Blog posts of '2019' 'September'

Waterco are an Australian manufacturer specialising in a wide range of swimming pool products. As industry leaders they are constantly looking to develop new and innovative products, and their new Aquafingers® broom is a world-first. This unique multi-purpose Microfibre broom was designed by Connie Grace, a stay-at-home mum, and is set to make pool maintenance quicker and easier for you as a pool owner.

"This is a truly innovative addition to the pool cleaning accessories category," says group marketing director Bryan Goh. "Nylon pool brooms have been in circulation for 80 years and consumers haven’t had a choice of broom that better suits the make of their pool, until now."

The Aqua Fingers® pool brush features a high-density microfibre attachment to help gently remove dirt and algae from your pool. The multi-purpose design also includes a unique, flexible body and curved underside, which ensures no awkward corners or difficult to reach areas are missed.

"This provides more angles of operation, making it quicker and easier to clean smooth surfaces,” Bryan explains. “Furthermore, Aqua Fingers® is made from flexible ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), which enables pool owners to clean hard-to-reach places."

That light bulb moment

In January 2017, Connie Gerace from Abbotsbury in Western Sydney returned from a four-day holiday to discover her fibreglass pool's walls and floors were covered with algae.

"I tried sweeping it off with my pool broom, but it proved unsuccessful,” she recalls. “The next day I called our local pool guy to come over and after treating it with chlorine, I asked if there was a better way to clean it. He replied, ‘If you come up with an idea, let me know.’ That’s when a light bulb went off in my head."

Later that day, Connie attached a microfibre cloth to her broom and used it to clean off the algae from the surfaces of her swimming pool. "I could see it working and, even though I had no idea where to start, I believed in my idea."

Connie then developed a prototype with an industrial designer and pitched her revolutionary new idea to industry experts, she also approached Waterco’s Research and Development division, meeting with domestic water care product manager George Flory and senior engineer Pradeep Tandon. They both immediately saw the potential in this new invention.

"As a pool owner, I know how important it is to keep the water clean, inviting and easy to maintain," she says. "With Aqua Fingers®, all it takes is a quick sweep to dislodge dirt or algae."

Just some of the unique features that Waterco’s Aquafingers® Multi-purpose microfibre broom include:

• Flexible ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) construction, making it easier to clean curved corners, ridges, crevices and steps,
• Premium quality microfibre chenille is gentle on smooth surfaces
• Perfect for cleaning fibreglass, tiled and vinyl lined pools
• Also suitable for cleaning glass fences, windows, pool covers and pool coping
• Replacement chenille attachment also available

Aquafingers® has patents pending in New Zealand, Europe, the United Kingdom, and the USA.

Imagine filtration as a sieve;

• large particles caught by a coarse mesh, with wide open holes
• smaller particles pass through
• they are caught by a smaller, finer mesh
• fine particles pass through and so on until the finest of material is captured

Pre filtration is removing as much coarse material from the water, before reaching the primary filter. This reduces the ‘load’ on the main filter and extends filter cleansing cycles. It can also lead to better water quality.

The image below shows where Pre-Filtration is within a pool system;

Why use pre-filtration?

Prevent blockages

If a skimmer basket wasn’t used, there is a high risk of blocking pipes and other equipment. This first method of pre-filtration is generally accepted as a ‘must’ when constructing a swimming pool, yet no further thought is given to pre-filtration.

Improve circulation

Leaf trappers (bag filters) have a large capacity and can collect a large amount of course debris before it reaches the pump. This helps the pump circulate more water without becoming blocked itself.

Improve water quality

By using a combination of pre-filtration methods, much of the coarse debris can be removed prior to the primary filter.This allows the primary filter to perform more efficiently, and therefore improve water quality. Service/cleaning cycles are extended which can also save water. Waterco’s award winning MultiCyclone is an example of how pre-filtration can be applied most effectively to improve water quality and save water.

