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Light Up The Night With PAL Lighting

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PAL Lighting

When discussing pool lighting solutions, frequently one name that pops up again and again in conversation is PAL Lighting. The Sydney Australia-based manufacturer makes a line of wirelessly controlled LED lighting and controllers that are perfect for swimming pools, spas, water features, and landscape lighting. After first entering the US market back in 2004, word spread both in the marketplace and with professionals. Consequently, today, PAL Lighting has become a serious force to be reckoned with in the world of LED lighting. Folks are suddenly paying attention, particularly in the pool industry; and for good reason.

A Vacuum in Supply for LED Pool Lights Creates Opportunity

One thing the pandemic did was create supply chain issues with manufacturers all over the globe. What it also did was create an opportunity for LED lighting manufacturers like PAL to suddenly reach more customers. While many pool professionals were aware of who PAL Lighting was, change happens slowly in the industry as does mass adoption of a new product line. Shortages and delays getting products have caused professionals to reexamine PAL’s products and value proposition. Suddenly PAL is in the spotlight, so to speak.

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT WITH LED LIGHTING FROM PAL LIGHTING

To get a better understanding of their product line we met with Ben Forrest, U.S. representative for PAL Lighting and Ryan Hughes, one of the elite builders working today. “Many have heard of our product line but haven’t tried them just because of the comfort level of doing the same old thing,” said Forrest, “while they might have heard of us, they may not have much experience with our products.”

Industry Looks To New Sources For LED Pool Lighting

“Most pool professionals in the industry didn’t have much knowledge of PAL Lighting prior to the pandemic, we were probably best known for our strip lighting. When Covid happened product shortages impacted a lot of manufacturers. That didn’t happen with us because our products are manufactured in Australia, not in China so we didn’t have any of the trade sanctions or challenges other manufacturers faced to the same degree,” said Forrest.

PAL Lighting EvenGlow LED Light
PAL Lighting – EvenGlow LED Light

“A lot of operators were forced to try PAL Lighting as an alternative to one of the ‘Big 3’ and when they did they came back and said ‘Wow, where have you been?’, and we said, ‘Well, we’ve always been here, but nobodies been paying attention til now,'” said Forrest.

Building Awareness One Builder at a Time

“Our sales have skyrocketed, simply because we’ve had to fill the void,” explained Forrest, “for us, the growth that we’ve seen in demand for our strip lighting is really exciting. For the last four years our strip lighting has been more than 1,000% of the previous year. You do that for four years in a row and you can tell you’re really getting strip lighting out there.”

PAL Lighting - Strip Lighting - EvenGlow Flex
PAL Lighting – Strip Lighting – EvenGlow Flex

“The other growth that’s exciting for us is that once we build a relationship with a builder and go through a few projects with them, they start to get a real understanding of what they can do with our lighting,” said Forrest, “they’re accomplishing things they’ve never been able to do before and that gives them room for growth. Instead of putting 4 lights in a swimming pool, I work with builders who are regularly putting 20-30 fixtures. They’re adding lighting for outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and all sorts of things.”

PAL Lighting - LED Bubbler
PAL Lighting – LED Bubbler

Ryan Hughes Turns To PAL Lighting

In this industry, mass adoption happens when products hit a tipping point with the right people. The fact that the elite of the industry such as Ryan Hughes have begun incorporating PAL Lighting into their luxury pool projects, suddenly puts PAL on the world stage with their products. In a recent interview with Hughes back in November at the International Pool & Spa Expo, Hughes showcased one of his latest projects using PAL Lighting products.

In Hughes’ PAL Lighting application he wanted to give homeowners the ability to fully control their lighting system. “They were the only manufacturer that could give us a four wire RGBW light that could be connected with DMX,” said Hughes, “because (the homeowner) wanted a DMX controller, he didn’t just want 10 colors, he wanted to be able to have any color show he wanted.”

Forrest, who uses the Hughes project as an example when showcasing the product, agrees that homeowners have come to expect more from their lighting system. Consequently, the number of existing pool owners that are looking to upgrade to LED lighting in their pool is growing.

