While it made its debut in Beijing in 2008 with th introduction of men’s and women’s 10km races, it is a throwback to the first modern OLynpic Games in Athens in 1896.

With the London Olympics almost upon us, these are exciting
times for swimming in the UK and the swimming pool industry as
a whole.
At five key training centres across Britain, competing
swimmers are working flat out before they go for gold – and
already swimming pools are seeing a dramatic increase in interest,
particularly amongst youngsters.
Watching highly-trained athletes competing in any sport
engenders real enthusiasm in young people aspiring to achieve
the pinnacle in their chosen sport.
The spotlight falls on the pool when television screens across
the world show the likes of Tom Daley and Rebecca Adlington
proving themselves the best at what they do.

Tom Daley, Double Commonwealth Diving Gold medallist and
2012 hopeful, did the first dive in the completed Olympic pool. He
said: “Doing the first dive in the Aquatics Centre was an incredible
privilege. Only a few years ago, this was a distant dream. I can’t
wait for the honour of representing Team GB.”
The London Olympics is, first and foremost, a showcase for
Britain, British talent and British construction techniques and
organisation.
CLASS OF 2012
British Swimming looks to better results in every four-year cycle.
As a benchmark, Britain won six medals in Beijing with 21 finalists.
There are no official targets but a haul of two or three medals is
definitely on the agenda.
If the class of 2012 are true to their potential, it should be a
memorable Games for Britain in the pool. Beijing double gold
medallist Rebecca Adlington will be joined by a powerful group of
female swimmers, plus world-beating backstroke specialist Liam
Tancock.
In the 10km event, Team GB won two silvers and a bronze in
Beijing, half of all the medals available. Two golds are more than
possible at the London Games.
As well as Rebecca Adlington, the ones to watch in the pool are
Gemma Spofforth, Fran Halsall, Lizzie Simmonds, Joanne Jackson,
Jaz Carlin and Liam Tancock while in the 10km, listen out for KeriAnne
Payne, Cassie Patten and David Davies
OLYMPIC CIRCUS
But once all the fuss has died down how will the much-hailed
promises of the ‘legacy’ impact on London and Britain, after the
Olympics circus has left town.
“Swimming is one of the
26 sports that will benefit
from the Olympics being here,”
enthuses 2004 Athens bronze
medallist Steve Parry, who
founded Total Swimming – a
company dedicated to educating
youngsters about swimming.
“The facilities we have in the
UK are excellent and after every
Olympics there is a dramatic
increase in people taking up all
kinds of sport – especially swimming.
“The legacy of these Olympics is likely be a ten-fold increase in
people taking up swimming.”
Three million people across the UK go swimming every week,
according to the latest statistics.
David Sparkes, chief executive of British Swimming, says:
“The Games will capture the nation’s interest and swimming will
feature strongly throughout the Games. This will, in our view,
encourage many to think about going back to swimming or
learning to swim for the first time.
“It is important that everyone in the industry is ready to
respond to this massively increased interest in swimming.”

To read the remainder of this article you need to subscribe to Pool & Spa Scene!

http://www.poolandspascene.com/payments/subscriptions.html

A Pool and Spa Scene special report on the implications of the drought on water leisure businesses by Kim Tierney…

Water companies that are about to impose a hose pipe ban in drought-affected areas of England, are misleading pool and spa businesses and their customers about the ban’s potential impact. Advice, being given by the water authorities themselves, that hot tubs cannot be filled after April 5, is both misinformed and factually incorrect. Contrary to advice being issued, hot tubs and the filling of newly constructed swimming pools are not affected by hose pipe bans. However, the topping-up of existing swimming pools and the filling of swim spas, via hose pipes, is not allowed. Nevertheless, a clause protecting the livelihoods of business may be a way of completely side-stepping any restrictions altogether; restrictions that can also be by-passed by the use of water storage tanks, rain harvesting and by hand-filling.

Many hot tub retailers have contacted Pool & Spa Scene, the voice of the pool and spa industry, with examples of misinformation.
In all cases, pool and spa businesses are urged to challenge statements by water authority officials via the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the water services regulation authority, (Ofwat) Sunil Sharma of Aqua Hot Tubs in Berkshire reports: “I contacted the customer services department of my local water authority who told me hot tubs will be banned. I thought this was wrong so I asked for a manager. I then spoke to a team leader and she also stated hot tubs will be banned. I now know this is not the case.”

Ray Wells, logistical and customer care manager for the Hot Spring UK network, had a similar experience: “The person on the phone was adamant hot tubs were going to be affected and a manager backed her up. But when I talked to DEFRA they had to go back to the water authority who then rang to apologise, acknowledging they had made a mistake.”

Chris Hayes of the British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association and the Swimming Pool and Allied Trade Association, a group that represents about 200 companies involved in the water leisure said: “We have been consistently told that hot tubs are not included on the list of activities that can be prohibited under the Temporary Water Use Ban (Hosepipe ban) and having sought further advice, swim spas will be permitted to be prohibited,” he said. “In terms of swimming pools, they can be prohibited from being topped up in a hosepipe ban, but the list of exemptions in the regulations includes pools under construction that can be filled. Therefore, the Water Authorities appear to have jointly put out a press release that has inaccuracies in their message.”

For the first time since 2005/2006 and with predictions of  standpipes being issued for the first time since 1976, seven firms are to introduce water restrictions as a result of two unusually drywinters which have left reservoirs below normal levels.

Southern Water, South East Water, Thames Water, Anglian Water, Sutton and East Surrey, Veolia Central and Veolia South East are all to bring in restrictions on water use in the drought-stricken South East and East Anglia regions.

Drought Measures

It is interesting to note that six of those same ten did not achieve their leakage targets in 2010/11. Two of these, Anglian and Southern are in the areas covered by the drought measures. Anglian have to report to OFWAT every three months on their performance, whilst Southern Water situation was so bad, OFWAT have extracted a legal undertaking from them to comply.

Thames Water, loses 665m litres of water per day, the equivalent of 266 Olympic swimming pools and enough to supply the  equirements of 1.47m families. Martin Baggs CEO of Thames Water received £1,168,425 (£1,247,711) in pay in 2010/11 (2009/10) and £79,495 (£25,824) in pension contributions.