Extend equipment life

If pre-filtration devices are installed, the life of equipment such as pumps and filters can be extended. Effective pre-filtration will also prevent damage to other equipment such as pool heaters and salt chlorinators.

A Waterco Multicyclone will help you save money

MultiCyclone is the brilliant new pre-filtration device that can help you save thousands of litres of water and reduce filter maintenance. Based on the principals of centrifugal water filtration – MultiCyclone collects 80% of the dirt that clogs your filter before it gets there. It drastically reduces backwashing and filter cartridge maintenance. There are no moving parts to wear and tear, and no filter media to clean or replace.

How does it work?

Centrifugal water filtration

• Incoming water enters 16 hydro cyclones tangentially, generating a strong centrifugal effect
• Sediment is spun out to the hydro cyclone’s wall, and then spirals down to the
  sediment chamber
• The filtered water migrates towards the centre of the hydro cyclone and spirals upwards through the outlet

There are no moving parts to wear and tear, and no filter media to clean or replace.

• Accumulation of sediment can be visibly monitored through the MultiCyclone’s clear sediment chamber
• The MultiCyclone is easily cleaned by opening the valve - whilst the pump is running
• Only 15 litres of water is discharged to cleanse the MultiCyclone

Introduction

MultiCyclone Ultra combines centrifugal and cartridge filtration into one streamline housing, creating an ultra filtration system that can be vertically installed on a pool pump.

• Dual Filtration
• Ultra Compact
• Ease of Maintenance
• Save Time, Water & Energy

Features and benefits

Dual stage filtration

• MultiCyclone Ultra uses the most advanced hydro cyclone technology to reduce the footprint of the filtration system.
• It combines all of the revolutionary features of its predecessor with an inbuilt cartridge filter.
• Incoming water tangentially enters its multiple hydrocyclones, generating a strong centrifugal effect.
• Approximately 80% of the incoming dirt load is spiraled down to its clear sediment chamber.
• The outgoing water is finally polished via its inbuilt cartridge filter, producing crystal clear water.

Extended filter capacity

• The MultiCyclone Ultra increases the capacity of the 75ft² filter cartridge by five times, equivalent up to a 375ft² filter cartridge.
• Its centrifugal section filter pre-filters up to 80% of dirt which would normally go into the filter, and drains it out.

Ease of maintenance

Extended filter capacity

• MultiCyclone Ultra’s sediment chamber is easily cleaned by opening its purge valve.
• Only 15 litres of water is discharged compared to a sand filter, the MultiCyclone Ultra can save between 7,000 to 10,000 litres of water a year.

Ultra compact

• MultiCyclone Ultra’s streamline design enables installation directly to the pump out let port and Chlorinator on top of the MultiCyclone Ultra.
• Achieving a reduction in pool equipment foot print, minimising pipe work and reducing the filtration system’s overall head loss.

Dual cleaner

• Benefit of placing a filter cartridge on the MultiCyclone. When the air release valve is opened, the flow of water through the filter cartridge flushes some of the large debris down through the MultiCyclone’s sediment chamber.
• The filter cartridge is not cleansed of all its debris, but the removal of some debris during each purge of the sediment chamber, will definitely decrease its cleaning frequency.

Time Saving

• Its centrifugal section filter pre-filters up to 80% of the dirt which would normally go into the filter, and drains it out.
• Filter cartridge maintenance is significantly reduced. Frequency of maintenance should be equivalent to the same level of maintenance required for a 300ft² to 375ft² cartridge filter.

The best of both worlds

• The MultiCyclone Ultra offers the best of both worlds. It is more hydraulically efficient than a sand filter, reducing the overall head loss of the pool’s filtration circuit.
• MultiCyclone Ultra does not have backwashing requirements and is not dependent on a high flow rate for backwashing.
• Smaller single speed pumps are capable of operating a MultiCyclone Ultra, reducing electrical usage and operating noise of the filtration system.

