Aquatics International articles from June 2006

Aquatics International archives from June 2006

Questionble values.(FROM THE EDITOR)
June 1, 2006... Not so long ago, the ability to swim was considered a valuable skill in America, so valuable, you couldn't graduate from many colleges without it. Not anymore. Somewhere along the way, swimming got conflated with overall fitness. One study...

A question of chemistry.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
June 1, 2006... I have read and reread "Salt Solutions?" by Steve Pearce (March 2006 issue) in an attempt to comprehend the "technology" of extracting chlorine from salts in pools. Pearce writes, "In essence, it converts the pool water into mineral spa...

Lessons check.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
June 1, 2006... Editor's note: A number of observant readers noticed a serious error in April's Lessons Learned column. Here's a sampling of the letters we received about it. Thanks for helping correct the mistake! I just finished reading your Aquatics...

Going for therapy: more and more hospitals, wellness centers and facilities are adding warm-water therapy pools.(AQUATIC THERAPY)
June 1, 2006... In 1976, the employees of Children's Hospital & Regional Medical Center in Seattle decided to build a pool for sick and disabled youngsters, and crank the water temperature up to a comfortable 93 degrees. For an hour a day, the little patients...

Indoor waterparks.(INDUSTRY TRENDS WORTH WATCHING)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Everyone's jumping into the indoor waterpark market. Ground is breaking for the $300 million Schlitterbahn Vacation Village in Kansas City, Kan. Six Flags in Lake George, N.Y., is the state's first. Massanutten Resort and Indoor Waterpark in...

Unguarded drownings.(INDUSTRY TRENDS WORTH WATCHING)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... A spate of recent drownings have occurred at unguarded pools. An 11-year-old girl was found at the bottom of a San Jose, Calif., apartment pool by police. A 4-year-old drowned in an El Paso apartment hot tub. A 56-year-old man drowned in a...

Black leaders oppose pool closings.(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... African-American leaders in East Baton Rouge Parish, La., are opposing a proposal to close seven public pools with historical significance. These pools, operated by the East Baton Rouge Recreation and Park Commission, are seen by many as...

Industry mourns death of chemist Neil Lowry.(IN MEMORIUM)(Obituary)
June 1, 2006... Dr. R. Neil Lowry, a well-known consultant to the aquatics industry in the United States and Canada has passed away. He was 67. Lowry, a resident of Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, died suddenly March 28 after returning home from teaching a...

Marino's disabled swim measure approved.(OVERCOMING CHALLENGES)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Florida legislators approved Dan Marino's measure to help his foundation train and certify swim instructors to work with disabled children. Rep. Susan Goldstein (R-Florida) sponsored the bill that will direct state money toward the nonprofit...

Tech school launches first class: education organization hopes to offer online courses, college degrees.(EDUCATION)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Starting this fall, aquatics professionals can attend classes at what industry officials hope will be the first of many nationwide technical schools. The Foundation for Pool & Spa Industry Education released its first class schedule for...

Dangerous bugs hit Australian pools, Thorpe.(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Traces of cryptosporidiosis were found in the Melbourne Sports Aquatics Center, which recently hosted the Commonwealth Games. Organizers warned athletes to visit their doctors. The outbreak affected hundreds in the state of Victoria, and 11...

Industry funds hot tub research.(RESEARCH)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... A new industry-sponsored research study is under way to determine the health benefits of soaking in warm water. Dr. Bruce Becker and his team at Washington State University in Pullman, Wash., recently were awarded a $322,000 grant from the...

High schools eliminate false starts.(NEW RULING)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... A rule change approved by the National Federation of State High School Associations Has deemed that a high school swimming race will not be stopped after a false start. The race will continue, but the swimmer who starts too soon will be...

Managing your best: find out how strong your lifeguard management is with this best practices checklist.(RISK MANAGEMENT)
June 1, 2006... A strong manager can make all the difference when it comes to an effective life-guarding program. It starts with knowing how to hire and retain the right people and goes all the way to implementing the most effective surveillance methods and...

