November 2016 – THE COOL POOL by Certikin

Six reasons to
choose UV

1 UV light is effective against all micro-organisms

Water purification by UV-C light is the most effective sanitising method available today. UV light destroys micro-organisms in domestic pools up to 99.9%.

2 UV pool sanitisers contribute to crystal clear water

The most important culprit of cloudy water, micro-organisms such as algae, will be eliminated by UV pool sanitisers. But also chloramines can be the indirect cause of cloudy water, especially when the disinfection level of free chlorine in the water is too low. UV-C lamps destroy micro-organisms up to 99.9% and breaks down chloramines up to 80%.

3 With UV purifiers, you reduce the use of chemicals for water treatment

UV-C purification makes sure there is more stability in pools and spas, therefore adding extra chemicals can be prevented. It is always necessary to maintain a residual of chlorine in the pool water though that level can be reduced through the use of UV.

4 You will have lower costs in chemicals, energy and maintenance

Materials in and around the pool suffer from chemicals added to the pool water. Because UV-C radiation destroys most of the harmful chloramines in the water, the materials in and around the pool get affected much less.

5 There is no risk of overdosing with UV pool sanitisers

Overdosing chemicals in pools and spas can cause serious health problems and even foamy or cloudy water. UV radiation cannot be overdosed and destroys all of the micro-organisms.

6 UV is a green, non-hazardous technology

Last but not least – UV light is an environmentally friendly way to sanitise pool water.

For further information read The Role of Chlorine in a World of UV by Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon UV is available in a wide variety of models to suit different pool types, sizes and budgets.

OC-1 makes waves
in Dartmouth

The opening of the new Dartmouth Indoor Swimming Pool next month comes after many years of hard fund raising by the local community. For installers, Westcountry Leisure the new OC-1 filtration system, with its promise of reduced energy consumption and much-increased efficiency, was a natural choice.

Speaking at the “topping out” stage of the new Dartmouth Indoor Pool in early March, the Mayor of Dartmouth spoke of the enthusiasm within the community as they have watched the pool taking shape. “There are people here who have contributed to the swimming pool fund over the last 50 years. For a coastal town, it is essential that people learn to swim and feel safe and confident, both working and taking part in activities on the river. Dartmouth town is proud to be part of this development.”

Devonshire pool specialists, Westcountry Leisure installed the beautiful 25m swimming pool using Certikin supplied equipment and, impressed with the claims of the new ground-breaking OC-1 filter media, felt that this would be an excellent occasion to put it through its paces.

Embracing the recent advances in pump technology and maximising the benefits of variable speed pumps, the ingenious OC-1 works through settlement, as opposed to the traditional method of entrapment. By replacing commonly used media (such as sand and glass) with OC-1 Filtration Media it is possible to reduce the head loss in the filtration system; filter with a constant flow (regardless of debris entrapment) and, most remarkably, significantly reduce energy costs as it can be used with a smaller pump or a variable speed pump or controller. All this whilst still filtering to the equivalent standard for traditional filter media.

Certikin’s Commercial Manager, Steve Nelson, went into consultation with Westcountry’s Mark Gilpin and estimated that using OC-1 compared to sand would in terms of electricity consumption save 71.73kW per day, which over the year equates to 26,181.45 kW. Assuming a price of 12p a kW, this amounts to a massive saving of £3,141.77 each year!

Mark Gilpin says: “Of course the system has still to be fully tested when the pool opens to the public but thus far I have to say I am hugely impressed. OC-1 has reduced the pump current and running costs dramatically. To be honest, I am amazed at just how efficiently it does work and the results it achieves. I think it justifies the title of a revolutionary product.”

Landscape Designed
and Built to Perfection

Polly Nicholson, the owner of this stunning pool, knows a thing or two about gardens and landscape design being the highly respected flower grower and proprietor of Bayntun Flowers. So it’s little wonder that the pool in Blackland, at the foot of the Marlborough Downs in Wiltshire, blends so comfortably into its surroundings. Installed by Gloucestershire pool builder, New Dawn Pools, it is brimming with Certikin equipment, from its Roldeck cover down to its Pacelite finish.