Anglian Water loses 230m litres per day, the equivalent of 92 Olympic size pools and enough water to supply more than half
a million families every day. Managing Director of Anglian Water Peter Simpson received £896,000 (£692,000) in pay in 2010/11 (2009/10) and £46,000 (£25,000) in pension contributions.

Southern Water loses 96 million litres per day, the equivalent of 38.4 Olympic size pools and enough to supply more than 200,000 family households. The highest paid director at Southern water received £361,000 (£731,000) in pay in 2010/11 (2009/10) and £82,000 (£80,000) in pension contributions. The reason why it was so low in 2010/11 is because for much of the year, they were without a permanent CEO.

Water Authority Leakage Rates

Water Authority       Leakage Per Day           Olympic Pool Equivalent        Families This Could Supply

Thames Water                                665m                                         256                                                         1.47m

AnglianWater                                 230m                                         92                                                           508,900

Southern Water                                96m                                         72.4                                                      212,410

Source: OFWHAT

In Relation To

Speaking of the water companies, John Green, of Midlands-based JW Green Swimming Pools comments: “We are being charged a lot of money to buy and dispose of our water, to fill the pockets of investors. So can someone please tell me the percentage of population and water demand increase since 1976.” John continues: “In proportion, how many more reservoirs have been installed and what provision have the water companies made for an extra safety margin, to cater for the needs of modern society.
“I think it is way past time a few more valleys was dammed off and more input into extracting river water for or diverting it to  reservoirs.” But, John points out: “Perhaps the water shortage can open another door for swimming pool installers, by us providing rain harvesting tanks for clients new and old. On new builds, we could offer the facility in tandem with the swimming pool shell.”
John Cox of Osprey Pools in Monmouthshire, Wales, agrees: We install pools so why not rain water harvesting! The two go together quite well. I’ve installed a few domestic sewage treatment plants and septic tanks in my time so nothing too technical to study up on I’ve been thinking about this for quite some time but thought the market wasn’t ready for it. John adds: “I quess the scare tactics by the media has prompted me to begin offering this extra service and I have already begun dedicating a webpage on installing water tanks.

Above: Bosta took a group of selected customers to the Pentair factory for technical training on the Intellipool Control System.

Following Bosta’s successful launch of Pentair’s Intellipool Control system at Spatex, many customers wanted to learn more about
the premium they can get for their pools, when installing this system. Bosta reacted fast and took a group of selected customers to
the Pentair factory for technical training on the product including instalation demonstrations.

Quickly the advantages became  clear; reduced running costs and ultimate remote control. Orders were placed and clearly this level of remote system and cost contol is going to be significant in the premium pool market this year.
Bosta Leisure
Tel. +44 (0)1284 716594
www.bosta.co.uk

Above: The filtration systems at the Clapham One Leisure Centre along with moveable floor and submersible boom were designed and installed by F T Leisure Limited.

A new multi-million pound public leisure centre has opened – the first of its kind in Lambeth for more than 30 years. The Clapham Leisure Centre on Clapham Manor Street includes a six-lane 25m swimming pool, fitness gym, sports hall and dance and fitness  studio. It is part of an £80m regeneration of Clapham High Street, including a library and medical centre. The leisure centre and the library have both been provided at no cost to the public purse, funded by the sale of private residential development on both sites; a 19 flat block on Clapham manor Street and a 44-unit block of affordable housing on the same site. Clapham One is a two  pool complex (Main pool & Teaching pool). The main pool is a 25m x six lane pool built to ASA standards, with a 2.5m deep  section provided by a 8m moveable floor and submersible boom system. The 13m x 7m teaching pool also contains a moveable floor, providing maximum functionality of the 2 pools, providing for all levels of swimmers. The main contractor responsible for this project was Morgan Sindall and the project architect was LA Architects. Both pools have dedicated filtration systems, with a chlorine donor and ph control system, combined with UV sterilisation. The filtration systems, moveable floor and submersible  boom were designed and installed by F T Leisure Limited, a business borne out of the former Thermelek Engineering Services Ltd.
The majority of FT Leisure’s work is local authority. The team currently has 23 live new build leisure centre sites. The team also  runs a maintenance department that look after more than 170 existing pool facilities, the majority of which are local authority  pools.
FT Leisure
Tel. +44 (0)0161 494 5785
www.ftleisure.co.uk

A pool liner can create a beautiful unique look. It can also be a huge mathematical task, calculating the total square metres of material required and the retail price. Plastica has developed a liner calculator to help you save time and brain power (see the ‘resources’ section on our website).

You can have a calculator for your website too – just ask! We can also provide a version for your desktop. This includes information about delivery, discounts and more. Both are available free of charge.

For good looking liners that last, ask Plastica, the most experienced UK liner manufacturer.
Plastica Ltd
Tel. +44 (0)1424 857802
E. liners@plasticapools.net
www.plasticapools.net

Seeking a true partner in certifying the compliance of your swimming pool and spa related products with all governing codes and standards in North America?

IAPMO R&T is fully capable of providing the code acceptance documents you and your sales team require, with speed to market that will leave your competitors far behind.
IAPMO publishes the Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code® (USPC)), the most comprehensive swimming pool document in use by jurisdictions across the United States.
We are accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as well as the Standards Council of Canada (SCC).”

IAPMO
Tel. +1 909 472 4100
www.IAPMORT.org

Paramount Products is introducing a range of high quality salt chlorinators manufactured
by French-based Pool Technologies.

Available in a number of models to suit various pool sizes, the chlorinators have an  operation mode for use with safety covers which prevents excessive chlorine production, when the cover is applied, thus reducing premature deterioration of the fabric material. The units are certified by TUV Rheinland for CE approval.

Paramount Products Ltd
Tel. +44 (0)1256 748380
www.paramountpools.co.uk

For further information on the range, please contact Brenntag today.

Brenntag UK Limited
Tel. +44 (0)1133 879225
www.brenntag.co.uk

Above: The purchase of a 50% stake in sauna and steam specialist, Aachen Wellness and service and maintenance business, Speedifix, will enable Topline to provide a complete, one-stop, nationwide service.