MultiCyclone Ultra offers the water savings of a cartridge filter, but without the frequency of filter cartridge maintenance.

Waterco MultiCyclone 12 & 16 Ultra

MultiCyclone 12 & 16 Ultra specifications:

• Cartridge rating: 30 Micron.
• The MultiCyclone 16 Ultra’s maximum flow rate is 280lpm.
• The maximum flow rate is determined by the surface area of the filter cartridge.
• NSF international cartridge design filtration rate is 41lpm/m² (1gpm/ft²).
• However, the MultiCyclone 12 Ultra’s maximum flow rate has been set to 225lpm.
• The flow rate has been decreased to meet with a Head Loss of 5m that offers a better operating balance to lpm and Head Loss.

Waterco MultiCyclone Plus

Saves water, energy and extends the life of pool filters Waterco Ltd has unveiled the next generation of its multi award-winning centrifugal pre-filter.

Waterco engineers have taken the MultiCyclone technology one step further and developed the MultiCyclone Plus, a vertically-mounted, all-in-one pre-filtration/filtration unit which saves between 7,000 and 10,000 litres of water a year compared to sand filtration systems.

Features and benefits of MultiCyclone Plus

The MultiCyclone Plus offers the best of both worlds. It is more hydraulically efficient than a Sand filter, reducing the overall head loss of the pool’s filtration circuit. MultiCyclone plus does not have backwashing requirements and is not dependent on a high flow rate requirement for backwashing.

A small single speed pump is all that is required to operate a MultiCyclone Plus, reducing electrical usage and reducing the operating noise of the filtration system. MultiCyclone Plus offers the water savings of a cartridge filter, but without the frequency of filter cartridge maintenance.

Dual stage filtration

• MultiCyclone Plus uses the most advanced hydro cyclone technology to reduce the footprint of the filtration system.
• It combines all of the revolutionary features of its predecessor with an inbuilt cartridge filter.
• Incoming water tangentially enters its multiple hydro cyclones, generating a strong centrifugal effect.
• Approximately 80% of the incoming dirt load is spiraled down to its clear sediment chamber.
• The outgoing water is finally polished via its inbuilt cartridge filter, producing crystal clear water.

Extended filter capacity

• The MultiCyclone Plus increases the capacity of the 40² ft filter cartridge by five times, equivalent to a 200² ft filter cartridge.
• Its centrifugal section filter pre-filters up to 80% of dirt which would normally go into the filter, and drains it out.

Ease of maintenance

• MultiCyclone Plus’s sediment chamber is easily cleaned by opening its purge valve.
• Only 15 litres of water is discharged

Energy saving

• The MultiCyclone Plus’s excellent hydraulic efficiency means that a small ¾ horsepower or 0.61kW pump is capable of circulating water through it.
• A 1 horsepower or 0.82kW pump may be required to power a suction cleaner or water features.
• OR alternately, use a variable speed pump such as Waterco’s ECOV 100 on low speed.

Water saving

• MultiCyclone Plus’s sediment chamber is easily cleaned by opening its purge valve.
• Only 15 litres of water is discharged. Compared to a sand filter, the MultiCyclone Plus can save between 7,000 to 10,000 litres of water a year.

Time saving

• Its centrifugal section filter pre-filters up to 80% of the dirt which would normally go into the filter, and drains it out.
• Filter cartridge maintenance is significantly reduced. Filter maintenance should be equivalent to the same level of maintenance required for a standard 150² to 200² ft cartridge filter. 

Finding the right safety-proofing solution for your swimming pool is a must, particularly where young children and pets are involved. You need equipment that offers reliable protection and meets your budget, so we’ve put together a little guide to help you choose the right solution for your needs:

Pool alarms

The IMMERSTAR Pool Alarm is one of the most popular alarms on the market, which complies with the French NFP90-307/A1 Safety Standards.

The sensor of the IMMERSTAR alarm detects the fall of a body and raises a powerful alarm with a 100db siren.

