Aquatics International articles from June 2004

Aquatics International archives from June 2004

Thinking about the unthinkable.(From The Editor)(Editorial)
June 1, 2004... Suction entrapment is one of those subjects few of us like to think about. Though it happens more rarely than drownings, it is no less deadly and far more violent in the way it takes its victims. We've all heard harrowing stories about...

Alcohol/guard problem runs deep.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2004... I was very interested in the article in the April 2004 issue on the incidence of alcohol-induced impairment among lifeguards. Upon reading it, I had the impression that the authors felt the issues listed were rarely addressed or acknowledged by...

ORP probe claims questioned.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2004... In the April 2004 issue is a column by Lin and Rouse called "All Fouled Up." It is a very appropriate title because it contains some fundamental errors. Some time ago, Drs. Lachocki and Lin published an article that aimed to prove that ORP...

What makes a pool fast.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2004... I always read your magazine cover to cover. I would like to expound on your article "The Fast Pool Explained" (April 2004). There are a number of other significant factors that make for a fast pool: * Shape Having no right angles or corners...

Remembering Counsilman.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2004... James "Doc" Counsilman was always thinking. He studied swim strokes like nobody before or since. He explored why some swimmers were better than others and ignored studying their achievements. He looked at swimmers to see how they swam and then...

Olympic swimwear makes waves.(Newsroom)
June 1, 2004... Coming soon to a television set near you: rippling bodies clad in sleek, space-age metallic bodysuits, masked in goggles, poised like lurking shadows. Comic book superheroes? Not quite. These muscle-bound marvels are Olympic swimming...

Study suggests marked decline in swimming.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Swimming as a leisure activity is on the wane, according to an annual study conducted by the National Sporting Goods Association. The study represents a sampling of 20,000 households and shows that swimming, previously ranked the second most...

Lawsuit challenges waivers.(SwimWest Family Fitness Center)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... The Wisconsin Supreme Court well consider a wrongful death lawsuit that challenges liability waivers used by many aquatics facilities. The case involves Dr. Charis Wilson, who drowned at SwimWest Family Fitness Center in Madison while...

Ill-fated Russian waterpark reopens.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Just 2 1/2 months after a roof collapse killed 28 people, the Transvaal Waterpark has reopened. The park reopened despite the protests of the victims' families and a Moscow public prosecutor. A park spokesman said he didn't think reopening the...

USLA and NOAA team up.(Newsroom)(United States Lifesaving Association)(National and Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... In an unprecedented effort to combat the No. 1 cause of drowning at ocean beaches, the United States Lifesaving Association and the National and Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have teamed up to educate and warn the public about the...

ASTM to update waterpark standards.(Newsroom)(American Society for Testing and Materials)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... After years of scattered, inconsistent local guidelines, a new set of unified waterpark and water playground safety standards are ready for approval this October that promise to decrease injuries and illnesses--and gain national acceptance. ...

Adapting techniques: how adaptive aquatics can make dollars and sense.(Bottom Line)(Fairfax County Park Authority serves mentally retarded persons)
June 1, 2004... Good access is good business. The Fairfax County, Va., Park Authority's adapted aquatics program serves some 800 adults and children with physical or mental disabilities annually. Classes range from learn-to-swim to multiple sclerosis water...

New media: straight talk about what zeolites will and won't do as a filter medium.(Tech Talk)
June 1, 2004... Zeolites, those minerals mined from natural sources or manmade products, have been around for a long time. Cat litter, the ion-exchangers in water softeners, green-sand filters for drinking water... there are literally thousands of...

The gold standard: despite a missing roof, and lagging renovations, the 2004 Olympic aquatics complex may be the best in the world.(appreciation of Olympic Aquatic Centre in Athens)
June 1, 2004... Sit high up on the freshly painted, newly erected spectator stands, squint down into the blue jewels reflecting off the bright Mediterranean sun, and you can already feel the competitive energy pulsating through the breezy arena. Listen...

Avoiding the trap: suction entrapment is an emotional issue fraught with frightening stories and costly litigation. But just how widespread is the problem and what should the aquatics industry do about it?
June 1, 2004... Miami attorney Michael Haggard wasn't sure the video would be effective. Late on a Friday afternoon, days into the trial, jurors watched silent images of a debilitated young man being bathed by nurses and having his lungs suctioned out....

Top 25 products: here's a look at the most popular products of the year. The list is based on readers' information requests for items in our 2004 New Products issue. Those featured here represent the 25 most requested.
June 1, 2004... (1) American Red Cross' Lifeguard Management Course, a 7 1/4-hour course for lifeguard supervisors, was updated for 2004. The course covers the responsibilities of guard supervisors, the hiring and training of guards, and the principles of...

