Interview with Luis Calvo, Commercial Director of the QP Group
At the latest edition of the Piscina Barcelona trade show, the QP Group unveiled its new generation of solutions focused on automation, efficiency and operational sustainability. Luis Calvo, the company’s commercial director, makes an analysis of how the market has changed in recent years and what factors are currently driving demand: less manual intervention, greater system integration and measurable results in terms of water consumption and stability. Advanced electrolysis, high-performance robotics, efficient filtration and newly formulated chemistry reflect a stage of technological maturity where maintenance is smarter and more predictable. He explains that the industry is moving towards solutions that are connected, durable and aligned with an increasingly demanding regulatory framework.
Since the 2023 edition of Piscina Barcelona to the one held a few months ago, how has the water treatment market evolved and what changes in demand have you seen at the QP Group?
The market has evolved towards more stable, efficient and automated approaches. The customer is looking for less manual intervention, more control and more reliability. Individuals and professionals alike want products that reduce the pool’s overall cost and ensure consistent water quality. In our case, we have seen clear progress in electrolysis, automation and technologies that simplify maintenance.
Which product categories are now setting the trend?
In 2023, we can point to growth in chemistry and electrolysis. Right now the trends are in connected automation systems, high-performance robots and optimised filtration. In addition, speciality chemicals and metal-free multifunctional formulations are gaining ground, which contribute to improved consumption.
Sustainability continues to gain prominence in the industry. What specific advances has the QP Group implemented to cut down on the environmental impact of both chemicals and equipment?
Sustainability has gone from being a business case to an industry requirement. At the QP Group we have made strides in more concentrated formulations that are free of heavy metals, thus reducing packaging and improving its recyclability. We have also optimised our equipment ranges with more efficient pumps, extremely durable cells and robots with minimum consumption. The aim is clear: reduce waste, improve efficiency and extend product service life.
End-users are becoming increasingly demanding in terms of energy efficiency and automation. How is the QP Group meeting this demand with new solutions, especially in robotics, electrolysis and filtration?
Users are seeking out truly automated equipment with lower energy consumption. To meet demand, we have bolstered our range of robots, with more accurate and reliable models; developed electrolysis systems with remote control and advanced pH and ORP integration; and improved our filtration portfolio for more stable and sustainable operation.
Your brand Quimicamp Piscinas is a consolidated leader in Spain. What lines of chemical innovation is your R&D department working on?
Quimicamp Piscinas maintains its leading position in chemical treatments, and our R&D is focused on cleaner formulations, preventive products that promote water stability and developments compatible with automatic systems, electrolysis and domotic solutions. The aim is for chemistry to complement technology and reinforce its effectiveness.
Looking ahead, what would you say are the industry’s main challenges in terms of regulation, water quality and new consumer trends, and how is the QP Group preparing to face them?
The main challenges are linked to new biocide regulations, the need to standardise water quality parameters and a consumer demand for more intuitive and intelligent equipment. To stay ahead of the curve, we are strengthening our sustainable development, expanding our automation portfolio and collaborating with technology partners to stay ahead of upcoming requirements.
How would you define your experience at the last edition of the show?
The most recent edition of Piscina Barcelona reflected a more mature industry clearly oriented towards efficiency and automation. There was a real advance in technology, less “fireworks” and a much more practical focus on energy consumption solutions, advanced electrolysis and robotics. Increased regulatory pressure was also noted, which manufacturers are beginning to take on more confidently. Overall, the level of the brands and the professionalism of the stands was high, and the visitor profile was more technical and selective. All in all, a useful fair, with good content and a clear indication of where the industry is heading in the coming years.
Cristina Benavides
Piscina Barcelona Contributor
