SPLASH December 2017 - January 2018

Swimming Pools / Leisure / Aquatics / Spas / Health

Issue 115 December 2017/January 2018

Evolution of water treatment

For pools and spas www.splashmagazine.com.au

Florida in Fall Review of the US trade show The information advantage Using IT to help teach swimming

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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 Aussies making a mark

Contributors: Cal Stanley, Izzy Grace, Fraser May Advertising Manager: David Stennet Phone: 0404 725 554 Email: david@spasa.com.au Senior Designer: Chris Papaspiros Production Manager: Jacqui Cooper

It’s always interesting to attend overseas events to meet new people and see how they do things differently. Recently I jetted halfway across the world to visit the IPSP Expo in the US state of Florida.

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 © 2017 - SPASA Australia.

The sunshine state was not at its best, as it was barely a month after Hurricane Irma had caused mass evacuations and tragically, many deaths. It had also brought down trees, disrupted transport and muddied the beaches. But Floridians were glad to see people coming to their state and helping it get back on track. I met so many friendly, helpful people and some quite inspiring ones as well.

Chris Maher Managing Editor chrismaher@ intermedia.com.au

While the IPSP Expo was clearly much larger than our home grown show, SPLASH! actually compares very favourably – especially the most recent event held last year. In fact, some people who know both expos said they thought SPLASH! was actually better! Even though that might be pushing things, the fact remains we should be proud of our own show and how it stands up in comparison with an expo that caters to a vastly larger market.

Among the exhibitors were a good number of very professional Australian companies who were attracting a lot of interest. They covered a broad spectrum of the industry – from manufacturing, lighting and fibreglass pools to retailing. It was more for us to be proud of – especially the way they seemed to be treated with great respect in that market.

Full page ad

One last thing I must mention is the departure of SPLASH! advertising manager, Karen Jaques. Those who know her will be well aware of her deeply caring nature and her interest in helping those less fortunate than herself. She has left SPLASH! to take a position in the disability care sector, where her particular skills and interests will be put to excellent use helping others. I have to thank her for her work over the past seven years in helping maintain SPLASH! as the industry leading magazine, and also building the trade show into the must-attend event we all know and love.

Her replacement David Stennett is a very capable professional with many years’ experience in the pool and spa industry. He is sure to do an admirable job and continue the brand’s growth into our exciting future.

SPLASH! contains NO advertorial.

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 waterfalls and grottos of the three megalitre lagoon pool at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, home city of the IPSP Expo. There is more on the expo, and the pool, starting on page 38

December 2017/January 2018 SPLASH! 5

Contents

26

38

22

52

Tips for tiling and grouting in hot weather Laticrete offers some helpful ideas for caring for mortar and plaster during the upcoming summer, including the golden rule of curing in high temperatures.

24

Renovating those old concrete pools Cal Stanley looks into the potential renovation of the 300,000 concrete pools around the country that are ripe for an upgrade.

26

The evolution of the sanitisation market Izzy Grace looks how the disinfection of swimming pool and spa water is changing, and how builders and retailers can take advantage of it.

38

Hurricane fails to dampen Orlando pool and sp expo The IPSP Expo was a success, overcoming nervousness about the potential damaging effects of Hurricane Irma.

Supporting swim teachers in a digital age Fraser May looks at how IT can be a gamechanger for educators working in swim schools and water safety programs across Australia.

48

regulars News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Chemistry tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Pool DAs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Commercial news . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

New products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Spa tech tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Ad index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Industry moves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

December 2017/January 2018  SPLASH!  7

news

Arts

World’s first underwater band to perform in Sydney Avant-garde ensemble Between Music has spent years researching the possibilities of sub-aquatic musical performance, conducting experiments with scientists, deep sea divers and master craftspeople to develop entirely new instruments that can be played underwater.

Now the results are coming to Australia as part of the Festival of Sydney through Aquasonic, the world’s first ever underwater band. The five

Energy

Demand response pilot projects starting in three states

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has joined with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and the New South Wales Government to fund a three-year trial featuring a range of creative solutions to the challenge of spiking demand at peak times.

The program involves ten projects from eight companies across Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia. Together, they will seek to change behaviour and shift energy use by trying to free up 200MW of capacity by 2020.

Demand response is an attempt to mitigate rising energy generation infrastructure costs by controlling usage in periods of extreme demand.

The government’s view is that it would be better to take steps to

Manufacturing

Global giant born as Fluidra and Zodiac announce merger A new global pool industry giant has emerged as two large multinational manufacturers have agreed to merge.

Fluidra, the Spanish listed multinational group serving the residential and commercial pool and wellness sector and 8 SPLASH! December 2017/January 2018

PHOTO CREDIT: Charlotta de Miranda

Nanna Bech of Aquasonic performing in an aquarium

musicians will perform an ethereal underwater concert submerged in aquaria, playing custom-made instruments and singing in an invented style reminiscent of the Cocteau Twins’ Elizabeth Fraser. The result is a musical performance that both looks and sounds haunting and otherworldly. They will be performing from January 6 to January 9 at Carriageworks, Redfern.

Contact: sydneyfestival.org.au strategically decrease discretionary energy use during those limited times in order to remove stress from the grid.

In Alan Finkel’s recent Independent Review into the Future Security of the National Electricity Market, DSM is touted as a way to mitigate the necessity for governments to build more electricity infrastructure. One aspect of the DSM is direct load control, by which consumers are paid to allow power companies to turn off their air-conditioners and potentially even pool pumps at times of peak demand.

Under the range of projects selected by ARENA, businesses, large companies and individual householders will all have the opportunity to participate in projects where incentives are provided in exchange for limiting or shifting electricity use during peak demand times, such as heatwaves, where the electricity grid is under stress and at risk of blackouts.

Go to splashmagazine. com.au/quicklinks to see a short video on demand response.

Zodiac Pool Solutions, a global manufacturer of residential pool equipment and connected pool solutions, plan to merge in the first half of 2018.

Both companies have significant presences in Australia, and Fluidra has the largest pool and spa manufacturing facility in Australia (and one of the largest outside the US) in the AstralPool Australia facility in Melbourne.

Globally, the businesses have complementary geographical strengths, with Fluidra stronger in Europe and Asia (including Australia), and Zodiac stronger in the USA, and sharing different sectors in other markets. The brand portfolios and product offerings are also relatively complementary.

news

The combined company will keep Fluidra’s name and public listing on the Spanish stock exchange, employ a workforce of 5500 dedicated pool industry professionals and operate an expansive global footprint stretching across more than 45 countries in North America, Europe, Australia, Asia, South America and Africa, with the US representing its largest market.

Fluidra will maintain its global headquarters in Sabadell (Barcelona), Spain with its North American headquarters in Vista (San Diego), California.

Fluidra executive president Eloi Planes will serve as executive chairman of its board of directors while Zodiac CEO Bruce Brooks will serve as the company’s CEO.

Quarter steadies while year rises five per cent The available three-monthly pool DA numbers for Septemberto-November show an increase of one per cent over the same period last year. Over the three months, the states to show improved numbers were Queensland (up 36 per cent) and Victoria (up four per cent); which balanced out Western Australia (down 35 per cent), South Australia (down 16 per cent) and New South Wales (down six per cent).

Expanded product portfolio

Eloi Planes (Fluidra) and Bruce Brooks (Zodiac) announce the merger Aug Sep Oct Nov

Yearly comparison by month

However, the annual figures comparing the 12 months to November show an increase of five per cent with Queensland (up 37 per cent), New South Wales (up nine per cent) and Victoria (up three per cent) improving; while Western Australia (down 33 per cent) and South Australia (down two per cent) showed declining figures.

3000

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The merged organisation will offer a significantly expanded product portfolio that includes some of the most widely recognised and respected global pool brands, including Zodiac, Jandy Pro Series, Polaris, AstralPool, Cepex, Gre and CTX Professional.

Additionally, with its expanded resources, the new company will be positioned to accelerate innovation to meet market demand for more efficient, customer-focused solutions in growing fields like robotics and the Internet of Things (IOT).

Zodiac brings to the merger its strong position in North America and a dedicated focus on residential pool solutions, while Fluidra brings its strength in Europe, Australia, Asia, South America and Africa, plus a product portfolio that includes commercial as well as residential pool products. Combining these complementary geographical strengths and areas of expertise will result in a new organisation able to offer innovative solutions on a global basis for the total pool market – from residential to commercial projects.

“By combining Fluidra and Zodiac, we will build a strong and exciting platform from which to better serve our customers, develop user-driven sustainable innovations and create opportunities for our Year new people and our dealers,”Year saysoldFluidra executive president Eloi Planes.

“This merger2000 will create significant value for customers, employees and shareholders.”

Zodiac CEO1500Bruce Brooks says it will be a merger between two industry leaders with a shared customer-centered vision, a commitment to1000innovation and a clear and complementary set of values.

“We will have500expanded reach into growing global markets and the ability to accelerate product development and better meet our customers’ needs worldwide,” he says.

0 Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct In October last year private equity firm Rhône Group purchased Zodiac from the Carlyle Group.

YearZodiac old Year new The merger of Fluidra and is expected to close in the first 5000 half of 2018.

Jul

Aug Sep Oct Nov

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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.

December 2017/January 2018 SPLASH! 9

0

news

Associations

World Alliance of Pool and Spa Associations formed Representatives of swimming pool, spa and wellness associations from 16 countries formed a global industry alliance in November, after agreement was reached in Cologne during the Aquanale conference. Australia was represented by SPASA Australia CEO Lindsay McGrath, and now joins the other 15 countries as one of the members of the World Alliance of Pool and Spa Associations (WAPSA).

The foundation member countries are: Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the USA. Hosting the meeting were vice president Bert Granderath and managing director Dieter C Rangol of the German Bundesverband Schwimmbad & Wellness (bsw), as well as Andreas Petridis, president of the European Union of Swimming Pool and Spa Associations (EUSA), Chris Hayes, managing director of the British Swimming Pool Federation (BSPF) and Rich Gottwald, president and managing director of the American Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP).

The 16 members agreed to jointly form WAPSA as an informal working group, which would be open to swimming pool and wellness associations worldwide. Initially it is intended to concentrate Representatives from the 16 on developing data and foundation member countries statistics on the global pool announcing the formation of WAPSA and spa market; increasing

Keep informed by subscribing to the free online newsletter.

and sharing education and training content; and sharing best safety communications practices.

Global access to best practice “The gathering was a wonderful culmination of likeminded associations,” says McGrath.

“A unified industry is not only a local issue, it extends internationally. Members want global access to research, data, best practice and leadership. We are excited that so many industry organisations are looking for the same partnerships that SPASA is searching for.”

Granderath describes the aims as pooling expertise, expanding networks and assuring quality, while Rangol elaborates, saying the joint mission is to promote and protect the interests of the pool and spa industry worldwide.

“A common structure can, for one thing, help the sector to improve its communication with politicians and government,” he says. “And for another it can provide impetus for further PR and marketing activities.”

Top five online news stories

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

Fluidra and Zodiac announce merger

Don Bullock calls time on his long career

Aqua-Quip owner Roy Halle passes away

Pentair appoints new director

Sunrise’s Kochie goes back to his pool boy roots

A new global pool industry giant was born when the two large multinational manufacturers Fluidra and Zodiac agreed to merge.

Swimming pool and spa industry pioneer Don Bullock, who started in the industry way back in 1972 and has sat on several boards and committees, finally decided to retire.

Sadly, industry veteran Roy Halle passed away.

He had been the owner of Aqua-Quip for the past quarter century.

Pentair appointed Carsten Andersen, who has a strong global water industry background, as new director of Australia and New Zealand.

The video of Sunrise host David Koch reliving his first job proved an entertaining diversion for the industry.

10 SPLASH! December 2017/January 2018

news

Upcoming events 2018 Jan 30-Feb 1 Spatex, Coventry, United Kingdom Feb 2-4

Pool & Spa Consumer Show (Summer Show), MCEC, Melbourne

Feb 21-23

Forumpiscine, Bologna, Italy

Mar 3-4

Sydney Pool Spa & Outdoor Living Expo, Rosehill Gardens

Mar 10-11

SPASA WA Pool Spa & Outdoor Living Expo Autumn

Mar 24-25

Pool Spa & Outdoor Living Expo, Adelaide

Apr 2-6

National Drowning Prevention Educational Conference, Tampa, Florida

May 7-9

AALARA Conference, Sunshine Coast

May 15-17

Asia Pool & Spa Expo, Guangzhou, China

June 5-8

Asian Attractions Expo, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

June 2

SPASA Queensland Awards of Excellence

June 9

SPASA NSW/ACT Awards of Excellence

June 16

SPASA South Australia Awards of Excellence

July 24-26

Piscine Brasil, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Aug 1-2

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

August 2

SPASA Australia National Awards of Excellence, 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 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

Nov 13-16

Piscine Global Europe, Lyon, France

Nov 16-Dec 2 World Lifesaving World Championships, Adelaide 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.

December 2017/January 2018 SPLASH! 11 Britstream MK5 Niche LED Ad 270mm x90mm.indd 2

11/30/17 2:35 PM

news

Associations

Spa Tech Tips Modernising older spas While pumps, blowers and lighting can mostly be reused, many older spas have discontinued control systems, meaning a repair will require wholesale replacement of the existing touchpad, control box and heating system.

There are numerous makes and models of control systems available for retrofit: basic models generally offer limited additional operation to the prior control system but are at an entry level price; while premium models can offer greater economy and ease of operation.

There is much to be gained in promoting the latest technology to your customer. On offer from most equipment brands are colour touchpads, including touchscreen models, and also wifi modules for worldwide control via smartphone.

