Pool & Spa Business News

Face To Face Format Heralded Success

Category: News, Pool & Spa Business News | Comment (0)

National Leisure Seminar For Pool and Spa Industry

National Leisure members came face to face with its main suppliers at its biennial seminar at the Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire.

Members of the National Leisure group of companies came face to face with its main suppliers at its biennial seminar recently at the Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire.

The Sywell event provided a fast-moving ten minute appointment slot for member companies to talk directly to suppliers to hear about both existing and new products and to feedback comments on their use.
National Leisure operates as a non-profit making buying consortium for its 28 member companies. The organisation also provides an informal networking platform for companies that are located all over the UK.

All Bosta purchasers on the day went into a lucky draw to win a free heat pump. The winner was Alan Bettin Swimming Pools of
Farnham, Surrey.

Members of the National Leisure Board took the opportunity to present retiring director, Tim Bareham, with a present in recognition of years of service to the National Leisure group of companies.
After the formal business of the event, National Leisure lived up to its reputation of combing work, rest and play with a choice of social activities for both suppliers and member companies alike.

Companies who took part included: Aquaflex;  Astral Pool; Biolab; Bosta; Brentag; Certikin; Country Leisure; CPC; EJ Bowman; Elecro; Golden Coast; Helo; ITT; MSI; OASE; PPG; SCP; Seko UK.
National Leisure
Tel: +44 (0)1305 824610
www.national-leisure.co.uk

 

Hand In Glove Quality

Category: Home Pools & Spas, News, Pool & Spa Business News | Comment (0)

Aquatrac, swimming pool covers, Patten Penguin, Essex swimming pools, swimming pool chemicals, swimming pool equipment, SPATA, pools, spas, hot tubs

Up against three lower-priced potential suppliers, Aquatrac was the swimming pool cover of choice for an Essex customer.

Up against three lower-priced potential suppliers, Aquatrac was the cover of choice for an Essex customer who wanted a quality product at best value rather than lowest price.

The Aqua Ocean model was housed in a purpose-built, below ground pit with removable stainless steel trays. Aquatrac worked hand-in-glove with Patten Penguin, the swimming pool contractor commissioned to build the pool as part of an exclusive up-market residential development.

“Above all, the brief was for a high quality finish with all of the mechanism concealed beneath the floor but still to be easily accessible,” explains Stuart Adams of Aquatrac.

“Due to our top quality materials, Aquatrac is able to offer almost an invisible fix with bespoke, purpose-built pit lids that blend virtually seamlessly into the surroundings,” Stuart adds.
Aquatrac is the longest established and most respected British made Automatic Safety Cover in the UK. Product quality is guaranteed by specifying only the best materials available including stainless steel guide wires.
Aquatrac covers are tailor made with welded and stitched sides in heavier grade uPVC, generally within 48 hours A unique protective coated uPVC material is installed on all models with a vast range of track and cover colour options available.
All Aquatrac covers come with the Aquatrac Fair Play guarantee scheme with many parts covered up to 10 years with added support of Aquatrac’s in-house engineering team.
“When it comes to cover installation, Aquatrac is involved from the very early stages to ensure the pool is prepared in a way that is fit for purpose but does not compromise the design,” says Stuart. “We work hand in glove with the pool builders offering a full turnkey package without compromise on support or quality of product.”
Aquatrac
Tel. +44 (0)1268 571515
www.aquatrac.co.uk

Rallying Call To Industry

Category: International, News, Pool & Spa Business News, Pool & Spa Show Reports | Comment (2)

SPATEX POOL AND SPA SHOW

Enjoying a virtually free rein since its inception in 1996, SPATEX, held every February in Brighton, now faces stiff competition from a rival event.

Amid fears that a rival exhibition could strip the core pool and spa industry associations of vital future revenue, water leisure sectors are being urged to back SPATEX, the exhibition that has raised in excess of one million pounds for the industry in its 17 year history.

SPATEX is part of the BSPF umbrella group that includes the member organisations of SPATA and BISHTA. Enjoying a virtually free rein since its inception in 1996, SPATEX, held every February in Brighton, now faces stiff competition from a rival event.

Going head-to-head on timing and on price packages, the organisers of Piscines, Lyon, the world’s largest dedicated water leisure show, will launch an alternative UK pool and spa show to be held at Birmingham’s NEC in January 2013.

Monies from the SPATEX exhibition have been predominantly used to promote swimming pool and spa ownership with 10% of the SPATEX profit so far being donated to the Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers to support education and training.

“The trade should be warned that every penny spent at an exhibition other than SPATEX is directly reducing the money which may be donated to the UK pool trade organisations that exist to help, support and serve the industry,” warns Ross Alcock of ISPE.

Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers

Every penny spent at an exhibition other than SPATEX is directly reducing the money which may be donated to the UK pool trade organisations that exist to help, support and serve the industry,” warns Ross Alcock of ISPE

“Of course the UK pool trade could function without SPATA, the ISPE and even SPATEX but it would be a far poorer industry in all senses of the word, and a far less professional and rewarding trade to be associated with.”

 SLIPPERY SLOPE

Ross adds: “As soon as SPATEX is depleted in either visitors or exhibitors it is a slippery slope and that money which has been greatly appreciated by the organisations will quickly be reduced, and the trade will suffer as a consequence.”

“The [SPATEX] motto ‘by the industry FOR the industry’ is particularly apt here as it reflects not just that the exhibition is for the industry to attend and exhibit at but the revenue raised by the exhibition is also for the industry.”