Direct to video: a competition pool uses a video projection system to create even more exciting aquatic competitions and new funding opportunities.(BOTTOM LINE)
June 1, 2006... The atmosphere at a high school state swim meet is intense. In Iowa, spectators brave the February cold and line up hours before the doors open to ensure they will have the best possible vantage point for the meet. At the Marshalltown,...

Making the grade: aquatics directors who do their homework can earn high marks working within the educational system. Our Field Report shows how to blend pools with schools to create healthy students and a new generation of swimmers.(FIELD REPORT)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... For many aquatics professionals, schools are the equivalent of a gold mine they an never quite reach: All those eager young students who could well become a new generation of swimmers are stuck behind walls of red tape, budget questions and...

Testing the waters: convincing a school board to bring swimming into its curriculum is the first and hardest step.(FIELD REPORT: Approaching Schools)
June 1, 2006... Aquatics Director Carrie Paterson was afraid for her students' safety and her job. The Milwaukee student state test scores had dropped in reading and math, and the school system had to refocus its energies to boost those numbers. That meant...

From school to pool: no pool in the school? No? problem. Here's how some communities and programs are bringing kids to the local aquatics facilities.(FIELD REPORT: Working with School)
June 1, 2006... Naturally, having a pool on campus is an added bonus when you're trying to introduce aquatics to the curriculum. However, a number of successful communities and programs serve as testimony that it is also possible to bring the kids to the local...

School of swimmers: fitting swimming into a student's schedule can be a smooth transition with the right planning.(FIELD REPORT: Developing an aquatics curriculum)
June 1, 2006... High school in Malibu, Calif., conjures images of well-tanned students lying at poolside or playing a vicious game of water volleyball. But as with many schools, Malibu students have limited use of their outdoor pool: September and October,...

Golden opportunity: with the 2008 Olympic Games on the horizon, the spotlight is on the nation's swimming and diving athletes. But China's evolving aquatics industry stands to be the big winner.
June 1, 2006... Amid the bustle of Tiananmen Square is a semitrailer-sized digital sign that once counted down the seconds before Hong Kong's return to China. Today, the massive neon numbers are ticking toward another momentous event: the 2008 Summer Olympic...

MVP 2006 Most Valuable Products: in our Second Annual MVP listing, readers tell us which products stand out from the rest of the players.
June 1, 2006... With the first half of 2006 behind us, it s time to look back at products that have been stirring the waters in the industry. The Second Annual Most Valuable Products on the following pages highlight everything readers are most excited about so...

Fighting algae.(THE SOURCE: THE LATEST PRODUCTS, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATIONS FROM MANUFACTURERS)
June 1, 2006... Applied Biochemists introduces Swimtrine Plus, an all-purpose algaecide that is highly concentrated, triple-chelated and copper-based; made to quickly kill mustard and green algae and prevent recurrences of all algae types when used weekly as...

See everything.(THE SOURCE: THE LATEST PRODUCTS, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATIONS FROM MANUFACTURERS)
June 1, 2006... S.R. Smith Commercial has released the new O-series of lifeguard chairs; the circular design allows for 360-degree on/off access for uninterrupted lifeguard changes; compact footprint makes the chair easy to place anywhere, and it's lightweight...

Pump it up.
June 1, 2006... Pentair Water Pool and Spa announces that the Aurora 340 Series end suction centrifugal pumps now are available for commercial pools, spas and other water applications; pumps are cast iron and bronze fitted; comes in close-coupled,...

Movable floor.
June 1, 2006... PLEAT presents a portable flooring system made of aluminum and weighing approximately 70 pounds per truss; designed to offer the benefits of a solid, permanent floor; product is expandable and will reconfigure to a variety of applications; can...

Acu-Trol Programmable Controllers.
June 1, 2006... Product: AT-8 Automatic Controller Features: entry-level unit for commercial pools; controls up to eight bodies of water with one master control; offers proportional control for exact chemical dosing; uses flow-cell with a built-in flow...

