Aquatics International articles from November 2005

Aquatics International archives from November 2005

Bringing out the best.(minority drowning )(Editorial)
November 1, 2005... At Aquatics International we do our best to bring you articles, information and ideas that help you do your best. But every now and then, we transcend that goal with an article that does something more: It brings out the best. One such...

Oxygen use must clear legal hurdles.(LETTERS)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... I read the article "Clearing the Air" (June 2005) and just finished going over the comments from other readers. One major point missed by both the author and the letter writers was the criminal issue of using oxygen. In most states, such...

Funding holds back toddler drowning research.(LETTERS)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... I am sure both the cover story on toddler drowning and the editorial in the June issue set off quite a firestorm. It is a subject I have spent my life researching, both anecdotally and scientifically. First let me say, there is...

Designers should think green.(LETTERS)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... I think the futuristic dreams presented in the July/August issue need to take into consideration environmentally friendly design. Conservation measures should be incorporated, such as solar heat; recycled products and building materials;...

Shades of summer.(NEWSROOM)(outdoor aquatics facilities )
November 1, 2005... As outdoor aquatics facilities try to attract a wider range of patrons and find new revenue sources, they're turning to a cool proposition: shade structures. Though most facilities do not charge individuals for the shady spots, many have...

USA Swimming aids Katrina victims.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... USA Swimming, the national governing body of competitive swimming, has committed a minimum donation of $130,000 from next year's Swim-A-Thon revenues for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Swim-A-Thon is a yearly fund-raising program for the...

Swim School Association offers mentoring program.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... The United States Swim School Association has developed a mentoring program to help new members transition smoothly into the organization. New members will be assigned a mentor to confer with on questions related to the association, business...

Crypto lawsuit hits N.Y.; Ohio.(cryptosporidium outbreak)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... A cryptosporidium outbreak at a New York spraypark that infected nearly 4,000 people this summer has mushroomed into a class action lawsuit. Meanwhile, another crypto outbreak in Ohio has sickened more than 700. An estimated 3,200 people...

NSPF Awards largest-ever grant.(National Swimming Pool Foundation)
November 1, 2005... The National Swimming Pool Foundation awarded its largest grant ever to Drs. Bruce Becker and Susan Dunlap at Washington State University for a study regarding the impact of water exercise on respiratory function, the group officially announced...

Outbreak investigated.(parks cryptosporidium outbreak litigation)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation stated that it does not comment on pending litigation. But state officials said they are working on preventive measures. "Our investigation is ongoing and our regulations...

APSP hires new president/CEO.(Association of Pool and Spa Professionals)(William R. Weber appointed as Chief executive officer)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... The APSP Board of Directors has hired William R. Weber as its new president/CEO. He will oversee the association and report to its board. Weber moved into his office Sept. 26. "It's new leadership, new energy, new background, new ideas,"...

APSP kicks off safety effort.(Association of Pool and Spa Professionals )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals announced a public water safety initiative for 2005. "New Safety Technologies for Existing Installations" aims to help protect the owners and operators of existing pools, spas, hot tubs and...

Lifeguards fired for Web site.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Two lifeguards from Hampton Beach, N.H., were fired for refusing to take down a Web site that offers safety guidelines and lifesaving techniques. In August, Daniel Ryan, 28, was terminated for maintaining his Web site,...

2008 swimming trials head for Nebraska.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... The swimming trials for the 2008 U.S. Olympic swim team will be held in Omaha, Neb. On June 30, 2008, the eight-day trials will occur about one month before the Beijing Games. USA Swimming, the national governing body of swimming in Colorado...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
November 1, 2005... The October 2005 feature titled "In the Minority," reported that 13-year-old Kadarius Wagner drowned in a YMCA pool in Fort Worth, Texas. The YMCA is actually located in Oak Cliff, Texas, within metropolitan Dallas.

In hot water: if you're treating your spa water the same as your pool, you re asking for trouble.(polluted water)
November 1, 2005... When it comes to aquatic venues, spas have gotten a bad name. In fact, more than half of them--57 percent to be exact--may be unsafe, according to the Centers for Disease Control, which inspected more than 5,000 spas across the country in 2004....