Following an industry survey, the SPATEX show organisers have opted to pin their colours to the Brighton mast, confirming the seaside location as the preferred venue not just for this year but for 2013 also.

“Despite scouring the UK for alternative venues, we have not yet found a place that matches all the facilities of the Metropole in Brighton,” comments SPATEX director, Howard Gosling and continues: “The recent [BSPF] survey still showed it [Brighton] had the biggest following.

“Companies will always exhibit where they think will be best for their business – as indeed they should – but no one should be ignorant of the ‘silent’ profit raised for advertising and PR for the pool and spa awareness, as well as education of those within the Industry, so as to ensure further growth of the pool and spa business.”

Howard continued: “For years, different businesses and people had been creaming off the exhibition profits for themselves. In 1996 this changed.” “If SPATEX were not there to make a profit every year, then all the promotional spend would be lost to all members of the pool [and spa] industry.”

SPATEX

Tel. +44 (0)1264 358558

www.spatex.co.uk

New UK Pool And Spa Show To Go Ahead

Category: International, News, Pool & Spa Business News | Comment (0)

The organisers of the bi-ennial Lyon pool show are teaming up with UK partners to launch Piscine UK, a new show for the pool and spa sectors that will be held at Birmingham’s NEC from next year.
Piscine UK 2013, from January 23 to January 25, is a joint venture between Lyon organisers, GL events and the UK based NEW events, is aiming to provide the UK, Europe’s fourth biggest pool and spa market, with a professional event that targets international exhibitors, say the organisers.
“The launch of Piscine UK was decided after significant research and discussions with a wide range of UK suppliers who wanted to see an event that will offer the UK the type of platform it deserves,” says Claire Saunders on behalf of Piscine UK.
“It is unfortunate that when New Events spoke with a representative of BISHTA and SPATA on the opportunity to work together and make a bigger, better, more international event for the UK pool and spa industry, they chose not to take this up,” Claire added.
“We would like to continue discussions with BISHTA and SPATA after SPATEX and will be available in Brighton from 4-6th February to
chat to confirmed and potential Piscine UK exhibitors.”
Piscine UK
Tel. +44 (0)1483 420 229
Email. info@neweventsltd.com

Sundance Team Lead By Example

Category: Hot Tubs & Spas, News, Pool & Spa Business News | Comment (0)

Francesca and Glen Squire, UK distributors of Sundance Spas who practice what they preach as Sundance’s top UK retailers, trading under the banner of Alfresco Life.

Francesca and Glen Squire, UK distributors of Sundance Spas who practice what they preach as Sundance’s top UK retailers, trading under the banner of Alfresco Life.

Leading by example comes naturally to Francesca and Glen Squire, UK distributors of Sundance Spas who practice what they preach as Sundance’s top UK retailers, trading under the banner of Alfresco Life.

“As far as we are concerned it is all about quality not quantity,” says Glen who moved into spas and hot tubs from a background in the building trade, specialising in conservatories and small extensions.

“We can all go and buy a container load of tubs from China but how is your business going to last long-term selling those because
ultimately you could become the company with a reputation not to buy a spa from,” says Glen.
“It is much more important to protect your prices and protect your margins by selling a higher-end quality product that ultimately will pay higher dividends for you, your customers and your business,” he adds.
Glen and Francesca knew they wanted to get into spas back in 2005. They spent six months researching the market, comparing products and prices before choosing Sundance Spas and taking the plunge with Alfresco Life back in 2006.
They were the UK’s biggest Sundance dealer when the previous distribution company folded and it was almost inevitable they would be approached by the American manufacturers to take on the UK distribution of the brand in 2009.

SELECT STOCK

The UK team holds a select stock of the most popular Sundance models. They lean on Sundance’s large European store in Rotterdam for other shipping options and with typical order to delivery from Holland available in three to four days see no reason to increase UK based overheads. Their current UK Sundance network is made up of a dozen dealers and they will be looking to fill strategic geographic gaps in 2012 and beyond.
“Over the years we have been approached and even tempted by other brands but we still believe Sundance has the most to offer.There are a lot of very professional hot tub dealers out there who multi-brand or who chop and change brands,”  says Glen.

“We all know people who have been in the business for four or five years with four or five different product associations. That is not for us because we don’t know how you maintain your integrity with your clients on that basis. “I could not see myself anything else other than Sundance when we started and there is nothing to change my view now,” says Glen.

“Sundance are the best spas with unique features and it is those unique selling points that differentiate you from the competition.”
With 20 different spas in the Sundance range, the flagship range is the 880, featuring the Cameo and Optima models and retailing at around £13,000. The top selling 880 eliminates the dreaded cleaning of the spa filter instead offering a nine month replacement system and an impressive running cost of 50 pence per day. It has a ‘bearing-less’ jet configuration helping to add to the longevity of the spa which typically offers a 20 to 25 year lifespan to customers.

Glen says: “I know when I started getting into the hot tub industry and when I saw Sundance, I thought they were too expensive but you have to sell the difference. “I think there are too many retailers in our industry settling for a £5k spend when they could sell at £8k plus.

“Being a retailer ourselves enables us to test our products and our price point philosophies and share that good practice – in essence we don’t ask anybody to do anything or sell anything we have not proved ourselves.”

