SPLASH 162 October-November 2025

and

Size does matter

AutoChlor® is the hallmark of AIS Water, an internationally acclaimed brand of inline chlorine generators that symbolises excellence in the industry. It’s the go-to choice for saltwater, coastline, and seawater pools, especially those with salinity levels between 3,500 - 35,000ppm.

Offering a diverse range of models, from 10 to 5,000 grams per hour, AutoChlor® ensures there’s a perfect fit for you and your customers this summer.

AutoChlor® Pixie

Chlorine output: 1 -10 g/h

Salinity Range: 4,000ppm - 5,000ppm

Designed in Australia to meet the surging demand in the plunge pool and spa market, the Pixie micro chlorine generator inherits the DNA of its bigger AutoChlor® counterparts. With a reverse polarity cell, water flow alarm, and high/low salinity alerts, it also shields your pool or spa from over-chlorination. Say goodbye to risky chlorine dosing and oversized chlorinators intended for larger pools. Pixie delivers peace of mind with its cost-effectiveness, simplicity, reliability, and hassle-free installation.

AutoChlor® Classic MkII

Chlorine output: 15 / 20 / 25 / 36 / 50 / 64 / 80 g/h

Salinity Range: 3,500ppm - 5,000ppm

Born over 30 years ago, the AutoChlor® Classic™ series reigns as AIS’ flagship, celebrated for its unwavering simplicity, unmatched reliability, and effortless installation. The Classic™ series has continuously advanced, and in its latest iteration, AutoChlor® Classic™ Mark II proudly features an aluminium heatsink, fortifying its durability to excel in the most extreme, high-temperature conditions with unparalleled ease.

AutoChlor® MIDI

Chlorine output: 100 & 150 g/h

Salinity Range: 3,500ppm - 5,500ppm

Say goodbye to juggling multiple residential chlorinators. Elevate your pool experience with the AutoChlor® MIDI™ – the ultimate solution for busy pools. With its industrial aesthetics and unmatched performance, this semi-commercial powerhouse provides the chlorine your pool demands. Operating at a salinity level as low as 3,500ppm, the RP150 model, takes your swimming experience to the next level. AutoChlor® MIDI™: where reliability, strength, and top-tier functionality meet.

AutoChlor® Commercial

Chlorine output: 100 - 5,000 g/h

Salinity Range: 4,000ppm - 35,000ppm

AIS Water stands as a pioneering force in commercial pool water disinfection, leading the charge in innovative solutions for over 25 years. The awardwinning AutoChlor® commercial range, designed for saltwater, coastal, and sea water swimming pools, is the culmination of 25+ years of relentless research and development. Today, it remains the unrivaled chlorine generator of choice, diligently disinfecting thousands of swimming pools in resorts, hotels, public swimming pools, aquatic centres, swim schools, lagoons, water parks, and schools across more than 55 countries worldwide. AIS Water - setting the gold standard in commercial pool water purification.

A 30 year history of innovation and a laser focus in chlorine generation via electrolysis.

EVO FORCE-i PRO

MAXIMISE PERFORMANCE, MINIMISE POOL HEATING COSTS

Introducing the upgraded Evo Force-i Pro series - our trusted, award-winning pool heat pump, now enhanced with smarter features for even greater performance.

The Evo Force-i Pro series is a superior-performance inverter heat pump built for year-round pool and spa heating with exceptionally low running costs. Featuring the latest stepless full DC inverter technology, it delivers optimised heating and cooling while significantly reducing energy consumption.

With ultra-quiet operation, Solar Smart mode, remote assist, and a sleek new cabinet design, the Evo Force-i Pro combines advanced performance with long-term sustainability - providing reliable comfort all year round.

SOLAR SMART MODE

Maximises solar PV use for greater efficiency and lower heating costs.

NEW CABINET DESIGN

New, sleek, durable cabinets built for Australia’s harsh weather.

Remote Assist connects via Wi-Fi to quickly diagnose and resolve system issues.

Simple installation with new connection terminals and hassle-free integration, thanks to the Evo Connect.

Published by

The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd

ABN 940 025 83 682

41 Bridge Road, Glebe, NSW, 2037 Australia

Ph: (02) 9660 2113 Fax: (02) 9660 4419

On behalf of The Swimming Pool & Spa Association of Australia Ltd (SPASA Australia)

Managing Editor: Chris Maher

Phone: +61 412 048 639

Email: chrismaher@intermedia.com.au

Contributors: Veda Dante, Kristin Brookfield, Ben Makepeace, Spiros Dassakis

Advertising enquiries: Gillian Doreian

Phone: +61 488 983 102

Email: gillian@spasa.com.au

Graphic Designer: Leanne Hogbin

Production Assistant: Tazlin Cantrill

Subscriptions: 1800 651 422

Email: subscriptions@intermedia.com.au

Copyright All material in this publication is copyright to the publisher and/or its contributors. No material may be reproduced without the express permission of the publishers.

Disclaimer: This publication is published by The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd (the “Publisher”) on behalf of SPASA Australia. Materials in this publication have been created by a variety of different entities and, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher accepts no liability for materials created by others. All materials should be considered protected by Australian and international intellectual property laws. Unless you are authorised by law or the copyright owner to do so, you may not copy any of the materials. The mention of a product or service, person or company in this publication does not indicate the Publisher’s endorsement. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Publisher, its agents, company officers or employees. Any use of the information contained in this publication is at the sole risk of the person using that information. The user should make independent enquiries as to the accuracy of the information before relying on that information. All express or implied terms, conditions, warranties, statements, assurances and representations in relation to the Publisher, its publications and its services are expressly excluded save for those conditions and warranties which must be implied under the laws of any State of Australia or the provisions of Division 2 of Part V of the Trade Practices Act 1974 and any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof. To the extent permitted by law, the Publisher will not be liable for any damages including special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages (including but not limited to economic loss or loss of profit or revenue or loss of opportunity) or indirect loss or damage of any kind arising in contract, tort or otherwise, even if advised of the possibility of such loss of profits or damages. While we use our best endeavours to ensure accuracy of the materials we create, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher excludes all liability for loss resulting from any inaccuracies or false or misleading statements that may appear in this publication. This issue of SPLASH! magazine published by The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd (Intermedia) may contain magazine or subscription; offers, competitions, forms and surveys (Reader Offers) which require you to provide information about yourself, if you choose to enter or take part in them. If you provide information about yourself to Intermedia, Intermedia will use this information to provide you with the products of services you have requested and may supply your information to contractors that help Intermedia to do this. Intermedia will also use your information to inform you of other Intermedia publications, products, services and events. Intermedia may give your information to organisations that are providing special prizes or offers that are clearly associated with the Reader Offer. Unless you tell us not to, we may give your information to other organisations that may use it to inform you about other products, services or events or to give it to other organisations that may use it for this purpose. If you would like to gain access to the information Intermedia holds about you, please contact Intermedia’s Privacy Officer at The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd, PO Box 55, Glebe, NSW 2037.

Copyright © 2025 - SPASA Australia.

Proudly supported by

The views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily represent those of the above supporters, nor should any product advertised in SPLASH! magazine be seen to be endorsed by the above.

editorial

Have we turned the corner?

Anecdotal evidence, and some data, seems to be modestly pointing towards a good season.

Ever since the swimming pool boom time during covid, the industry has experienced a two-pronged assault on profitability. First, the covid period was very good for pool builders and the industry in general. But the reason for that was largely that people who were considering pools at some time in the future accelerated their plans so they could better enjoy their enforced staycation. Basically, covid gobbled up latent demand, meaning there was a fallow period until demand caught up again.

Chris Maher Managing Editor chrismaher@ intermedia.com.au

The second prong of the post covid pitchfork was the effect of the pandemic on the global economy. Those headwinds affected supply chain, distribution and prices; as well as employment, consumer sentiment and inflation.

We were lucky to avoid the worst of the inflation, but the cost was tight monetary policy and higher interest rates which ironically made the cost of living become increasingly unmanageable.

Thankfully, both of these factors seem to be easing – with interest rates dipping and demand slowly coming back.

Pool DA numbers seem to be turning in a positive direction and many suppliers are predicting a good season. On top of that, housing numbers are increasing – and you can’t have a backyard pool without a backyard.

While none of this means a good season is a certainty, it’s better to be cautiously looking on the bright side, and hoping sunny weather will be accompanied by a prosperous economic climate.

I hope you find time to smell the spring flowers, while being increasingly busy servicing the growing pool industry.

The cover

The Concrete Pool of the Year by Zen Building, Pools & Landscapes. Photography by Marty O’Donnell, Shot Studio. The full list of the SPASA Awards of Excellence are presented from page 34.

THE NEXT LEVEL OF SWIMMING POOL PROTECTION

The PuraShield® range of ultra-violet sanitisers from Pentair takes pool protection to the next level.

Harnessing the power of ultraviolet UV light and the optional ozone’s proven oxidation & sanitation capabilities, the new PuraShield PuraShield® UV +Ozone sanitisers are the best complementary solution to your swimming pool’s sanitation system with the ability to neutralise up to 99.9% of bacteria in swimming pools.

19 The night of nights

Kristin Brookfield describes her experience at the swimming pool and spa industry’s big night, held recently in Melbourne.

20 Why qualified service techs always win

Well versed in the benefits of industry-specific training, Spiros Dassakis tells us why becoming qualified is a winning path for a service tech.

22 Update on New Zealand standards

Ben Makepeace tells us about two recently updated New Zealand fibreglass pool standards plus the progress on the concrete pool standard.

24 How digital precision is transforming water testing

All

The Tasmanian Awards of Excellence

All the winners and finalists of the Tasmanian swimming pool and spa awards.

How to determine if an aquatic centre will be energy efficient

We learn about new efforts in aquatic centre energy efficiency and benchmarking from ESD mechanical engineer Jonathan Duverge.

Veda Dante investigates how modern water testing technology is transforming pool management in both the residential and commercial segments of the industry.

34 2025 Australasian SPASA Awards of Excellence

We list the winners and finalists of all the awards, showcasing the best of the best across two nations.

Cordless pool cleaner manufacturer Aiper signs major trade deal with PoolCorp

Cordless pool cleaner manufacturer Aiper has announced a strategic partnership with Pool Corporation (PoolCorp), the world’s largest trade distributor of pool supplies and outdoor living products – marking Aiper’s entry into the professional trade market.

Beginning in 2026, independent retailers, pool builders and service companies across North America and beyond will have access to Aiper’s full suite of innovative robotic pool cleaners, including exclusive products, through PoolCorp’s global B2B supply chain of more than 450 locations.

“This innovative agreement with PoolCorp marks a significant milestone in Aiper’s growth strategy,” says Richard Wang, founder and CEO of Aiper.

“It opens the door to the most influential network of industry professionals in the pool and outdoor living space, and we’re excited to bring our products to retailers and pool professionals who value quality, performance and innovation.”

PoolCorp claims the industry’s most extensive on-hand inventory network – offering more than 200,000 products from more than 2000 manufacturers. PoolCorp is a majority owner of Pool Systems in Australia, which in turn bought Niagara Pool Supplies in 2014.

“The pool industry is in need of innovation,” says Jonathan Pechon, vice president of supply chain and operations for PoolCorp.

TOP: The Aiper launch was held at Sydney’s Botanic Gardens

ABOVE: The Scuba S1 picked up the supplier innovation award from Clark Rubber

“Our intent is to be the delivery vehicle to accelerate innovation and ultimately enhance our customers’ experience and that of every pool owner.

Our partnership with Aiper brings one of the most indemand and innovative product categories to market, advancing cordless robotic cleaner technology and creating unprecedented opportunities for industry professionals and independent retailers to offer these products to pool owners,” he says.

Season launch

The announcement comes as Aiper launched its product line for its second season in the Australian and New Zealand swimming pool market.

Products included the next-gen Scuba X Series pool cleaners, the second-generation cordless robotic pool skimmer Surfer S2, and the all-new IrriSense smart irrigation system – migrating Aiper’s awardwinning smart tech from swimming pools to lawns.

The event also celebrated Aiper’s partnership renewal for the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) cricket competition and the men’s Big Bash League (BBL) 2025/26 season, sponsoring the Sydney Sixers, with the partnership drawing on the mutual experience of enjoying the Australian summer outdoors in healthy, fun pursuits.

“Whether it’s keeping a pool sparkling clean or ensuring a lawn stays perfectly watered, we understand outdoor maintenance can be exhausting, time-consuming, and quite frankly a chore,” says Andres Gomez, Aiper’s VP of sales.

“At Aiper, we’re driven to create innovative solutions that take the hard work out of home upkeep, giving people back their time to enjoy the outdoors. As we expand into new categories, our commitment to leading with smart, user-first technology remains at the heart of everything we do.” Conferences

Davey and Waterco unite at global conference

More than 200 Davey dealers and trade partners gathered in Australia for two days of strategy, innovation and networking earlier this month. CEOs from Waterco’s northern hemisphere entities were also in attendance, reflecting the conference’s global significance.

CEO Soon Sinn Goh unveiled a united vision for Davey and Waterco while COO Bryan Goh reinforced this direction, emphasising ongoing international growth while keeping Australia at the heart of the brand’s identity.

Keynote futurist Steve Sammartino captivated delegates with an interactive exploration of generative AI and its transformative potential.

GM Mark Anning and CMO Tom Fisher shared bold strategies, product innovations and partnerships that highlighted the strength of collaboration between Davey, Waterco, suppliers and dealers worldwide.

A preliminary structure for the Master Dealer program was introduced by the sales team, aimed at strengthening the Davey brand within its dealer network and driving sales growth. The proposed framework is built around ranging product category tiers, and a pointsbased system, where dealers earn points by ranging products across these key tiers.

Once key point thresholds are reached, dealers may qualify to represent key product banners and be recognised as specialists in specific categories. This would also unlock tailored support and benefits. The concept is still in development and will continue to evolve based on feedback from Davey’s Master Dealers.

LaMotte and ESL partners presented their latest innovations in water testing, both companies highlighted how their technologies can support Master Dealers in offering more precise, efficient, and value-added water testing services to customers.

A few new products were introduced, including EvoDrive, DynaDrive Pro and Circulator Pumps; along with RainBank Pro – which is currently in the pipeline and expected to be released in the coming months.

Industry moves

Poolwerx

appoints global chief executive officer

Poolwerx has appointed Nic Brill as global CEO.

Taking effect in October 2025, this newly created role unites Poolwerx’ Australian, New Zealand and US markets under one global leader with a single business strategy to position the brand for the next phase of international growth.

Brill joined Poolwerx in 2019 as chief operating officer before becoming ANZ CEO in 2022, guiding the company through record sales,

profitability and market share growth. His appointment as ANZ CEO followed the global Norwest partnership announcement, which strengthened Poolwerx’ capacity to accelerate expansion across its three core markets.

He successfully navigated the global pandemic and led Poolwerx to consistently achieve above-market results.

Poolwerx chair Sue Collyns says that the appointment of a global CEO is a strategic move to align the business as one unified network, operating with a clear global structure and consistent growth strategy.

“The Board made a conscious decision to select a proven and dynamic leader who not only understands our Poolwerx business, franchisees and partners but also has the vision and agility to lead a global organisation.

“We couldn’t be more excited and Nic’s track record of leveraging innovation, digital transformation, and operational excellence within the franchise industry, positioning Poolwerx to create even greater value for our franchise partners, clients and stakeholders alike.”

Brill says he is honoured to lead Poolwerx into its next chapter of growth which will build on the company’s 30-plus year legacy.

“Operating as one business, with one vision and one strategy, will enable us to compete at scale and grow our brand into new territories,” he says.

“With this transition, Poolwerx reaffirms its commitment to its number one corporate KPI – franchisee profitability – along with a continued focus on innovation, partner success, and long-term growth.”

Quarterly DAs jump, annual rate edges

Available pool DA figures from Cotality for the three months from July to September show that applications are up by 14 per cent, while the annual numbers for the 12 months to September show the numbers improving by two per cent.

The quarterly numbers show New South Wales is up by 36 per cent, Queensland is up by 19 per cent, and South Australia is up by three per cent; while Western Australia is down by five per cent, and Victoria is down by 17 per cent.

The national annual DA numbers have finally started to improve, if only slightly, when compared to the same period last year, with Queensland up by 22 per cent and New South Wales up by 19 per cent; while Western Australia is down by two per cent, South Australia is down by 17 per cent and Victoria is down by 29 per cent.

Health Study shows vigorous swimming can reduce dementia risk

Vigorous swimming – among other forms of intensive aerobic exercise – can significantly reduce the risk of acquiring dementia in later life, according to a recent study.

The new study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has found that vigorous exercise – including swimming – can reduce a protein associated with developing dementia. More people die in Australia from dementia than any other cause. In 2023, more than one in ten deaths were caused by dementia, with estimations that more than one million people could be affected by 2065, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report. A recently published paper by the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre at the University of Tasmania has also found that the more vigorous the exercise, the more brain health is protected.

Exercise that makes you puff is the most effective in reducing the risk of dementia.

most likely to develop dementia and ways to reduce that risk. Participants give a blood sample every two years and also complete surveys about their lifestyle.

