News
Transforming Public Aquatic Centers into Multi-Purpose Pools
Swimming pools are constantly adapting to meet evolving societal needs through sustainable and flexible designs, which will likely become more prevalent in the future. Get ready to splash in style at Myre’s incredible public aquatic center Øksnesbadet in Norway! This public pool is probably one of the most inventive pools in Europe as it is designed for all types of swimmers featuring several high-end solutions enabling multi-purpose and sustainable use.
Changing sports and swimming needs
With the increasing stress on lifelong physical activity, aquatic facilities need to serve different age groups, from young to old. This means they need to offer different types of activities adapted to the needs of different generations and varied opening hours to serve this broad target group. Several governments even recommend sports facilities should develop diverse sports offerings and facilities that cater to the needs of all age groups, with special attention to children, adults and the elderly.

Technology that ensures maximal return on assets
Whether it’s recreational swimming, competitive swimming, children’s swimming lessons, or aqua jogging, everything is possible at the public pool Øksnesbadet. This makes Øksnesbadet one of the most versatile venues for all ages and swimming levels. Of course, you are wondering what technology is behind this to make all this possible in the same pool. As Steve Jobs (co-founder of Apple, Inc) once said: “Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.“
That being said, we are excited to tell you more. The 25.00 x 15.50 m (82.02 x 50.85 ft) pool consists of a stainless steel AISI 316L pool shell which is equipped with a hinged wall, (partial) movable pool floor, and a platform lift. Firstly, the hinged wall, installed by Tieleman Pool Technology, ensures the pool can be divided into different sections. In this way, swimmers can be safely separated from each other by means of a physical barrier. Secondly, the Tieleman movable pool floor enhances the experience for varying swimmer levels as it can be set to any desired depth within minutes. This truly transforms the daily swimming routine and operator adaptability as flexibility is actually doubled. And last, but not least, the pool features a platform lift which offers swimmers with limited mobility a safe and comfortable way to enter the pool.


An optimal swimming environment including two temperature zones in one pool
Tieleman is one of a few companies in the world which is constantly innovating its products and raising the bar projects. So is this project. Besides offering the ability to create different sections in the pool the hinged wall has another important function. As the wall is completely insulated and it has a very close fit to the pool shell and movable pool floor it is extremely suitable to function as a thermal barrier. This means Øksnesbadet can offer multiple temperature zones in the same pool. For example, for the physically disabled and elderly, a higher pool temperature (32°C) is ideal. They are often less active and therefore cool down more quickly. Whilst a constant and slightly cool water temperature (25-28°C) can promote faster swimming, which is why these temperatures are often required for competitive swimming.

But how does this work? The hinged wall will be raised in a fully vertical position forming a barrier between the part with a movable pool floor and the other part of the pool. Now the parts have been completely sealed off from each other the filtration and heating system can do its work and change the temperature of the sections. So regardless of the age group, whatever type of swimming activity will be performed in the pool, at Øksnesbadet (almost) everything is possible in just minutes.

Movable pool floors for residential pools
Besides movable pool floors and other solutions for public pools, Tieleman is well known for enhancing luxurious residential pools with their movable pool floors. As endless customization is a philosophy that is widely represented through the Tieleman movable floor range, each movable pool floor will be exclusively engineered to incorporate the ideas and options desired by the client. There are no restrictions in size nor depth of the pool. The shape is only limited by the available free space and accessories are engineered and designed to match the pool and its surroundings.
Whether you are looking for a movable pool floor with an integrated sun deck, roman staircase, moving bar, jacuzzi, fountain, lounge area or an acrylic window/movable floor combination, Tieleman does it all. Wondering how Tieleman can help you with your project or are you curious about the possibilities? Then contact the Tieleman team today.
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Pool Service News
Poolwerx Eyes San Antonio for Continued Texas Expansion
Global Pool Service Brand Grows Presence in Texas Amid Continued Population Growth and Franchise Momentum
Poolwerx, the largest global franchise pool service brand, is targeting San Antonio, Texas for franchise growth as the brand continues expanding in high-growth markets across the U.S.
The move comes as Texas continues to stand out as a leading market for franchise development. According to the International Franchise Association’s 2026 Franchising Economic Outlook, Texas ranks as the top state for franchise growth and is home to more than 86,000 franchise locations employing more than 910,000 people.
“With Poolwerx USA headquartered in Farmers Branch, Texas has always been an important market for our brand, and the growing demand makes San Antonio the perfect place to continue our U.S. expansion,” said Darlene Viering, Senior Vice President of Franchise Development at Poolwerx. “It combines strong regional growth with the characteristics that make for a compelling pool service market, and we see real opportunity to partner with entrepreneurs who want to build a scalable local business with the support of an established brand.”
San Antonio offers an attractive combination of steady population growth and long-term residential development. U.S. Census reporting shows the city added nearly 24,000 residents between 2023 and 2024, highlighting its momentum as one of the country’s fastest-growing large cities.
For Poolwerx, San Antonio aligns with the brand’s broader focus on markets where residential growth, pool maintenance needs and strong consumer demand support long-term opportunity for professional pool care. The company has previously identified Texas as a key expansion priority in its U.S. growth strategy.
“As more entrepreneurs look for business opportunities backed by recurring revenue and strong consumer demand, we believe San Antonio offers a compelling environment for franchise development,” said Marla Mock, COO of Poolwerx USA. “Our model is designed to give franchise owners the training, operational support and brand foundation they need to build a business that can scale with their market.”
Poolwerx continues to expand its national footprint while helping homeowners maintain healthier pools through dependable, professional pool care backed by a globally recognized brand. Poolwerx is actively seeking franchise candidates across the U.S. who are entrepreneurial, community-minded, and growth-focused.
About Poolwerx
Poolwerx is the world’s largest pool and spa maintenance franchise brand, dedicated to helping people create poolside memories. Established in Australia in 1992, Poolwerx has grown to more than 186 retail stores, over 720 service vehicles, and 450+ exclusive territories worldwide. The brand delivers a comprehensive range of products and services designed to keep pools and spas healthy and safe, including professional water testing and balancing, pool cleaning, scheduled and ad hoc maintenance, chemical and equipment sales, system upgrades, installations, repairs, and expert advice. Serving both residential and commercial clients, Poolwerx combines local expertise with industry-leading systems, marketing strength, and operational support. Discover more about the franchise opportunity at: https://poolwerxfranchising.com.
Press Releases
Pixel by WOW Design: A Surface Fragmented by Light
Pixel by Wow Design is a new porcelain format that reinterprets the language of mosaic through a precisely engraved grid, combining material continuity with visual richness.
Available in the Sukabumi, Marble, Sabil, and Vestige collections, Pixel demonstrates how a single geometry can transform the expression of different material concepts.
Designed for swimming pools, spas, and wellness interiors, Pixel transforms the interaction between water, light, and ceramics into surfaces of remarkable visual depth.

