Tuesday 13 December 2016

"Pools made Easy" - A Celebration of Success

I thought as we are approaching our final weeks in the office I would Post a few images from our recent installs to show how easy it is to suddenly own a ready to swim Luxury Concrete pool....
Our new year bookings are quickly moving into Autumn  so be quick with your inquiry and quote forms please.
Don't worry , if you miss this Summer I'll be sure to look after you with prompt pricing, Autumn specials and priority builds for early deposits. :)




 So at this point you may think it looks like an easy solution to your project. It usually is!.
Call me or talk to your builder / designer, I've got loads of info to share as well as constant support from our design team , our crane and transport team and Pool and Spa industry updates.

Looking forward to delivering to you in 2017. 
Thank you to all for your support, feedback and Orders, making this our biggest season yet...
Regards,
Jeni
PS - Keep those site photos coming, we love to see where our beautiful pools call home.












Thursday 20 October 2016

Dedicated Pool Manufacturer vs Tank conversions

Buyer Beware -
With the popularity of our Compact Plunge Pools on the rise we are noticing many a Tank and septic company lending their hand to pool building.
While it's always great to add another line of income to your business it is worth keeping in mind the Pool Industry Standards and the knowledge and accreditation that goes with being a part of a Regulated and Professional Industry.
Some companies are even going as far as duplicating our website, closely copying our name and informaton and marketing text. While this is all very flattering it is also misleading.

If you have a competitor quote then feel free to send it in to us and we will show you the differences and you will be glad you called us.

This article was written in support and respect of the hardworking design professionals and Pool manufacturers .
We continue to encourage Professional Design and supply our engineered plunge pools to our very talented, builders, architects, landscape architects and designers around the country. :)

Monday 17 October 2016

New information regarding fencing from SPASA Victoria



 We have a lot of enquiry regarding pool safety and barrier regulations in all state and regional areas, following is a link just released by SPASA Victoria.

Click here to read the Backyard Pool Safety Information Kit for Victorian Real Estate Agents

This is a very imformative read for everyone, covering many aspects of Pool Barriers. Initially produced for real Estate Agents , Landlords and Tenants. It also has some great links for all , see below...

Thanks SPASA :)

Victorian Building Authority – About Swimming Pools, Spas and their Safety Barriers ( See article above for link )
SPASA Victoria – Safety Barriers ( see article above for link )



Wednesday 24 August 2016

Helpful Resources for our Owner Builders - Soil tests and Council Approval

Australian Plunge Pools is a manufacturer and supplier to Pool and Spa industry and building professionals.
While we do not install we do like to provide resources for our Owner Builders to access and be aware of in the course of preparing to receive our pool delivery.
Scroll through our links and tips below.....

1.Dial Before You Dig

See www.spasa.com.au or visit your State SPASA site

Dial Before You Dig www.1100.com.au Dial Before You Dig is a free national referral service designed to prevent damage and disruption to the vast pipe and cable networks which provides Australia with essential services.
Dial Before You Dig creates a unique partnership with Australia’s underground asset owners. They act as a single point of contact for you to receive information about underground networks at your excavation site so you don’t have to contact the utility organisations individually. You tell them your dig location and they pass on this referral to the affected asset owners. They then send the information directly to you.
The Dial Before You Dig service is also designed to protect Australia’s excavators. Whether you are a back yard renovator, an individual tradesman or a commercial excavator the potential for injury, personal liability and even death exists every day. Obtaining accurate information about your work site

significantly minimises these risks.

