Catherine Saunders – Page 8 – THE COOL POOL by Certikin

The stylish Coverstar
keeps pools safe

Add a family of children and a handful of pets to a brand new swimming pool and what’s the essential ingredient? It is, of course, the Coverstar – the market leading automatic safety cover that is as stylish as it is safe.

Equally stunning by night and day, this beautiful new pool was designed and constructed by Cambridgeshire pool company Aqualeaf Ltd. Bought for the enjoyment of their growing family, the Petersons were keen to maximise safety and were immediately impressed with the robust nature of the Coverstar safety cover.

The Coverstar prides itself on being simple to operate via a key switch and when not in use, the key can be removed, preventing unauthorised operation and adding to the product’s safety.

Mr Peterson says: “What we like about the Coverstar is that it is so easy to use – being automatic, it takes literally a couple of minutes at the most to uncover the pool. We didn’t want a cover that would take ages to put on and off. Let’s face it, in this country in the time that it takes to get some covers off a pool, the weather can have changed!”

Music to the ears of all pool owners looking to reduce their heating, Mr Peterson adds that the cover also scores ten out of ten for retaining the pool’s heat. “In fact, on really hot days we have to remove the cover to let some of the heat out otherwise the water can become too hot for swimming!”

Covered in glory

The Coverstar system is based on strength. For example, the sliders, which are traditionally the weakest part of a cover system, are more than four times as strong as any other slider used in the industry.

The cover’s strength also comes from the heavy duty fabric – the Ultragard 3 vinyl composite fabric is of industrial strength; is available in a variety of colours and offers unparalleled resistance to sun, chlorine and other pool chemicals.

The cover features an exclusive heavy-duty double row of stainless steel ball bearing pulleys which have almost triple the load bearing capacity of single row pulleys used by other companies.

Coverstar will fulfil almost any customer requirement. The shape of the pool is virtually irrelevant as Coverstar’s powerful hydraulic drive and versatile track options can enclose almost any pool.

A team of fully trained engineers is available to install the Coverstar system. Alternatively, written instructions are provided if you wish to complete your own installation.

From a simple brief
to a Grand Design

The brief was simple: a large, luxurious in ground tiled pool that is cost effective to operate. Executing it was not quite so simple but as the pictures reveal, Hampshire pool dealer, Neptune Swimming Pools, with a little help from Certikin, achieved a fantastic result and a very satisfied customer! Neptune’s MD, Lee Campbell takes up the story…

“After receiving an email from a local building company, who we’d worked with in the past, an appointment was arranged to meet on site as it became clear that this wasn’t just another back yard liner pool install. The client’s request was simple but exacting – a large in ground fully tiled pool which was both luxurious and cost effective to operate.

“All was going well until we discovered that the site was on the very edge of the salt marshes and had a tidal water table, covering the area upon which the pool was to be sited. A specialist ground works team was engaged to provide constant dewatering for what seemed like a lifetime until the external walls of the basement and building were constructed and cured.

“The walls of the pool were then shuttered and cast in reinforced concrete.

Standard white Certikin shell fittings were installed into the shuttering prior to the concrete pour. Flexi pipe work was run around the pool to the basement plant room. Certikin’s white LED lights were installed to compliment the pool hall’s other LED light systems.

“It was clear from the start that we would need a substantial environmental control system so the H&V team at Certikin were consulted and they suggested a Delta 6. The unit arrived on site and was duly craned into the plant room, where it sat for several months as bad weather prevented any progress on site.

“The client had chosen his own mosaic tiles and the pool was rendered out with internal steps at both ends and a bench constructed the entire length of the 15m x 5.5m pool. The pool depth was chosen at 1.40m with a flat bottom profile, so it could be used by all of the family and guests.

“An Aquaspeed pump and Vision filter with glass media were an obvious choice as we have used this equipment for several years with excellent results.

“After careful consideration, a Coverstar safety cover was commissioned with an in wall track system, housed in a pit at the back of one end, covered with heavy duty lid trays and extended brackets so the floor tiles could continue across the cover pit. The Certikin engineers were even able to reverse the boom, so it was set lower across the pool and therefore hidden when the cover was off the pool. Once the pool was filled, the Coverstar was installed and the system commissioned.

