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Workshops
On Thursday September 30, the first Pool Operators workshop was held at Minda Incorporated, Brighton South Australia. Once again thanks to Minda for providing the facilities and lunch.
Even though this workshop was originally planned to target smaller pools we had some operators who came along representing some of the larger centres. After talking to these operators it was realised that future workshops should be available to all operators of swimming centres, large or small. The people at the larger centres will also benefit from the topics covered at these workshops and from the networks developed from them. At the end of the day we are all trying to provide a better service to our patrons.
On the day we had representation from 15 different centres. These included pool operators from Tea Tree Gully Water World, Noarlunga Aquatic Centre, Port Power Perfect Fit, Thebarton Aquatic Centre, Women's and Children's Hospital, Victor Harbour Aquatic Centre, Woodside Pool and of course Minda Pool. The group was presented information from six companies or organisations. These being
The day was found to be extremely beneficial to both presenters and participants. It allowed people to ask questions in an informal surrounding and to meet a lot of other operators.
Most people provided positive feedback
about the day and were looking forward to the next workshop. One
of the feedback comments from Baden Brosnan, Manager of Thebarton
Aquatic Centre, referring to the highlights of the day for him
was meeting other operators who are interested in providing the
best swimming pools available.
Don't forget if you are interested in attending the next workshop
on Friday February 18 call Shane Ince on
(08) 84226278 and register your interest. Thanks to all the people
who made the time to attended the last workshop.
Well the second workshop has come and gone. This was held on Friday February 18 at Minda Staff Training and Development. Once again thank you to Minda Incorporated for the free use of the facilities. The day was a great success with a lot of new operators from centres who did not attend the last workshop. The network of operators is expanding all the time and hopefully we will be able to attract some from the outer country areas of the state to attend these workshops.
First up on the day was Peter Matusik who presented some information on Pool Plant Training through Comm Fac. Next was Paul Bachman from Flow Control who presented information on water treatment equipment including the Chemigem chemical controllers. Then came the birthday boy himself, Ken Richter who gave some legal information about sign age around the pool and diving policies. Ken performed in his usual style and most people found this portion of the day to be the most entertaining . The last presenters before lunch were Dawne Thomas (President) and Ray Martin (South Australian Representative) from the Aquatic and Recreation Institute. They presented information on what the institute can provide to pool operators. Both Dawne and Ray were present for the whole day and made themselves available to answer questions through out the day.
During a sumptuous lunch at the Minda Staff Centre some operators were expanding on their networks and exchanging ideas to help them at their particular centre.
Matthew Taylor from Elite Chemicals was next on the agenda to present information about their new chlorine delivery system and some of their cleaning products. Larry Cavallaro from Remnant Research was up next, he later confided in me that this was his first time in front of an audience and was a little nervous. Larry presented information on cleaning products, which included a line of environmentally friendly products. Larry was also there from the start of the workshop and made himself available to answer questions throughout the day. Last but by no means least, was Dave Slama from Gas Pool Heating Services. Dave provided information on pool heating options and current regulations on installation. Some of the operators found this to be very interesting and will be looking at certain areas of their plant rooms to check on complying with the regulations. At the end of the day there was discussion about events in the future and what people thought of the day.
As you can see it was another information packed day and it was nice to see some familiar faces once again. It was also nice to see some new faces and to be able to discuss ideas and issues with other operators.
At the end of the day it was decided to hold workshop # 3 in June, at the Balyana Complex. Thanks goes to Gordon Griff from Balyana for offering the use of these facilities. Gordon Griff (Balyana), Auburn Mc Intyre (Women's & Children's), Malcom Haines(Gawler Pool) and Shane Ince (Minda) are getting together to organise this next workshop. Mike Weaver, Adelaide Aquatic Centre, has offered the use of their facilities for workshop # 4. Dawne Thomas, Tea Tree Gully/Aquatic and Recreation Institute, has offered the facilities out there for workshop Also the Aquatic and Recreation Institute has offered to provide a light lunch at some of these workshops.