2. Get a soil test

Personally I would not even think of placing a $30,000 + investment in any landscape without first ensuring it was supported on the correct base.
Our plunge pools have specific engineers drawings not just for the pool as a product but for each  pool and their placement on various soil types - and there are a few. ( Sand, Clay , reactive, problematic, and various classes of each may be present on the same site ) The report will cost around $400+ be about 10-20 pages in lenght and show detail over the whole site . When we receive your soil test we can then order your engineers drawings and compliance certificate for your state, all appropriate to your site address, ready to accompany your council application.
If your pool manufacturer or installer is not recomending a soil test for their product then chances are no matter what happens to your pool after you have taken delivery, they will not be in a position to take responsibility or even be able to assess future claims of fault or recomended repairs. What lies beneath the pool once it is in place will be an unknown factor.

3. Council Application and Permits

Not as difficult as it sounds... Drop in to your local council or private certifier. Explain what it is you want to achieve, perhaps have a sketch or plan of your proposed pool site and they will lead you in the right direction. See previous blog on council . Ask for an estimate of Fee's and approval time. Leading into Spring this could be anywhere from 2 - 12 weeks in some councils and may cause delays. I suggest this as one of your first calls.
Australian Plunge Pools has association with private certifiers in most capital cities around the country, if you would like information then please email me.

 



Tuesday 2 August 2016

SPASA Show Melbourne Aug 13 -14, 2016


Hi All,

We are coming to Melbourne. ....
If you have plans to discuss then bring them along and let's get creative.
..Just curious then come along for a chat, it's a great opportuntiy to ask questions walk away with pricing, info and plenty of inspiration. (and maybe some tile samples)
click on the link for Show info
http://www.spasashow.com.au
Email me if you are coming and I'll look out for you.
info@australianplungepools.com.au

See you soon,
Jeni

Why we are a Supplier to the industry and what that means to the Buyer.

We frequently get enquiries for pricing requests which include the plunge pool plus full install and landscaping when our service is Primarily to supply Concrete Purpose built Plunge pools (Not Tank Conversions! ) to the design professional, the professional trades person/ builder or the Competent owner Builder.

One of the reasons we remain factory based is because we like to concentrate on what we do best. -Build high quality engineered plunge pools, with a professional thoughtful finish and with the highest quality equipment and fittings.

We deliver our pools throughout the country and overseas on a weekly basis through our network of transport and crane providers.ie. Regular Carriers who know our product and our standards of Supply.


Our sales team co ordinate the design and can supply all of the neccessary fact sheets for all trades as well as compliance certificates and CAD drawings for council submission. We then build the pool to tiled completion and then co-ordinate to site. Yes a complete pool , delivered.!
Our Hydraulic designers can overcome tricky sites as well as flexing their skills in the art of water features and show Gardens.

Our factory employs only the best Tilers and tradesmen and provides opportunity for youth employment and career focus.
We are a proud member and registered Manufacturer of SPASA (The swimming Pool and Spa Industry Of Australia) and we supply to many SPASA pool builders and landscapers accross the country. We attend and support SPASA Members at State level Pool and Spa Shows and contribute and compete in National and International Garden Design shows.
So after all of this you can see why we concentate so much on building our product.

We believe in our Company and believe in the competence of our Builders and designers ordering our pools and making them shine in every project.

If you are an owner builder and find you are short on a trade or two then you are welcome to give us a call for some contact advice. Get a professional involved, as I have said previously...
While we do advise you use a tradie you know and trust, we have sent out hundreds of pools around the country and may have a name to help you out.
Future posts will feature our clever designers and focus on their inspiring Projects featuring our Pools.
Call us for chat... Happy Planning.

Tuesday 24 May 2016

Get a Professional Involved - The Designed Landscape.

We have been really fortunate to have worked with some very clever designers from all over Australia in the past few years and I must say the results are amazing as our instagram shows.
Need Inspiration.. ...get yourself to the next garden / Landscape exhibition in your Area. 

The types of professionals available and the differences and specialities can be confusing so I have a great article below with explanations as a guide.
Also have a look through our projects for a style you want to achieve and drop us a line so we can list designers in your area or close by. And yes, we have a great list of professionals we have worked with. Make a start by checking our their web site and social pages, decide on who suits your style and budget before you make contact. Approach them with clear intentions so you get the most out of the exchange, it's hard to please a vague idea so if your computer savvy download a program for sketching your landscape ideas ( or if not draw old school like me )...  keep images, pins or scrapbook your favourite looks to give you a starting point for discussion.