“Next, the Calorex engineer commissioned the Delta unit and the pool was up to temperature within seven days, with air temperatures and humidity settings being reached within the same time. To say I was impressed with the Delta is an understatement. As this was our first large indoor pool project, I had no hesitation in speaking to the Certikin team for advice and guidance which was very forthcoming.

“This project has been one of largest projects to date and to see it from humble beginnings to its completion has been both a headache (at times) and an absolute pleasure. I would like to pass on special thanks to Ryan Collins, in the Coverstar department for his patience, understanding and professionalism, especially with the client changing his mind several times at the eleventh hour.

“I would also like to thank everyone at Certikin for providing a one stop shop of first class products, backed up by its knowledgeable staff whose understanding when you need it most is always appreciated but not often thanked.”

Manchester’s First
Rooftop Infinity Spa Pool

Making waves on the Manchester hotel scene is the King Street Townhouse. Owned by the Eclectic Hotel group and opened just this year, it has been shortlisted for the Greater Manchester Building of the Year award and made the Conde Nast 2016 hot list for best hotels in the world. Helping the hotel achieve such accolades is the City’s first rooftop infinity spa-pool, installed by Cheshire pool specialists Swimlife UK Ltd, which overlooks the clock tower and spires of the Manchester Town Hall.

Set in a Grade II listed, Italian Renaissance-style building dating from 1872, the jewel in the crown of this upscale hotel is the beautiful infinity spa-pool. Sited seven floors atop the building, it boasts floor to ceiling windows offering hotel residents uninterrupted views of the Manchester city skyline. Owners, Eclectic Hotels said their intention was to respectfully expand on the allure and unique qualities of this historic building and wow they have certainly achieved it!

Eamonn O’Loughlin, owner of Eclectic Hotels, said: “In today’s work-centred world, people value their free time more than anything, therefore it was imperative we provided our guests with a soothing haven of serenity, relaxation and tranquil surroundings, a world away from the busy life below. We are proud to say the new rooftop spa does just that.”

Gary Seddon, MD of the installing company, Warrington based Swimlife, says “We have been dealing with Certikin for over 25 years. In my professional opinion, Certikin is at the frontline of technical support, prompt service and the delivery of premium quality goods. We have come to rely on the company’s filters, pumps and chemical dosing units because they are the very best and we wouldn’t look anywhere else. Furthermore, Certikin provides an excellent after sales service in the commissioning of dosing equipment following installation by our engineers.”

Makeover Magic:
Infinite Onsite Lining

When it comes to the fast and effective refurbishment of an old pool, Infinite on-site lining is the preferred option for Staffordshire pool dealer, West Midlands Swimming Pools, as this pool in Edgbaston, Birmingham demonstrates.

The old leaking concrete pool with a roman end had definitely seen better days and was in dire need of refurbishment. West Midlands Swimming Pools pressure tested all pipework before making their assessment that on-site lining was the way forward.

West Midlands’ Kay Cunningham says: “We regularly undertake this type of project, in fact on-site lining is becoming a core part of our business as it really does transform an old pool in the easiest and quickest way possible. The whole project took about four weeks and gave stunning results.”

The pool’s happy owner, Peter James says: “I hunted the Internet for weeks looking for the right pool lining but there really isn’t that many choices out there. Then, by chance, I started following a company on social media and the lining they were using was exactly what I was looking for so I contacted West Midlands and they got the boys in to do what can only be described as a first class job! It’s soft under my feet and has turned the pool into a real feature. Amazing results.”

All you need to know about Infinite on-site lining:

On average, how long does it take to site line a pool? Timing varies with size and complexity, but generally it’s four working days for an average sized domestic hopper pool with steps.

How soon after lining can the pool be used? Immediately.

What kind of pools are the most suitable for site lining? Site lining is a very versatile option for both new and old pools of domestic and commercial size. It can accommodate complex shapes, steps, ledges, pits etc. One key element to remember though is that any pool fittings need to be liner fittings so if the pool is not an existing liner pool some conversion is required. If conversion is not possible, the provision of purpose made HDPE clamping plates may be possible.