Dr Roccati says that exercise that makes you puff is the most effective. The study adds to growing evidence that around 45 per cent of dementia cases could be prevented by addressing modifiable lifestyle and behavioural risk factors.

Industry moves

SPASA appoints new strategic partnership manager

SPASA has appointed David Bull as executive manager for strategic partnerships.

Bull has strong experience in associations and business development, most recently working with the CEO Institute as their state sales and membership director.

SPASA CEO Kristin Brookfield says that his more than 15 years’ experience in account management and sales – covering both B2B and B2C responsibilities – makes her confident he will be a wonderful asset for the association.

“This role is vital for SPASA and provides a way for the association to engage with industry and help us deliver the types of events, services and programs that support our membership,” she says.

“Industry and regional partnerships are the foundation of our annual program, while our member services partners help us deliver a range of benefits for members all year round.”

Bull will be responsible for engaging with all current and future industry partners, finding new opportunities for member services partners, and supporting the sale of advertising across publications and digital platforms.

Dr Eddy Roccati, a senior research fellow at the centre told the ABC that the finding is significant because it shows for the first time how a bloodbased biomarker that’s indicative of dementia risk is associated with a key and accessible modifiable risk factor. The project aims to understand who is

Keep informed by subscribing to the free online newsletter.

Aiper signs major trade deal with PoolCorp

Cordless pool cleaner manufacturer Aiper announced a strategic partnership with pool supplies behemoth Pool Corporation.

Addressing physical inactivity, a key midlife modifiable risk factor, could significantly reduce dementia cases. Social interaction, good sleep and reducing blood pressure are some of the ways to reduce dementia risk. High cholesterol, hearing loss, obesity and smoking increase the likelihood of developing the disease.

Bull is excited by this new opportunity.

“I’m looking forward to working with our partners and members, along with key allies in the swimming pool and spa industry. It’s a great opportunity to work for an association that values its members and is operating across Australia and New Zealand,” he says.

He is based in Queensland and members can connect with him via LinkedIn or at davidb@spasa.com.au.

Top five online news stories

The online stories that made the news over the past two months.

Study shows swimming can reduce dementia risk

Vigorous swimming –among other forms of exercise – can significantly reduce the risk of acquiring dementia, a new study shows.

Poolwerx acquires JC Pool Services

Poolwerx has made the largest acquisition in the company’s 33-year history, strengthening its residential and commercial presence across Brisbane.

Davey and Waterco unite at global conference

More than 200 Davey Master Dealers and trade partners joined CEOs from Waterco’s northern hemisphere entities in Australia.

Pool service veteran retires after 45 years in the industry

Bryan Simpson of Bryan’s Pool Service is retiring after 45 years in the swimming pool and spa service segment.

Upcoming events

2025

Nov 17-20 Piscina, Barcelona, Spain

Dec 1-4 Canadian Pool & Spa Conference Expo, Niagara Falls Convention Centre

2026

Jan 15-17 Aquafun 2026, Istanbul Türkiye

Jan 30-Feb 1 Pool Spa Life Expo Melbourne

Feb 3-5 Spatex, Coventry, UK

Feb 14-15 Pool Spa Life Expo Perth

Feb 11-13 Forumpiscine, Bolongne, Italy

Feb 28-Mar 1 Pool Spa Life Expo Sydney

Mar 21-22 Pool Spa Life Expo Adelaide

Apr 11-12 Pool Spa Life Expo Auckland

May 16-17 Pool Spa Life Expo Brisbane

Aug 11-14 Expolazer & Outdoor Living, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Aug 19-20 SPLASH! Trade Expo, Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre, Broadbeach, Queensland

Sep 10-12 Asean Patio Pool Spa Expo, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Oct 6-8 Interbad, Stuttgart, Germany

Nov 17-20 Piscine Global, Lyon, France

More details at www.splash.online Dates are subject to change and should be checked with the relevant organisation. Send calendar submissions to info@splashmagazine.com.au.

In Brief

HIA senior economist Tom Devitt says that despite a slight monthly moderation of 1.2 per cent in August, new house sales in the three months to August 2025 remain higher than any previous quarter in the past three years, and 5.1 per cent higher compared to the previous quarter. He says this indicates that cuts to the cash rate are leading to a return in home buying activity, albeit very slowly. “Demand for housing continues to increase due to elevated population growth and sustained low levels of unemployment. The supply side stimulus resulting from the Australian Government’s decision to remove the requirement for mandatory lenders’ mortgage insurance for first home buyers will also boost new home sales.” About a third of all new homes are built by first home buyers and they play an important role in increasing housing supply. The HIA New Home Sales report is a leading indicator of future detached home construction, in turn providing an indication of potential new backyard pool demand.

It is being hailed as the most expensive swimming pool ever put up for sale. A vacant block of land - with nothing but sweeping views and an existing fenced swimming pool - is being auctioned with a price guide of between $4.2 million to $4.6 million in the Byron Bay hinterland at Newrybar, near where actor Liam Hemsworth recently submitted plans to build a luxury home for $14.5 million.

Clark Rubber appoints new national service manager

Clark Rubber has appointed James Joseph as their new national service manager.

Mick Guerin, general manager of marketing, says that the national service manager role will be a key position at Clark Rubber and will steer the future direction of their onsite pool care (OSPC) business.

The role will focus on developing strategies, programs and initiatives for OSPC that drive sales and profitability for stores and mobile franchisees; expand OSPC services and customer acquisition; improve technician capability and service delivery; and enhance customer experience across the network. Joseph comes with relevant pool industry experience as a product manager at Hayward

Pool Products Australia, as well as experience as an operations and technical support executive for Poolwerx, supporting their franchise partners.

“James is a qualified mechanical engineer and has also been an entrepreneur and business owner, so he not only understands the role of the pool technician, he has an intimate knowledge of pool products, and also understands the challenges of running and growing a business,” says Guerin.

Joseph's appointment is the first of more to come to support OSPC with a focus on delivering structured training programs that support pool technicians and franchisees to build service capability and service delivery standards.

When

will NCC 2025 be published?

The 2025 update of the National Construction Code (NCC) has been delayed. It was expected to be adopted on May 1, 2025, however the updates and approvals needed prior to the federal election were not completed on time.

The Australian Building Code Board (ABCB) released advice in June that no date had been agreed by building ministers. While this advice has not changed, new information was released as part of the Australian Government’s economic roundtables.

Reducing red tape for new housing was a key area of focus at the roundtables, with the NCC becoming an important part of the conversation. The Government has now made a public announcement about their intentions for NCC 2025 and beyond, in an effort to speed up new home building activity.

The government will work with states and territories to pause further residential changes to the National Construction Code until the end of the National Housing Accord period (mid-2029), following finalisation of NCC 2025.

This excludes essential safety and quality changes, and it maintains the strong residential standards adopted in 2022, including 7-star energy efficiency.

The next round of NCC changes will come at the end of the National Housing Accord period (mid-2029). While this pause is underway, the government will streamline the National Construction Code through

further consultation with stakeholders, including examining how to:

• Streamline and use AI to improve useability of the 3-volume 2000-page NCC to assist tradies, small businesses and households.

• Remove barriers to the uptake of modern methods of construction, including prefab and modular housing that have cost savings and energy efficiency.

• Improve how code provisions are developed by the ABCB and consider the appropriate intervals for of future NCC updates.

Based on this announcement, it is expected that building ministers will now meet to approve NCC 2025 for publication in the next few months. A commencement date will be announced following that meeting.

The changes to the Code that relate to swimming pools and spas are expected to be in-line with the public comment draft released in 2024. These include:

• The adoption of the 2024 version of AS 1926.1 –Safety barriers for swimming pools.

• Clause H2D2(2) – A new sub-clause has been included for swimming pool drainage stating that Performance Requirement H2P4 is satisfied for swimming pool drainage if the swimming pool’s pumped discharge is discharged to the sanitary drainage system in accordance with AS/NZS 3500.2.

In the interim, NCC 2022 continues to apply in all states including any variations that may be adopted in individual states.

BWT has announced a strategic alliance with Atecpool

BWT has announced a strategic alliance with Atecpool International Group, a leading manufacturer and distributor of swimming pool, spa, sauna and wellness equipment.

From its headquarters in Dubai, Atecpool has built a strong reputation across the Middle East, North Africa and the Asia Pacific region, and will now continue to operate under the name

Atecpool as a member of the BWT Group.

Robert Tullberg, chairman and owner of Atecpool, welcomed the partnership and confirmed he will remain as managing director, continuing to lead operations alongside the management and staff in Dubai.

Andreas Weissenbacher, CEO of BWT Group, expressed his enthusiasm, saying he is

delighted to welcome the highly experienced Atecpool team into the global BWT family.

“Together, we look forward to embarking on the next chapter of our success story, driving the international pool industry with an innovative product range for highest safety, hygiene, health and comfort in every pool worldwide.”

Poolwerx celebrates at annual convention

Poolwerx held its three-day convention in August, bringing together more than 300 franchise partners and suppliers in the Hunter Valley, culminating in a gala awards ceremony where franchisees were recognised for their achievements.

Hilary and Richard Kelly from Poolwerx Mt Gravatt Queensland were named the 2025 Franchise Partners of the Year, an award recognising exceptional performance within the Poolwerx ANZ network.

Poolwerx CEO Nic Brill acknowledged them for their remarkable journey.

“In just four years, they’ve built a powerhouse business from the ground up, achieving record-breaking growth while setting new benchmarks for service, leadership, and innovation,” he says.

Award winners

• Retail Store of the Year, Poolwerx Wagga Wagga, NSW

• New Retail Store of the Year, Poolwerx Ellenbrook, WA

• Retail Team Member of the Year, Poolwerx Bay of Plenty, Connor Simpson, NZ

• Technician of the Year, Poolwerx Kotara, Jarad Boorer, NSW

• Operations Person of the Year, Poolwerx Rosebud, Jarrod Hilderbrand, VIC

• Employer of the Year, Poolwerx Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Andrina & Darren Tribbeck, QLD

• Brand Excellence, Poolwerx Caloundra, Emily King & Luke Knight, QLD

• Innovation & Entrepreneurial Excellence, Poolwerx Castle Hill, Bev and Tim Oldfield, NSW

• The Shane Doyle Rising Star, Poolwerx Bunbury, Ayrton Paris, WA

• Most Improved, Poolwerx Mackay, Rene & Shayne Wood, QLD

• Commercial Business of the Year, Poolwerx Bay of Plenty, Kelly & Brendon Woodhouse, NZ

• Top Sales, Under $3,000,000, Poolwerx Spearwood, Karlee & Cory Thomson, WA

• Top Sales Over $3,000,000, Poolwerx Upper North Shore, Prue & Malcolm Price, NSW

• Top Mobile Sales (Single Territory), Poolwerx Coffs Harbour, Shann & Ged O’Sullivan, NSW

• Top Retail Sales (Single Unit), Poolwerx Wagga Wagga, Melissa and Andrew McPherson, NSW

• Community Ambassador of the Year, Poolwerx Clarence Valley, Shauna Brigden, QLD

• Regional Operational Manager of the Year, Phil Colburn

• Poolwerx Support Centre Team Member of the Year, Learning & Development Advisor, Trinity Overduin

• Regional Franchise Partner of the Year, Poolwerx Burpengary, Wendy & Grant Polglase, QLD (Brisbane North & Central Queensland)

• Regional Franchise Partner of the Year, Poolwerx Mt Gravatt, Hilary & Richard Kelly, QLD (Brisbane South, Far North QLD, Northern NSW & Northern Territory)

• Regional Franchise Partner of the Year, Poolwerx Ringwood, David & Zivanja Copsey, VIC (Victoria & Tasmania)

• Regional Franchise Partner of the Year, Poolwerx Greater Adelaide, Craig Bruins, SA

• Regional Franchise Partner of the Year, Poolwerx Applecross, Steve Burn and Brett Jorgensen, WA

• Regional Franchise Partner of the Year, Poolwerx Castle Hill, Bev and Tim Oldfield, NSW

• The Garth Parker Award, Regional Franchise Partner of the Year, Poolwerx Bay of Plenty, Kelly & Brendon Woodhouse, NZ

• Franchise Partner of the Year, Poolwerx Mt Gravatt, Hilary & Richard Kelly, QLD

Poolwerx cracks the US ton

Meanwhile, Poolwerx announced the opening of its 100th active territory in the United States.

“Reaching 100 units is a tremendous accomplishment for our team and our franchise partners, but it’s just the beginning,” says Andrew Kidd, CEO of Poolwerx USA. “Our success comes from providing a premium, full-service pool care solution and building a culture where franchise partners feel supported to grow. We’ve proven this model works across markets, and we’re excited to bring Poolwerx to hundreds more communities.” Founded more than 30 years ago in Australia, Poolwerx entered the US market in 2015. Today, Poolwerx’ franchise partners operate across 17 US states coast to coast, with growth fuelled by both mobile and brickand-mortar retail stores. Poolwerx is targeting 300 US territories by 2027.

Underwater Lighting Specialists

Aqua-Quip designs and manufactures in Australia, innovative underwater LED lighting systems for use in concrete and fibreglass swimming pools, spas, water features and catch tanks for the Australian and international pool markets.

Lights are compatible with all popular pool controllers and home automation systems. The innovative InstaTouch™ Smart Lighting Controller provides instantaneous control via a water-resistant handset to enhance the evening atmosphere in your pool and spa.

The night of nights

By Kristin Brookfield

In her regular column, SPASA CEO Kristin Brookfield describes her experience at the swimming pool and spa industry’s big night, held this September in Melbourne.

Last month, I had the privilege to join members from across Australia and New Zealand to celebrate the industry’s night of nights at the 2025 SPASA Awards of Excellence in Melbourne.

The Gala awards were the culmination of our eight regional awards showcasing excellence in pool design and construction, new and innovative manufacturing, retail and supply solutions, and professionalism across every part of the industry by individuals and businesses.

The 2025 Business of the Year was awarded to Aqua Technics Pools from Western Australia. The Business of the Year award celebrates companies that have achieved professionalism and quality service over 12 months by supporting clients with industry-leading new technology, industry knowledge, business development and professional services. Congratulations to Aqua Technics Pools.

Congratulations also go to our major pool category winners –including Zen Building, Pools & Landscapes (NSW), Barrier Reef Pools Perth (WA), Alfresco Pools from NZ, Elite Pools and Landscapes (SA), Aurora Pools (WA), Aloha Pool and Laguna (Vic), Rogers Pools (Qld) and Prestige Plunge Pools (Qld).

With so many winners to celebrate, it’s impossible to highlight them all in this column, but all the winners and finalists are listed from page 34 in this edition.

This year we have been able to showcase our major category winners in the media with stories running in leading newspapers and online media channels since the event. This is an important opportunity for SPASA to show the value of being a SPASA member to your customers and celebrating 100 gold and major award categories on the night was no simple feat. The winners were judged from more than 1000 entries received this year, and I’d like to thank our judging panel for tackling this mammoth task.

Seeing the SPASA team bring these awards together in my first three months has been an incredible experience. This year’s awards included many changes from past years, and I understand that change can be challenging at times. Thank you to members that have shared your thoughts about the program. As we prepare to open the door on the 2026 awards program, we will continue to work to ensure that the SPASA Awards of Excellence are recognised as the leading awards program for the swimming pool and spa industry in Australia and New Zealand.

Trans-Tasman bonding

This year New Zealand joined the Gala event, with New Zealand members taking home seven awards across the night. I had the opportunity to connect with members in New Zealand during the regional awards and was excited to see the interest and passion of the industry and hear their thoughts about how SPASA can support them moving forward. In the last month we

“This year we have been able to showcase our major category winners in the media with stories running in leading newspapers and online media channels since the event.”

have also been able to share some major wins for the New Zealand industry.

With member support, SPASA successfully championed New Zealand’s adoption of modernised standards for fibreglass pool design and installation (NZS 1838 and NZS 1839).

The standards were published in August and represent a major milestone for the industry. They provide manufacturers, builders, certifiers and consumers, with clear, contemporary guidance to achieve consistent quality and safety outcomes across New Zealand’s fibreglass pool sector.

Work has now begun to develop a parallel standard for concrete pool building in New Zealand with an expression of interest currently open to participate.

SPASA has also been working closely with Waihanga Ara Rau and New Zealand members to develop a recognised training package for pool builders. Establishing a qualification package is a key step in raising the professionalism of the industry and showing young people that the swimming pool industry can offer a clear career pathway. The final steps in the process are hoped to be completed by the end of 2025. Following approval, SPASA’s Institute of Research and Learning will begin the process to deliver the new qualification in New Zealand.

With 2026 just around the corner, I’d like to wish members all the best for the new year. I hope that 2025 has been a productive year for you and your business and I look forward to connecting with members. The year will start with a bang as the 2026 Pool Spa Life consumer expos kick off in Melbourne and I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone once again at the SPLASH! 2026 Trade Expo on the Gold Coast in August. Make sure it’s on your calendar! n

Why qualified service techs always win

Well versed in the benefits of industry-specific training, Spiros Dassakis tells us why becoming qualified is a winning path for a service tech.