While this high end equipment won’t suit all customers, it will suit and can be promoted to those customers who use their spa irregularly or infrequently; or simply want the best!

The advantage for these customers is that the advanced technology in the upper model systems allows for economic running and isolated control of heating to enable features such as automated heating on weekends only or access to turn the heater up from work a couple of hours prior to going home.

This technology is not only the most advanced in the industry, but also enables the greatest economy of operation for spas that are not being used multiple times per week by running cooler until required.

For more information contact technical support at Australian Spa Parts 1300 736 025.

12 SPLASH! December 2017/January 2018

NZ Master Pool Builders Guild evolves into NZPIA

W

hile celebrating its silver anniversary, the organisation formerly known as the New Zealand Master Pool Builders Guild has evolved into the New Zealand Pool Industry Association Incorporated (NZPIA).

Larry Ogden, CEO of the NZPIA, says the decision was made in order to involve more than just pool builders in the association, and to help educate the broader industry population including the staff of pool shops.

“There’s no great source of knowledge here except our diploma course, and if we can have the retailers have their staff join and do the course for free, at least they’ll have some knowledge,” he says.

However, only pool builder members will have voting rights.

“We virtually changed the association into a corporation by not having voting – the executive is chosen from the members who have been put forward,” he says. “Then we are fairly autonomous. It’s an improvement because the executive has serious corporate meetings and makes fully debated decisions, instead of having to get the whole membership to agree. We’ve had some exec members resign and some were let go – but we’re getting new blood with four younger people recently joining the executive, which is good for the future.”

25th anniversary

The name change was announced at the recent celebrations at Rotorua for the 25th anniversary of the founding of the guild.

The evening was organised by Vicky Templeman who struggle with a broken leg during the lead-up. The night was held in a converted swimming pool, and the entertainment was provided by the appropriately named Mermaids.

Odgen received a presentation to commemorate his 25 consecutive years in the association.

In planning this event, Templeman was assisted by new executive treasurer Darryl Blennerhassett and the executive committee.

The original 1992 members were: Steve Budden, Tammy Dobbs, Kevin Julian, Mike McGurk, John McLaren, Larry Ogden (chairman), Brett Starns, John Sutherland, Peter Thomas, Steve Webster and Kevin Williams.

Honorary life member include: Gordon Nimmo, Carlos Morgan, Bill Strowger, Neil Lewis (deceased), Kevin Julian, Mike Wesseldine (deceased), Geoff Bonham, John Honore, Terry Hunt and Larry Ogden.

A potted history

“Meeting monthly at a downtown Auckland bar, a few of us ‘rebels’ had decided to form our own pool association as the Master Pool Builders, formed as a trade guild,” says Ogden.

“We were disgruntled ex-members of the New Zealand Swimming & Spa Pool Association Inc., and being a guild meant there was no corporate body that could be sued, just a trade guild of individual tradesmen.”

The New Zealand Master Pool Builders Guild was formed in 1992 and evolved over the next 25 years to the New Zealand Master Pool Builders Incorporated in 2008, and now the New Zealand Pool Industry Association Incorporated.

“The original New Zealand Pool & Spa Association was formed back in 1976 to try to bring some sanity to the relatively new out-ofcontrol pool industry, with the goal of sorting out the almost ‘wild west’ pool business at the time,” he says.

The thought was that by bringing the pool builders together, it would encourage them to change their attitudes to each other.

“They were so antagonistic towards each other in those days that we had to appoint a couple of strong arm ‘master at arms’ members to be on hand at meetings to sort out the fist fights between builder members,” he says.

By the late 1980s many pool builders had left that organisation due to policy differences being adopted by the elected “non-pool-builder” committee, and in the early 1990s the collapse of their once successful bonding scheme resulted in a huge debt which virtually put them out of business, setting the scene for the new pool guild to fill the vacancy.

The NZPIA now has more than 70 memberships including builder members, fibreglass installers, fibreglass pool distributors, equipment manufacturers and distributors, spa pool manufacturers, trade suppliers, pool shops, pool service techs and associate members such as pool trade staff or other categories.

However, as mentioned above, only pool builder members can vote.

“We have evolved the guild into a corporate style of management by an appointed executive rather than a committee being elected by popular vote,” says Ogden.

“This allows a diverse organisation of all swimming pool industry members, but maintaining the core direction being guided by the members who create the income: the swimming pool builders.” n For more photos of the celebration go to splashmagazine.com.au/quicklinks

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Safety

WA ombudsman’s 25 recommendations to prevent child drownings

• 26 per cent did not charge for swimming pool barrier inspections; • 13 per cent charged between $13 and $14.36 per year (that is, a total of up to $57.44 over a four year period); • 54 per cent charged between $14.37 and $57.45 per year; • One per cent charged slightly more than $57.45 per year; • Seven per cent did not know how much they charged for inspections.

Two respondents specifically stated that the capped fee does not cover the actual costs of the administration of the inspections process and the onthe-ground inspections, particularly within the smaller local governments.

The ombudsman recommended: (i) Establishing the actual cost of the efficient delivery of swimming pool barrier inspection practices; (ii) If appropriate, seeking an amendment to the Building Regulations 2012 so that the allowed charge reflects this efficient cost; and (iii) Inform local governments of the efficient cost so that such cost is transparent and borne by the users of the system (that is, ratepayers who have a swimming pool and not cross-subsidised by non-swimming pool owners).

Some other recommendations: The Western Australian Ombudsman has tabled a report to parliament investigating ways to prevent or reduce the drowning deaths of children, following a six-year investigation from July 2009 to June 2015.

For the investigation, the ombudsman examined the deaths of 34 children who had died by drowning and found almost three quarters were aged under five years (24 children or 71 per cent).

Where location was known, private swimming pools were the most common location of fatal and non-fatal drowning incidents during the six-year investigation period. 16 (47 per cent) of the deaths and 170 (66 per cent) of the 258 children who were admitted to a hospital following a nonfatal drowning incident occurred in a swimming pool.

Accordingly, the ombudsman determined to examine private swimming pools in Western Australia in more detail, selecting five local government areas to study.

Among its many findings were that: • Only 30 to 50 per cent of notices of completion for private swimming pools were submitted by builders; • Between eight and 52 per cent of swimming pool barriers inspected did not comply with the Building Regulations 2012 on initial inspection; • Problems with gate latches were the most common reason that swimming pool barriers did not comply; • One fifth of the reasons that swimming pool barriers did not comply related to three-sided barriers.

Lack of supervision A lack of active supervision proved to the telling factor in all deaths of children under five – regardless of the location. The ombudsman found that: • None of the six children aged under five years who died by drowning, and who were known to be in, on, or around water, were under active supervision; • None of the 18 children aged under five years who died by drowning, and who were not known to be in, on, or around water, were under active supervision.

• Develop and implement further strategies designed to ensure that real estate agents, including property managers, and private landlords, respond appropriately to information regarding swimming pool barriers that do not comply with the regulations; and consider the introduction of requirements for them to provide a copy of the most recent inspection form to the potential tenant at the time of entering into a lease agreement.

• Review the operation of section 33 of the Building Act 2011 in order to determine the level of compliance of permit holders (including owners, registered and unregistered builders and swimming pool barrier installers), and consider measures to increase compliance including education, auditing non-registered builders, and the use of sanctions.

• Clarify the charges that local governments are able to impose for inspections of swimming pool barriers, including whether these charges may be imposed only in the year of an inspection, or each year, establish the actual cost of inspection and if appropriate, seek an amendment to the regulations to increase fees.

• The Building Commissioner should consider funding training to enhanced inspection standards and link the training program to the national training system, and promote quality assurance process for swimming pool barrier inspections to local governments.

• Develop a swimming pool barrier inspection checklist template, which incorporates all of the required elements to meet the applicable standards, and is as efficient to complete as possible for inspectors, for use across local governments, and ensure that the training program includes specific training on the template.

• Review the requirements in other jurisdictions for temporary barriers and explore whether any such requirements should be considered in Western Australia • Ensure owners and occupiers are aware of the requirements that apply to portable swimming pools and spas; and assist local governments to identify when portable swimming pools and spas may require inspection.

Inspection fees may rise

• Consider appropriate community education regarding the specific risks of children drowning in portable pools and spas, including exploring opportunities for retailers and suppliers to inform purchasers at the point of sale of the risks of children drowning in portable pools and spas and the need to comply with legislative requirements.

One finding in the report was that inspection fees charged by councils should rise to help counter the backlog of inspections.

SPASA WA is meeting with the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety and the Building Commissioner to discuss the implications.

The five selected local governments charged between $14 and $33 per annum.

Additionally, as part of a survey, 129 councils responded with their fees, finding:

You can download the full 198 page report at splashmagazine.com. au/quicklinks.

14 SPLASH! December 2017/January 2018

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news

Industry moves

Industry moves Carsten Andersen has been appointed as Pentair’s new director of Australia and New Zealand. Andersen has a strong global water industry background and a proven track record of building businesses with a strong customer focus.

“I am delighted to become part of an organisation that has strong established brands and extensive portfolio of products and a loyal and growing customer base. I see great potential in bringing together all Pentair activities for the benefit of our customers and our staff,” he says.

Former Olympic butterfly star Geoff Huegill has taken cleaning up in the pool to a new level, accepting a position as client manager with the Pool & Spa Whisperer in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. “I’ve been around swimming pools for 35 years of my life so I understand filtration systems and pumps and backwashes,” he told the Daily Telegraph. “And what’s not to love?” he said, pointing at the sunny poolside view of Sydney Harbour. It is not his only pool-related gig – he also runs the HBT Swim Academy out of the Cook & Phillip Aquatic Centre in downtown Sydney.

SPLASH! appoints new sales manager David Stennett

SPASA Australia has announced the appointment of David Stennett as sales manager for the SPLASH! magazine and expo.

Stennett has spent nearly a decade with the pool and spa industry in business development and training roles. His diverse range of experience includes delivering Certificate III and IV Pool & Spa courses to the industry and spending time in the renewable energy sector, working on domestic and commercial projects.

Stennett gained a Bachelor of Education from the University of Melbourne almost 20 years ago and is still passionate about the delivery of outcomes that create growth and provide ongoing results.

His appointment follows the resignation of Karen Jaques as national sales manager in October.

Jaques’s decision to pursue her passions comes off the back of seven years with SPLASH!.

SPASA said Jaques has been instrumental in creating Australia’s leading pool and spa magazine and expo and SPASA Australia wished her all the best.

Stennett will oversee sales for the SPLASH! magazine and expo and can be contacted on 0404 725 554 or at david@spasa.com.au.

Industry moves

Swimart appoints new marketing manager Swimart has appointed Nathan Hallahan as its new marketing manager. Hallahan has previously worked with Zodiac Group Australia as a category manager and was also portfolio brand director with the ASX-listed building suppliers GWA Group and senior brand and product marketing manager for Fortune 500 company, Avery Products.

“I’m excited to be a part of a company that is widely respected in the Australasian pool and spa industry and, indeed, was the first such franchise group to be founded in Australia,” he says. “And, while content continues to be globalised, my objective will be to understand the needs of each Swimart store and mobile franchise, and get those messages out quicker to consumers.”

Nathan Hallahan

He has had a number of career highlights – many in the pool industry.

“For example, I successfully launched Zodiac’s first robotic pool cleaner, and its own branded pressure pool cleaner, which exceeded sales targets by 20 and 10 per cent respectively in Australia,” he says. “I also launched a new range of pool pumps into the pool care market, achieving 120 per cent above sales target in the first year.”

Industry moves

APVMA confirms CEO appointment

Turk Waterman, the founder of the iconic Great Wolf Lodge and Noah’s Ark Waterparks (which now have 16 resorts across North America) passed away in June. Waterman also helped create the World Waterpark Association.

Chris Parker

Dr Chris Parker has been confirmed as CEO of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) in November, following his appointment as the interim CEO in June. He has extensive experience in the agricultural sector and has held a number of

senior executive positions in agricultural policy divisions.

Dr Parker says the APVMA is making further progress towards establishing a permanent presence in Armidale, New South Wales, following the appointment of an Armidale-based Indigenous engineering firm, JNC Group, who will contribute to the design and fit-out of the regulator’s new office.

The national regulator is currently operating from two premises: one in Canberra, and an interim office established in Armidale, co-located with the Department of Human Services.

December 2017/January 2018 SPLASH! 17

news

Accolades

Chemical Tips Growing your sales Too many small business owners sit behind the counter waiting for customers to come to them – they will grow old and poor waiting for this to happen. Increasing revenue is hard work and comes from a combination of advertising, marketing and identifying opportunities.

First, set an advertising budget for your business.

This is not easy and may vary from business to business but a good commonly used rule of thumb is about 2.5 per cent to 5 per cent of current revenue. For example, a business turning over $500,000 per year should allocate about $10,000 to $25,000 per year.

Poolwerx chairman honoured at Franchising Council awards Poolwerx chairman Rod Young has been honoured at the recent MYOB Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) Excellence in Franchising Awards – inducted into the FCA’s Franchise Hall of Fame.

Poolwerx founder and CEO John O’Brien said Young, who has held the role of chairman since 2014, was instrumental in the successful expansion of the company into the US pool market in early 2015.

“Mr Young’s domestic and international expertise establishing strong and successful franchise and channel strategies has been critical in helping Poolwerx achieve our goals of domestic and international expansion,” says O’Brien.

“In particular, we had some ambitious goals prior to entering the US market and Young’s expertise and guidance have been a key factor in our success there.”

