For all of the criticism and market pressure brought to bear on traditional chlorination, proponents point out that despite popular concerns and a spectrum of available alternatives, chlorine has remained indispensable for many professionals and consumers alike — a fact that is not likely to change anytime soon.
https://aquamagazine.com/features/inside-chlorine-s-staying-power.html
By: Aqua Magazine
Maintaining appropriate levels of calcium hardness is a key balance factor in basic recreational water care. Typically, water in a vinyl-lined or fibreglass swimming pool should contain a calcium hardness level of 175 to 225 parts per million (ppm), while the recommended range for plaster-surfaced pools is a little higher at 200 to 275 ppm. In addition, the overall balance of calcium hardness is directly related to other key balancing factors, total alkalinity (TA) and pH. Managing calcium hardness is extremely important due to the problems that can occur if it is not properly controlled.
By: Pool and Spa Marketing
https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/controlling-calcium-hardness/print/
By Dale Papke
While portable acrylic hot tubs have dominated the residential market for almost 30 years, pre-manufactured acrylic or other non-concrete commercial hot tub materials have only become popular in the last 10 to 15 years as an increasing number of architects, developers and operators are selecting these products for commercial projects.
The reason for this is their lower upfront costs, integral waterproofing characteristics, lighter weight loads, ease of installation and less upkeep in comparison to traditional concrete commercial hot tubs. However, the growth and acceptance of acrylic and other concrete alternative materials has been a slow process.
While most concrete swimming pool specialists have considerable experience specifying, selling and installing commercial concrete hot tubs, only a small percentage of residential hot tub dealers sell into the commercial market. With a two- to three-year turnaround (from design to completion), along with extended payment terms and multiple contact involvement in the commercial sector, some residential hot tub dealers often pass on this type of business.
As a result, architects and designers (unless successfully approached and marketed by a company experienced in commercial acrylic installations), tend to specify products they are familiar with, i.e. conventional concrete hot tubs.
[2]One of the best ways for an acrylic hot tub manufacturer to overcome the obstacle of entering the commercial hot tub sector is to market its products to the appropriate audience, with the goal of having them specified by an architect. This can be accomplished by consistently advertising commercial acrylic products in magazines and attending trade shows, which cater to architects, designers, developers as well as managers and operators of commercial facilities such as resorts, hotels, health clubs and day/destination spas.
The benefit for a manufacturer in getting its products specified, and listed in the blueprints by an architect, is to make it more difficult—however, not impossible—for a dealer to sell builders a commercial acrylic unit or even a stainless-steel model from another manufacturer.
However, the lack of a dedicated dealer network is a common problem for most commercial acrylic hot tub manufacturers. Unlike the residential market, where a dealer can consistently sell up to several hundred hot tubs a year and in the same time become an expert in all required areas of marketing, sales, installation and service, the average commercial dealer may only quote two or three projects a year. As a result, some dealers who do not do enough commercial business to gain the required experience or knowledge must rely on the manufacturer to provide assistance.
In this sector, manufacturers can easily bring on as many new construction projects to its dealers as the dealer will bring on itself. However, manufacturers rely heavily on its dealers to bring in retrofit orders where they may already have a service relationship with the commercial client (end-user). For example, if a small motel or health club has their hot tub serviced by a local pool or hot tub dealer, they will likely go to that dealer to get a cost estimate on a replacement hot tub as opposed to calling the manufacturer.
In some cases, if the manufacturer is successful in getting its products specified, this can quite often close the sale on behalf of the dealer. Some manufacturers will even ship the pre-plumbed shell, with factory-installed bracing and pre-plumbed equipment package to the dealer or directly to the job site. This allows the dealer or mechanical contractor to simply supply and run the plumbing and perform the startup and training. In most cases, a subcontractor will complete the decking and electrical work.
Even after the economic downturn experienced last year, one bright sign is the emergence of several dealers who experienced double-digit sales in 2009.
One reason for last year’s positive sales figures, which is also a good sign for future sales, is the fact more concrete hot tub dealers are considering acrylic hot tub units. Instead of passing on the opportunity to sell acrylic hot tubs, these dealers are becoming more open to quoting less-expensive, pre-plumbed hot tubs.
Not too long ago, developers had no problem paying $50,000 for an installed concrete hot tub (including deck and electrical). Today, developers are quite interested in hearing about a product, which includes installation, deck and electrical for approximately $30,000 to $35,000.
Many small condominiums and boutique hotels are being designed with rooftop hot tub locations, with installations favouring lighter, prefabricated acrylic hot tubs. Replacement units, required as a result of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA), have also opened up opportunities for installation of prefabricated commercial units.
With the limited market for commercial prefabricated acrylic hot tubs and the support expertise required, this sector will not see any drastic changes in the number of manufacturers producing these products. This market is limited because only a small percentage of health clubs, hotels and condominium recreation centres are built on a year-to-year basis in comparison to the residential housing market. However, more dealers should see an increase in commercial sales and as they become more comfortable with the market, sales of prefabricated acrylic or other non-concrete hot tubs will continue to grow, thus increasing market share.