Sundance Spas
Tel. +44 (0)1625 611118
www.sundance-spas.co.uk
 
Alfresco Life
Tel. +44 (0)1625 423803
www.alfrescolife.co.uk

Vital Growth For Country Leisure

Category: Pool & Spa Business News, UK Export | Comment (0)

Country Leisure, specialist designers and manufacturers of fibreglass fittings such as pool steps, slides and diving boards, has opened an additional 6,000-square foot factory to help cope with increasing demand.

ABOVE: Malcolm Brown pictured, third on the right, oversees the recent opening of the new Country Leisure factory facility in Wiltshire.

Country Leisure, specialist designers and manufacturers of fibreglass fittings such as pool steps, slides and diving boards, has
opened an additional 6,000-square foot factory to help cope with increasing demand.
The £330,000 factory in Salisbury, Wiltshire, will serve both Country Leisure and its sister company, Loyal Grove Leisure, based in Staffordshire.
Half the cost of the factory was paid for by the former Government scheme the Regional Development Plan for England (now Defra RDPE). The expansion has seen the creation of ten new jobs to add to the existing 40-strong workforce.
Managing director Malcolm Brown said the company, founded 26 years ago, was expanding rapidly and needed bigger premises to
avoid having to relocate.
“Our sales have increased by 33 per cent compared with the last three years, and look to continue that way during the next six to nine months,” he said.

“The Business Plan for 2012/2013 reflects on some of the previous success stories but also builds a vision for 2012 and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,” Malcolm adds.
“I am very confident that we are going to have another busy year judging by the current order book and the level of enquiries.”
Current overseas contracts included Belgium, France, Spain, Ireland, Norway, Germany and Australia.
The Country Leisure range includes water slides, flumes, aquaslides and multislides in addition to water features, rapids,
safety rails and creative animal pool toys.
The company also offers various swimming pool mouldings such as diving boards, slides, roman end steps and many other type of steps.
Country Leisure
Tel. +44 (0)1980 629 555
www.countryleisure.co.uk

Standing Out From The Crowd

Category: International, News, Pool & Spa Business News | Comment (0)

Some of the stand-out projects and performances from 2011 are recognised in the Pool and Spa Scene annual awards.

Judged by an independent panel of experts with nominations from a cross-section of sectors of the water leisure industry.

Best Product 2011

Nominations:

  • Signature Pools: Commercial one-piece deck over-flow fully tiled pool

  • Waterco: Multicyclone Plus

  • Kingspan: Koolduct system

  • Orbro Reed: Solid Pool system

  • BTU : MagnaPool system

 

 

Waterco Multicyclone Plus

Waterco MultiCyclone win best product 2011

 

   Best Product 2011 WINNER : Multicyclone Plus

 

 

 

 

 

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Best Supplier 2011

Nominations:

  • Aquafinesse

  • Signature Pools

  • Ocea UK

  • Waterco Europe

 

Ocea is Pool and Spa Scene's 2011 Supplier of the Year

   Best Supplier 2011 WINNER: Ocea UK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Showroom Of The Year

Hydropool UK's Portsmouth branch has won the coveted title of UK Showroom Of The Year

 Best Showroom 2011 WINNER: Hydropool UK

 

 

 

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Best Website Of The Year

Nominations:

  • Barr and Wray Portrait Pools

  • Rio Pools

  • Wet Leisure Co

Best Website Of The Year Winner: Rio Pools

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Best Advertisement 2011

Nominations:

  • Intopool – The Monaco – April 2011

  • Proteus UK – Proteus – June 2011

  • Lonza (Arch ) – hth – August 2011

Plastipack Geo Bubble Advertisement

With an advert designed for them by the Waterland Media team, Plastipack has won the 2011 Advertisement Of The Year Award

Best Advertisement 2011 WINNER:

Plastipack Limited – geobubble.co.uk – October 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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UK Team Of The Year

Nominations:

  • Aquafinesse

  • Jacuzzi UK

  • Hydropool UK

  • Waterco Europe

 

jacuzzi spas

UK Team Of The Year - Jacuzzi UK

   UK Team Of The Year WINNER: Jacuzzi UK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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International Team Of The Year

Shortlisted:

  • AstralPool

  • Endless Pools

  • Plastipack

  • Passion Spas

 

Passion Spas Win International Team Of The Year Award

Passion Spas are named as Pool & Spa Scene's International Team Of The Year

   International Team Of The Year WINNER: Passion Spas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Best Picture Of The Year

Tom Daley Opens 2012 London Aquatics Centre With First Official Dive

Hopes Of A Nation! Tom Daley opening the 2012 Aquatics Centre is our Picture Of The Year!

 

 

 

 

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Best Residential Pool Project

Nominations:

  • Cave Dwellers, underground pool, Cheshire Wellness
  • Neptune Project, back garden pool,
  • Howard’s Hydrocare
  • Biodesign Project, Falcon Pools

The Pool & Spa Scene jury voted this Cheshire Wellness pool project as their Residential Pool Of The Year

   Best Residential Pool Project WINNER:
Cave Dwellers, Cheshire Wellness

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Best Commercial Pool Project

Nominations:

  • Nirvana Spa , Signature Products
  • 2012 London Aquatics Centre, Multiple suppliers
  • Calvert Trust, Lake District, Grayfox Pools
  • Montenegro Pool for Lord Rothschild, Aquascapes

This stunning Montegro pool project scoops Aquascapes our Commercial Pool Of The Year award for 2011.

