and the ability to address problems or concerns in real-time, from any angle, connecting them to their project like never before. Contact: www.structurestudios.com/yard
Harmonious outdoor setting
The River Collection from Cosh Living enables homeowners to easily create a beautiful space for relaxation, completely in harmony with natural surroundings. The sofas mimic the meandering flow of a watercourse, boasting elegant curves reminiscent of natural shapes. Inspired by the calming effect of nature and characterised by its low-to-the-ground design and extra deep seating, River embraces the latest down-to-earth trends. They are made from a powder-coated aluminium frame with a synthetic weave structure. They come in two sizes, the 1100mm wide one-seater, and the 2650mm wide three-seater. Contact: www.coshliving. com.au; (03) 9281 1999
54 SPLASH! April/May 2018
new products
New twist on classic green wall
Tait has released a limited edition GardenWall pattern named Terrain. Tait’s GardenWall is now 10 years old and has become popular for its inventive yet simple design, addressing the classic planter with a twist. Featuring playful, stackable units in a range of patterns and variety of colours, GardenWall has been gracing rooftop gardens and livening up courtyards for a decade. Tait enlisted the talents of Georgina Reid to come up with the Terrain pattern. Contact: madebytait.com.au
Hayward Energyline Pro Inverter heat pumps Hayward’s new range of high performance, energy-efficient Energyline Pro Inverter heat pumps quietly and economically maintains ideal water temperature using energy saving inverter technology. Inverter technology constantly measures the water temperature and adjusts the speed of the compressor and fan to run at the most efficient setting to match the heat loss of the pool. On start-up, the unit will slowly ramp up the speed of the compressor and fan, deciding how much heat is required. The unit constantly measures its temperature parameters and adjusts its output accordingly. As the temperature begins to reach the setpoint, the unit starts slowing down, increasing its COP (coefficient of performance) and reducing running costs. This also means smaller, more efficient heat pumps can be installed. Contact: www.hayward-pool.com.au April/May 2018 SPLASH! 55
new products
Tougher smartphone for tradies
Telstra has worked together with ZTE to bring the Tough Max 2 smartphone to the market for for tradies, construction workers, miners, farmers, outdoor adventure enthusiasts or anyone seeking extra protection and durability in a smartphone.
MegaSkim now available in grey
Pentair says their MegaSkim is the ideal skimmer for every new pool. Designed with both the pool builder and pool owner in mind, the MegaSkim is easy to install and easy to use. The MegaSkim is made from a tough UV stabilised thermoplastic for years of use in the harsh Australian climate.
The second iteration of the Telstra Tough Max is built tough and features Gorilla Glass for screen protection, an IP67 Rating (water and dust resistant – fresh water resistant up to 1m for up to 30 mins), and a rubber casing to help protect against bumps and knocks
The MegaSkim is now available with grey body and grey lids for today’s stylish darker coloured pools.
Additionally, for those living and working in the more remote parts of the country, the Telstra Tough Max 2 is Blue Tick rated, 4GX compatible and includes an RF port for use with compatible external antennas.
Contact: 1300 137 344; www.pentairpool.com.au
Contact: www.telstra.com.au
GET THE KNOWLEDGE YOU NEED, SAVE MONEY & REDUCE DOWNTIME With over 120 workshops on offer, participants can now be recognised for industry best practice right across Australia
Protect Pool, Protect Your Your Pool, Protect Kids Protect Your Your Kids
T 1800 802 482 E training@spasa.com.au
View our online video showing common pool fencing faults and how to spot them at View our online video showing common pool fencing faults and how to spot them at www.kidshealth.chw.edu.au/projects/drowning-prevention/swimming-pool-fencing www.kidshealth.chw.edu.au/projects/drowning-prevention/swimming-pool-fencing
KIH1025/0811/SC KIH1025/0811/SC
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W spasa.com.au
new products
Silence golden with commercial blowers
biological filtration. The air blowers, positioned 50 metres from the lake in custom-built housings in an underground carpark below water level, had to run 24/7 to move the three million litres of water. The air delivery system in the water requires no maintenance, and the blowers only need new air filters once a year. The result is a clean lake now measured as an asset to both communities.
The three-metres deep lake had 45 metres of 300mm spiral welded 316 stainless pipe installed to move the water, and the lake was seeded with
Contact: airsup@tpg.com.au
Peter King of Air Supply International has used two of his 2.2kW ultraquiet commercial air blowers to treat recycled water from the council via a private golf club on the border of a premium retirement village – with a requirement that no equipment was to be seen or heard.
April/May 2018 SPLASH! 57
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April/May 2018
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