BIGGEST SPLASH FOR WET LEISURE

A record number of companies celebrated at the UK Pool & Spa Awards… Demonstrating the broad depth of the multi-million pound wet leisure sector, a record 38 companies were declared winners in the 2024 UK Pool & Spa Awards, presented at the National Conference Centre, Birmingham, in December. The competition, decided by public votes, judges’ […]

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URGENT TRAINING INVESTMENT CRUCIAL

Keith Osborne dives into swimming pools for the second of our two-part special investigation into the wet leisure industry’s skills crisis… With its need for trained people specialising in a variety of technical fields, the wet leisure industry is currently experiencing a significant skills shortage. A lack of foresight, together with time and budget limitations, […]

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SPATEX FLIES UK FLAG

Pre-registration is advised for Coventry’s SPATEX wet leisure show… When the doors open at the Coventry Building Society Arena, SPATEX visitors can expect a showcase of the latest products and innovations. But, thanks to the support of the Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers, and other industry associations, the event will also see one of the […]

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SIX OF POOL REFURBISHMENT BEST

Award-winning residential refurbishment projects… Refurbishment and renovation is the throbbing heartbeat for the residential UK swimming pool sector. A mainstay for most, refurbishing pools continues to contribute a huge slice of swimming pool contracting business. Upgrades will initially focus attention on design. Out with the dolphins and in with a modern, sophisticated aquascape of colours […]

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FOR THE LOVE OF LIDOS

Community campaigning is helping lidos enjoy a renaissance, writes Judith Wojtowicz… Alfresco pools around the country are experiencing a joyful revival, with many derelict sites being restored and new projects taking shape. Last year saw the opening of three new or re-vamped lidos… the restored Cleveland Pool in Bath, the oldest lido in the UK; […]

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INDUSTRY SKILLS CRISIS

Keith Osborne reports on recruitment and retention challenges… The construction industry is estimated to need around 250,000 trade skilled workers over the next four years, in multiple disciplines including wet leisure. Even if you can find candidates to invest in, there is a struggle to provide sufficient resources to train in-house teams, commercial clients and […]

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OLYMPIC LEGACY FOR PARIS

La Defense Arena in Paris was transformed into a temporary Olympic swimming venue in just 60 days, reports Judith Wojtowicz. The home of French rugby, and just days previously the setting for Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour, La Defense Arena was transformed in an astonishing feat of technical and architectural engineering. Two modular 50m pools, […]

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THE AGE OF THE SPA HEAT PUMP

What goes together like salt and pepper, bread and butter and even hamburger with fries, is now equally true with hot tubs sold with heat pumps. No self-respecting retailer is installing a home spa this season unless it is accompanied by a super-efficient spa heat pump.  What is more, switched-on hot tub specialists are contacting […]

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AT YOUR SERVICE

How to make the most of pool and spa service visits… For growing and maintaining a solid brand and a faithful customer base, providing high-quality servicing is an essential. But beware. Without careful management, a number of avoidable mistakes by engineers on site can quickly taint a good reputation. Whether for one-off jobs or seasonal […]

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