Flashback: what made the pool and spa industry news in 2022
As we move into 2023, let’s pause and remember the year that was 2022.
It was a year of natural disasters, chemical shortages and supply chain issues, but it was also a year that saw significant milestones, many acquisitions, and a welcome return to face-to-face expos.
This was also the year SPLASH! celebrated its quarter century!
Acquisitions, partnerships and investments
In June, Maytronics acquired Orimatech, one of its key commercial dealers of the Wave Dolphin-branded robotic pool cleaners in the New South Wales and Queensland aquatics industries.
A new pool building partnership between Endless Surf and Myrtha Pools was announced in June, making access to the Myrtha Pools stainless steel pool technology available exclusively for Endless Surf surf park projects.
In July, SPLASH! reported that US-based global private equity firm Norwest had invested a substantial amount in Poolwerx to support the franchisor’s plans for ambitious growth.
In October, Australian swimming pool lighting manufacturer PAL Lighting acquired US-based manufacturing business, Precision Architectural Lighting.
Sunbather opened a new manufacturing space in October, with the new 1500sqm facility representing an increase of manufacturing under-roof space by 75 per cent.
In November, Reece Group acquired Australian companies International Quadratics (IQ) and solar pool controller specialist Dontek. Combined, Dontek and IQ brought more than 180 years of pool industry experience to the group.
BWT Pool Group acquired Austral Pool Solutions Pty Ltd, a leading Western Australian pool equipment distributor in November. This followed their purchase of Seaford Transformers earlier in October.
Swedish-based global leader in access solutions, ASSA Abloy, acquiring D&D Technologies, a leading Australian designer and manufacturer of premium pool gate hardware.
Representation and expos
In February, the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of WA (SPASA WA) asked WA Police to investigate a number of alleged discrepancies in its financial records dating back over a period of almost seven years from 2014.
Exhibitors were run off their feet as the SPASA Australia Melbourne consumer expo exceeded expectations with thousands of eager buyers attending over the three days.
In June, after a wait of four years, the 2022 SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show proved to be everything the industry needed and more, with the event hailed as the best and biggest pool and spa trade expo ever held on these shores.
In October, the Master Pool Builders Association Australia (MPBAA) and the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Australia (SPASA) agreed that the February 2023 Melbourne Pool and Spa Show will be presented by both SPASA and MPBAA.
In November, an overwhelmingly successful ballot saw SPASA WA members vote to amalgamate into SPASA Australia, establishing unified industry representation across the Australian continent.
The environment
In February, March and beyond, the swimming pool and spa industry dug deep and helped those in their local area – even crossing borders to help those further afield. Public pools and recreation facilities also played an important role.
Pool salt shortage continued on the Australian east coast from the early part of the year, with the La Nina induced flooding causing exceptionally high demand.
From October, most swimming pool and spa pool pumps were required to meet minimum energy efficiency performance requirements (MEPS) and display an Energy Rating Label.
After teaming with GreenFleet and Ekos, Spa World laid claim to the title of the world’s first carbon neutral spa retailer. The decision was spurred by the Black Summer bushfires of 2019/2020.
People
In January, Swimming Australia (SA) apologised unreservedly to female swimmers negatively impacted by the culture of elite swimming, following findings from a review commissioned in June 2021.
The Ukraine invasion saw Compass Pools rallying to support franchisees affected by the war, and in March asking for help saving the families of those affected.
A cardiovascular research facility in Perth named after Aquatic Leisure Technologies former executive director Ben Beale (who tragically passed away from a heart attack in 2017) was announced in May.
In June’s Queen’s Birthday Honour List, AIS Water CEO, Elena Gosse was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to manufacturing and to the community.
Sadly, pool and spa industry pioneer and powerful force for women in the industry, Janet Drummond, passed away in June. She was only 55 years of age.
VBA inspector Robert Karkut passed away in May. He was well known within the pool and spa industry, being on the committee working on the Australian Standard for swimming pools, and for trying to improve safety standards in relation to pool barriers.
In September, Fluidra Australia established Fluidra Commercial as a dedicated business unit within the company, appointing SR Smith’s national sales manager Jeremy Smith as the general manager.
In October, the Victorian industry, together with the Block’s TV audience, went into mourning following the passing of young shotcrete and steel fixer, John Jeremy Bradey, better known as Jon Jon. He was only 42 years of age.
Setbacks
In January, fire ravaged the Freedom Pools Perth factory. Luckily no one was physically injured in the incident.
A new report from Royal Life Saving assessed the state of aquatic facility infrastructure across the Australian community, and found $8 billion will need to be spent to bring it up to scratch.
The Kew Recreation Centre suffered a serious setback as the roof collapsed at about 10pm on Thursday night, October 20.
