The newly renovated public swimming pool in Martigny, Switzerland, will celebrate its reopening on Thursday, June 19, 2025. The project placed a particular focus on the pool’s energy efficiency and safety. Due to local conditions, our isola cover, including the roll-up device, was brought to the site by helicopter. Alexander Schüpbach, Sales Manager at hsb, talks about the challenges and special features of this joint project in the interview.

Lisa Gebhardt (LG): Alex, you are the sales manager for Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein at HSB, one of the leading manufacturers of stainless steel swimming pools. Could you briefly outline your responsibilities on this project and explain how you collaborated with BAC?

Alexander Schüpbach (AS): I primarily work with clients, mostly cities and municipalities, during the preliminary project phase. I help them select materials, plan new buildings and determine how existing structures can be renovated. I contribute my theoretical expertise and prepare all the necessary internal steps so that the administration, construction team and potential project managers can build on this foundation.

LG: For a project of this magnitude — we’re talking about a 50 x 17.14 metre pool — how long does it take from the initial idea to opening day?

AS: The construction work itself takes around eight months. However, the preliminary project phase begins two to three years earlier, typically before the official tender process begins. Thanks to our many years of experience — now spanning more than 50 years — we are often involved at an early stage, either through architects and specialist planners or through our networks with local authorities and municipalities. It often starts with a phone call: ‘Take a look at this; we’re planning something.’ This is followed by initial budget estimates, and the project develops step by step until it is ready for technical implementation.

LG: What challenges do you encounter most frequently—perhaps also in this project?

AS: The biggest challenge was preserving the existing pool geometry and architectural design while bringing it up to today’s technical standards. This applies to the thermal insulation of the pool walls, for example, and to all safety-related aspects, in terms of both standards and use by pool staff. They will later have to maintain and move around in the pool, and may occasionally have to rescue swimmers. There are so many things that have to be taken into account in the project.

LG: BAC pool systems was also involved in this project. How did the collaboration work?

AS: The collaboration was, as always, very close and professional. BAC installed the Isola cover, complete with a matching roll-up device and corresponding depot flaps. Due to the size of the system, the delivery was carried out by helicopter — a logistical masterpiece. This once again demonstrated how well our partnership works.

LG: How long have you been working with BAC, and how would you describe the collaboration?

AS: I have been working with BAC ever since I joined HSB seven and a half years ago. Over the years, our collaboration has grown closer and closer. What I particularly appreciate is the team’s professionalism. Communication lines are short and coordination is quick, for example via a short phone call or a photo of the construction progress. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship based on trust. That’s exactly what makes a good partnership.

LG: Alex, I really appreciate our chat and I’m glad things are going well on the construction site. Keep up the good work until the reopening!