SPLASH! Podcast artwork

SPLASH! Podcast

85 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 days ago -

Welcome to Australia and New Zealand's biggest Pool and Spa Podcast- SPLASH! Simply the best place for all the latest innovations, investments and happenings. Full of insights, interviews and inspiration to help you reach your goals and stay motivated! SPLASH! Podcast showcases the best of our industry as featured in the latest SPLASH! Magazine, e-News and website. We are proud to raise the profile of the best professional industry that there is. Sit back and listen in. Ready. Set. SPLASH! ***Probably the world's greatest podcast ever.

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Episodes

I'm Sorry Dave

March 19, 2024 17:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MB

The new issue of SPLASH! is out and ready to read.  The cover feature  is AI in the Pool Industry and today we try to engage AI with limited success.   Always an interesting discussion to see if imminent changes are a threat or indeed an opportunity. We do find success though taking a look in brief at the magazine content together.  Also, an interview from Daena Bougoure-Latchford who leads the industry drive towards consumers via the Pool & Spa Lifestyle brand.    Join Daena as she speaks ...

Luke Who?

March 05, 2024 17:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MB

Very special to be joined by full time pool industry champion and sometimes podcast host Luke Daly. In this episode we take a look at how consumers are engaging with our product offerings via the consumer shows in 2024.  We discuss whether consumers are turning up at all, if they are, are they ready to spend or are they pulling back in response to a tightening economy.  A reminder on the last days to nominate for industry awards for 2024 and to register for the Tax webinar because tax is not...

When Fortune Favours the Foolish

February 20, 2024 17:00 - 21 minutes - 15 MB

With stagnating or arguably contracting economic conditions continuing for the foreseeable future, is it really worth investing in advertising, branding and consumer engagement?   We unpack this question with a zoom in on the recent Perth Pool & Spa Consumer Expo in WA where the January 2024 local state figures show that, unemployment rose,  retail prices contracted and overall spending was down.  Surely spending a chunk of marketing budget in that economic environment on trying to engage a ...

Who Said Tax Talk Is Not Sexy?

February 06, 2024 17:00 - 25 minutes - 17.2 MB

'Time Sensitive Tax Planning' are probably 4 words that have not considered compelling or sexy.  Today with the help of Ben from Inspire Accountants we tell you why this topic is a  compelling one.  If you want to pay more tax , or be less informed and less profitable and secure then give this one a miss.  If you do want to minimise tax and maximise your sustainable profitability then this is for you. Ready. Set. SPLASH! For you free industry news updates and SPLASH! Magazine copy simply g...

New Year to Cheer or to Fear

January 23, 2024 17:00 - 22 minutes - 15.3 MB

What a privilege to launch into a new year full of hopes, plans and no doubt it's share of challenges to be overcome.   In our first SPLASH! Podcast for the year we have some exciting announcements and interesting insights to what lies ahead.  Watch out for a new mega consumer show coming to Melbourne in February that we tell you a little more about. We reveal the new media brand in the industry stable to further strengthen our message to industry and government in commercial aquatics and le...

Safety Standards and Sustaining Beyond Summer

December 06, 2023 04:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MB

Today we discuss safety and standards, in particular the AS1926.1 Fencing Standard. We look at an unfolding story about potentially flawed processes within a  Sydney council inspection program. We also look a the latest Business Rick Index from CreditorWatch and discuss the impacts on business into 2024 generally and more specifically our industry. Plus a friendly reminder to book your accommodation and team into the biggest industry event even in the southern hemisphere - SPLASH! Trade Ex...

SPLASH! Turns 100 and a Half

November 21, 2023 17:00 - 20 minutes - 14 MB

We are celebrating the 150th issue of SPLASH! just released and coming out to all of our valued subscribers.  If you are on subscribed get you latest digital copy today at splash.online. We take a look at a couple of new industry announcements including a new era for the Master Pool Builders brand and what it means for you.  We also gain access to a freshly launched online learning program to assist newbies in getting up to speed quickly. The latest 2023 Drowning Report is out and we reve...