Aquasol Controllers.
June 1, 2006... Product: Automated Chemical Controllers Features: for pools, spas and waterfeatures; monitors and maintains sanitizer and pH (works with all sanitizer types); pro vides safety alerts and features; electrodes and flow cell included with...

Blue-White Industries.
June 1, 2006... Product: FlexFlo A100N Chlorinator Features: peristaltic chlorinator incorporates the manufacturer's Tube Failure Detection System (aka TFD), which detects a range of chemicals such as chlorine, acids and more; if an incompatible chemical...

Advanced Control Logix.
June 1, 2006... Product: Medium-Pressure UV Control Features: high-intensity, medium-pressure UV system for pools and spas; uses ultraviolet radiation to disinfect so pool and spa water will not have any undesirable color, odor, taste or chemicals added,...

AstralPool.
June 1, 2006... Product: Smartwatch Features: automatic device measures and regulates the pH value and residual level of free chlorine; takes readings using colorimehy (DPD), a method used in photometers and designed to be reliable; also measures pH,...

CAT Controllers.
June 1, 2006... Product: CAT 4000 Features: wireless water-quality controller has Internet-based monitoring capabilities; allows the user to view water-quality data, print charts and graphs, customize settings, and receive alarm notifications ...

Allied Innovations.
June 1, 2006... Product: Time Delay Air Switch Systems Features: the company's safely air switches (AS Series) was designed for use in wet environments such as swimming pools, spas, jetted tubs, steam baths or water-intensive manufacturing processes; the...

BioGuard Commercial Pool Care.
June 1, 2006... Product: ChlorKing Saline Chlorinator Features: commercial grade; UL/NSF-listed; available in sizes producing up to 25 pounds of chlorine per day; reduces liability associated with the transportation, handling and storage of chlorine ...

Chardonnay Corp.
June 1, 2006... Product: Valve Actuator and Control Systems Features: wireless remote controls; curt be installed on existing three-way valves; does not need dedicated wiring from equipment area to house; custom systems available Contact: Chardonnay...

Chemtrol.
June 1, 2006... Product: Automated Chemical end Filtration Control Systems Features: full programmability of chemistry, filtration, heater, water balance and remote operation Contact: Chemtrol, Santa Barbara, Calif. 800.621.2279 Circle 458 on...

Correct-Tech.
June 1, 2006... Product: Spa and Bath Controls Features: company offers digital and mechanical controls for spas and baths Contact: Correct-Tech Inc., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada 888.772.7208 Circle 456 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION...

ECOmatic by Balboa Direct.
June 1, 2006... Product: Commercial Chlorine Generators Features: saltwater systems are made to reduce chloramines, which cause unpleasant odors, and eye and skin irritation; breaks down contaminants such as sun products and body oils; comes with voltage...

Goldline Controls.(CONTROLS and SWITCHES)
June 1, 2006... Product: Ague Rite Features: NSF-listed and tested to produce 1.45 pounds of chlorine per 24 hours, according to maker; digital salt display; eight diagnostic LEDs; exclusive Turbo Cell has full 2-inch flow and only 1/2-pound pressure...

Chlorinators Inc.(CONTROLS and SWITCHES)
June 1, 2006... Product: SmartValve Model 7009/7010 Features: newly added to the Regal Series 7000 product line; designed for feedback (closed loop) control schemes; can be configured for flow proportional control, residual-only control; compound loop...

Cole Hersee Co.(CONTROLS and SWITCHES)
June 1, 2006... Product: 25A MicroRelay Switches Features: compact relays accept loads up to 25A at 12V DC and act as remote switching devices; allows for smaller wiring from switches to turn a heavy current circuit on or off; useful for applications such as...

Hanna Instruments.(CONTROLS and SWITCHES)
June 1, 2006... Product: mV 602 Advanced ORP Controller Features: ORP controller is intended to ensure consistent sanitizer effectiveness and optimum chemical usage Contact: Hanna Instruments, Woonsocket, R.I. 800.426.6287 Circle 443 on...