Stamp of approval: the industry needs to accredit training agencies to solidify professional standards and defend against liability.(PERSPECTIVES)
November 1, 2005... With the recent Centers of Disease Control reports and other findings about pool-water quality, the following has become evident: * No consistent national standard exists for operation of the water quality systems of public pools. * No...

Reaching out: in this second of a two-part series, Aquatics International explores problems and solutions to creating minority outreach programs that work.(SPECIAL REPORT: MINORITY DROWNING)(Cover Story)
November 1, 2005... At the Pompey Park Pool, a group of students learns a vital swimming lesson: the back float. "Now lean back! A-lean back!" sings David Woodard, their instructor and aquatics operations supervisor in Delray Beach, Fla. The kids, nervous...

Panel of judges: here's a look at the experts who judged this year's contest.
November 1, 2005... TREADWELL JONES has been designing aquatics facilities throughout the United States and Europe for more than 10 years. Currently director of Larkin Aquatics in Kansas City, Mo., Jones' experience includes working at Waveloch Tool and Die, and...

Best overall commitment to aquatics: City of Las Vegas Department of Leisures Services.
November 1, 2005... Maybe they should call it Swim City. With seven facilities and a diverse list of programming, Las Vegas has brought swimming to the forefront of recreation for its residents. Even Vegas' famous strip has found its way to the ever-popular...

Best overall community commitment to aquatics: Capital district YMCA, Guilderland, N.Y.(quality management in swimming pools)
November 1, 2005... Some equate swimming with a religious experience. And at the Capital District YMCA in Guilderland, N.Y., it can be. At least once a month, one of its facilities offers its hot tub to local churches as a place for baptisms as part of its...

Best overall commitment to aquatics: City of Plano, Texas, Parks and Recreation Department.(BEST OF AQUATICS 2005: CLASS 3: 100,000 to 500,000 POPULATION)
November 1, 2005... When a city takes Best Overall Community Commitment to Aquatics, even the resident dogs have something to howl about. At the Oak Point Center Pool, man's best friend is invited for a swim session of its own in the annual K-9 Kerplunk event. ...

Best overall community commitment to aquatics: Leigh Pratt Aquatic Center, Tooele, Utah.(BEST OF AQUATICS 2005: CLASS 4: 50,000 TO 100,000 POPULATION)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... In 2003 the Leigh Pratt Aquatic Center faced a public relations crisis: A little girl got her finger caught between the pool wall and an underwater light fixture. She freed herself, but not the finger, and surgeons couldn't reattach it. ...

Best public/nonprofit indoor family aquatics center: Cornerstone Aquatics Center, West Hartford, Conn.(safety measures in swimming pools)
November 1, 2005... Buried treasure... in Connecticut? That's right. In West Hartford, young divers hunt for this treasure in a tropical paradise twice a year, as part of the Comerstone Aquatics Center Treasure Dive event hosted for kids around Easter and...

Best public/nonprofit indoor family aquatics center: Chatham County Aquatic Center, Savannah, Ga.(safety measures in wsimming pools)
November 1, 2005... Among the gas-lit, cobblestone streets of Savannah, Ga., there's a peach of an aquatics facility that makes up for its lack of amenities with a dose of Southern hospitality. Aside from offering a wide range of accommodating programs, the staff...

Best public/nonprofit indoor family aquatics center: Silliman Family Aquatic Center, Newark Calif.(Silliman Family Aquatic Center)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... When the Silliman Family Aquatic Center opened its doors in July 2004, the response was overwhelming. The learn-to-swim program immediately filled to capacity, and there was a three-hour waiting period for recreational swim use. For a city...

Best public/nonprofit indoor family aquatics center: Grandview, Mo., Community Center.(BEST OF AQUATICS 2005: CLASS 10: UNDER 50,000 ANNUAL ATTENDANCE)
November 1, 2005... Competition drives the Grandview Community Center-in the water and out. The brand-new, $8.8 million facility opened in 2004 and went head-to-head with a community center and a large YMCA, each of which offered similar aquatics programs. To...