A force in water treatment for more than two decades, Topline Electronics is set to play an even bigger role in the commercial water leisure market following its recent expansion. The purchase of a 50% stake in sauna and steam specialist, Aachen Wellness and service and maintenance business, Speedifix, will enable Topline to provide a complete, one-stop, nationwide service to commercial leisure operators covering all aspects of service and maintenance in one convenient package.

The move will see the turnovers of the three companies escalate from a combined £5m to an estimated £10m within two years. “Topline already supply control systems for swimming pools and now we will be able to supply, to those same customers, heat rooms and saunas as well as general service and maintenance,” explains Topline managing director, Andrew Hunt. “Our customers are interested in dealing with a company that has been giving them such a good service over the last 20 years and now we are in a position to respond to demand and expand our range of services,” Andrew adds.

Andrew Bolton will become managing director of Aachen Wellness and Speedifix and its 16 engineers, based in Preston. They will work in conjunction with Martin Baulcombe, Matt Roberts and the 34-strong Topline team, in East Sussex with both teams benefiting from northern and southern offices.
ONE BUCKET

“The trade or the commercial pool operator can buy everything from chemical dosing, uv treatment, sauna and steam rooms and  maintenance, all from one source, as it is all in one place,” comments Bolton. “Whether they are ordering auto dosing equipment or a specialist heat room; it makes no difference, it is all available conveniently from one source now.”

All three companies have strong order books, carrying out work for all the major leisure chains and hotel groups.
The move formally brings together Andrew Hunt, and Andrew Bolton and builds on the friendship with Alan Taylor who has sold his 50% share in the businesses. Taylor and Hunt met while working on a David Lloyd site 20 years ago and have remained firm friends. Alan, along with his brother Martin Taylor, will continue working with the team in a consultancy capacity.

Topline UK
Northern Office: +44 (0)1772 617063
Southern Office: +44 (0)1323 440760
www.topline.uk.net

Got a date you would like to add?

Contact the Pool & Spa team via email: info@poolandspascene.com

MAY 2012

POOLEXPO
From 02/05/2012 to 05/05/2012
Turkey, ISTANBUL expo center
Tel. +90 (0)212/2903333 Fax. +90 (0)212/2903331
Email.emrecicekci@sodex.com.tr
Web.www.hmsf.com/hss/eng/index.asp

AQUA-THERM KIEV 2012
From 15/05/2012 to 18/05/2012
Ukraine, KIEV
Tel. +39 051 4199911 Fax. +39 051 4199923
Email.info@fin-mark.com
Web.www.aquatherm-kiev.com/

JULY 2012

SPLASH Pool and Spa Trade Show 2012From 25/07/2012 to 26/07/2012

Australia, GOLD COAST – Jupiter’s Casino & Hotel
Tel. +61 2 8586 6115
Email.melanie@intermedia.com.au
Web.www.splashexpo.com.au

SEPTEMBER 2012

AQUA-THERM ALMATY
From 04/09/2012 to 07/09/2012
Russia, ALMATY
Tel. +39 051 4199911 Fax. +39 051 4199923
Email.info@fin-mark.com
Web.www.aquatherm-almaty.com

2nd WAVES Pool Spa Bath International Expo & Conference 2012
From 06/09/2012 to 08/09/2012
India, DEHLI – India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida
Tel. +91 93 5084 6030 Fax. +91 11 4279 5098
Email.bhaskarj@eigroup.in
Web.www.wavesexpo.com

LEISURE INDUSTRY WEEK
From 18/09/2012 to 20/09/2012
United Kindgom, BIRMINGHAM NEC
Web. www.liw.co.uk

MIDDLE EAST POOL & SPA EXHIBITION 2012
From 23/09/2012 to 25/09/2012
United Arab Emirates, DUBAI
Tel. + 9712 4446113 Fax. + 9712 4443768
Email.tarek.ali@reedexpo.ae
Web.www.mepool.com

OCTOBER 2012

QPS 2012 International Exhibition for Pool & Spa
From 07/10/2012 to 09/10/2012
Qatar, Doha Exhibition Centre
Tel. +(974) 445 045 05 Fax. +(974) 445 157 34
Email.ps@htsxpo.com
Web.htsxpo.com

INTERBAD 2012
From 09/10/2012 to 12/10/2012
Germany, STUTTGART
Tel. +49 (0)711 18560-0 Fax. +49 (0)711 18560-2440
Email.info@messe-stuttgart.de
Web.www.interbad.de

WAHC – World Aquatic Health Conference 2012
From 10/10/2012 to 12/10/2012
United States of America, NORFOLK, Virginia.
Tel. +1 (719) 540-9119 Fax. +1 (719) 540-2787
Email.conference@nspf.org
Web.www.nspf.org/en/Conference/Conference2012.aspx

AQUA-THERM BAKU 2012
From 17/10/2012 to 20/10/2012
Azerbaijan, BAKU
Tel. +39 051 4199911 Fax. +39 051 4199923
Email.info@fin-mark.com
Web.www.aquatherm-baku.com

NOVEMBER 2012

AQUALIE 2012
From 13/11/2012 to 15/11/2012
France, LYON – Eurexpo
Tel. +33 (0)4 78 176 319 Fax. +33 (0)478 176 358
Email.aqualie@gl-events.com
Web.www.aqualie.com

PISCINE 2012
From 13/11/2012 to 16/11/2012
France, LYON – Eurexpo
Tel. +33 (0)4 78 176 319 Fax. +33 (0)4 78 176 358
Email.piscine@gl-events.com
Web.www.piscine-expo.com

JANUARY 2013

PISCINE UK
From 23/01/2013 to 25/01/2013
United Kingdom, BIRMINGHAM NEC
Tel. +44 1483 420 229
Email.info@neweventsltd.com, info@new-expo.co.uk
Web.www.piscine-uk.com

FEBRUARY 2013

SPATEX 2013

From 3/02/13 to 5/02/2013

United Kingdom, BRIGHTON, Hilton Metropole

Tel: +44 (0) 1264 358558, Fax: +44 (0) 1264 353403

Email. info@spatex.co.uk

Web. www.spatex.co.uk

MARCH 2013

ISH
From 12/03/2013 to 16/03/2013
Germany, FRANKFURT The Bathroom Experience
Tel. +49 69 75 75-0 Fax. +49 69 75 75-64 33
Email.ish@messefrankfurt.com
Web.www.ish.messefrankfurt.com

Above: Aiming to enhance the safety of public and private pools and spas, the Virgina Graeme Baker Act has far reaching implications for the water leisure industry.