Thank you to all the presenters who gave up their time and provided comprehensive packages for the day. Without the professionalism shown by these people the day would not have been as successful as it was. Even though all the operators may not have agreed with all of the information presented, at least they can go away and make informed decisions on plant equipment or policies. I would also like to thank all the operators that have shown an interest in these last workshops and to the people that came along to make these days a success. What seemed to me to be a good idea has developed into something that is beneficial to all operators of pools, large or small. I also feel that these type of days are beneficial to all operators at all centres, not just to the Managers or Coordinators of centres. Please consider involving all the staff who are responsible for operating the pool at any stage of the day. In the long run your centre will benefit from better quality water and user friendly equipment.
Well the third workshop has come and gone. This was held on Thursday June 8 at Balyana Conference Centre. Thank you to Gordon Griff from Balyana Complex for the use of the facilities and for the fantastic breakfast, morning tea and lunch. Those muffins and scones and cream were pretty good. Mike Weaver from Adelaide Aquatic Centre (the next workshop is being held there in October/November) will have to start planning now for the food to even come close to Gordon's contribution. The day was a great success with a lot of new operators from centres who did not attend the last workshop. The network of operators is expanding all the time and hopefully we will be able to attract some from the outer country areas of the state to attend these workshops.
First up on the day was Vic de Fontenay who presented some information on the new ozone treatment units he has installed with some good positive results at three centres. A lot of pool operators will be watching the results over the next few months to see if it will be worth while installing these units. Next was Jock Kilgour from Metco who presented information on automatic pool cleaners. After morning tea John Beasley from Beasley Pool Products provided some information about solar heating units. During a sumptuous lunch most operators were expanding on their networks and exchanging ideas to help them at their particular centre. Ken Richter was up after lunch and talked about emergency plans and the implications of not having one. Ken performed in his usual style and most people found this portion of the day to be the most entertaining . At the end of the day there was discussion about events in the future and what people thought of the day.
As you can see it was another information packed day and it was nice to see some familiar faces once again. It was also nice to see some new faces and to be able to discuss ideas and issues with other operators.
At the end of the day it was decided to hold workshop # 4 in October/November at Adelaide Aquatic Centre. We will be looking at having some information provided on OHS&W issues relating to pools, training of pool staff for better customer relations and the most cost effective way to advertise your particular centre. Will also be looking at having another pool visit day in September and will be looking at the new pool at the Repatriation Hospital at Daw Park, the Flinders Medical Centre Hydrotherapy pool and Noarlunga Aquatic Centre.
Thank you to all the presenters who gave up their time and provided comprehensive packages for the day. Without the professionalism shown by these people the day would not have been as successful as it was. I would also like to thank all the operators that have shown an interest in these last workshops and it is nice to see some new faces from private commercial pools taking the time out to attend.
Workshop #4 was held on Thursday November 23 , 2000 at Adelaide
Aquatic Centre. Thank you to Mike Weaver for the use of the facilities
and for lunch. Also thank you to Mike and Gordon Griff, from Balyana,
for assisting in the organisation of the day.
First up on the day was Darren McKenzie from Australian
Recreation Training. Darren flew over from Melbourne to present
information on the training packages that are available to pool
operators in the eastern states of Australia. These courses allow
for operators to have a definite career path within the industry.
Quite a bit of interest was generated with the possibility of
similar courses being offered in South Australia. Darren can be
contacted on (03) 8562-2234 or email a_r_t@bigpond.com
for any more information.
Next on the agenda was Mark Higgins from Statewide Pool Services.
As we all know things that can go wrong, will.This workshop was
no exception. Mark had to go to Western Australia at short notice
to sort out some problems. Maybe next workshop will see someone
from Statewide Pool Services present information on the company.
Malcolm Haines came to the rescue and presented a little early
to cover the gap. Malcolm, representing Hydrothermae Technologies,
presented some information on Stranco Calcium Hypochlorite Feeders.
Malcolm also had back up from Ian Micallef from Stranco Products.