“Think of all the lights that were installed prior to the late 90’s and early 2000’s. All of them use incandescent bulbs. We developed a bulb that we can use as a replacement that takes the average pool from a 500 watt incandescent bulb to a 9 watt LED and you get all the features that you would get from a true RGB light,” said Forrest, “meaning you get 16 million colors, dimming functions, true white mode; all controlled by remote. Pool professionals can make good margins but still retail these things for under $400.”

Listen to our entire conversation with Ben Forrest of PAL Lighting on the Pool Magazine podcast.

Featured Photo Credit: Ryan Hughes Design | Joe Traina Photography

4.7/5 - (27 votes)

Editor in Chief of Pool Magazine - Joe Trusty is also CEO of PoolMarketing.com, the leading digital agency for the pool industry. An internet entrepreneur, software developer, author, and marketing professional with a long history in the pool industry. Joe oversees the writing and creative staff at Pool Magazine. To contact Joe Trusty email [email protected] or call (916) 467-9118 during normal business hours. For submissions, please send your message to [email protected]

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Beatbot AquaSense Pro Pool Cleaner Review

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Beatbot AquaSense Pro Pool Cleaner Review

In the realm of robotic pool cleaners, the Beatbot AquaSense Pro emerges as a game-changer, setting new standards with its advanced features and cutting-edge technology. As the world’s first all-in-one intelligent robotic pool cleaner, the AquaSense Pro promises a comprehensive cleaning experience that extends beyond the pool floor. With its innovative design, technological prowess, and a suite of unique features, this cleaner is a standout in the competitive pool-cleaning market.

Design and Features

Beatbot has hit the mark with the AquaSense Pro’s engineering. Equipped with nine motors, 20 sensors, and onboard AI, its design is not only sleek but also robust. The unit itself weighs in at 24 pounds, conveying a sense of durability and reliability. The device’s intuitive onboard controls, featuring four modes and power buttons, make it user-friendly and accessible to both pool maintenance novices and seasoned professionals.

The AquaSense Pro boasts 5-in-1 cordless cleaning capability, covering the pool floor, walls, waterline, surface, and incorporating a built-in water clarifier system. The AquaSense Pro employs the AquaGlide™ Simulated Flight Propulsion for surface cleaning, ensuring it glides effortlessly to tackle debris and residues. The ClearWater™ clarifier dispenser is another innovative addition, distributing clarifying agents evenly to enhance overall water clarity.

Beatbot AquaSense Pro

Main Features

  • World’s 1st 5-in-1 Cleaning: Clarification/Surface/Waterline/Floor/Walls Powered by 9 Motors.
  • Best Intelligent Path Optimization Powered by Quad-Core 1.8GHz Processor.
  • Industry-Exclusive Intelligent Return to Starting Point and Surface Parking.
  • Powerful Wall Cleaning with Brushless Main-Pump Motor up to 5500 GPH Suction.
  • Effortless Cleaning Control with the Beatbot APP and OTA Software Upgrades.
  • Award-Winning and Eco-Friendly Cordless Submarine Propulsion Design.
  • Superior Cleaning Efficiency and Coverage with 2×2 Independent Roller Brushes.
  • Extreme Safety and Reliability with 15 Certifications, including ETL, CEC, and IP68.
  • Ultimate Convenience with Cordless Charging Dock for Plug-Free Operations.
  • 9.5 Hours Surface Cleaning and 5 Hours Floor Cleaning with 10400mAh Battery.
Beatbot AquaSense Pro Pool Cleaner

Performance and Cleaning Prowess

The AquaSense Pro’s performance is commendable, showcasing systematic cleaning that starts with mapping the pool. Utilizing advanced sensors, including two ultrasonic sensors, the cleaner calculates the optimal cleaning path with exceptional accuracy. Its intelligent mapping capabilities allow the robot to navigate efficiently without getting stuck, offering a seamless cleaning experience.

During a full cleaning run, the AquaSense Pro adopts an S-shaped pattern for the floor and walls and an N-shaped pattern for the walls and waterline. This strategic cleaning approach ensures thorough coverage, leaving no area untouched. The automatic return feature, coupled with water purge capabilities, adds convenience to the cleaning process. Remarkably, the AquaSense Pro parks itself at the pool’s surface upon completion, eliminating the need for manual retrieval from the pool bottom.