The International Hot Tub Association was formed in 1998 shortly after the enactment of the Virginia Graham Baker Act (Law), an American Law, named after the daughter of Nancy and James Baker and the granddaughter of former Secretary of State James  Baker III who died in a tragic incident in June 2002 when the suction from a spa drain entrapped her under the water. The well-intentioned goals of the VGBA were: to enhance the safety of public and private pools and spas; to reduce child drownings, to  reduce the number of suction entrapment incidents, injuries and deaths; and to educate the public on the importance of constant supervision of children in and around water. But the implications of the well-intentioned law had farreaching consequences for the water leisure industry – many of these were negative.

Spearheaded by Andy Tournas of ThermoSpas, the IHTA was borne out of the Virginia Graham Baker Act. Consisting of a group of dedicated manufacturers, suppliers and distributors and retailers, they concluded there was not enough monitoring of legislation at the Federal or State Level by anyone in the portable hot tub industry. It was vowed that there should never be another law enacted without the industry knowing about it so we can be proactive as an industry.

PROACTIVE APPROACH

A significant portion of their annual budget is allocated to subcontracting with Stateside Associates, a firm specialising in monitoring legislation, regulations, codes and standards. The group formed an industry first Engineering Committee made up of engineers throughout the portable hot tub industry. This group monitors alerts from Stateside and gets involved with writing groups and Bill sponsors before they are enacted taking a proactive approach in influencing any legislative or regulation agenda.

On an international scope, the group has been heavily involved with Canada’s recent review of energy standards and is working
on having an official seat on that committee. This is where domestic meets the international aspirations of the association.
“We working currently to have collaborative ties with the different associations representing portable hot tubs throughout the world” stated Mitch Brooks, IHTA Executive Director. “We already have manufacturing and safety standards already in place  which work, where other countries are now just developing them. “It’s important that we work together and do the best we can to keep laws and standards uniform throughout the world. We have worked hard to separate portable hot tub standards from swimming pool and in ground spa standards. They are totally different products.”

Above: Bob Lauter, IHTA’s newly elected Board President is Chief Executive Officer of Master Spas based in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

NEW LINE-UP

The IHTA held its Annual Meeting at the start of this year and elected their officers and directors for the New Year. Bob
Lauter from Master Spas is the new President. Mike Dunn from Watkins Manufacturing is the Vice President and Cindi Magray
from Spa Manufacturers is the Secretary Treasurer. The elected Directors are: Michel Authier, Gecko Alliance; Jeff Bailey, Spring  Dance Hot Tubs; John Day, Sloan LED; Don Elkington, Coast Spas Manufacturing; Steve Hammock, Watkins Manufacturing; Jerry Hyland, PoolCorp; Patti Kirsch, Waterway Plastics; Bob Moore, Custom Molded Products; Sue Rogers, Oregon Hot Tubs; Larry Savage, Lawrence R Savage Associates and Howard Smith from Pleatco. Bob Lauter, IHTA’s newly elected Board President is Chief Executive Officer of Master Spas based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Master Spas is one of the largest manufacturers of hot tubs and swim spas in the world. Master Spas’ diverse line of products can be found in homes around the globe and include Twilight Series Spas and Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spas.

Above: Other IHTA officers include Mike Dunn from Watkins Manufacturing, who is the Vice President.

Bob has been a leader in the hot tub and spa industry for more than 30 years and has been CEO of Master Spas for fifteen years.
He sits on several boards and has received numerous honors for his contribution to the industry including the Association of
Pool and Spa Professionals INSPIRE Award, the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the Better Business Bureau
Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.
The group just launched its new website geared for consumers and industry members. They have plans to provide several
seminars at this year’s International Pool, Spa and Patio Expo in New Orleans, Louisiana and will take part in the Piscine Expo in
Lyon, this autumn as it has at the previous two French shows.

Above: The IHTA sets out to inform and protect both the hot tub user and the industry as a whole

International Hot Tub Association
Tel. +1 941 2064482
www.hottubindustry.org

Pleatco’s scientists asked the question, “How can we do a better job?” The pool and spa
industry has used the same filtration media and cartridge design for over 20 years.

After spending nearly two years visiting companies around the world, testing different medias, and conducting long-term experiments at Pleatco’s state-of-the-art lab, Pleatco choose to partner with Johns Manville, a multi-billion dollar subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, to create the finest material used to filter pools and spas in the world.
Pleatco’s filter cartridges will clean your water better and faster than anything else in the industry.

It is time for a change!
Pleatco, LLC.
Tel. +01 516-609-0200
Email. orders@pleatco.com
www.pleatco.com

The HotSpring team of Andrew Biggs, Lynda Smart and Ray Wells are looking to expand the HotSpring UK retailer network

They say there is always potential to turn a negative into a
positive. What better example of that than HotSpring hot tubs,
under the guidance of US manufacturer, Watkins, part of the
Masco Group.
Stung by the failure of its original UK distributor back in 2008,
the HotSpring team worked impressively quickly to reassure
customers that warranties and orders would be honoured.
Four years on, they have not only been true to their word;
they are now seeing a sustained increase in market share building
success on a solid foundation of three spa ranges.
“The challenge for Watkins was to re-establish a network
for the brand,” says Andrew Biggs, general manager. “At that
time, there were 32 HotSpring-branded showrooms and four
distribution centres.