Paragon Aquatics.(CONTROLS and SWITCHES)
June 1, 2006... Product: Automatic Backwash Controller Features: programmable; powered by 24 VAC; housed in a Nema 4 enclosure with viewing window for convenient display of influent, effluent and differential pressure; con control up to four devices such...

Myron L Co.(CONTROLS and SWITCHES)
June 1, 2006... Product: 720 Series II pH and ORP Monitor/Controller 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...

Plast-O-Matic Valves.(CONTROLS and SWITCHES)
June 1, 2006... Product: Valves 8, Controls CD Catalog Features: free CD has a complete product catalog, CAD files, product video, installation instructions and o special Plastic Valves 101 technical guide with information on materials, valve function,...

Neptune-Benson.(CONTROLS and SWITCHES)
June 1, 2006... Product: Command Center Features: wall-mounted, integrated control panel incorporates a high-voltage disconnect switch, lockable electronics compartment and a sealed compartment for wetted components; each unit includes an isometric...

Rain Drop Products.(CONTROLS and SWITCHES)
June 1, 2006... Product: Enhanced Sanitation Protection Features: ESP is designed to reduce chemical usage; helps to rapidly remove organics and reduce the presence of sweat, lotions, oils and other contaminants; can reduce water loss due to excessive...

Recreonics.(CONTROLS and SWITCHES)
June 1, 2006... Product: Emergency Shut-Off Switch Features: designed for retrofitting commercial spas where shut-off system is required; besides shutoff switch, comes with audio alarm and equipment status lights; 115/230V, 20amp inductive Contact:...

SureWater Technologies.(CONTROLS and SWITCHES)
June 1, 2006... Product: Chemical Feed System Features: The Solution is a patented, adjustable sodium hypochlorite feed system designed to improve operational safety and simplify the disinfection process while reducing cost; patented venturi feed...

Siemens.(CONTROLS and SWITCHES)
June 1, 2006... Product: Strantrol Impact Chemical Controller Features: touch screen for intuitive menu navigation; remote HMI face panel and modular platform for flexible configurations; proprietary probes simultaneously measure ppm/ORP Contact:...

TMI Salt Pure Corp.(CONTROLS and SWITCHES)
June 1, 2006... Product: Chemistry Controller Features: product is made for chemical control of chlorine generation systems; two models of controllers are specifically made for saline pools; the SCC is for single pools, while the LCC is for multiple pools...

Stingl Products.(CONTROLS and SWITCHES)
June 1, 2006... Product: Solid-State SVRS Features: safety vacuum release system (SVRS) complies with ANSI/ASME A112.19.17, per maker; 24-hour, fully programmable timer, as well as other controller features; made to turn pump off in milliseconds in the...

Water Tech.(CONTROLS and SWITCHES)
June 1, 2006... Product: Remote Control for Robotic Automatic Cleaner Features: wireless RF remote control allows facility or service professional to drive the robot/cleaner; 360 degrees, plus four-hour standby delay option; made of commercial grade...

Adolph Kiefer & Associates.(EXERCISE and TRAINING EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2006... Product: Swim and Therapy Platforms Features: portable platforms; designed to be easy to put in and remove from the pool; can be used for learn-to-swim classes or aquatic exercise and therapy; in-water seating at variable heights when...

AquaJogger.(EXERCISE and TRAINING EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2006... Product: TriFit Walker Features: designed for balance and stability in water-walking classes and aquatic rehab sessions; snap-on crossbar allows the walker to be token apart, then the bars can be used independently for fitness and swim...

Brewer's Ledge.(EXERCISE and TRAINING EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2006... Product: Treadwall Rotating Climbing Wall Features: nonmotorized rotating climbing wall for fitness and training; adjustable speed and angles; moves at climber's pace; designed for all ages; exterior upgrade for wet environments ...