Charging and Convenience

Beatbot has revolutionized the charging process with an innovative dock design. Instead of a traditional plug and cable setup, the AquaSense Pro docks on a charging station where exposed electrodes charge the battery. This not only simplifies recharging but also aids in draining excess water, contributing to the device’s overall efficiency.

Beatbot AquaSense Pro Pool Cleaner

Intelligence and Versatility

Equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, the AquaSense Pro provides seamless control through its dedicated Android and iOS app. Users can effortlessly switch between cleaning modes, making it a convenient and versatile tool for pool maintenance. Designed for various pool types, including in-ground and above-ground, and supporting multiple surfaces such as concrete, fiberglass, vinyl, and ceramic tile, the AquaSense Pro proves its versatility.

Affordable Alternative

For those seeking a more budget-friendly option without compromising on performance, Beatbot offers the AquaSense model. While it lacks some of the luxury features of the AquaSense Pro, it remains a reliable and efficient pool cleaner. With three cleaning modes and intelligent path optimization powered by a Quad-Core 1.8GHz processor, the AquaSense is a practical alternative for pool owners who prioritize cost-effectiveness.

Beatbot Pool Cleaner Upgrade

Should You Buy the Beatbot AquaSense Pro?

In terms of cleaning performance, the AquaSense Pro excels, effectively removing both visible and invisible debris. The two-layer filter basket captures particles as small as 150 micrometers, showcasing its thorough cleaning capabilities. The dual sets of brushes, strategically placed at the front and back, work simultaneously with different speeds and directions, providing precise control and extensive coverage. This not only enhances the cleaning power but also eliminates the need for frequent manual scrubbing of pool surfaces.

PROS:

  1. Diverse 5-in-1 pool cleaning capabilities
  2. Extended battery life with up to 9.5 hours of continuous runtime
  3. Smart MemoryPark feature for easy retrieval from the pool surface

CONS:

  1. Requires periodic charging
  2. Unable to identify new debris in previously cleaned sections
  3. Possibility of larger debris floating away during surface cleaning

If you’re in search of a technologically advanced robotic pool cleaner that delivers on its promises, the AquaSense Pro is undoubtedly worth considering. Dive into innovation and let the AquaSense Pro redefine your pool maintenance experience.

4.9/5 - (58 votes)

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Enhancing Water Shapes With In-Floor Cleaning Systems

Paramount’s in-floor cleaning system remains a top choice for maintaining the aesthetic of the swimming pool canvas.

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Enhancing Water Shapes With In-floor Cleaning Systems

In the ever-evolving world of pool technology, Paramount Pool & Spa Systems has emerged as a frontrunner, boasting over 90% market share in the in-floor cleaning sector. Established in the late ’60s by the Ghiz Family and later acquired by Hayward, the company’s commitment to innovation and customer service has propelled it to the forefront of the industry. Today, Paramount’s in-floor cleaning system has become a cornerstone of pool maintenance in many custom inground pools and a game-changer in enhancing the overall swimming pool experience.

John Anderson, Regional Manager for Paramount, explained why forward-thinking pool builders are leaning toward in-floor systems as a way to maintain the integrity of the swimming pool in the overall scheme of the backyard canvas.

Changing Perceptions About In-Floor Cleaning Technology

“When I was building pools, electronics controls were very simple. These days, everything’s gotten extremely complicated,” explained Anderson, “We went from the Flintstones to the Jetsons in less than 20 years.”

Tieleman Movable Floors

“Many builders today still don’t truly understand in-floor systems. I’ll be honest with you, back when I was building pools, I didn’t either. I wasn’t into plumbing a whole bunch of pipe on the bottom of the floor and the additional cost associated with that,” said Anderson.

“What I found out later on was that a lot of high-end builders with unique circumstances didn’t want a robotic pool cleaner or hoses floating in their work of art. In the course of those 20 years, we went from swimming pools to water shapes. Now the entire industry is looking at how the backyard is more of a work of art than a cement pond,” explained Anderson.

Paramount's in-floor cleaning system

Science Behind The System

At the heart of Paramount’s in-floor cleaning system lies a specific water curtain design coupled with its patented PCC system which effectively cleans 99% of a swimming pool’s surface. Tailored to accommodate the unique dimensions of each pool, this system boasts a patented “Collection Zone” and automated debris removal functionality.