Since entering the US market in 2015, Poolwerx has established 31 stores and 150 service vehicles in seven US states and O’Brien said the company was on track to achieve their goal of opening 300 locations by 2021.

“Mr Young brought his depth of experience within the global marketplace to the Poolwerx Board at a critical time in our expansion,” says O’Brien. “I congratulate him on this honour and look forward to working with him for many years to come.”

Manufacturing

Evo expands into hot water market

Plan your campaign in advance and spread it over several regular periods. Don’t be disappointed if the first few bring disappointing results.

It takes time and repetition to build recognition.

Consider the benefits of media versus direct mail. If using local media always ask for advertorial space – local papers are always looking for informative articles or items of interest, and this gives you an opportunity to tell a story.

Include “bait” in your advertising – special offers, give-aways or other incentives to draw customers to your shop. Ask your suppliers to help: a good supplier with long-term vision will always be willing to support your plans for growth.

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.

18 SPLASH! December 2017/January 2018

Following on from the announcement earlier this year that they are expanding into Asia through a Singapore office, Australian owned and operated heat pump specialists, Evo Industries Australia, has now also expanded into the hot water market with the November launch of their latest business, EvoHeat Hot Water.

“In today’s modern world, consumers are moving away from unsustainable products with high running costs and CO2 emissions,” says Travis McNeill, general manager of the Evo Group of companies.

“At Evo, we match and exceed this global challenge with sustainable products that are extremely energy efficient, environmentally friendly and reliable. Heat pumps are fast becoming a mainstream heating solution for domestic and commercial industries and our advanced range of heat pump technology provides consumers with a cleaner and greener solution to hot water.”

Tim Martin has been appointed general manager of the EvoHeat Hot Water division, bringing more than

10 years’ experience in Australian and global water heating markets with high profile manufacturers, distributors and clientele.

“As much as 30 per cent of the typical Australian households’ energy consumption and carbon footprint can be attributed to hot water heating,” says Martin. “With rising energy costs and an increased emphasis on corporate environmental responsibility; businesses and consumers are looking for smarter alternatives to traditional costly methods of hot water heating.”

He says the Evo270 provides a fast return on investment, and cumulative energy savings of as much as $10,000 throughout the life of the system. It is also equally at home in both domestic and commercial applications; providing reliable, efficient, clean and safe, year-round hot water.

The Evo270 is also registered with the Australian Federal Government Clean Energy Regulator as an energy efficient water heater, meaning all Evo270 customers are eligible to apply for an STC rebate which contributes to the purchase of their system.

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news

Expos

Expo News The NSPF hosted the 14th Annual World Aquatic Health Conference (WAHC), an industry-leading educational forum for aquatic professionals, in Denver, Colorado from October 17 to October 21, where a record number of 420 leaders (209 first-time attendees) gathered to shape the future of aquatics. The WAHC hosted 80 environmental health officials, and guests from 12 countries including Australia, Austria, Canada, China, France, Israel, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States. Conversations at the WAHC ranged from how to run a more profitable facility, to how society prospers from water immersion and activity. NSPF CEO Tom Lachocki received the 4th annual Blue Mind award at the conference. SPLASH! will bring more on the conference in the next edition.

ASSA has launched the program for the International Swim Schools Spectacular 2018 which is being held in conjunction with SPLASH! on the Gold Coast next year. The event will run from Sunday July 29 to August 1. Presentations include “A Stroke in Time; Inducting Staff on Emergency Procedures” by Lesley Rudd; “Customer Service: from QANTAS to Swim Schools”

by John Mills; “Getting Staff to Communicate for Better Service” by Jon Harker; “Maintaining Participation in your Swim School” by Krissy Bartlett; “The Value of Getting Children More Active, More Often” by Steven Franks; and “Change Management: Transforming a Swim School”

by Theo Millward.

IAAPA breaks records The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) announced a record 39,000 registered attractions industry professionals gathered in Orlando to learn, buy and network at the IAAPA Attractions Expo in November at the Orange County Convention Center.

The show attracted industry owners, presidents, general managers, directors, and other Record crowds attended the industry professionals, with a 12 IAAPA Attractions Expo in Orlando Florida this year percent increase in buyer attendance over 2016. Creative innovators and exhibitors debuted new products, while buyers discovered the latest technologies, IAAPA Attractions Expo 2018 takes place at the discussed trends and hot topics, tasted new Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, foods, and learned from leading experts.

November 12-16, 2018.

Expos

Earthmoving expo back in 2018 The 2018 National Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo will be held on Friday April 13 to Sunday April 15, 2018 at Panthers Penrith in New South Wales.

The expo offers free entry and parking, and a familyfriendly environment designed for industry people interested in earthmoving and related industries who want to check out the latest machinery, trucks, tools, systems and processes.

Earthmoving equipment will be on show again next April

Users of all types of equipment for the earthmoving and associated industries enjoy the opportunity to see the latest technology at a leisurely pace, while their families can take in the entertainment and hospitality on offer.

Expos

AEE to manage Adelaide consumer expo SPASA Australia has appointed Australasian Exhibitions and Events (AEE) to manage the Adelaide Pool and Spa Show.

SPASA says that AEE has extensive experience staging the pool and spa expos in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne over the past 10 years and under their guidance, the expos in Brisbane and Sydney recorded a 25 per cent increase in attendance in 2017.

AEE managing director Noel Gray says they look forward to working with the local industry to maximise the success of the Adelaide expo.

“Under the SPASA Australia banner we will be bringing the same marketing expertise that has been so successful in other states and look forward to generating additional sales results for exhibitors at the show,” he says.

The show name will be changed to the Pool Spa and Outdoor Living Expo to enhance the scope of

the event for visitors by introducing more outdoor and landscaping products that are an integral part of many pool and spa installations. New marketing material will be produced which will be consistent with the other states, and the visitor promotion campaign will be revamped to bring it into line with the successful campaigns from other states.

The expo has also been brought forward to March 24-25 to capitalise on the increased interest for pools and spas during the hotter summer months. A similar strategy by AEE for the Sydney show several years ago saw a dramatic increase in attendance when the show was moved from May to earlier in the year. It provides new customers with sufficient time to make their decision, obtain permits and have their pool or spa installed in time for the following summer holiday period.

Contact: vee@auexhibitions.com.au; 0422 399 818.

December 2017/January 2018 SPLASH! 21

feature

Tips for tiling and grouting in hot weather

C

onventional Portland cement tile-setting beds, thin-set mortars, cement plasters and stuccos are often permanently damaged when subject to hot, dry temperatures or desert climates immediately after installation.

High temperatures remove the water content of the mortar required for Portland cement hydration, curing and strength development. In addition, rapid drying often causes mortar to crack, crumble or lose bond.

to high temperatures, the 8⁰C Rule: For every 8⁰C above 21⁰C, Portland cement and epoxy based materials take half as long to cure.

The use of premium latexfortified mortars e.g. 254 Platinum Adhesive or 315 Super Floor & Wall Adhesive gauged with 4237 Latex Additive allows installations to be made at higher temperatures due to the fact that they have longer working properties. 3701 Mortar Admix in thin-sets, plasters, stuccos and other Portland cement

“It is important to note that surface temperature is more important than air temperature.”

Waterproofing membranes, anti-fracture membranes, epoxy adhesives, epoxy grouts, epoxy waterproofing membranes and most other products will also be affected by hot working temperatures.

Flash setting and reduced working time can result. It is important to note that surface temperature is more important than air temperature. Therefore, monitor the surface temperature of the installation.

There is a simple rule to follow when an installation is subjected

mortars allow work to continue in hot weather without costly delays or damage. Installations can be made in temperatures as high as 32⁰C under normal circumstances.

Laticrete Latex Fortified Mortars are not damaged by high temperatures and thermal shock after placement and eliminate the need for wet curing. Rapid setting materials will provide for greater challenges when working in high temperatures and should be used with caution.

22 SPLASH! December 2017/January 2018

It is a great idea to provide shade when working in direct sunlight PHOTO CREDIT: The Orchid Group (Symmetry Mosaics)

General tips for working in hot temperatures

1. For best results, always ship and store installation materials at 5⁰C to 32⁰C to extend the shelf life and working time. Do not store products in direct sunlight.

If installation materials are too warm, they should be cooled to the specified temperature range for that specific product.

2. Dampen or wet down substrate surfaces to not only clean the area, but to lower the temperature and lower the absorption rate of the substrate. Sweep off excess water just before mortar is applied. This step will extend the working time of the installation materials.

3. Stir latex additives thoroughly before mixing with thin-sets, grouts, plasters, stuccos and other Portland cement mortars.

4. Due to the rapid rate of moisture loss and Portland cement dehydration at temperatures >32⁰C, cover installations with polyethylene sheeting for 1-2 days to allow curing at a more normal rate.

5. Low humidity also accelerates the curing process.

6. Tent off or provide shade when working in direct sunlight.

7. Work during cooler periods of the day (e.g. early morning).

Tips for grouting in hot temperatures

1. Store grouting materials at 5⁰C to 32⁰C to extend the shelf life, pot life and working time. Do not store products in direct sunlight.

If installation materials are too warm, they should be cooled to the specified temperature range for that specific product 24 hours prior to the start of grouting.

2. Dampen or wet down substrate surfaces to not only clean the area, but to lower the temperature and lower the absorption rate of the substrate.

3. Always clean the mixing pail before mixing a fresh batch of grout.

Left over grout in the pail (on bottom and sides) can accelerate the setting of freshly mixed grout.

4. Mix cement grouts with clean cool water. This step will extend the pot life and open time of cement grouts.

5. Remix cement grouts after 15 to 20 minutes (after initial mixing, 5 minutes of slaking/remix and use) to an even consistency to prolong pot life.

6. Tent off areas of work to provide shade when working in direct sunlight.

7. Work during cooler periods of the day (e.g. early morning).

Contact: laticrete.com.au

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feature

Renovating those old concrete pools

By Cal Stanley

G

iven the ability of the concrete shell of a swimming pool to generally outlast the surface finishes we attach to it, concrete pools are the primary focus of most pool renovations today.

Throughout my 30 years as a builder of concrete pools, I concentrated on quality and not quantity, building just less than 2000 pools in that period. However, I could probably count on one hand the number of pools that I renovated. I always preferred to create a great new swimming pool and wasn’t the least bit interested in fixing up somebody else’s cockup or rundown pool.

Today things have changed, and the renovation market is something most pool builders can no longer afford to ignore. Throughout the country there must be more than 300,000 concrete pools that are now more than 20 years old and ripe for an upgrade. As more time passes, this number will continue to grow. So looking forward, this is a massive market for those pool builders/renovators who want a slice of it. It is also a very lucrative market for equipment suppliers.

When this market is opened up to those parts of the pool environment beyond the pool itself, it is even bigger. While a pool renovation may be as simple as resurfacing the pool interior it may also, or in many cases should, involve upgrades to plumbing, paving, pool barriers, planter boxes, general landscaping, etc.

Sometimes it can even result in the complete removal and replacement of a pool. I recently consulted on the design and specifications for the removal of a 40-year-old pool (estimated cost $6000 to $7000) and replacing it with what I am certain will be one of Australia’s largest pools and certainly its most expensive private swimming pool by a very large margin – all up, the estimated cost is more than $3 million.

That’s how big this market can be. Pool builders can no longer afford to ignore it as I did for so many years!

This is a growth market, to the extent that I can almost envision the day when more money could be spent on the renovation of old concrete pools than on building new ones. Concrete pool builders will no longer be able to ignore it the way I did.

• Protect at all times those parts of the property outside of the renovation area, particularly the driveway, paving and anything within cooee of the actual work area. It can cost heaps to rectify collateral damage.

• It is far better to remove existing surfaces than to apply new over old.

• Filtration systems have changed, pumps have changed and certainly chemical control systems have changed. The old pool could really be transformed into an up-to-date modern pool that will be much easier for your client to look after.

• Be careful when using new pumps that may not suit the existing pipework. New pumps of the same nominal size might turnover double the water of the old one. Trying to force this extra water through the existing pipes may make the exercise futile • If using a variable speed pump, ensure pipes are sized to cope with the pump at maximum speed: 50mm pipe is no longer suitable for the larger of these pumps.

• Look for those potentially hidden problems and point them out to your clients in advance.

• Clearly exclude those hidden items from your quote or quote them as Provisional Sums.

• Discuss the cost ramifications of these items with the client and advise which ones may be essential to the renovation, which can be deferred and any potential problems or risks in doing so.

• Keep your client fully informed throughout the renovation process.

• Always use a SPASA renovation contract. If you are not a SPASA member become one so you can use it – this is only one of many benefits you will gain.

• Commit to the job and complete it in a timely manner – no-one wants their backyard looking like a construction site for months on end. It is also better for your bank account.

So good luck as you enter this market – and always remember: almost every client will be paying you far more for the renovation than they paid the guy who built the original pool. n

Renovation tips

For these columns, Cal Stanley draws on his experience and success in pool construction, having run award-winning Neptune Pools in Western Australia for three decades, and sitting on many standards committees and industry body boards. More recently he has worked as a pool consultant and trainer and delivers hydraulics courses for the swimming pool industry. If you have a question regarding his columns or have a topic you think he should delve into, email him at neptunepools@westnet.com.au.

Here are some tips, in no particular order, for those new to this market: • Carry out a thorough inspection. Even if your proposed job is limited to a change in the pool’s internal finish, you owe it to yourself and your client to at least point out other areas where improvements can be made. For example, the coping may be dated, maybe a new water feature will enhance the pool’s appeal, and the plumbing system will almost certainly be well out-of-date.

