1
                                                                    Exhibit 23.1
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                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


     We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No.
33-17758 of Essef Corporation on Form S-8 of our report dated November 13, 1998,
appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Essef Corporation for the year
ended September 30, 1998.





/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
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Deloitte & Touche LLP


Chardon, Ohio

December 17, 1998