Commercial Swimming Pools

The Family Factor

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

report on families influence on public swimming pools

Families hold the key to the success of public swimming pools, Hippo Leisure research has confirmed

Families hold the key to the success of public swimming pools, a recent report has confirmed. The research, undertaken by leading interactive play supplier, Hippo Leisure, warns that leisure pools that do not provide for the family market will lose out to those centres that are more willing to invest.
Important factors in attracting families to use swimming pools are upgrading changing rooms and the physical appearance of the centre, the report emphasises. It also highlights the impact interactive pool play equipment has on attracting and retaining the family customer; to encourage water confidence and swimming in young children of all ages and abilities.
“The report gives us a better understanding of what key customers are looking for that will provide leisure centres with not just sustained but increased revenue,” says Claire Mollet of Hippo Leisure.
PLAY RANGES
“It also shows how interactive play equipment will encourage families to use centres on a regular basis therefore increasing customer loyalty and gaining new customers from farther afield.”
Hippo is a market leader in interactive play equipment suitable for toddlers to pre-teens with play ranges that consider both the needs of the pool operator and the end user. Centres that purchase and use interactive, low maintenance, play equipment will stand to gain the most.

Hippo was not surprised that 100% of managers stated that families are the main users of leisure centre swimming pools thus generating the largest amount of income. Senior citizens, students, swim clubs and disabled groups only accounted for a small proportion of the customer base of leisure centres.

Claire explains: “For those leisure centres not attracting a large family customer base it is essential that they increase their investment focus in the family market tor the biggest rewards.
“Families have become the main users of leisure facilities because they like to share physical activities such as swimming to build bonds and create a healthier family lifestyle.
“Repeat business should be generated amongst this group by attracting and retaining them with interactive play equipment,” Claire points out.
Hippo undertook its research in May and June last year when managers, parents and children were asked to complete questionnaires at a cross section of leisure centres.

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Estate Cuts Energy Bill By 70%

Category: Commercial Swimming Pools, News | Comment (0)

ABOVE: Rottingdean Place, which lies within the South Downs National Park, was formerly an historical home for penitents that was run by nuns.

The recent installation of a Heatstar Gemini heat pump, at the prestigious Rottingdean Place luxury residential estate in East Sussex, has demonstrated a year-on-year reduction in energy use of 70% compared with the previous system, at the same time reducing gas consumption by 83%.

Rottingdean Place, which lies within the South Downs National Park, was formerly an historical home for penitents that was run by nuns. The current owners appointed specialist swimming pool contractor Pool-Tec, of Sussex, to carry out the installation of the Gemini.

With a focus to improve energy efficiency in their existing indoor compoex, which had had previously been identified as a major user of energy and had been monitored closely for an extended period, Rottingdean Place considered several alternative options.

However, they were particularly attracted to the features and benefits of the Gemini, with its built-in fresh air source heat pump, its dehumidification heat pump and EC low carbon ventilation fans which automatically ramp down to save power during periods of low demand.

The client can watch the rotation of the special EC fan through an illuminated viewing window on the side of the Gemini unit. The ‘one-box’ Gemini was able to be located within the existing plant room and simply connected to the existing air distribution duct channels from the former system.

Heatstar supported Pool-Tec, who can boast 30 years active swimming pool experience, by attending site at the outset of the enquiry to make an initial assessment and also by visiting again after the contract was awarded, to ensure the tailor-made configuration of the Gemini was optimised for the available plant room space.

Pool-Tec
Tel: +44 (0)1273 583 177
Email. pooltec@btconnect.com
www.pooltec.co.uk

Heatstar

Tel. +44 (0)1983 521 465

Email. info@heatstar.com

www.heatstar.com

An Accident Waiting To Happen

Category: Commercial Swimming Pools, International, News, Swimming Pools | Comment (1)

Pool and spa builders in the UK, Europe and around the world, writes Chris Carr, cannot fail to be aware of the well publicised concerns about the risks of entrapment from any of the suction fittings on a swimming pool or spa.
Indeed, the standards here in the UK were updated about ten years ago, highlighting the risks and to set out a new requirement to install a ‘dual – deep suction system’ (main drain) on all new swimming pools and spas.
I think most of us would have assumed that by adopting this ‘dual drain’ system, the risk of entrapment would have been totally resolved on the basis that if one drain was covered then the other would take priority. However, I have recently received information, from a source in the USA, which comprises of a number of documents together with three short videos relating to research undertaken regarding the risks of entrapment. From what is explained by this information, it suggests that even with a dual system fitted, the dangers may still prevail.