   Best Commercial Pool Project WINNER:

   Aquascapes, Montegro Pool

 

Fire Damage Bill Reaches Quarter Of A Million

Category: News, Pool & Spa Business News | Comment (0)

Grayfox pool and spa fire damage

A forklift truck and three Grayfox company vans were completely destroyed along with palette loads of stock including chemicals, pumps, filters and supplies.

The pool store of Grayfox Swimming Pools, of Stow, Lincolnshire, has been completely destroyed in a fire that caused damage estimated at £250,000.

It took the crew of eight fire engines more than four hours to bring the fire under control as flames threatened to spread to the nearby family home.

Grayfox is a member of the National Leisure group of pool building companies and has been building pools since the 1970s. The fire is believed to have spread from a bonfire to a woodstore and on to the pool store itself.

A forklift truck and three company vans, stored in the 20 year old steel-framed building, were completely destroyed along with palette loads of stock including chemicals, pumps, filters and supplies. At one point, fire officers cleared the site when a half-full gas canister exploded.

“One consolation was that we had not moved the office as intended to next to the pool store – otherwise the impact on the business would have been even more devastating,” Nigel says. “We are picking up the pieces and carrying on as best we can.  It is a lot of hassle but no-one was hurt and we will learn lessons to fit alarms and other fire prevention measures in future.”

Grayfox Swimming Pools
Tel: +44 (0)1427 788682
www.grayfoxswimmingpools.co.uk

Hand In Glove Quality

Category: Pool & Spa Business News, Uncategorized | Comment (0)

automatic covers for swimming pools

Aquatrac’s Aqua Ocean cover was chosen for its high quality at best value for this Essex residential pool project.

Up against three lower-priced potential suppliers, Aquatrac was the cover of choice for an Essex customer who wanted a quality
product at best value rather than lowest price.

The Aqua Ocean model was housed in a purpose-built, below ground pit with removable stainless steel trays. Aquatrac worked hand-in-glove with Patten Penguin, the swimming pool contractor commissioned to build the pool as part of an exclusive up-market residential development.
“Above all, the brief was for a high quality finish with all of the mechanism concealed beneath the floor but still to be easily
accessible,” explains Stuart Adams of Aquatrac.

“Due to our top quality materials, Aquatrac is able to offer almost an invisible fix with bespoke, purpose-built pit lids that blend virtually seamlessly into the surroundings,” Stuart adds.

Aquatrac is the longest established and most respected British made Automatic Safety Cover in the UK. Product quality
is guaranteed by specifying only the best materials available including stainless steel guide wires.

Aquatrac covers are tailor made with welded and stitched sides in heavier grade uPVC, generally within 48 hours A unique protective coated uPVC material is installed on all models with a vast range of track and cover colour options available.All Aquatrac covers come with the Aquatrac Fair Play guarantee scheme with many parts covered up to 10 years with added support of Aquatrac’s in-house engineering team.

“When it comes to cover installation, Aquatrac is involved from the very early stages to ensure the pool is prepared in a way that is fit for purpose but does not compromise the design,” says Stuart. “We work hand in glove with the pool builders offering a full turnkey package without compromise on support or quality of product.”
Aquatrac
Tel. +44 (0)1268 571515
www.aquatrac.co.uk

Breaking Home Pool Mould

Category: Home Pools & Spas, News, Pool & Spa Business News, Residential Swimming Pools | Comment (0)

Once content with providing only the water leisure cog in a lucrative construction wheel, Aqua Platinum Projects is now offering the complete turnkey package as project management consultants on entire construction projects.

Once content with providing only the water leisure cog in a lucrative construction wheel, Aqua Platinum Projects is now offering the complete turnkey package as project management consultants on entire construction projects.

When it comes to breaking moulds – Aqua Platinum Projects is a company that knows no boundaries. Paving the way for a completely new generation of swimming pool specialists, APP is redefining the role for residential pool installers at the same time, elevating themselves into the premier division of property development. Once content with providing the water leisure cog in a lucrative construction wheel, the company is now reinventing that wheel; offering the complete turnkey package as project management consultants on entire  construction projects.

THIRD GENERATION
“It is so obvious, I do not know why we did not think of it before,” says Ryan Fronda, who boasts 20 years experience in the pool construction sector, as the third generation of the Fronda pool building dynasty.
“With pool contracting, you invariably have to dove tail with a main contractor and a number of sub contractors – the more factors involved, the more complicated the inevitable blame
culture and the ‘hot potato’ mentality,” Ryan says. “Something goes wrong, the client pulls the pin on a hand grenade and everyone wants to chuck it around. “But clients, particularly top end clients, do not want to know about problems or hand grenades and the collateral damage; they want a minimum aggravation experience. So in this way, we take control ourselves, cut out the communication chain and see the entire project through from concept to completion.”
Strategic Partnership
Grasping the proverbial nettle, APP has established strategic partnerships with architects, builders and developers. The move has catapulted the team from £250,000 bit players to multimillion pound top of the bill listing.
“These sorts of projects are slow burners; from concept to handover can be two years but we bring all the elements to the table; the whole job is our responsibility and the clients are willing to pay for that service,” Fronda continues.
“Instead of extracting the pool part of the job, giving us a price for the piecemeal pool work, we now do the whole lot. Given the size of the projects we are now taking on, it can sometimes feel daunting but it is risk versus reward for us.
“From the client’s point of view they have a smooth, one point of contact, from tender to handing over the key.”
Fundamental to that success is APP’s partnership with London based architect, Julian Amos, a practice that has a vast portfolio of luxury end properties up to £40m. An extended team at APP with strong contract managers ensures top quality delivery at all levels. Projects so far have seen a London bias but the team has no geographic barriers.
An overwhelming trend is the demand for basement projects,typically involving not just pools but also delivering on games rooms, cinemas and wellness suites. APP specialises in the technically challenging field of sub terrain  construction. The company is capitalising on the increasing demand for basement work, particularly in mews properties, where planning permission, for anything other than underground development, would be extremely costly and invariably declined.
“Clients are grasping the concept that when it comes to sensible development, the answer lies in the ground beneath their feet,” Ryan explains.
“Clients are seeing massive returns on development of sub terrain developments that heap value on the properties as we
increase the square footage.”
An integral part of the basement pool construction is the tiled Polypool panel system that is ideal for its versatility and quick build potential. Ryan concludes: “We were hostages to fortune if we relied on the liner pool market that has suffered so badly in the economic climate. “We could have just sat back and waited for the economy to improve; instead we are moving forward with the Polypool tiled system as the lynchpin to our sustained success.”
Aqua Platinum Projects
Tel. +44 (0)1489 890800
www.aquaplatinumprojects.co.uk

