PISCINA, BARCELONA, SPAIN
ShowReview DEC 2011 SPN
555
73
HIGH TECH RULES IN BARCELONA
Featuring a record number of product innovations and new technology, we report on the surprisingly busy biennial Spanish trade show
By Alan Lewis I
t was no coincidence that almost half of the new products seen at the four day Piscina trade show in Barcelona were linked in some way with internet, web or wireless feedback technology.
Seventy companies submitted projects for the show’s awards which have become something of a special feature of the two yearly event. Organisers set out again to encourage the new product profile at the exhibition, the biggest event in Europe in 2011, not only to recognise the innovate spirit of the industry but also to encourage investment in to research and development.
So the 19,000 visitors that attended the show, including a strong delegation from the UK market, were treated to an insight of the sort of products which could be working their way through to pool, spa and wellness users in 2012 and beyond.
High technology linked not just to convenience but to energy saving and efficiency were strongly to the fore.
Monitoring systems able to control pool systems remotely, adjust spas, provide data for pulse rates and calories in saunas appeared in large numbers for the first time indicating the route technology is taking.
The award winning product however, from Poolrite Europe, was a mineral water treatment
system feature another of the new product themes – water quality.
From a record number of new product innovations the short list came down to 22 finalists. A selection of which were: • AstralPool’s Hydrospin Compact, a hydro cyclonic pre-filter designed to save up to 50% of water consumption when washing the filter and reducing maintenance costs.
• Davinci Magna Pool System, mineral water treatment for swimming pools that combines every device in a single waterproof appliance.
• Pentair’s Intellipool, a monitoring system that controls swimming pool systems via a Smartphone or the internet including the filter, heating, lighting and disinfectants.
• Visendum ecological paving, a material for exterior flooring and decking made from recycled products such as wood shavings or sawdust combined with resin.
• Sunlighten’s Infra-red Sauna, a sauna with information feedback for users. Its integrated wireless monitor receives and measures pulse rates and calories burned.
• Danx2 air dehumidifier unit for indoor swimming pools that achieves up to 95% of heat recovery from the atmosphere.
• Boric acid free tablets a new water treatment for swimming pools that is used to compact chlorine which contains no boric acid.
• Bluefox, the electronic bracelets programmed according to the level of a pool which sends out an acoustic and luminous alarm when the established safety limit is exceeded.
Unsurprisingly, the biennial Barcelona event had some of the feel of tougher times. Wider aisles, fewer stands and a general feeling of more space was prevalent.
However the event was still confirmed as one of the most relevant shows in the world in the sphere of residential pools, wellness and aquatic facilities, not only because of the high number of exhibitors and international buyers but also because of product innovation. The attendance also bucked the recent European show trend by increasing 5% from the 2009 exhibition.
The President of Piscina BCN, Eloi Planes, said: “Now, business is more focused on renovation and maintenance of existing swimming pools. It is however the role technology and innovation can play in introducing new products which will be the key to the future. We have seen that in abundance at Barcelona.”
He said that products which guarantee the efficient use of water, energy and raw materials were essential. The consumer demand for environmentally friendly products would only increase and rightly so.
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