The Pool Experts archivos - THE COOL POOL by Astralpool Australia

LED solutions for lighting your pool

There are many underwater LED lighting solutions that minimize power consumption and improve energy efficiency.

SLX Multicolour LED lights and FLX Fibreglass Multicolour LED Pool and SPA lights are two of them that should be borne in mind.

These LED lights maintain 70% of the Initial luminous flux for a minimum of 50,000 hours and they also have different features that make them innovative, useful and efficient.

SLX Multicolour LED Pool and Spa Lights

The new Astralpool SLX Lights are the latest in LED Light technology and encompass features not found in other lights – is the perfect combination of the most advanced LED technology and the sleekest design.

With 7 standard colours to choose from, the SLX Lights can be matched to give the perfect enhancement to your pool at night. With 3 Colour Transition Modes, (Smooth, Fade and Disco) pool parties are elevated to the next level. We have even thought to add 3 brightness levels so not only can you select the right Colour or Mode for your surrounds, you can even choose the right level of output as well.

The slim profile allows for minimum intrusion into the pool maintaining the sleek modern look of today’s pools and the one piece moulding prevents any water ingress.

FLX Fibreglass Multicolour LED Pool and Spa Lights

The new Astralpool FLX Lights are the latest in LED Light technology and encompass features not found in other lights and are specifically designed for fibreglass pools.

With 7 standard colours to choose from, the FLX Lights can be matched to give the perfect enhancement to your pool at night. With 3 Colour Transition Modes, (Smooth, Fade and Disco) pool parties are elevated to the next level. We have even thought to add 3 brightness levels so not only can you select the right Colour or Mode for your surrounds, you can even choose the right level of output as well.

The slim profile allows for minimum intrusion into the pool maintaining the sleek modern look of today’s pools and the one piece moulding prevents any water ingress.

Do you need more information? Write to us using our contact form and we will contact you as soon as possible!

Water leisure: the key to attracting family tourism

To capture a particular target group, it is important for tourist establishments to have a dedicated offering that sets them apart in the sector and satisfies the needs of increasingly discerning and segmented tourists. Water leisure can be a major draw for families, particularly young children, who play a decisive role when it comes to choosing a holiday destination.

Families are one of the guest profiles that tourist resorts are most eager to attract. They are characterised by long stays (seven to 10 days) and are very loyal customers. According to the Spanish Confederation of Hotels and Tourist Accommodation, around 70% of families who have a good holiday experience will return in the near future.

Thrills are what bring in the families. That’s why it is important to provide experiences like play, which children, who very often act as decision-makers and leads, can’t get enough of.

“Water leisure is incredibly effective at boosting a brand among customers and retaining a family public,” says Ignacio Elburgo, general manager of Fluidra Engineering Service. “Water parks and aquatic play facilities are the best way to turn water installations into recreational pools”.

A good alternative for people not keen to build a pool is zero-depth splash parks, a new type of installation that makes it possible to play in very shallow water and which promotes safe interactivity and inter-generational play. Finally, bubbles (fun guaranteed) and water slides are an adventure and adrenalin alternative for young and old alike.

Did you know?

More than 50% of decisions regarding family holidays are taken with the children’s opinions in mind.
More than 50% of teenagers who have had a positive holiday experience share it on social networks.
More than 70% of children under the age of 13 tell their friends about their summer experiences when they get back from holidays.

Train for a Triathlon in Your Pool at Home

For many triathlon enthusiasts, going to the seaside to swim can be extremely difficult and, therefore, the most viable alternative for training in the water is of course to go to a swimming pool. However, the experience of swimming in a pool is totally different to what the sea has in store on the day of a competition.

The differences between the two environments are clear. Firstly, there is greater buoyancy in the sea, whilst the swell and currents are constantly changing, so keeping one’s breathing rhythm under control is harder. Furthermore, breaks must be made for turning in a pool and, even if turns are done very quickly, these changes of direction force the arms to rest (which does not happen in the sea) and swimmers get used to taking advantage of the thrust when they push against the wall.

So, are athletes forced to travel to the seaside if they want to build up the strength, technique and resistance required to get through a triathlon? Not anymore.

AstralPool has developed three countercurrent swimming units(Advanced ND, Basic NL and Basic ND) that generate a powerful horizontal stream of water that enables swimmers to compete against the full strength of the sea without leaving home. Equipped with a 5.5 cv pump, the three units are switched on using a backlit push button, which swimmers can use to adjust the flow rate from 25 to 60 m³/h.