Rates, Races and Returns

November 07, 2023 17:00 - 26 minutes - 18.1 MB

Another week and another public holiday for the hard working sports obsessed citizens of Victoria as they celebrate the 'race that stops a nation'.  The Reserve Bank of Australia also celebrated the day by giving the population a 25 basis points rise to increase the cash rate to its highest level since 2011.  What does this all mean for our industry? Well it depends on how you consider where value is stored. We also talk about the increase in recovery pools/spas/treatments for elite and ev...

The Business of Old and New

October 24, 2023 17:00 - 22 minutes - 15.3 MB

We continue our dive into the changing landscape of business.  A new release from the 'Small Business Matters Report' reveals some alarming statistics for small business owners and ongoing financial viability.  In this episode we also look a the growing need and demand for pool renovations and the options available and tying in to larger landscaping projects. And we continue our look into Australian manufacturing with a special look at AIS Water who turned 30 years old this year and continu...

Change, Construction and Changing Construction Contracts

October 10, 2023 17:00 - 23 minutes - 16.1 MB

It's always a good week when the latest and by default greatest issue ever of SPLASH! shows up on my doorstep and in the inbox!   Today we discuss the latest Cordell Construction data, review the Top 5 online news stories and have a quick look at some of the industry happenings with expansions, conferences and acquisitions. Our deep dive today is construction focused around the challenges of fixed price contracts, continued inflationary pressure and a tightening market.  We review a recent ...

Sunny Hours Summer Days

September 26, 2023 18:00 - 21 minutes - 15.1 MB

There has been a lot of talk about a constricted, reducing, restricting, reducing (insert negative synonym here) economy and consumer spend.  Yet, house prices are holding in some places and continuing to rise in many others and there has been significant wage growth, yes, offset by inflation,    There is also the prediction of a long hot summer and in may parts we are already seeing signs of this emerging.  We take a look at  what should we expect, how should we positioned and how can we he...

Clark Rubber CEO - Anthony Grice

August 29, 2023 18:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MB

Clark Rubber CEO, Anthony Grice joins the podcast from the recent Clark Rubber Franchise Convention in Cairns. Anthony explains why Clark Rubber are so invested in ensuring every location retains trained and qualified staff as per the certification pathways.  Is it for attracting and retaining staff, increased professionalism or is there something else? We also take some time to interview the new chair of the Aquatic and Recreation Institute  (ARI) NSW, Marco Blanco who reflects on the chal...

Aqua-sitions and New Things

August 15, 2023 18:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MB

In an industry that loves the big story, have we got news for you with the biggest acquisition in several years now underway.     We uncover the detail around this and will continue  to bring more information in coming weeks as the details and changes unfold.   Also, there is something different about the professional trade industry brand that we reveal today too. Ready. Set. SPLASH! For you free industry news updates and SPLASH! Magazine copy simply go to: https://www.splashmagazine.com.a...

Creating Cut-through in a Contracting Economy

August 01, 2023 18:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MB

Should you increase your share of budget allocation to marketing spend in a retracting market space? The answer according to research and best practice  is yes... but there is more to it.  Today we talk with expert, Cam Bailey who has been working behind the scenes with our industry to ensure brands are positioned for growth and untangling the mire of marketing confusion.  Our conversation reveals the power of effective audience targeting with cut through campaigns that are less cost and m...

Who Wants to go Insolvent?

July 18, 2023 18:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MB

It seems every other day another builder is going bust.  The economy changed during covid and is changing again rapidly post.  Why are some business failing to navigate the change and fall into the pit of insolvency?   We review our recent conversation with a small business professional accountant who provides 5 tips for small business to remain solvent through the economic uncertainties and changes. We also hear about some incoming exciting updates and changes to SPLASH! website, and the S...

The Best Way to Predict the Future...

July 04, 2023 18:00 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MB

The best way to predict the future?  You'll have to listen in to this podcast to find out and discover what recent announcement is making massive news in our industry.  News from industry, for industry including a huge announcement from the peak body.  We also talk with New Zealand and reveal the winner of the national NZ Pool of The Year.  David also picks a new fight with industry so get get ready to pick a side. Ready. Set. SPLASH!   For you free industry news updates and SPLASH! Magazi...