HydroTher Commercial Hot Tubs, a Mississauga, Ont.-based manufacturer of commercial hot tubs, therapy tubs and swim-in-place exercise pools. A Division of PPL Aquatic, Fitness & Spa Group Inc., which specializes in design, construction, service and staffing support for commercial pool and recreational facilities. Contact info@hydrother.com for more information
Ask this question to 10 aquatics professionals and you may well get 10 different answers.
This may be due to the brand, the service contract, pool usage/how quickly they foul, sensor age and of course maintenance routines.
You might think that is a long list of factors to consider, but fortunately everything has a known average to it with the pool industry.
By; TMI Sustainable Aquatics: Know When To Replace Your Chemistry Controller Sensors
Not long ago, pool maintenance required a fair amount of personal attention and effort. Managing water chemistry, maintaining the filter, and cleaning the pool and surrounding area were some of the tasks pool owners wanted to minimize in favour of having more time to relax and reap the benefits of their backyard investment.
Pentiar Intellichem System: https://commercialpoolandspasupplies.com/mechanical-equipment/new-products/pentair-intellitouch-load-center-for-pool-with-intellichlor-transformer
Pentair Intellichlor: https://commercialpoolandspasupplies.com/mechanical-equipment/new-products/intellichlor-ic15-16128
By Pool and Spa Marketing: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/how-technology-is-transforming-the-backyard-pool-experience/print/
With the goal to bring affordable, reliable pool and spa access to everyone, Aqua Creek Products offers a range of pool and spa lifts—many of which meet Canadian accessibility requirements for commercial and residential use.
Follow the link below to discover more about the Aquacreek Ranger Pool Lift
https://commercialpoolandspasupplies.com/ranger-lift-w-anchor-350lb-cap
By Pool and Spa Marketing:
https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/features/pool-lift-meets-canadian-accessibility-requirements/
It can be disheartening having to cancel yet another pool party because your pool water is green. That green colour you see is caused by algae in your swimming pool. Algae is a plant like organism that can appear as green/blue, a yellow/mustard colour, or black. Let’s take a closer look at what kind of algae may be plaguing your pool.
Now that you understand what the types of algae are, it is important to understand why your swimming pool water is green. Basically all this means is that there is algae present, and you may need to shock your pool, as well as start a regular chemical schedule. By running your pool’s pump regularly any remaining bits of algae will find it hard to grow when the water is moving. Algae may also look for a dark place away from circulation, so always give a thorough check around problem areas like under your ladder, your pool steps, any corners or crevices, and so forth.
Let’s take a look on how to rid your pool of algae, so you can fight the heat and get back to your clean, comfortable swimming pool.
This is the least expensive option of the three. Shocking your pool means super chlorinating it. To shock your pool you require a stirring stick, a bucket, and pool shock. If you have a vinyl liner, dissolve shock in bucket prior to adding to the swimming pool. When you shock your pool to fight against algae, it is important to note that there are three different stages of algae in which different amounts of pool shock are needed: light green, dark green, and black green. The shades of green indicate the amount of algae in the pool water.
Floc, aka Flocculant, is a chemical that works by moving all small particles to the bottom of the pool to help you when vacuuming your pool. It is a fast acting way of ridding algae, provided you have done this correctly. This is a relatively inexpensive option, but requires some elbow grease. Here is how to floc your swimming pool:
If your swimming pool is prone to algae, using an algaecide as a preventative measure may be another suitable option for continued maintenance. However, there are algaecides that contain algae killers (like copper or silver), and if applied in large doses and mixed with shock, it may be enough to do the trick. Note that because these types of algaecides contain metals, it may cause staining. Another type is called poly quats, which is to be used in small doses, but cause excess foaming in the water. Thus, it is important to carefully read the information on the bottle to select the one that’s right for you.
All in all, when it comes to selecting the best method for ridding your pool of algae it is really up to your own discretion and preference. Pool professionals stand divided on what is the best recommended course of treatment. That is why it is important to educate yourself, know your options, and treat the algae as soon as it infests your swimming pool. The first method is the most common, least expensive option that generally does the trick. Although it may require a couple of tries. The third method is the best method for preventative measures if your pool is prone to algae. The second method requires the most work, but it can also be quick and quite effective.
By: International Pool and Spas Centres
https://interpools.com/3-ways-to-get-rid-of-algae-in-your-pool/
With outdoor pool season in full swing, read this expert advice on how to prevent drownings.
By: Pool, Spas & Patios
Cartridge filter manufacturers believe in making the best products available and know it is feasible to provide the industry with different grades of product based on the type of pool/hot tub, geographic location, what water quality challenges (if any) the customers are facing. Unfortunately, unlike other industries, the aquatics sector has a ‘one size fits all’ approach. That said, to get past this ideology, there is a need for a new consumer rating system, which would help consumers and businesses properly size and install pool filtration systems accordingly.
By: Pool and Spa Marketing "Expert Advice"
Every day thousands upon thousands of facilities across the country depend upon their chemistry controllers to keep their pools and spas in line. Yet despite the staggering number of devices out in the field, multiple control types and myriad of options on the market, there still seems to be a pervasive misunderstanding about just how “auto” these pieces of equipment are and what to expect from each of them.
http://tmiaquatics.com/how-automatic-are-chemistry-controllers-a-comparison-of-the-technologies/
By: TMI Sustainable Aquatics