This versatility makes these devices an ideal training tool for professionals and beginners of any sport. Training for a triathlon, building up resistance to run a marathon, improving posture or learning to control one’s breathing are just some examples of the use that can be made of countercurrent swimming units.

In the following video, the Olympic water polo player Albert España explains how these systems have motivated him and assisted him in his search for perfection.

https://youtu.be/iT_-uq0WvTs

Meet VIRON XT -The most efficient pump

The best-selling filtration pump in the market has had a makeover with features and ease of use never seen before. The AstralPool brand has the Viron XT Variable Speed pumps which are more resistant, silent, easy-to-use and efficient pool pump, suitable for any pool.

A pump plays a crucial role in how a pool works. Therefore, when choosing the most suitable one for a pool it is important to bear in mind their performance, energy consumption, its compatibility with the rest of the pool equipment and its user-friendliness. The pumps have nine-start energy efficiency, fast and overdrive functionality making it the efficient solution for a filtration pump for your pool.

Increasing or decreasing the speed of a pump simply changes the flow rate by the same rate. However, the actual energy used to change the speed and flow varies dramatically. Halve the speed of your pump and the flow rate will also halve but, the energy consumed drops by more than 85%. compared to conventional single speed pumps, the Viron XT pump will save between $750 and $1,200 every year in operating costs.

The Viron XT range takes new steps forward in environmentally friendly pumps. In fact, a conventional single speed pump uses more energy and is the cause of more Co2 emissions than almost any other household appliance. Viron XT pumps reduce energy consumption by up to 90% and effectively reduce greenhouse emissions by up to 90% (when power supplied from coal-fired power plants). But, manufacturing a pump also contributes to greenhouse emissions. The larger the motor, the more raw materials go into it, and the more greenhouse emissions are used to produce the motor. AstralPool produces the right size motor for your individual application, reducing our carbon footprint in the manufacturing process.

Thanks to the resistant state-of-the-art thermoplastics used to make it, the Viron XT variable speed pump has a longer service life than all other pumping devices in the market. A further aspect that significantly increases the resistance and durability of this self-priming pump is that its motors have a high protection rating and are designed to withstand extreme temperatures and high levels of humidity.

The Viron XT Variable Speed pumps save up to 85% in energy use and reduce carbon emissions by up to 90% compared to a conventional single speed pump. They are also simpler than previous models, with three separate speeds that are easily controlled with up and down buttons. The pumps’ low speeds are reportedly up to 75% quieter than a traditional conventional single speed pump, enabling them to be run at any time to capitalise on off-peak energy prices without invasive noise.

Your Viron XT Pump is a significant investment. Each individual component is carefully designed and selected for maximum lifespan in the tough Aussie climate. 316 stainless steel hardware, robust engineering plastics and high-quality silicone seals create a pump that lasts. Even the motor and sophisticated electronics are carefully designed and manufactured to be easily serviced and repaired. These are just some of the reasons the Viron XT Pump carries a 3 year in field warranty.

The Viron XT Variable Speed pump range is proudly designed and manufactured in Australia for Australians. In short, the Viron XT Variable Speed pump is the state-of-the-art efficient pump that is best adapted to the real needs of residential pool owners and that delivers real added value to them.

How do you disinfect your pool water?

There are different treatments for looking after pool water that make it possible to keep the water clean and, above all, free of pathogenic microorganisms that can affect the health of bathers.

Chlorine is the most popular chemical used for treating pool water, but not the most advanced disinfectant.

One disadvantage of chemical treatment using chlorine is that it must be used alongside other products, such as a pH regulator, and it must be remembered that if the right dose is not added, it can cause sore eyes, dry skin, rashes and even blemishes on the skin.

However, it is beginning to lose its popularity due to the launch of more effective and sustainable solutions on the market.

Salt chlorination , or electrolysis, is based on the age-old understanding of the antiseptic properties of salt. The latest range of AstralPool Viron Salt Chlorinator and Viron eQuilibrium Chlorinator now come with Bluetooth control, giving you wireless control 24/7!

But… How does it work? Salt chlorinators generate chlorine from the table salt dissolved in the water. Disinfection is more efficient due to the combined action of the chlorine and other agents that are generated during salt chlorination (active oxygen) and to the oxidation on the electrodes of the organic matter in the water.

Bathers will no longer suffer from skin irritation and sore eyes, as the chloramines that cause these effects are destroyed.