In today’s pool and spa market, experience alone doesn’t cut it anymore. Customers, insurers, councils and builders want evidence of competence.

The nationally recognised CPP31218 Certificate III in Swimming Pool and Spa Service confirms you can do the job safely, correctly and consistently – making you easier to hire, insure and recommend.

What

does a Certificate III in Pool and Spa Service cover?

A Certificate III in Swimming Pool and Spa Service (CPP31218) isn’t just a qualification badge, it’s a fully mapped competency framework. The training builds real, usable skills across safe chemical handling (from storage and transport to incident response), precise water testing and treatment (accurate analysis, dosing, stabilisation and troubleshooting), and the nuts-and-bolts of plant operation (circulation, filtration, dosing and cleaning systems).

It also drills the habits that protect everyone: clear documentation, professional client communication and disciplined safety practices. The result for pool owners is simple: faster diagnosis, first-time fixes, fewer call-backs and a clear service record they can rely on.

“Customers,

By Spiros Dassakis

CPP31218 is a nationally recognised pathway on the training register and is widely used in apprenticeships and licensing. That recognition matters: it satisfies procurement checks, reduces compliance risk for clients, and gives insurers greater confidence that the work is being done competently and safely.

The commercial upside

Hiring gets easier when your capability is visible. A nationally recognised qualification clears procurement checks for safety and contract compliance, so you’re not stuck proving the basics every time. Your routine testing, tidy records and client sign-offs reduce the “who’s responsible?” debates before they start.

And because credentials are verifiable, customers feel confident choosing you over a competitor who is asking them to take it on faith.

These are skills that lift quality – and profitability.

Qualified techs balance water accurately and consistently, which trims chemical use, limits corrosion and scaling, and improves bather comfort.

insurers, councils and builders want evidence of competence.”

The qualification also teaches techs to make day-to-day decisions that line up with current industry rules and expectations – so advice given on site doesn’t clash with regulatory requirements.

Where the work intersects with standards

Technicians routinely operate with and around the following (this selection is not exhaustive):

• AS 1926.1 Safety barriers for swimming pools

• AS 1926.2 Location of safety barriers

• AS 1926.3 Water recirculation systems

• AS 3633 Private swimming pools — Water quality

• AS 3780 Storage and handling of corrosive substances

• AS/NZS 3833 Storage & handling of mixed classes of dangerous goods (packages/IBCs)

• AS/NZS 1477 PVC pressure pipes & fittings

• AS 3634 Solar heating systems for swimming pools

• AS 5348 Pool covers

And many more

Technicians also navigate the National Construction Code, state public-health instruments, WHS laws/regulations and hazardous chemical codes of practice.

Their training supports systematic diagnostics that uncover issues around sizing, flow and dosing before they escalate – avoiding costly failures and unnecessary return visits. They are also trained to follow robust safety protocols when handling chemicals and equipment: reducing incident risk, downtime and insurance exposure. The result is higher-quality outcomes, stronger client confidence and healthier margins.

Why qualifications and licensing matter

Deregulated environments attract rogue operators. Requiring recognised qualifications (and licensing where applicable) raises the bar by ensuring people entering the trade are properly trained and assessed. That protects consumers, honest businesses and the industry brand.

Service work often involves:

• Pipe pressure testing and leak detection;

• Flow measurement (analogue/digital/line-up);

• Accurate chemical analysis and dosing control.

Without competent maintenance (circulation and treatment), pools can incubate harmful pathogens (e.g., Pseudomonas, Cryptosporidium, E. coli), attract mosquitoes/pests, and suffer equipment/interior failures. Entrapment risks must also be managed via compliant recirculation system design and upkeep (AS 1926.3 interface with the NCC).

Leveraging your qualification

These qualifications are career signals the market recognises:

• Nationally recognised trade pathway: CPP31218 is an endorsed VET qualification; RTOs such as the Institute of Research and Learning (IRLearning) deliver it with workplace assessment that mirrors real service conditions.

• Progression routes: Field tech to senior tech to scheduler to service manager to audit/QA roles.

• Credentials make promotions (and pay bands) easier to justify.

A pool tech’s experience

Gemma Smart is a business owner and regional franchisor with Jim’s Pool Care Carlingford, and a national training coordinator. Her qualifications include being a Pool Safety Inspector (BDC05079), and having a B.Bus, Dip.Bus, Cert IV: WHS, IR, HRM, Certificate III in Swimming Pool and Spa Service and a Qualified Supervisor Certificate 100102S.

She says that earning her pool technician trade qualification transformed her role from working behind the scenes to being a hands-on lady tradie – and gave their customers confidence while raising standards across the business and the industry.

Four years ago, she and husband Greg bought a Jim’s Pool Care franchise.

“Like many women in family businesses, I initially worked behind the scenes –but it soon became clear that I could add more value if I deepened my pool and spa knowledge,” she says.

After time as a stay-at-home mum, she was ready to renew her career and was driven to truly understand the pool technician trade. Coming from an academic background, learning and achieving competency in this arena was a challenge she embraced enthusiastically.

“Holding a trade qualification now makes me a valuable asset to our business,” she says.

“I can explain not just the ‘how’ but the ‘why’, giving customers greater confidence and assurance.

“In my role as Jim’s Pool Care National Training Co-ordinator, I also support our franchisees through their own qualifications, helping raise industry standards and fostering a culture of lifelong learning.”

• Next step: CPP41319 Certificate IV in Swimming Pool and Spa Service builds supervisory, diagnostics and business skills on top of your Cert III.

You can leverage these skills and qualifications in the following ways:

• Show the code everywhere: “CPP31218 – Certificate III in Swimming Pool & Spa Service” on quotes, invoices, website bios and your Google profile.

• Translate units into benefits: Chemicals/testing/filtration/ dosing/cleaning leads to safer handling, stable water, fewer failures. Spell it out for clients.

• Reference standards (carefully): Align advice with AS 3633 water-quality expectations and acknowledge AS 1926 interfaces, without straying into sign-offs you’re not licensed to provide.

• Stay current: Standards and guidance evolve. Ongoing CPD keeps your “qualified” promise real.

It’s vital that we stand strong as an industry and take pride in our profession. Make recognised qualification the baseline, continuous learning the habit, and mentoring the legacy. Enrol in CPP31218, support your team into formal training, and welcome new entrants through structured development and safe practice. By standing strong together, we’ll lift outcomes for customers, strengthen businesses, and build a talent pipeline that keeps the pool and spa sector thriving, making it a career of choice for years to come.

For more information on enrolling in pool and spa industry courses contact www.irlearning.com. n Spiros Dassakis is the owner of NextGen Experts and is a licenced pool builder and service technician.

Units of competency

Certificate III in Swimming Pool and Spa Service (CPP31218) provides the individual with the competencies required to routinely maintain swimming pools and spas in domestic, commercial and public settings.

This is a qualification for people working in the swimming pool and spa service sector. It applies to pool and spa technicians in the field who apply analytic and problem-solving skills to treat water quality problems, as well as install, service and repair the key systems and components of domestic swimming pools and spas.

The following combination of units are recommended to meet the required training and employability outcomes.

Core Units

• BSBWOR301 - Organise personal work priorities and development

• CPPCMN3005 - Complete client documentation

• CPPDSM3009 - Maintain workplace safety in the property industry

• CPPSPS3001 - Handle, transport and store swimming pool and spa chemicals safely

• CPPSPS3002 - Perform basic swimming pool and spa measurements and calculations

• CPPSPS3003 - Maintain swimming pools and spas

• CPPSPS3004 - Maintain swimming pools and spa water circulation and filtration systems

• CPPSPS3005 - Maintain swimming pools and spa dosing systems

• CPPSPS3006 - Maintain swimming pools and spa cleaning and vacuuming systems

• CPPSPS3008 - Work in the swimming pool and spa servicing industry

• SISCAQU001 - Test pool water quality

• SISCAQU004 - Develop and implement pool water maintenance procedures

Elective Units

• CPCCWHS2001 - Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry

• CPPSPS3007 - Maintain swimming pool and spa heating systems

• CPPSPS3009 - Maintain swimming pool and spa stock

• CPPSPS3010 - Sell swimming pool and spa products and services

• CPPSPS3011 - Use and maintain business technology related to swimming pool and spa servicing

• CPPSPS3012 - Access and apply information from swimming pool and spa technician manuals

Update on New Zealand standards

By Ben Makepeace

Two 2025 New Zealand fibreglass pool standards are now published and are available to the industry:

• NZS 1838:2025: Swimming pools – Premoulded fibrereinforced plastics – Design and fabrication;

• NZS 1839:2025: Swimming pools – Premoulded fibrereinforced plastics – Installation.

New Zealand was previously using AS/NZS 1838:1994 and AS/NZS 1839:1994, which had served the industry well but were outdated after recent updates to the Australian version of the standards.

This important milestone represents a significant step forward for the New Zealand swimming pool and spa industry, delivering long-awaited clarity, consistency, and confidence across both manufacturing and installation practices for fibreglass pools.

SPASA funded the rewriting of these two standards, ensuring local practices in New Zealand are aligned with the contemporary benchmarks established under the updated Australian Standards.

When do these standards apply?

The updated standard was published by Standards New Zealand on 28 August 2025. It is not currently referenced in legislation or the NZ Building Code, however the Standards can be given legal effect when referenced in building plans, specifications or preferably the building contract. While the standard cannot be used retrospectively, members should consider including a reference to the standard in new contracts.

What has changed?

Recognising the risks of falling behind, SPASA initiated a comprehensive review of the updated Australian standards using local industry input. This ensures New Zealand pool owners, builders, and suppliers benefit from the latest global innovations in materials, technology, and installation practices.

This initiative is not simply a technical update. It is a

Award winning fibreglass indoor pool by Ultimate Pools, New Zealand. Image illustrative only

proactive step to strengthen quality, safety and professionalism across the New Zealand pool industry.

A joint committee of New Zealand and Australian experts reviewed and adapted the standards to reflect local conditions. While the outcome is not a single joint Australian and New Zealand Standard, the revised New Zealand documents closely align with the Australian benchmarks, ensuring consistency, safety and durability in every new fibreglass pool installation. It is expected that some improved provisions will now be introduced into the Australian Standard as they reflect leading practices.

Key changes

Key changes for NZS AS 1838 include the following sections:

• Chemical-resistance rating

• Water-resistance rating

• Water-resistance

And the following appendixes:

• Test reporting

• Water-resistance rating

Key changes for NZS AS 1839 include the following sections:

• Site investigation

• Hydrostatic valve

• Bond beam

• Other installation requirements in reactive clay soils

SPASA extends its sincere thanks to the Standards New Zealand committee members whose expertise and commitment made this important milestone possible.

Committee chair Anthony Cross says that SPASA’s support has ensured the delivery of robust, fit-for-purpose technical standards tailored to local conditions, while laying the foundation for lifting the quality and safety of fibreglass pool construction throughout New Zealand. n

Contacts: www.standards.govt.nz/shop/NZS-AS-18382025; www.standards.govt.nz/shop/NZS-AS-18392025

Next steps: concrete pool standards

Building on the success of modernising the standards for fibreglass pools, SPASA’s next strategic priority is the development of a dedicated standard for concrete swimming pools in New Zealand.

It is proposed that this future standard will be modelled on Australia’s AS 2783 – Use of Reinforced Concrete for Small Swimming Pools and would aim to:

• Align with current engineering principles –protect end users and ensure the structural integrity and longevity of pool shells.

• Recognise modern construction techniques – including advances in shotcrete, reinforcement detailing, curing and waterproofing technologies.

• Promote national and trans-Tasman consistency – providing a unified framework across Australia and New Zealand, supporting reliable design, inspection and certification processes. The introduction of this concrete pool standard would deliver a clear, enforceable reference point for industry professionals in New Zealand, helping builders to construct safe, durable and compliant pool structures, while giving certifiers and regulators confidence in inspection and approval outcomes.

Member feedback

SPASA is committed to developing a standard that reflects real-world industry practice and

enjoys broad stakeholder support. To achieve this, SPASA is seeking input from:

• Pool builders and engineers – to ensure the standard is practical and addresses common construction challenges.

• Certifiers and regulators – to confirm it provides clarity, supports consistent compliance decisions, and reduces ambiguity.

• Suppliers and material specialists – to incorporate emerging innovations in concrete, reinforcement, admixtures and waterproofing technology.

To get involved please email Ben Makepeace. Contact: ben@spasa.com.au

From lab bench to the cloud – how digital precision is transforming water testing

By Veda Dante

Water testing has come a long way from the days of crowded pool shop benches, glass vials and manual reagents.

What was once a time-consuming, error-prone process is now being transformed by technology designed to deliver faster, more accurate results. For pool operators and technicians, staying on top of water quality has never been more critical, not just for bather safety but also for operational efficiency and chemical management.

Similarly, on the commercial side, accurate water testing is no longer simply a way to maintain safe and healthy water, it has become a business-critical tool. By delivering accurate, consistent data in real time, these innovations

help pool operators reduce costs, improve efficiency, and provide better service to their customers.

Today’s water management systems are increasingly cloud-based, giving pool technicians greater flexibility and real-time access to vital data. Cloud platforms allow service teams to view pool profiles, update records and analyse water test results from any location, reducing errors and supporting more proactive service.

Emma Kate Brown, marketing communications officer at Palintest, believes Australia’s aquatic sector is at a pivotal stage. From municipal leisure centres to boutique wellness spas, operators face growing pressure to deliver safe, compliant and cost-effective facilities.

“Being proactive and identifying potential issues before they escalate is far more effective than responding only to customer complaints.”

including chlorine, pH, phosphate, copper, and iron, while their Pooltest Expert also has an extended test menu and advanced data logging. Both units feature their optical engine, ensuring consistent accuracy through precise light measurement and embedded calibration curves.

“A major advantage lies in the integration with Palintest Connect, the company’s cloud-based platform. Results can be uploaded directly, enabling centralised reporting, easier audit trails, and streamlined oversight for operators managing multiple facilities,” Brown says.

Looking ahead, she emphasises the growing importance of predictive testing and says these instruments not only confirm current water quality, but they also help anticipate problems before they occur.

And she says that with regulations tightening, public expectations rising and environmental conditions shifting, water testing is no longer a back-of-house task – it has become central to operational success.

“Photometric testing has long been recognised as the gold standard,” Brown explains.

“It delivers the accuracy required to safeguard bathers and the reliability to quickly diagnose water chemistry problems. Whether it is detecting phosphate spikes that drive algae growth or tracking copper levels after algaecide treatments, photometers give operators the confidence to act proactively.”

She says that Palintest’s portfolio reflects this demand for precision and practicality, the Lumiso

“In the Australian market, where facilities contend with heavy bather loads and challenging outdoor conditions, this predictive capability is a game changer.”

Software solutions

John Harding, technical director at Lo-Chlor Chemicals, agrees that water testing technology is continually evolving to be far more intuitive and accessible.

“Unlike earlier software, which required installation on a desktop computer, Lo-Chlor’s WMS II is fully cloud-based and can be accessed from any Android or iOS device,” he says.

“It stores site-specific details, including equipment photos, enabling pool specialists to manage their customers’ pools proactively and keep equipment in optimal condition.”

The software integrates with the Wave III Scanner and LaMotte’s Spin testing devices, both in-store and in the field, allowing automatic

This gives service teams access to poolspecific information such as volume and equipment details, supporting accurate water test analysis and informed chemical treatment recommendations.

As probe-based testing systems become more reliable, Harding says integrating in-pool devices directly with platforms like WMS II is the next step.

“This would allow pool service companies and retailers to monitor water quality remotely without visiting the site. Being proactive and identifying potential issues before they escalate is far more effective than responding only to customer complaints,” he says.

From pH kits to digital precision

More than 80 years after introducing the first pH test kit in the United States, LaMotte began developing a digital approach to modernise water testing. The goal was to move beyond visual methods.

Ben Dickinson, LaMotte Pacific general manager, says the idea was to create a laboratorygrade instrument that automates tablet crushing and reagent mixing – and accelerates chemical reactions.

“By testing all water quality parameters simultaneously rather than sequentially, we reduced testing time from roughly 10 minutes to just 60 seconds,” he says.

For a pool shop conducting 1000 tests a month, this saved approximately 150 hours.

“The execution was far from simple,” he says. “The earliest iteration of WaterLink Spin underwent nearly a decade of R&D before its Australian release in 2012.”

Dickinson says the WaterLink Spin has become the industry standard for pool water testing.

“It uses a recyclable styrene disc, pre-filled with dry reagents. A water sample is injected, the disc spins, and magnetic mixing beads activate the reagents, producing readings for all ten parameters in 60 seconds.”

He says the Spin produces the most consistent results in the market.

“It is the only meter in Australia that is NSFcertified for accuracy,” he says. “Accuracy and consistency are what matter. Lab-accurate instruments are of little use if field operators cannot rely on the results.”

Automated and semiautomated testing methods aim to achieve the same goal: removing user error from the process. Dickinson says that one of the main advantages of WaterLink Spin is its ability to test all parameters simultaneously, eliminating the inaccuracies that often occur with sequential testing.

