Reporting from the UK Pool & Spa Awards…
The 2020 UK Pool & Spa Awards recognised investment in the hot tubs and swim spa sector that had soared by an estimated 75%. Believed to be worth some £300 million pounds annually, the residential spa sector saw an unprecedented rise in demand as home-owners, unable to holiday during the global pandemic, instead opted to invest in wellness on their own doorsteps. .
“Demand is far outstripping the market’s ability to provide with customers forced to wait up to a year for the supply of their hot tub, swim spa or home swimming pools,” advises water leisure industry expert, Christina Connor, managing director of Waterland Media. “Customers are having to wait as long as the summer of 2021 for the hot tubs of their choice as the impact of Covid-19, combined with delays of stock at UK docks, extend the order to delivery times across the market,” she says and adds: “Equally, people who want to take the plunge with a home swimming pool may have to wait up to 12 months for the specialist pool builders of their choice.” Another trend is increased investment in high-value projects as Christina advises: “Projects are becoming more involved and more expensive with a clear trend for people to improve rather than move by investing in their own leisure facilities for water related exercise, relaxation and home entertaining.”
Showcasing the best examples of spa and home wellness design from across the country, the UK Pool & Spa Awards went on-line as it celebrated it tenth anniversary with featured projects and products. Winners across 30 categories were announced during a virtual presentation that, due to Covid-19 limitations, replaced the traditional face-to-face business networking and gala dinner format.
The You Tube presentation has attracted around 1,500 views across both pool and spa sectors. The 196 entrants were awarded gold, silver or bronze standard in the competition covering both home and public pool and spa facilities in a contest that attracted over 2,000 on-line votes and votes from judges, before being scrutinised by an independent jury.
More information can be found at www.ukpoolandspaawards.co.uk where entries open for the 2021 contest from May 1st.
AND THE WINNERS OF THE 2020 UK POOL & SPA AWARDS ARE…