Queensland clouds may have silver lining
The tragic devastation that tore through Queensland during summer may have some positive outcomes for the industry as well as the obvious negative ones, according to David Close, CEO of SPASA Queensland.
The floods, rains and cyclone brought a sad loss of life and property.
For the swimming pool industry, they were a giant handbrake on building. Additionally, it has been estimated that more than 11,000 Queensland swimming pools went underwater, while many times that number were affected to a lesser extent. Victoria also suffered from a series of floods, but by far the greatest damage and loss of life occurred in Queensland.
However, despite the enormous problems, the situation should not be seen as totally negative. While this season will be a washout, it’s anticipated that there should be plenty of future work in renovation and restoration; and while many Queensland customers obviously weren’t swimming in their pools during this time, the flooded backyards and infected water will require much assistance from pool shops, and the purchase of many chemicals.
“The industry had not had their normal run up to the summer season anyway,” says Close. “There was no hot weather driving demand – instead there was wet weather for several months.
“Effectively we haven’t had the traditional seasonal demand for new pools at all in 2010, with 2011 now starting off with very low demand. However, pool shops and service techs are flat out doing what they can with cleaning, hygiene and health – pending the ground water subsidence,” he says.
However, Close predicts that refurbishment and renovation of swimming pools will be in big demand over the next few months.
“We estimate up to some 300,000 existing pools may have been affected by the flood waters in the Brisbane/Ipswich area. Not only domestic pools, but also major public and waterplay facilities have been affected.”
He says that many elements of the pool structures need to be checked, including the structural integrity of the shells, the supporting ground, the ground water drainage as well as all equipment.
Additionally, he believes there will be a need to replace pool coping and internal linings.
“I expect there will be a big demand for sub-contractors by the Builders in the next few months,” he says.
Click here to get advice on cleaning up after the floods from Lo-Chlor's Paul Simons and Focus's Steven Humphris.
Click here to watch Queensland SPASA’s President Rod Webb talking on Today about what pool owners should do in the aftermath of the flood, including a warning not to drain pools.
Click here to find out about special drought assistance for small business.
The Queensland Government also has website offering First Aid for your Business.
Click here for Victorian flood assistance.
There is much more on the aftermath of the flood in the February/March 2011 printed issue of SPLASH! (including a story about Westside Swimming – pictured here in clean-up mode). Click here to subscribe.
