13 Jul 2026 07:00
Why Pool Pros Should Stop Ignoring Spas (and What Could Cost You Everything) with Adrian Lacey
Most pool professionals know pools.
But when a spa needs repair?
Suddenly everyone starts looking for "the spa guy."
This week on Mondays Down Under, Lee Salisbury and Nick welcome one of Australia's leading spa equipment specialists, Adrian Lacey of Spatex, for an eye-opening discussion that every pool technician, retailer, and service company needs to hear.
If you've ever avoided spa repairs because they seemed too complicated—or too risky—this episode explains why that hesitation may be costing you a profitable part of your business.
More importantly...
It explains how to do it safely.
In this episode:
- Why spas are one of the biggest untapped opportunities for pool professionals
- Common misconceptions that keep technicians away from spa service
- The importance of partnering with licensed electricians and gas fitters
- Diagnosing leaks, pumps, air controls, jets, blowers, and electronic controls
- Why replacing the wrong pump can create serious safety hazards
- Understanding hydraulic flow rates and why bigger pumps often make things worse
- Pipe sizing mistakes that dramatically reduce system performance
- Why proper plumbing layout matters more than horsepower
- The importance of flow meters instead of guessing hydraulic performance
Sacrificial Anodes Explained
Adrian also dives into one of the industry's most misunderstood topics:
- Galvanic corrosion
- Electrolytic corrosion
- Chemical corrosion
Learn:
- Why they are completely different problems
- How sacrificial zinc anodes work
- What they can—and cannot—protect
- Why every heated pool deserves consideration for corrosion protection
- Why an anode should never replace finding the actual cause of corrosion
Pool Safety That Too Many Professionals Overlook
The conversation shifts into one of the most important topics in the industry:
Safety.
Including:
- Equipotential bonding
- Electrical safety around spas
- Voltage differences and corrosion
- Why technicians should carry a non-contact voltage tester
- Suction entrapment hazards
- Ventilated skimmer requirements
- Understanding Australian Standard AS 1926.3
- When replacing equipment legally requires bringing systems up to current safety standards
Adrian shares practical advice that could help technicians avoid costly mistakes—and potentially save lives.
Plus
- Why documentation protects your business
- When you should walk away from an unsafe job
- Why staying within your qualifications protects both your customers and your livelihood
- Free technical resources available through the Spartex mobile app
- How decades of technical knowledge are being shared with the industry
Whether you service residential pools, commercial facilities, or have never touched a spa before, this episode is packed with practical advice, safety insights, and real-world experience that every pool professional can benefit from.
🎙 Guest: Adrian Lacey – Spatex
🎧 Hosted by: Lee Salisbury & Nick
📅 Series: Mondays Down Under
Listen now and discover why expanding your knowledge of spas may be one of the smartest business decisions you make this year.
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