The IMMERSTAR fastens to the pool edge and is operated with a magnet contact key. It won’t be set off by strong winds and features LED status indicators and auto switching from swim to alert mode.

Swimming pool safety covers

Whatever your style or budget, we supply a range of manual or automatic swimming pool safety covers designed to suit all needs:

Walu manual pool safety covers

The different types and styles of Walu Swimming Pool Safety Covers are designed to suit a variety of swimming pool shapes and sizes and are manufactured to comply with strict French NFP90-307/A1 Safety Standards. The Walu Starlight consists of strong yet lightweight aluminium bars that run across the pool width, with a fabric panel section in between each bar.

The Starlight features a sleek appearance, as the support poles are underneath the cover on this model, also making the winding and unwinding process smoother. Due to the positioning of the support bars, the Walu Starlight is only suitable for rectangular swimming pools.

The end bars are fixed to the deck via a webbing strap, which are tensioned to ensure a firm cover which completely seals the swimming pool.

Removing the cover is a case of simply releasing the tension then rolling the bars away, either with the manual Walu Crank Handle or the electrical Walu Power. Pull on one of the webbing straps when ready to unwind the cover to replace it.

The Walu Evolution works in the same way as the Starlight, but has the support poles on the top of the cover. This allows the flexibility of being able to manufacture the Evolution in all shapes, making it suitable for kidney or other shaped swimming pools.

Both the Walu Starlight and the Walu Evolution are available in either Opaque or Translucent finishes in a range of colours. The Walu Air is effectively two covers in one, as it acts as both a safety cover and a winter debris cover.

The Walu Air works by creating an inflated pillow that plugs the shape of the pool completely. This means that no debris can get in to the pool from underneath and the shape formed on top of the pool allows rain and debris to flow straight off it onto the poolside, keeping the water clear – and stopping anyone or anything getting on top of the cover too!

The Walu Air overlaps the pool by 35cm around all sides and is secured in place using traditional spring, pin and strap fixings. This cover is suitable for pools up to 11.5 x 5m (not free form pools) with optional ladder or counter current system cut outs available.

Coverstar automatic safety cover

Widely regarded as one of the best on the market, the Coverstar is the ultimate automatic safety cover around.

At the flip of a switch, the Coverstar automatic safety cover creates an impenetrable barrier preventing children, pets or even adults from accidentally falling into the pool.

Featuring sliders 4 times stronger than traditional sliders (typically the weakest component in safety covers), choosing a Coverstar system ensures your peace of mind that your pool is safely secured.

An additional benefit is the Ultraguard III vinyl material of the fabric with heat-sealed webbing for double strength, which is also highly resistant to pool chemicals and UV light, greatly minimising colour fading. With 5 colours to choose from, you can ensure the cover complements your pool perfectly too!

Additional Coverstar System Benefits:

• 90% reduction in evaporation
• 70% reduction in pool heating costs
• 50% reduction in electricity costs
• 70% reduction in chemical use
• Acts as a debris cover, preventing any debris from entering the pool

Coverstar systems can have either a deck mounted or in-pit installation and can be made to suit almost any shaped pool!

Swimming pool safety fencing

When a traditional style swimming pool safety cover isn’t compatible with a pool due to the shape or specific nature of the pool, Swimming Pool Safety Fencing offers an attractive and practical solution. Rollaway Safety Fencing is easy to install and is easily removed when not required – the perfect flexible safety solution!

Made from exceptionally strong plastic coated polymer mesh and fixed to sturdy aluminium uprights, Rollaway Safety Fencing can be affixed to concrete, grass, soil or paving. Glass Swimming Pool Safety Fencing is a stylish safety-proofing option with the added bonus of shielding the pool from the wind.

Whatever size or shape pool you have, or are planning to have, we can help you create the perfect safety solution for your needs, simply contact us on 02920 705059 or e-mail sales@allswimltd.com for assistance and quotations.