The UK water leisure sector is clearly in good shape this year. The 30th anniversary edition of SPATEX has just wrapped up at the Coventry Building Society Arena, and it turned out to be the most successful edition so far. With a 14 % year on year increase in visitor numbers, the show once again confirmed its central role within the pool, spa and wellness industry.
This edition also had a strong international flavor. Major exhibitors from 13 countries and visitors from 25 different nations took part. For many international brands, SPATEX is no longer just a UK trade show. It has become a real gateway to the British market and an important meeting point for European players.
Innovation and diversity on the exhibition floor
The variety of products on display reflected how fast the market is evolving. Beyond traditional swimming pools, professionals explored new solutions for ice baths, saunas, steam rooms and advanced enclosures.
One of the highlights for many visitors was the opportunity to see equipment running in real conditions. These live demonstrations made it easier for installers and distributors to assess performance in a concrete way. According to organiser Michele Bridle, the show created a genuine feel good atmosphere that should carry into the coming season. This dynamic also reflects how strongly water leisure is now linked to health, recovery and well being trends.
A hub for professional expertise and training
SPATEX 2026 went beyond product discovery. It also played a key role as a learning platform for professionals. Seminar attendance rose by 23 % showing how strong the demand is for technical guidance and safety focused content. From sessions dedicated to commercial pool operations to CPD accredited technical workshops, the programme focused on practical know how and raising industry standards.
The Industry Hub was a new feature this year and proved to be a useful addition. Located on the show floor, it offered visitors free and impartial advice from leading trade bodies such as BSPF, SPATA and BISHTA. Experts from the Legionella Control Association and the Water Management Society also shared practical insights, reinforcing the show’s role as a reference point for professional best practice.
Networking and industry recognition
With so many key players gathered in one place, networking naturally became one of the main strengths of the event. The Gala Evening and Awards highlighted standout projects across the sector, made even more memorable by the presence of Olympic champion Anna Hopkin MBE.
The anniversary celebrations continued with a dedicated networking evening and the Bandeoke party. These more informal occasions play an important role in establishing long-term relationships and strengthening the sense of community within the sector.
The visitors perspective and the exhibitors
Feedback collected on site reflects the overall positive atmosphere of this anniversary edition. Both visitors and exhibitors highlighted the quality of exchanges, the relevance of the contacts made and the strong momentum felt across the industry.
Visitors
Pwlltec – “We thought it was a fantastic event…So many great companies to network with and innovations to discover.”
Alberto Maccatrozzo – Soprema Group – “This edition of SPATEX once again confirms the importance of this event for the UK market. The show was very positive, with genuine interest, high-quality discussions and a real openness to new ideas.”
National Pool Company – “It was great to see familiar faces, new ideas in the industry and so much passion for where the sector is heading. A brilliant event and a huge congratulations to the whole team on 30 fantastic years.”
David Page – “Really good to get out at SPATEX 2026, catch up with a few familiar faces, and meet some new ones too. The wellness space is flying right now — loads of seriously impressive products hitting the market.”
Greg David ‘The Hot Tub Guy’ – “It’s been a great day at SPATEX meeting all the industry leaders and seeing all the new products, next year we will have to do two full days so we can get to every stall, there are so many people to talk to and amazing innovators in our industry. Highly recommend going.”
Exhibitors
Barry Vorstenbosch O-Care – “I want to thank you and your team for another great SPATEX. Congratulations on your 30th birthday and thanks for taking such good care of us.”
Inducon – Robert Klinkhamer “It was our first time, and we really found it successful.”
Ada Fernandez Aquavia Spa – “SPATEX 2026 was truly exceptional. We are thrilled with the opportunities we’ve discovered and the amazing professionals we’ve met. SPATEX has opened many doors for us, and we are excited for what the future holds thanks to this event.”
Mark Osman, Heatstar – “It’s great for networking and keeping up to date with the latest industry news and is not a show to be missed.”
Chris Green, Certikin – “SPATEX 2026 once again proved why it’s such a key date in our calendar. As always, the event was exceptionally well organised, creating the perfect environment for productive conversations and giving us the opportunity to showcase our products to both existing and new customers.”
Dyfed Thompson-Smith Astralpool UK – “Thank you so much for a fantastic SPATEX 2026. I found the workshops incredibly valuable, and as always, the whole SPATEX team were brilliant — friendly, organised, and a pleasure to see. I’m already looking forward to SPATEX 2027!”
Beyond the figures and the announcements, SPATEX 2026 confirmed the positive momentum currently shaping the water leisure industry. The strong attendance, the diversity of solutions on display and the quality of professional exchanges all point to a market that continues to evolve with confidence.
For pool and spa professionals, the event remains a key moment to take the pulse of the market, identify reliable partners and stay connected to emerging trends. The next edition, scheduled for SPATEX 2027 from 2 to 4 February 2027 in Coventry, is already shaping up as another important milestone for those preparing future projects and business strategies.
