Chris Hayes, Managing Director of the British Swimming Pool Federation (BSPF), provides Eurospapoolnews readers with a comprehensive update on developments in the UK wet leisure sector over the past year. From technological advancements to shifts in consumer priorities and evolving sustainability practices, the UK's wet leisure industry has experienced significant transformation.

Strengthening the Wet Leisure Industry through Global, European, and Domestic Collaboration

Chris Hayes delves into the challenges and opportunities that have shaped the sector, highlighting key milestones and initiatives undertaken by the BSPF and its members. He also offers insights into the Federation's strategic vision for the future, including planned initiatives for 2025. He underscores the critical role of collaboration within the industry and with external stakeholders to ensure continued growth and innovation.

The BSPF: a key role for the Wet Leisure Industry

The wet leisure industry continues to evolve at an exciting pace, driven by innovative technologies, shifting consumer priorities, and a growing appreciation for health and wellness. The BSPF is pivotal in fostering growth, sustainability, and excellence at the heart of the UK's wet leisure sector. Through its key members, the Swimming Pool and Allied Trades Association (SPATA) and the British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association (BISHTA), there is promotion of industry standards and provision of invaluable guidance to ensure continued success and innovation.

Since its establishment in 1999, the BSPF has grown and developed as the umbrella organisation for industry entities, including SPATA, BISHTA, SPATEX (the UK's wet leisure trade exhibition), and Pool Industry Promotions (PIP). Governed by a board of representatives and led by President Dyfed Thompson-Smith, the federation's dedicated team in Andover works tirelessly to support businesses and professionals across the sector. The BSPF's strategic vision prioritises innovation, collaboration, and excellence, achieved through a blend of domestic initiatives and international partnerships.

Dyfed THOMPSON-SMITH, BSPF President

Precious partnerships with WAPSA and EUSA

A key aspect of the BSPF's strategy is its active involvement with the World Alliance of Pool and Spa Associations (WAPSA) and its membership of the European Union of Swimming Pool and Spa Associations (EUSA). These collaborations provide essential platforms for exchanging best practice, analysing trends, and influencing global and European standards. The BSPF ensures its members remain competitive in an interconnected market by aligning the UK wet leisure sector with international advancements.

Participation in WAPSA offers members insights into global trends and emerging technologies, while EUSA's continental expertise helps UK businesses adapt to evolving European regulations, standards, and consumer demands. BSPF Managing Director Chris Hayes highlights the importance of these partnerships: "Our collaborations with WAPSA and EUSA are vital to ensuring the UK wet leisure industry remains competitive and innovative. These partnerships allow us to bring our members the best knowledge from around the world, helping our members to continually raise their game to deliver exceptional service to their customers."

Bronze medal in the 2023 EUSA Awards, 'Domestic Pools with an Automatic cover' category: XL Pools|UK

The growing appeal for well-being 

The industry's growth is fuelled by increasing consumer interest in wellness and the transformative role of technology. Hot tubs, spas, swimming pools and wellness are increasingly seen as essential to a healthy lifestyle, promoting physical health, mental wellbeing, and social connections. Technological advancements, such as automated pool cleaning systems, app-controlled water monitoring and energy management tools, enhance user experience while improving efficiency.

Sustainability: at the heart of strategies

Sustainability is another central focus for the BSPF President Dyfed Thompson-Smith, who emphasises the Federation's commitment to supporting businesses in adopting eco-friendly practices and reducing their respective carbon footprint. "Sustainability remains a central focus," he notes, "with a commitment to developing long-term strategies that enable stakeholders to meet and exceed environmental standards." This includes promoting renewable resources and energy-efficient technologies, ensuring the industry complies with current regulations and setting new benchmarks for the future.

The potential of AI

Integrating artificial intelligence and data-driven decision-making is also gaining traction within the wet leisure sector. Dyfed Thompson-Smith underscores the importance of exploring AI-driven efficiencies in business operations: "We need to collaborate with stakeholders to unlock the potential within the AI and data ecosystem, ensuring UK businesses remain at the forefront of innovation."