AK600 pump room controller.(Controls and Switches)
June 1, 2004... by Acu-Trol Programmable Controllers Features: control system for treatment and measurement of combined chloramines; designed to shock water as needed; automated DPD test; off-site control with pager alarms and voice communication ...

Automated chemical controllers.(Controls and Switches)
June 1, 2004... by Aquasol Controllers Features: made to monitor and maintain both sanitizer and pH; provides safety alerts and features; electrodes and flow cell included in every controller; easy to install and operate; extends life of pool and other...

CAT 4000 wireless water quality controller.(Controls and Switches)
June 1, 2004... by CAT Controllers Features: wireless control system with Internet-based monitoring capabilities; Web site allows user to view water quality data, print charts and graphs, customize settings and receive alarm notifications Contact: CAT...

Medium-pressure UV sanitation system.(Controls and Switches)
June 1, 2004... by Advanced Control Logix Features: high-intensity medium-pressure UV system for pools and spas; uses only ultraviolet radiation to disinfect water; designed to eliminate chloramines without additional chemicals Offerings: full-color...

AstralPool Deluxe Automatic Backwash Controller.(Controls and Switches)
June 1, 2004... by Astral Products Features: product is made to monitor and backwash up to 10 filters; on-screen influent and effluent pressure, flow rate and water temperature shown; recirculation pump and heater control; waste/surge pit and fire alarm;...

CH255 PPM/pH digital controller.(Controls and Switches)
June 1, 2004... by Chemtrol Features: free-chlorine control with solid-state sensor that is designed to be easy to operate; maintenance-free, per maker Offerings: five-year electronics warranty; toll-free technical support Contact: Chemtrol,...

Low-profile pressure switch.(Controls and Switches)
June 1, 2004... by Allied Innovations Features: new low-profile design is intended to fit space limitations and meet most installation requirements; air pressure actuated control is built to eliminate chattering relays and is corrosion-resistant, per...

Pool care deluxe controller.(Controls and Switches)
June 1, 2004... by BioLab Commercial Pool Care Features: automatic measuring, control and dosing capabilities; Continuous Cleaning Probes measure pH/ORP with no recalibration period; allows users to read pH, ORP and control dosing for pH increaser, pH...

Autoclear plus salt chlorine generator.(Controls and Switches)
June 1, 2004... by Clear-Tech Automation Features: digital salt readout; Jandy Aqualink compatible Offerings: 10-year limited warranty; POP displays and literature; retail product financing Contact: Clear-Tech Automation Inc., Pompano Beach, Fla....

Chlorine generators.(Controls and Switches)
June 1, 2004... by Clormatic Features: commercial units include 3-inch flanges, automatic self-cleaning cycle, ORP interface, 250-gallon flow rate, and can treat up to 100,000 gallons; NSF-certified, per maker Offerings: two-year limited warranty ...

Aqua rite chlorine generator.(Controls and Switches)
June 1, 2004... by Goldline Controls Features: electronic chlorine generator is designed to evenly disperse chlorine throughout the pool via return jets; NSF- and UL approval for commercial applications, per maker; multiple units can be used on a single...

Controllers.(Controls and Switches)
June 1, 2004... by Hanna Instruments Features: company offers a complete line of user-programmable, easy-to-operate controllers such as the pH 500 (shown), mV 600 and HI 700 series pH, and EC/TDS and ORP; large, dual-level LCD displays; PID control;...

pH/ORP analyzers.(Controls and Switches)
June 1, 2004... by Jenco Instruments Features: dual parameter pH and ORP pool and spa analyzer; features five relays: two Hi/Lo relays for pH, two relays for ORP and fifth relay for automatically controlling temperature; backlit LCD display Contact:...

720 Series II pH and ORP monitor/controller.(Controls and Switches)
June 1, 2004... by Myron L Co. Features: product is designed to measure pH or ORP/redox in reverse osmosis, process control, seawater desalination, waste treatment and more; custom configuration models available for qualified OEMs Contact: Myron L...

Command center.(Controls and Switches)
June 1, 2004... by Neptune-Benson Features: wall-mounted, integrated control panel includes a high-voltage disconnect switch, lockable electronics compartments and separately sealed compartment for wetted components; now available in Nema 4 fiberglass...

Emergency shut-off button.(Controls and Switches)
June 1, 2004... by Pres:Air:Trol Corp. Features: emergency shut-off button with air switch is designed for easy shutting down of pool and spa systems in case of emergency Contact: Pres:Air:Trol Corp., Mamaroneck, N.Y. 800.431.2625 Write 81 on...