Best public/nonprofit outdoor family aquatics center: Santa Clarita, Calif., Aquatic Center.(safety measures in swimming pools)
November 1, 2005... Six high schools, six swim teams, limited pool space. How to accommodate all these needs without competing schools practicing together? The city of Santa Clarita, Calif., knew how--and became a hero of the community for making it happen. ...

Best public/nonprofit outdoor family aquatics center: Henry Moses Aquatic Center, Renton, Wash.(BEST OF AQUATICS 2005: CLASS 12: 50,000 TO 100,000 ANNUAL ATTENDANCE)
November 1, 2005... He was the last hereditary chief of the Duwamish, a Native American Tribe, and an outstanding athlete at Renton High School around 1920. To carry his legacy, the city named its new aquatics facility after him: Chief Henry Moses. Today, the...

Best public/nonprofit outdoor family aquatics center: Wellington, Fla., Aquatic Complex.(safety measures in swimming pools)
November 1, 2005... Charlie missed the turn to the park, but Francis and Jeanne didn't. These uninvited guests came barreling through the front entrance, threw two 8-tiered bleachers through a fence and knocked over two 10-foot tall canopies. Then they dumped...

Best public sector waterpark: NR[H.sub.2]O Family Waterpark, North Richland Hills, Texas.(BEST OF AQUATICS 2005: CLASS 14: MORE THAN 200,000 ANNUAL ATTENDANCE)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Need a Christmas present? How about a season pass to the local waterpark? Buy it before the holiday and you'll get a $5 discount. NR[H.sub.2]O in North Richland Hills, Texas, tried that incentive--and increased its season pass sales by a...

Best private sector waterpark: Whale's Tale, Lincoln, N.H.(BEST OF AQUATICS 2005: CLASS 20: UNDER 100,000 ANNUAL ATTENDANCE)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... In the middle of New Hampshire's White Mountains lies what could be called a beached whale, spouting water every summer. Actually, it's the new 85foot whale-shaped pool, with in-water seating areas at the fins and tail. The 11-slide waterpark...

Best university/school facility: F.J. Gaenslen School, Milwaukee.
November 1, 2005... What kid doesn't love learning fractions... when they can do it in the pool anyway? At Milwaukee's F.J. Gaenslen School, boys and girls get a chance to work on their flutter kick while boning up on their long division. But that's not all that...

Best military base/government facility: Marine Corps Community Services, Okinawa, Japan.
November 1, 2005... When troops were deployed to the Middle East after 9/11 and their children sent to relatives in the United States, many left behind a thriving aquatics community on the Okinawa, Japan, Marine Base. To hold that community together, the...

Best wellness/rehab center/fitness club: Motion Fitness and Racquet Club, New Berlin, Wis.
November 1, 2005... There's a "5-foot rule" at this pool, and it doesn't have to do with depth or required participant height. At the Motion Fitness and Racquet Club in New Berlin, Wis., if staff is within 5 feet of a member, they must greet that person warmly....

Best country club/swim club: Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
November 1, 2005... It's like being at the ocean. At the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., lap swimmers can swim toward the stretch of waves ahead of them without the mess of salt, sand and sea creatures. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this...

Waterpark management consulting.(Design and Facility Operations)
November 1, 2005... by Amusement Aquatic Management Group Features: company offers management and consulting for waterparks Contact: Amusement Aquatic Management Group, Tustin, Calif. 714.505.1566 Circle 470 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION...

Indoor and outdoor aquatics facilities.(Design and Facility Operations)
November 1, 2005... by Bacbach Aquatics Features: company has more than 25 years' experience and offers technical evaluations of existing facilities, market research, design, construction and administration of new facilities Contact: Burbach Aquatics,...

Hotel and resort splash parks.(Design and Facility Operations)
November 1, 2005... by Empex Watertoys Features: company designs nonmetal aquatic play structures that are lightning-resistant and corrosion-free, including Aquadek climb and slide structure, Aquatons spray features, Aquajetz and interactive watertoys ...