Master Stroke Pays Off

Category: Hot Tubs & Spas, International, News, Pool & Spa Business News, Uncategorized | Comment (0)

isits to the www.michaelphelpswimspas.co.uk site have topped the 230,000 mark as promotion of the celebrity range is hailed a huge success.

isits to the www.michaelphelpswimspas.co.uk site have topped the 230,000 mark as promotion of the celebrity range is hailed a huge success.

A year after the launch of the Master Spas’ Michael Phelps Signature Spas, the promotion of the celebrity swim spa range has been hailed a huge success.
The swim spa was recently prominently featured on Sky’s popular sports quiz programme, A League Of Their Own, helping boost views of the www.michaelphelpswimspas.co.uk site to 230,000 in addition to a host of other You Tube sites showing the unique features of the MPS range and the underwater exercise equipment available for it.
In Britain, Master Spas Europe has adopted a soft-sell approach to a trade sector, driven more by quality than price. They have been concentrating first on their established dealership network throughout Europe and then working through applicants wanting to sign up to an exclusive territory in Britain.
Pool and Spa Scene editor, Christina Connor, was given an exclusive interview with Michael Phelps when the range was launched. Meanwhile, Stephen Weller of Master Spas Europe, has recently returned from a trip to Phelps’ training facility in Baltimore where he saw Michael going through the paces in his swim spa with his coach Bob Bowman.

“It was amazing to see how Michael used the swim spa for a complete training session with Bob adjusting the current to suit the stroke or a timed speed session, Michael in full flight doing butterfly is a spectacular sight!”

Stephen says: “Michael loves the features of his swim spa and what he calls its ‘party lights’ and music system with underwater sound, he likes to warm down after a training session with the jetted seating and wall jets.“
Michael’s training facility is at the swimming club where he learnt to swim. The training pools serve both champions and
mother and toddler groups as well as senior citizens also doing their daily lengths of the pool.
Says Stephen: “The facility has a great feel and serves the whole community and Michael’s desire to get everyone into the
benefits and fun of swimming.”
It is not too late to sign up for an exclusive Michael Phelps’ swim spa dealership ahead of the 2012 Olympic year with vacancies available, particularly in northern England.

Speedy Construction Makes Home Pool Build Sense

Category: Pool & Spa Business News, Residential Swimming Pools | Comment (0)

swimming pool built by Orbro Reed Solid Pool method

APS UK is one of the first UK companies to switch on to the potential of the Solid Pool system.

With margins being squeezed and smart thinking companies looking to minimise overheads, panel pool systems like the Solid Pool are looking increasingly attractive for hard-pressed residential pool builders.
Just two people can construct a 10m x 5m Solid Pool in just a couple of days compared with weeks for traditional pool construction methods.
The Solid Pool system comes with simplified pipe work which cuts down the need for specialist technical knowledge on site. For instance, there is no need to render the pool. Add into the
equation, ease of access to site, the ability to cut and shape easily and their lightweight manoeuvrability and you have a winning formula.
PROFIT SAVVY
Comparatively new to the UK, the Solid Pool system has been in use for nearly a decade in other parts of the world with up to 1500 pool installations being completed every year. Now profitsavvy
UK builders are switching on to the benefits of Solid Pool. Companies like APS UK that has just finished a Solid Pool project
in Banstead, Surrey. “We opted for the Solid Pool because the block system allows for bespoke pool construction to the customer’s requirements,” says Peter Taylor of APS UK.
“The Solid Pool system is so much easier for the builder to use than conventional breeze blocks yet they are suitable for any type
of finish such as tiles or liner or reinforced PVC,” he adds.“This was particularly useful on this difficult to access site and saved us a
huge amount of time, let alone money.”

The 30’ x 15’ pool in a suburban location was fully tiled and finished with an Oase automatic pool cover. Equipment included
an X-Stream swim jet, ESPA pump and filter and a Puronizer. “I was not nervous about being one of the first pool builders
in the UK to use this system because it has been used on literally thousands of pools in Europe,” Peter says. “The principle is still the same but the time and margins, definitely are not,” he adds.
Ideal for pool and spa construction for a professional build or self-build, the Solid Pool system has already been exhibited to great
acclaim at high profile consumer shows such as Grand Designs. The system will be on display at Brighton’s SPATEX exhibition in
February but is available instantly through UK distributors, Orbro Reed.
Orbro Reed
Tel. +44 (0)208 669 1913
www.orbroreed.com

Smartphone Technology To Control Home Hot Tubs

Category: Home Pools & Spas, Hot Tubs & Spas, News, Pool & Spa Business News | Comment (0)

Artesian Spas have just launched the new SmartPhone technology in their top end line, the Platinum Elite.

