Aquatics International articles from October 2004

Aquatics International archives from October 2004

Money matters.(From The Editor)(Editorial)
October 1, 2004... A lot of municipal pool operators are a little funny about money. Some don't like to talk about it. Others would rather pretend it doesn't factor into a facility. And budgets? They're something for other people to deal with. As an editor,...

Aquatic exercise equipment gets serious.(Newsroom)
October 1, 2004... Once upon a time a group of little old ladies with shower caps on their heads and empty milk cartons in their grasp eased into the water and created a new wave of exercise. Today, the shower caps may remain, but the milk cartons have...

Hurricanes hit waterparks.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... A number of waterparks in hurricane-ravaged Florida that hoped for big Labor Day sales to end their summer season on a high note had to close due to the storms. The closing included Wet 'n Wild and Discovery Cove, both in Orlando. Three weeks...

Crypto outbreak closes park.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... An Arroyo Grande, Calif., waterpark has closed its doors for the season due to an outbreak of cryptosporidium. After the waterborne parasite was discovered at the Mustang Water Slides, health officials issued warnings at every public pool and...

NSSA changes name, plans national conference.(National Swim School Association)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The National Swim School Association, a swim school trade organization based in Maricopa, Ariz., has changed its name in an effort to create a more identifiable brand. After 26 years as the NSSA, the board of directors voted unanimously to...

CDC study: half of all hot tubs violate health codes.(Newsroom)(Operators)(United States. Centers for Disease Control And Prevention)
October 1, 2004... More than half the commercial spas in a recently released study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control suffer from chemical, mechanical and maintenance health-code infractions. "We need to do a better job of taking care of the spas in this...

NSPF releases long-awaited CPO manual update.(Newsroom)(National Swimming Pool foundation)(certified pool and spa operators)
October 1, 2004... After 14 years of delays, the National Swimming Pool Foundation released a long-awaited update to its reference manual for training Certified Pool and Spa Operators. Written by veteran CPO instructor Ron Ford, the latest Certified Pool-Spa...

Overchlorinated pool injures 69.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Sixty-nine swimmers were injured at the Oststadt Swim Center in Essen, Germany, when a failure in the chlorine release mechanism caused severe over-chlorination of the pool. Of the 47 injured swimmers who were hospitalized, 40 were children,...

SunSplash team wins lifeguard competition.(SunSplash Waterpark)(Jeff Ellis & Associates Inc)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... A lifeguard team from SunSplash Waterpark in Mesa, Ariz., was crowned the winner of the 2004 International Lifeguard Competition. The event, which is sponsored by Jeff Ellis & Associates Inc. of Kingwood, Texas, is designed to test various...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
October 1, 2004... A news story in the September issue about Dale Neuburger resigning from the International Swimming Hall of Fame erroneously stated that he resigned two days before ISHOF's induction ceremony. Neuburger resigned on July 26, 2004. The ceremony...

The correct approach: if you use cyanuric acid to stabilize pools and spas, you need to apply a correction factor. Here's how it works.(Tech Talk)
October 1, 2004... Most operators know that total alkalinity tests are a critical measure of water's ability to resist changes in pH and stay' balanced. Maintaining proper alkalinity also prevents corrosion. But if you use cyanuric acid or certain types of...

Savings at the pump: today's high-efficiency pumps can save operators thousands of dollars annually.(Bottom Line)
October 1, 2004... Faced with ever-shrinking budgets, today's aquatics facility operators are looking everywhere they can to save money. But many may be forgetting to look for cost savings in the most basic of places: their pumps. The fact is, a...

A noisy problem: in some indoor facilities, noise isn't just a nuisance, it's also a hazard. Is your facility safe?
October 1, 2004... As most operators know all too well, indoor swimming pools don't always have the best acoustics. Some might even say they're downright loud. "How many times have you gone to an indoor pool and not understood a word anyone is saying?" says...

The secrets to their success: running successful municipal pools means updating your amenities and services. But it also requires something even more difficult--updating your ideas about facilities themselves.
October 1, 2004... Aaron Himelson watches with a smile as swimmers splash away the summer at the new aquatics center in Morgan Hill, Calif. The recreation supervisor of the facility says it has created a social point for the community, drawing more than 1,000...

Are you worth it? In today's complex aquatics world, top-level professionals who want to earn a higher salary must first earn more certifications.
October 1, 2004... How times have changed. Twenty years ago in many facilities all you needed to become an aquatics director was a simple lifeguard certification. Of course, 20 years ago, that same aquatics director could only expect to earn $20,000 to...

PEM aquatic matting.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2004... by A-B Associates Features: company will showcase aquatic safety surfacing that is designed to provide slip resistance and comfort Contact: A-B Associates Inc., St. Louis 800.783.2358; Booth 1855 Write 100 on Postage-Free Card ...