Operating on the principle of pressurized water, the PCC system efficiently suspends dirt, facilitating its removal by the pool’s filtration system. The system’s innovation lies in its patented water-actuated distributor valve, strategically directing the flow of water to various cleaning nozzles in a sequential manner. This ensures a thorough and systematic cleaning process, optimizing the overall performance of the pool cleaning and circulation system.

Ease of Installation

Ease of integration is a big factor of why more pool builders than ever are looking to in-floor as a viable solution explained Anderson. “What’s nice about our system is that it’s 100% hydraulically driven. Our systems integrate with any pump and any smart technology,” said Anderson.

“All installers really need to do is get water to the valve, and we’ll take care of the rest,” said Anderson, “that’s all part of our design. We do a CAD drawing that lays everything out specifically and tells the contractor where to plumb, where to put all our products laid out with the schematics that are required for the plumbers to do what they need to do and then the process for the finishers to do their work.”

Technology Innovations

Paramount’s flagship product has undoubtedly been the PCC system, however, the PVR system continues to gain traction in the market. “One of the systems I push the most for new builders is our PVR system. Out of the dealers I’ve signed the past twelve months, 99% of them opted to go with the PVR because it’s easier to install,” said Anderson. “It’s a ratcheted, self-cleaning nozzle that’ll clean anywhere from six to ten feet.”

“We’ve innovated on that because a lot of pools are nine feet deep or more,” explained Anderson, “the sweep radius up to the rear wall usually inhibits standard in-floor system cleaners, because they won’t rotate properly. On the PVR the head actually rotates.”

Paramount In-Floor Pool Cleaning System

“We have an MDX-R3 safety drain, which is VGB compliant and LA County approved,” explained Anderson, “we also use a BuzzTop, which is basically just a channel drain with a lid that allows debris to be captured. Our application also features a canister that’s in the deck, or can be stationed back by the equipment pad.”

Paramount In-Floor System

Multiple Applications

While Paramount’s in-floor cleaning technology has been a mainstay in custom concrete inground pools for years, they have also developed applications for vinyl liner and fiberglass swimming pools as well. “Our Vanish line is ideal for the vinyl market and actually is flush to the finish of the vinyl liner. Our Vantage products are used by a lot of dealers venturing into fiberglass pools,” said Anderson.

What Makes In-Floor So Appealing?

For those embarking on a swimming pool project, an in-floor cleaning system is an exhilarating prospect, offering near maintenance-free benefits. Paramount’s in-floor cleaning systems go beyond mere cleaning by actively circulating water and chemicals in pools from the bottom up. This dynamic circulation not only ensures a consistently clean and swim-ready pool but also serves as an eco-friendly solution. In-floor systems enhance both the aesthetic and functional aspects of a swimming pool, promising pristine water and cost-effective maintenance; making it a no-brainer for many pool owners.

A Top Choice For Professionals

In-floor cleaning technology has become a favored choice among today’s top pool designers seeking to preserve the pristine aesthetics of their meticulously crafted waterscapes. Paramount’s in-floor cleaning system, in particular, addresses the concerns of designers who aim to maintain a clean and clutter-free canvas without the intrusion of hoses or robotic cleaners within the pool.

High-end pool designers often work with unique circumstances, such as custom shapes, negative edge basins, spas, or lazy rivers. Paramount’s in-floor system’s adaptability to various pool types and styles makes it an ideal choice for designers dealing with unconventional and bespoke projects. This flexibility ensures that the swimming pool remains true to the designer’s vision.

Listen to our entire interview with John Anderson on the Pool Magazine podcast.

4.7/5 - (10 votes)

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Two Hot New Products You’ll See Poolside This Summer

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As summer approaches, the anticipation for poolside relaxation and enjoyment continues to grow. We’re as excited about the upcoming swim season ahead as we are about two hot new products we recently had the chance to check out at the PSP Deck Expo in Las Vegas. Tenjam, a relative newcomer to the pool furniture space, unveiled two exciting new furniture products that promise to elevate the swimming pool experience.

The company based in central Minnesota, specializes in rotomolded, rotationally molded furniture. Since its inception back in 2013, Tenjam has made a significant impact in the outdoor education furniture industry. In 2020, the firm expanded its horizons with the launch of its in-pool furniture series, which has been a hit with consumers and professionals alike.