3-preparing-walls — Installed by Certikin’s Infinite Onsite Lining Team

What are its advantages over other refurbishment options? As a commercial grade material the longevity of the product when compared to thinner linings or paints (it comes with a 10 year pro rata warranty) is a major advantage. The process is generally quick but, as Certikin completes the full installation, it also means that the pool trader can still earn on other projects while we are working on their behalf. The range of colours and patterns mean that a tile effect can be re-created and areas of contrasting colour (such as racing lines) can easily be added at what is usually a fraction of the price of a fully tiled pool.

How does it compare in terms of cost? A site lining falls between cheaper options such as paint and thinner, bag style, liners and more expensive options such as tiling or spray applied products, so it is often seen as excellent value for money as the materials used are both attractive and varied in colour and pattern, but also extremely durable and versatile.

How long does site lining last for? The general warranty offered is 10 years, but the life expectancy can be double this in a well maintained pool. Water balance is critical and an even temperature of around 28-32 deg C is ideal. The lining really has two functions – retaining water and looking good. As the life of the liner progresses it will very probably remain an excellent water retainer, but looks will suffer if the lining and its environment are not monitored and controlled.

OC-1 Filtration Media:
the future of swimming pool filtration

Unlike traditional methods that use entrapment, OC-1 Filtration Media works through settlement and harnesses advances in pump technology and variable speed pumps/controllers. The new British manufactured filtration media has some exceptional benefits – by replacing commonly used media (such as sand and glass) with OC-1 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 running energy costs whilst still filtering to the equivalent standard as it can be used with a smaller pump or a variable speed pump or controller.

Why YOU should switch to OC-1

Reduces energy consumption – OC-1 maintains constant flow rates, even when the media becomes dirty. Never experience heating/salt chlorinators/heat pumps going out on low flow again. The constant flow means pumps can be run at lower speeds, thus saving energy.

Huge capacity for debris collection – OC-1 offers over 20 times thecapacity of sand or glass.

Reduced requirement for backwashing and a more efficient backwash – Reduces water consumption, chemical usage and heating. There is no need to backwash on start up with new installations.

Lightweight – Can even be shipped inside a filter, easy to handle and super quick and easy to install.

Less Maintenance – reduces pressure in the system, extending the life of equipment.

Suitable for ALL installations – domestic or commercial, outdoor or indoor, new installations or existing filters.

Recyclable at end of product life.

Payback typically 6-12 months.

Don’t just take our word for it – OC-1 has been independently tested by Cranfield University and IFTS Institut de la FIltration et des Techniques Séparatives.

Accu-Tab:
easily the best chlorine feeder in the world!

…Says Eddie O’Neill of Port Talbot pool contractors, Pioneer Maintenance Services. Eddie has been installing Certikin’s market leading Accu-Tab system for the past 12 years and says its unique performance outstrips all other chlorine feeder water treatment systems.

“It is no exaggeration to say that Accu-Tab has totally transformed the business of pool water maintenance and safety. It is super user-friendly and simple to maintain,” says Eddie about Axiall’s calcium hypochlorite system, exclusively distributed in the UK and Ireland by Certikin. “There’s little or no maintenance issues compared to other water treatment systems so there’s few service costs.

“The beauty of Accu-Tab is that it can cope with any workload – from a hospital hydrotherapy pool to a 50-metre Olympic pool. The system really shows its true colours considering there is free summer swimming and heavy loads in most pools in Wales. When a bus trip arrives, some conventional systems cannot cope which is a worry for the manager and public health.”

pioneer-accutab1 — Wales National Pool, Swansea

Eddie should know having installed the Accu-Tab system at the prestigious Wales National Pool in Swansea. The 50-metre competition pool was used for training in the run up to the London 2012 Olympics and was, at the time, the subject of a Certikin case study. Five years on the system is still going strong and the pool maintenance staff are more than happy with its performance.