All Pro Exercise Products.(EXERCISE and TRAINING EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2006... Product: Aquatic Weight-A-Band Features: aquatic exercise bonds hove a 1-pound weight on each handle for additional resistance; foot cushion is designed for comfort; waterproof yellow vinyl grip handles; for use in developing strength,...

Aquam Aquatic Specialist.(EXERCISE and TRAINING EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2006... Product: Training Fins Features: product has shorter fin blades cut at an angle to allow the combination of power and foster tempo for optimal training, according to maker; company also offers kickboards, pull buoys, hand bar exercisers,...

Cal Spas.(EXERCISE and TRAINING EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2006... Product: Col Flex Equipment Features: add to any spa (8 feet or larger) to create a hydro-gym; comes with an Exercise Arm Bar set, including rowing machine, exercise belt and several different tensions so users can choose their own workout...

AntiWave.(EXERCISE and TRAINING EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2006... Product: Rebounder Water Polo Goal Features: polo training goal can be used for practice with the rebound trampoline, or flip the canvas down for use in competition Contact: AntiWave, div., Vaupell Inc., Seattle 206.676.8238 Circle...

Aquatics by Sprint.(EXERCISE and TRAINING EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2006... Product: Technical Trainer Features: helps user maintain a horizontal body position to learn strokes or kicking; also con be a plat-form to sit on; handles provide extra control; available in sizes child, youth and adult Contact:...

Colorado Time Systems.(EXERCISE and TRAINING EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2006... Product: Pro Pace Clock Features: manufacturer presents a clock that has 15 training modes, 10-inch digits, customizable display options and water polo shot clock functionality Contact: Colorado Time Systems, Loveland, Colo....

Daktronics.(EXERCISE and TRAINING EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2006... Product: Judge's Console Features: RC-100 wireless judge's console is a device that controls a judge's entry terminal for diving; scores are entered into the handheld set and sent to controller through the base station Contact: Daktronics,...

Hydro-Fit.(EXERCISE and TRAINING EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2006... Product: Wet Vest Mitts Features: industrial strength mitts are webbed for heavy-duty resistance in the water; open-fingered design; made of neoprene; one size fits all Contact: Hydro-Fit Inc., Eugene, Ore. 800.346.7295 Circle 428...

NZ Mfg.(EXERCISE and TRAINING EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2006... Product: StrechCordz Short Belt Features: used for push-off training and stationery swimming in backyard or hotel pools; portable; available in two resistance levels and comes with waist belt and buckle attached to 4 feet of heavy tubing...

S.R. Smith.(EXERCISE and TRAINING EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2006... Product: Exercise, Training end Therapeutic Bars Features: made for exercise courses or physical therapy; bars extend 4 inches from the wall for easy gripping; available with or without flanges to conform with any pool construction; flanges...

The Finals.(EXERCISE and TRAINING EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2006... Product: Turbine Hand Paddle Features: for swimmers of oil levels to improve stroke technique while building strength; designed to help distribute even pressure, improving water feel while reducing shoulder stress; smooth edges and...

Hydro-Tone Fitness Systems.(EXERCISE and TRAINING EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2006... Product: Resistive Aquatic Exercise Equipment Features: equipment is specially designed to amplify the water's natural resistance; high-impact polypropylene Contact: Hydro-Tone Fitness Systems Inc., Huntington Beach, Calif....

Recreation Supply Co.(EXERCISE and TRAINING EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2006... Product: Aqua Jogger Shape Belt Features: specially designed for larger waistlines; two styles for women or men; includes video and workout guide; made to hid in weight loss and fitness Contact: Recreation Supply Co., Bismarck, N.D.,...

Stark Bulkheads.(EXERCISE and TRAINING EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2006... Product: Bulkheads Features: company offers 100 percent fiberglass bulkheads; one-piece fiberglass construction Coated: Stark Bulkheads, Arlington, Wash. 360.403.7707 Circle 421 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Finis.(EXERCISE and TRAINING EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2006... Product: SwiMP3 Features: custom sound technology transmits sound utilizing bone-conduction technology; MP3 control panel with volume control, shuffle, bass boost; four-hour rechargeable battery; holds approximately 30 songs; Lane 4...

