Dorchester pool company scoops handful of national awards

Swimming pool and hot tub experts Cresta Leisure, based in Dorchester, is celebrating after receiving no less than seven national awards.

The company was recognised in seven categories at the British Pool & Hot Tub Awards, hosted by SPATA (Swimming Pool and Allied Trade Association) and BISHTA (British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association).

Highlighting the cream of the crop, the awards spotlight companies striving for the best, working to trade association standards and an industry-recognised code of ethics, distinguishing themselves as high-calibre professionals within their field, and helping to raise standards for the industry.

These awards not only recognise companies for their superior work, celebrating both the technical and aesthetic aspects, but they also create an inspirational gallery of award-winning projects for consumers to view, in the knowledge that as trade association members, every company is expected to work to British and European standards, and to trade ethically.

The ceremony is annually held as part of the industry gala evening, hosted by the BSPF (British Swimming Pool Federation) at the Coventry Building Society Arena in the West Midlands, during SPATEX, the UK's only dedicated international pool, spa and wellness show.

Phil Oldershaw hosted the night, and presenting this year's awards were BSPF president Pete Grinnall; SPATA chairman Ben Studdy; and BISHTA chairman Dorian Davies.

Special guest of honour was Keri-anne Payne, a South African-born British swimmer specialising in marathon open water swimming and long-distance freestyle swimming in the pool.

She is a two-time 10-kilometre open water world champion and an Olympic silver medallist.

SPATA member Cresta Leisure, based in Dorchester, won the following SPATA Awards at the 2023 British Pool & Hot Tub Awards ceremony:

Commercial Pool of the Year (GOLD STANDARD)
Residential Outdoor Liner Pools £75,000 and Over (GOLD STANDARD & SILVER STANDARD)
Residential Outdoor Liner Pools under £75,000 (SILVER STANDARD & SILVER STANDARD)
Residential Indoor Freeboard Pools under £150,000 (SILVER STANDARD)
Refurbishment Pool of the Year (SILVER STANDARD)
Wellness (SILVER STANDARD)
Paul Kite Award for Pool Star of the Year (WINNER) – Chris Davies

Simon Bareham, from Cresta Leisure, commented: "Established in 1986, Cresta Leisure is a family-run firm with a wealth of experience and expertise.

"We pride ourselves as a multi-award-winning company that puts our heart into every project. We are tremendously proud to be recognised again this year with these national awards from SPATA.

"It is also fantastic that Chris has been recognised for his dedication with the Pool Star of the Year Award.

"Since joining the company 18 months ago, he has been a self-starter, keen to learn on the job and get training at various opportunities.

"He has become an integral part of Cresta, and we celebrate his achievements."

Chris Davies, of Cresta Leisure, commented on winning the Pool Star of the Year Award: "It is great to be recognised with this national industry award from SPATA, and to be nominated by Simon makes me enormously proud.

"Pool Star of the Year is an award I will cherish."

Before entries are submitted to the technical experts and specialist panel of judges from the pool and hot tub industry, all entries are reviewed for their technical merit to assess whether each entry meets industry standards, as a minimum requirement.

With 32 categories to be contested, this year's winning and highly commended entries demonstrate the breadth of talent and commitment to quality and service in the industry.

Supporting the 2023 British Pool & Hot Tub Awards, partners and sponsors included: Adtrak, AstralPool UK, Calorex, Certikin, Complete Pool Controls, Fairlocks Pool Products, Complete Spas, Golden Coast part of Pollet Pool Group, Heatstar, HTH T/A Innovative Water Care, SPN, Jacuzzi, Nsure, OASE, Plastica, Sprayed Concrete Solutions and What Pool & Hot Tub Magazine.

For more information on Cresta Leisure, visit www.cresta-leisure.co.uk or call 01305 259253.

Editors Notes:

Further images are available on request.

SIMON BAREHAM - [email protected]

Cresta Leisure Ltd

Railway Triangle

Poundbury Road

Dorchester

Dorset

DT1 2PJ

T: 01305 259253

E: [email protected]