“If we used a traditional photometer, you could run a test, I could run a test, and an experienced technician could run a test, and we would all get different results. That is just the nature of traditional testing. The Spin removes the user from the equation and eliminates concerns about accuracy,” he says.

“Even the most inexperienced technician can test a client’s pool with confidence, producing consistent, reliable results every time.”

Integration with multiple software platforms allows technicians to upload test results directly to a customer’s profile and provide a digital record of the results and recommended chemical treatments.

“The testing and treatment history for each pool is stored in the cloud and accessible from any device with a login,” Dickinson explains.

“A technician entering results on-site ensures that if the customer visits the pool shop later, the salesperson has instant access to the pool’s history and can make informed recommendations.”

From the lab to the pool deck

Water treatment manufacturer and Swimart franchisor Waterco introduced its proprietary Poolware software in 1999 to help franchisees analyse pool water samples and provide accurate chemical recommendations.

“ The probe includes a potential matching pin, which prevents ground loop effects that can otherwise cause erratic readings and even damage the system.”

Originally a desktop application for the Australasian pool and spa network, Poolware was reimagined as a cloud-based system in 2018. It has since evolved into a sophisticated web and mobile app offering tailored CRM functions for pool owners, store managers, technicians, and after-sales support.

Poolware Cloud became a powerful service management tool, with advanced scheduling for recurring and one-off service jobs. It quickly proved indispensable for Swimart franchisees and independent pool shops.

Waterco has since expanded this capability into a full platform.

“We launched EZ Connect, a cloud-based system for controlling connected devices including heat pumps, Electrochlor sanitisers and underwater lighting,” says software engineer Eugene Vostrikov.

Users can monitor and adjust pool conditions remotely via the Waterco Connect app or directly from the cloud.

The latest development integrates Poolware Cloud with EZ Connect, linking water testing data directly to pool equipment monitoring.

“Poolware Cloud has been tested by hundreds of stores and is the standard for professional pool maintenance. Connecting it to remote monitoring enables a new level of proactive water management,” he explains.

Technicians can monitor water chemistry in real time, receive instant alerts when conditions change, and respond immediately. Automated recommendations consider water quality, weather, and equipment performance, reducing on-site visits and lowering service costs.

“We are not just improving efficiency; we are redefining how swimming pools are managed,” Vostrikov says.

Future proofing

As automation and connectivity reshape the pool industry,

Lee Govender is New South Wales state sales manager of Hanna Instruments Australia, the local arm of the global leader in analytical instrumentation. He says Hanna’s latest developments reflect a focus on making control technology more intuitive and future-proof.

“In 2024 we introduced the BL13x controllers, the world’s first pool controllers with ethernet capability to offer remote firmware updates. This innovation allows users to update their devices remotely via Hanna Cloud, ensuring controllers are always running the latest software without the need to be physically present at the pool.”

Govender adds that eight years ago the company launched a breakthrough that is still influencing today’s market.

“In 2017, Hanna released the world’s first pH and pump controller with a smart electrode. The BL120 and BL121 swimming pool controllers were designed to automatically measure and control pH and free-chlorine levels,” he says.

“These systems are paired with digital probes that incorporate pH, ORP and temperature sensors. The measurement data stored on the probe is transferred to the controller via a digital connection, eliminating noise and static that can occur with high impedance signals.”

With Hanna’s digital probe technology came another innovation.

“The probe includes a potential matching pin, considered the earth ground connection, which prevents ground loop effects that can otherwise cause erratic readings and even damage the system,” Govender explains.

With connectivity and accuracy now central to both commercial and residential water management, he says advanced instrumentation is moving from the laboratory to the pool deck.

“By embedding features such as remote updates and digital probes into everyday controllers, the company is helping the industry take another step toward more efficient, reliable and proactive water quality management,” Govender says.

Commercial moves to residential

Commercial-grade pool control systems are increasingly being adopted in high-end residential pools, bringing real-time monitoring, automated chemical management and remote access that were once exclusive to public and commercial facilities.

“ This technology is particularly appealing for luxury properties, including short-term holiday rentals with high bather loads.”

The BECS line of controllers, exclusively distributed in Australia by Tim Batt Water Solutions (TBWS), is mainly sold to commercial and public pools, but some luxury residential properties are now taking advantage of the technology.

“Where a domestic customer has one or two pools they want monitored by onsite staff or a pool service company, the BECSys5 controller can be installed with EZConnect and wifi access,” says TBWS director Tim Batt. “This allows the staff or service company to monitor the pool remotely, receive alerts, adjust settings and generate weekly or monthly reports using the web-based BECSysLive! platform.”

This technology is particularly appealing for luxury properties, including short-term holiday

Above: Probes and automation are replacing manual testing

Below: The earliest days of water testing with the Admiral Byrd kit from LaMotte

UNDER BENCH ROLLER

Daisy Pool Covers™ has been Australia’s favourite brand for pool covers and rollers since 1983. Daisy Pool Covers™ provides the largest and best range of pool cover and roller designs in Australia, manufactured using the highest quality materials, specially formulated to protect swimming pools all year round.

The experienced team at Daisy Pool Covers™ can provide cover and roller solutions for any pool type or shape.

Reduce the cost of maintaining a warm, sustainable swimming pool with the original and best Daisy Pool Covers™.

POLYPLEX 200E ®

Paving the way for more sustainable composite applications

POLYPLEX 200E – Sustainability with improved properties ®

A sustainable rPET laminating resin for composite swimming pool constructions, with higher mechanical properties and improved water resistance

®

POLYPLEX 200E is a white pigmented structural laminating resin produced by using recycled PET as a starting raw material for composite swimming pool constructions.

allnex, the global leader in sustainable and innovative resins for industrial coatings, is excited to announce the latest launch in the extensive Composites product line, POLYPLEX 200E. ®

allnex Composites in Australia is a leading producer of Unsaturated Polyesters, Gelcoats and Vinyl Esters for a wide range of Composite applications.

PET RESIN OBJECTIVE

rPET (Recycled PET) flake is sourced from a local recycled plastics supplier in Australia aligning this project with the allnex sustainability objectives.

There is potential for a significant increase in the v olume of PET conversion in the manufacture of these resins in Australia Polyplex 200E resin will contain the equivalent of 750 recycled plastic bottles per drum, or 3.3 bottles per kg of resin, reducing waste and promoting environmental sustainability.

®

What sets it apart: POLYPLEX 200E was developed to not only create a sustainable resin using rPET flake but one that also provides improved properties for swimming pool constructions with:

Higher mechanical properties, and Improved water resistance over standard Orthophthalic polyester resins for better reverse-osmosis resistance of real structural pool laminate potentially in contact with ground water.

If your focus is on delivering sustainable composites solutions

POLYPLEX 200E is the right choice. ®

rentals with high bather loads, where maintaining water quality and safety to the highest standard can be the difference between a five-star review and a costly cancellation.

By enabling real-time monitoring, proactive adjustments and reliable chemical management, it protects both guest satisfaction and the owner’s bottom line.

“The BECSys5 automatically manages pH and chlorine levels and can be programmed for additional functions such as periodic superchlorination or low-level setpoints overnight,” Batt explains. “These features enable operators to respond to potential issues quickly, reduce chemical use, and optimise servicing costs.

BECSysLive! comes included with the controller and uses the site’s existing wifi, making advanced commercial capabilities accessible and practical for residential pools.

Pillars of pool water management

Pool owners and operators face three key challenges in maintaining proper water chemistry: bather safety, water balance and mineral management. Each pillar plays a crucial role in ensuring pools remain safe, visually appealing and operationally efficient.

“The conversation around pool chemistry is expanding to include its broader financial and environmental implications,” says Nick Briscoe, founding director of pool maintenance company, Crystaclear Group.

“A proactive, modern approach not only improves water quality but also represents a form of long-term financial and ecological responsibility.”

Bather safety: The first priority is the health of swimmers. Pool water is susceptible to contamination by microbes, which can cause illnesses and severe irritation to skin and eyes.

Sanitising the water is essential, and public pools must comply with health department

standards. Non-compliance can result in fines or temporary closure.

Chlorine is the most used sanitiser, and pool water must be regularly tested to ensure it remains effective. Key tests include:

• Total chlorine – measures the total amount of chlorine present in the water. Some of this may have already reacted with contaminants and is no longer effective.

• Free chlorine – measures the portion of total chlorine still active as a sanitiser. Maintaining the ideal range is crucial to prevent microbial growth while avoiding swimmer discomfort.

• pH – determines the effectiveness of free chlorine and affects swimmer comfort.

• Cyanuric acid – stabilises chlorine to prevent degradation by sunlight.

• Phosphate – acts as a nutrient for microbes. High phosphate levels increase the risk of algae blooms, which can turn the water green rapidly. For pools using electrolytic chlorine generators, a salt test is also necessary. These devices convert sodium chloride into chlorine, maintaining sanitisation.

“The process works by passing a low-voltage

“ The practice of managing a pool is increasingly being augmented by smart automation.”

produces chlorine gas (Cl2) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH). These compounds then combine to create the primary sanitising agents for the pool: hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and sodium hypochlorite. The water then circulates back into the pool, where the sanitising agents do their job before eventually reverting to salt and water, which allows the process to repeat itself.”

Water balance: The second challenge is achieving proper water balance. Imbalances can damage pool surfaces and equipment or reduce sanitiser effectiveness. Too much calcium can cause scale buildup, while too little can corrode metal surfaces and the pool structure. Inadequate water balance can also lead to costly chemical treatments and operational shutdowns.

Three essential tests for water balance are:

• Alkalinity

• Calcium hardness

• pH

proactive, holistic and technology-driven operator.”

These results are used in the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI), a formula that indicates whether water is chemically balanced. Monitoring these factors helps prevent corrosion, pipe blockages, and staining while reducing the risk of equipment failure. Phosphate and nitrate levels are also monitored to predict potential algae growth.

Mineral and metal deposits: The third challenge is managing minerals and metals that stain pool surfaces. Two common issues include:

• Copper – causes blue-green stains and may discolour swimmers’ hair

• Iron – leads to rust-coloured stains on pool surfaces

Regular testing and treatment prevent these deposits, preserving both the aesthetics and safety of the pool.

New technological paradigm

Proper water chemistry is not just a technical exercise – it is a strategic practice that safeguards health, extends equipment life and contributes to more sustainable and cost-efficient operations.

“The three pillars of pool chemistry – bather safety, water balance and mineral management – are no longer static concepts,” says Briscoe. “They are

There seems to be a new technological paradigm evolving within the swimming pool industry. Bather safety is now best measured not by simple ppm reading but by a range of values, supported by advanced sanitisation systems.

“Water balance is guided not by rigid, flawed ranges but by a universal, physics-based LSI-first philosophy,” Briscoe says.

“And the practice of managing a pool is increasingly being augmented by smart automation.”

He says the benefits of this modern approach are clear, compelling and extend beyond the immediate pool environment to include a positive financial return and a reduced environmental footprint.

For the pool and spa industry to thrive, Briscoe believes it must embrace these new principles, positioning itself not just as a provider of recreational fun but as a leader in public health, technological innovation, and environmental responsibility. n

www.lochlor.com.au

www.crystaclear.com.au

www.hannahinst.com.au

www.lamottepacific.com

www.palintest.com

www.tbwsaquatic.com.au

www.waterco.com

2025 Australasian SPASA Awards of Excellence showcasing the best across two nations

The 2025 Australasian SPASA Awards of Excellence Gala was held at the Grand Hyatt Ballroom in Melbourne on September 6.

The glamorous night of nights saw the recognition of the best pools, spas, people, services and products from Australia and New Zealand.

Entertainment was provided by Gold Logie award winner Tom Gleeson, keeping the audience laughing between presentation sets.

SPASA CEO Kristin Brookfield says that Australian pool and spa design continues to redefine outdoor living, combining creativity, luxury and lifestyle in ways that enhance wellbeing and enjoyment.

“These award-winning projects show how thoughtful design transforms homes into personal retreats where every detail is a celebration of life at home.”

Major awards

Business of the Year: Aqua Technics Pools

Finalists: Pool Site Quote (PSQ), Pooltech NT, Dynamic Pool

Designs, Alfresco Pools, MFP easy, Elite Pools and Landscapes, Spa World Tasmania, Laguna

Concrete Pool of the Year: Tranquilla, Zen Building Pools

Landscapes

Finalists: The imperial edge, Canberra Commercial Pools; The legacy pool, Alfresco Pools; Dune, Ezy Living Pools; Paris creek private resort in the Adelaide Hills, SA Pool Building; Aqua Horizon, Aloha Pools; Cygnett Pool & Spa, Boardwalk Pools

Fibreglass Pool of the Year: Natural beauty, Barrier Reef

Pools Perth

Finalists: Stone glow retreat, Capital Fibreglass Pools; Dundee Cliffs pool, Pooltech NT; Gables private oasis, Narellan

Pools Hawkesbury; The grandkids’ retreat, MFP easy; Urban elegance, Pool Envy; Backyard bliss, Rainwise Pools Melbourne

Best Pool Store: Poolside Christchurch

Finalists: Friendly Pool and Spa Care, Swimart Frenchs Forest & Lindfield, Swimart Frenchs Forest, Swimart Lindfield, Poolwerx Wavell Heights, Poolwerx Tea Tree Gully, Summertime Pools

Echuca, Countrywide Pools

Commercial Project of the Year: The Gladstone Lagoon Pool and Spa, Aloha Pools

Finalists: Kove Apartments Kiama, Endeavour Pools and Spas; Arnhem Land Safari Camp, Pooltech NT; Twice the paradise at Rarotongan Resort, Mayfair Pools & Spas; Thebarton Aquatic Centre, Hydrilla; Terry Tyzack Aquatic Centre, Commercial Aquatics Australia; Chalk, Ezy Living Pools

Spa of the Year: Where form flows with purpose, Laguna Finalists: MacGregor Street, Leader Pools; Perimeter overflow spa, Achievable Pools and Spas; Millner spa, Pooltech NT; Niagara elite spa, Alpine Spas; The loft spa, Folbigg Pools; Paris Creek private resort in the Adelaide Hills, SA Pool Building; Tranquil escape in Tasmania: the Vortex Palladium retreat, Spa World; Cygnett spa, Boardwalk Pools

Product of the Year: Mineral Swim V2, Maytronics

Finalists: Freshwater IQ, Hot Spring Spa; MultiCyclone Duo, Waterco Limited; Toughcoat non-conductive pool fencing spigots, Glassfit Australia; HushHub, Summertime Pools; Theralux Quantum Purity Spa, Theralux

Professional of the Year: Michael Sharp, Rainwise Pools Adelaide Finalists: Robert Booth, Sunlover; Ketut, Friendly Pool and Spa Care; Robert Gibb, Aquify Pools; Alastair Wood, Poolside Christchurch; Brandon Webb, Queensland Family Pools and Spas; Daniel Seymour, Sunlover; Jaden Tauren, Aloha Pools; Kevin Reay, Buccaneer Pools

Enhancement of the Year: Meredith Grande, Tectonic Pools

Finalists: MacGregor Street, Leader Pools; A favourite gathering spot, Mayfair Pools & Spas; Burnside pool and spa, SA Pool Building; Peninsula project, COS Design; Glow up, Barrier Reef Pools Perth; Hidden gem, Rogers Pools

Freeform Pool of the Year: The legacy pool, Alfresco Pools

Finalists: Beachside glamour, Dynamic Pool Designs; Stone and leaf retreat, Folbigg Pools; West Lakes freeform pool, Peressin Pools; Nature’s serenity retreat, Coastal Builders; Pindari, Imperial Pools

Prefabricated Pool of the Year: Dream home transformation: Coastal Oasis, Prestige Plunge Pools

Finalists: Plunge paradise, Capital Fibreglass Pools; The Ashby pool, Your Pool and Spa; Ahead of the curve, Ultimate Pools

Limited; Largs Bay, Plunge by Elite; The Glen Waverly project, Plunge Pools Direct; Skating Goose Farm, West Coast Plunge Pools

Renovation Project of the Year: Cascade, Rogers Pools

Fairlight project, Your Pool and Spa; Pacific View, Acacia Landscapes & Pool Construction; Hyde Park, Adelaide Classic Pools; Brighton renovation, Personal Pools; Casa Amor retreat, Countrywide Pools

Grange, Elite Pools and Landscapes

Arthur Circle, Leader Pools; Rapid Creek, Pooltech NT; Pint size paradise, Transform Pools and Spas; A spectacular outlook: the sunroom with a view, Ultimate Pools; Camberwell, Apex Pools and Spas; WCD, Imperial Pools

Vinyl-Lined Pool of the Year: Oh, the tranquillity, Aurora Pools

Moggill, Aqualon; Freshwater vista, Classic Pools; Palm Cove rectangular modular pool, Affordable Pools; Curly’s vinyl lined pool, Vinyl Lined Pools Service

Best Concrete Pool Builder: Laguna

Boardwalk Pools, Elite Pools and Landscapes, Alfresco Pools, Rogers Pools, Dynamic Pool Designs, Leader Pools, Leechy’s Premier Pools & Spa’s NT

Best Fibreglass Pool Builder: MFP easy

Rainwise Pools Melbourne, Capital Fibreglass Pools, Rainwise Pools Adelaide, Pooltech NT, Mayfair Pools & Spas, Aqua Technics Pools, Aquify Pools

“ These award-winning projects show how thoughtful design transforms homes into personal retreats where every detail is a celebration of life at home.”