Commercial pool products.(Design and Facility Operations)
November 1, 2005... by Aquatic Development Group Features: company offers a line of commercial pool products, including the WaveTek and Maxawave wave generation systems, AFW movable pool floors, FlowRider surfing system (shown) and Whitten commercial products...

Aquatic planners and designers.(Design and Facility Operations)
November 1, 2005... by Counsilman-Hunsaker Features: company offers aquatic design, planning and engineering; portfolio includes universities, high schools, recreation centers and more Contact: Counsilman-Hunsaker, St. Louis, 314.894.1245 Circle 466...

Aquatics consulting and management services.(Design and Facility Operations)
November 1, 2005... by Lutra Aquatics Features: company specializes in the operation of indoor community aquatics centers; partners with municipalities, educational institutions and others to deliver the aquatics experience to the community, with the goal of...

Safety signs for aquatics facilities.(Design and Facility Operations)
November 1, 2005... by Aquatic Technology Features: bright, UV-resistant inks are designed to meet code for every state; made with white styrene (plastic) or aluminum and predrilled for hanging; more than 400 signs available; all printing is done in-house;...

Design and engineering services.(Design and Facility Operations)
November 1, 2005... by EDSACIoward Features'. design and engineering services for waterparks, aquatics facilities, fountains, aquariums, marine parks and other waterfeature applications Contact: EDSACloward, Provo, Utah 801.375.1223 Circle 465 on...

Play Tower two.(Design and Facility Operations)
November 1, 2005... by Most Dependable Fountains Features: one of three Play Towers, it's designed for parks; water spray is activated by a soft-touch push button and can be set to run up to two minutes each cycle; built from 304 schedule 10 stainless steel;...

The command center.(Design and Facility Operations)
November 1, 2005... by Noptone-Beason Features: wall-mount-ed, integrated control panel has a high-voltage disconnect switch, lockable electronics compartment and a separately sealed compartment for wetted components; includes filter backwash programmer and...

Aquatic matting.(Design and Facility Operations)
November 1, 2005... by PEM Aquatic Matting Features: aquatic matting is utilized at commercial facilities with pool decks, locker rooms, showers, sprayparks, steps, ramps and more; incorporates a textured, slip-resistant surface, porous design and soft PVC...

Spray 'n play.(Design and Facility Operations)
November 1, 2005... by NorthEast Aquatic Design & Supply Features: company offers a versatile spray deck that is designed to be durable, safe and economical Contact: NorthEast Aquatic Design & Supply Inc., Peabody, Mass. 978.535.7900 Circle 460 on...

Tyvek and vinyl wristbands.(Design and Facility Operations)
November 1, 2005... by Price Chopper Features: company offers both Tyvek and vinyl wristbands, which are engineered to be tearresistant and waterproof; available in various colors and designs Contact: Price Chopper Inc., Orlando, Fla. 407.679.1600 ...

Certified pool-spa operator handbook.(Design and Facility Operations)
November 1, 2005... by NSPF Features: a training reference manual for pool operators, property managers, health officials, service technicians, retailers, manufacturers; available in Spanish; covers how to prevent drowning, diving accidents and the like; has...

Omnipod.(Design and Facility Operations)
November 1, 2005... by Rain Drop Products Features: patented Omnipod technology enables spraypark owners to continually change features where water shoots out; inground component allows for switch removing or adding above-and belowground features on spray pad...

Aquatics facility design.(Design and Facility Operations)
November 1, 2005... by Ramaker & Associates Features: company offers aquatics facility design and engineering Contact: Ramaker & Associates Inc., Sauk City, Wis. 800.332.7532 Circle 455 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Misty twisty.(Design and Facility Operations)
November 1, 2005... by Waterplay Features: company introduces an interactive component that has three layers to create characters or mismatched figures; nozzles are positioned in various locations for built-in unpredictability; available in a variety of graphics,...

Architectural and aquatic design services.(Design and Facility Operations)
November 1, 2005... by Wallover Architects Features: company provides complete architectural and design services for competitive, leisure and therapeutic aquatics facilities Contact: Wallover Architects Inc., Lancaster, Pa. 717.295.7754 Circle 454 on...