24 SPLASH! December 2017/January 2018

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feature

Evolution of the

By Izzy Grace

sanitisation market S The aim of sanitisation is to ensure water is safe, but new products aim to do that while also making the water more pleasant to swim in

ea minerals, nanocrystal technology, hydrogen peroxide, ultra violet light, ozone, salt and chlorine – there’s more to preventing the growth of bacteria in our pool or spa than there once was.

Homeowners and consumers in general are becoming more aware of the chemicals we expose our bodies to. The pool industry is responding by producing healthier sanitisation solutions with less of the sideeffects associated with harsh chemicals.

And associated technologies such as remote monitoring and software-driven systems mean it’s never been easier to maintain hygienic pool and spa water.

Health guidelines and codes of practice

For residential swimming pools, the Australian Standard AS3633 Private Swimming Pools – Water Quality covers sanitisation, and is considered by each state and by local councils.

Additionally, chemicals that are used to sanitise pools and spas fit the definition of an agricultural chemical product and therefore must be registered with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicine Authority (APVMA) before they can be legally advertised and supplied in Australia.

SPASA Australia COO Spiros Dassakis says that when the industry talks about water quality they are generally referring to the chemical, physical, biological and radiological characteristics of water.

26 SPLASH!

December 2017/January 2018

“When undertaking the assessment of water, there are set quality standards that must be reached to ensure the reactions in the water do not have an adverse effect on the users of the swimming pool and/or spa,” he says.

AS3633 applies to private swimming pools and sets out requirements and information for achieving and maintaining sanitary water conditions for the protection of bathers’ health and comfort, ensuring the aesthetic appeal of the water as well as protecting the pool, its fittings and its accessories.

“Councils, as part of the development application for the construction or the installation of a pool or spa, will require the water quality for swimming pools to be maintained in accordance with AS3633,” he says.

Campaign for national standards

As with many other segments in the market, attitudes and practices from the commercial sector filter down to the residential sector.

Currently, there are no standardised national or international guidelines for commercial pool water disinfection.

In Australia, water disinfection guidelines for public swimming pools are dictated by each state’s local health department’s guidelines. This means the requirements in Western Australia vary from those in Queensland for example.

In the case of competition swimming pools internationally, the position of

feature

the Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) is that the pool water must meet the requirements of the relevant local health authority.

However, moves are progressing for greater cooperation between international associations following a meeting of global associations in Cologne, at which Australia was represented by SPASA (see page 10 for more). This initiative is intended to lead to more sharing of data and training, and may conceivably lead to greater uniformity in pool water standards in the long term.

As part of an ongoing consumer and industry education campaign, CEO of Australian Innovative Systems (AIS) Elena Gosse says the Queensland-based company is actively lobbying government and industry to formalise national standards for water disinfection.

“In Queensland for example, the current guideline is that TDS should be maintained at 1000 mg/L above the source water, or with an absolute maximum of 3000 mg/L,” says Gosse.

“Although we understand that there are new Queensland guidelines currently being drafted, what the current guidelines fail to address are the issues associated with many outdated water disinfection treatments such as liquid or granular chlorine dosing,” she says.

“These kinds of disinfection either raise the TDS levels or water hardness. This may result in a need to dump water to dilute the pool and maintain a consistent water quality.”

The current Queensland Health Swimming and Spa Pool Water Quality and Operational Guidelines (October 2004) states that water in public pools should be safe and not cause harm to the public; have a residual of disinfectant in order to cater for large amounts of micro-organisms and organic matter and should be operated in a continuous manner with minimal risk to the public.

They refer to chlorine and alternative disinfectants as follows: “Chlorine – The disinfectant form of chlorine is ‘free residual chlorine’. It is also known as ‘free available chlorine’ or ‘free chlorine’ and all terms refer to the concentration of hypochlorous acid and the hypochlorite ion in equilibrium concentration in the

pool water. It is strong and safe when used properly and is still the most popular form of disinfection.

“Alternative disinfectants – Queensland Health does not have any legislative base to approve, endorse or assess any disinfection processes. There may be several other alternate systems or processes on the market. Currently no procedures have been developed

by Queensland Health, nor does Queensland Health intend to develop any procedures, to assess the competence or suitability of the systems. The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority is responsible for the regulation of pesticides and veterinary medicines, which includes disinfectants.

Competencies may be developed under their auspices.”

Educating consumers

Gosse says that the AIS vision is for everyone to have access to safe and perfectly disinfected water while ending the dependence on chlorine dosing.

“The consequences of improper disinfection can be dire, even deadly,” she says. “Although it’s not easy to track data with home pools, there have many cases when commercial aquatic facilities have had to temporarily close-down due to large illness outbreaks caused by the presence of parasites and bacteria.”

Maintaining good bather hygiene and effective water disinfection means that the spread of waterborne pathogens and bacteria can be significantly reduced.

“It’s important for home pool owners to also consider other variables such as increased bather load and changes in the weather,” says Gosse.

“The typical Australian summer and holiday period often sees a higher than usual number of swimmers in the pool and hotter days. This may require water disinfection systems to be set to provide additional chlorine output or for the filter operation time to be increased.”

She says that getting youngsters to use the toilet before hopping into the pool, and having a shower before swimming will reduce the risk of urine or faecal material entering the water and the potential for illness transmission. While keeping the family dog out of the pool can also reduce contamination and ease the load on the disinfectant, there are other associated issues with improper water sanitisation.

TOP LEFT: Swimart offers professional advice which consumers will not receive from big-box retailers

MIDDLE: The EcoLine sanitises with 75 per cent lower salinity than a traditional salt pool

TOP RIGHT: Mineral water swimming pools and spas are becoming more common

December 2017/January 2018 SPLASH! 27

feature

Hair and skin feel fresher in freshwater pools

“As well as the human health factor, there are also environmental issues to consider,” she says. “Some methods of disinfection alter the pool’s TDS levels so much that pool owners need to dump water or backwash more often. Then there is the safety risk associated with families storing or handling chlorine or dangerous chemicals.”

Automatic dosing and electrolysis

In public pools there is the requirement for the water to be dosed continually through automatic controllers, to ensure disinfectant levels are always consistent – and to ensure there is always an appropriate “residual” of disinfectant in the pool water.

“With the general public researching options in greater detail it is imperative that pool professionals offer products that satisfy consumer demand.”

This method is becoming more popular for residential pools and spas too, for the benefit of consistent water quality and also consumer convenience.

During her 25 years in the pool and spa disinfection business, Gosse has seen many trends in pool sanitisation come and go, and she warns it’s a case of “buyer beware” when choosing water disinfection systems.

“We are passionate about encouraging pool owners to source as much information as possible before 28 SPLASH!

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choosing their system, and asking a range of questions of their pool builder or pool shop to ensure they receive a system that is not only suitable for their pool or spa, but one which is tried, tested and functions as stated.

Education is everything,” she says.

She says that disinfection methods such as “chlorinefree” pools may be misleading, as regardless of what system is used, some level of residual chlorine is always required for bather protection and, where required, to comply with current public health guidelines.

AIS’ inline chlorine technology disinfects water via electrolysis, a method first invented by English scientist Michael Faraday more than180 years ago. When applied to AIS’ systems, pool water passes through electrolytic cells which convert salts and minerals present in water into chlorine. The chlorine is then distributed directly into pool water keeping it safe and disinfected.

As evident from the number of AIS chlorine generators sold world-wide, Gosse believes disinfection via electrolysis is on an upward trend.

“In the past few years we have seen chlorine generation via electrolysis gain strong momentum as pool owners come to fully understand its benefits,” she says.

“We continue our education campaign for industry and consumers to understand that chlorine is actually a hero, not the enemy. Chlorine produced by electrolysis is a safe and effective option.”

Salt chlorination also uses electrolysis, but requires the addition of salt to set the process in motion, which increases pool water salinity. However, Gosse has noted a consumer desire for lower salinity in pool water.

“Lower salinity pools offer a refreshing swimming experience that is gentler on bathers and poolside surrounds,” she says.

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Pooled Energy remotely controls swimming pools sanitisation for their clients

“We’re extremely excited to be at the forefront of this trend with our EcoLine chlorine generator, enabling chlorine generation in what we call a ‘freshwater’ swimming pool, which boasts 75 per cent less pool salinity than a traditional salt pool.”

Freshwater swimming

Darren Milne of Queensland company Naked Pools agrees that there is a growing appreciation for the benefits of having less chemicals and salt in the water.

“Consumers are now increasingly aware of alternative sanitisers such as freshwater systems for their pools,” he says.

“With one in three Australians having some kind of skin condition or asthma these are now a very popular choice.”

The Naked Pools NKD1 is a hybrid swimming pool and spa sanitisation system using a combination of copper and silver ionisation as well as oxidation to treat the water. Milne says this delivers up to 70 per cent lower salt levels or mineral levels than other systems, resulting in healthier water for swimmers, equipment and pool surrounds.

He says less chlorine in the water means less irritation for skin and lungs. He describes the NKD1 as a freshwater system.

Consumers are now increasingly aware of alternative sanitisation systems for their pools, such as the Naked ionisation oxidation hybrid system 30 SPLASH!

December 2017/January 2018

“It’s a great option for pool builders as it is simple to use, has lower running costs and is easy to maintain year round,” he says.

“Naked Pools supports pool builders and distributors through high quality service and margins to offer technology that will offer more variety and greater benefits to their end customers.”

Nanotechnology

Of course, there are also many options for disinfection of spa water, and Adrian Lacy from Australian Spa Parts believes he has the next level oxidising product available to supplement spa sanitisation, whether it be fresh or saltwater and irrespective of the actual sanitiser used.

Manufactured in the UK by Elecro Engineering, Elecro Quantum Photocatalytic Oxidation water treatment units use nanocrystal technology and are designed to kill bacteria passing through the chamber along with all organic matter including urea, oils, pathogens and viruses.

“As a result, chemical consumption is lowered, while water clarity and

“As well as the human health issues, there are also environmental issues to consider.”

Elecro Quantum photocatalytic oxidation water treatment units use nanocrystal technology

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condition improves without the need for any added chemicals or product,” Lacy says.

Already adopted by hospitals and drinking water purification companies, it is said to be more powerful than chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, UV or ozone.

“As far as I’m aware, the use of nano technology for pool water purification is unique to Elecro Quantum. The same product is also used in Europe and around the globe – including Australia and New Zealand. Of course, it needs to meet Australian electrical safety and UV light safety standards, which we have approvals for, but just like other similar products such as ozone or UV, it cannot be used alone without residual sanitiser.”

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WITH E VER Y

As the world embraces Elon Musk’s ground-breaking lithium powered Tesla batteries and electric hybrid cars, debate is raging about whether there is enough of this natural resource in current reserves and resources to meet future demand.

In fact, with an estimated production rate of 500,000 cars per year in the latter half of this decade, Tesla says it alone will require today’s entire worldwide production of lithium ion batteries.

With everything from cars to smartphones, laptops and power tools reliant on lithium to function, the increasing demand for the lightest metal on the periodic table is already having an impact on Australia’s spa market.

“We are already seeing a global shortage of lithium hypochlorite, the most common sanitiser used today in spas,” says Gary Beecroft from Poppits. “The shortage is caused mainly by the increase in the demand of lithium hydroxide/carbonate for batteries.”

This scarcity has essentially stopped the supply of lithium hypochlorite to the spa market, leaving spa owners with one less option to maintain the health and clarity of spa water.

“Poppits is one of the few products that have already been designed to sanitise spas using hydrogen peroxide to oxidise the bacteria and organic materials in the water,” says Beecroft.

“However, unlike traditional lithium hypochlorite spa sanitisers, Poppits does not contain chlorine or bromine, which are known to trigger asthmatics and people with sensitive skin conditions.”

In addition to a lithium shortage, Beecroft also foresees difficulties with bromine (due to corrosive issues) and Biguanide (due to maintenance issues).

“What we do see growing is the trend towards chlorine-free products due to public chemical awareness and environmental concerns,” he says.

A DIVISION OF

December 2017/January 2018 SPLASH! 31

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AstralPool’s Mineral Pool Pack features a natural mix of concentrated sea minerals that can be added to traditional salt pools or freshwater pools

The trend for ozone

Brauer Industries director David Brauer agrees that consumers are looking for alternatives.

“An astounding number of Australians suffer from chlorine/chloramine irritations and sensitivities, which has sparked the search by consumers for low-chemical and chemical-free alternatives to traditional sanitisation methods,” Brauer says.

“Thanks to social media platforms, consumers are accessing worldwide information with ease and are

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becoming well aware of the cause of their exposure symptoms.

“As a result, Australian consumers are demanding our pool industry follow the leading countries in healthier trends and technologies. We’ll eventually see chlorine get a run for its money by eco-friendly biological alternative systems, which are commonly used now in Europe,” he says.

Pool builder Ben Chapman from Classic Pools says there is resurgence in ozone sanitisation, along with low-chlorine systems.

“It really depends on the individual client but when our sales people are hyped up about ozone, we definitely notice a peak in ozone chlorination,” he says. “There is also a good story to tell, because it reduces the amount of chlorine in the pool essentially. Ozone specifically kills chloramines, which reduces the chlorine smell.

That’s another big benefit.”

Like fashion trends, Chapman believes sanitisation trends move in cycles.

“Years ago, it was copper-based chlorine, then mineral pools became popular, and now we’re seeing more ozone pools, which has been around for a long time,” he explains. “The good thing about ozone swim systems is that it works alongside the minerals, so you get the benefits of magnesium and the low chlorine.”

While Chapman says ozone chlorination only represents around five per cent of the pools his team

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builds – salt water chlorination remains the most popular form of sanitisation.