Best Mobile Service Business: Sunarch Pool Care

Finalists: Pristine Pools Canberra, Calipso Pools & Spas, Jim’s Pool Care Safety Bay, Poolside Christchurch, Jim’s Pool Care Glenelg, Peachy Pools

Best Prefabricated Composite Pool Builder: Prestige Plunge Pools

Finalists: Capital Fibreglass Pools, Prestige Plunge Pools, Plunge Pools Direct, Ultimate Pools

Best Professional Service Business: Pool Site Quote (PSQ)

Finalists: Fence Makeovers, FMG Engineering, Building Approvals and Advice (BA&A)

Best Spa Retailer: Hot Spring Spa

Finalists: Spa World Bundaberg, Halo Spas, Spa World

Christchurch, Spa World New Zealand, Spa World Warners Bay, Spa World Tasmania, Halo Spas Adelaide, Mega Spa Australia

Best Supplier: Waterco

Finalists: EvoHeat, Fluidra New Zealand, Sunlover, Fluidra

Group Australia, Reece Irrigation & Pools

Best Vinyl-Lined Pool Builder: Add a Splash Pools

Finalists: Paul Sciberras, Vinyl Lined Pools Service, Pleasure Pools

Display Pool/Centre: Aqua Technics Pools Joondalup

Finalists: Summertime Pools, Dandenong South; Fibreglass Pool Company Display Centre South Brisbane; The Fibreglass Pool Company South West Brisbane; Carnegie House, Leader Pools; Sydney Showroom, The Pool Tile Company; Freedom Pools Display Showroom

Multi-Location Pool Store: Summertime Pools

Finalists: Friendly Pool and Spa Care, Swimart Frenchs Forest & Lindfield, Swimart Lindfield, Southside Pool Services, Poolwerx Albany Creek

New Pool Store: Summertime Pools Echuca

Finalists: Poolwerx Dural, Summertime Pools Adelaide, Mayfair Pools and Spas – Mayfair Blenheim

Online Pool Store: Aquanort Pools

Finalists: Everclear Pools Online Store, Everclear Pools SA; Complete Fibreglass Pool Kits, Swimming Pool Kits Direct

Single Location Pool Store: Poolwerx Wavell Heights

Finalists: Sapphire Pool & Spa, Countrywide Pools, Poolside Christchurch, My Pool Shop Melbourne, Poolwerx Tea Tree Gully, Hi-Tech Pools & Spas

Person

Construction Tradesperson Award: Brandon Webb, Queensland Family Pools and Spas

Finalists: Nicholas Gainey, Capital Fibreglass Pools; Thomas Camilleri, Achievable Pools and Spas; Alex Osbaldiston, Ultimate Pools; Daryle Pitchers, TKL Contractors; Brendan Garratt, Summer Central Pools; Jack Williams, Freedom Pools

In-Field Service Technician Award: Michael Bluhm, Sunarch Pool Care

Finalists: Scott, Pristine Pools Canberra; Jordan Maidment, Everclear Pools SA; Ashley Hale, Ashley Hale Pool Equipment & Maintenance; Ketut, Friendly Pool and Spa Care; Alastair Wood, Poolside Christchurch; PJ Prendergast, Peachy Pools

Operational Excellence Award: Robert Booth, Sunlover

Finalists: Jaden Tauren, Aloha Pools; Lyn, Friendly Pool and Spa Care; Serena Howard, Poolside North Shore; Dean Rogers, Rogers Pools; Splash Batavia Coast Pools and Spa; Ruby Steyn, Freedom Pools

Pool & Spa Barrier Inspector Award: Chris Thynne, Pool Safety Barrier Inspections

Finalists: Rose Sekar, Building Approvals and Advice (BA&A); Rainbow Morris, Ultimate Pools; David Eadie, Canberra Pool Inspections; Granville Harris, Certified Pool

Pool Designer Award: Matthew Scrase, Laguna

Finalists: Michael Augello, Paradigm Designs; Ricki-lee Rogers, Rogers Pools; Liz Collett, Mayfair Pools & Spas; Adrian Swain, Aeon Pools

Pool Sales Representative Award: Michael Sharp, Rainwise Pools Adelaide

Finalists: Terry Nicholls, Queensland Family Pools and Spas; Steve Westlake, Ultimate Pools; Kevin Reay, Buccaneer Pools; Robert Gibb, Aquify Pools; Peter Garratt, Summer Central Pools

Retail Service Technician Award: Perrin Hoyle, My Pool Shop

Melbourne

Finalists: Karl Piteo, Advanced Pools; Nayelle, Friendly Pool and Spa Care; Lee Houghton, Poolside Christchurch; Dave’s Extreme Pool Services, Freedom Pools & Spas; Raeleigh Karakashian, Pristine Pool & Spa Service

Rising Star Award: Chelsea Wall, Narellan Pools SA

Finalists: Simon Sangalli, Countrywide Pools; Vor, Friendly Pool and Spa Care; Patrick Steele, Poolside Christchurch; Pauline, Pool Boys Co; Nick Whyte, Spa World; Jeff Brown, Spa World; Harry Ayres, Queensland Plunge Pools

Spa Sales Representative Award: Annie Roberts, Hot Spring Spa

Finalists: Craig Fairbairn, Spa World; Doris Nedelko, Spa World; Tom Whyte, Spa World; Dan Rankin, Hot Spring Spa; Wayne Start, Hot Spring Spa; Narelle Bartolone, Mega Spa Australia

SPASA Training Excellence Award: Wayne Taylor, IRLearning

Finalists: Tom Cruickshank, IRLearning; William Bailas, IRLearning; Benjamin Hunt, IRLearning; Matthew Littlejohn, IRLearning

Supplier Salesperson Award: Michele Lena, Reece Irrigation & Pools

Finalists: Daniel Seymour, Sunlover; Troy Williams, Sunlover; Marcus Jeffery, Fluidra Group Australia; Brendan, Maytronics; Daniel Seymour, Sunlover; Jade Pearce, Fluidra NZ

Product

Commercial System: Swimming Pool Movable Floor, Fluidra Commercial

Finalists: Blue Dolphin Swim Centre commercial system renovation, Hydrilla; Powering the pool: The pump shed challenge, Taylors Pools and Spas; City of Sydney aquatic upgrade, Image Air Conditioning

Education & Training Excellence Award: Centre of influence, Barrier Reef Group WA

Innovative Product Award: Toughcoat non-conductive pool fencing spigots, Glassfit Australia

Finalists: ICF Pool Design, Villa Plunge Pools; E550, Hot Spring Spa; MultiCyclone Duo, Waterco

Marketing Campaign Award: Laguna partner series: Building luxury with industry leaders, Laguna

Finalists: Fibreglass family pools, Aquify Pools; The Riion campaign - relaxing is in our nature, Spa World New Zealand; Memories like no other, Aqua Technics Pools; New Product Award: Mineral Swim V2, Maytronics

Finalists: HushHub, Summertime Pools; Freshwater IQ, Hot Spring Spa; Theralux Quantum Purity Spa, Theralux; Vitale Mineral Plus, Waterco

Portable Spa: The Albany project, Aeon Pools

Finalists: Seaside serenity with a Vortex Nitro spa pool, Spa World; Tropical haven, Hydro Max Spas by Mega Spa; Niagara Elite spa, Alpine Spas; Little Pool X Trainer spa in Bentleigh

East, Swimco Aquatics; Tranquil escape in Tasmania: The Vortex Palladium Retreat, Spa World; Niagara spa pool, Alpine Spas

Sustainable Product Award: Polyplex 200E - rPET Resin, Allnex Composites

Finalists: Halo Pure low salinity chlorinator, Fluidra Group Australia

Swim Spa: Swim spa installation in Inverloch, Swimco Aquatics

Finalists: Bringing wellness home: a Vortex Hydrozone swim spa oasis, Spa World; Urban retreat, Hydro Max Spas & Swim Spas by Mega Spa; Year-round relaxation with the Vortex Hydrozone swim spa, Spa World; Columbus swim spa, Alpine Spas; E550, Hot Spring Spa

Vinyl Lined Modular Pool: Freshwater vista, Classic Pools

Finalists: Palm Cove rectangular modular pool, Affordable Pools; Gooding Estate, Classic Pools; Terraced lap, Classic Pools; Deckside serenity, Classic Pools

Project

Commercial Lighting Display: Truganina Central, Aquatic Designs

Commercial Pool over $1,000,000: Terry Tyzack Aquatic Centre, Commercial Aquatics Australia

Finalists: Salisbury Aquatic Centre, Hydrilla; ASSG Aquatic Centre, Kirratech Lifestyle Pools; Winchelsea Aquatic Centre, Endeavour Pools and Spas

Commercial Pool up to $1,000,000: Truganina Central, Aquatic Designs

Commercial Pool up to $500,000: Melbourne Football Club –High Performance Recovery Centre, Endless Pools & Spas

EPISODES NOW LIVE!

WWW.SPLASH.ONLINE

Commercial Renovation: Thebarton Aquatic Centre, Hydrilla

Finalists: Precision and commitment: A community pool brought back to life, Taylors Pools and Spas; The Chapel Street retreat, Laguna; Majestic apartment, Leechy’s Premier Pools & Spas NT; Fairfield, Endeavour Pools and Spas; Geraldton Aquarena 50m pool upgrade, Commercial Aquatics Australia

Commercial Spa: Soma Bath House, Rainwise Pools Melbourne

Commercial Water Display: Penrith City Park fog and water displays, Waterforms International

Finalists: Aura water features, Hydrilla; Honouring the fallen: A three-tiered memorial of fire and water, Taylors Pools and Spas

TECH

Community Project: Resort style living, Cantwell Pools

Finalists: All-weather therapy pool enclosure facility at Patricia Avenue Specialist School, South Pacific Pool Enclosures; Haven wellness project, Local Pools & Spas

Concrete Commercial Pool up to $250,000: Hidden pearl of Byron, Mullum Pools

Finalists: Rye revival: Amberlee legacy, Blue Marlin East; Gordon Genat Community Centre, Pride in Pools

Concrete In-ground Spa: Where form flows with purpose, Laguna Finalists: Cygnett spa, Boardwalk Pools; The loft spa, Folbigg Pools; Coastal cool – North Avoca, Luxury Pools and Outdoor

Living; MacGregor Street, Leader Pools; Paris Creek private resort in the Adelaide Hills, SA Pool Building

Concrete Lap Pool: Dune, Ezy Living Pools

Finalists: Forest retreat lap pool, Dynamic Pool Designs; Curtin, Leader Pools; Beach lap, Imperial Pools; Coromandel Valley lap pool and spa, SA Pool Building; Martha Lane, Acacia Landscapes & Pool Construction; Framed with intention in Hawthorn East, Laguna

Concrete Pool over $240,000: Tranquilla, Zen Building Pools

Landscapes

Finalists: The legacy pool, Alfresco Pools; Aqua horizon, Aloha Pools; Dune, Ezy Living Pools; Robe, Desyn Pools; The imperial edge, Canberra Commercial Pools

Concrete Pool up to $120,000: Two pools in one, Transform Pools and Spas

Finalists: Urban cascade, Alfresco Pools; The ultimate outdoor retreat – Wandi, Perth Concrete Pools; Evergreen design, Precision Custom Pools; Gumtree horizon, Alpha Pools; Samford Valley, Aesthetic Pools & Landscapes; Pascoe Vale project, Fine Art Pools

Concrete Pool up to $180,000: Coastal holiday retreat, Aquarius Pools

Finalists: Meredith Grande, Tectonic Pools; Frome Street, Leader Pools; Cygnett pool and spa, Boardwalk Pools; Seabreeze escape, Del Tutto Zarma, Norfolk Pools; Burnside pool and spa, SA Pool Building

Concrete Pool up to $240,000: Devanarayan, Jade Pools

Finalists: Heritage reimagined: The capsule pool, Neptune

Swimming Pools; Project Noosa Parade, Pools by Design; Vista Place, Acacia Landscapes & Pool Construction; Ivory Waters, Canberra Commercial Pools; Grange, Elite Pools and Landscapes

Concrete Pool up to $60,000: Coconut Dreams, Rogers Pools

Finalists: Pemberton, H2O Custom Pools; Denman prospect, Pristine Pools Canberra; Pacific blue oasis – Byford, Perth Concrete Pools; A downsizers delight, King’s Gardens & Pools; Torrens, Desyn Pools

Courtyard/Small Pool over $80,000: Grange, Elite Pools and Landscapes

Finalists: WCD, Imperial Pools; Arthur Circle, Leader Pools; Camberwell, Apex Pools and Spas; Pint size paradise, Transform Pools and Spas; The perfect fit, Queensland Family Pools and Spas

Courtyard/Small Pool up to $40,000: A downsizers delight, King’s Gardens & Pools

Finalists: Rapid Creek, Pooltech NT; The perfect plunge – Wandi, Perth Concrete Pools; Dream home transformation: Coastal oasis, Prestige Plunge Pools; Dream home transformation –Mediterranean masterpiece, Prestige Plunge Pools

Courtyard/Small Pool up to $80,000: Subtle desire, Rogers Pools

Finalists: Eden, Cerulean Pools; Barrallier Street, Leader Pools; Spring Farm, Endeavour Pools; The perfect fit, Aqua Technics Pools; Taperoo, Adelaide Classic Pools; Urban oasis Lower Hutt, NZ Pools

Enclosed/Indoor Pool: A spectacular outlook: The sunroom with a view, Ultimate Pools

Finalists: Enclosed indoor pool – Addis, Everclear Pools SA; The nest, Folbigg Pools; A pool for all seasons, Barrier Reef Pools Perth; A pool that defies gravity, Laguna; Precast splash, Capital Fibreglass Pools

Fibreglass Commercial Pool up to $250,000: Arnhem Land Safari Camp, Pooltech NT

Finalists: Melbourne Football Club – high performance recovery centre, Endless Pools & Spas; Casa del lunaa, Barrier Reef Pools Perth; Twice the paradise at Rarotongan resort, Mayfair Pools & Spas

Fibreglass In-ground Spa: Balinese Ambiance, Aqua Technics Pools

Finalists: Millner spa, Pooltech NT; Refined relaxation, Pool Envy; Granite glow spa, Capital Fibreglass Pools; Perimeter overflow spa, Achievable Pools and Spas; Cool, calm and coastal, Blue Marlin Pools

Fibreglass Lap Pool: Heart of the hillside, Summer Central Pools

Finalists: Lap pool – Greg Tucker, Everclear Pools SA; The aqua axis, Ultimate Pools; Phar Lap, Barrier Reef Pools Bunbury Fibreglass Pool & Spa Combination: An incredible transformation at Largs North, Rainwise Pools Adelaide

Finalists: Stone glow retreat, Capital Fibreglass Pools; Sparkling lake pool and lagoon spa, Endless Pools & Spas; APS family pool, Achievable Pools and Spas; Alawa heated pool and spa, Pooltech NT; Aqua and ember, Ultimate Pools; Relax and repeat, Factory Pools Perth; The acreage oasis, Mariners Pools Plus

Fibreglass Pool over $120,000: APS family pool, Achievable Pools and Spas

Finalists: Rural sparkle, Compass Pools Melbourne; A treetop oasis, Mayfair Pools & Spas; Heritage waters, Capital Fiberglass Pools

Fibreglass Pool up to $120,000: Natural beauty, Barrier Reef Pools Perth

Finalists: The grandkids’ retreat, MFP easy; Seven Mile Beach, Sackett Services; Oran Park project 1, Local Pools & Spas;

Concrete Pool up to $240,000, Jade Pools

Basking in Barossa, Narellan Pools SA; Cabana rama – An entertainer’s masterpiece, Mayfair Pools and Spas; Corner nook, Capital Fibreglass Pools; Coastal generations, Blue Marlin Pools

Fibreglass Pool up to $40,000: Project meadow view – The Valentina, Countrywide Pools

Finalists: Not just a paddock, Narellan Pools Hawkesbury; Golden grove – A modern dream, Rainwise Pools Adelaide; Pocket dream: Small space, big impact, Blue Marlin Pools East Fibreglass Pool up to $80,000: Gables private oasis, Narellan Pools Hawkesbury

Finalists: Highvale oasis, MFP easy; Hamptons-inspired Martinborough retreat, NZ Pools; Colorada Avenue – Casa Amor Retreat, Countrywide Pools; Backyard bliss, Rainwise Pools

Melbourne; Dundee Cliffs pool, Pooltech NT; Urban elegance, Pool Envy; Seamless serenity, Capital Fibreglass Pools

Freeform Pool over $120,000: The legacy pool, Alfresco Pools

Finalists: Nature’s serenity retreat, Coastal Builders; Beachside glamour, Dynamic Pool Designs; Stone and leaf retreat, Folbigg Pools