These units are currently being used at the new Starplex Complex
(Gawler, SA). Malcolm can be contacted on mobile 0417-851610 or
email malcolm.haines@gawler.sa.gov.au for further information.
Sarah Dix from The Royal Life Saving Society (SA Branch) was next.
Sarah presented information on some of the training packages that
are available to all pool staff. These training packages cover
Pool Attendant qualifications, Senior First Aid, Resuscitation
Training, all at quite competitive prices. To find out about the
course costs and availability you can contact Sarah on (08) 8234-9244
or email rissa@bigpond.com.au
After lunch Peter Sadler from Quadrax presented some information
on Aquafinity disinfection systems. This is an electrolytic disinfection
system which has been used at the Hampstead Rehabilitation Pool
(Adelaide) for some time with good results. More information can
be obtained by contacting Peter on mobile 0418 804953 or email
geotherm@senet.com.au.
Next on the agenda was Workplace Services, but true to form for
the day they were unable to supply someone for the day. This meant
that we all had time to discuss some future ideas, issues and
any current problems.
Thank you to all the presenters who gave up their time and provided
comprehensive packages for the day. The next workshop will be
held at Tea Tree Gully on Friday April 27, 2001, more information
will be posted later to the date.
Workshop #5 was held at the Golden Grove Arts Centre on
the 27th April 2001. Big thanks goes to Dawne Thomas and John
Henderson for hosting POOL OPERATORS OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA and providing
us with the facilities, lunch and help in organizing the day.
The workshop was highly informative as usual, and all POSA members
would like to express our appreciation to the companies and individuals
that gave presentations on the day. This workshop may also be
remembered as important in the growth and maturation of POOL OPERATORS
OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA, with exiting possibilities for our future
on the agenda it's a great time to be a member, and we should
all look forwards to hearing from Shane on how things develop
in the coming months.
First presentation came from Dave Slama and Gary Gafkin of Raypak.
All attendees received a folder containing valuable information,
particularly for those who use gas boilers at their facilities.
Dave was responsible for leading us through the folder contents
and highlighting important safety and maintenance aspects, with
Gary providing some technical backup. Thanks go to both gentlemen
and to Raypak for their time and generosity.
Next event was morning tea, which was fortunately high in sugar
(cream cakes and biscuits), as I think Shane knew we'd all need
the brainpower for the next presentation. This came courtesy of
Tony Edmunds of Air Comfort Services. Tony had most of us blinded
with science as he gave us a glimpse into the esoteric world of
ventilation, heating and cooling for enclosed pool facilities.
Tony stated that only a few people specialized in this field,
and he surely presented as an expert in his chosen profession.
Comment of the day came at this point when Greg Lowe was commenting
during Q&A time on the wasted capabilities of two water heating
pumps at the Onkaparinga facility. Tony asked him what kind they
were, and after a pause, Greg stated "Two big ones"much
to the laughter of all present. Thanks to Tony for his presentation
on a difficult and highly technical subject, and I should add
his service comes with a personal recommendation from Shane.
Keith Atkinson was next to take the floor. He firstly he brought
exiting news to POSA members of his hope to form an independent
pool advisory body to local and state government. This group would
offer a service that government could draw upon, which can potentially
tackle the wasting of time and money by informing 'the powers
that be' how to do something right the first time. POSA
will be keen to see how this develops in the coming months. After
a brief discussion of these matters, Keith inaugurated a new addition
to the Workshop agenda a Q&A timeslot dedicated to trouble
shooting the pool problems of POSA members. Keith encouraged us
to seek answers to those issues that can crop up daily and may
be beyond the scope of our own personal experience. An open forum
at POSA Workshops is ideal for drawing on the collective knowledge
and experience of our members, with some people having many years
in the pool business and much to offer to the group. Mike Weaver
suggested that in the future we list questions that arise and
bring them to the next workshop. So come on POSA members
let's not be afraid to take advantage of this great idea!