“When people specifically request a low-chlorine pool, generally it’s because they have a specific reason, like the kids have skin allergies or they don’t react well to chlorine. As a builder – and I think most builders are the same – we tend to sell the pretty pool in the backyard as opposed to the nuts and bolts.”

Brauer says that the wellness industry is growing approximately 80 per cent faster than the pool industry each year.

“Therefore having a product like Ozone Swim allows pool builders and retailers an opportunity to tap into the wellness market,” he says.

“Ozone is a natural flocculent which improves the clarity of the water without having to add chemicals. It also breaks down contaminants approximately 3500 times faster than chlorine, leaving only oxygen as a residual.”

Acquatherepé and mineral pools

Felix Ortiz from AstralPool says pool owners are turning towards mineral sanitisation in a bid to be more health and environmentally conscious.

“The health benefits associated with minerals, particularly magnesium and potassium, are becoming well known,” says Ortiz.

“Many consumer products are starting to emphasise the inclusion of natural minerals and this

is particularly evident in the cosmetic industry. This has sparked new interest in sourcing mineral-based products for other applications,” he says.

With the general public researching their options in greater detail – often before they start speaking with pool builders – Ortiz says it is imperative that pool professionals offer products that satisfy consumer demand.

“These products generally garner a higher selling price, which leads to greater profit,” he says.

AstralPool’s Mineral Pool Pack is based on “acquatherepé”, and its Natural Pool product features a natural mix of concentrated sea minerals that can be added to both traditional salt pools or freshwater pools.

“With our Mineral Pool and Spa Pack, the combination of potassium and magnesium can be applied to any sanitising program and any filtration system,” he says. “No additional equipment is required.”

Prolonged water immersion

Queensland swim school owner-operator Margie Thorpe, who spends up to seven hours each day immersed in water, says teaching in a heavily chlorinated indoor pool resulted in her losing all of her body hair.

“I didn’t even have eyelashes,” says Thorpe, who has spent the past 20 years teaching young kids to swim.

December 2017/January 2018 SPLASH! 33

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ABOVE: Queensland swim school owner-operator Margie Thorpe blamed heavily chlorinated pool water for the loss of her body hair.

Image Credit: Ross Brown

BOTTOM RIGHT: David Brauer says Australian consumers are demanding more wellness focussed sanitisation products and systems such as Ozone Swim

She believes the combination of corrosive pool chemicals and the fumes produced by the heated water in the enclosed space not only caused significant hair loss, but potentially triggered the two bouts of pneumonia she suffered since building her swim school pool.

“I constantly smelled like chlorine and I do think it was getting into my lungs because I’ve had pneumonia twice in three years,” she says.

After she switched to Waterco’s Hydroxypure, which is the only swimming pool water treatment system endorsed by the National Asthma Council of Australia and approved by its Sensitive Choice program, she noticed a dramatic improvement.

She says not only has all of her hair grown back but she has had positive feedback from her clients.

“I teach a six-month old infant who has dreadful eczema, the poor thing, and the mother told me that she doesn’t have to apply any medication for two days after swimming in Hydroxypure.”

The big box threat

One of the biggest challenges facing traditional pool and spa retailers over the past decade has been the consumer shift to online shopping and big discount one-stop megastores like Bunnings Warehouse and Costco.

Called big box stores due to their large, cuboid shape, they’re known for their massive floor space, huge variety and generic merchandise. Product knowledge? Not so much.

Another interloper is Aldi, while not of the same big box shape, it shares many of the characteristics of those 34 SPLASH!

December 2017/January 2018

stores by handling large scale discount items without offering specific – or any – product knowledge.

Along with a “poolside entertainment” range that includes accessories like goggles and inflatable swimming products, Aldi’s summer catalogue also features assorted pool chemicals including a pH buffer, clarifier, algaecide and stabiliser.

While online retailers and big-box stores might be able to offer reduced prices due to their lower overhead costs and strong buying power, they do require more effort from the buyer. And, with pool and spa owners often uncertain about how to use pool products – let alone what exactly to buy – professional advice cannot be underestimated.

In fact, Swimart for example capitalises on its industry experience by constantly fine-tuning a business model based on customer support and product know-how.

“Swimart, being a pool and spa specialist, focuses on differentiating itself by offering professional advice which they will not receive from big-box retail,” says Swimart’s franchise development manager Nathan Hallahan.

“Having a number of unique products to differentiate our offering also attracts consumers who are looking for the right product to suit their pool or spa.

“We also see IoT [Internet of Things] as a great opportunity to connect with customers and help segment them for marketing purposes. We need to embrace this new and upcoming technology to further enhance the way we communicate with our customers both instore and through our advertising media.”

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Quality wins over

Meanwhile, Gosse says that AIS remains unthreatened by the bigbox retailers.

“There will always be demand for low and high ends of the market,” she says. “We know that as our focus is solely on water disinfection technologies, our reputation remains intact as a highquality manufacturer.

“What is more of a threat is any manufacturer only interested in participating in price wars and producing low-quality, high-turnover products. This practice undermines confidence and trust in the industry and is a very short-term and dangerous strategy.”

Investing heavily in research and development, which for AIS means having its own in-house R&D team, not only cements the reputation of its brand but also adds value to the pool and spa sector.

“We are more interested in creating a strong future for our industry by promoting excellence and industry education so that consumers can make informed choices about their water disinfection requirements,” she says.

“We know that AIS and water disinfection via electrolysis is here to stay. It’s why we will continue to focus our efforts on innovation and producing simpler, safer, smarter ways to disinfect pool water.”

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Continuing to attract customers

David Brauer strongly believes bricks-and-mortar pool shops can continue to attract customers by keeping up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends that consumers want to have, such as pool automation, energy efficient pumps and heaters; as well as products that allow for minimal chemical use such as his Ozone Swim system.

“Stocking products that give them a point of difference and being a knowledgeable specialist in the differences between these products will also give consumers peace of mind that you have their best interests at heart and are not simply looking to sell them a product that ensures ongoing chemical sales,” he says.

Brauer also believes that stocking good quality products, offering great customer service and excellent after-sales service is the key to surviving threats from large retailers and online companies.

“Consumers have an endless supply of information and marketing campaigns available to them, which can, unfortunately, be misleading,” he says. “They will often feel added confidence or peace of mind when spending money in a smaller, local store due to the fact they will receive after-sales support in the event warranty action is required.

“Ozone Swim is primarily focused on bricks-and-mortar sales as we do not allow internet sales of our products. This gives our retail/builder group stockists the confidence in margins as well as product support.”

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and accurately controlling pH levels, which are vital to keeping pool water safe and healthy – but it is easier said than done for the average homeowner.

“Pools at the end of the day are complex chemical environments, so it’s incumbent on the industry to make it easier for people to maintain a healthy aquatic environment at home – not necessarily the other way around,” says Goh. “The trend towards remote monitoring and smart set-and-forget sanitisation systems is definitely the way of the future.”

He says that the biggest innovation in the residential swimming pool space is the use of IoT (Internet of Things) technology, which allows devices such as pool pumps and chemical dosing systems to be controlled remotely using a smartphone or tablet and internet access.

Advantages include improved efficiency and accuracy, reductions in chemical costs and energy usage, and less human intervention.

Remote control ABOVE: Margie Thorpe says after installing Hydroxypure she noticed a marked improvement as did her pupils TOP RIGHT: Happy kids depend on a safe pool environment

He says consumer word of mouth is a fantastic tool for pool industry businesses, as families who are thrilled with products and service will certainly tell their friends.

But with the increasing number of new technologies and applications in the marketplace, Brauer does advise both residential pool owners and pool retailers to do their homework.

“Peoples’ lives are getting increasingly busier and free time has become a luxury, therefore the demand for pool servicing has increased significantly,” he says.

“This drives the need for efficient pool technicians who maximise their time to conduct more services each day.

Not only can unbalanced water cause damage to pools and associated equipment (robotic cleaners and pool covers etc) it can also be hazardous to swimmers’ health.”

The Internet of Things

Pooled Energy, which currently provides pool owners in Sydney with an integrated solution of advanced pool automation services and electricity, has developed an intelligent pool controller that not only monitors and adjusts water quality but also helps customers reduce their energy consumption.

“I’m a customer myself and I don’t have to worry about my pool anymore, which is what we’re hearing from customers,” says CEO John Huggart. “It’s less hassle, the pool water is always beautiful quality, and it’s beautiful to swim in as well.”

In addition to the controller, a Pooled Energy pool features a variable-speed pump, water quality and electricity sensors, and communications to a network operating centre. And, while this ‘sensor and control layer’ system placed on top of existing pool equipment is designed to make life easier for pool owners, Huggart says it’s also about creating a healthier swimming experience.

“Most of us only test the water once a week on a Saturday morning but water chemistry is changing

With technology upending and disrupting every aspect of modern living, automation is having a huge impact on “Years ago, it was copper-based chlorine, then the way pool owners use mineral pools became popular, and now we’re and maintain their pools.

Software advancements over seeing more ozone pools.” the past few years means important pool processes like cleaning, filtering, sanitising constantly, especially when exposed to hot days,” and balancing chemical levels are substantially easier he says. “It’s terrific we can now have access to a and quicker. technology that provides peace of mind so we can enjoy “Not only do they keep pool water clean and hygienic the pool whenever we want to. but they also increase the lifespan of pool equipment by “In fact, what our customers find is that we only automatically adjusting water chemistry and water flow,” top up chemicals once or twice a year, which is a big says Waterco group marketing director, Bryan Goh. change. A lot of pool owners are used to throwing “To say that people are time poor today is an in things like acid, stabiliser or buffer, however understatement, and they don’t want to spend what we’re able to typically eliminate that for most little time they have after work or on the weekend customers thanks to our special blend of common balancing pH levels.” household pool chemicals and our control and Automated chemical dosing systems like Waterco’s monitoring systems, which together achieve a low Chemflo take the guesswork out of the sanitisation chemical outcome.” process by continuously analysing pool water chemistry 36 SPLASH!

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“We use very advanced, industrial automation processes and controls that would normally be inaccessible and unaffordable to people at home,” Huggart says. “Thanks to the breakthroughs in cost and technology advancements, we’re now able to offer this to consumers.”

Pooled Energy also works with customers to find ways of saving electricity.

“Many customers have solar, so when it’s nice and sunny they obviously want to run their pool pump during the day, which is effectively free from the sun and a much better way of using the solar panels than exporting it from the grid,” he says.

“But if it’s overcast and raining, you don’t want that pump to be running because that would be very expensive. Instead, our solar controller can see what the weather is going to be and then makes the decision about the best time to run the pool pump.”

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Contacts AstralPool Australia: www.astralpool.com.au Australian Innovative Systems: aiswater.com.au Australian Spa Parts: www.spaparts.com.au Brauer Industries: brauerindustries.com Classic Pools: classicpools.com.au Naked Pools: www.naked-pools.com Pooled Energy: www.pooledenergy.com Poppits: poolpoppits.com.au SPASA Australia: www.spasa.com.au Swimart: swimart.com.au Waterco: www.waterco.com.au

December 2017/January 2018 SPLASH! 37

Hurricane Irma fails to dampen Orlando pool expo

T

he International Pool Spa Patio Expo held recently in Orlando, Florida was seen as a success, overcoming some nervousness about how much the damaging effects of Hurricane Irma would play a part.

The Category 5 hurricane forced a State of Emergency to be put in place in Florida during September and led to large scale evacuations of that State. The trade show was held on November 1 to 3.

“It was unclear how Hurricane Irma would play a role in this year’s event,” says Tracy Garcia, CEM, Show Director.

“Attendees driving in do play a significant part in overall numbers when we bring the show to areas like Orlando, where the industry is robust. While it did have some impact on registrations we were pleased with the strong representation from Florida and the high level of energy on the show floor for all three days.”

In total, more than 9500 pool, spa and outdoor living professionals attended the event. The expo spanned more than 12,000 square 38 SPLASH!

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1

metres, and showcased 463 exhibiting companies including 122 new exhibitors and 56 companies in the 1300-square-metre outdoor living pavilion.

Next year, the International Pool Spa Patio Expo will return to Las Vegas for the first time since 2015 and will be held October 31-November 2, 2018, with pre-conference programs beginning on October 28. Las Vegas is traditionally a bigger show than Orlando.

“Planning for Las Vegas is already under way,” says Tracy. “The city is a natural fit for our show because of our international base, the hotel options, and number of flights. With our strategic partners, we’re looking at some significant changes to provide even more value, education, hands-on training, and networking opportunities to our attendees.”

SPLASH! attended the Orlando event and spoke to many Australian attendees and exhibitors, while keeping an eye out for interesting new products and services. n

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1. In total, more than 9500 pool, spa and outdoor living professionals attended the event 2. Hayward hosted the Business School 3. The expo floor spanned more than 12,000 square metres 4. Genesis presented a large education program 5. There were 463 exhibiting companies showcasing their products and services 6. Chris and Helen Nicholls from Queensland Family Pools, with SPASA Australia CEO, Lindsay McGrath.

