POOL & SPA INDUSTRY
Ask The Expert
This issue, our industry experts answer your wet leisure questions
What is Lot 29?
The Eco Design Directive aims at setting mandatory minimum requirements for individual product groups.
Each product group is called a ‘Lot’. For each group there is an extensive product study which examines market data, the technology status and then provide recommendations to the Commission. This directive establishes a framework for the setting of Community Eco Design requirements for energy related products. Energy related product means any goods that have an impact on energy consumption. This should not be confused with the regulations on pump motors which you are seeing being introduced onto the market, i.e. IE 2 rated. The part of the Eco Directive only concerns the motors efficiency. ‘Lot 29’ covers the pump as a whole.
At this stage, I must mention that swimming pool pumps have been moved recently from ‘Lot 29’ to ‘Lot 11. SPATA became involved two years ago, when we were invited by the British Pump Manufacturers Association to join a meeting with the consultants who were conducting the study.
There was an assumption, by the consultants, that all swimming pool pumps ran 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They naturally assumed enormous savings in energy could be made. There are, after all, an estimated five million pools in Europe.
Following a meeting in February 2014, it was agreed that swimming pool pump manufacturers were opposed to any legislation under ‘Lot 29’, because of the low energy saving potential (in real terms.) The group also agreed legislation is not justified, as it will seriously affect the growing ‘Hobby Pool Sector’ (above-ground pools.) However, the group did agree more could be done on a voluntary basis; better labelling on pumps, correct pipe sizing, mandatory time controls (pumps above 125w), were all discussed. The result was that swimming pool pumps were taken off the initial list of products, with a review to take place in 2016. However, I understand from recent developments swimming pool pumps may well be excluded from the 2016 review.
Regardless of the outcome of the Lot 11 review, the Commission rarely permanently drops products from future legislation. This is, of course, understandable in-line with advances in technology and development in systems and product application. In addition, the Commission frequently introduce new ways of looking at the environmental impact of products such as the emerging environmental footprint legislation. It would be fair, then, to assume that we shall always be considering the impact of pool pumps and systems on the environment.
PATRICK THORPE
Patrick is Managing Director of AstralPool UK Ltd, former Chairman of Certikin International Ltd and a key member of SPATA’s Technical Committee
Why Is A Fully Detailed Specification So Important?
The specification for a domestic pool / spa, is basically the contract between your company and your client. In a commercial scenario, it will be included in whatever contractual arrangements are made by the owner, architect or main contractor. Therefore, providing a client with a fully detailed specification is essential as it will protect your company and guarantee it against disputes. The specification needs to be a clear, concise and unambiguous document that sets out what you are going to do for the client, in order to give them what they want. It will reflect the prior site meeting when the client’s requirements were sought, plus the conditions on site and the immediate surrounding area. The presentation of the specification and price should complement that visit and give the client a better view of your company and why they should employ you.
The specification is not a method statement, rather it should firstly lay out the basic shape, internal dimensions and water depth. It will show how you are going to access the site, remove the soil from the excavation and bring materials onto the site. Also, what alterations to the access will be needed and what will be done about reinstating wheel ruts and grass. Include a brief statement of the type of construction to be used, what the filtration, heating and treatment systems are going to be and how the pipework will be brought from the pool to the plant room plus what fuel services will be needed.
The specification does not need to have a break down of each section of the installation, however that may be required in a Tender situation. The price should be for the whole (complete) installation so that when you are finished the pool / spa is ready to be used. If contractors other than your company work on the project, it must be clearly stated. However, it is not good practice to have exclusions which will have an effect on the completion of the project and which are left to the client to organise, unless, of course, they are by mutual agreement and understanding. Once the price is set then there is an opportunity to have costed extras. These are meant to augment the pool and its maintenance. Items such as pool cleaners, automatic covers, service contracts are things to include. Equally, upgrading the liner or shell construction could be included.
It is also wise to include an appendix containing your payment terms, guarantees, warranties and details of dispute resolution plus if necessary, stakeholder account information should a dispute occur. These latter items do not have to be discussed early on but it is as well to have them there.
Once the contract has been placed, the specification should not be altered unless with the consent of both parties. Ensure an appropriate paper trail, so that there can be no doubt as to what was agreed to and when. Photographs before, during and at the handover of the project can also be useful if problems occur.
PETER LANG
Peter is an independent consultant and SPATA’s Technical Adviser. He is a SPATA Inspector and Chairman of SPATA’s Technical Committee
www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk
SPN June 2015 41
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