Interview with FLUIDRA Managing Director APAC, Stephen Matysiak

June 20, 2023 18:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MB

It only happens six times a year but what a good day it is when it happens!  It's revealing, inspiring and informative. Yes, the new edition of SPLASH! went out recently and we take a quick look at the industry trends, news and new product. We review the Top 5 Online News Stories that you have created for the last couple of months.  And a very insightful interview with FLUIDRA Managing Director for APAC, Stephen Matysaik. We talk industry growth, retraction, trends, innovation, acquisition...

Special Edition: Jayne Orth - A Not-So-Quiet Retirement

June 13, 2023 18:00 - 19 minutes - 13.6 MB

A very special podcast as we interview Jayne Orth on her retirement from industry after three decades.  Jayne has been a passionate contributor to industry towards improving product, practice and our people.     A true leader in retail and chemical product knowledge and training Jayne has been a formidable force for progress. Jayne is most certainly unretiring in nature but circumstances dictate that professional career retirement was inevitable.   But in true Jayne style, it was anything b...

Fun Size Podcast from the Airport Office

June 06, 2023 14:00 - 13 minutes - 9.16 MB

You join David from the airport in putting this podcast together.  Today we hear from the recent Aquatic & Research Institute conference with Lindsay McGrath taking the opportunity to interview the Architects at 106 about ' Third Place Thinking' and the keynote speaker, Kobi Simmat around industry and leadership. David also shares an interview with Stefan Ossenberg from Australian Plunge Pools now under new ownership and operations in Queensland. Ready. Set. SPLASH!   For you free industry...

Country Cousins Calling

May 23, 2023 18:00 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MB

Grab your Akubra and get ready for a road trip to the NSW bush for the Country Pool Managers conference. The voices may be a little quieter and the accents a little broader but the challenges in managing the consumer, the facilities and the business are all too similar.   As is often the case the reserved but considered voice of those in the country sounds a warning that should be heeded by those on the coast and the in the cities.  What affects them now may affect us in the years ahead. Ou...

I Moustache You Something

May 09, 2023 18:00 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MB

What do a moustache, a Michelangelo masterpiece  and industry qualifications have in common? Find out in this podcast. Also, are consumers still interested in making the investment into a new pool, spa or renovation?  We review the results of the recent consumer expo in the ever consistent Adelaide market to find out.    Plus, we hear from the Managing Director of ALT who are responsible for a huge amount of pools installed each year, about consumer trends, the need for qualifications crea...

Winning Formula

April 25, 2023 18:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MB

Is the fast track to success a recognised qualification or is it experience that only comes with time and hard learned lessons along the way? Is one more important towards success than the other?  We continue to explore this with insightful interviews today from around the grounds.  An interview with Brendan Butler whose experience in manufacturing is almost matchless, plus we talk with the Managing Director of BWT, Craig Buchanan who shares the experience of the F1 event in Melbourne rece...

Keep Swimming

April 11, 2023 18:00 - 23 minutes - 16.3 MB

The fight continues as we ask industry if experience is more important than a qualification - or visa vera?  On this episode David interviews Emily McNeil,  the Executive Officer the Australian Swim Schools Association whose members utalise the products that you design, build and maintain.    We also speak with Michelle Marks in NZ about how the community and local industry affected by the recent cyclone is recovering from the devasting event. For you free industry news updates and SPLASH!...

Pick a Side and Let's Fight.

March 28, 2023 17:00 - 23 minutes - 16 MB

 You can't promote the award winning product/person/process/project that you don't win.  You don't win the award that you don't enter.    Today we provide you with skills and information to prevent you experiencing the imminent feeling of RHOMO that awaits all those who fail to enter the Awards of Excellence . The April 11 2023 deadline looms.  RHOMO is far more painful and dangerous than FOMO and has far longer lasting consequences.  Don't get caught out. In the first of more debates to co...