Aquatic design.(Design and Facility Operations)
November 1, 2005... by Water's Edge Aquatic Design Features: company specializes in evaluations, feasibility studies, conceptual planning, detailed design and construction documents, construction administration services, pool start-up and operator training...

Aquatic planners, designers and engineers.(Design and Facility Operations)
November 1, 2005... by Water Technology Features: company's portfolio includes indoor and outdoor waterparks, resort/hotel pools, family aquatics centers, sprayparks, indoor and outdoor leisure pools, competition pools, university and high school pools and...

AquaPlay AP200.(Design and Facility Operations)
November 1, 2005... by Whitewater West Industries Ltd. Features: water-play structure has a rustic farm theme; includes tipping bucket, water slides, spray nozzles and jets Contact: Whitewater West Industries Ltd., Richmond, British Columbia, Canada...

Indoor pool dehumidifier.(Enclosures)
November 1, 2005... by AERS Features: E-Tech's HDCP dehumidifiers are a line of high-dehumidification systems for the indoor pool industry, as well as other environments where high humidity is of concern Contact: Applied Energy Recovery Systems Inc.,...

Magna latch.(Enclosures)
November 1, 2005... by D&D Technologies Features: self-latching, magnetically triggered latch has no mechanical resistance to closure, per maker; key lockable; available in two models: vertical-pull model for 5-foot gates and the top-pull model, which can be...

Dry-air dehumidification systems.(Enclosures)
November 1, 2005... by Environmental Pool Systems Features: packaged heat recovery dehumidification systems to 60 tons; for use with indoor pools Contact: Environmental Pool Systems Inc., Holly, Mich. 800.671.9629 Circle 494 on Postage-Free Card ...

Removable fencing.(Enclosures)
November 1, 2005... by Baby-Loc Ltd. Fentures: 4.5 or 5-foot fence heights; poly-coated; black, open-weave mesh fabric for high tensile strength; UV-stable; 1-inch reinforced, cored fiberglass pole and solid brass, double-ended latches; optional magnetic,...

Wringer 2000.(Enclosures)
November 1, 2005... by Des Champs Technologies Features: dehumidifies the natatorium with dry outside air when available; energy recovery heat exchanger; designed to save 30 percent of energy during compressor operation Contact: Des Champs Technologies,...

Shade structures.(Enclosures)
November 1, 2005... by Hendee Enterprises Features: company offers shade structures for numerous applications in a variety of colors and styles Contact: Hendee Enterprises Inc., Houston 800.231.7275 Circle 493 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION...

Atria/garden prairie pool enclosures.(Enclosures)
November 1, 2005... by CCSI International Features: enclosures for pools, waterparks and splash pools; color-coated aluminum frames and rafters are designed to minimize maintenance; light-transmitting, insulated opening roof panels allow for natural...

Indoor dome waterpark structures.(Enclosures)
November 1, 2005... by Dome Technology Features: company offers a variety of modern insulated, reinforced free-span concrete domes Contact: Dome Technology, Idaho Falls, Idaho 208.529.0833 Circle 495 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Retractable enclosures.(Enclosures)
November 1, 2005... by Libart Enclosure Systems Features: enclosures for pools, spas, swim spas and decks are designed to meet international building code 2003 standards; structural aluminum frames glazed with polycarbonate and acrylic; wide range of styles...

Retractable roof structures.(Enclosures)
November 1, 2005... by OpenAire Features: the company designs, manufactures and installs retractable roof structures with operable skylights; roofs are capable of opening more than 50 percent, designed for an outdoor feel and to save in dehumidification...

Trackless retractable enclosures.(Enclosures)
November 1, 2005... by Roll-A-Cover Features: trackless retractable enclosures for pools or decks; designed to extend the swim season and patio use; when it is sunny, product can be retracted to the side and the pool or deck is fully exposed, then closed if...

'AWH' PoolComPak series.(Enclosures)
November 1, 2005... by PoolPak International Features: horizontal dehumidifier is designed for indoor pool surfaces measuring 200 to 1,750 square feet and that allow for outdoor rooftop pad mount or indoor ceiling-hung installations; the TD3000 advanced...