“The market generally has not seen growth but in an economic
downturn, we see the weaker players fall away.
“At a time when the market has shrunk, our growth is
coming through increasing market share. We are now back to 17
HotSpring outlets, soon due to be 19,” he adds. “
Watkins markets its HotSpring offering through two main
routes to market. The Watkins retail territory in central England
includes eight of its own stores, with two more about to be added.
All the stores are managed by Watkins employees under the
stewardship of Lynda Smart.
“I have a fabulous job; no two days are ever the same,”
enthuses Lynda Smart, UK retail sales and marketing manager.
“I manage all the retail stores’ personnel, setting sales targets
and providing all the marketing support necessary for both
showrooms and special events such as shows.”
Outside of the main retail area is open territory for
independent dealers; currently six in England and Scotland,
one in Ireland and two in Channel Islands with new dealership
announcements imminent.
As with all dealers, they are also able to buy direct from the
manufacturer rather than the UK distribution team, if they are
prepared to order by container. Dealers can also benefit from the
Watkins’ co-operative advertising programme where you can get
cash back on marketing spends dependent on sales performance.
“We are fortunate to have the backing of Masco that has
the investment power to be able to continuously innovate their
products; always coming up with new things and always giving us
something fresh to sell.
“We look after dealers, providing them with lots of leads and I
think we work very well together.”
There is still plenty of opportunity to join the HotSpring
dealership network with strategic gaps including Scotland, Wales,
the South Coast, the North West and the North East
“HotSpring has a strong quality tag backed by Watkins, who,
Pool & Spa Scene: Recommended
Apply today to join
Pool & Spa Scene’s
Recommended Scheme, email:
enquiries@poolandspascene.com
ABoVE: General manager, Andrew Biggs, Lynda Smart, head of UK sales
and marketing and Ray Wells, logistics and customer care manager are
looking to add to the HotSpring dealership network.
Turning A Negative Into A Positive
as manufacturers, are fantastic,” says Ray Wells, logistics and
customer care manager, who oversees maintenance of stock levels
and purchasing with a steady stock holding of 150 spas in the
warehouse, more in mainland Europe and constantly more on the
sea.
“Watkins offers a very user-friendly system of selling; direct
access to on-line stock list with up to 200 spas available for sale
at any one time and bespoke orders taking eight to ten weeks.”
With 15,000 customers already in the UK, HotSpring currently
offers three distinct ranges; two premium levels in the HotSpring
High Life and HotSpring Lime Light and one middle level, the
HotSpring Hot Spot.
The HotSpring Limelight range is more visual with more lights
and sparkle and pizzazz while the HotSpring Highlife is more
technically-loaded.
Latest innovations include the ACE salt chlorination system
that aims to enhances the spa bathing experience by considerably
reducing the amount of chlorine required.
Andrew says: “Watkins Manufacturing invests a lot of time in
customer analysis which leads to product development that will
appeal to the target social groups.
“Generally we are finding customers take around nine months
to make a purchase having carried out extensive research via the
Internet,” he adds.
“In the current climate, it is still a buyer’s market and a great
time to snap up a good deal.”
HotSpring World
Tel: + 44 (0)1245 490056
www.hotspringworld.co.uk

above: If anyone could walk on water, it would be Tom Smith, a master pool finisher who virtually cut his teeth on a pool-finishing trowel.

If anyone could walk on water, Tom Smith could, writes Christina Connor. A master pool finisher who virtually cut his teeth on a pool-finishing trowel; perfectionism is part of his genetic DNA. “I guess you have to pay a premium for quality workmanship,” says Tom, with not a whisper of boastfulness in his voice. “But when you bring in someone like me it is to solve a problem that others would not even dare to tackle.” One of Tom’s forefathers was a carriage maker to the Royal family. Tom’s brothers are  aster craftsmen in their chosen fields; all with talents nurtured by a father, Gordon Smith, who was one of the most outstanding tiling finishers of his generation.

“Ever since I could remember, as a child, I would spend Saturdays on a pool site digging holes,” Tom recalls.
“Dad would hand me a trowel and give me a small area to work on. I guess, looking back, that’s how a lifetime’s apprenticeship
began,” says Tom, 35, a married father-of-two. “Everything we do to the best of our ability. Just being around my father rubs off. One of the first things he teaches you is that you take your watch off. You cannot work to time on this sort of work – you have to do it perfectly. “Being a perfectionist can be a burden,” Tom concedes. “But I cannot help myself. Some people can accept a tile that is 1mm or 2mm imperfect. I just cannot walk away unless it is absolutely right. Tom continues: “Other people mitre their  corners whereas I  spend a lot of time working the mosaic around so that you don’t have any unsightly finishes.”

It is that dedication and commitment to top class work that makes Tom so sought after. In fact, he recently worked on a recent
pool for a former client of his father’s.

Above: For Tom Smith, bread and butter jobs are the precision, prestige jobs that general pool builders might flinch at.

TOP CLASS
“The client worked very hard to find me because when they sold their old property, their old pool, that was now 25 years old, was
as good as the day Dad finished it,” says Tom. “That is the sort of reputation I aspire to.”
Tom’s company Samuel Smith Mosaics offers sub-contracting pool and spa finishing to a growing number of top drawer pool
builders working in the UK and across Europe and also takes on bespoke dry side commissions.
“I guess our bread and butter jobs are the precision, prestige jobs like moving floors and top specification projects that general
pool builders might flinch at,” says Tom.
Usually called in after the first fix, Tom works in stone, glass and porcelain; his job is to turn the dreams into reality.
“Whatever the client will have specified, regardless of taste, I have to make it happen,” Tom explains. “Occasionally, if I believe
they are about to make a catastrophic mistake, like the wrong colour grout for the chosen tiles, I will intervene and try and steer
them towards a more appropriate choice.

“But generally, I just spend a long time coming up with the best solutions, for the ultimate finish. One of the keys to success is in the preparation,” Tom says. “What sets us apart is that we do the sand cement work and the rendering, so that we have immaculate smooth floors and surfaces to work on.

With a growing list of award-winning pool projects on his curriculum vitae, one of Tom’s most outstanding pool projects to date is a floating floor that was a residential project outside London. “It was a daunting piece of work that my father said even made him feel daunted,” explains Tom. “I thought long and hard before deciding to take it on but I am delighted with the outstanding finish,” he says.