Artesian Spas have just launched the new SmartPhone technology in their top end line, the Platinum Elite.

Home spa and hot tub owners can now control their hot tubs through their mobile phones thanks to new SmartPhone technology being introduced to top end spa models for 2012.

Artesian Spas have just launched the new SmartPhone technology in their top end line, the Platinum Elite.
Coast Spas too have taken the wraps off its new Spa App that controls multiple spa functions through iPhone, iTouch and iPad, initially on models with luxury packs.
For the first time hot tub aficionados take control of their Coast Spa from inside the comfort of their home with their iPhone, iPod or iPad. The spa owner simply downloads the free app from iTunes and it will automatically connect to their hot tub.
CONSTANT UPDATES
Once a mobile handheld device connects to a spa, the user will be able monitor real-time temperature changes of spa water as
it constantly updates. In addition you can re-set and modify that temperature, activate jets and toggle lights on and off.
With mobile phone control options available through Gecko and Balboa, the smart technology is expected to be extended to all
major brands by the end of next year.
“I think in today’s society, we are very reliant on technology, it’s almost unheard of for a person to be without a computer in their
home,” comments Vicky Stirland of Artesian Spas. “Almost everyone has a smart phone and communicates with
family and friends using technology on a daily basis. “It’s important for an innovative hot tub company like Artesian
to listen to the market and meet technological demands,” Vicki adds.
With early prototypes now rolling off the production lines, the new ‘smart’ technology will give spa sales a timely boost.
As Vicky says: “The aim of these new innovations is to make the spa experience as luxurious and relaxing as possible especially
for someone who is considering a top end spa.
“I don’t think there is a down side to this ‘smart’ technology, so long as the products improve the overall spa experience and have
gone through rigorous testing. “There would be nothing worse than having this technology that is meant to make the spa-use easier than to have it fail and become a stressful and frustrating experience,” Vicky stresses. “That is why Artesian spend years thoroughly testing their technology before launching it.” She adds: “Although it can be seen as a benefit to be the
first to launch something, we would rather make sure that the technology will be reliable for our customers when it is
introduced. A premium product should be built to a premium standard without exception.”
Not to be out done, Coast Spas is now adding the Spa App to complement its multi-functional Colossus Pack for topside control
in multiple languages.

Fingertip control of home spas is only a phone call away for owners of Coast Spas hot tubs.

Fingertip control of home spas is only a phone call away for owners of Coast Spas hot tubs.

“Coast Spas has always been considered the leader in innovation and design for the hot tub industry,” Sean Corscadden, Coast Spas’ Executive Sales Manager. “We were the first with fibre-optics, first with stereos, first with TV’s, first with two speed motors and the first and only with negative edge spas. “We take this part of the business very seriously and invest heavily in designing new and creative things to keep us and our dealers “different”.

Sean says in today’s day and age, people want ease of use; functional things that make their lives easier and more enjoyable.

“Technology offers that and I believe the Spa App and iPhone/ iPad technology will continue to develop and allow for these needs and wants,” he says. “When a spa company pushes the envelope and is a leader in this area and invests it makes them different than the competition. This is important because it allows retailers to offer and cater to people who want more. More value for their money.”
Sean adds: ”I am not a ‘techie’ person but I understand and see that most people are, especially the young people. “Information comes so fast and people need it more and more. I think with that it makes a hot tub that much more important.
“It gives people the opportunity to leave their 60 hour a week jobs behind and so get away in their own back yards and relax,
recharge and reconnect with each face to face.” Like, Artesian, Coast already offers Sony Bluetooth that can link your mobile phone to the Sony Bluetooth stereo and play all songs that you have on the phone through the deck.
It also allows you to accept calls; you hear the person speak through the speakers and there is a microphone that picks up
your voice and transmits to them. With several new developments to be unveiled in the New Year, the Sundance elite series of spas rated highest in energy-efficiency, contemporary design pushing the boundaries of style, quality, pristine water and innovation.
“Technology is continually advancing in all industries and so it is good to include those advances within our spas,” says Sundance
Spas UK’s Glen Squire. “After all it is where our customers spend most of their time relaxing and winding down at the end of their day.

There is, if the technology being used is not quite ready or has not been specifically designed for outdoor environments, or
the quality of the components being used are of inferior quality, producing failure problems for the customer which leads to ba press. Some technology being used within the spa industry is gimmicky leading to tacky looking spas or which can just create
more maintenance work for the customer.” But, Glen warns: “We all need to remember that a spa is about relaxing so anything that promotes this along with a massage and
soaking in hot water is a good thing. “But if the technology is not required, if it creates more maintenance or it is an afterthought to try and make the spa more
than what it actually is, don’t put it in.”

Royal Date For Pearly King And Queen

Category: Home Pools & Spas, News, Pool & Spa Business News | Comment (0)

Tony and Christine Canueto dressed up for work as the Pearly King and Queen to mark their 30th wedding anniversary and three decades in business.

Tony and Christine Canueto dressed up for work as the Pearly King and Queen to mark their 30th wedding anniversary and three decades in business.