Another method of disinfection that does not require any type of chemical product for keeping your pool in perfect condition is ultraviolet disinfection.

Sunlight removes the germs and prevents the spread of bacteria and fungi. It is a more physical method that enables all of a pool’s water to be treated and results in disinfected water with no bad smells or sore eyes thanks to the drastic reduction in chloramines.

Furthermore, it is an extremely environmentally friendly alternative (fewer top-ups of water, fewer residual by-products form in the water and the environment, and no chemical products are added to the water).

Another alternative is disinfection by neolysis, which consists in combining the advantages of the salt chlorination and UV ray methods described above.

Would you like more information? Contact us and we will help you clear up any questions you may have.

Pool start-up guide in 10 steps

With summer just around the corner, the time has come to start preparing pools for the new season. AstralPool professionals recommend exercising caution and to start this process in spring. You will, therefore, be able to use your pool as soon as the bathing season starts. Initially, this procedure may seem costly, but the company’s professionals concur that if you have treated your pool over the winter, starting it up for the new season will be extremely straightforward.

Below, we will review the ten steps that you should follow so that your pool is ready for the summer.

1. Remove the cover, clean it thoroughly and leave it to dry in the open air. For safety, and to avoid the build-up of dirt and loss from evaporation, it is a good idea to continue using it until the summer.

2. Clean the pool’s filters using chemical products and check the state of the filter’s sand. If it is older than 3 years, change it.

3. Check that the skimmers, baskets, grating, overflow channel and other components built into the pool shell are in a good state of repair. Give them a high-pressure hose down.

4. To clean the surface of the pool shell, use non-aggressive cleaning materials, such as sponges or brushes. To avoid harsh scrubbing and potential damage to the walls, it is advisable to use scale removers.

5. Check that underwater light fittings such as spotlights and junction boxes are working.

6. To clean the pool floor, use a robotic pool cleaner. At this stage of the process, it is recommended that there be at least 40 cm of water in the pool.

7. Check the pool’s steps, springboards and diving boards. If they are in good condition, clean them and apply a polisher.

8. Refill the pool. To ensure that the water is in good condition, add a dose of dichloride granules or fast-acting chlorine tablets.

9. Remove germs, bacteria and contaminating waste using a shock treatment. This step may seem somewhat extreme, but it is the best way of preventing the appearance of algae and other organisms that cause bad odours and skin irritations.

10. Finally, test the water’s pH and check that it falls between 7.2 and 7.6, If it needs to be adjusted, add a pH reducer or enhancer.

By following these tips, you will be able to enjoy the wholesome benefits of swimming in crystal clear water when the summer comes.

The Pool cover, the best weapon when it comes to pool safety and protection

There are few occasions that make us happier than seeing children running around our garden or patio and enjoying their time outdoors. If on top of that, you have a pool, the possibilities grow exponentially. But it should not be forgotten that in matters of safety in and around the pool, responsible use is essential to preventing accidents from happening.

With kids and people with attention deficit especially in mind, preventive measures can be taken that prevent hazardous situations in the home. One of these measures is to have a pool cover, which has the added advantages of being sustainable, keeping the water clean and maintaining the basin in a good state of repair.

Most automatic covers provide safety and peace of mind, as they can withstand up to 100 kg in weight in the middle. With this “guarantee”, any children – or even adults – who fall will suffer nothing more serious than just a few scratches. In families with small children, having a pool cover is the number one safety measure, which is why there are several types of automatic covers.

Automatic submerged covers

The submerged models have been specially designed for both newly built and already existing pools. Both the roller shaft and the cover are housed inside the pool, thus making them blend in perfectly with their surroundings.

Automatic above-ground covers

Automatic above-ground covers are a more straightforward solution, as they are easy to instal and startup. They are ideal for already existing pools as the roller shaft is fastened in place to the pool’s decking.

Solar covers

The models of automatic covers that run on solar power stand out for being extremely environmentally friendly: they reduce water loss due to evaporation and heat loss from the pool. And if that wasn’t enough, they keep the premature evaporation of chemicals used for treatment to a minimum.

Need help deciding which type of automatic pool cover best suits your needs? Jump on our locate a dealer online, to find your local AstralPool equipment retailer, builder or mobile service provider who can assist with your pool cover needs.

Sand or glass filters – which to choose for your pool

The filter is a key element for keeping pool water crystal clear at all times. Broadly speaking, the filter system is responsible for cleaning the water in the facility and returning it to the pool in a perfect condition.