Funbrella shark umbrella.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2004... by Anchor Industries Features: design features a catenary curve-style top; fits standard 12- and 20-foot Funbrella frames; 4-inch aluminum center pole; acrylic fabrics are easy to clean, per maker Offerings: five-year, limited warranty...

Pool and spa lifts.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2004... by Aquatic Access Features: models IGAT-180, IGAT 180/135 and IGAT 180AD are ADA-compliant, self-operated, water-powered lifts that mount into pool deck Contact: Aquatic Access Inc., Louisville, Ky. 800.325.5438; Booth 1631 Write...

Intrepid series starting blocks.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2004... by Adolph Kiefer & Associates Features: patented molded thermo plastic tops never need paint, per maker; molded channels and drainage holes are designed to keep water off the blocks; stainless steel backstroke bar; available in team colors...

Automatic pool cleaners.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2004... by Aqua Products Features: on display will be the company's AquaMax, UltraMax and Power Handi Vac pool cleaners, which are designed to scrub, vacuum and power-wash pools of any size or shape; all models include patented dual power-washing...

Weda automatic pool cleaners.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2004... by Brock Enterprises Features: company will showcase the Weda automatic cleaner, which is designed to clean large pools Offerings: co-op advertising Contact: Brock Enterprises, Hamden, Conn. 800.332.2360; Booth 2829 Write 107...

Bleachers and grandstands.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2004... by All Star Bleachers Features: company will showcase its line of maintenance-free bleachers and grandstands; available in three to 15 rows and custom designs; team benches also are offered Contact: All Star Bleachers Inc., Lakeland,...

Commercial pool equipment catalogue.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2004... by Aquam Aquatic Specialist Features: 2005 catalog features commercial pool equipment for recreation, safety and rescue, training and aquatic fitness, deck and facility equipment, aquatic accessibility, maintenance, storage and more ...

CH255.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2004... by Chemtrol Features: monitors and controls free chlorine and pH levels; free chlorine is measured by a solid-state ppm sensor; adjustable high/low alarm limits; overfeed safety timers; proportional control Offerings: five-year...

Aquatic design and engineering.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2004... by Counsilman/Hunsaker & Associates Features: company offers aquatic design, planning and engineering; portfolio includes universities, high schools, recreation centers and more Contact: Counsilman/Hunsaker & Associates Inc., St. Louis...

Site concession and furnishings.(NRPA Exhibitors)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... by Key Park Recreation Corp. Features: line includes picnic tables, benches, bleachers, park grills, litter receptacles, bike racks and drinking fountains Contact: Kay Park Recreation Corp., Janesville, Iowa 800.553.2476; Booth 1847...

Fiberglass pool resurfacing.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2004... by Fibre Tech Features: fiberglass pool resurfacing is designed to be seamless, waterproof, structurally sound and low maintenance Offerings: 25-year limited warranty Contact: Fibre Tech Inc., Largo, Fla. 800.393.7283; Booth 1840...

Pirate's cove.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2004... by Koalaplay Group Carp. Features: a pirate-themed, interactive water-play attraction with WaterColors' structures, a connecting dumping bucket tower and more than 30 interactive features; WaterColors system is modular and expandable with...

Performance swimwear.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2004... by The Finals Features: company will exhibit its line of swimwear and swim gear for lifeguards, teams, training and fitness; swimwear is available in adult and youth sizes; designed to withstand exposure to chlorinated pool water ...

Indoor and outdoor water slides.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2004... by Miracle Recreation Equipment Co./Soft Play Features: company will showcase its line of indoor and outdoor water slides designed for commercial pools Contact: Miracle Recreation Equipment Co./ Soft Play, LLC, Charlotte, N.C....

Coastal shower.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2004... by Most Dependable Fountains Features: foot and shower tower is made of natural aggregate concrete with stainless steel heads, push bars and push-bar housing screws; design also features a surface mount aggregate lip, predrilled with...

Pool construction systems.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2004... by Natare Corp. Features: the NataClad PVC stainless steel pool construction systems are designed to be cost-effective; for permanent and portable pools Offerings: 10-year warranty; design assistance; expert installation Contact:...

Wristbands.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2004... by National Ticket Co. Features: line includes Tyvek wristbands, double-numbered stub wristbands, and vinyl or plastic wristbands; custom printing, bar coding and thermal wristbands also are available Contact: National Ticket Co.,...

Water slides.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2004... by Natural Structures Features: water slides with dual, fully enclosed polyethylene flumes; 3-foot-wide stairs with 7-inch rise and 11-inch run; made from stainless steel construction Contact: Natural Structures, Baker City, Ore....

PowerBase AT chlorination unit.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2004... by PPG Industries Features: unit incorporates patented Accu-Tab chlorinator and 3-inch calcium-hypochlorite tablets with 65 percent available chlorine; for commercial pools and spas; compact size Contact: PPG Industries Inc.,...

