feature
market that has been challenged is the perception that pool designs are limited to a small number of shapes and sizes. “This is one area where Compass Pools is making major inroads by giving customers the ability to customise design with add-ons, infinity and acrylic edges, to name a few,” Cross says. Given Australia’s “sun drenched country” reputation, owning a swimming pool is virtually considered a necessity. So, it makes sense that people are looking for a good-looking, affordable option that also fits in with their lifestyle. “In the early days, fibreglass pool colour options were admittedly bland, but as the market has matured, all major manufacturers have heavily invested in perfecting colour technology to the point where most people would argue that a fibreglass pool finish often looks better than its concrete counterpart,” says Cross.
Imagine telling customers they could drink the pool water?
Speed equals turnover
While a fibreglass pool was once considered far cheaper to install than a concrete one, Cross says it’s hard to draw reliable price comparisons due to myriad variable such as site conditions, business models and pool design options. “Generally speaking, we have always known fibreglass to be on par or slightly less than concrete, and it is certainly our experience that when dealing with complex aboveground installation options, our maxi-rib aboveground system often proves to be the more
How soil types affect fibreglass pools Soil types vary across Australia, with WA and Queensland having more areas of sandier soil compared to the other states. “Free-draining soil is required for the base of the pool hole and for back fill,” says Lynley Papineau from Aquatic Leisure Technologies. “Pools being installed in reactive soils, such as clay, can be affected by volume changes if they are not correctly managed.” Changes to the moisture content and subsequent damage to your fibreglass pool can largely be avoided if you manage the pool’s surrounds as you would the vicinity of a house foundation. “A concrete ring beam is generally laid around pools that are installed in clay soil,” says Papineau.
Chlorine
Salt
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Our fresh-thinking alternative to chlorine, salt and mineral pools is changing the way everyone looks at swimming. Invite your clients to imagine swimming in pool water that’s so close to the natural balance of freshwater they could actually drink it. No chlorine stench, no red eyes and no need for a shower afterwards. This is swimming as nature intended.
Other considerations for pools in reactive soil types include:
• Give your business a point of difference
• Provide adequate surface drainage including perimeter paving where necessary, with a fall away from the pool;
• High value product with high quality margins
• Ensure roof drainage is directed by pipe work away from the pool and clear of the excavation; • Where sites have been excavated into a slope, surface and/or subsurface, drains may be required to provide adequate drainage; • Ensure that all vegetation and water affected areas are removed prior to the pool installation/construction; • Avoid planting large shrubs and trees close to the pool;
• Simple to install, simple to maintain • Highest level service and support to you and your customers
Call 1800 625 331 or visit naked-pools.com
• Maintain gardens and ensure adequate watering of adjacent lawns, shrubs, etc. especially during extended dry periods to prevent the clay soil around the pool from drying out and shrinking; • Ensure that water and sewer service lines are not damaged or subjected to additional external loads. Repair leaking plumbing or blocked drains immediately; • Do not empty the pool after winter periods when natural soil moisture content is at its highest or at any time when the water around the pool is higher than the deepest section of the floor.
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Swimming as nature intended
Dec 2019/Jan 2020 SPLASH! 41