RESEARCH CONCERNS
Initially I was a little sceptical that the research had been called for by a manufacturer of a; “Suction Safety Device”. However, the
more I looked at their research, the more concerned I became. To understand the problem you need to imagine that the pool
(or spa) is complying with the standards insofar as it is fitted with two deep suction outlets, but otherwise it is operating in the
worst possible situation. For example: If one of the deep suction (sump) lid should become broken (no longer being in place) and if the plant room valves have been arranged so that all the flow is being directed through the deep drain (or sumps), then (according to the information provided) there is the possibility that a young child could become entrapped on the open sump (main drain – fitting) possibly resulting in a fatality.

Now, you might think that to have these conditions all at one time would be unusual and I would have to agree. However, it’s not uncommon for a property to be sold to a new owner and the previous owners may not have provided any maintenance or safety information on the pool. It could even be that the pool had been left in a poor condition (green water etc) and as a result the new owner may have been chemically treating the pool and have adjusted the valves to ensure greater circulation in the deep end.

MAIN DRAIN LIDS
In such a case it could be that the new owners are oblivious of the risks of entrapment and they may also be unaware of the condition of the main drain lids, especially if the pool was green.
With regard to the main drain lids, we know that it is quite a common occurrence for them to get broken from time to time and the swimming pool equipment distributors who will tell you how many hundreds of replacements they sell each year!

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Teenagers Take 2012 Plunge

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Every week, 20,000 children learn to swim at one of the 150 David Lloyd Leisure Group swimming pools, half of which are indoor.

David Lloyd Leisure has identified swimming as a major trend for teenagers’ sports and fitness activities for 2012.
Europe’s premier racquets, health and fitness group predicts that sport activities aimed at 11 to 17-year-olds, including swimming and tennis, and teen exercise classes, such as zumba
and boxercise, will be a significant area of growth.
With 450,000 members and 6,000 staff, the David Lloyd Leisure Group operates 79 clubs in the UK and a further 10 clubs across Europe. Farnham, which is due to open this month, will be its 80th UK club.
Every week 20,000 children learn to swim at one of the 150 David Lloyd Leisure Group swimming pools, half of which are indoor. As a result of its research, the David Lloyd Leisure Group has exclusively launched Fitness Into Teens (FIT) for members aged 11- plus, recognising the fact that many children drop out of regular exercise when they hit their teens.
FIT includes multi-aquatics – helping 11 to 14-year-olds attain the best swimming qualifications approved by the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) and featuring activities ranging from water sports to survival, water polo and endurance swimming.
Teenagers will also be offered gym group exercise and supervised sessions as well as fast track tennis, enabling them to
learn to play tennis in just four weeks. In 2011, David Lloyd Leisure has seen a rise in the number of junior members joining against a background of mounting national debate about childhood obesity. It predicts that in 2012 parents will seek out more ways of helping their children keep fit and healthy, both as a family doing sport and exercise together
and specially-designed children’s programmes.
Commenting on the teen fitness trend, David Lloyd Leisure’s head of family and programming Sarah Hobbs says: “Research has shown that many children abandon regular exercise and sports activities when they reach their teens. Teenage girls are of particular concern, with significant numbers of 13 to 14-yearolds dropping out of regular exercise and a significant proportion never taking up regular exercise again.

“Parents are really wising up to the fact that how healthy their children are during childhood will determine their long-term fitness into adulthood, but it is important that teenagers are offered programmes teaching them new skills that they find enjoyable and exciting, as well as allowing them to make new friends.”