Double flat cantilever.(Enclosures)
November 1, 2005... by Shade Structures Features: shade structure is engineered to block up to 95 percent of the sun's UV rays; 15-by-30-foot polyethylene mesh fabric panels are slanted inward to keep rain from falling directly into the pool; designed to add...

Lifeguard chair umbrellas.(Enclosures)
November 1, 2005... by Recreonics Features: vinyl-laminated nylon with alternating color panels and solid-color open-weave Textilene allows greater air circulation while blocking 70 percent of the sun's rays, per maker; Touch-a-matic tilting is designed for easy...

Shade covers.(Enclosures)
November 1, 2005... by Shade Systems Features: covers are designed for sun protection, featuring the patented Turn-N-Slide easy canopy removal system; manufactured for use at poolside, picnic areas, water-play and other outdoor gathering places Contact:...

Energy-efficient pool enclosures.(Enclosures)
November 1, 2005... by Structures Unlimited Features: translucent building systems are corrosion-resistant and maintenance-free, per manufacturer; panels are insulating and diffuse-light-transmitting; designed to eliminate glare and shadows; motorized opening...

Interconnected wave shade structures.(Enclosures)
November 1, 2005... by Sun Ports Features: fabric on the shade structures is designed to block 95 percent of the sun's UV rays; the pictured HDPE, multicolored fabric waves cover seating areas at four separate locations throughout the facility; structure rises...

Umbrellas and shade structures.(Enclosures)
November 1, 2005... by Taiyo Birdair Corp. Feature: preassembled umbrellas with 47- to 222-square-foot coverage; cantilevered, corner or center supports; wind rated; closable and linkable for more coverage; stainless steel connections; available in many...

Vehere Hi-E dry dehumidifiers.(Enclosures)
November 1, 2005... by Therma-Stor Features: company offers high-efficiency humidity control equipment Contact: Therma-Stor, LLC, Madison, Wis. 608.222.5301 Circle 482 on Postage-Free Card

Custom shade structures.(Enclosures)
November 1, 2005... by Waterloo Tent & Tarp Co. Features: company offers shade structures, including tents, umbrellas, slide canopies and shade panels with mesh, vinyl and fabric material; options in any design or color Contact: Waterloo Tent & Tarp Co....

Air-supported structures.(Enclosures)
November 1, 2005... by Yondon Fabric Domes Features: air-supported, custom domes are designed so that pools can be operated year 'round; engineered to be easy to operate and maintain; structures have both primary and standby mechanical systems; emergency...

Sno-Kone machine.(THE SOURCE)
November 1, 2005... by Gold Medal Products Co. Features: new design fixes the ice hopper directly to the motor to give the shaver head more stability and avoid twisting or bending; unit also features hinged doors, a lighted cabinet and bold graphics; can be...

Assisted access lift.(THE SOURCE)
November 1, 2005... by Spectrum Aquatics Features: new battery-powered assisted access lift is for use on pools and spas; the Avalanche lift has a rechargeable battery power source that drives a low-voltage actuator raising and lowering the lift's mast arm;...

Tri-analyst.(THE SOURCE)
November 1, 2005... by Orbeco Analytical Systems Features: new 3-in-1 portable photometer performs three tests for drinking water and pool inspection: chlorine (free and total), pH and cyanuric acid; comes with three AA batteries, instructions, carrying case...

Ergo mattas.(THE SOURCE)
November 1, 2005... by Mat Factory Features: designed to be nonslip and soft underfoot; full drainage; interlocking roll-up tiles are made for easy removal and cleaning; available in seven colors; composed of rubber and flexible PVC; 100 percent recycled...

Summit series.(THE SOURCE)
November 1, 2005... by ReonSys Corp. Features: company presents its new Summit Series stainless steel pools and spas; installations are fully welded 304 or 316 vessels that are available in various interior finishes, including ceramic tile, natural stainless...

Griff's safety signage system.(THE SOURCE)
November 1, 2005... by Aquatic Safety Research Group Features: new system was developed by Tom Griffiths, Ed.D, to better protect pools, waterparks and beaches from accidents, sign pollution and lawsuits; two types of signs: yellow diamond and red/black...