Chris Nicholls: “We came here to see what’s new in the industry, and to try and find some things that are a little bit different and give ourselves a bit of an edge. Even in the first half hour I’ve seen a couple of things I hadn’t seen before. I think the show’s a bit smaller than it was four years ago. But if you don’t come to these things you’re not learning anything, and if you’re not learning you’re not on the edge.” queenslandfamilypools.com.au Lindsay McGrath: “One of the key reasons to attend these events is to look at the education and see how it is delivered, and to see where Australia is ahead, and where it is behind in both the technical aspects and people management. Developing relationships is also important, and we’re working with both APSP and NSPF to help improve global standards, research and advocacy for the industry, and to support each other to grow the world of pools and spas. It’s fantastic to see so many Australian companies here, either at a stand or having meetings and looking at how to break into the world’s biggest market. We’re world leaders in fibreglass, we’re world leaders in salt, and it’s great to see not only ideas coming from the US to Australia, but also from Australia to the US.” spasa.com.au

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7. Kerry Pain from Leisure Pools in front of a one of his wet edge designs: “The US market is a little more freeform than what we have in Australia, and I think a lot of that has to do with the fact they have more land to put their pools in. In Australia our blocks are quite small, so we tend to go for squares and rectangles, as a more efficient use of space. And we sell predominantly bigger pools here than we do in Australia.

Over here there’s a lot of 35-foot, 40-foot pools, whereas in Australia they’re mainly around seven or eight metres.” Leisure Pools has been in the US since 2003 when they used to send shells over from Australia on the decks of the meat export ships. Now they have a very large manufacturing facility in Knoxville Tennessee.

Kerry’s son David Pain runs the US business and gave us an insight into the US market: “Swimming pool construction was severely impacted as a result of the financial crisis that hit the United States in 2008. Lending for swimming pool construction virtually evaporated overnight, coupled with a devaluation of housing, resulting in new swimming pool construction being reduced by close to 70 per cent. As the US economy has worked its way through the financial crisis, swimming pool construction has slowly started to improve. Whilst the growth is not aggressive, it is recovering gradually.

New swimming pool construction may never reach the levels achieved in 2006/2007 but it is continuing to recover which is positive for the industry.” leisurepools.com.au 8. Michael Chapman of Classic Pools says the show seemed a little smaller than usual and had 20 per cent more spas which were not of interest to him. However he found some things of interest including a couple of new products that he will continue looking into, with the prospect of bringing them into Australia. classicpools.com.au 9. John O’Brien CEO of PoolWerx on their expansion into the US: “We’ve gained 31 stores in 31 months, and we have 150 service vans in seven states across the Sunbelt, so we’re right on track.

We recently set up a new head office in Dallas, Texas where we replicated our Australian operations. We think we’ve built the best training facility in North America with an indoor retail facility, an academy and an indoor pool; and of course we bought the largest independent pool business in north Texas, Dolphin Pools, and that’s our practical training centre. We bought businesses in Phoenix Arizona and businesses in California and in Florida, and spent 18 months refining our model for the American market – it’s not the same, it’s different, but we’ve made a nice match between what’s best in Oz and what can work here.” poolwerx.com.au 40 SPLASH!

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Alex Antoniou, education director at the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP): “I joined the APSP team [from NSPF] because earlier this year the association board approved a $US1.5m revamp of their educational programs, to modularise them, bring them online and give the service techs and builders small chunks of information that are more palatable to them, rather than have to sit through an entire 20 hour course in one sitting. So I was brought on board to help with the creation of the online modules. APSP has formed an alliance with SPASA Australia so we’ll be at SPLASH! next year.” apsp.org 10. Elena Gosse, CEO of Australian Innovative Systems (AIS): “This is the first time we exhibited in the USA. For years we weren’t ready, because we wanted to bring something that was unique and appealing to the US market – because we know the market is big here and it is saturated with salt water chlorinators. So now we’ve released the Ecoline – the chlorine generator for fresh water, which is now tested and trusted – we want to introduce it and test it on the US market. This is just the first day of the show but already the response is overwhelming for both the commercial and the residential Ecoline. We have already spoken with a number of companies not just from the US but also from Colombia, Mexico and Canada, so there’s a lot of interest. We are the only company in Australia and probably the world that focuses just on chlorine generators, so we are testing the market so we can select the model that will work best before we spend money on certification. After we identify the model to bring into the market we’ll submit for NSF, and it seems that Ecoline residential is a winner, as well as the commercial product.

But for commercial we need to find out the most common pool size and if they tend to use more salt water for freshwater, and then we’ll select the commercial model to submit for NSF.” aiswater.com.au 11. Spa World’s Adam Fisher and Andrew Pullen were at the show to have a look at new innovations in spas, and also to look at other

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products in the wellness industry.

Andrew Pullen: “We’re the market leader in spas, but we want to see what else is out there; and Australians and New Zealanders with their ageing populations are interested in wellness products.” spaworld.com.au 12. Tony Walton owner of Barrier Reef Pools (with wife Caroline) has had a presence in the US since 2002, with market share continuing to rise: “The fibreglass market in the States is about 15 per cent right now.

In Australia for residential pools it is 60 per cent. And there’s 320 million people living in the United States, so fibreglass has got a lot of growth potential. We have changed our designs over here to suit the US market, such as wider, deeper, bigger; that’s the American way, they want everything as big as they can.

We’ve had good traction today and some great lead prospects.” The shell in the photo is the Outback Escape, made especially for the US swimspa market. barrierreefpools.com 13. Tom Lachocki, CEO of NSPF, which has now acquired Genesis: “Genesis is the leading educator of people who design, engineer and run construction businesses.

They’ve reached over 1500 people in classes over the past 12 months throughout North America in about 15 locations, but the one where we have the most training is here at the International Pool and Spa Expo.

That’s helping raise the standards on how people design, build and engineer swimming pools.” nspf.com 14. Pentair’s Melbourne-based Asia Pacific sales and marketing manager, Hugh Smith, came to the US show to check out new products in the marketplace and see what’s happening in the industry. “As well it’s good for me to come back through to the US and look at our new marketing materials and talk to the product managers about the new products we’ve got coming out. One is the ETi heater [pictured] which is a heater with efficiency over 90 per cent for large residential or small commercial projects. Another is the new UltraTemp ETi hybrid heater, which is a combination of gas heater and heat

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December 2017/January 2018 SPLASH! 41

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pump. It’s much more efficient than a standard heat pump, and the gas gets the water up to the temperature quickly, and the heat pump maintains that temperature.” The UltraTemp ETi hybrid heater won the best new product award at the show. pentairpool.com.au 15. Lindsay Hartshorne from Melbournebased Lincoln Pool Products: “It’s always very interesting to visit the USA international show, as it is a showcase of what is new or under development for the future of the pool industry around the world. This year is no exception, as automation and consumer convenience are at the forefront of new and developing products on show. Our market in Australia is similar, but not the same as that in the USA. In Australia, resellers and consumers are more inclined to invest in products for new and existing pools which are a balance between practical, cost efficient and well proven in development. Whereas in the USA, some products are launched which haven’t stood the test of time, and every year when I visit, I see some of the more novel products with the new Mark 2 or 3 version, which really means the original products were launched before being fully developed and field tested.”

16. Kyle and Justin Peek – father and son team, owners of Peek Pools in Nashville Tennessee, and stars of the TV show Pool Kings. SPLASH! will have a full story on these entertaining and knowledgeable builders in the next edition. peekpools.com 17. Brett Kohler with his inflatable Aqua Cabana which you just pop over the swimming pool to keep kids or adults sheltered from the sun. There is a smaller one for infants, including an infant seat. He is keen to find a retail avenue into Australia, especially given our often ferocious sun. floatingshade.com 18. Marchal Depasquale from Waterco USA: “We’ve had a lot of interest on all our 42 SPLASH!

December 2017/January 2018

products but in particular the MultiCyclone.

Also the cartridge filters and the commercial products were popular.” waterco.com.au 19. Caroline Sikorski from Nusantara is pictured with the company’s comfortable and stable teak hammock which is not only cosy, but avoids the dreaded hammock wobbles. nusantara-teak.com 20. “Marylyn Monroe” helped promote the United Aqua Group – a giant buying group dedicated to the professional pool building, service and retail industry, with more than 245 members across the United States. They offer access to more than 300 vendors and their programs, including Pentair, Zodiac, Hayward, BioGuard and Lonza. Billie Pfeiffer, director of new member sales, says they may possibly expand the group outside the US in the future. unitedaquagroup.com 21. John Ridgeway from the Real Flame Company (not the Australian company of the same name) has been doing outdoor fires for 35 years and has also recently started handling this Colorado-made glass fibre reinforced concrete fire with all brass fittings. He is interested in exporting them to Australia. realflame.com 22. The Longer Arm product, designed to help pool techs scrub pool walls. thelongerarm.com 23. Peter Kalshoven from Ofyr with his woodfired corten-steel barbecue that is unique in that instead of leaving one person isolated at parties doing in the cooking, everyone can cook their own meat “in the round”.

It’s also a heater for winter. ofyrusa.com 24. Bruce Torrance from Premix Marbletite was displaying, among other things, his glow-in-the-dark aggregate made from a synthetic stone that charges via either sunlight or LED pool lights, and

sparkles at night once the lights are turned off. They also make glow-in-thedark mosaics that can be installed into render, so come evening it looks like your pool is filled with sharks, turtles or other sea creatures. pmmproducts.com 25. Dave Barry from Legacy Billiards in Tennessee says that pool and spa dealers are looking for items to sell during the off season, and a natural morphing is into the game room and even outdoor games such as this outdoor bowling alley. legacybilliards.com 26. Nate Burns says the Shock Alert enables you to check the water for any voltage leaks. There has been a tragic run of electrocutions in the United States and also in Asia over the past year, making this a timely launch. shockalert.com 27. Hydra Pools’ colourful display was showcasing their pre-fab construction modules made from steel panels and polymer steps and coping. They are based in Nashville Tennessee, which is going through a pool construction boom at the moment, but they ship anywhere, including Australia. hydrapools.com 28. Albert Alvarez (left) says Spa Dolly was invented in 1994 and has evolved through ten different versions over that time to cope with increasingly larger spas. The spa can be loaded onto the dolly in a variety of different ways, and then it is simply latched onto your towbar. They would love to pick up an agent in Australia. spadolly.com 29. Gerard Beutler was promoting his subscription-based, cloud-hosted, pool production management software call Pool Pro (not related to the Australian company).

It handles leads, project management, service and warranty, as well as point of sale and inventory. He has already had some interest from Australia. poolprooffice.com

Pentair’s wins product award Best New Product: Pentair, UltraTemp ETi heater

The expo organisers announced the winners of the Best New Product and Best Green Product from the show floor, with Pentair’s new hybrid pool heater, the UltraTemp ETi Heater which combines gas and heat pump technology, taking out the top prize.

Second Place: Hayward Pool Products , TriStar VS 950 Omni Third Place: Coral drowning detection system

Aztech Energy received the honour of Best Green Product. Winners were selected by an esteemed panel of judges representing many segments of the industry, with more than 45 products submitted for consideration.

Ultimate pool relaxation Nestled in the bustling theme-park city of Orlando is the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, a family-friendly resort that is both luxurious and relaxing, and a bit like a mini-theme park in itself.

The focus of the resort is the pair of highly stylised lakeside swimming pools. The main pool holds an enormous three megalitres of

Best Green Product: Aztech Energy, SunCatcher solar spa cover Second place: J&J Electronics, LLC, PureWhite Pro LED in-ground pool lamp Third place: La Siesta, Flora certified organic king size hammock

water and weaves through a network of grottos to arrive at a third hidden pool, complete with cabanas and a rope bridge.

Pentair’s UltraTemp ETi heater

with gas heating for the smaller pool, while filtration is by Dematus.

The second pool is heated, and in the short Florida off season it is the more popular pool.

It also features a surprisingly thrilling short waterslide that provides excitement for kids and adults alike. The adjacent lake has a variety of aquatic activities including stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and pedal boats.

The pools are set off by lush tropical gardens worthy of a Balinese hideaway, creating a totally relaxing environment ideal for holidaying or taking a day off during a business trip.

Most impressive of all are the series of waterfalls that drop realistically down several levels, providing tranquil splashes to aid relaxation, gentle visual stimuli and a space under which kids can play.

The three megalitre lagoon pool

The pools are sanitised and monitored by Ecolab automated chlorine and pH dosing

POOL HEATING PANEL

The lakeside pools turn the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress into a resort

The Eco-therm panel is manufactured by the number one panel company in the US, who have been manufacturing pool heating panels for over 40 years, and its fluted design gives more surface area to achieve one of the highest heat transfer ratings in the Australian market.

The strategically placed slots in the webbing prevent moisture build up under the collector and allow pressure relief during high winds.

Of all the options available to heat your pool, solar energy is the most cost effective and environmentally friendly method available.

To find out more visit our website.

IF YOUR CLIENTS HAVE A COOL POOL, WE HAVE A WARM SOLUTION

p 1300 688 828 e info@ecosolarpoolheating.com.au

ecosolarpoolheating.com.au December 2017/January 2018 SPLASH! 43

1-2 AUGUST 2018

Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre SPLASH! is Australasia’s foremost pool and spa trade show, attracting over 2,000 visitors from more than 27 countries. This year expects to see close to 150 exhibitors under one roof making SPLASH! the must attend event for industry professionals to stay ahead as our industry continues to grow.

For further visitor enquiries please contact SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show Team Within Australia 1300 789 845 Outside Australia 0061 2 8586 6115

EXPO FREE TO ATTEND EDUCATION SESSIONS NETWORKING DRINKS GOLF DAY

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

90% OF STANDS SOLD Secure your space now SPLASH! has more than 5,000 square metres of exhibition space across the ground floor, large spacious foyers showcasing 180 degree views of the Broadbeach skyline. The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre provides the flexibility to stage SPLASH! under the one roof.

SPLASH! ANDREW SIMONS MEMORIAL GOLF DAY Join the LoChlor and SPLASH! teams to network at the Golf Day being held on Friday, 3rd August 2018. A great way to relax after a big week.