A regal pair, Christine and Tony Canueto, of Pools Plus, in Berkshire,
turned up for work for a whole week, dressed as Pearly King and
Queen, to mark their 30th wedding anniversary.
The pair’s pearl wedding anniversary coincided with the
landmark achievement of reaching 30 years in business.
“On the shop side, once the doors are open it is like being
on stage at a theatre so they felt quite at home in costume,”
comments the couple’s daughter, Francesca, who is also heavily
involved in the family business.
Always keen to put the fun into their business, the double
anniversary turned into a triple celebration as the family celebrated
Tony’s 70th birthday recently. Tony is an energetic and inspirational
driver of the family business and is still quick on his feet – winning
a dancing competition recently.
Pools Plus
Tel. 0118 9404 221
www.poolsplusllp.com

A Winning Formula

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Water Treatment Products Appoint James Lee

With its own, in-house chemists, WTP offers the formulations and the expertise to ensure you get the right water treatment every time.

Leading blenders of chemicals for pools and spas, Water
Treatment Products has announced the appointment of James Lee
as managing director of its leisure division.
Already a well-known personality in the UK pool and spa
sectors, James, 42, will be maximising WTP’s potential within the
swimming pool and spa chemistry markets within Britain, Eire
throughout Europe and the rest of the world.
“I am delighted to be joining the WTP team where quality of
product and service forms the backbone of the business,” said
James as his appointment was announced.
“The water chemistry industry is changing with increased
regulation that will impact on supply chains.
“Switched on companies will want to put themselves in a
position to future-proof their business,” warned James who said
WTP is uniquely placed by offering a complete menu of chemistry
solutions for the swimming pool, spa and Leisure industry capable
of manufacturing and packing products from small packs right up
to 1000 litres.

James Lee and Tim Carter of Water Treatment Products

Water Treatment Products founder Tim Carter, right, welcomes James Lee as the new managing director of its water leisure division.

“By choosing WTP as a supplier; compliance comes as part of
the package with the reassurance of experience, the technologies,
the formulations and the expertise to ensure you get the right
treatment every time,” James adds.
“But absolutely crucially, all this is backed by reliable supply
routes that can cope even in most extreme peak periods.”
Formed in 2000, founder Tim Carter has seen WTP grow yearon-
year as unrivalled resellers of products for a diverse range
of water treatment markets. As well as handling challenging
materials such as calcium hypochlorite, the company offers the
complete spectrum of specialist brands across the entire pool and
spa business including some unique formulations.
“We are delighted to welcome someone of James’ calibre who
will be in a position to match our products and services with the
needs of the pool and spa sector,” Tim said.
“Our team has total control of all formulations, the purchase of
quality raw materials and the choice of packaging, right through
to delivery.
“WTP customers can therefore be confident of receiving the
very best products to match their individual requirements across
the pool and spa spectrum of own brand liquid and powder
products,” adds Tim.
JEWEL IN CROWN
The jewel in the WTP crown is its 40,000 sq ft, fully bunded,
blending and manufacturing base in South Wales, where ‘duty

of care’ is the watchword, not just for management but for the entire 26-strong workforce. Tim says: “We welcome people to come and visit the WTP facility to show them what WTP can do for them and their business.”

Tim concludes: “We want to build long term relationships as a competent, capable organisation that recognises and embraces our
responsibility to not just educate our customers but to set them up so that they can pass that knowledge to their own customers.”
Water Treatment Products
Tel. +44 (0)1495 792790
www.watertreatmentproducts.co.uk

Panel Beaters

Category: Marketplace, Pool & Spa Business News | Comment (0)

a new advanced structural 1.2m depth polymer ‘X’treme panel from Kafko.

A new advanced structural 1.2m depth polymer ‘X’treme panel from Kafko.

Introducing a new advanced
structural 1.2m depth
polymer ‘X’treme panel from
Kafko.
Supplied with a lifetime
warranty, the new panel
can accommodate Kingspan
‘XPS’ insulation board thus
producing a ‘U’ value =
0.25W/m²K (Calculated in
accordance with BS EN ISO
13370).
For more details please call
today.
Paramount Pools
Tel. 44 (0)1256 748380
www.paramountpools.co.uk

Welsh Weekend To Remember

Category: Pool & Spa Business News | Comment (0)

The majority of AquaFinesse group opted to take the direct route to the camp via a nailbiting ride on the zip wire rather than the footpath.

Hosting one of the biggest corporate events of its kind for many years, AquaFinesse UK recently welcomed a group of over 100 new and potential dealers for a weekend of work, rest and play in
rural Wales.
A group of more than 108 travelled to the five star Bluestone Holiday Resort in the heart of 500 acres of Pembrokeshire countryside in West Wales. They enjoyed top class accommodation
in timber lodges with amenities including the resort’s own village, Well Spa and the popular Blue Lagoon water park. One of the highlights of the event was a hog roast with alive band held at the resort’s Old Smokey cabin-style restaurant in the heart of a wooded glaze within the Park. The majority of
AquaFinesse group opted to take the direct route to the camp via a nail-biting ride on the zip wire rather than the footpath.
Educational Seminars
During a fabulous weekend of fun, there was also some serious work to be done! The weekend programme of events included educational seminars that highlighted the benefits of the specialist AquaFinesse water treatment programme for pools and spas as well as workshops on how best to maximise sales. Guest speakers Shaun Casey, from Canada and Steve Sweeny from the USA delivered inspiring and informative presentations.