“This type of work is very, very hard and I think I most people would probably steer away from it,” he adds. “But I don’t just want
to go to work; I want to create something that will be appreciated for years to come. “I guess the difference between a painter and decorator compared with a master artist is the passion. “We love our work and I believe it shows.”

Above: It is dedication and commitment to top class work that makes Tom Smith so sought after.

Samuel Smith Mosaics
Tel. +44 (0)7988 632239
www.samuelsmithmosaics.com

Above: A Hot Tub Boat provides a unique, one-of a kind, recreational activity by combining a standard hot tub and a classic boat design.

Described as the most luxurious method of relaxation available with revolving scenery, an Hot Tub Boat provides a unique, one-of a kind, recreational activity by combining a standard hot tub and a classic boat design.
The idea was conceived by Adam Karpenske of Karpenske Marine Carpentry in Seattle, Washington. After several cold, rainy
winters living aboard a wooden boat, he decided an Hot Tub Boat would make a perfect addition to his live-aboard home and a
possible tender. Still in the ‘soft start’ phase, the goal is to have a rental fleet operational on Lake Union, Seattle, by the end of May this year while bespoke orders for purchase are now being taken.

The proto-type Hot Tub Boat was built and designed by Kelly Norton and Adam Karpenske, two Seattle shipwrights.
The Hot Tub Boat has been carefully designed and engineered.
It not only looks good but it has a very high load capacity. The hot tub has been carefully positioned on the boat’s centre of buoyancy allowing the boat to remain level and stable when dry or loaded.

Equipped with a small, diesel fired boiler to maintain the water temperature, you can drive the boat while lounging in the tub or seated on the aft deck via mechanical and/or remote steering and throttle.

Standard advice is that drinking and hot tubs don’t mix so alcohol is prohibited whilst aboard. Users are also asked to wear
appropriate swim attire and refrain from nudity while renting an Hot Tub Boat, ensuring all the important bits are covered.

Hot Tub Boats
info@hottubboats.com
www.hottubboats.com

Above: The inventor’s goal is to have a rental fleet operational on Lake Union, Seattle by the end of May this year.

ABOVE: The wraps have come off a £37.5m refurbishment of Edinburgh’s Royal Commonwealth Pool.

Edinburgh’s Royal Commonwealth Pool has re-opened following a two-and-a-half-year, £37.5 million refurbishment. Built in 1970 for the Commonwealth Games, the A-listed, Olympicsized swimming pool was also used for the 1986 games.

Now, following its £37.2 million renovation, the pool will host the diving events for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, as well as being selected by the British Swimming squad as the venue for their final training camp in July 2012 ahead of the London Olympics.
New features in the venue, which is operated by Edinburgh Leisure, include a 50m, eight-lane pool with the capacity to be subdivided into two areas, a 25m diving pool with an adjustable floor allowing the depth to be adjusted so it can be used for swimming alone, a dry dive facility for divers to practise in out with the pool and a 25m pool with a moveable floor for warm-up and lessons.

Liven up the showroom and boost impulse sales with a colourful variety of garden games now available through BTU Pool Services. Giant sizes of chess, Connect 4 and Jenga are available as well as garden games such as limbo, boules and croquet.

These top quality games and accessories are also great as giveaways for competitions and promotions and can be company-branded subject to size of order.

For a full range of products contact the BTU team today.

BTU (Pool services) Ltd

Tel. +44 (0)1483 727444
Email. sales@btu-poolservices.com
www.btu-poolservices.com

Plastica has developed the ultimate quick reference guide. It helps the pool and spa trade save
an enormous amount of time working out which cartridges are compatible.
Cale Sinfield, customer services and marketing manager at Plastica, said: “You can quickly cross reference the filter cartridges for Unicel and Filbur with Pleatco – searching by product size, code and filter manufacturer.”

Plastica is an approved UK distributor for Pleatco cartridges – now recognised as the leading
cartridge due to its technology, 100% customer satisfaction guarantee and no minimum orders.

Request your free copy today.

Plastica Ltd
Tel. +44 (0)1424 857802
www.plasticapools.net

E J Bowman is extending the warranty period to three years on its entire range of titanium shell and tube heat exchangers, to include both manufacturing processes and materials used in the construction.

In addition, all titanium used within the product is guaranteed against corrosion for 10 years.

Titanium is the most suitable material for pool heating due to its excellent corrosion resistance. Irrespective of pool water chemistry, with this extended warranty, customers can have extra confidence in the quality of Bowman titanium heat exchangers, both in terms of heat transfer performance and operational durability.

E J Bowman (Birmingham) Limited

Tel. +44 (0) 121 359 5401
E. info@ejbowman.co.uk
www.ejbowman.co.uk

Above: Poolcourt of Ireland wowed the judges with this commercial pool project, officially the 2012 SPATA Pool Of The Year.

With four, first-time winners and 16 individual companies taking gold, this year’s SPATA awards have never been more evenly spread…

It was a case of the old guard making way for the new as a number of first-time recipients stood up to accept awards at the recent  Swimming Pool and Allied Trade Association presentations. With no less than 16 companies all taking home golds; the  celebrations were more evenly spread than in living memory. The SPATA organisation represents 178 pool building and retail companies, the majority based in the UK. It announced this year’s winning projects at a ceremony held at the De Vere Grand Hotel in Brighton, in February. The competition was fierce with 133 projects vying for victory in 21 categories compared with 85 entries in 22 categories last year.

The big winners on the night were Cresta Leisure and Tanby Swimming Pools who shared The Dick Millward Trophy for Pool Contactor of the Year with an equal points tally. Wensum Pools won the coveted Peter Geekie Trophy for top UK retailer of the  year while Kris German of Harris Pools took the title of Young Pool Star Of The Year.