A WORD FROM OUR GOLD SPONSORS SPLASH! is one of the biggest events for the Australian pool industry and hence we are once again one of the key sponsors for such a great event. It is a fantastic opportunity for us to spend quality time with our customers and to meet potential future partners. The SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show allows us to demonstrate to the market what Pentair is capable of by showcasing our broad range of products, and any new products that we have released into the market. We look forward to seeing everyone from the industry at SPLASH! in 2018.”

Bipin Gangadharan, Sales Director, Pentair Australia

EDUCATION Various educational seminars will be held during of the show. These seminars have been designed to attract all participants in the pool, spa & aquatics industry. For those people residing in States that have the CPD system in place, these seminars will provide vital points towards accreditation requirements. Certificates of attendance will be issued to those requiring them at the closure of each seminar.

SPASA will launch their new educational program alongside the show and SPLASH! will again partner with the Australian Swim Schools Association to host the Swim Schools Conference and World Infant Aquatics Conference.

www.splashexpo.com.au Silver Sponsor

Education Partner

“As a leading supplier of swimming pool chemicals and more recently the Theralux Mineral Pool System, IQ are once again proud to announce our Gold Sponsorship of SPLASH! in 2018. This is the pinnacle event that brings our great industry together under the one roof. You will see the latest trends, innovations and technology that will lead the industry into the future. We offer a warm welcome to everyone and look forward to the interaction on the exhibition floor” Eddie Lloyd, Marketing Director, International Quadratics

1300 789 845 Media Partner

Golf Sponsor

NEW

SPASA EDUCATION

TRANSFORMING THE INDUSTRY, BUILDING CAREERS SPASA will be hosting a series of training courses at SPLASH! which can be used to acquire CPD points towards SPASA Certification status.

Becoming SPASA Certified or SPASA Accredited gives you and your business an instantly recognisable badge of professionalism, demonstrating that you have the required education, technical competence, experience and a commitment to your own professional development.

The two day training program will cover the following sessions: • Financial Stream – Westpac • Brightwater – Taking the Mystery out of Marketing • Sector Groups • Brightwater – Succession Planning • Legal Stream – Understanding contracts and obligations / Avoiding and managing disputes • Brightwater – Cashflow – the lifeblood of the business • How to use your work skills to get a nationally recognised qualification • Legal Stream – how do I get paid?

• Marketing in the Pool Industry • ACCC – Product and service marketing – knowing your rights and obligations • Building Stream - Sales and Marketing Strategies for the pool building industry • APVMA - workshop • Building Stream - DOUBLE the strike rate – The radical new approach to proposals. Why the conventional way of doing Quotes is a ‘sales killer’ • Benchmarking – know industry standards and applying them • Women in Leadership – promoting women in our industry • Construction Law • Introduction to Human Resources / HR strategies and compliance in our industry • Building Stream - 26 ‘Rapid Fire’ Sales and Marketing tips - New proven ways to grow your brand, lift your profit margins, and skyrocket your referral rate.

• ‘The Right Staff’ – employment for your business/ HR and Performance Management – getting the best out of your staff

INTERNATIONAL SWIM SCHOOLS SPECTACULAR Don’t miss the INTERNATIONAL Swim Schools SPECTACULAR – to be held alongside SPLASH! in the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre.

SAVE THE DATES:

30 JULY – 1 AUGUST 2018 AUSTRALIAN SWIM SCHOOLS CONFERENCE Speakers include: • Dave Crenshaw, USA • Krissy Bartlett, USA • Tim Ford, AUS • Bruce Sullivan, AUS • Steven Franks, UK

• • • • •

David Gorman, USA Theo Millward, UK Lesley Rudd, AUS Mark Saunders, NZ Jon Harker, AUS

2 – 3 AUGUST 2018 WORLD INFANT AQUATICS CONFERENCE Day 1 & 2: The Ideal Swim School for Infants would be: Philosophy? Venue? Teachers? Parents? Curriculum?

Day 3: Trauma Free Swimming Lessons Seminar Speakers include: • Francis Waters, USA • Beatriz Esesarte, Mexico • Laurie Lawrence, AUS • Krissy Bartlett, USA • Torill Hindmarch, Norway • Jo Wilson, UK

• Terje Stakset, Norway • Monica Anzueto, Mexico • Rafaele & Sandra Madormo, Brazil • Janine Ramsey, AUS • Tricia Roy, AUS

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

CONFIRMED EXHIBITORS INCLUDE: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

AAT Acrylic Windows AB Phillips Abgal Liners and Covers Air Supply International AIS (Australian Innovative Systems) Albatross Pools Aqua Action Slides Aqua Idea Aquarius Technologies Ascon Pool AstralPool Australia Aussie Chlorinators / Legend Products & Services Austail Supply Co. Australian Leak Detection Australian Polished Pool Interiors Australian Spa Parts Automatic Pool Cleaners (Australia) Autopool BioLab Blue Glass Pebble Company Boss Polymer Brauer Industries / Ozone Classic Pools Cooke Industries 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) Fairland Electric Focus Products Guangdong Poolking Filtration Equipment Manufacturing Co.Ltd Guangdong Wotech Renewable Energy & Technology Company Guangzhou Huantong Industry Company Hayward Pool Products Australia Heliocol Hi-Tech Pacific

WANT TO BOOK A STAND? Contact David on 0404 725 554 or david@spasa.com.au

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

ICH International International Quadratics / Theralux 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 Nymet Australia PAL Lighting Palintest Pentair Pool & Outdoor Pool Controls Pool Pro Pool Ranger Pool Spa Bath China Pool Systems PoolStar Pool Products Pool-Water Products Poolwerx ProMinent Fluid Controls Reece Irrigation & Pools

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Remco Rheem Thermal River Sands Saint-Gobain Industrial Ceramics Shenzhen Prow Electronics & Technology Co., Ltd (Joyonway) SIP Topology Environmental Protection and Purification Co. (Wonderlight) Skypebble Solartech Spa Electrics Spa-Craft SPASA Australia SR Smith Sterns Pool Sunbather Sunlover Supreme Heating The Acoustic Box The Pool Enclosure Company The Pool Tile Company Tim Batt Water Solutions (TBWS Aquatic Pulsar) Vendart Waterblade Waterco Waterlilly Australia Watertec Engineering 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

Inclusion

Commercial

news Europe’s first publicaccess urban lagoon. . 50 Step into Swim laps the world. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Tenders. . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Supporting swim teachers in a digital age . . . . . . . 52

ASSA’s Emily McNeill appointed to USSSA committee As part of the Australian Swim Schools Association’s (ASSA) growing international links, its events and inclusion manager, Emily McNeill, has been appointed to the United States Swim Schools Association’s (USSSA) Special Abilities Committee.

McNeill, who coordinates ASSA’s Inclusion Committee, will use the position to further enhance sharing of information and resources.

ASSA chief executive Ross Gage says overseas appointees are rare but McNeill is held in high regard by the USSSA, and her appointment will reinforce the strong relationship between both associations.

McNeill says she is thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful committee and excited to help further strengthen the relationship between that committee and ASSA’s Inclusion Committee, initially through the joint video library project on helping teach swimming and water safety skills to disabled learners.

Meanwhile, ASSA has Emily McNeill helping kids learn confirmed that leadership to swim in Vietnam expert Dave Crenshaw has been confirmed as a keynote speaker for the Australian Swim Schools Conference component of the International Swim Schools Spectacular 2018, to be held concurrently with SPLASH! on the Gold Coast.

As an author, speaker, and online instructor, Crenshaw has helped transform many thousands of businesses leaders worldwide and has been acknowledged as a stand-out presenter at past US swim schools conferences.

He will be presenting The Focused Business: How to Conquer Chaos in Your Business.

The International Swim Schools Spectacular 2018 is being held on the Gold Coast from July 30 to August 4, 2018. SPLASH! is being held on August 1 and 2, 2017.

Competition

Adelaide counts down to the Lifesaving World Championships In less than a year, more than 5000 lifesavers from every corner of the globe will descend on South Australia for the Lifesaving World Championships.

The International Life Saving Federation (ILS) Championships, held every two years, is the largest lifesaving event in the world. It showcases excellence in lifesaving sports and rescue, highlighting the vital role lifesavers play as an emergency service in reducing the rate of drowning around the world.

Next year the championships, co-hosted by Surf Life Saving South Australia and Events SA, will be held at Glenelg Beach and the South Australian Aquatic and Leisure Centre from November 16 until December 2.

Event director Conny Wilson says organisers are expecting the 16-day championships to be the biggest and best ever held, with thousands of competitors, volunteers and officials from more than 40 countries taking part.

“This is an enormous event for Adelaide to host given it attracts similar numbers of participants as the Commonwealth Games,” Wilson says.

“While the program will showcase Adelaide and surrounding areas to the world, the event’s main aim is to highlight competitive lifesaving skills to broader audiences, grow awareness of the movement and deepen levels of engagement with the community.”

SA Minister for Tourism Leon Bignell says that securing the championships for a second time is a huge economic and sporting win for Adelaide.

48 SPLASH!

December 2017/January 2018

The race is on to November 2018

“Adelaide hosted the World Lifesaving Championships in 2012 and the event pumped more than $4 million into the local economy. I’m sure we’ll see an even bigger economic impact again in 2018,” he says.

“We are the only city in the world to host the championships twice, which is a testament to Adelaide’s reputation as a major events city and our fantastic beaches and sporting facilities.”

commercial news

Competition

Water polo on the sea Several “ocean polo” tournaments are planned for this summer, using Packaworld’s Packagoals and inflatable water polo fields.

Malus Island in the Dampier Archipelago will be the setting for the Western Australian event, which will see dozens of private vessels anchor for a unique Australia Day tournament.

“The inflatable water polo fields are helping us to reinvent water polo and bring a sense of adventure to the game,” says Karratha Water Polo Association president Justin Angove.

“Being outdoors improves the experience. It gives the sport a real family vibe, and showcases what Karratha has to offer. It’s also a huge opportunity to engage with people who haven’t seen water polo before and get them involved.”

In New South Wales, former Australian national water polo representative Scott Nicholson is planning to use two of Packaworld’s custom water polo fields off the Sydney coastline during the first Beach Water Polo Fours tournament on 16 and 17 December. The event will be held at Hordern’s Beach in Bundeena, set within Royal National Park south of Sydney.

Enjoying the competitive atmosphere at Bundeena, NSW

In Brief To help provide water safety information nationwide, Pro-Visual Publishing in partnership with the Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA), has released the 2017/18 edition of the National Guide to Public Pools & Aquatic Centres. This year’s guide covers public pool safety and the safer swimming story, which includes key messages on the adoption of the four layers of protection: Adult Supervision, Provide Barriers, Swimming and Water Safety Skills, and Emergency Action Plan. ProVisual provides a variety of wall-mounted health, wellbeing and safety guides to more than 40 different industries. To obtain a guide call visit www.provisual.com.au The family of a boy injured on a waterslide in the Californian town of Dublin in 2016 has filed a legal action. CBS News reports that the $US2.5 million action names the Wave Water Park, the state of California and the slide manufacturer, claiming negligence and emotional distress. The boy, who was 10 years old at the time, flipped out of the Emerald Plunge as he was finishing the ride and moving into the runout. While the ride is 15 metres tall, he only fell 600 mm from the runout onto the concrete, where he slid before coming to a complete stop.

TripAdvisor has tallied its reader reviews and to select the best waterpark in Australia for 2017, with the top prize going to Aqua Fun Park Twin Waters in Coolum Beach, Queensland. Placegetters include WetSide Water Park in Hervey Bay, Queensland and Adventure World in Bibra Lake, Western Australia.

December 2017/January 2018 SPLASH! 49 Britstream Multicoloured MK5 LED Ad 270mm x90mm.indd 2

11/30/17 2:32 PM

commercial news

Waterparks

Europe’s first public-access urban lagoon Crystal Lagoons is building a giant publicaccess lagoon with an inland city beach just outside Madrid, in a first for Europe.

Alovera Beach will open all year round and is expected to attract around half a million visitors a year

Alovera Beach will open all year round and is expected to attract around half a million visitors a year, reinvigorating tourism in the region. The project will feature a 2.5-hectare turquoise lagoon surrounded by a 1.5-hectare long white sandy beach as its main attraction. It will be open to all with the price of an entry ticket.

Alovera Beach will be developed by Crystal Lagoons, in partnership with Grupo

Constructor Rayet. It will involve 15.6 million Euros of investment with construction creating more than 330 jobs, either directly or indirectly. The complex will include sports facilities, such as a volleyball pitch, children’s area, a waterpark with slides, sailing school, kayaking, paddle surfing, restaurants and assorted commercial venues.

Meanwhile, half a dozen Crystal Lagoons public access projects are currently in negotiation in Australia. The projects plan to use the lagoon as a centrepiece for a host of leisure and hospitality related businesses.

LTS

Step into Swim laps the world The National Swimming Pool Foundation’s (NSPF) Step into Swim (SIS) campaign has spread from the USA to help people learn to swim globally.

“We’ve gone around the world to help the industry fund local programs,” says NSPF CEO Tom Lachocki. “An increasing number of leaders are experiencing the joy of giving locally and creating more swimmers who use and enjoy local pools.”

More than $75,000 was donated to Step Into Swim (SIS) in 2017, and the recipients are excited to report on

how their clubs and organisations benefited from the funding.

Angels of America’s Fallen (AOAF) partnered with NSPF to create Lesson’s from Lylah, a program to help children of fallen military and first responders recover from their loss of a parent through swimming. AOAF engaged 170 children in swimming activities, 100 of whom were waitlisted and would otherwise have continued suffering invisible wounds with no outlet. Most of the children choose to stay in water sports once they are fully enrolled.