Like the ceremonial smashing of a bottle of champagne over the bow of a new ship, the inaugural swim in a newly built pool is a ‘christening’ and a memorable celebration. For the Nicholson family that moment came on Christmas Eve 2015 when the pool, which began construction in April, was given its final touches. The four Nicholson children declared it the best Christmas present ever!

Installer, Richard Adams of New Dawn Pools says: “Polly project managed the whole garden project under the design and guidance of Arne Maynard Garden Designs, London. Polly, understandably, has exacting standards and a high level of perfection but the project was, in addition, challenging with a brook running through the property causing severe water table problems.”

The stunning 15m x 7m pool set in natural Portland stone has a varying depth of 1.4m to 2.6m and features a Roldeck in cave cover with new polycarbonate solar slats and a safety ledge. Adding to the sense of luxury, stainless steel fittings are featured throughout, including ten Certikin stainless steel mini LED lights. The pool, which has a Midnight Sky Pacelite internal finish, also features Certikin deep bed filtration and ozone sterilization.

The pool is heated with a Certikin 50kw Genie gas boiler. In addition, a 35kw Genie dual partly heats the pool water as well as under floor heating, showers, and hot water in the changing rooms. Richard adds: “An efficient and economical method of heating is essential as the pool is in operation 52 weeks of the year.”

CalderaSpas:
a good investment for holiday lets

Looking to inject the X factor into their holiday cottage business, Ruth and Gordon Christopher installed two beautiful CalderaSpas hot tubs and it proved to be one of the soundest business decisions they ever made.

Holt Farm is an independent, family owned business set in the stunning Herefordshire countryside, offering luxury accommodation in four holiday cottages.

Two years ago, owners Ruth and Gordon took the decision to install two Caldera Vantos hot tubs. “They were installed in January in a cold winter,” says Ruth. “We had the best swim ever a couple days later because it was snowing which gave it such a magical feel. Some guests, who have not used a hot tub before, think you have to have fine weather to use one so I love telling them about how the best times are the dark, the snow and the rain!

“We chose two seven-seater hot tubs between our four cottages and it works well for us as they are situated on outdoor patios. They are strategically placed as most of our customers book at least two cottages so we have great flexibility to give them at least one cottage with a hot tub. Then in quiet times we can offer a hot tub to customers whose cottage might not have an adjacent one – they are usually delighted by the added value to their booking.”

So why Caldera? “We were attracted to the brand’s price and superb quality. Plus, the sales team at our local retailer, Three Counties Pools & Spas, recommended Caldera because the hot tubs are robust and economical to run. What really clinched the deal for us was attending a seminar at Three Counties, and they invited customers who had already installed Calderas and their testimonials were very encouraging.

“The hot tubs have proved a real boon to business,” says Ruth. “Potential customers are always looking for an added value fun facility when they make their booking and the hot tubs fit the bill perfectly and have broad appeal. Hen and stag parties love them as well as the big birthday gatherings, reunion groups and walkers. We find our customers use them all times of the day and night. Small families and couples enjoy them too for relaxing – more in the evenings rather than in the day. The great beauty of a CalderaSpas hot tub is that it is not seasonal. The majority of our guests stay for weekend breaks but families who book longer stays in the school holidays use the hot tubs all week long. And of course, mid week walking groups love relaxing in one after a long day in the hills.

“Maintenance takes just a few minutes per day; refilling is more lengthy but having two tubs is good in that they can fill simultaneously! For us, getting the Caldera hot tubs has been a great investment and we’ve not looked back.”

Emma Garrett of Three Counties Pools & Spas says: “CalderaSpas is a brand which offers both peace of mind to owners and dealers. The brand’s reputation for build quality and design provides reassurance in providing a reliable, durable and efficient spa – ideal for the holiday let industry.”