Filters can operate with silica sand or glass as the filter media. When the water passes through the filter the sand grains or small glass beads placed inside it retain any impurity present in the water and leave it in tip-top condition for use.

Both sand and glass are very efficient filter systems, although there are some differences worth considering when it comes to choosing the option that’s best for your pool.

Sand is the best-known and most common filter media. It has been used for years and offers a great quality/price ratio. In general, silica sand filters will last for around 5 years. Because the sand tends to pack up, it is necessary to ensure proper maintenance and regularly check that the grains have not clogged together in order to guarantee maximum efficiency.

Glass, on the other hand, is a newer and less dense filter media than sand, meaning that approximately 15% less weight is needed to fill the filter. This weight reduction and the fact that the beads do not pack together translate into transport cost reductions and a longer filter life, up to 10 years.

Energy saving is another of the advantages of glass filters. Because the crystals don’t clog as much as sand, fewer washes are needed to keep the pool spotless, thereby consuming less water, electricity (if the facility has a heating system) and chemical products.

Got any questions about maintaining your pool? Send your query to the AstralPool team of experts today.

Natural Pool for Relaxing, Healthy Bathing

Our bodies can absorb up to 500 ml of water during an hour in the pool. It is therefore essential that pool water be clean and free of all substances that can harm the body. AstralPool Australia set itself the goal of coming up with a practical solution to this problem. It has therefore created Natural Pool, a mineral-enriched salt that keeps water in top condition, as well as containing substances that are enormously beneficial for the body.

As it readily dissolves in water, Natural Pool is compatible with most salt chlorinator systems, so it will prevent the appearance of stains, and the build-up of limescale on a pool’s components and the stainless steel features. Natural Pool also saves time as, unlike chlorine treatments, salt chlorinators run automatically and only need the pH levels to be checked in order to carry out the disinfection process.

Swimming in mineral-enriched water gives bathers the feeling of mental relaxation and physical wellbeing. Thanks to the healing properties of its ingredients, Natural pools leaves the skin and hair feeling smooth, eliminates stress, relaxes the muscles and relieves tension in the body. An added advantage is that by using this natural disinfection treatment, bathers will be able to swim in a pool without worrying about the smell, stinging eyes or the itchiness associated with chlorine.

How does it work?

Firstly, the total alkalinity must be adjusted to 80 ppm and the pH to 7.4.
Then pour the content of Mineralpools around the edge of your pool while the pump and filter are running.
After adding Natural Pool, the filter must continue to run for at least 4 hours.
During the process, it is recommended that the total alkalinity and the pH level be checked and adjusted if necessary.

What will the fountains of the future be like?

The fountains sector is constantly evolving and the construction of new and stunning installations around the world demonstrates the growth in some trends, including interactivity, clean lines and the intelligent combination of music and colour. All of these characteristics form true works of art, a world away from the fussy designs that were popular in the past. We look at three projects that speak to what the fountains of the future will be like.

A fountain will soon be built in Doha that reflects the growth in interactivity and aquatic play. The installation, to be built next door to the popular tourist attraction of Souq Waqif in the Qatar capital, will have 43 vertical spouts and has been designed above all for children (although there will no doubt be more than one adult keen to take on the force of the water). Through a sophisticated lighting system, the fountain will provide music shows that marry technology with colour and sound.

The fountain is a project by AstralPool.

Parque de la Pedrera, a water and amusement park set to become the leading tourist attraction in Argentina, will be home to this fountain of pure fantasy, which will afford visitors a captivating view of water in a lake. The installation will feature ballerinas and vertical jet rapids to create an acoustic ballet the likes of which has never been seen before. As with the Doha fountain, music will play a decisive role in the Pedrera installation. The project also boasts a fountain for children’s play and some relaxing geysers in nearby lakes.

Construction on the Parque de la Pedrera fountain is under way. It is a project by AstralPool.

This fountain can be found on the outskirts of Barcelona, in the town of Viladecans. The project is distinguished by its seamless integration in the environment: an outdoor shopping mall. Thanks to a 3-cm surface flood effect and elegant combination of music, glassy jets and waterfall effects, the fountain will significantly reduce the sense of hustle and bustle that shoppers can suffer in a mall and make it the ideal place for family fun. In addition to the central piece, small supplementary fountains will be installed throughout to boost the feeling of maximum relaxation.

The fountain will open in autumn 2016 and is a project by AstralPool.

Category: The Pool Experts