Wristbands.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2004... by Price Chopper Wristbands Features: company offers a wide variety of stock colors and patterns of Tyvek and vinyl wristbands in both 3/4- and 1-inch widths; consecutive numbering and custom printing also are available Contact: Price...

Pilot rock picnic tables.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2004... by R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co. Features: picnic tables are designed for parks, decks and pool slides; welded steel frame construction; five material choices for tops/seats with up to nine colors; square and rectangular tables are available ...

Palm tree waterfeature.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2004... by Rain Drop Products Features: new palm tree waterfeature is designed to be durable and appear realistic; squirts water onto people below Contact: Rain Drop Products, LLC, Ashland, Ohio 800.343.6063; Booth 1909 Write 122 on...

Splash water slide.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2004... by Recreonics Features: company will exhibit its 6-foot, UV-stabilized polyethylene tube slide with nonskid treads, entry platform, dual safety railing, skid-resistant deck protectors and lifting kit Contact: Recreonics Inc.,...

PVC pool shell.(NRPA Exhibitors)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... by RenoSys Corp. Features: pool shell is made from 60-mil, reinforced, watertight, slip-resistant PVC; custom-fit on site; available in various colors and patterns Offerings: 10-year warranty Contact: RenoSys Corp., Indianapolis...

Traveler swim-lift.(NRPA Exhibitors)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... by Spectrum Aquatics Features: pool access lift is ADA- and ABA-compliant, per maker; 24-VDC operating system with rechargeable battery and charger; certified 400-pound operating load capacity Offerings: five-year limited warranty ...

The outpost outdoor display board.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2004... by Sportsign Features: sliding Plexiglas doors are designed to protect posted items from inclement weather; made from weatherproof vinyl and aluminum; maintenance-free; two sizes; may be mounted to fence, building or post; comes fully...

Strantrol MG/L5 controller.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2004... by USFilter Stranco Products Features: self-adjusting chemical feed cycle; self-cleaning ppm probe; free available chlorine with ORP backup; onboard graphics display; easy data entry; ChemWeb server allows communication with multiple...

Custom shade structures.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2004... by Waterloo Tent & Tarp Co. Features: shade structures include tents, umbrellas, slide canopies and shade panels with mesh, vinyl and fabric material options in any design or color Contact: Waterloo Tent & Tarp Co. Inc., Waterloo, Iowa...

The super splash.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2004... by Vortex Aquatic Structures Intl. Features: colorful, 17-foot stainless steel structure features 60-gallon bucket that pours water onto a sloped canopy, creating a cascading effect; designed for splashpads, waterparks and pools ...

SplashZone.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2004... by Waterworks Intl. Features: interactive water play for all ages, per maker; fun-tower fountain Contact: Waterworks Intl., Kankakee, Ill. 815.932.3003; Booth 1528 Write 131 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Aquatics planners, designers and engineers.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2004... by Water Technology Features: a team of planners, designers and engineers whose portfolio includes indoor and outdoor waterparks, resort/hotel pools, family aquatics centers, water spraygrounds, indoor leisure pools and more Contact:...

AquaPlay interactive play structure.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2004... by Whitewatar West Industries Ltd. Features: interactive play structure features vibrant colors, moving parts, splashing water, slides, valves, cranks, water cannons, net climbs and spray features; available in different sizes, models and...

Two-compartment pump motors.(Equipment Room)
October 1, 2004... by A.O. Smith Electrical Products Co. Features: pump motors offer patented features such as drop-in wire mounts, nonfriction bearing seals, no-adjust starting switch, easy-access terminal board and easy-to-use voltage change plugs for dual...

Sand filters.(Equipment Room)
October 1, 2004... by Baker Hydro Filtrations Features: company offers commercial-grade vertical sand filters in 18- to 48-inch models; 24 lateral under-drain; cartridges, bag filters, skimmers and valves also are available Contact: Baker Hydro...

Commercial pool filters.(Equipment Room)
October 1, 2004... by Eureka Manufacturing Co. Features: company offers custom-made, high-rate, permanent media pool filters; line includes HRL Series, HRL Tandem Tanks, HRL2C (Dual Cell) and HRG Series filters; some filters are equipped to handle alternate...

Heat pumps.(Equipment Room)
October 1, 2004... by AquaCal Features: patented ThermoLink titanium heat exchanger; microprocessor controls, scroll compressors and dual thermostats Offerings: co-op advertising; direct-mail program Contact: AquaCal Inc., St. Petersburg, Fla....

E-ZEE flow indirect pool heater.(Equipment Room)
October 1, 2004... by Diversified Heat Transfer Features: heater uses energy from existing boiler in an effort to save on energy costs and extend user's pool season; made of 316L stainless steel; induced self-cleaning feature; a range of sizes for...