Thermapool Impresses At Green Awards

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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

Magnificent Seven Awards

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Facility Operator of the Year - DC Leisure - (L-R) Ian Dickens, Stefan Joyce, Molly Renshaw (GBR Swimmer), Jackie Goacher and Mel Smith

DC Leisure has once again won the highly
distinguished title ‘Facility Operator of the
Year’ at the 2011 Kellogg’s ASA Swimtastic
Awards, making it their seventh time
scooping the top prize. The company’s
continued commitment to the development
of community wide swimming programmes
and initiatives led to them winning gold, up
against GLL and Everyone Active.
The award ‘Facility Operator of the Year’
is designed to recognise the operator
who, in the panel’s judgement, has best
demonstrated their commitment and
continuous improvement of their swimming
programmes in the past 12 months.
DC Leisure follows the ASA’s National Plan
for Teaching Swimming and Awards Scheme
and currently delivers group swimming
lessons to 43,448 children and 1,450 private
lessons, across its 60 swimming sites.
Mark Haslam, Group Swimming Manager
at DC Leisure, said: “Throughout the past year,
in conjunction with the ASA, we have worked
hard to ensure that swimming is a key focus of
our operations. With rising obesity rates, it has
never been more important for us to support
our customers in improving their health, along
with teaching them vital life skills.”
In partnership with the ASA, DC Leisure
has developed its adult aquatic activities
by training two in-house tutors who have
re-launched their Aquacise activities and
introduced Aqua Jogging, Circuits and Aqua
Zumba. Working with local authorities, DC
Leisure has placed a strong emphasis on
family swimming, funding free swimming
for all under 8’s in 46 sites, resulting in an
increase in participation amongst users.

Hotel Pool Investment Reaps Reward

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

Loyal Grove provided a raised platform with multiple slides of varying types suitable for a relatively small indoor space and can operate without a pool.

Management at the Manor House Hotel are anticipating payback within a couple of seasons on a new multi-flume water leisure attraction added by the Loyal Grove team to the Devon hotel’s swimming pool complex.
“We have a philosophy of continuous improvement,” says
Barry Madge, marketing manager at the family-run hotel that, together with its sister hotel just two miles up the road, offers a combined 386 guest rooms.
“Loyal Grove was able to offer a good price, backed up by
expertise – it was a great package and it is great to see how it has come to fruition,” says Barry.
“We were looking for multi appeal across the generations, from kids to adults yet the aquacatches mean there is minimal staffing commitment with just one supervisor required for all four flumes.”
“We shopped around before settling on the four flume slide
complex and what we have heard from the guests so far are rave reviews,” Barry adds.
Over more than three decades in business, both hotels have built
up a strong reputation for leisure facilities including golf and
tennis as well as swimming.
Loyal Grove provided a raised platform with multiple slides of
varying types suitable for a relatively small indoor space and that
could operate without a pool.
Loyal Grove came up with a design proposal that included four
slides; some open some closed, all ending in aquacatch run-outs
to slow riders to a gradual stop, allowing them to exit safely.
The shallow water maintained in each aquacatch, typically
200mm deep, means the slides are more appealing to younger
riders and non-swimmers.
An underground tank was constructed below the end of
the slides to collect the discharged flume water, that was then
pumped back to a plant room for chemical treatment and heating
before being redirected back to the slides. Falls and drains were
built into the surrounding floor areas to collect water from splash
over and foot traffic.
Loyal Grove was responsible for the design and manufacture of
all the associated water slide components including support steel.
They liaised closely with Andy Brint of the Manor House Hotel
during the entire project and Apex Pool Engineers relating to the
pipework installation and plant requirements.
Loyal Grove Leisure is a flume and water slide specialist
based in the United Kingdom but with a worldwide clientele. The
company offers a turnkey, design and build of new facilities as
well as modifications or refurbishment of existing installations.
All new water slide installations are designed in accordance
with current standards and manufactured and installed to
the appropriate British Standards. In addition Loyal Grove
continuously develop and expand a varied range of children’s play
features suitable for municipal swimming pool environments and
wet leisure areas.
Loyal Grove Leisure
Tel. +44 (0)1543 677694.
Email. sales@loyalgrove-leisure.co.uk
www.loyalgrove-leisure.co.uk

Signature Installation For Nirvana

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Signature Products has completed the installation of a 12 x 5m deck level, one-piece, pre-tiled pool at the Nirvana Spa.