Pixel is born from the interaction between water, light, and ceramics. Designed for swimming pools, spas, and wellness interiors. The new format by WOW Design transforms reflections, texture, and colour into an experience defined by serenity and wellbeing.
Pixel introduces a new interpretation of the ceramic surface through a precisely engraved grid that transforms the perception of the material. Available across a selection of WOW Design collections, the new format combines the continuity of a 15×15 cm porcelain tile with the visual language of mosaic.
Although each tile is presented as a continuous surface, the engraved geometry creates small tesserae of approximately 3.5 x 3.5 cm, generating a new interaction between texture, light and colour.

The continuity of a tile. The visual richness of a mosaic.
Pixel’s precisely engraved grid brings a new dimension to the ceramic surface. In aquatic environments, the reflections and movement of water intensify this effect, enriching chromatic nuances and creating a richer perception of the material.
Designed for swimming pools, spas, wellness interiors, and other wet areas, Pixel responds to a growing demand for surfaces capable of bringing texture and visual richness to spaces shaped by water.

One format, multiple expressions.
Pixel is available in the Sukabumi, Marble, Sabil, and Vestige collections, preserving the identity of each while transforming its visual expression.
Inspired by the natural stone traditionally used in aquatic environments, Sukabumi finds a new chromatic intensity through Pixel, amplifying the vibrancy of its green tones and the movement of its reflections beneath the water. Marble translates the timeless elegance of marble into a more dynamic scale, where veins and mineral nuances acquire a renewed reading through the engraved grid.
In Sabil, the richness of the glazes and tonal variations takes centre stage, creating surfaces full of movement and nuance. Meanwhile, Vestige finds in Pixel a way to reinforce the expressive character of its textures inspired by the passage of time, enhancing both visual depth and the tactile quality of the material.
News
Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Requests Reaffirmation of Water Conservation Efficiency Standard
(Alexandria, VA.) – The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, is requesting reaffirmation of the ANSI/APSP/ICC-13 2017 American National Standard for Water Conservation Efficiency in Residential and Public Pools, Spas, Portable Spas, and Swim Spas.
As part of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) consensus development process, PHTA is conducting a public review of the existing stand and inviting interested parties to submit comments for consideration.
Following review by PHTA technical committees, the 2017 standard has been recommended for reaffirmation while a parallel revision process is underway to evaluate and address emerging issues related to drought and water conservation practices.
In accordance with ANSI procedures, the current ANSI/APSP/ICC-13 2017 standard is available for a 45-day public review period, as announced in ANSI Standards Action. The deadline to submit comments is July 28, 2026.
The public review document and additional information are available on the PHTA-13 webpage at phta.org.
For more information, please visit phta.org, email [email protected], or call (703) 838-0083.
About the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), a non-profit organization with 4,000+ members from around the world, was established in 1956 to support, promote, and protect the common interests of the $62B pool, hot tub, and spa industry. PHTA provides education, advocacy, standards development, research, and market growth initiatives to increase our members’ professionalism, knowledge, and profitability. Additionally, PHTA promotes the use of pools by expanding swimming, water safety, and related research and outreach activities aimed at introducing more people to swimming, making swimming environments safer, and keeping pools open to serve communities. For more information, visit www.phta.org.
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