Awarding Awards is Rewarding

March 14, 2023 17:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MB

We welcome back the familiar voice of Luke Daly to discuss the investment that has been made to create the industry awards season that you don't want to miss. We also briefly preview the new SPLASH! magazine and take a look at several new products that have recently been released too, If you have not received your free copy simply go to: https://www.splashmagazine.com.au/subscribe #designerbeadcrete #EvolutionW&L #DaisyPoolCovers #PoolSystems #Pentair #Fairland #SPASAAwards  With thanks t...

Showing the WAy

February 28, 2023 13:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MB

It's consumer show time again but are consumers still interested?   Are they spooked by high interest rates and a slowing economy with increasing inflationary pressures?  While in WA at the Perth Pool, Spa & Outdoor Expo, we talk with Aquatic Leisure Technologies Director, Lynley Papineau to find out how the consumer is responding in and crystal ball into the future.    We take a dive into the boom/bust cycle of WA and discuss if WA may now be demonstrating more stability that the east coast...

Better Together Forever

February 14, 2023 17:00 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MB

We take a look at the recent consumer pool and spa expo in Melbourne that was run in partnership by MPBAA (former SPASA Vic) and SPASA.  Was is a success? What happens now? We take a look in brief at court case in NZ where a local council has been found negligent around it's barrier certifications and homeowners have been awarded damages. Plus, an interview with recently appointed Poolwerx CEO, Nic Brill.  We discuss the recent investment from Norwest, consumer and industry trends and the ...

Human Moves, More News & Consumers Choose

January 31, 2023 17:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MB

We take a look at the movement of people as we enter 2023 with new industry appointments. Another interesting acquisition that seeks to move quickly beyond NSW to wherever you are.    A new report out of the CBA shows just what consumers are intending to do with their money. We reveal if this compelling trend data includes demand for pool and spa.   Along with plenty of other industry news SPLASH! podcast shares recent interviews from Piscine Expo in Lyon France with Freedom Pools and Fairl...

Same Old New Stuff

January 17, 2023 17:00 - 23 minutes - 16.3 MB

Back for a new year.  A new sound and a fresh energy to bring the best of our industry to you. We take a quick look back at 2022 and get ready for the year ahead. We also bring an interview that SPASA CEO, Lindsay McGrath recorded on the Pentair stand at the Piscine Pool Expo in late 2022.  Lindsay talks with Bipin Menon and also the Global EVP/CEO of the Pool Division, Jerome Pedretti about the global influences and local opportunities.  Ready. Set. SPLASH! AIS Water Our friends, the very...

Christmas Cheer and Another Year

December 06, 2022 17:00 - 27 minutes - 18.7 MB

A short and sweet podcast today reflecting on a few things.  David shares thoughts on a recent visit to 'Piscine' the largest pool and spa trade show in Lyon, France.  We also discuss the current market and the many mergers and acquisitions as we prepare for the years ahead and the impact of ESG policy.  SPLASH! wishes you and all your staff, friends and family a terrific Christmas and a very happy new year!  For you free industry news updates and SPLASH! Magazine copy simply go to: https:/...

Revealing the Mystery of Making Industry History

November 15, 2022 17:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MB

We reveal the biggest industry news here at SPLASH! and this podcast does it again!    Huge news that the membership of SPASA WA has voted in overwhelming support of a merger with the national body.   This is a truly historic moment that has been under a collaborative and strategic process for some time that establishes a unified industry representation going forward for the first time across the Australian continent.   Listen in to a post-vote discussion with SPASA CEO Lindsay McGrath and ...

A Deep Dive For GEMS

November 01, 2022 17:00 - 20 minutes - 14.5 MB

If you are still  a little unsure about what GEMS is, what is means and how it is already affecting you post Oct 1, 2022 then today's podcast is definitely for you.   SPLASH! interviews Isaac from the government regulator and asks a whole range of questions on your behalf. What do I need to know? What do I need to do? What if I don't understand or don't comply? How does the space-time continuum affect dark matter and are black holes real? OK so, not the last one but the rest and more are cov...

