News
Newsletter
The latest edition of the ‘Coverline’ Newsletter is available below, along with previous editions which you might find some useful water saving information in.
If you would prefer a hard copy, please contact us and request to be placed on the mailing list.
- Edition 52 - Autumn 2007 *Latest*
- Edition 51 - Winter 2006
- Edition 50 - Autumn 2006
- Edition 49 - Summer 2005/2006
- Edition 48 - Spring 2005
- Edition 47
- Edition 46
- Edition 45
- Edition 44
- Edition 43
Media Releases
Brisbane: 1 June, 2007
Pool covers winning the water saving race
SEQ Pool owners have 30 days left to have the required 3 out of 4 water saving devices in place. For pool owners, the most effective of these measures is the pool cover or floating blanket. It is estimated that a massive 60,000 Litres a year – around a 160 litres a day - can be lost via evaporation in a standard backyard pool. Of course, evaporation is affected by many things, such as shade, wind and temperature change, so some pools will lose less than the average, while others lose substantially more.
Brisbane company ABGAL Liners & Covers have recently had their range of solar pool blankets tested to the international standard ASTM E96-2000, and found that their 400 micron pool cover reduced evaporation by a massive 99.84%. When you discover facts like these, you have to wonder why pool covers are not mandatory.
Not only are pool covers the most effective water saving measure, with the Queensland Government’s current rebate scheme, they are also one of the more affordable options. Made in Brisbane, the 400 micron ABGAL Oasis Solar Blanket prevents up to 99.84% of evaporation, and comes with a 5 year warranty. To cover an average, 7.9x 3.9 metre pool (without rebates) would cost just $390 – and with the $200 government rebate, a pool can be covered with a high quality, locally made blanket for less than $200. Many people spend more than that each year on pool chemicals alone.
A pool blanket will not only save thousands of litres of water, but hundreds of dollars too. Chemical consumption is reduced by around 50%, as is maintenance time, with the blanket forming a barrier against leaves and debris. Even without rebates, a pool blanket is a cost effective water saving device, and will literally pay for itself within a very short period – often in under 12 months.
It is understood that the majority of pool owners choosing not to cover their pools are doing so because they believe that covers are difficult to use. “While a floating pool blanket may look cumbersome, they are actually very light, and used in conjunction with a roller system, they can easily be removed and replaced by one person. My eight year old daughter regularly operates ours” said Garry Long, Managing Director of ABGAL Liners & Covers. Ends.
Brisbane: 17 October 2006
Pool covers and shower heads the key to water saving
The Queensland Water Commission’s decision to make pool covers an option for pool owners using town water may be a welcome reprieve for some pool owners, however the water saving benefits of pool covers should not be ignored, according to pool firm Abgal.
“Installing internal fixtures like dual flush toilets may be perceived as a cheaper option, but when you consider the actual water savings, it’s pool covers and shower heads that come out on top,” said Abgal spokesperson, Garry Long.
“There is concrete proof that pool covers do reduce evaporation and save around 60,000 litres of evaporated water a year or more. That’s the equivalent of a whole pool full. Abgal have recently had their range of covers tested to the international standard ASTM E96-2000 which found their 400 micron pool cover reduced evaporation by a massive 99.84%. These facts cannot be ignored."
“Certain shower heads are equally efficient, saving in the region of 60,000 to 130,000 litres a year. This is much more than what a dual flush toilet for example can save.
Queensland Water Commission has this week announced that all pool owners using town water will need to comply with three of four water saving devices that include a pool cover, dual flush toilet, four star water-rated washing machine and water saving shower head.
Abgal would ideally like to see pool covers, water saving shower heads and dual flush toilets as all compulsory water saving measures. “Most homes already have dual flush toilets. Shower heads and pool covers are easily obtainable and with the council rebate scheme, they are now affordable.”
Abgal believes there is still too much incorrect information being provided to pool owners about pool covers and wants to educate consumers on their uses and benefits.
“The main misconceptions are that pool covers are just good leaf catchers and also difficult to fit over odd shaped pools. These are incorrect. In fact there are massive benefits to installing a pool cover, in addition to huge water savings.”
These additional benefits include retaining more heat and therefore being able to extend your swimming season by up to 3 months, using up to 50% fewer chemicals, keeping the pool clear of debris, reducing pool heating costs by up to 50%, and keeping un-wanted ducks out of the water.
Garry believes the industry can keep up with the demand for pool covers.
“We are yet to see the full demand for pool covers as we are not yet at Level 4 restrictions, but I know the industry has already geared up their production. Some companies like ours have begun stock piling covers in readiness for Level 4 and I have confidence the industry as a whole can maintain supply of pool covers.” Ends.
Splasher Liner Update
Due to a low demand for this size, we have removed the LS1510 Oval Splasher liner from our range. We do have 0.5 mm liners available for this size with Light Blue in stock and all colours available. We are consolidating the LS1536H liner to become suitable for both 36” and 42” deep pools and so will be stocking only the LS1542H code to suit both pools.
Available Splasher liners for this season will be LS1024H, LS1236H & LS1542H.
Freight Fuel Surcharge
Due to increased oil prices, we have been forced by the freight companies to pass on their Freight Fuel Surcharge to all freight prices.
This surcharge is around 4.9% on freight only. Thank you for your understanding.
Leafstop Pool Covers
The Leafstop Pool Cover is available in many sizes. The newly designed Leafstop Pool Cover now has an external stretch cord that is easily attached to pools with timber decking or around ladders and other fixtures. The Leafstop Pool Cover comes in its own colourful packaging and is available at all leading pool retailers. Ask for it by name – ABGAL’s Leafstop Pool Cover!
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KD Style Pools
Leafstop Pool Covers are available for KD style pools and can be easily fastened.
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Fastening Method To fasten a Leafstop Pool cover to a KD style pool, you will need a 20 - 32mm worm drive clamp and a lashing hook placed on the support bars as shown in the photo. These can be placed on every second support as a minimum and just loop the stretch cord under the hook to hold the cover in place. The hooks are available from Clark Rubber or Simonson Australia. |