Mike Collins, President of Tenjam shared insights into the success, stating, “We’ve been just crushing it and coming out with lots of new products. Seems like every few months we’ve got another new product we’re launching.”

One of the standouts in their line has undoubtedly been their Shayz lounger, the flagship product in their Splash series line. “Shayz is by far our hottest product,” said Collins, “we saw almost 500% growth in the Splash series product line thanks to Shayz last year.” The success of their rotomolded pool lounger has laid the foundation for Tenjam’s continued innovation in poolside furniture.

Tenjam hopes to double down on the success of the Shayz lounger with their new Woosah chair.

Woosah Chair: Unveiling Comfort and Style:

One of the products that stole the spotlight at this year’s PSP Deck Expo was Tenjam’s Woosah chair which boasts a combination of ergonomic contouring and a slight bounce designed into the base, providing unparalleled comfort.

Mike Collins emphasized the meticulous design process, stating, “When we designed Woosah, we spent so much time on just getting the profile of that seat down. When we brought it to market, it was an instant hit but we couldn’t put it into the pool because it had a stainless steel base. Finally, we developed a Woosah chair that has a plastic base.”

Tenjam's stackable Woosah Chairs made a splash at the PSP Deck Expo.
Tenjam’s stackable Woosah Chairs made a splash at the PSP Deck Expo.

The seat is constructed with polyethylene material for supreme impact strength and low maintenance. The stackable chairs thus far have been a hit with hotels and resorts said Collins, who predicts the product is bound to resonate just as well with residential pool owners.

“We’re definitely price competitive,” said Collins, “and the cool thing about the Woosah chair, is you can use it as your regular patio Adirondack chair, but also put it in the pool when you want to relax in the water. That eliminates the need to have a bunch of extra chairs just sitting around.”

Infinity Sun Shelf: Elevating Your Pool Oasis

The second star of the show for Tenjam was its new Infinity Freestanding Sun Shelf, a patent-pending freestanding sun shelf that promises to transform your poolside oasis.

“Our Sales Manager, John Griffard, is always coming up with crazy ideas,” said Collins, “he has a pool that’s like 50 years old and wanted to add a sun shelf to it.” The quotes he received on adding on a sun shelf started at around $25,000, which prompted the two to think of a product they could produce at a more attractive price point.

The advent of the Infinity Sun Shelf provides a hassle-free solution for adding a sun shelf to an existing swimming pool. Unlike traditional methods that involve tearing up the yard and pool deck, Infinity can be delivered, installed, and ready for use the very same day. The only requirement is adding a new plumbing line to the back of the unit.

Pool pros had the chance to check out the Infinity Sun Shelf at this year’s PSP Deck Expo

The Infinity Sun Shelf features an 80″ wide waterfall curtain, adding both visual appeal and the soothing sound of flowing water to your poolside experience. With a water depth of up to 8 inches, it accommodates various in-pool furniture brands, including Tenjam’s loungers and chairs.

Collins shared the collaboration that led to the development of Infinity, stating, “A couple of years ago, we met a group of guys from B Squared Pools. We partnered with them to actually make a freestanding sun shelf that you could just simply place at the side of your existing pool and then run a water line to it. Basically, that gives you a freestanding sun shelf at an installed price point of like $10,000 or less.”

Tenjam partnered with B Squared Pools to produce their freestanding Infinity Sun Shelf.
Tenjam partnered with B Squared Pools to produce their freestanding Infinity Sun Shelf.

“We already have a bunch of preorders on the sun shelf,” said Collins, “we’re going to bring it to the Atlantic City show and that’s going to help get more eyeballs on it. I think once people see just how easy it is to set up, we’ll see sales continue to increase. Right now it’s all about exposure.”

Pool owners have every reason to be excited about the Woosah Chair and Infinity Sun Shelf, as these two innovative products bring a fresh wave of comfort, style, and transformative features to enhance the poolside experience. The two products are priced attractively to make adding pool furniture easier and more affordable than ever before.

Listen to our entire conversation with Mike Collins on the Pool Magazine podcast.

5/5 - (1 vote)

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