Freeform Pool up to $120,000: Alex – Freeform pool, Living Style Co

Finalists: Blackmore, H2O Custom Pools; Northcote, Striking Pools

Freeform Pool up to $60,000: Pindari, Imperial Pools

Finalists: West Lakes freeform pool, Peressin Pools

Hotel/Resort Pool over $1,000,000: The Gladstone Lagoon pool and spa, Aloha Pools

Hotel/Resort Pool up to $1,000,000: Novotel Melbourne Airport, Aloha Pools

Finalists: Monarto Safari Resort Pools, 360 Pools; Perth Hub, Reflection Pool and Spa Care

Hotel/Resort Pool up to $500,000: Kove Apartments Kiama, Endeavour Pools and Spas

Finalists: Twice the paradise at Rarotongan resort, Mayfair Pools & Spas; Hampton quarter, Aloha Pools; Forbes, Reflections Pool and Spa Care; Chalk, Ezy Living Pools

Innovative Project: Tranquilla, Zen Building Pools Landscapes

Finalists: First of its kind – home attached pool enclosure at stunning ranch style Moores Valley property, South Pacific Pool Enclosures; Chic by design – Mount Hawthorn, Perth Concrete Pools; Frome Street, Leader Pools; Chalk, Ezy Living Pools; Where form flows with purpose, Laguna; Repton, Desyn Pools

International Project: Twice the paradise at Rarotongan resort, Mayfair Pools & Spas

Finalists: The pool house display centre, Aqua Technics Pools Master Pool Builder Technical Project: Wonga Park, Apex Pools and Spas

Finalists: Ivanhoe East, Apex Pools and Spas; Where form flows with purpose, Laguna Pool Landscape Design: Where form flows with purpose, Laguna

Finalists: The vineyard oasis, Narellan Pools SA; Luxury transcended, Luxury Pools & Outdoor Living; Carramar homestead, eScape Landscape Architectural Design and Construction; A favourite gathering spot, Mayfair Pools & Spas; Stone and leaf retreat, Folbigg Pools

Prefabricated Composite Pool over $60,000: Elevated bardon blue, Queensland Plunge Pools

Finalists: Symphony in the ranges, Narellan Pools, Central Victoria; Plunge paradise, Capital Fibreglass Pools; Ahead of the curve, Ultimate Pools; Skating Goose Farm, West Coast Plunge Pools; The Ashby pool, Your Pool and Spa

Prefabricated Composite Pool up to $30,000: Balinese inspired retreat with curve appeal, Prestige Plunge Pools

Prefabricated Composite Pool up to $60,000: Dream home transformation: Coastal Oasis, Prestige Plunge Pools

Finalists: Largs Bay, Plunge by Elite; Parkerville sanctuary, Villa Plunge Pools; The Glen Waverly project, Plunge Pools Direct Renovation over $80,000: Bonogin Renovation, Flotech Pools

Finalists: Colorada Avenue – Casa Amor Retreat, Countrywide Pools; Hyde Park, Adelaide Classic Pools; The final do-over, Mayfair Pools & Spas; The York renovation, AEON Pools

Renovation up to $40,000: Tea Tree Gully, Adelaide Classic Pools

Finalists: From ruin to retreat, Taylors Pools and Spas; Cherrybrook renovation, Aquastone Pools and Landscapes; Mount Eliza renovation, PJ Pools and Spas; From dated to dazzling, Aurora Pools; Hamptons collection, Just Swimming Pool Renovations

Renovation up to $80,000: Cascade, Rogers Pools

Finalists: Fairlight Project, Your Pool and Spa; Kalbeeba Reno, Everclear Pools SA; Brighton renovation, Personal Pools; Pacific view, Acacia Landscapes & Pool Construction

Residential Lighting Feature: Peninsula project, COS Design

Finalists: Hidden gem, Rogers Pools; Glow up, Barrier reef Pools Perth; Picton, Endeavour Pools and Spas; MacGregor Street, Leader Pools

Residential Water Feature: Meredith Grande, Tectonic Pools

Finalists: Aranda, Leader Pools; Middle Park project, COS Design; Stone and leaf retreat, Folbigg Pools; Burnside pool and spa, SA Pool Building; Water Wonderland, Barrier Reef Pools Perth

Product of the Year went to Maytronics for their Mineral Swim V2

Fibreglass Pool up to $80,000, Narellan Pools

Safety Barrier: Wave elegance, Braybrook Engineering

Finalists: Teringie, SA Pool Fencing; Architectural transparency, Precision Custom Pools; The loft, Folbigg Pools; Frameless curved glass safety barrier, WA Pool Fencing; Curve appeal, Braybrook Engineering

Sustainable Project: Victoria Park pool electrification, Image Air Conditioning

Finalists: The Gladstone indoor lap pool, Aloha Pools; Noosa – Eco pool, Living Style Co; Project Beecroft – The Torino, Countrywide Pools; Eco-luxury redefined: A Climate Care Certified pool for sustainable living, Ultimate Pools

Check out the Neptune - the modular st y le bench r oller fr om ABGAL

Vinyl Lined Commercial Pool up to $250,000: From silt to strength: Restoring hope after Gabrielle, Taylors Pools and Spas

Vinyl Lined In-ground Pool up to $120,000: Terraced oasis, Add a Splash Pools

Finalists: Moggill, Aqualon

Vinyl Lined In-ground Pool up to $60,000: Oh, the tranquillity, Aurora Pools

Finalists: Curly’s vinyl lined pool, Vinyl Lined Pools Service; Shailer Park, Aqualon; Malibu at Nailsworth, Pleasure Pools

Vinyl-Lined Lap Pool: Natures edge, Add a Splash Pools n

A stylish addition to any poolscape, the Neptune combines bench seating with a fully functional blanket roller

Black, high density polyethylene ends won’t rot or rust, and a sleek aluminium bench top in anodised silver or red-cedar effect powder-coat provides comfortable seating.

A clever modular design minimises the risk of freight damagescan the Q R to see sizes and pricing.

Splash offer: 10% off wholesale pricing with promo code S P L A S H N E P T

scan for details

2025 New Zealand SPASA Awards of Excellence winners

The 2025 New Zealand SPASA Awards of Excellence were held in Auckland in August, celebrating the exceptional skill, dedication and innovation of the builders, retailers and service providers across the whole of the country.

Major Awards

Business of the Year: Alfresco Pools

Concrete Pool of the Year: The legacy pool, Alfresco Pools

Fibreglass Pool of the Year: A treetop oasis, Mayfair Pools & Spas

Best Pool Store: Poolside Christchurch

Commercial Project of the Year: Twice the paradise at Rarotongan Resort, Mayfair Pools & Spas

Spa of the Year: Niagara Elite Spa, Alpine Spas

Product of the Year: Freshwater IQ, Hot Spring Spa

Professional of the Year: Alastair Wood, Poolside Christchurch

Enhancement of the Year: A favourite gathering spot, Mayfair Pools & Spas

Freeform Pool of the Year: The legacy pool, Alfresco Pools

Prefabricated Pool of the Year: Ahead of the curve, Ultimate Pools

Renovation Project of the Year: Pacific view, Acacia Landscapes & Pool Construction

Small Pool of the Year: A spectacular outlook: the sunroom with a view, Ultimate Pools

Business

Best Concrete Pool Builder: Alfresco Pools

Finalists: Acacia Landscapes & Pool Construction

Best Fibreglass Pool Builder: Mayfair Pools & Spas

Finalists: Ultimate Pools

Best Mobile Service Business: Poolside Christchurch

Finalists: Poolside North Shore, Mayfair Pools Taupo Rotorua

Best Prefabricated Composite Pool Builder: Ultimate Pools

Best Spa Retailer: Spa World Christchurch

Finalists: Alpine Spas, Hot Spring Spa

Best Supplier: Fluidra New Zealand

New Pool Store: Mayfair Pools and Spas – Mayfair Blenheim

Online Pool Store: Aquanort Pools

Finalists: Poolside Christchurch, Mayfair Pools & Spas –

Person

Construction Tradesperson Award: Alex Osbaldiston, Ultimate Pools

Finalists: Gillie, Aacia Landscapes & Pool Construction

In-Field Service Technician Award: Alastair Wood, Poolside Christchurch

Finalists: Kyle Ah Sam, Ultimate Pools

Operational Excellence Award: Serena Howard, Poolside North Shore

Pool & Spa Barrier Inspector Award: Rainbow Morris, Ultimate Pools

Pool Designer Award: Liz Collett, Mayfair Pools & Spas

Ultimate Pools

Retail Service Technician Award: Lee Houghton, Poolside Christchurch

Rising Star Award: Patrick Steele, Poolside Christchurch

Finalists: Marrietta Evans, Poolside North Shore; Danielle Freeth, Mayfair Pools & Spas

Spa Sales Representative Award: Wayne Start, Hot Spring Spa

Finalists: Janina Douglas, Spa World New Zealand; Dan Simperingham, Hot Spring Spa

Supplier Salesperson Award: Jade Pearce, Fluidra NZ

Product

Commercial System: Powering the pool: The pump shed challenge, Taylors Pools and Spas

Innovative Product Award: E550, Hot Spring Spa

Finalists: Niagara Spa, Alpine Spas; MultiCyclone Duo, Waterco

Sustainable Product Award: Halo Pure – low salinity chlorinator, Fluidra Group Australia

Marketing Campaign Award: The Riion campaign – relaxing is in our nature, Spa World New Zealand

New Product Award: Freshwater IQ, Hot Spring Spa

Finalists: Oasis PV ready heat pump (iX Series), Oasis Heat Pumps; Vitale Mineral Plus, Waterco

Portable Spa: Niagara Elite Spa, Alpine Spas

Finalists: Elevated evenings: Christchurch family’s Vortex Nitro escape, Spa World

Finalists: Polyplex 200E - rPET Resin, Allnex Composites

Swim Spa: E550, Hot Spring Spa

Finalists: Columbus swim spa, Alpine Spas

Project

Commercial Renovation: Precision and commitment: A community pool brought back to life, Taylors Pools and Spas

Finalists: Better workplace stories, Mayfair Pools & Spas

Commercial Water Display: Honouring the fallen: A threetiered memorial of fire and water, Taylors Pools and Spas

Fibreglass Lap Pool: The aqua axis, Ultimate Pools

Finalists: Fitness for all seasons, Mayfair Pools & Spas

Community Project: All-weather therapy pool enclosure facility at Patricia Avenue Specialist School, South Pacific Pool Enclosures

Concrete Lap Pool: Martha Lane, Acacia Landscapes & Pool Construction

Concrete Pool & Spa Combination: Greenhouse Sky Retreat, Alfresco Pools

Finalists: Lakeview Haven, Del Tutto

Concrete Pool over $240,000: The legacy pool, Alfresco Pools

Concrete Pool up to $120,000: Urban cascade, Alfresco Pools

Finalists: Tides Reach, Del Tutto; Refraction – Transformation and optimisation, Aquanort Pools

Concrete Pool up to $180,000: Seabreeze escape, Del Tutto

Concrete Pool up to $240,000: Vista Place, Acacia Landscapes & Pool Construction

Courtyard/Small Pool up to $80,000: Urban oasis Lower Hutt, NZ Pools

Finalists: Slate and still, Ultimate Pools; Ticks all the boxes, Mayfair Pools & Spas

Enclosed/Indoor Pool: A spectacular outlook: the Sunroom with a view, Ultimate Pools

Fibreglass Commercial Pool up to $250,000: Twice the paradise at Rarotongan Resort, Mayfair Pools & Spas

Fibreglass Pool & Spa Combination: Aqua and ember, Ultimate Pools

Finalists: For every stage in life, Mayfair Pools & Spas

Fibreglass Pool over $120,000: A treetop oasis, Mayfair Pools & Spas

Finalists: The oasis retreat, Ultimate Pools; Hahei ocean dream, Central Pools

Fibreglass Pool up to $120,000: Cabana rama - An entertainer’s masterpiece, Mayfair Pools and Spas

Finalists: Family oasis, NZ Pools; The perfect balance: Luxury, performance and effortless pool living, Ultimate Pools

Fibreglass Pool up to $80,000: Hamptons-inspired

Martinborough retreat, NZ Pools

Finalists: Terrazzo tranquillity, Ultimate Pools; Less work more play, Mayfair Pools & Spas

Freeform Pool over $120,000: The legacy pool, Alfresco Pools

Finalists: A mirror to infinity, Mayfair Pools & Spas

Hotel/Resort Pool up to $500,000: Twice the paradise at Rarotongan Resort, Mayfair Pools & Spas

Innovative Project: First of its kind, home attached pool enclosure at stunning ranch style Moores Valley property, South Pacific Pool Enclosures

Finalists: Elevated innovation: Redefining outdoor living, Ultimate Pools; A treetop oasis, Mayfair Pools & Spas

International Project: Twice the paradise at Rarotongan resort, Mayfair Pools & Spas

Pool Landscape Design: A favourite gathering spot, Mayfair Pools & Spas

Prefabricated Composite Pool over $60,000: Ahead of the curve, Ultimate Pools

Renovation over $80,000: The final do-over, Mayfair Pools & Spas

Renovation up to $40,000: From ruin to retreat, Taylors Pools and Spas

Finalists: A beautiful refresh, Mayfair Pools & Spas

Renovation up to $80,000: Pacific view, Acacia Landscapes & Pool Construction

Finalists: A daunting pool renovation, Mayfair Pools & Spas; Nelson nature haven, Aquanort Pools

Sustainable Project: Eco-luxury redefined: A Climate Care

Certified pool for sustainable living, Ultimate Pools

Vinyl Lined Commercial Pool up to $250,000: From silt to strength: Restoring hope after Gabrielle, Taylors Pools and Spas n

2025 Tasmanian Awards of Excellence winners

Major Awards

Business of the Year: Spa World Tasmania

Product of the Year: Theralux Quantum Purity Spa

Professional of the Year: Daniel Seymour, Sunlover Spa of the Year: Tranquil escape in Tasmania: The Vortex Palladium retreat, Spa World

Business

Best Spa Retailer: Spa World Tasmania

Best Supplier: Reece Irrigation & Pools

Finalists: Sunlover Group

Person

Daniel Seymour, Sunlover

Product

Innovative Product Award: MultiCyclone Duo, Waterco

New Product Award: Theralux Quantum Purity Spa

Finalists: HushHub, Summertime Pools; Vitale Mineral Plus, Waterco

Portable Spa: Tranquil Escape in Tasmania: The Vortex Palladium retreat, Spa World

Swim Spa: Year-round relaxation with the Vortex Hydrozone swim spa, Spa World

Project

Concrete Pool & Spa Combination: Red Knights Road, Sackett Services

Fibreglass Pool up to $120,000: Seven Mile Beach, Sackett Services n

Soundproof Pump & Filter Enclosures

Reduce noise by 80%

Assemble in as little as 15 minutes

More internal space for easier access

Save money on design, equipment and running costs

Child safety features 100% Australian Made

EXHIBIT IN EXHIBIT IN

VICTORIA

JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 1 2026

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

FEBRUARY 14 - 15 2026

Claremont Showground

NEW SOUTH WALES

FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 1 2026

Rosehill Gardens Racecourse

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

MARCH 21 - 22 2026

Wayville Pavilion, Adelaide Showground

NEW ZEALAND

APRIL 11 - 12 2026

Auckland Showgrounds

QUEENSLAND

MAY 16 - 17 2026

Exhibition Building, Brisbane Showgrounds

Commercial & Aquatics

In brief 54

Water polo legend and industry innovator Anti Kajlich dies 54

North Sydney Olympic Pool site for new solar pilot 55

Energy efficient aquatic centre planning 56

Construction Sydney Harbour pool reopens for spring

Treasured harbourside swimming spot Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool reopened in September following an extensive upgrade.

Critical maintenance work over the past 16 months at the Woolloomooloo Bay saltwater pool included:

• Replacing nearly 50,000 tiles and the waterproof coating on the 50m and 20m outdoor pools;

• Installing new decking and timber around the seating, shade sails and a lift for accessibility;

• Transitioning the pool heating and centre hot water systems from using fossil fuel gas to efficient electric heat pumps;

• Repairing the concrete and steel structures, including the grandstand and both pools’ outer shells;

enjoyed into the future by the thousands of people who visit the facility every year.

“This is a harsh marine environment for an outdoor pool and working on a structure suspended above the harbour has been a challenging engineering feat,” she says.

Approximately two million litres of harbour water was needed to fill the pools and balance tanks.

History of the pool

In 1858, the city council built Sydney’s first free public baths on Woolloomooloo Bay, where Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool currently stands.

Rundown bathing structures were demolished in the early 1900s before the new Edwardian-style Domain Baths were built in 1908.

ALM gets facelift

SPLASH!’s sister publication Australasian Leisure Management has received a redesign, and its digital properties have also been updated to a new, more modern look.

ALM publisher Nigel Benton says the evolution reflects the publication’s commitment to remaining relevant and contemporary while continuing to serve as a leading voice for aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks,

The revamped ALM cover and masthead

recreation, sport, tourism and venues in Australia and New Zealand.