Get Your GEMS Done

October 18, 2022 17:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MB

Oct 1, 2022 has come and gone... what does it all mean? If you don't know then you'll need to catch up on the news in the podcast.  If you do know then learn where all the resources you'll need are located and more about the process. We also hear from Luke Daly supporting a massive local retail event in Cairns in far north Queensland,  We also get the first part of an interview with industry heat expert, Colin Mauger from Supreme Heating. Make sure you subscribe tp the podcast and don't for...

Big News Brews

October 04, 2022 17:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MB

We bring you two massive news announcements with the potential of affecting the industry all the way from New Zealand in the east right across the Tasman and across the width and breadth of the Australian continent to the shores of the Indian Ocean in Western  Australia.   David also takes the opportunity to interview a UK industry import about the Italian pump manufacturer DAB and their plans for this market and also talks to Carl Vorshege from Remco. To make sure you stay up to date subs...

Pulp Friction

September 20, 2022 14:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MB

Back again for another round of pool and spa and industry related topics, news and views and chatter.  A new magazine looking back at SPLASH! Trade Expo 2022, plus the Pool of the Year has been run, won and done for 2022.    Your hosts David and Luke discuss new partnerships, investments and change around the grounds.  We also listen into a discussion with Veda recorded at the SPLASH! Trade Expo 2022 with Nick Briscoe from Waterco around research, development and bringing new products to ma...

A Collective Commitment to Challenges

September 06, 2022 18:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MB

A recent heads of industry day was held by the peak body SPASA to create a set of solutions and planning for the industry's future security covering employment, education, economy and the environment. Listen into a series of short interviews with some of those who participated in these important talks.   We also talk to the poolie who started posting to social media and gained significant traction.  Turns out that what we consider everyday ordinary the public finds enthralling.

A Collective Commitment to Challenges

September 06, 2022 18:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MB

A recent heads of industry day was held by the peak body SPASA to create a set of solutions and planning for the industry's future security covering employment, education, economy and the environment. Listen into a series of short interviews with some of those who participated in these important talks.   We also talk to the poolie who started posting to social media and gained significant traction.  Turns out that what we consider everyday ordinary the public finds enthralling. For you free...

Economy, Environment and Employment

August 16, 2022 18:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MB

You really don't want to miss an interview with the CEO of SPASA, Lindsay McGrath. We get down to business discussing the upcoming 'Heads of Industry' meeting.   This critical industry day is to prepare for the combined challenges and emerging multiple crisis of the post-covid cash crash; the looming expectations and regulatory uncertainty around Environmental Social Governance  (ESG) policy implications for industry; and the need to attract, retain and recognise a professional industry work...

Economy, Environment and Employment

August 16, 2022 18:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MB

You really don't want to miss an interview with the CEO of SPASA, Lindsay McGrath. We get down to business discussing the upcoming 'Heads of Industry' meeting.   This critical industry day is to prepare for the combined challenges and emerging multiple crisis of the post-covid cash crash; the looming expectations and regulatory uncertainty around Environmental Social Governance  (ESG) policy implications for industry; and the need to attract, retain and recognise a professional industry work...

Stunning Stuff and a Soft Spot

August 02, 2022 22:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MB

This one is all about you!  Luke and David take you on tour of the  product and service being recognised and awarded around the grounds  (we have not forgotten you kiwis and New Zealand still to come).   We look at the upcoming industry day of excellence and leadership  in Melbourne on Sep 2, 2022.  This is a significant leap forward for all of us to hear from 4 incredible keynote, highly sought after speakers.   This is not the typical corporate guff but the stuff of people and future buil...

ROHMO is the New FOMO

July 19, 2022 18:00 - 29 minutes - 20 MB

If you missed SPLASH! 2022 Trade Expo on the Gold Coast the FOMO (fear-of-missing-out) can now only be described as ROHMO (regret-of-having-missed-out).  It truly was a world leading, first class and landmark event for pool and spa professional trade in this region. We take a moment to reflect and look at how far we have come.     Veda Dante (regular SPLASH! feature editor) interviews Brenda Gerrard-Forster from 'HR Anywhere' about some critical considerations in the ever-changing complexity...

