See How Waterlink Is Challenging Norms

In a time when rising material costs and global supply chain pressures are forcing many in the pool and aquatic industry to increase prices, Waterlink Equipment Pty Ltd is heading in the opposite direction.

Rather than passing costs onto customers, the Australian-owned company is doubling down on local manufacturing — and delivering smarter, more cost-effective solutions as a result.

Under the leadership of Managing Director Craig O’Neill, Waterlink has shifted more of its core production processes in-house, including circuit board manufacturing and system assembly. The result is better control over quality, faster turnaround times, and, crucially, lower costs.

“We’ve always believed in doing things differently,” says O’Neill. “By moving key manufacturing processes to our Carrum Downs facility, we’ve been able to reduce reliance on offshore suppliers, eliminate third-party mark-ups, and create more flexible, responsive systems for our customers.”

The shift is already paying off. Waterlink has been able to bring the cost down on one of its major product lines — a move made possible by efficiencies, not compromises. In an industry where prices are trending upwards, it’s a refreshing change.

Waterlink’s diverse product range includes chlorine generators, chemical controllers, UV and AOP disinfection systems, and mechanical sub-boards designed to automate complex plant room operations. The company is also the exclusive Australian distributor for French-made Syclope chemical controllers, offering access to world-leading water treatment tech.

One of Waterlink’s standout offerings is the Synergy system, which combines the proven benefits of ozone and UV disinfection. When paired with the Envirogen salt chlorinator, the system delivers outstanding water clarity while reducing chemical use — an increasingly important consideration for high-traffic aquatic facilities such as leisure centres and swim schools.

In addition to sanitation, Waterlink has expanded its capabilities in automation and control, developing custom mechanical sub-boards that manage filtration, backwashing, and other critical functions. With these now being built entirely in-house, the company can offer a fully Australian-made system at a significantly reduced cost compared to imported alternatives.

“Operators today are under pressure to do more with less,” says O’Neill. “We’re seeing growing demand for automated systems that not only improve efficiency, but also help reduce operational costs and downtime. Our ability to build these systems locally gives us an edge — and it gives our clients better value.”

For Waterlink, the decision to invest in local production isn’t just about responding to today’s challenges. It’s a long-term strategy built around resilience, sustainability, and delivering value where it counts.

“We’re proud to show that Australian manufacturers can compete with — and in many cases outperform — international options,” O’Neill adds. “It’s not just about making things cheaper; it’s about building better, smarter systems that are fit for our conditions.”

With national demand growing, Waterlink is well-placed to support facilities across Australia looking for high-quality, Australian-made solutions that don’t come with the usual price tag. And for organisations planning upgrades or new builds, it’s worth exploring how these local efficiencies can stretch your budget further.

As the industry continues to evolve, Waterlink is proving that innovation, quality, and cost-efficiency can go hand in hand — and that going local isn’t just a patriotic choice, it’s a practical one too.