The Pool Of The Year title went to Irish-based Poolcourt with an outstanding commercial pool project, pictured above. Poolcourt Limited was established in 1989 by Paul and Bridget Hillis installing small domestic pools and hot tubs slowl. In 1994, the  company took on its first commercial project in Co. Cork. Poolcourt is just completing the 50m pool filtration package at University College Dublin, designed by Devin Consulting and one of the largest pool projects built in Ireland to date.
Poolcourt joined SPATA in 1990 and were previous winners in 1995, 1996, 1997, 2004 and 2006. The company’s main area of  work is commercial installations from design stage to completion. They install their own concrete pool shells and all associated  work on filtration and air handling units when required. All contracts to date have been in Ireland, but the team is tendering for  some contracts in the United Kingdom at present.

NATIONWIDE SPECIALISTS Alba Pools receive the gold award for Inground Commercial Spas and Health Pools.

Winners of the Inground Commercial Spas and Health Pools, Alba Pools are specialists in providing all types of swimming pools   and spa facilities to a broad range of clients throughout the UK. The company offers a design, supply and installation service  which is geared to match individual requirements, aiming to consistently provide a quality comprehensive service which is second to none within the swimming pool industry. From relatively modest domestic pools, hotel spa developments to large  commercial pools, whatever the size of the project, Alba’s approach is one of top quality product and service

—

UNRIVALLED LEGACY The Asher Swimpool team won the Environmental Award for 2012 with this energy-efficient residential pool.

 The Asher Swim Pool team, based near Grantham in Lincolnshire,was formed in 1968 by John Asher who went on to serve as president of the Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers and the Swimming Pool and Allied Trade Association during a distinguished  career that has spanned four decades. Still retaining its family values and now a multi-award winning business, the   Asher team boasts an unrivalled legacy of  pool building. Its latest award-winning project shows the company is moving with the  times, winning the Environmental Award for most energy-efficient design and construction.

—

FAMILY BUSINESS Spata members since 2009, Oasis Pool Products is a family run business that was established in 1979.

SPATA members since 2009, Oasis Pool Products is a family run business. Established in 1979 as a trading name of P.A.Hollingworth & Co Ltd, they offer construction, repair and maintenance of swimming pools along with a showroom and UK based online store, providing a wide range of swimming pool supplies plus a wide array of spares and accessories from their  warehouse near Sandwich. The two directors Peter Hollingworth and Peter Hunnisett have spent over 30 years in construction   and building high quality bespoke swimming pools has become a large part of their business. Sam Hunnisett joined her father in the business back in 2010 as sales manager and she quickly and successfully established Oasis Pool Products as a market leader  selling swimming pool supplies and kits on the internet.

—

FOURTH SUCCESSIVE WIN Gillingham Pools, of Guernsey, picked up its fourth gold in succession with victory in the residential outdoor pool section.

Winning a gold for the fourth year in succession, Gillingham Pools Ltd is a locally run family business based in Guernsey in the Channel Islands. They install and refurbish pools throughout the Channel Islands, France and the UK. The team specialises in the
design and construction of concrete pools and spas and also in the installation of fibreglass and liner pools. Gillingham prides itself on employing local tradesmen with extensive in-house pool building experience – each taking pride and pleasure in their workmanship. Their craftsmanship and attention to detail are a big part of what makes us an award winning company – along with our business ethic and strong commitment to customer satisfaction.

—

TOP RETAIL AWARD Boasting extensive indoor and outdoor displays, Wensum say its showroom is the vital hub of its business.

Proud winners of the Peter Geekie Award For Retail Excellence, sponsored by Certikin International, were Syd and Andrea  Morrison and the team from Wensum Pools in Fakenham, Norfolk, pictured above. Underlining their credentials as one of the   most professional pool and spa teams in the country, Wensum were popular winners of the coveted title. Entrants in this far-reaching sector are marked on individual elements of business from their welcome to showroom visitors to after sales care and everything in between. Boasting extensive indoor and outdoor displays, Wensum say its showroom is the vital hub of its business; the company’s most important sales asset where first impressions are of paramount importance. Pro-active marketers with more than three decades of trading experience, Wensum promote the Catalina, Elite and Jacuzzi hot tubs alongside their pool  building, maintenance and service business across all sectors of water leisure.

—

TRIPLE CROWN Richard Carrington, chairman of SPATA , Jamie Adams of Golden Coast Ltd, award sponsors, Philip Pamment, director of Fowler Swimming Pools, Tom Holman, chairman and managing direct, and Kevin Dack, service director for their gold-winning pool project.

FOWLER Swimming Pools of Cowfold, West Sussex, chalked up its third major award within eight years as it took the gold for  residential pools over £75,000 and under £150,000. The award was given for a magnificent indoor heated pool, worth near  Billingshurst, West Sussex. The indoor pool in the landscaped grounds of a large country house is superbly designed with brilliant  use of natural stone on the surrounds.
“We are particularly proud of this pool,” says Tom, “because it is superbly finished with a unique overflow slot around the edge instead of the usual grid. It’s what we call a deck-level pool in which all the levels integrate.” “We are delighted to have received this award,” says Tom, who lives in Henfield. “It is a real honour to win gold three times within eight years. We won gold in 2005 and 2009 and we all feel very proud to have won this third great award.”

—

DOUBLE DELIGHT Double gold winners Whitewaters, receive their award from Tony Welsby, outgoing BSPF president, and David Bland, on behalf of the award sponsors, Portrait Pools.

Founded by Mick Guthrie in 2002, Whitewaters only joined SPATA last year and have picked up two gold awards in their first year  of trying. Working alongside Mick are key staff members include Lyn Williams, office manager, pictured, and Andy Garside the company foreman who controls everything on site. Although based in the North East, approximately 50% of Whitewaters contract work is out of the immediate area. At present, the company is working in Central London, Cheshire, South Yorkshire and Glasgow. The company’s winning residential indoor pools up to £75,000 – was an 8m x 4m deck level pool with stainless steel finishes and overflow grating built near Newcastle-upon-tyne. It featured largeformat tiling, Roldeck automatic cover housed in wall ‘cave’ and colour changing LED lighting.

—

MAIDEN WIN John Preston Pool Services scooped gold in the SPATA awards at their first attempt.