Automatic backwash controller.(Controls and Switches)
June 1, 2004... by Sta-Rite Industries Features: backwashes up to three systems simultaneously; monitors ORP and pH, temperature, water flow, system pressure and water level; direct companion devices to rotate motorized or hydraulic valves, dispense...

The stingl switch.(Controls and Switches)
June 1, 2004... by Stingl Products Features: product is designed to protect against the possibility of body and limb entrapment at a pool's drain; made for easy installation; self-monitoring; system shuts pump off in milliseconds, per maker Contact:...

Set point controller.(Controls and Switches)
June 1, 2004... by USFilter Stranco Products Features: company introduces Strantrol controller that doses pool water chemicals to control pH and ORP; utilizes company's high resolution redox technology to measure rate of oxidization regardless of bather...

Metered time control systems.(Controls and Switches)
June 1, 2004... by Water Conservation Services Features: new Smart Card controls; auditing available; coin-operated; peak/off peak timing cycles; handheld programmer Contact: Water Conservation Services, Santa Barbara, Calif. 888.872.4975 Write...

Wireless control for automatic cleaners.(Controls and Switches)
June 1, 2004... by Water Tech Corp. Features: wireless radio frequency remote control enables user to drive robot cleaner to turn right, left, forward and reverse; allows facility to choose between two cycle times and algorithms for the type and time it...

Water walker.(Exercise and Training Equipment)
June 1, 2004... by All Pro Exercise Products Features: 10-pound, adjustable aquatic exercise belt is designed for comfort and proper fit; aims to improve and increase user's range of motion, strength and endurance, and enhance flexibility for a healthy...

Exercise and training equipment.(Exercise and Training Equipment)
June 1, 2004... by Aquam Aquatic Specialist Features: company offers a selection of commercial-grade exercise and training equipment, including hand bar exercisers, water sea serpents, water workout programs, kickboards and more Contact: Aquam Aquatic...

OmniSport 2000 timer to CTS deck cable.(Exercise and Training Equipment)
June 1, 2004... by Daktronics Features: interface is designed to change to timing console without changing deck cable and show results on CTS scoreboard; scores swimming, diving and water polo; includes pace clock program Contact: Daktronics Inc.,...

Underwater aquatic treadmill.(Exercise and Training Equipment)
June 1, 2004... by Aquabilt Features: treadmill for pools and swim spas; designed to be user-friendly by allowing operator to vary the speed and expend as much or as little effort as desired; water-dampened rollers stabilize walkway belt Contact:...

Underwater speaker.(Exercise and Training Equipment)
June 1, 2004... by Colorado time Systems Features: product is designed for broadcasting underwater music and verbal cues in large pools; ideal for coaches and swimmers; will not leak, rust or corrode, per maker Contact: Colorado Time Systems,...

Aerobic waterbelt.(Exercise and Training Equipment)
June 1, 2004... by Gulbenkian Swim Features: company otters EVA-foam aerobic waterbelt; available in three sizes, each with an adjustable belt Contact: Gulbenkian Swim Inc., Pleasantville, N.Y. 809.431.2586, ext. 204 Write 97 on Postage-Free Card...

DeltaBell Pro.(Exercise and Training Equipment)
June 1, 2004... by AquaJogger Features: upper-body strength training; 25 percent more resistant than original, per maker; triangular design otters adjustable resistance; made from EVA foam; padded grip; light and medium resistance available Contact:...

Starkbulkhead.(Exercise and Training Equipment)
June 1, 2004... by Composite Aquatic Innovations Features: company offers bulkheads in one-piece, 100 percent fiberglass construction Contact: Composite Aquatic Innovations Inc., Arlington, Wash. 360.403.7707 Write 95 on Postage-Free Card ...

Wet vest.(Exercise and Training Equipment)
June 1, 2004... by Hydro-Fit Features: provides secure, buoyant support for water exercise and therapy, per maker; patented design incorporates flotation panels sewn into body vest; made from lightweight neoprene; available in most sizes Contact:...

Resistive aquatic exercise & therapy equipment.(Exercise and Training Equipment)
June 1, 2004... by Hydro-Tone Fitness Systems Features: products are designed to amplify resistance; made from high-impact PP plastic Contact: Hydro-Tone Fitness Systems Inc., Huntington Beach, Calif. 800.622.8663 Write 99 on Postage-Free Card...