Research shows that children with autism spectrum disorder and other special needs flourish in aquatic settings, and Jewish Community Centers (JCC) swim academies utilised funding to prove it. Said one parent, “Michael warmed up to the pool and went from putting his feet to then his entire body in the water and enjoying the pool! He was able to walk around the pool, splash, and perform wall kicks. I’m so proud of him, and happy to see how he has progressed.”

Master Pools Guild directed their contribution to programs

in the local areas of 14 MPG members around the world.

Step Into Swim funding taught thousands of children to swim in Australia, India, Canada and several US States.

Other groups to utilise the SIS funding to help their communities benefit from learning how to swim include New York State Parks, SwimToday and the YMCA, who helped 2000 infant schoolchildren, identified “at risk of drowning”, learn how to swim in the disadvantaged area of Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

LGA

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.

Camden Council

Sydney Olympic Park Authority

Closes: 19 December 2017, 11:00am

Curry Reserve Water Play Park Design And Construct T009/2018 Request for Tender: RFT ID T009/2018

Request for Tender: RFT ID TRSOPA17174

Design and construct a water play park.

Water Treatment Services (Swimming Pools & Water Features).

Tender for the design and construct of a Waterplay Park at Curry Reserve Elderslie, Camden. Contract to commence February 2018 and to be completed by October 2018

Closes: 19 December 2017, 2:00pm Operation & Maintenance of Swimming Pools at the Aquatic Centre and Water Features at Sydney Olympic Park. Pre-tender meeting at Aquatic Centre Olympic Boulevard, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127 at 10:00 am, 30th November 2017.

Project to provide all-inclusive waterpark with wet play splash pad that has wheelchair accessibility Contact: Anita Winter

Contact Person: Tharmalingam Nambiran

Phone: (02) 4645 5108

Phone: (02) 9714 7982

Email: quotes@camden.nsw.gov.au

Email: tharmalingam.nambiran@sopa.nsw.gov.au Documentation is available from: www.tenders.nsw.gov.au

50 SPLASH!

December 2017/January 2018

Pool of Poolies UPDATE ASSA has its fingers crossed that all Splash’s readers and advertisers have a super summer – building, renovating, repairing and maintaining pools and spas. That will also mean that our Member Swim Schools are kept busy providing vital swimming and water safety lessons – a perfect synergy. And leading on from that, since the last issue of Splash! a number from Australia’s fabulous pool industry have partnered with ASSA as Pool of Poolies – helping us get more Aussies in the swim for life. A big thank you to SwimBiz (booking software), Acquapole (exercise equipment), D4 Data (water testing), Your Personnel Connection (staff recruitment) and Brightwater Business Coaching (business development).

The past couple of months have been super hectic – yet very productive for ASSA. The annual National Conference looms in Darwin with record registrations, whilst preparations are now well down the road for the International Swim Schools Spectacular on the Gold Coast in August 2018 – with the Splash! Expo. In terms of getting more people learning to swim – and longer and better – two new series of graphics have been designed. One features Ambassador Libby Trickett – with a range of messages; and the other with our latest Ambassador, Hayley Lewis (pictured below).

Look for an ASSA Member Swim School

Look for an ASSA Member Swim School

For under sixes and non-swimmers – stay within arm’s reach.

Learning swimming skills well can last a lifetime – don’t rush it.

Libby Trickett OAM

Hayley Lewis OAM

A DVO C AT E

AMBASSADOR

A DVO C AT E

AMBASSADOR

If you’d like to become one of ASSA’s Pool of Poolies, supporting learn to swim and drowning prevention, please email our CEO at Ross.Gage@australianswimschools.org.au Be part of our mission to make more Aussies swimmers for life!

commercial news

Supporting swim teachers

in a digital age

By Fraser May Good information technology enables the Aquatic Safety Training Academy to live up to its catchphrase: education not administration

G

ood information technology, or IT, is proving to be a game-changer for educators working in swim schools and water safety programs across Australia.

Water safety and swim programs aim to meet the needs of their communities. They help people learn the skills they need to stay safer in, on and around the water.

It’s all about the people, but administering these essential courses is no easy job and requires more than warm bodies and a set of colourful flutterboards.

That’s where good IT comes in.

IT and learn-to-swim programs

Jennifer Schembri-Portelli is CEO of the Australasian Council for the Teaching of Swimming

“Like a swimming and water safety lesson, it all comes down to the needs of the individual.”

and Water Safety (Austswim). She says swimming and water safety programs are vital for communities because of the contributions they make to people’s health, wellbeing and safety.

But Schembri-Portelli says administrating swim schools can be a challenge for facilities without good IT systems in place. Staff must deal with continual changes as students progress their skills, change class times and opt in and out of programs.

52 SPLASH!

December 2017/January 2018

Teachers also need to be administrated. Consistent training and management of staff requires good rostering. Information and enrolment processes need to be booked in, and a high level of customer interaction is required to report progress to parents.

Without close monitoring and effective management, it can be easy for the cost of administration to eat into operational surplus. This makes information technology essential, she says.

“Swimming and water safety programs are a business, and comprehensive business analysis and reporting is essential in tracking, monitoring, growing and developing aquatics programs and services.”

She says reporting, live data, budgeting and financial tracking, water space management, evaluation of swimmers, and program monitoring and analysis are all important facets of modern swim school businesses, supported by quality information technology.

Quality IT in practice

Matt Griffiths is general manager of aquatics at the New South Wales branch of the Royal Life Saving Society. He is responsible for the organisation’s Aquatic Safety Training Academy.

He says the number of people enrolled in the academy’s swimming and water safety programs school has grown remarkably, from 34 when the facility opened in 2010 to more than 2000 in 2017.

“That growth would not have been possible without good information technology to support the academy in living up to its catchphrase of ‘education not administration’, he says.

commercial news

“Having the right IT partner and product means we can free up our administration to focus on the delivery of swimming and water safety skills.”

Griffiths says that good software has fewer steps and does what you want it to do.

“It makes enrolling people much less complicated, allowing our educators to focus on individuals rather than administration. Without our course management software, we wouldn’t be as successful in making personal connections with the people we’re working with.”

He says the academy uses a range of software, but effective course management and rostering software is the most important for efficient administration because it also provides data to improve decision making.

“Our software provides us with insights and intelligence to guide our decision making. A lot of swim schools base their programs on how they feel rather than the facts. We like to explore the data, and make decisions based on the reality of what’s happening.”

What’s the future for swim schools?

Mike Henton is general manager of Jonas Leisure, one of Australasia’s leading providers of leisure and fitness management software.

Jonas Leisure provides a suite of software designed to support the specific needs of people and organisations working in the leisure and fitness industry – including several programs designed specifically for swim school providers.

Henton says it’s important for swim schools to be able to have the right software for their situation.

Swim schools and water safety programs may operate in a large aquatic centre, or in a range of different locations and situations, which is why it’s important they have access to a solution that is not only up to date, but meets their individual needs.

“An aquatic centre operating a swim school might use a comprehensive facility management system with built-in swim school functionality,” he says. “A swim school offering lessons across a region’s school swimming pools will need quite a different solution, like a course management product with online functionality that can interface with mobile devices.

“Like a swimming and water safety lesson, it all comes down to the needs of the individual.” n

ABOVE: It’s important to have access to a solution that is not only up to date, but meets the swim school’s individual needs MIDDLE: Mobile technology can improve the reporting experience for swim teachers and students BOTTOM: Making decisions should be based on the reality of what’s actually happening, not just what you think might be happening

Contacts: Austswim: austswim.com.au Jonas Leisure: jonasleisure.com.au RLS Aquatic Safety Training Academy: aquaticacademy.com.au

December 2017/January 2018 SPLASH! 53

new products

Sole searching for kiddies’ feet

For Aussie kids, summer means sun, sand, pool decks and exploring – all amazing fun, unless those little feet don’t cope with hot surfaces, sharp rocks or little critters. Enter Minnow Designs with their new summer range of beach booties.

Minnow Designs is the brainchild of local mums Lorraine and Stacey who spent many hours at the beach and the pool with their little ones.

Made completely from neoprene, the unique Minnow Designs booties are soft and malleable, quick drying and comfortable.

The new range is the result of collaboration with Australian brand Escargot Kids, creating an exclusive line of booties to match two key Escargot swimwear pieces. The sets are sure to make for some seriously stylish toddlers this summer.

Contact: minnowdesigns.com.au

Award-winning floodlight

The Crompton Hornet 20W LED floodlight has been awarded the 2017 IES NSW Luminaire Design Award of Commendation.

Gerard Lighting says this unique product is a compact, adaptable slimline LED floodlight that can be hidden unobtrusively when mounted under eaves, offering a sleek aesthetic design and performance that sets it apart.

The low profile LED floodlight has a slimline body and adjustable head (300 degrees horizontally and 200 degrees vertically) with complete flexibility allowing the user to direct light almost anywhere. A separate mounting base also allows for retrofitting onto existing floodlight mounting points – it is engineered to deliver performance output and robustness.

Contact: gerardlighting.com.au

54 SPLASH!

December 2017/January 2018

WiFi for heat pumps

AstralPool has developed a WiFi module that allows consumers to control their AstralPool Inverter Heat Pump through the new AstralPool Inv app.

Once the WiFi module is installed and the AstralPool Inv app is downloaded to their device, pool owners will be able to: view the current status of the AstralPool Inverter heat pump; switch the heater on or off; control and monitor the current pool temperature; view the recent history of the pool temperature; and set and organise timers to switch the heater on and off.

overs l Filter & Pump C Soundproof Poo Assembled in 5 minutes with No Nuts, Bolts or any tools Reduce noise by 80% - certified by an Acoustic Engineer 100% Australian made – Galvanised steel & Powder coated

www.thepoolfiltercover.com.au 1300 781 041

Contact: astralpool.com.au

Skypebble’s new shimmering range

Skypebble’s new Shimmering Sea Range for Pebblesheen adds vibrant colours as well as a sparkle to the pool’s finish. The premixed and blended material incorporates the tried and proven Pebblesheen material together with some glass beads and the secret Shimmering Sea component that imbues an uplifting sparkle and achieves the most beautiful finish.

The colour range consists of Marina Blue Shimmering Sea; Hawaiian Blue Shimmering Sea; Aqua Blue Shimmering Sea; Caribbean Blue Shimmering Sea; Tropical Jade Shimmering Sea; and Tahitian Jade Shimmering Sea (pictured).

Contact: 1300 858 319; www.skypebble.com.au December 2017/January 2018 SPLASH! 55

new products

Activity Towers named a top aquatic product Waterplay’s new generation of Activity Towers were voted a 2017 Most Valuable Product by Aquatics International.

Featuring an adaptable footprint, the Activity Towers range takes water play to new heights in any space – from a zero-depth splash pad to an aquatic centre. Its modular system of activity pods, slide flumes and full

range of spray features creates an immersive attraction packed with interactive functionality. Spacious play decks, ADA-compliant entries and dynamic spray effects both on and around the tower prioritise inclusive play experiences to ensure every user gets to have fun at their own level.

Contact: waterplay.com

Low pressure UV

Public swimming pool operators are increasingly required to consider swimmer health and comfort by minimising the combined chlorine levels or chloramines responsible for sore eyes, skin irritations, asthma attacks and the nasty “chlorine” smell as well as rapid corrosion of swimming pool equipment.

Tracing style on the outdoors

The Trace Armchair is a generous lounge chair showcasing Trace’s brave design detail, generous forms and sumptuous upholstery.

With a striking tubular frame manufactured with exterior-grade aluminium, the Trace Armchair is supported by robust legs that can be selected in either sustainable Accoya or Cambia timber or textured powder-coated aluminium. The Trace Armchair incorporates a lasercut chair base to ensure water drainage in the event of heavy rainfall.

Contact: madebytait.com.au 56 SPLASH!

December 2017/January 2018

Luke Chamberlain, technical director of UV-Guard, says that while conventional theory recommends medium pressure UV disinfection systems for use in public swimming pools, pool operators looking for energy savings are increasingly turning to low pressure UV systems.

He says studies in Australia and overseas have all recorded combined chlorine levels below 1ppm using low pressure UV systems.

He says low pressure UV is three times more efficient than medium pressure, has twice the lamp life, and has a lower risk of overheating during intermittent flow.

Contact: www.uvguard.com

Cast iron grilling

Morso Grill Forno II is a stylish barbecue, contributing to a congenial bonfire atmosphere. The cast-iron insert has an integrated barbecue grid that increases oxygen intake and improves burning conditions.

The relatively small grill means it is not imposing – and while warming on a cold night, it is not too overpowering for summer. The open design means the glowing flames can be enjoyed while entertaining.

Protect Pool, Protect Your Your Pool, Protect Kids Protect Your Your Kids 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

You can also purchase additional equipment to turn it into a smoking chamber.

Contact: morso.com

Hybrid mini excavator

Semco is introducing a hybrid version of its highly popular TB216 mini excavator to test the market and determine future demand which may pave the way for hybrid versions of other models in the near future.

Excavators powered by electricity have been used in Europe for some time. About 10 years ago in Paris, Takeuchi exhibited their fully electric model TB016. However, the high cost of batteries at that time (and still today) has inhibited the general market acceptance of these models.

Takeuchi has decided that the time is now right to introduce an electric hybrid excavator where both the diesel engine and an electric drive have been incorporated into the design. The Takeuchi TB216H hybrid excavator introduces the concept to Australia in the sub-2 tonne excavator category.

Contact: semcogroup.com.au December 2017/January 2018 SPLASH! 57

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