First time SPATA winners this year, John Preston Pool Services was founded in 1999 by John Preston, joining SPATA ten years  later. The JP team is particularly noted for its high specification, indoor domestic pool and spa installation throughout the North
West and beyond in some cases, having constructed pools as far afield as Dumfries, Anglesey and Hereford. The company also maintain and service a number of commercial sites for major hotel and health club chains and carry out work on the Isle of Man.
Their winning pools was set in a modern building but keeping a traditional style with the use of limestone on the surround to maximise the amount of natural light into the pool hall. The slate effect tile, run from the base of the pool to the ceiling, allowing the additional creation of the bespoke water feature, designed to the exact customer specifications. The pool also boasts a counter current unit and strategically placed selection of underwater lights to create a more desirable swimming experience.

SUSTAJoint Pool Contractors of the Year for 2012, Tanby Pools took two gold awards in the Concrete Pools over £60,000 and the Refurbishment sector.

—

 Joint Pool Contractors Of The Year, Tanby Swimming Pools took two gold awards in the categories ‘Concrete Pools £60,000 and Over’ and ‘Refurbishment’, and a silver in the category for ‘Concrete Pools up to £60,000’ Tanby, based in Warlingham, Surrey,  was founded in 1966 and was one of SPATA’s earliest member companies. The company has enjoyed sustained success in the SPATA awards, previously winning six golds; six silvers and six bronze awards. Tanby’s work covers all aspects pool and spa construction, refurbishment, service, and maintenance. Tanby has been Involved in a wide variety of interesting projects including a pool built in one of three 400 year old cellars of a former brewery with up and coming prestigious projects in
London. Key personnel include Martin Borley, managing director, Delyse Borley, director, Ian Webster, construction director, Clair Bryant, client liaison, Mark Bryant, site manager and Sue Hutchins office director.

—

FRONT RUNNERS The XL team was celebrating at this year’s SPATA pool awards.

Based in Kent and SPATA members since July 2010, XL Pools specialise in brand name pools such as Polypool, Signature Products and Compass. Since starting the business eight years ago, managing directors Tony Exell and Helen Smith have led XL Pools from the front. Winning a SPATA gold at their first time of trying, their winning project was an unusual project. The customer requested a large pool to be installed within a confined space. The pool is built inside the walls of the property but doesn’t have a roof. As the pool was only 2.7m wide an infinity edge was incorporated within the design to stop turbulent water while swimming. The pool is constructed from an above ground concrete shell using C30 concrete with an insulated panel system pool installed inside the shell with a fibreglass coating applied to allow the pool to be tiled. The plant room needed to be hidden  due to the location of the pool.

—

SPECIAL POOLS Yorkshire-based David Hallam Pools took home the top spot in the category for Special Requirement Pools.

Winners of the Special Requirements Pools Award, sponsored by Heatstar, David Hallam was founded in 1964 and has previously won SPATA golds in 2006 and 2011, plus an array of other awards. This year’s award winning project centred around the Regency High School at Worcester that was undergoing a major refurbishment and extension to the school. They already had a small hydrotherapy pool on site that was over 30 years old. The pool wasn’t big enough and the filtration was in a poor state of repair.
As part of the extension to the school a new hydrotherapy pool was to be built. David Hallam Ltd got involved early during the design stage and were responsible for sizing the 7m x 11m pool and its design features such as the recessed bench seat, floor massage feature, the pool was raised 500mm out of the ground so that the therapist could work with the children without having to bend over into the pool.

—

INNOVATIVE DESIGN Winning double golds in both the residential and commercial overseas pool categories, Dubai-based Belhasa Projects, based in Dubai, has an unrivalled reputation for innovative design and build.

Winning double golds with both the residential and commercial overseas pool honours, Belhasa Projects, based in Dubai, has been changing the face of the region for more than 25 years, with projects as diverse as clients’ demands. BHP has always been at the forefront of unique design-andbuild schemes such as the latest project – building the largest aquarium in the world. Innovative designs with a local flavour have included a swimming pool in the shape of a coffee pot, and a camel race grandstand in the shape of a tent. From its beginnings as a pool construction company, BHP has grown to encompass five separate divisions, each with a unique function.Belhasa Projects LLC (BHP) was established in 1980 and incorporates five separate divisions run under the leadership of managing directors Majed Belhasa and Nigel Finzi. The company now employs more than 200 staff and has a
labour force of nearly 2,000, working on anything from private pools to blue chip construction projects.

—

PINNACLE ACHIEVEMENT Cresta Leisure won the category for liner pools up to £30,000 and two silvers and a bronze to share the 2012 title of Pool Contractor of the Year.

Joint Pool Contractors of the Year, Dorset-based Cresta Leisure has won a number of SPATA awards over the years in both the residential and commercial sectors but 2012 was the pinnacle, as the awards covered nearly every aspect of pool and spa provision. Founded in 1985 by managing director Tim Bareham, the company initially built panel pools and provided local service until 1989 when the opportunity to build a holiday park pool, resulted in a fast track learning curve in commercial filtration and environmental control. Cresta operates out of purpose-built premises in Dorchester with a full time staff of ten people, covering all aspects of pool supplies and servicing with the exception of internet sales. Cresta joined Spata in 1988 and Tim served on SPATA’s National Council from 1995 until 2010 holding the position as National President in 2000. He is now a member of the BSPF Board and a SPATA inspector involved in member re-inspections
throughout the Country.

—

COMMERCIAL SUCCESS Established in 1965, Cheshire Wellness is no stranger to SOATA success and top honours in the Innovation category.

No strangers to SPATA success, Cheshire Wellness UK design and build award winning and innovative spas, swimming pools and heat experience rooms, from traditional saunas and steam rooms to the more exotic mud baths, igloos and meditation rooms. Established in 1965, the company works for commercial and private clients throughout Europe. the Middle East, the USA and South America. Cheshire Wellness UK has grown into one of the largest pool and spa shell manufacturing operations in Europe, operating from a current 30,000sq ft factory unit with further expansion planned to cope with the anticipated growth in business.
The company offers a complete in-house service from concept to completion from initial design in our design studio to mould
making and complete shell manufacturing. They also offer a design and installation service for commercial and residential swimming pool, hydro spas, Hammam tables and all types of heat experience rooms from saunas to snow rooms.

—