Marine Rescue Products.(EXERCISE and TRAINING EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2006... Product: Kickboards Features: Aqua-Cell Classic kickboard is designed for use by swimmers of all ages and abilities; embossed, nonslip surface and contoured handgrips; 1 1/4-by-12-by-20-inches: available in red, yellow and blue; does not...

Spectrum Aquatics.(EXERCISE and TRAINING EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2006... Product: Bodytrainer Features: can be used for conditioning and/or rehabilitation; designed to help the user obtain strengthening through a greeter range of motion (for arms, spine, hips and legs) than that of land-base training; also can...

SwimCords.(EXERCISE and TRAINING EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2006... Product: SwimCords Features: swimming, aqua-aerobics, rehab and aerobic cords; soft neoprene anklets and bungee cords are available in three resistant tensions; workout booklet included in each bag Contact: SwimCords, Valley Village,...

Swimline.(EXERCISE and TRAINING EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2006... Product: Aqua Coach Fitness Trainer Features: water fitness training foam flotation belt can be used for water jogging and aqua fitness exercises; comes with adjustable belt and exercise manual Contact: Swimline/International Leisure...

WaterGym.(EXERCISE and TRAINING EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2006... Product: Flotation Belt, Workout Video/CD Features: belt is ergonomically designed, made of soft foam that conforms to the body, per maker; the weight-loss and strengthening video and workout CD offer exercises, music, demonstrations, plus...

Vasa.(EXERCISE and TRAINING EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2006... Product: Ergometer Features: with its variable wind resistance, the company's treadmill enables users to feel as if they're swimming; can flock and test performance with its electronic monitor, and build endurance and sustainable anaerobic...

WMS Aquatics.(EXERCISE and TRAINING EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2006... Product: Aqua Jogger X-Cuffs Features: resistance cuffs for ankles and arms can be used in deep or shallow water; constructed of chlorine-resistant EVA foam Contact: WMS Aquatics, Ellensburg, Wash. 800.426.9460 Circle 415 on...

Water Gear.(EXERCISE and TRAINING EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2006... Product: Eco Resistance Bells Features: made of open-cell foam; bells come with padded hand grips for easy handling and comfort; product comes in these resistance levels: 40-, 60- and 80 percent; levels are color coded for easy pairing...

Zura Sports.(EXERCISE and TRAINING EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2006... Product: Alpha Swim Fins Features: made of foam instead of rubber; recommended for swimming and snorkeling; made to be soft and light Contact: Zura Sports, Westerville, Ohio 800.890.3009 Circle 414 on Postage-Free Card ...

S.R. Smith names president/CEO.(appointment of Rich Lailta )(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Rich Lailta has become the president/CEO of S.R. Smith. Before joining the firm, he worked at General Electric Co., where he received more than 20 years' manufacturing, sales and marketing experience. "Rich will lead the management team and...

Olympic swim coach Haines passes away.(Obituary)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... George Haines, coach of swimmers such as Mark Spitz and Donna de Varona, passed away at the age of 82. His health had been declining after suffering a stroke in 2001, and he died in a nursing facility near Sacramento, Calif. Haines' Santa Clara...

Calendar.(Calendar)
June 1, 2006... JUNE 3-10 "Overcoming Fear of Water" Training Session Glenwood Springs, Colo. 800.723.7946 www.conquerfear.com 6-7 CPO Course Houston 719.540.9119 www.nspf.com 12-13 CPO Course Atlanta 719.540.9119 www.nspf.com 14-19 FINA...

When duty calls: a lifeguard in a life-and-death situation learns that you never know when your emergency skills will be needed.(LESSONS LEARNED)
June 1, 2006... When you become a lifeguard, you're never quite off duty. That's what Otter discovered a few years ago on a death-defying outing with his outrigger canoe-racing club. As the sun was slowly setting on the horizon, three men's team boats...