Signature Products has completed the installation of a 12 x 5m deck level, one-piece, pre-tiled pool along with four, deck overflow pre-tiled spas at the Nirvana Spa, the UK’s largest independent spa.

Set in 11 acres of Berkshire countryside, the new additions take the number of pools to eight with a further eight spas and plunge pools.

“When I first saw the Signature Products range, I was immediately impressed as I had researched the marketplace extensively and had never seen anything like the full mosaic finish with sandstone gratings that did not look like a domestic spa,” says Nirvana founder, Sean Barley.

“I was impressed with the project management delivered by the Signature team who were a pleasure to deal with, giving lots of good advice on both design and build, which made life an awful lot easier,” Sean adds.

For more on this story see Pool & Spa Scene Magazine

Signature Products Ltd Tel. +44 (0)1256 748388

www.signatureproducts.eu

The Ripple Effect

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

The Pool and Spa Scene team bring you the first pictures and reports from the recent Leisure Industry Week show… ABOVE: Leisure Industry Week strengthened its reputation with an upbeat show at Birmingham’s NEC last month.

Leisure Industry Week strengthened its reputation with an upbeat show at Birmingham’s NEC last month.

Leisure Industry Week strengthened its reputation as the leading meeting place for owners and operators of commercially based pool and wellness businesses with an upbeat show at Birmingham’s NEC last month.
One of seven zones under one common leisure banner, a vibrant Pool & Spa section generated a ripple of optimism with a positive buzz reporting healthy commercial sector order books well into 2012.
LIW continues to provides an ideal forum, bringing together suppliers and service providers with single and multiple site pool operators from a cross section of markets – both private and local authority.
Exhibitions like LIW are an opportunity to consider fresh ideas and stimulate new revenue streams for business. It provides the best education via insightful speaker sessions and keynotes talks.
EDUCATION VILLAGE
The show provides a unique interactive environment where trade from the entire leisure industry attend to source the latest products and innovation, network with industry professionals and keep up-to-date with industry trends and developments in a freeof-
charge LIW education village.
A combination of show floor activities, live demonstrations, over 150 hours of educational seminars and networking events provide an unrivalled platform for the visitors and exhibitors to share best practice, make new contacts, test new products, identify new
services and gather competitive quotes for their business. more memorable Research by the event organisers reports that 37% of visitors to a trade event believed ‘experiencing a business first hand makes it more memorable’, with one in five believing this implicitly post event.
In addition, nearly 90% of visitors to live events say they are more open to what the brands they see have to offer with people, twice as likely to recommend to a colleague after experiencing a brand at an event.
A considerable marketing investment for most, this year’s LIW Pool & Spa exhibitors were rewarded with a quality audience from architects to representatives of fitness chains with a healthy smattering of holiday parks, hotels and a few residential pool owners thrown in.

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Youngsters Get Preview Olympic Aquatics Taster

Category: Commercial Swimming Pools | Comment (0)

Leading Australian swimwear brand Zoggs has teamed up with Total Swimming, set up by Olympian Steve Parry, to run a series of events across the country providing up to 400 free spaces (at each event) for kids aged 7 to 14 years old to experience four different Olympic aquatic sports from diving and synchro to fast swimming and water polo.

The first Oceans of Fun Day was held at the Elmbridge Xcel Leisure Centre in Walton on Thames where Olympian Steve Parry hosted a fun packed day, supported by Double Olympian and Commonwealth Champion swimmer Ross Davenport, British team water polo player and another 2012 hopeful, Jake Vincent along with GB synchronised swimmer Katie Dawkins.

For more on this story see Pool & Spa Scene Magazine

Zoggs Tel. +44 (0)1276 489 089

www.zoggs.com

2012 London Aquatics Centre Opens To Universal Acclaim

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British Olympic hopeful, Tom Daley, marked with official opening of the London 2012 Aquatics Centre by being the first person to dive in to the pool.

