Thinking BIG starts at SPATEX 2026
This special 30th anniversary SPATEX isn’t just the UK’s BIGGEST water leisure showcase, in continuing its quest to offer the UK’s most up-to-the-minute and authoritative guidance in the management of water leisure facilities, the 2026 event has its best double seminar programme to date. Just released, the comprehensive programme features 42 talks by leading industry experts, many of them new to SPATEX, and it’s all FREE!
Arena 1
Over the course of the show’s three days, 21 CPD-accredited ISPE (Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers) Technical Workshops will be delivered. This year sees an even greater variety of topics with something for everyone, from architects, pool builders and retailers to leisure centre managers and holiday park owners. On average, over 300 CPD certificates are handed out each year.
Here’s a taste:
• Tuesday 13.45 Practical AI For The Pool Industry
• Tuesday 14.20 – Essential for all water leisure retailers – latest Home Office Guidance On ThePoisons Act, highlighting your legal obligations and resources available.
• Wednesday 10.50 – An Introduction to Designing Swimming Pool Ventilation Systems.
• Wednesday 15.00 – Modern Pool & Backyard lighting – efficiency, control and design.
• Thursday 10.50 – Swimming Pool Trends in 2026
Two research projects, funded by the SPATEX Foundation, report on the headline findings that have relevance for all the industry:
• Thursday 12.20 – Portsmouth University – study into use of hot tub tubs to improve older adult health
• Thursday 13.00 – Coventry University – study into the health benefits of ice baths and cold plunge pools.
Arena 2
Twenty-one talks in total – as diverse as they are knowledgeable. Here’s a sample:
• Tuesday 10.15 and 10.50 – The STA (Swimming Teachers Association), will be giving keynote talks on Legionella and Hidden Risks in Pools, Spas and Water Features.
• Tuesday 13.30 – 15.30 Pool Plant Theatre – a collaboration calling on the specialist knowledge of STA, ISPE, RLSS UK (Royal Life Saving Society UK), IoS (Institute of Swimming), and CBA (Chemical Business Association). Designed for leisure centre managers, it covers topics such as the latest thinking on Cryptosporidium prevention; saving energy and water with the pool water recovery system; designing small swim school pools, plus much more.
• Wednesday 10.00 – 14.00 five Pool Plant Theatre talks
• Wednesday 15.00 – Digital Logging Insights: Analysing Trends in Pool Tests & Checks
• Thursday 10.15 – 12.40 – PWTAG Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group will be giving a series of talks including Temporary Pools – What You Need to Know
• Thursday 13.00 – BSPF – How Working with Colleagues Around the World Helps Companies in the UK
Visit www.spatex.co.uk for details of the full programme.
Bring your questions, plans and ideas!
SPATEX enjoys the support of numerous industry organisations and in 2026 this goes one step further with the launch of a new initiative called the Industry Hub. This sees PWTAG (Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group), STA, RLSS UK, IoS, and the BSPF’s (British Swimming Pool Federation) SPATA (Swimming Pool & Allied Trade Association) and BISHTA (British & Irish Spa & Hot Tub Association) allgrouped on one stand (adjacent to seminar Arena 2).
Plus, the LCA (Legionella Control Association) and WMSoc (Water Management Society) will also be out in force, with speakers from LCA giving keynote talks in Arena 1.
SPATEX provides 2,000 free car parking spaces for its visitors at Coventry Building Society Arena – centrally located, it is within two-hour drive time of 75 per cent of the population.
Register for free here: www.spatex.co.uk
