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SPN FEB 2011 InMyView
www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk
‘WE MUST PROMOTE ENERGY SAVINGS MORE!’
Fairlock’s Paul Webb - ‘Webby’ – is a popular industry figure. He runs Oxfordshire based Fairlocks Pool Products, founded in 2006 by himself and Julian Hunnable. The business is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fairlocks Ltd, manufacturers of the world famous vacuum head and includes a range of specialist products from Covrex pool covers to Heatinverter heat pumps
H
aving been given the opportunity to air my views on industry related subjects I am
determined not to bore anyone but I do actually feel quite strongly about green issues so would like to kick off by saying that I am all in favour of the new Part L Regulations for swimming pools. It has already been said by several industry experts that there is no need whatsoever to panic about the way pools are built and I’m sure that is the case and that the latest SPATA Standards have taken the new regulations into consideration. That said, I am disappointed that the regulations do not include a pool cover – surely keeping the heat in the pool should include the biggest heat loss area? It has always amazed me that so many pool owners don’t bother to cover their pools. Perhaps a lot of them don’t actually realise that in excess of 87% of a pool’s energy is lost through the surface area.
Whatever method of pool finish whether it be concrete, panel, block or fibreglass and no matter how well insulated that shell is, the fact remains that a huge amount of energy is wasted through uncovered pools. I suppose this could sometimes be down to the fact that adding an energy efficient pool cover to a new pool or refurbishment quote could make the difference between getting the contract and the customer backing off and moving on to what they think is a cheaper option, but in reality is actually a far more expensive one long term.
I think it would be a great idea to start up an industry award category for the best energy saving products used on pools, and of course the pools themselves. Solar heating, ground source and inverter technology heat pumps, biomass fuels, natural water treatment options, there are loads of green alternatives that could be up for the
‘Eco-Good-Green-Pool Award’, or whatever you want to call it. I’m absolutely sure architects and planners would be keen to know more and there is no doubt that end users are definitely far keener on saving money, time and energy these days.
Another category could be for most trustworthy and dependable supplier. As an industry there has never been a more important time for us to all work together in bettering and widening our profile to the general public, a process that benefits us all. I get very frustrated when I hear of trade suppliers dealing directly with end users and cutting out their main customers, which of course are the pool companies.
Peter Geekie realised very quickly if he was going to build a successful distribution business he would only sell via the trade. The main point being you can’t have it both ways it’s as simple as that; I am proud to
“Providing good (wherever possible) ecologically sound products together with honest and reliable service is not a bad benchmark and it’s one we intend sticking to at Fairlocks”
say I run a trade only company and it will always remain that way. Of course this has to be a two way street and whenever we pass an enquiry to one of our trade partners we expect them to use our products in return, which generally is the case. I think experience teamed up with common sense and conscientiousness is the key to future success, there is no substitute for having been there, and done it. Unfortunately, there are still too many suppliers who claim they have far more experience than they actually do, it’s very easy to hide behind other people’s knowledge, ultimately they will be found out, but sometimes it’s too late and ending up with a disgruntled customer is not what anyone wants! Providing good (wherever possible) ecologically sound products together with honest and reliable service is not a bad benchmark and it’s one we intend sticking to at Fairlocks. spn
Sport figures strongly in Paul’s world, particularly football and running. He recently completed the Great South Run in a very respectable 1hr 29 minutes
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