Now find your Landscape professional...

Please see an article below by Tim Daly - Gardening Columnist ,which explains who does what in the landscape world...

When homeowners seek professionals to enhance the quality of their home landscapes, confusion often arises as to what type of landscape professional to use. There are three general categories: landscape architects, landscape designers, and landscape contractors. Each has their own unique specialisation as to the type of work they perform.
Landscape architects are professionals who analyse, plan, design, and manage the stewardship of natural environments, developed areas, and the relationships between the two. Examples of their work include designing public parks, planning residential and commercial sites, designing the layout of new developments, garden design, and historical preservation. Landscape architects have advanced education, professional training and, in most states, have to have a license to practice. Usually they have five years undergraduate studies to get their degrees and frequently have advanced degrees as well. They study engineering, architecture, design and horticulture. The scope of their work is usually larger projects.
Landscape designers are generally more focused on garden design for residential properties. Their services are less involved than landscape architects. Some are self-taught but many have taken courses through colleges or technical schools although there are no there are no educational or experience requirements. Landscape designers are not required to be licensed or certified by the state. They tend to be more knowledgeable on plant material and garden design than landscape architects, who focus on larger scale developments. Many garden centers employ landscape designers who are skilled at consulting with homeowners.
Landscape contractors are businesses that focus on the installation and maintenance of plant materials and hardscaping, such as brick and stone walls, small fountains, paved walkways, and other similar structures. Some companies are quite large while others are small, consisting of only a few people. Persons employed as contractors have varying degrees of education and experience. Landscape designers are often employed contractors. By working with both, you can have a custom-made design for your home landscape and the contractor who will perform the work for you.
Landscape architects, landscape designers and landscape contractors have many differences in regarding the services they offer. You need to see which one would be of greatest help with your home landscaping projects. 

Timothy Daly is an Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent with Gwinnett County Cooperative  tdaly@uga.edu

Fencing - Rules and Regs

We are often asked about various fencing rules around the country and while we try to stay informed we like to refer you back to your local council or certifier to be sure.

I have provided some helpful links and info to get you started...

NSW - http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/Factsheet_print/Consumers/Product_and_service_safety/Pool_safety/_Pool_fencing_requirements.pdf

QLD - http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/Factsheet_print/Consumers/Product_and_service_safety/Pool_safety/_Pool_fencing_requirements.pdf

VIC - http://www.vba.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/19386/Swimming-pools,-spas-and-their-safety-barriers.pdf

WA - https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/atoms/files/dp1057_rules_for_pools_and_spas_a4_booklet_aug_2014_web.pdf

SA - http://www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/Swimming_Pool_Safety_Barrier_Information_Sheet.pdf

Another fantastic site for all pool, equipment and safety info is your states SPASA site.

Fact sheets on all topics are readily available and extra info is just a phone call away.
The Swimming Pool and Spa Association are there to support the industry and consumers alike and are extremely helpful  .....attend the next SPASA Pool and Spa Show in your area.

Remember, just because we need fencing doesn't mean we have to be boring....search through our web , facebook and pinterest pages and see how our creative customers and designers have enhanced their space with interesting fencing solutions.....

Tuesday 15 March 2016

Salt Chlorination , Mineral and  Fresh Water  Sanitation options

I was discussing this with a customer today and wanted to post some info on the various sanitation units we send out with our pools....



Australian Plunge pools has a Salt Chlorination Pack as a standard option as well as Mineral Systems available on request , see below... we are also happy to source any system you prefer.

Saltwater pools-
A healthy option for your skin, Salt water swimming pools have several advantages over chlorine pools, including fewer chemicals, lower cost of upkeep, and minimal maintenance.