To cope with the needs of the 50m and 25m training pools, Pioneer installed an Accu-Tab 3075 PowerBase chlorination unit. The system consists of a PVC base, 4ft by 2ft, with a 20-gallon polyethylene tank mounted on the base. The Accu-Tab dry tablet chlorinator, holding 25kg Accu-Tab tablets is mounted on the specially designed tank. The tank has built in level switches and is connected to a special Burkert solenoid valve, all of which is operated on 24 volts which is very safe. The system is wired to the chemical controller, which also controls a Lowara 240 volt, booster pump. All the electrical controls are wall mounted at eye level for ease of access and the whole system is corrosion resistant.

The Wales National Pool Sports Manager for Facilities, Richard Akers says: “Accu-Tab replaced an outmoded method of chlorinating water which was costly, both in terms of chemical consumption and maintenance and service repairs, and we are as happy with it today as when it was first installed.”

“It saves such a huge amount of time. The duty manager simply has to refill the chlorinator with the large 3-inch Accu-Tabs, which take about 10 minutes a day. With the old system we had to gown-up in overalls and face masks and go through the messy daily ritual of hand dosing the granular calcium hypochlorite into the mixing tank (which caused a lot of dust and fumes) and mechanical agitation to dissolve the granules before injecting the solution into the pool water.

With the Accu-Tab system staff wear an apron, gloves and small facemask. It is also a much cleaner procedure. It has eliminated all hazards and, furthermore, blockages are non-existent and it is very economical!”

Richard concludes: “This safe and reliable dosing method has made the workload of the pool maintenance staff so much lighter and I am delighted to report that the water quality is superb. We are complete converts to the Certikin Accu-Tab system!”

Eddie adds: “With no corrosion on the system, no chlorine dust, no overflowing of chemicals, no bund, no mixing tanks and equipment, no injectors to block, no metering pumps to default, no hoses to block/burst or blow off, no danger of chemical splashes – using Accu-Tab really is a no brainer! We have installed the system on every school pool in Swansea and have recently received an enquiry to supply a unit at TV and film Bay Studios in Swansea.”

Blue Pool Between
Red Walls

Today, we once again turn our attention to 1970s architecture, in particular the work of Ricardo Bofill, an architect whose emblematic designs include the Barcelona airport expansion, the W Barcelona hotel, the remodel of an old cement factory on the outskirts of Barcelona (which he turned into his headquarters, the Taller de Arquitectura), and the design and construction of La Muralla Roja resort from 1968 to 1973.

Located in La Manzanera tourist complex, Bofill introduced a prominent feature along the coastline of the Alicante town of Calpe with his red building. The project embodies a clear reference to the popular architecture of the Arab Mediterranean, in particular the adobe towers of North Africa.

La Muralla Roja is like a fortress on a rocky cliff that towers over a landscape dotted by olive trees, marking a vertical silhouette that reinterprets the Mediterranean tradition of the kasbah. Inside, the labyrinth of this recreated kasbah is based on the shape of a cross, creating a set of interconnected patios that provide access to 50 apartments, which include 60 m² studios, and two- and three-bedroom apartments that measure 80 m² and 120 m², respectively. Hallways, terraces, stairways and courtyards are extensions of the living spaces designed by the Catalan architect.

The residents’ only pool is located on the roof, which offers views of the blue Mediterranean from between red towers. All exterior surfaces of the complex are painted in various shades of red to accentuate the contrast with the landscape and complement its purity. The interior patios and stairs, however, are painted in blue tones (such as sky blue, indigo and violet) to produce a contrast with the sky or, conversely, the optical illusion of blending with it.

The spectacular complex, rated as a “comprehensive protection” building that must conserve all its architectural features, has served as a backdrop in numerous adverts. The most recent was the campaign for the 2016 spring collection of a Spanish couture brand. Gregori Civera’s photos of the complex are also highly recommended.

Hanging Gardens
Ubud en Bali

TripAdvisor and Condé Nast Traveller have both placed this luxurioushotel, located in the heart of the Indonesian jungle, at the top of their World’s Best Swimming Pool 2014 ranking.

