Author Archives: Editor

State of the Industry: The 2012 season was an impressive year for pool construction

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Compiled by Jason Cramp

In terms of major urban centres with increased building permit registration between 2011 and 2012, Montreal led the way with an additional 1,127 permits issued.

Not only did the Canadian swimming pool industry expand for the third consecutive season, the total number of swimming pool building permit registrations issued in 2012 was the highest year-end total in the past decade. Despite the uncertainties with respect to the U.S. economy and longevity of the European recession, Canada’s economic and financial market remained relatively stable. Although disposable income is not as readily available to some households as it once was, unlike 2011, the 2012 swimming pool building season started strong with 339 more pool building permits being issued in the first quarter alone.
This only continued throughout the year as permit registrations increased in the second, third, and fourth quarters, representing an overall increase of 16 per cent, from 10,803 permits in 2011 to 12,517 in 2012. Permit registrations in census metropolitan areas (CMAs) increased by 15 per cent, representing a total of 1,225 more registered permits than in 2011.

Read the full article: Market Report

Last Drop: Aloha Pools Ltd.

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Photo courtesy Aloha Pools Ltd.

By Jason Cramp

This Vancouver homeowner called upon, of Surrey, B.C., to help them fulfil their wish of converting their existing 7.6- x 13.7-m (25- x 45-ft) kidney-shaped swimming pool into a perimeter overflow design, while at the same time completely updating the current pool surround.
To do this, Aloha removed the upper 0.6 m (2 ft) of the pool and formed the top with a slotted gutter to create the perimeter overflow. Shallow lounge areas between the existing pool and the new geometric edge were also formed. The resulting perimeter sitting ledge allows bathers to relax near the water and/or socialize with those using the pool.
Of course, this was easier said than done as the pool’s existing plumbing system had to be completely removed and replaced, while the pool floor was also raised by pouring new reinforced concrete.
Aloha also added a new aquatic amenity to the homeowner’s backyard consisting of an eight-person, perimeter-overflow spa. Built at one end of the pool, the spa looks as though it had been there all along as it features a similar geometric design. Both the pool and spa were finished in 25- x 25-mm (1- x 1-in.) glass tile, which furthers the co-ordination of the backyard’s aquatic features.

Read the full article: Last Drop

Retail Store Layouts: Make A List

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By Ted Lawrence

Finally, the burden of all these changes should not fall on the store owner’s shoulders alone. For instance, when performing the observing exercise, make a list of what needs to be changed and share the list with the store manager and employees, and place it behind the counter where they can see it. Whenever the store is not busy, go back to the list and start checking items off. It may take a week or maybe even a year, but ultimately it will get it done. Store layout and design is just one key to making a successful profitable store.

Read the full article: Business Concepts

Go With The Flow: Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) Versus Flow

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Revolutions per minute (rpm) vs. Flow: Static Eyeballs vs. Variable Orifice Returns. Figure courtesy Eco-Blu Pool Components LLC

By Sean Walsh & Zach Schulz

When looking at rpm versus flow (see Figure 3), research shows as the flow/speed (rpm) of the system increases, the less efficient a smaller pool return becomes at providing a given flow. The smaller the orifice, the greater the restriction and the harder the pump needs to work.
On the other hand, a variable orifice return will self-adjust, allowing the system to operate more efficiently (use less energy) when obtaining a given flow rate at a lower speed (rpm).

Read the full article: Circulation

The Science Behind Aquatic Immersion: Promoting Aquatics For Better Health

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By Dr. Bruce E. Becker

While all of the above effects of aquatic exercise and activity seem to be receiving increased recognition within the lay press and medicine, there remains a dramatic underuse of aquatic facilities for health promotion and maintenance.
Unfortunately, many aquatic facilities often lack imaginative programming for adults in need of healthful aquatic activity and physicians are unaware of the many potential health and cost-saving benefits of aquatics. Given the rates of cardiovascular disease, cardiac debility, obesity and diabetes and their many medical complications, the costs of these health issues may eventually become unsustainable. Therefore, the industry must do a better job to increase public and professional awareness to the benefits of aquatic exercise, not only for the betterment of public health, but also for the pool and spa industry.

Read the full article: Aquatic Fitness

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