“A key feature in this digital transformation is the removal of the website’s paywall,” he says. “For the first time since the pandemic, all online content is freely accessible, broadening access to industry knowledge and insights. This significant change is intended to foster greater communication, learning and information sharing across the sector.”

Riverina pools get upgraded solar

Leeton Shire Council has gained $203,006 in grant funding from the Australian Government’s Community Energy Upgrades Fund.

The funding will enable important energy upgrades at the Leeton Regional Aquatic Centre and Whitton Swimming Pool to be completed prior to the start of the swimming season in 2026, with Council co-contributing $203,006 to the project from preapproved capital expenditure funds.

Key project activities include:

• Constructing solar shade structures and installing a new 99kW solar power system at the Leeton Regional Aquatic Centre.

• Reusing the existing 34kW rooftop solar power system from the Leeton Regional Aquatic Centre at the Whitton Swimming Pool.

• Decommissioning the existing natural gas heating system for the shallow pools at the Leeton Regional Aquatic Centre and installing a new solar heating system and heat pump as a booster.

Luke Tedesco, executive manager utilities, environment and emergency services, says the project underpins Council’s commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint.

“The solar power upgrades and heat pump installation will not only improve energy efficiency but also contribute to our goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 132 tonnes per year,” he says.

Cr Sarah Tiffen, portfolio lead for environmental sustainability, welcomed the injection of funds by the federal government, saying upgrading pool solar systems will be good for the community and the environment.

“Our local public pools are one of our greatest assets – and going solar has been an important step towards future-proofing these assets. It is also better for the environment, and our budget bottom-line,” she says.

“Along with exciting new wind farm and solar battery proposals in the pipeline for our part of the world, this funding shows confidence that Leeton and the region is well-positioned for significant renewable energy investment. This means money and jobs, and a healthier environment.”

Leeton Shire Council is one of 17 successful councils in New South Wales and 58 across Australia to receive this grant.

Obituary

Water polo legend and industry innovator Anti Kajlich passes away

Sadly, water polo legend, innovator and passionate supporter of the Australian aquatic industry and local manufacturing, Anton (Anti) Kajlich has passed away.

Anti was a lifelong water polo player and a goalie of remarkable distinction, which included him representing the Czechoslovakian National Team and earning multiple FINA World Masters medals.

Raised in the small spa town of Piestany in what is now Slovakia, after fleeing Czechoslovakia in 1967, he became an All-American goalie at the University of California Berkeley in the USA, where he earned the university’s first sports scholarship for water polo.

Most recently, he won the goalie award at the 2023 Water Polo Masters under 81 division – at 80 years of age.

He was the founder and creative force behind Anti Wave, a company that revolutionised water polo equipment through innovative designs for goals

and racing lanes, as well as providing high quality lane ropes, starting blocks and swim walls.

Anti designed and patented the world’s first Anti Goal in 1974, which became the world’s best-selling water polo goal, and which remains an integral part of competitions and training in Australia and around the world.

Later he developed his patented wavecalming racing lanes.

Relocating to Brisbane with his wife and family in 1981, he established Anti Wave’s global headquarters in the city. In 2013 Anti

Wave was bought by SR Smith, which was in turn bought by Fluidra in 2021.

Actively involved in water polo throughout his life, including as a master’s participant, he made a surprise appearance at the Anti Kajlich Master’s Polo Cup in his hometown in 2023.

A beloved figure in the water polo community Anti is remembered for his kindness, integrity and deep love for the sport, leaving behind a lasting legacy of innovation and inspiration.

Across the wider aquatic community, he is remembered for his visionary leadership and will be remembered with great respect and affection by all who encountered him.

Anti Wave will endure, with his son, also named Anton Kajlich, continuing to innovate in aquatic sport equipment.

SPLASH! offers sincere condolences to family, friends and colleagues.

Anti Kajlich in action (Supplied: Anti Wave)

Research from Federation University in Sydney shows that one in five girls between the ages of 10 and 16 considered dropping out of swimming and athletics due to period-related challenges. Not having time to change their period protection was a concern shared by more than 61 per cent of the 464 Australian girls from swimming and athletics who partook in the survey, with a further 63 per cent reporting they missed training, and one in three sitting out competition events. In 2023, Eltee Sydney surveyed more than 2300 Australian tween and teenage girls about their participation in sport, and that research found 68 per cent of girls had quit or avoided swimming due to challenges tied to period management. Swimming legend Cate Campbell has previously shared the performance struggles she had experienced managing her periods. Earlier this year, Swimming

Australia formed a partnership with Eltee Sydney, supplier of UnderSwim periodfree swimwear, to help girls and women be empowered to manage their periods and continue participation without feeling ashamed or embarrassed.

Branxton and Cessnock Pools have lifted the unaccompanied age requirement for entry to 15 years of age, in line with the requirements of the RLS Keep Watch at Public Pools program, which states children under five years must wear a Keep Watch at Public Pools wristband with a dedicated supervising caregiver to ensure the child is continually kept within arms’ reach at all times; children 14 years and under must be supervised by a responsible adult; children between six and 10 years old and weak swimmers must be closely supervised by a responsible adult maintaining constant visual contact; and families or groups need

a minimum of one adult supervising every four children under ten years old.

More than one in seven UK councils have lowered swimming pool temperatures in the past five years to manage rising energy bills. Of the 256 councils who responded to FOI requests by the BBC, 39 had lowered pool temperatures in the past five years – and 33 had permanently lowered the temperature of at least one main or learner pool. No council lowered the target temperature of their pools by more than one degree, or below the guidelines given by the Pool and Water Treatment Advisory Group, a pool standards body. These recommend that pools should be 27C to 29C for recreational swimming and adult teaching, and 29C to 31C for children’s teaching. Critics have urged councils to reconsider, for fear it will lower learner rates and affect people who need swimming for health reasons, including people with a disability.

North Sydney Olympic Pool site for PVT solar pilot

Australian climate-tech startup Coolsheet has commenced a commercial-scale pilot of its patented aluminium heat exchange panel that converts a standard solar module into a PV Thermal (PVT) hybrid module for new installations as well as for retrofits.

Component validation testing was completed by UNSW Sydney, with the R&D partnership continuing across a series of ongoing projects and future product development. The company has a 5MW pilot line in Sydney with plans to expand into an automated manufacturing facility.

According to the company’s research, only 23 per cent to 26 per cent of the sun’s energy hitting a solar panel is currently converted to electricity, leaving around 75 per cent to be absorbed and emitted as waste heat.

PV thermal technology harnesses the waste heat through a lightweight “water jacket” attached to the back of the solar panel, storing it in hot water tanks as a thermal battery or using it as a pre-heat loop for heat pumps.

PVT also delivers a secondary benefit: cooling the solar cells, which increases electrical output by up to four per cent for every 10C reduction in cell temperature.

During summer in Australia, panel temperatures can exceed 65C meaning Coolsheet can improve PV performance by up to 15 per cent, while also reducing solar cell thermal stress and extending solar panel lifespan.

The installation maximises the on-site renewable energy generation from the limited rooftop area, mating Coolsheet’s patented lightweight aluminium heat-exchange panel to the rear of 206 x 550W PV modules. The integrated system capacity has a dual output of 114kW electrical and two to three times that figure for thermal energy capacity, simultaneously from the same footprint.

Aligned with North Sydney Council’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality across its operations by 2035, the Coolsheet system itself is carbon neutral, generating enough additional electricity from panel cooling to offset its own circulation pump load.

The PVT array forms a small but highly energy-efficient part of the all-electric pool heating system, which will maintain year-round temperatures for more than three million litres of water across five pools.

Founded in Sydney, Coolsheet is Australia’s first PVT manufacturer – one of only around 50 worldwide. Backed by $2 million in founder capital and grants to date, with patents secured in Australia and around the world, Coolsheet is raising capital to expand the team and scale local manufacturing.

Coolsheet secured the project via competitive tender, outperforming established European and US-based PVT technology providers.

upcoming construction projects in your area with Cordell Connect to help you secure your next opportunity.

How to determine if an aquatic centre will be

energy efficient

SPLASH! discusses aquatic centre energy efficiency with ESD mechanical engineer Jonathan Duverge .

Jonathan Duverge is an environmentally sustainable development (ESD) mechanical engineer who has been working in the built environment for 16 years and completed a PhD on energy and water use of aquatic centres.

Duverge recently presented some of his findings at the Renewal and New Horizons Aquatic Centre Seminar hosted by Negawatt Projects in Melbourne.

We asked him for some insights into determining if a current or planned aquatic centre is energy efficient, including benchmarking and how to improve its efficiency, and the importance of taking this into consideration at the outset when planning the centre, including how to overcome the obstacles that present during that process.

Duverge says it is obviously easier to consider these issues at the outset and make adjustments to the design, rather than having to make changes to existing centres.

“My background is in building physics,” he says.

“I’ve been working on all sort of buildings, residential and commercial, for 16 years now and the reason I did that PhD is because I understand what buildings need – but I could see there was a gap in aquatic centres compared to offices, commercial buildings and dwellings.

“The thing is, aquatic centres are different to other buildings, as you know. And I think that sometimes when people design those aquatic centres, they’re thinking that they’re building something like a commercial building – like an office or a warehouse – and you just put a couple of pools in it.”

Evaporation and benchmarking

Duverge says it’s essential to consider evaporation, as you’re using a lot of energy to not only heat the water, but you need to keep the air at a certain temperature to limit the evaporation.

Losing pool water through evaporation not only means you lose heat energy and chemicals, but also affects the structural integrity of the building envelope via corrosion.

“Evaporation is quite important,” he says. “You can’t just brush it off and make out you understand it, but then still design something that doesn’t take it into consideration.

“I think that’s missing when a lot of the designers or service engineers don’t really look at it properly. While it’s hard to estimate, they know it’s important – but they don’t know how to work it out.”

During the six-year research for his PhD thesis Energy performance and water usage of aquatic centres, Duverge found there was no consistency on investigating how a planned or existing aquatic centre would perform.

“I found out the reason is there was only limited benchmarks to see if you are designing something that’s efficient or not.”

To overcome that deficiency, he set about establishing a benchmark the industry could use.

“I measured all the energy use over the experience of 23 aquatic centres, and based on that, I created a benchmark,” he says. “And because aquatic centres use so much energy and the price of electricity and gas is going up, they have to take it into account.”

Duverge is insistent that the concept of energy efficiency in aquatic centres needs to be considered from the very start of the design process.

“You can use my benchmark to compare the aquatic centre energy use. The benchmark performance indicator is referred to as energy use intensity (EUI), which rates spaces by kilowatt per square metre.”

The benchmark will then place the aquatic centre on a scale and determine if it is a high, middle or low energy intensity centre.

Ceiling height and design

The interior height of the building – and the pool hall in particular – has a big impact on the amount of energy consumed.

“If you have a 12-metre floor to ceiling height, this volume of air needs to be heated,” says Duverge.

“It’s a huge amount of energy to heat that volume of air – plus heating the water – regardless of what system you’re going to use.

“Then, if you have full glazed windows, that is going to promote massive heat loss.”

He says that aesthetic considerations have been overriding energy considerations for many years.

“It was okay before, because the cost of power was bearable, electricity wasn’t expensive, gas wasn’t expensive. But that’s not the case now.”

Duverge cites the example of an Australian council that is spending a million dollars per year on power.

“It’s becoming a huge problem for them. That’s why if we don’t design for energy performance, when the figures come out, we see huge issues –even with the new centres.”

But he says designing for energy performance doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on the design.

“It’s just a matter of having a balance. Instead of going for a 12-metre ceiling height, you can still make it high, just not as high – say 10 metres. It’s still going to be high enough while saving energy without that huge volume of air needing to be heated. And if you go from 10 metres to seven, there will be even greater savings.”

The external aesthetics of the building design can still be taken into consideration – building a high façade or skin that give the building vertical shape without affecting the internal ceiling height.

Glazing and insulation

Glazing is also a source of dramatic heat loss – and the effect of glazing is exacerbated by tall ceilings.

“If you have all that glass you are losing a lot of heat,” says Duverge.

“You can do better things, like triple glazing. The trouble is, triple glazing is really, really expensive. The cost will go really high with triple glazing –and I’ve never seen anyone use triple glazing here because it’s still very expensive in Australia.”

And even with triple-glazing, the heat loss from the pool hall to the outside is severe.

“When you compare double glazing to a wall with insulation – it doesn’t compare in terms of thermal efficiency. For example, you put an R2.5 in a wall. But the best double glazing, if you convert it into the equivalent R value, it can only achieve a value of 0.3 or 0.4.

“You can never achieve the same value with double glazing as an insulated wall. Even if you go triple, you will still have heat loss.”

He says that this doesn’t mean all glazing should be removed, rather used only where required. Less glazing also means a lower capital cost.

“The glazing doesn’t need to be the full facade. You can put it at a certain height, or in a section, and still achieve the amount of daylight you want to achieve. And you can do daylight simulation to work out an appropriate level of daylight penetration within the space if that’s what you’re worrying about.”

Daylight simulation models daylight penetration, and when cleverly designed, you can still design a space that receives sufficient daylight without having huge glazing facade.

“I found out the reason is there was no benchmark to see if you are designing something that’s efficient or not.”

“There are so many things you can do to make the centre energy efficient without just building a square box,” he says.

“It’s not new, it’s basic knowledge. Let’s build something energy efficient from the start, and then your system will use less energy to heat that room.

“The main aim, especially for the council pools, is to provide a service for the ratepayers. So that’s got to be the first thing you’re doing, rather than building a beautiful edifice.”

What is EUI

EUI, or energy use intensity, measures a building’s annual energy consumption per unit of floor area, typically expressed as kilowatt-hours per square metre per year. A lower EUI indicates a more energy-efficient building, making it a key metric for architects, facility managers, and policymakers to compare performance, identify inefficiencies, and reduce operating costs and environmental impact.

Dr Jean Jonathan Duverge

Jonathan Duverge is an ecologically sustainable development (ESD) mechanical engineer who has been working in the built environment for 16 years. He has been running his own ESD consulting business, Northern Environmental Design, for 12 years.

His field of expertise is building physics and the energy efficient design of buildings. He worked on many types of building from residential buildings, commercial buildings, schools, industrial buildings and aquatic centres.

He has completed a PhD on the energy and water use of aquatic centres and published several journals on the topic. He developed energy and water benchmarks for aquatic centres, and also created detailed procedures and processes for simulating the energy use of an aquatic centre. He is an accredited NABERS Assessor, a Green Star Accredited Professional and an accredited Thermal Performance Assessor.

EUI allows for direct comparisons of energy performance between buildings of different sizes, types and locations. It also enables performance tracking and can act as a barometer for energy efficiency, showing how a building’s performance changes over time. Lowering EUI is a direct way to reduce a building’s carbon footprint and contribute to decarbonisation efforts, and more efficient buildings with lower EUIs result in significantly reduced utility bills and operational expenses. A strong EUI rating can make a building more attractive to potential tenants and investors.

Duverge says a lot of aquatic centres are using EUIs so they know where they stand and can then make upgrades, but many are unaware of their energy efficiency metrics.

“Even with Green Star accredited centres, you ask them what’s the EUI, how much energy is it going to use? They just don’t have it. Green Stars are okay, but that doesn’t look at the energy use, which is the most important thing in an aquatic centre because they use so much energy.

“Many are sticking to their old ways instead of looking at what’s out there and what can be improved.”

He says he has been in many discussions with councils and they appreciate that something needs to change.

“But when it comes to who gets the job, it’s always the same people. They’re getting the message, but I think it’s just still a hurdle in terms of selecting consultants.”

Duverge says the actual design of the aquatic centre is more important than the selection of equipment in terms of energy efficiency.

“That’s where you’re going to make the most improvement. If you design an aquatic centre and there’s not enough insulation in the wall, or minimum insulation the ceiling, then even if you have heat pumps with high COP, you’re still going to have heat loss.”

He uses the example of the house where he is currently living – an old house built in the 80s. Even with the addition of a new split-system, the

Contact: www.nedesign.net.au

poor envelope of the house makes it impossible to heat properly or cheaply.

Passivhaus and Seven Star

One system that relies intensively on a secure heat envelope is the German Passivhaus energy efficient design system.

Duverge says that while that system is good, it’s a very expensive way of looking at construction.

“You need to have very specific builders that understand it and be very strict – and building on such a big scale, I think even for house, it’s very expensive. And being an aquatic centre would add another level of cost.”

He says that if he was building an aquatic centre to the NCC 2022 building code and was doing an assessment for building compliance, he could get away with R1.2 total in the walls, and R3.2 total in the ceiling.

“Now, when I’m designing dwellings to a Seven Star rating, I’m using at least R2.7 in the walls (sometimes R4) and up to R6 or R7 in the ceiling. When you compare that to what’s happening to aquatic centres, there’s a big difference.

The warm body of water should be taken into consideration when designing the HVAC system of an aquatic centre

“An aquatic centre needs to keep the inside temperature to 30 degrees all day and night. And in any house, we just need to keep it at 20 degrees or 22 degrees from time to time when you are hot or cold.

“So, when you compare the insulation levels in an aquatic centre and in the house, it’s inefficient, especially when you’re keeping such high temperatures.”