Dealers took the opportunity to stock up on promotional material and complementary products to the water treatment range.
“The aim of the event was to fully train and certificate our existing dealers giving them the confidence and knowledge to
improve their sales and to reward them for their loyalty with a luxury weekend packed with fun,” commented Sally Koob, of
AquaFinesse UK.
“It was a very expensive style of event to put on; the like of which nobody in the industry has seen in over 20 years, I am told.”
AquaFinesse already boasts an extensive network of dealers across the UK and Europe but are always on the look out to
expand its dealer base with quality retailers. Sally said: “We did look at Center Parcs as well as other more traditional venues but they did not have the right facilities – plus Bluestone is the only five star accommodation of its type in Europe.

HIGH TURNOUT
“The highlight for me was the high turnout and the amazing feedback from all of the attendees. We are delighted that it was so
well received which makes it worth every penny.” James Candler and Carolyn Hall, of Superior Hot Tubs,
Cheltenham, summed up the feelings of the attendees: “We had a really good weekend and found the training very useful. It was
also an excellent opportunity to meet other dealers and service people and exchange views and ideas with them,” they said.
“We already love AquaFinesse and have converted many of our customers to its benefits. We also use it in all of our maintenance
contracts, which allows us to do once weekly upkeeps without our clients having to worry about the water at all.
“It’s always surprising how good the water is after a week of heavy usage. Most of our clients who use it tell us how nice the
water feels now and we’ve had some with skin problems which are really pleased with how their conditions have improved since
using it.”

AquaFinesse UK
Tel. +44 (0)1348 840509
Email. uk@aquafinesse.com
www.aquafinesse.co.uk

Bayrol Host Mammoth Bavarian Event

Category: International, Pool & Spa Business News | Comment (0)

During the gala dinner Daniel Ricard, far left, Managing Director of the Bayrol Group and a team of speakers, extolled the advantages and benefits of working with a strong brand.

Over 300 guests from 13 countries were invited to Bayrol’s home city to experience Bavarian hospitality and to discover the city of Munich and its surrounding area.
Heavenly Bavaria was the theme for the Bayrol customer event, which took place from October 2 – 4.
Top pool builders and pool trade companies from all over Europe were hand-picked for this first of its kind event organised by Bayrol. The main intention was to say ‘thank you’ to customers for their loyalty over the many years of collaboration.
Heavenly Bavaria was also the launch event for the new Bayrol customer loyalty scheme, which will start to be rolled out in 2012.
This new incentive scheme will be available to all Bayrol dealers ifcertain requirements are fulfilled.

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Thermapool Impresses At Green Awards

Category: Commercial Swimming Pools, News, Pool & Spa Business News | Comment (0)

Thermapool creator, Nigel Rose, is delighted at being short-listed in a recent environmental competition

Thermapool, the swimming pool insulation company,
earned itself a place in the finals of the recent
Hertfordshire Green Awards, alongside major
international companies.
Thermapool was short-listed in two categories, for
the Best Environmental Project of the Year and Green
Innovation for a project involving a Surrey school.
The school saw a reduction in the cost of heating their
12m x 6m x 1.2m pool from £5,000 to £300, while the
pool remained at a comfortable 29°C.
“At that point the school was running the heating
every night of the week on Economy 7,” comments
Thermapool’s Nigel Rose.
“Since then there have been even more energy savings
– this year they decided to try dropping the heating
down to only two nights a week, and found the pool
still remained at 29°C. It’s anticipated the entire season’s
heating bill will come to less than £150,” says Nigel.
Thermapool
Tel. +44 (0)1279 503198
www.thermapool.co.uk

Best Value Leisure Excellence

Category: International, News, Pool & Spa Business News, UK Export | Comment (0)

Flagship Aquascape’s projects include a technically outstanding, 125ft, infinity edge pool for Lord Rothschild in the millionaire’s playground of Montenegro.

Flagship Aquascape’s projects include a technically outstanding, 125ft, infinity edge pool for Lord Rothschild in the millionaire’s playground of Montenegro.

Working from its prime office and showroom location in Essex,
formerly home to Penguin Pools, renowned pool builders of the
Seventies and Eighties, Aquascapes has not flinched from filling
such large water leisure boots.
Whether as project consultants, designers or providing a
turnkey wet leisure installation, Aquascapes has carved itself a
formidable name in the commercial water leisure sector.
BEST VALUE
With a reputation for providing top quality products and service
at best value budgets, Aquascapes has understandably forged key
relationships with big names like Bourne Leisure, Merlin Leisure,
Mace and Kier Construction as well as being the water leisure
specialists of choice for a growing number of local authorities.
Having cut his pool-building teeth, working with some of
the most respected names in the UK pool industry, Aquascapes
is headed by Sean Connelly, who, still aged under 40, is already
considered a pool industry stalwart.

Now master of his own ship, Sean has steered Aquascapes to a £1.5m annual turnover and a
pool building team that is consistently juggling more than £1m of
pool building projects on its books.

Aquascapes added this impressive 60 metre lazy river with rapids section, umbrella fountain and relaxation area to the Haven’s Holiday site in Weymouth.

Aquascapes added this impressive 60 metre lazy river with rapids section, umbrella fountain and relaxation area to the Haven’s Holiday site in Weymouth.

“Although we are seeing main contractors dominate they
still need the specialist skills of water leisure specialists like
Aquascapes,” Sean explains.
“We hold hands with architects and stop them falling over
from a lack of specialist knowledge; typically stopping them from
making fundamental mistakes with environmental control or
specifying the wrong equipment,” says Sean.

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