Access to normative resources and training

The BSPF's efforts extend to empowering its members through resources and training. Members of BISHTA and SPATA benefit from exclusive access to industry standards, safety guidelines, and supplements, all housed in the dedicated online Members' Hubs. These resources, advocacy initiatives, and enhanced training opportunities enable businesses to implement cutting-edge solutions and deliver exceptional value.

Safety and environmental standards are key pillars of the BSPF's mission. By working closely with WAPSA and EUSA, the Federation ensures that UK businesses align with international regulatory frameworks, while amplifying the industry's global influence. This enables companies to develop products and services that meet the highest standards, fostering trust and innovation.

Cold water immersion under the microscope

Recognising the growing interest in water immersion for health and wellbeing, the BSPF is also investigating the potential advantages of cold-water immersion, working collaboratively with partners to establish research and development, to substantiate the benefits of cold (and warm) water immersion further. Collaborations are being developed through working with Coventry University and the University of Portsmouth, which aim to provide groundbreaking research on the specific benefits of water leisure products to help futureproof the industry.

With the support of the BSPF, BISHTA has spearheaded an industry subgroup focused on producing comprehensive guidance on cold water immersion. During 2024, the subgroup worked on producing industry guidance for cold water immersion products, with this eagerly anticipated document planned for publication in early 2025, providing valuable insights for industry professionals. This effort is complemented by consumer-friendly cold water immersion factsheets, already available on the BISHTA website.

The British Pool and Hot Tub Awards Gala at SPATEX 2025

To highlight the developments and achievements of its members, SPATA and BISHTA host the annual British Pool and Hot Tub Awards, showcasing excellence in construction, design, installation, retail, hire, service, and innovation. These prestigious awards are the longest-running and most esteemed in our field, offering unparalleled marketing opportunities for members. The awards ceremony took place during SPATEX hosted by the BSPF at the Wet Leisure Industry Gala Evening. This glamorous evening is the highlight of the industry calendar, bringing together professionals, visionaries, and enthusiasts to honour outstanding achievements and enjoy an unforgettable night of networking and celebration.  

For some lucky winners, they will also be shortlisted for the 2025 European Pool and Spa Awards, hosted by EUSA. These awards are held at one of the European shows and in 2025, they will be hosted in Barcelona.

SPATEX is an essential platform, shining a spotlight centre stage on the UK wet leisure industry.  As with many exhibitions around the World, SPATEX's primary purpose is to promote trade and offer networking opportunities. The quality of the exhibition stands has continued to increase, leading to a better and bigger show and enhancing the experience for visitors.

New associations join the educational programme

The education programme is unparalleled, and for the first time at SPATEX, the IOS (Institute of Swimming) will be joined by RLSS UK (Royal Life Saving Society), ISPE (Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers) and STA (Swimming Teachers' Association) for a series of hands-on workshops and speaker panels - all aimed at the commercial pool operator, covering essential topics such as operational procedure compliance, pool safety and advanced filtration.

As the industry (via the BSPF) owns the show, the profits raised from SPATEX are ploughed back into supporting the promotion of the wet leisure sector and new initiatives in the UK. The SPATEX Foundation continues to assist with targeted funding in categories such as Training, Education, Research, Sponsorship and Charitable donations.

The multidimensional approach of the BSPF for a stronger Industry

The BSPF, alongside its members SPATA and BISHTA, is dedicated to advancing Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) within the wet leisure sector. In 2024, they established a dedicated EDI working group comprising industry professionals to identify challenges and opportunities, develop best practices, and foster an inclusive culture encouraging innovation and growth. This group has been instrumental in creating the BSPF EDI policy, adopted by SPATA and BISHTA, and launching a pilot EDI training course to provide practical insights for workplace implementation. Through these initiatives, the BSPF and its associations strive to ensure fair representation, address barriers to inclusion, and celebrate the diverse backgrounds that contribute to the industry's strength.

 EDI training course

In summary, the strength of the UK wet leisure industry comes from the BSPF's multifaceted approach, which empowers its members to thrive in a dynamic and competitive market, and acknowledges those companies that are not members. By aligning local practices with global trends, fostering innovation, and championing sustainability, the Federation continues to elevate the UK wet leisure industry. Through advocacy, partnerships, and educational initiatives, the BSPF ensures its members are well-equipped to succeed while driving progress across the sector.