The pool as a heat sink

When looking at the movement of energy in the pool hall, it should also be considered that the pool itself expels heat.

“There is a transfer of heat between water and air – and that’s what’s complicated. When we’re designing systems or doing simulations, we need to look at this interaction and its effect on evaporation.

PhD Abstract: Energy performance and water usage of aquatic centres

Aquatic centres are major community facilities that require large amounts of water and energy to operate. They are unlike any other type of building in terms of energy and water consumption, and can consume up to seven times more energy per floor area compared to an average commercial office building.

To date, there have been insufficient studies examining the energy performance and water usage of aquatic centres worldwide, thus causing a lack of information and research, and complicating understanding of energy and water usage markers.

Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the energy performance and water usage of aquatic centres.

The research objectives are listed below:

Develop a guideline for the definition of aquatic centres in Victoria, Australia for the purpose of energy and water benchmarking.

Benchmark the energy and water consumption of aquatic centres by analysing the data collected from existing aquatic centres.

To investigate operational and building design features that will improve the energy and water performance of a sample aquatic centre by using building performance simulation.

By reviewing previous studies on energy and water benchmarks for aquatic centres and using industry-obtained data, this study emphasises how the lack of a clear definition for “aquatic centres” creates confusion when researching such consumption. The first section of this study proposes a definition of an aquatic centre by investigating those operating within Victoria through desktop research.

Information from 110 aquatic centres was collected and used to establish various categories of these facilities based on the types and number of amenities they provide. This study next defined an aquatic centre as a community or public venue that provides at least an indoor swimming pool and three different types of amenities, including a gymnasium, sauna or spa, a cafe and a creche.

The second section establishes energy and water benchmarks for aquatic centres by analysing data collected from 22 aquatic centres using questionnaires and site visits. The main data used to perform this analysis included utility bills (e.g., gas, electricity and water) for at least 12 months, floor areas of the sample aquatic centres, types of amenities and occupancy data.

Other architectural and electromechanical information such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, lighting types, glazing types and construction materials were also collected.

A statistical regression-based benchmarking method was then used to identify the relevant correlations and significance of several variables such as conditioned usable floor area, gross floor area, water surface area and number of visitors in relation to the energy and water use of aquatic centres.

This analysis indicated that conditioned usable floor area and visitor numbers had the strongest correlation and significance to aquatic

centre energy and water consumption, respectively; however, no strong correlation was found between energy and water use. In addition, the energy consumption of aquatic centres ranged between 648 kWh/m2 and 2,283 kWh/m2 (conditioned usable floor area), while water consumption ranged between 11 L/visitor and 110 L/visitor. However, this method has limitations in understanding the influence of different control strategies, design and occupancy variables on the energy and water use of aquatic centres. Indeed, building energy simulations have been identified as an alternative approach to address such enquiry.

The final section of this study was to simulate such consumption data using DesignBuilder and EnergyPlus (version 8.7). DesignBuilder was used to facilitate the construction of the three-dimensional aquatic centre model, while EnergyPlus 8.7 was used to perform the simulations in relation to the complex interaction (evaporation) between water and air within swimming pool halls. An existing aquatic centre within the sample was used as a case study, which was then calibrated against the measured energy and water data (utility bills obtained from the aquatic centre) before undertaking a range of parametric studies concerning several energy- and water-efficient features, including solar heating for pool water using glazed collectors (15 per cent reduction on the total energy of the aquatic centre), light-emitting diode (LED) lighting (3.5 per cent energy reduction), pool-water and pool hall air temperature reduction by 1C (6.1 per cent energy reduction), pool covers (3 per cent energy reduction and 1.2 per cent water reduction) and vacuum filters (20 per cent water reduction).

A respective 34 per cent and 20 per cent reduction in energy consumption and greenhouses gas emissions was achieved by combining several architectural and electromechanical features such as double glazing, insulation upgrades, air and water temperature reductions, pool covers, using high-density materials, glazed solar pool-water heating systems and LED lighting.

Overall, this study provides a significant contribution to the knowledge of energy and water usage in aquatic centres, as it is one of the first to propose a clear definition of an aquatic centre prior to performing further investigation. In addition, it also models the energy and water consumption of an aquatic centre using the indoor swimming pool module in EnergyPlus.

A set of energy and water benchmarks for aquatic centres was also proposed, which can be subsequently applied for wider industry use. Together with the proposed definition, the proposed guidelines and the energy and water benchmarks, it is now easier for aquatic centres in Australia and worldwide to compare their energy and water use. Also, a step-by-step guide on how to simulate an aquatic centre using EnergyPlus is provided in this study. The results will be beneficial for not only future simulation of swimming pool facilities but for also to the aquatic industries.

Source: Energy performance and water usage of aquatic centres, Jean Jonathan Duverge, PhD RMIT, B.Eng. (Mechanical) Deakin University, M.Eng. Mgt Charles Darwin University

“The pool is a hot water body inside a room, so there’s heat transfer everywhere. So, an engineer needs to take that into consideration – the internal heat gain.

“When you design a HVAC system – let’s say for an office – we take internal heat gain into consideration. What I mean is, the people and computers in the office will generate heat. If you’ve got 10 people, you will feel warm because there’s heat generated. Based on that, your heat load would be less, because you’ve already got warm bodies in that room – which means your system won’t need to be as big as if you were designing for an empty room.”

He says designing for the pool hall is similar, but in this case, it is the warm water that needs to be considered.

“In the pool hall, you got heated water in the swimming pool – 29 degrees all day, all night. I don’t think they’re taking that enough into consideration, and they’re designing heat loads and overestimating the size of a system, because they’re not considering that warm body of water.”

Despite the need to take this into account, Duverge says he has seen very little mention of evaporation or heat loss from the pool, or heat gain to the pool hall in the design or energy audits.

Separate envelopes and evaporation

Because the centre’s dry area doesn’t need to be heated to the same extent as the wet area, the two areas should be discrete.

“You should separate the pool and the dry area, so there’s not much heat loss from the pool area to the dry area, because the pool area has such high temperatures.

“If you seal that area properly, then you can better control the pool area in terms of heat loss.”

Evaporation increases if the difference is greater than two degrees between the pool water and the warm air in the pool hall.

“It should be within two degrees – so if your warm pool is kept at 32 degrees, then your air should be about 34 degrees. And then at the same time, if your lap pool is 28 degrees then the air should be 30 degrees.

“There’s more evaporation occurring with a warm water pool, because there’s a bigger difference in the temperature. From the start, you need do a simulation, and work out the evaporation, the heat loss, and see where energy is going.

“And by doing that from the start, you’ve got something that’s really energy efficient into the future.”

He says that when he measured some aquatic centres, they had huge difference between the pool water and the air – six or seven degrees in spots.

“When I see people doing audits, they’re not even looking at water temperature, but just looking at changing the lights, or changing the heat system, and they’re not looking at evaporation.

“But I think things are changing. With energy costs going up, there is increasing pressure to make things more efficient.

“Not everyone’s an expert in everything. I’m not an expert in the air handling unit – there’s better people that understand it more,” he says.

“But we can work together to build something better.” n

Study finds AI can help buildings become safer, resilient and more sustainable

Artificial intelligence could be key to designing buildings which are resilient to both climate extremes and infectious disease threats, according to a study with Charles Darwin University (CDU).

The study by CDU, the Australian Catholic University and the University of Tehran, conducted a review of how AI is being used in smart buildings, with a focus on energy efficiency and management.

Buildings produce more than two-thirds of global carbon emissions and energy consumption but managing and saving energy in buildings is challenging and costly.

Co-author and CDU adjunct associate professor Niusha Shafiabady says the review found AI could be valuable in improving building ventilation and thermal comfort.

Shafiabady says that at present, most buildings use static heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, which can impact structure sustainability and the health of occupants.

“Overheated or poorly ventilated spaces not only reduce occupant comfort but also increase the likelihood of airborne disease spread,” Shafiabady says.

“Static HVAC designs fall short under fluctuating climate conditions.

The study supports the use of adaptive thermal control systems that respond to occupancy, external climate and internal heat gains in real time.

“This opens the door for AI-driven optimisation, where machine

learning models can predict and adjust thermal conditions to balance comfort, energy efficiency and health outcomes.”

The study proposes a framework that allows building designers and facility managers to use AI to simulate thermal scenarios and evaluate their impact on airborne transmission risk.

“It’s modular, scalable and adaptable to different building types, from classrooms to hospital wards,” she says.

“Importantly, it provides a quantitative basis for decision-making, enabling stakeholders to prioritise interventions that enhance both thermal comfort and infection control.”

This research was conducted alongside lead author Mohammadreza Haghighat from the University of Tehran and co-author Ehsan Mohammadi Savadkoohi from CDU.

Future potential research includes integrating this framework with real-time sensor data and AI algorithms, using this research to help inform building regulatory standards.

“This research bridges engineering and epidemiology, offering practical guidance for architects, facility managers and policymakers seeking to future-proof buildings against health threats,” Shafiabady says.

Study: Applications of Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) and interpretable Artificial Intelligence (AI) in smart buildings and energy savings in buildings: A systematic review published in Journal of Building Engineering.

BUILDING EXCELLENCE THROUGH ACCREDITATION, ENGAGEMENT, DISCIPLINE, AND IMPACT.

New pool lead generation tool

ServiGo is a new lead generation and automation tool for pool professionals.

Developer and seasoned pool business owner

Shayne Guy says that if your pool business relies on phone calls, Facebook DMs, website forms or client referrals, you already know how easy it is to lose a lead – and that’s exactly why ServiGo was created.

“ServiGo isn’t just another CRM, it’s an AI-powered marketing and automation system designed to help pool builders, technicians and equipment installers capture, convert and close more leads without the chaos.”

It instantly follows up missed calls, logs and replies to DMs and can even automate quotes.

Everything lives in one easy-to-use platform, with tools that make sense for mobile service businesses, without the need for tech skills.

Contact: www.servigo.com.au

The new, smarter MultiCyclone Duo

The MultiCyclone Duo is a smart solution delivering efficiency, water savings and long-term performance without increasing service time or system complexity.

Waterco’s George Flory says that by integrating centrifugal and cartridge filtration into one compact unit, the MultiCyclone Duo removes up to 80 percent of sediment before it reaches the cartridge. This reduces cleaning frequency, extends filter life and improves water clarity. For installers, it means easier installs, fewer maintenance visits and systems that perform exactly as promised.

He says the unit’s durable thermoplastic construction and Waterco’s in-house injection moulding expertise ensure tight tolerances and consistent quality.

“These manufacturing capabilities allow Waterco to confidently support the MultiCyclone Duo with a 10-year tank warranty, a first for the category” he says.

The MultiCyclone Duo is suited to new pool builds, high-use backyard pools and tight plant rooms.

Contact: www.waterco.com.au

New Liberty 600 cordless robot

Maytronics has launched the new Dolphin Liberty 600, its most advanced cordless robotic pool cleaner to date – suitable for pool surfaces including PVC, fiberglass, stone surfaces, mosaic and ceramic tiles.

It features Bluetooth and wifi connectivity, and operates entirely without power cords. Its inductive Magnetic-Connect magnetic charging means no hassle with tangled cords or connectors.

The cleaner delivers up to 4.5 hours of runtime per charge and under Eco Mode can maintain a spotless pool floor for up to two weeks on a single charge.

It offers comprehensive pool coverage, an advanced dual-layer filtration system, a smart app and handy Click-Up retrieval and homing system.

Maytronics has also recently released the Niya Eclipse 35 and Niya Sonar F3 cordless robots, as well as the Dolphin Skimmi solarpowered robotic pool skimmer.

Contact:

ABGAL has overcome the age-old problem of heavy, awkward spa covers by introducing two new lightweight models. Made with 20mm closed-cell thermal foam slats, the covers are a fraction of the size and weight of a traditional spa cover.

Ideal for inground spas, the Floating SpaTex cover floats on the surface of a spa without the need for attachment clips. They are upholstered in polyproplene mesh, fold for easy storage and have great heat retention.

The SpaRoll cover for portable or aboveground spas and swimspas up to eight metres features lockable clips on all sides –complying with the NSW and New Zealand standards for fencing exemptions. They have a polypropylene mesh upper and a vapour proof self-draining base, and can be custom made to order.

Both are Climate Care Certified and made in Australia.

Contact: www.abgal.com.au

New Titan underwater accent light

The Titan “pencil” niche light from Spa Electrics is purposebuilt to tackle dark, shadowy steps, benches and swim-outs that let down an otherwise impressive pool. Compact, powerful, and casting a warm glow, it provides a new level of design flexibility to create high-end functional spaces.

At just 66 mm diameter and with a low profile, the Australianmade Titan is Spa Electrics’ smallest-ever niche light.

It is built around a titanium heat sink for superior cooling and long-term reliability, and its IPX8 Quick-Connect plug system makes installation faster and cleaner.

It has a range of vivid colours plus crisp, bright white. Contact: spaelectrics.com.au

New under-bench cover winder for tight spaces

Daisy Pool Covers has released the Caddy UBR, a new powered winch purposebuilt for under-bench rollers (UBRs) in confined or restricted spaces. Drawing on the proven performance of the Caddy Pro, the UBR can recover and deploy single or multiple commercial thermal foam or solar pool covers onto Daisy commercial roller systems.

“The Caddy UBR delivers the same power as the Pro in a slimmer, lighter design with lower cabinet height. Together they give you unmatched performance and flexibility,” says Daisy Pool Covers managing director Derek Prince.

Engineered for reliability, the UBR features heavy-duty 24V rechargeable batteries with an integrated charging system powered by a standard 10A GPO. With an optimised drive range of 250mm to 450mm and simple pushbutton controls, it offers greater safety, precision and efficiency across both 25m and 50m pools.

Contact: daisypoolcovers.com.au; 1300 55 18 11; commercial@daisypoolcovers.com.au

BWT launches next generation cordless pool robots

BWT Pool Products Australia has launched two innovative cordless robotic cleaners – the ES Echo and the F1 Sonic Pro.

The ES Echo is lightweight but powerful compact floor, wall and waterline cordless residential pool robot with intelligent navigation and generous filter capacity. It has fast charging and is easy to operate.

The F1 Sonic Pro (pictured) is a floor, wall and the waterline robot aimed at the premium end of the market, featuring dual traction motors, a high-capacity pump and multiple cleaning cycles. Equipped with a gyroscope, ultrasonic smart sensor, and full smartphone app connectivity, the F1 offers advanced navigation, cycle selection, status notifications, and over-theair updates.

Contact: bwtpools.com.au

New advanced, whisperquiet Pinnacle heat pump

AstralPool says their new premium Pinnacle heat pump is an energyefficient solution for every season.

Powered by advanced inverter technology, the Pinnacle automatically adjusts its output to maintain the perfect water temperature while minimising energy use. Engineered for Australian conditions, its titanium heat exchanger ensures reliable, long-term performance even in harsh pool environments.

With a coefficient of performance (COP) of up to 22, the Pinnacle delivers up to 22 units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed, offering exceptional efficiency and lower running costs.

Operating at just 27 dBA, it is whisper-quiet, making it ideal for backyard installations where noise matters. The unit also features built-in wifi control, allowing for easy monitoring and temperature management anytime from anywhere.

Contact: www.astralpool.com.au

Subscribe to

Please

$AUD65.00 – 1 year, 6 issues

$AUD104.00 – 2 years, 12 issues – Save 20% $AUD136.50 – 3 years, 18 issues – Save 30%

Suburb/Town: Postcode: Ph: Fax: Email: The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd ABN 94002583682 PO Box 55 Glebe NSW 2037. Fax back your subscription to: (+61) 2 8580 6312 www.intermedia.com.au or call 1800 651 422

$AUD75.00 – 1 year, 6 issues

$AUD80.00 – 1 year, 6 issues

$AUD90.00 – 1 year, 6 issues We are committed to handling your personal information in accordance with the privacy act. Please Select one of the following: Yes No - Please send me information about special offers and or events from SPLASH!

Simplifying Pool Life

Building a new swimming pool is an exciting journey to a better lifestyle. Pool-Water Products specialise in innovative, eco-friendly and high-quality products that are designed to simplify pool life.

• In-floor cleaning systems

• Control Systems

• Lighting

• Pumps

• Filters

• Spa Equipment

• Water features

• Water treatments

F1 Sonic Pro

F1 Sonic Pro

The Next Generation of Cordless Pool Cleaning

Experience the future of effortless pool care with the all-new BWT F1 Sonic Pro.

Powered by advanced cordless technology, the Sonic Pro delivers high-precision cleaning across your pool’s floor, walls, and waterline, all without the hassle of cables.

With its sleek design, powerful performance, and Planet Blue commitment, the F1 Sonic Pro is more than just a pool cleaner, it’s peace of mind.

For You and Planet Blue.

Engineered with:

Smart Navigation & Gyroscope for complete coverage.

Long-lasting lithium battery for extended cleaning cycles. Dual traction motors + high-efficiency pump for maximum performance.

Ultrasonic sensors for intelligent obstacle detection. Eco-friendly design that combines power with low energy use.