EXACTLY one year ahead of London 2012 Games, the Aquatics Centre is now complete, the last of the six main Olympic Park venues to finish construction.
The Aquatics Centre was officially unveiled with British Olympic
hopeful Tom Daley making the first dive into the pool.
Double Commonwealth Gold medallist and 2012 hopeful Tom
Daley said: “Marking the one year to go, by diving in the Aquatics
Centre is an incredible honour.
“Only a few years ago, this was a distant dream. The fact that I
qualified at the weekend and am taking the first dive is a complete privilege. I can’t wait for next year and the honour of representing Team GB.”

ODA Chairman John Armitt said: ‘The Aquatics Centre will be a
fantastic gateway to the Games in 2012 and a much-needed new
community and elite sporting venue for the capital afterwards. Five years ago, in July 2006, we published a delivery timetable which set
out the ambitious target to complete the main venues a year before
the Games. Today, with the completion of the sixth main permanent
venue, I am proud to say that we have delivered on that commitment.
‘The completion of the Aquatics Centre is the latest chapter in a
British success story where tens of thousands of workers and business
from across the UK have demonstrated the ability of this country to
successfully deliver major projects.’
Construction started on the Zaha Hadid-designed Aquatics Centre
just over three years ago in June 2008 and has been completed on
time and with an exemplary safety record.
Over 3630 people have worked on the construction of the venue
and over 370 UK businesses have won contracts including the steel
for the roof from Wales, pool lights from Scotland, pumps from
Bedfordshire, under-floor heating by a company from Newcastleupon-
Tyne and water testing done by a Flintshire-based business.
In total, over 40,000 people have worked on the Park since
April 2008 and over 1500 direct contracts worth £6bn have been
distributed to thousands of companies across the UK.
The Aquatics Centre will have a capacity of 17,500 during the
Games, hosting swimming, diving, synchronised swimming, and the
swimming element of the Modern Pentathlon.
major events
After the Games, the venue is reduced to a maximum of 2,500, with
the ability to add 1,000 for major events, and provides two 50m
swimming pools with moveable floors and separation booms, a diving
pool and dry diving area for a full range of community and elite use.
The sweeping roof, which is 160m long and 90m at its widest point,
is an innovative steel structure weighing over 3000 tonnes with a
striking and robust aluminium covering, half of which is recycled,
resting on three supports.
LOCOG Chair Sebastian Coe said: “With construction now complete
on the Aquatics Centre, we are another step closer to the spectacular
Olympic Park which will be host to world class sport in 2012. And
after the Games, the venue will become a much-needed swimming
facility for London with community use at its heart, epitomising the
spirit of London’s bid – a Games which would bring lasting change
and encourage people to choose sport. Everyone involved can be very
proud of this venue and the progress of the Olympic Park as a whole. I
congratulate the ODA and their teams who have done a fantastic job.”

Europe Considers Response To Main Drain Cover Recall

Category: Commercial Swimming Pools, News, Residential Swimming Pools, Swimming Pools | Comment (2)

European suppliers are considering the ramifications of the recall of approximately one million swimming pool drain covers from at least eight manufacturers.
In a landmark move in June, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled the
pool drain covers they say were incorrectly rated to handle the flow of water – posing a potential entrapment risk.
The move primarily impacts on pools with a single-drain that do not have an unblockable drain, gravity feed system or drain covers that were fitted before December 2008.

Although SPATA regulations recommended pools should have two main drains; many UK pools with single drain pools still exist. The move is also likely to have repercussions for hundreds of children’s pools, paddling pools and in-ground spas.

A full list of affected products is included on the web pages of the Association Pool and Spa Professional website at: www.apsp.org/ draincoverrecall. They include specific drain-cover models from the following manufacturers as part of what the CPSC describes as a ‘voluntary’ recall:
• A&A Manufacturing
• AquaStar Pool Products
• Color Match Pool Fittings
• Custom Molded Products
• Hayward Pool Products
• Pentair Water Pool and Spa
• Rising Dragon Plastics
• Waterway Plastics
Earlier this year, the CPSC launched an investigation to determine whether the testing methods used to approve drain covers were sufficient to confirm the safety of the product.
All American-installed covers are required to comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act that came into effect in December 2008.