Next was lunch, a great selection of sandwiches and cold platters
being on offer. Thanks to Dawne and John for the preparation involved
and the service they gave to the members. It was also an opportunity
to discuss the events of the day so far, and for Shane to take
another photo of POSA members for his scrapbook!
We were treated to further exiting developments with Vic de Fontenay's
presentation after lunch. Vic's purpose in addressing members
was twofold. The bulk of his time was spent educating members
on a new option for filter media called Zeolite. It was very popular
in the USA when Vic made his last visit, and has been in use in
the UK since 1994. A crushed mineral, it goes against everything
we have been told should be the proper qualities of filter sand
but it is giving fantastic results! Noarlunga Aquatic Centre
will be taking possession of 45 tons to replace their current
sand during the winter closure, and we'll look forwards to hearing
from Ray how this went at workshop #6. Vic gave a handout detailing
Zeolite's properties, and if you didn't attend it is well worth
getting a hold of. The other reason for Vic addressing the members
was to announce his intention to offer an education scholarship
to an individual within our industry. This would consist of sending
the successful nominee to the USA to undergo the American pool
operator course. Vic's vision is to see SA as the hub of pool
industry expertise for Australia, and he's willing to invest from
his own pocket in seeing this come to fruition. There will be
a nomination process for applicants, and Vic will release selection
criteria in the next couple of months. This will mean exiting
future prospects for the fortunate candidate, and a practical
step in securing ongoing technical excellence for the upcoming
generation within the industry in SA. Well done Vic!
Shane was the last to take the floor, again bringing positive
news for the future of POSA. He is looking into the possibilities
of POSA forming an association. This is still in the early stages,
but will mean members will receive greater recognition by government
and business for their membership. It will require a fee to join
POOL OPERATORS OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA (possibly $10 - $20 dollars),
but the hope is this will be a small price to pay for the benefits
of forming our own association. More on this as it develops. Those
members present also established a time frame for workshop #6
as late Sept. - early Oct.
Thanks once more to all involved in making the day a success,
and it was good to see some new faces amongst all the old ones
on the day. We should be aware that POSA is maturing, and it is
a good time to be involved. With a little bit of effort and support
from each member, we can guarantee a bright future and the ongoing
influence of POOL OPERATORS OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA within the industry.
See you next workshop!
**This article supplied by Seamus Smith from Daws Road Repatriation Hospital.
The workshop on Friday 21 September, 2001was looking to be a very informative and full day. We anticipated over twenty operators to attend the day from as far away as Bordertown, Renmark and Clare. The workshop was held at the Daws Road Repatriation Hospital, Daw Park in one of their group rooms. The hospital had just built an indoors 4-lane 25-metre Hydrotherapy Pool and at the end of the day we were planning to have a tour of the pool and plant room. Thanks to Seamus Smith from the hospital for organising the venue and lunch
The day started at 9:15 am with a presentation from Robin Yardley,
a representative from WorkCover, Workplace Safety Management Division.
Robin presented information on the safety requirements around
the pool area and within the plant room. Robin pointed out our
legal obligations for working safely and for providing a safe
working environment for any employees. Robin provided information
on safe chemical handling, safety data sheets for relevant chemicals
and WorkCover's web address www.workcover.com for future reference.
Morning tea was next with an opportunity for people to catch up
with other operators and have a general "chin wag".
After morning tea we had Clinton McAloon from Clearwater
providing some information on Salt water Chlorinators. Clinton's
talk was very informative and with his PowerPoint presentation
provided us with some interesting ideas. Operators of smaller
pools were interested to hear that with one of the units a considerable
saving on Chlorine is possible.
Next up was Warren Thomas from Palintest with information on the
"Old Faithful" and latest pool test equipment. Warren
pointed out that although the Comparators had been around for
a number of years they had their limitations. Warren had some
new Photometer units to show everybody and this is probably the
way everyone will be testing pool water in the near future. The
Photometers have the advantage of giving relatively accurate results
by a digital readout, not a colour wheel as in the Comparators.
