The water leisure industry is alive and well!  Registering a 14 per cent year-on-year increase in visitor attendance for the recent 30^th anniversary edition of SPATEX - the UK's only dedicated water leisure exhibition recorded its highest number of exhibitors and visitors at its Coventry Building Society venue.

Exhibitors from 13 nations and visitors from 25 countries

It was a truly international show - attracting big-name exhibiting companies from 13 nations and visitors from 25 countries, including 114 from Europe. It illustrates just how far SPATEX has progressed in its quest to be recognised as a gateway to the lucrative UK market for Europe and the rest of the world. The stands were busy with visitors viewing the vast array of latest 'must-have' innovations for swimming pools, ice baths, spas, saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, enclosures and swim spas (many of the displays were water-filled and in operation). Indeed, the diversity of the exhibits was as great as their number. 

SPATEX Organiser, Michele Bridle, whose 26^th edition this was, says: "This show proved to be the highlight of my career, not just in terms of the impressive number of visitors and exhibitors it attracted, but also the buzz and the feel good factor that it generated and which promises to carry the industry through the forthcoming pool and spa season. 
"The vibrant 2026 edition demonstrates just how embedded water leisure has become in 21st century life, and its influence and importance are ever-expanding in this increasingly health-conscious world we live in. 
"As an Organiser, when twelve months of preparation comes down to just three show days, it is gratifying to see the industry's overwhelmingly positive response and be rewarded with such a fantastic turnout of 1,742 unique visitors."  

Not just a showcase, SPATEX's very popular seminar programme, with leading industry speakers addressing current issues and giving vital health and safety guidance, also recorded an impressive increase in attendance figures - up 23% to 737. This included a highly informative Pool Plant Theatre for commercial pool operators plus the ever-popular CPD accredited ISPE (Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers) technical workshops.

New for 2026, the Industry Hub was well received, seeing a constant footfall throughout the three days of the show. Conveniently situated on one stand, visitors were able to receive a wealth of free, impartial advice from the BSPF (British Swimming Pool Federation) representing SPATA (Swimming Pool & Allied Trades Association) and BISHTA (British & Irish Spa & Hot Tub Association), RLSS UK (Royal Life Saving Society UK), IOS (Institute of Swimming), PWTAG (Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group) and STA (Swimming Teachers Association).

The Industry Hub with the stand of the associations

The LCA (Legionella Control Association) and WMSoc (Water Management Society) also brought their expertise to the table, giving keynote talks in the seminar arenas. 
With the who's who of water leisure gathered under one roof, networking was to the fore. The BSPF hosted an entertaining Wet Leisure Industry Gala Evening & Awards, highlighting exemplary projects and honouring winners who continue to raise industry standards and deliver exceptional results. This year's ceremony was made even more special by the presence of the Guest of Honour, Anna Hopkin MBE, Olympic champion and one of Great Britain's most accomplished sprint swimmers. 

Dorian Davies, New BSPF President

The following evening, SPATEX hosted a special anniversary edition of the now famous SPATEX Networking Party. Visitors and exhibitors enjoyed challenging and cheering on colleagues with a variety of interactive games and fantastic prizes. With the night still young, the fun continued with a Bandeoke Curry Night, with many taking to the stage, complete with a lively audience providing an exuberant support act. 

2026 British Pool & Hot Tub Awards Winners with Anna Hopkin (at the left)

Here's just a few of the many glowing visitor and exhibitor testimonials SPATEX received:
Visitor Pwlltec - "We thought it was a fantastic event...So many great companies to network with and innovations to discover."
Visitor 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."

Gala Awards Dinner

Visitor 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."
Visitor 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."

Katerina Vasak (EuroSpaPoolNews) and Chris Hayes, Managing Director of the BSPF

Visitor 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."
Exhibitor 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."
Exhibitor Inducon - Robert Klinkhamer "It was our first time, and we really found it successful."
Exhibitor 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."
Exhibitor 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."
Exhibitor 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."
Exhibitor 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 was brilliant -- friendly, organised, and a pleasure to see. I'm already looking forward to SPATEX 2027!"

Here are some of the stands present at SPATEX 2026:

EMEC stand

Bullfrog Spas stand

Certikin (Fluidra) stand

Aquavia Spa stand

Ocea UK and DEL stand

Alukov stand

Fairlocks stand

Heatstar stand

ITS Europe stand

Poolex stand

Lovibond stand

Speck stand

Katerina Vasak, Angela Herrmann (Behncke) and Anaïs Pasco (Wybotics)

Special UK magazine was at SPATEX 2026

SAVE THE DATE: Emboldened by the success of the 30^th anniversary show, the 31^st edition of SPATEX will be back bigger and even better in 2027 - Tuesday 2nd to Thursday 4th February. Coventry Building Society Arena.