Olympic Legacy

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The Aquatics Centre will host swimming, diving, synchronised swimming, water polo finals and the swimming discipline of the modern pentathlon.

Paralympic swimming gold medalist, Liz Johnson, had the unique honour of laying the last of 180,000 tiles lining the 50m competition, the training pools and the dive pool in the London 2012 Aquatics Centre – bringing the number of tiles on the whole project to nearly one million.

The Aquatics Centre ‘big build’ is on track to complete as scheduled this summer, in time for test events ahead of the Games. Despite cost increases, the centre should stay within the total construction budget for the event, which is an estimated £6.09bn.

The 50m training pool has already been filled and the moveable floors and separation booms tested. The remaining pools are now being filled with millions of litres of water for further extensive testing.

“With just 500 days of training and preparation to go until the Paralympic Games open it’s great to see first-hand where I hope to be competing and to play a very small part in building it,” commented Liz, as she laid the remaining tile.

For more on this story see Pool & Spa Scene Magazine

Going For Gold

Category: Commercial Swimming Pools, Swimming Pools | Comment (0)

The training pool at the Wales National Pool in Swansea is kept in tip top condition thanks to EGFM media in its filters.

Total Pool Chemicals is helping to keep it clean for swimmers training at the Wales National Pool in Swansea, as they prepare to go for gold at the 2012 Olympic Games.

The Chester-based company has been called in to keep the competition pool’s waters crystal clear for swimmers, including the Olympic hopefuls, using its innovative environmentally friendly Eco Glass Filter Media (EGFM).

The 50m Wales National Pool in Swansea has been selected as an Intensive Training Centre for elite swimmers by British Swimming, with hopes Swansea will become a breeding ground for gold medallists in the London 2012 Olympics.

Along with the Olympic athletes, the pool also caters for a very wide range of users including: aqua-natal, parent and toddlers, children and adults of all ages.

Total Pool Chemicals has been working with the centre to optimise water quality, by replacing the existing sand in their pool water filters.

For more on this story see Pool & Spa Scene Magazine

Pools – Safest Place To Swim

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More than 400 people died from accidents or natural causes in water across the UK in 2009, according to the first report from a new incident database.

Of those fatalities just five were in swimming pools compared with 19 deaths of incidents in baths and one involving a water container. Saturday was the most common day and August the most common month for fatalities to occur.

WAID (the Water Incident Database) has been developed by the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) to enable greater detail and volume in the collection of data on fatal and nonfatal drowning, other water-related deaths and injuries, and near misses.

David Walker, a member of the NWSF and operations manager at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), said: “As the figures for 2009 sadly reveal, drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in the UK. WAID will greatly enhance our understanding of water-related incidents that claim lives and cause injuries across the UK each year.

“Managing water risks is all about a balance between giving people freedom to make informed choices about how to enjoy water and the impact those choices have on society in general.

“By providing better information, WAID will assist in striking that balance and enable us to develop more effective prevention work. Working together to collect and share data means WAID members and communities will be able to better manage risks than if they worked alone.”

A Cut Above

Category: Commercial Swimming Pools, Swimming Pools | Comment (0)

The UK’s biggest supplier of refined glass to the water leisure industry is calling for the introduction of a global standard to certify the calibre of the alternative filtration media.

Amid a groundswell of scare stories about the use of recycled glass in swimming pool water filtration, the UK’s biggest supplier of refined glass to the water leisure industry is calling for the introduction of a global standard to certify the calibre of the alternative filtration media.

Direct Material Supplies Enviro Ltd (DMS-Enviro) produces the major brands EGFM and Enviro Glasmedia from its Staffordshire factory where it is not just crushed but processed and rendered sharp free.

It’s tried and tested glass media is currently being used on hundreds of pools, both public and residential, across Europe, as well as in the UK.