This eliminates user error from people who are colour blind or
take their readings in poor light. Luckily for us Warren was over
from Sydney for a Table Top Seminar put on By Pool Resources a
couple of days earlier and was able to present at our workshop
as well.
Lunch was on the agenda next and this provided everybody with an opportunity talk over the morning presentations. It also provided an opportunity for people to talk about current problems and any issues the outdoor pools were facing in preparation for the opening of the summer season. Luckily we had some money left over from the Christmas BBQ so we were able to organise lunch through Seamus. The catering staff put on a good spread and everyone was quite content after all the food was consumed. We also had the loan of two pool cleaners from Ormatech and Metco for everyone to look at during the lunch break. Kevin Rutt from Rutt Industrial Equipment Company (agent for Ormatech) was on hand to answer any questions about his unit. Jock Kilgour, from Metco, left information literature about their complete range with his unit.
"No rest for the wicked" and "back to the grind stone" and all those other cliches, it was time for the next presenter. This was Mark Doubell from JDB Environmental Consultants. Mark provided some information about how we all could save some money, all ears pricked up at this, by reducing power and water bills. JDB Environmental Consultants will do an energy audit on facilities with recommendations for cost savings. Mark also introduced the idea of developing native planting's at appropriate pools as a learning tool for school children. Information on the type of plants, optimum-growing conditions could be provided with a list of the native wildlife that will be attracted to the different type of plants.
Next up was Mark Kirkland from Australian Industrial Pump Systems. Mark provided a very interesting an informative presentation with a cut-a-way of some pumps, a section of a pump with significant wear from cavitation and a good PowerPoint presentation. Actually during the next break Grant Richter (Pool Supervisor at Minda Aquatic Centre) was heard to say that he did not know that pumps and gauges could be made as interesting as Mark had made them.
Afternoon tea was next with the numbers slowly dwindling due to afternoon commitments from some of the operators.
Last but not least (I love these cliches) we had Symon Barr from Advanced Tent Technologies present some information on permanent and temporary structures suitable for the covering of an outdoor pool. These structures are manufactured in Germany and are made to be as stable as any permanent structure. They also have the added benefit of being easily transportable and therefore can be erected for the summer months then stored away for winter.
To finish of the day we had the grand tour of the pool and plant room by Seamus Smith. As you have gathered we had a very busy but informative day. It was nice to see so many operators make the time to come along for the day. It is rewarding to see the interest still there for these workshops and the network between operators expanding every day.
During the day I had hoped to discuss the future of the
Pool Operators of South Australia and it's future direction, but
because of the full program we did not have the time. I will be
sending out a questionnaire for member's opinions on our future
direction (currently we have over 50 members). One of the options
is formalising the group into a national association called Aquatic
Recreation Institute South Australia (ARI-SA). This will
give us access to some funding to be able to expand our networks
in country areas of South Australia and give us national presents.
The other option is to continue as we are now and develop our
group into a more formal assosiation such as the Pool Operators
of South Australia Association. (POSAA).
The Association was first formed in July 1937 as the Beach and Pool Officers Association. The group reformed in 1962 as the Swimming Pool Superintendents Association and went on to change its name on two further occasions before becoming the Aquatic and Recreation Institute in 1996 - the name better reflecting the broad nature of our industry.
The Aquatic aspect of the multimillion dollar leisure industry has always held a high public profile. With this in mind, the Institute under the guidance of a strong and active executive are at all times striving to meet the needs of its members, expectations of industry and government bodies. The Aquatic and Recreation Institute is a nonprofit organisation which provides support, direction, training, information and networking opportunities for members involved in aquatic and recreation services throughout Australia.
The Aquatic and Recreation Institute is committed to the following principles:
To provide support to aquatic and
recreation professionals in their delivery of quality services.
The Aquatic and Recreation Institute encourages individuals, council
and corporate memberships by offering the following benefits:
The Institute always welcomes new members and is always looking for editorial for the magazine so if you are interested in either please contact Dawne Thomas Tel. 08 82895111.