Exercise and training equipment catalog.(Exercise and Training Equipment)
June 1, 2004... by Recreation Supply Co. Features: company's catalog features an array of exercise and training equipment for commercial and recreational swimming; products include kickboards, swim gloves, training paddles and more Contact: Recreation...

Water barbell.(Exercise and Training Equipment)
June 1, 2004... by Kiefer Features: barbell is designed for aquatic fitness and to train both arms and legs; works as a learn-to-swim device such as a kickstick, per maker; padded bar for slip-resistant grip; lightweight; 30 inches long Contact:...

Superboards.(Exercise and Training Equipment)
June 1, 2004... by Recreonics Features: closed-cell foam construction provides rigid and durable buoyancy for swim training and exercises; water-resistant, according to maker; available in red, yellow and blue Contact: Recreonics Inc., Louisville, Ky....

StretchCordz.(Exercise and Training Equipment)
June 1, 2004... by NZ Mfg. Features: company offers a line of training products intended to increase swimming strength, endurance and improve technique; for in-water and dry-land training Offerings: free shipping on Web orders Contact: NZ Mfg.,...

Aqua swim spa.(Exercise and Training Equipment)
June 1, 2004... by Rio Plastics Features: two size configurations are available; larger spa measures 19 feet across with depths of 4 to 4.5 feet; smaller spa is 16 feet across with 3- to 3.5-foot depths; both are steel-reinforced with 2.5-inch square...

AquaLogix fitness system.(Exercise and Training Equipment)
June 1, 2004... by Sprint Aquatics Features: patented multidimensional design; ideal for general fitness, sports training or rehabilitation; personal training levels; advance to higher or lower water speeds Contact: Sprint Aquatics, San Luis Obispo,...

Trainers.(Exercise and Training Equipment)
June 1, 2004... by Vasa Features: exercise machine mimics swimming motion to give user the benefits of swimming without being in the water; includes more than 200 exercises and a range of resistance levels, per maker Contact: Vasa Inc., Essex...

Swim spas.(Exercise and Training Equipment)
June 1, 2004... by Sunbelt Spas Features: swim spa includes six ergonomic seats, 20 therapy jets and Badu SwimSet option; portable models and shells available Contact: Sunbelt Spas, Houston 800.258.7727 Write 106 on Postage-Free Card ...

Micro-cuffs.(Exercise and Training Equipment)
June 1, 2004... by Water Gear Features: designed to add resistance for arms to tone and strengthen; can be worn on ankles for lower-body workout; neoprene jacket is sealed around foam through patented process Contact: Water Gear, Pismo Beach, Calif....

Foam kickboard and graphic kickboard.(Exercise and Training Equipment)
June 1, 2004... by Swimline Corp. Features: foam kickboard is unsinkable, per maker; kickboard with dolphin graphic is fabric covered; boards are ideal for swim training, per maker Contact: Swimline Corp., Edgewood, N.Y. 631.254.2155 Write 101 on...

Exercise and training equipment.(Exercise and Training Equipment)
June 1, 2004... by WMS Aquatics Features: company's catalog features a range of exercise and training equipment, including AquaJogger X-Cuffs for arms and ankles (shown); cuffs are made from chlorine-resistant EVA foam with fully adjustable fit, per maker...

USA Slide names Homer.(USA Slide Inc.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... USA Slide Inc. has appointed Michael Homer vice president of sales. Formerly, Homer was regional sales manager at IKON Solutions and has a cumulative 13 years' sales and sales management experience. USA Slide manufactures water slides and...

Pentair appoints Hunter.(Pentair Pool Products)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Pentair Pool Products has appointed Jim Hunter to the newly created position of manager of regulatory affairs. A 30-year industry veteran, Hunter most recently served as manager of commercial business development for the Sanford, N.C.-based...

Lochinvar hires three.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Lochinvar Corp. of Lebanon, Tenn., has added three to its sales and product development team. Nell Rolph has been named vice president of engineering and will direct activities within the Engineering Department. Lou Falzer is filling the...

Industry calendar.(People & Events)(Calendar)
June 1, 2004... JUNE 3-13 FINA Master World Championships Riccione, Italy 011.41.21.310.47.10 www.fina.org 12 USMS 5K Open Water Championship Fernandina, Fla. 800.550.7946 www.usms.org 21-22 Aquatic Facility Operators...

Putting them to the test: should lifeguards be subject to random drug testing?(Perspectives)(lifeguard for the city of San Diego)(Column)
June 1, 2004... While working as a beach lifeguard for the city of San Diego, I was directly involved in the arrest of a number of people for drunk driving. In one case, a police officer who assisted me concluded, after some fairly extensive field-testing,...