Extracting the Best from Your Coffee

June 14, 2022 18:00 - 21 minutes - 15 MB

Coffee maybe the metaphor but your people are the focus.  With over one-third employees actively looking for a new job and the replacement cost reported as high as 250% of that wage it seems retention of good people is a critical issue.    We unpack why the opportunities afforded by the upcoming SPLASH! Trade Show providing  education, engagement and entertainment may be the keys to help you retain your staff. We also have a terrific discussion with SPLASH! Trade Show Platinum Sponsor - Flui...

The Times They Are A Changing

May 31, 2022 21:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MB

Winter is no longer coming. It is here.  The election is no longer looming . It is done and won. The old methods and standards of doing business for industry are changed through time and necessity.  The market is changing and consumers are constantly changing.  The consumer has put us in high demand over the last two years but what happens when the seemingly unending quarterly growth is over?  The experience of women in the workplace and specifically our industry has been a undergoing change...

Pass the Salt

May 17, 2022 23:00 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MB

With salt supply for sale post Australian east coast floods continuing to be another challenge we look at how the industry and consumer is responding.  Also new figures show demand continues to be at a high for our product and services and there are continued upward pressures on pricing.     Join David with Luke in this episode to unpack all of that, preview the upcoming SPLASH! trade expo including  a quick conversation with the Australian Swim School Association.   An inspiring new intro i...

Simplifying Systems & Marketing to Millions

May 06, 2022 02:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MB

Millions of views and 100,000+ followers of your brand sound impossible? Join David in a conversation with  an innovative pool manufacturer on the Sunshine Coast who has done just that to generates real sales.   Can the use of industry specific software be used to integrate our processes and data?   We seek to shed some light onto the challenges of making complicated systems more simple from a user interface and operational process. It is complex but Julian from Pool Site Quote walks us thr...

Simplifying Systems & Marketing to Millions

May 06, 2022 02:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MB

Millions of views and 100,000+ followers of your brand sound impossible? Join David in a conversation with  an innovative pool manufacturer on the Sunshine Coast who has done just that to generates real sales.   Can the use of industry specific software be used to integrate our processes and data?   We seek to shed some light onto the challenges of making complicated systems more simple from a user interface and operational process. It is complex but Julian from Pool Site Quote walks us thr...

Biblically Busy Banter Beats Boredom

April 19, 2022 22:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MB

Join Luke and David for a discussion  all things Pool and Spa industry about the busy-ness of business, challenges and opportunities.   Yes, there is some banter as always but some very important industry news to be aware of including the new GEMS energy rating requirements that take affect in just a few short months.  Make sure you are informed and ready. We also look at the Top 5 Online News Stories and tease out a little more  detail on the biggest party event of the year - SPLASH! The Af...

Gold, Glory and Girl Power - An Interview with Brooke Hanson

April 05, 2022 18:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MB

A super special for the podcast as we go gold class all the way with Olympian and motivational corporate speaker, Brooke Hanson.  Listen in as Brooke shares that grit and determination of attaining gold glory starting from very surprising and shaky beginnings around the water! Brooke also courageously and gracefully discusses the challenges of transgender competitors in women's swimming and also shares how a competitive loss led to a first date. It's all on pool deck today. Ready. Set. SPLA...

It's Getting Hot in Here

March 22, 2022 17:00 - 26 minutes - 18.4 MB

SPLASH! Trade Expo is right around the corner so David and Luke are turning up the heat on a couple of hot topics that will be featured in live-expert-panels on stage.  The first topic is heat related regarding the new Australian Standards, what product is right for what job and how should these options be presented to consumers.   The other topic for industry discussion is around the the responsibility for surface staining.  Is it a manufacturer, supply, maintenance, chemical, product issue...

Rain, Pain and Gain

March 08, 2022 18:00 - 40 minutes - 28 MB

We may be in the water industry but the one in 500 year rain event on Australia's east coast has delivered more than anyone needed.  This episode Luke and David  talk about the rain and some of the pain that has been caused to our construction, our manufacturers, retailers, service techs and more.  Listen in to Matt Galvin explaining the impact on pool building and to Sophie de Preaux from All Chlor Chlorinators whose business ended up under 1.5m of water.    There is rain, there has been pa...