- Our compact pools generally require only half a bag of salt per month with normal usage.
-80% of all new in-ground pools built in Australia are equipped with salt chlorination. 
Benefits of using this alternative to standard chlorination include smaller environmental footprint, greater energy efficiency and lower maintenance. Salt is also lovely on the skin, if aggravated look into low salt or freshwater options below.
A saltwater chlorinator uses electrolysis to separate the chlorine. The water passes over an electrolytic cell then converts the salt into sodium hypochloride, which does the actual work of chlorination. This material then reforms back into salt.
Once installed, quality salt chlorinators automatically maintain chlorine levels and after installation, the pool requires less attention compared with standard chlorination and will keep the pool water balanced and healthy. 
Of course regular ( Fortnightly ) testing of your pool water with your local pool shop will help you stay on top of your pool maintenance and water balancing ( a subject for another day )...This is very important, your pool and product warranties could become void with improper pool care!!.


Fresh Water Pool Options- Following are two Systems we have used.

1.Enviroswim - We offer this as an alternative to salt. The following is straight from the website, visit for more info - www.enviroswim.com
It comes at an additional cost however the benefits may suit the needs of many. ...
  • Very easy to maintain
  • Reduces all associated costs including electricity, chemical and equipment replacement
  • Eliminates most of the regular consumables including salt, chlorine, hydrogen peroxide and stabiliser
  • Freshwater prolongs life of all equipment and reduces staining and corrosion on pool surface, fixtures, glass fencing, landscaping and outdoor stainless steel kitchens
  • Residual sanitiser and algaecide lasts for weeks, ensuring you will never come home to a green pool
  • Works with all types of pumps and filters
  • Ensures air quality for indoor pools.
Health & environmental benefits:
  • Eliminates most chemicals known to cause serious health issues
  • Non irritating to skin and eyes
  • Beneficial for asthmatics, psoriasis and eczema sufferers
  • Pool and backwash water can be recycled without diluting for use in gardens, holding tanks, and grey water systems
Mineral chlor - A less Salty Alternative to Salt Chlorinators

Mineral pools are increasing in popularity as a 'spa-like' alternative to traditional salt water pools. 
Mineral pools use various blends of minerals like magnesium chloride instead of or as well as traditional salt. ( You can buy  mineral salt from your pool shop)
They are typically less salty than traditional pools, with Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) of 3,500 parts per million (ppm) instead of the 5,000 ppm typically required in conventional salt water pools. 
With MineralChlor™ mineral water pool owners may be able to lower their pool's salinity even further to just 2,500 ppm!
Please contact me- info@australianplungepools.com.au for brochures which have more detailed info.

Tuesday 8 March 2016

Introduction

Hi ,
I'm Jeni Maxwell . Owner of Australian Plunge Pools.

I decided to start a blog because there is so much more information we have to share than our website and socials posts allow.
We have been in the business of Pool Manufacturing for over 7 years now and while we operate as a supplier to the industry we have also gained a wealth of knowledge in all areas of Pool care, Product comparisons, Hydraulic Design, Pool compliance and certification and a general knowledge which comes from years of inquiries.
I would like to share this info in the hope that as a consumer you are more informed and confident in your purchase. If you have a question then please email us and we will post here or direct you to suitable sites or individuals.

Subjects to follow...
Pool equipment - Sanitation, Filtration and Heating
Covers and Blankets
Landscape Architects , Designers and Contractors
Pool and plants
Water Balance and regular pool maintenance
Fencing
Council Approvals
Lighting and Water Features
Water Saving
Spa's , Pools and Plunge Pools
Pool Shows, Garden Displays and Events
Spotlight on Landscape Designers and Architectural Projects

Friday 4 March 2016

Rectangle pool inspiration - Contact Us

Great Gift idea.

Immediate shipping.
Call now to place an order
Swim band – resistance trainer

$45 including P&H