The Hanging Gardens Ubud is located in Payangan, a village North of Ubud, and is surrounded by ancient trees, hanging gardens and jungle forest. The hotel owner created the resort concept: a hotel surrounded by nature. The original plot had a very steep slope, a feature that was fully taken advantage of by designing a building from which guests, far from the hustle and bustle of city life, can see the rice plantations of nearby plots and the ancient Pura Penataran Dalem Segara temple through the Ayung river valley. Two cable cars allow guests to easily move around the hotel. The first takes guests from the lobby through four different levels: the bar, private villas, boutique and library. The second cable car runs from the bar to the River Café and spa, overlooking the Ayung River. The resort boasts 38 villas built in contemporary Balinese style on gravity-defying pillars and sloping alang-alang covered roofs.

At the express wishes of the owner the hotel blends harmoniously with the surrounding habitat. Maximum environmental protection and the promotion of local traditions and indigenous style were the objectives from the start.
Over 700 local craftsmen worked on the resort construction, taking advantage of traditional local materials, using existing resources and adapting ancestral ideas from their culture. The owner hired local architectPopo Danes to turn this particular vision into reality.

One of the most attractive features of this resort is its pool, the reason for the Condé Nast Traveller and TripAdvisor distinction: a fine-edged, infinity pool that was designed by an expert architect. This split-level pool is lined with slate and seems to emerge from the dense jungle, with undulating curves that give swimmers the unique feeling of literally swimming above the treetops and valley.

It is without a doubt one of the most photographed pools around the globe.

Cleanliness and style:
the keys to a successful “pool party”

The arrival of summer and the start of the swimming season deserves to be celebrated in style. Follow these tips to plan the pool party of the year!

An impeccable pool
A basic requirement for the success of any pool party is clean, clear water that invites guests to dive right in. So make sure that your party won’t soon be forgotten: get your system in top condition and clean all dirt that has accumulated on the floor of the pool.

A number of pool-cleaning options are available, though few are as effective as automatic pool cleaning robots, including the Dolphin E10. This light small robot is ideal for all types of small pools including above ground pools. It gives crystal clear cleaning results with all surface active brushing action. It has an effective easy-to-use filtration system with efficient dirt collection.

Create the right atmosphere
If you truly want to impress your guests, it’s just as important to pay attention to the area around the pool as the pool itself. Outdoor lamps are your greatest allies and can create a unique atmosphere that immerses your guests in a magical fusion of water, light and colour.

Pool with a view
of the Great Barrier Reef

Just on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, between the 74 islands that make up the archipelago of Whitsunday, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can be found Hamilton Island. Facing the coast of Queensland, Australia, it is the archipelago’s largest inhabited island, has its own commercial airport and is just a short boat trip away from Shute Harbour.

In 2011, Renato D’Ettorre Architects completed a beautiful villa that its owners called Casa Azuris for use as their second home in Hamilton. The building has very simple, clear lines, and seems to disappear into the surroundings. Thanks to the materials chosen – concrete, stone and glass – the house blends in with the Coral Sea, and with the natural rocky landscape with abundant vegetation.

Thanks to its spectacular location, near the edge of the ocean on a raised site with unbeatable views, the building has all of the luxury that its owners asked for and the delicate purity needed to respond in a way that was respectful of the surroundings. Casa Azuris brings together the three most beautiful elements of this dream location: the sun, the sea and fresh air.

Inside, the space was divided into large, open rooms with a clean aspect, as low-maintenance materials were used for the surfaces of the floors and walls. The internal spaces also wrap themselves around the outside to place the water on centre stage. Casa Azuris enjoys impressive views of the ocean and has a spectacular pool inside, in addition to a number of water lily ponds that can be seen from several of the rooms in the house.

Casa Azuris was designed to withstand the sub-tropical climate: high levels of humidity and intense sunlight. Generous overhangs, cross ventilation and the presence of the water afford extremely comfortable interior living spaces, which mostly face the exterior. The white masonry that reflects the sunlight and the stone walls that lock the house into the land lend it the character that makes it stand out on this Australian island. Casa Azuris recently won an award from the Australian Institute of Architects.

At the end of August, the island hosts Hamilton Island Race, an annual sailing regatta in which more than 150 yachts from all over Australia and New Zealand come together to race around the archipelago.

Photograph: Francesca Giovanelli