“DMS Enviro has invested and achieved production of a safe glass filter media as a suitable alternative to primary aggregates with excellent results and accreditations,” says Garry J Foley managing director of DMS Enviro.

“We, as a company, wholly support the introduction of a global standard for alternative water filtration media and implore the industry to make it happen.

For more on this story see Pool & Spa Scene Magazine

Enviro Glasmedia DMS Enviro Tel. +44 (0)1202 810600.

EGFM Total Pool Chemicals Tel. +44 (0)1829 740290.

Girl Drowned In Understaffed Pool

Category: Commercial Swimming Pools, News | Comment (0)

A Chelmsford Coroner’s Court jury has returned a verdict of accidental death from immersion on seven-year-old Michelle Gellard, found at the bottom of a swimming pool at Blackwater Leisure Centre in Essex.

During the case, the court heard that half the recommended number of lifeguards were on duty at the time of the incident in June, 2008.

Leisure Connection runs the leisure centre on behalf of Maldon District Council along with another 90 swimming pools across the UK.

Michelle’s family has launched a civil action while criminal proceedings from the Health and Safety Executive are anticipated.

In a statement following the verdict, Leisure Connection offered their sympathies: “The Company acknowledges the thanks that were offered at the Inquest, on behalf of Michelle Gellard’s family, to its Duty Manager and lifeguards for all that they did to attempt to save Michelle’s life.

“Leisure Connection remains fully committed to ensuring that its policy and procedures comply with all health and safety requirements and that its staff receive the highest quality training and support.”

Crematorium Pool Heating

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Plans to recycle energy from a crematorium in Worcestershire to heat a council swimming pool have won a national award for being green.

Redditch Borough Council approved the plans in February to heat the 25m pool at the neighbouring Abbey Stadium Leisure Centre using energy from the town’s crematorium.

At the time leading union spokesman for Unison said the plan was ‘sick’ and ‘insulting’. The idea has prompted headlines not just in the UK and Europe but around the world.

It estimated the crematorium would meet 42% of the centre’s heating demands helping save £14,560 per year.

Commending the project, The Green Organisation said it was giving the award praised green practices.

More than 100 British companies and organisations were nominated for the award and previous winners have included Marks and Spencer and Severnside Recycling.

Campaign To Get Britain Swimming

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Running for about ten months, The Big Splash aims to get more Brits swimming.

A new campaign that describes itself as the ‘world’s biggest celebration of swimming’ has been launched.

The Big Splash is a joint initiative between British Swimming and the BBC, with sponsorship from British Gas and Kelloggs.

It aims to encourage people across the UK to start learning to swim for the first time, and to inspire occasional swimmers to visit their local pools more frequently.

The mass-participation campaign will run for 10 months, generating excitement about swimming in the run-up to London 2012. It will be supported by elite swimmers such as double Olympic gold medallist Rebecca Adlington, as well as stars from across the BBC.

The BBC will include programming to support the launch, including a special piece on children’s presenter Andy Akinwolere overcoming his fear of water and learning to swim. Names supporting the launch include Gary Lineker, Graham Norton, Matt Baker and Gabby Logan.

The Big Splash website offers information on a variety of swimming topics at www.bigsplash.co.uk

Pool With A Sky View

Category: Commercial Swimming Pools, Wellbeing | Comment (0)

The focal point of the The Berkeley Health Club and Spa is the swimming pool area which has a fully retractrable roof.

The Berkeley Health Club and Spa is one of London’s most stylish and innovative health retreats.

With its unique location on the seventh and eighth floors of The Berkeley in Knightsbridge it lays claim to the city’s only rooftop swimming pool with panoramic views of the skyline.

Part of the Maybourne Hotel Group, The Berkeley Spa is commonly referred to as a boutique spa with small exclusive luxury brands, four in total that concentrate on different areas of the body and skin for a more bespoke beauty experience. The ranges include [Comfort Zone], organic label VOYA and a pregnancy range from Mama Mio.

For more on this story see Pool & Spa Scene Magazine

Maybourne Hotel Group

Telephone. +44 (0)20 7107 8800

Email. info@maybourne.com