Calypso flow filter.(Equipment Room)
October 1, 2004... by Harmsco Filtration Products Features: filter includes cleanable and reusable cartridges and a built-in pressure gauge; designed to be corrosion-resistant Contact: Harmsco Filtration Products, West Palm Beach, Fla. 800.327.3248 ...

Commercial filtration system.(Equipment Room)
October 1, 2004... by AstralPool USA Features: company offers a filtration system for commercial pools; as well as a range of commercial products, from stainless steel deck equipment to cast-iron pumps up to 50hp Offerings: full-color literature;...

Automatic EPD sand filter systems.(Equipment Room)
October 1, 2004... by EPD Wearnes (USA) Features: high-rate automatic sand filter systems are designed for commercial pools of up to one million gallons; polyethylene fused steel vessels with clear viewing manways, automatic filter function and alarm, and...

Solar pool heating.(Equipment Room)
October 1, 2004... by Heliocol Solar Pool Heating Features: black or terra cotta solar collectors; individual tube design; overmolded header; designed for easy installation and to withstand hurricane force winds Offerings: 12-year parts and labor...

Sand filter.(Equipment Room)
October 1, 2004... by Mer-Made Filter Features: sand filters made with all fiberglass construction; no laterals buried in the sand bed Contact: Mer-Made Filter, Denmark, S.C. 803.793.4265 Write 85 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

EQ series pump.(Equipment Room)
October 1, 2004... by Pentair Pool Products Features: noncorrosive, all-plastic, self-priming pump designed for commercial pool and water applications; includes 6-inch suction inlet and 4-inch discharge outlet with bolt-on strainer pot; available in single...

Vacuum sand filtration systems.(Equipment Room)
October 1, 2004... by Natare Corp. Features: open-top, stainless steel filter tanks; flow rates up to 20gpm/sq. ft.; precise flow control; NSF-approved; custom-engineered; options and accessories include covers, access hatches and ladders; wet well/dry well...

Replacement cartridges, DE grids.(Equipment Room)
October 1, 2004... by Pleatco Filter Cartridges Features: company offers replacement cartridges and DE grids for product models in numerous pool and spa lines Contact: Pleatco Filter Cartridges, Glen Cove, N.Y. 516.609.0200 Write 89 on Postage-Free...

Guardian[TM] strainer and reducers.(Equipment Room)
October 1, 2004... by Neptune-Benson Features: company offers new, all-PVC hair and lint strainers and eccentric and concentric reducers; forming process enhances pressure rating (50psi) and structural integrity, per maker; stainless steel baskets with...

RP2100 ASME heater.(Equipment Room)
October 1, 2004... by Raypak Features: ASME-certified heater for commercial pool installations; cast-iron, glass-lined headers; digital controls; available in Low NOx Contact: Raypak Inc., Oxnard, Calif. 805.278.5300 Write 90 on Postage-Free Card ...

Aquatic equipment catalog.(Equipment Room)
October 1, 2004... by Recreation Supply Co. Features: company's 128-page, full-color catalog features a range of commercial filters, pumps, motors and heaters Contact: Recreation Supply Co., Bismarck N.D. 800.437.8072 Write 91 on Postage-Free Card...

Max-E-Therm heater.(Equipment Room)
October 1, 2004... by Sta-Rite Industries Features: new cupronickel exchanger is designed to withstand greater fluctuations in pH while offering the benefits of the rustproof Max-E-Therm design; PMG burner technology requires no outdoor draft hood; operates...

Digital flowmeter.(Equipment Room)
October 1, 2004... by Recreonics Features: digital flowmeter is powered by two AAA batteries; saddle mount 4-, 6- and 8-inch SCH 40 and SCH 80 PVC pipe; flow rates from 100- to 4,000 gpm Contact: Recreonics Inc., Louisville, Ky. 800.428.3254 Write...

Heat siphon heat pumps.(Equipment Room)
October 1, 2004... by United States ThermoAmp Features: scroll models with more than 700 percent efficiency (COP), per maker; corrosion-free electrically isolated titanium heat exchanger; titanium gray solid PVC plastic cabinet with all stainless steel...

Pump model 93.(Equipment Room)
October 1, 2004... by Speck Pumps-Pool Products Features: bronze, high-efficiency, self-priming, medium head pump with one-piece housing design for pump and 250-cubic-inch plastic strainer basket; suited for high-rate sand filters; heavy-duty mechanical...

Zeobrite.(Equipment Room)
October 1, 2004... by Zeotech Corp. Features: filter media is designed to replace send in sand filters while reducing chemical and operating costs, backwashing frequency and eye-irritating ammonia problems Offerings: literature Contact: Zeotech...

Acu-Trol names new CEO.(Acu-Trol Inc.)(chief executive officer)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Acu-Trol Inc. recently promoted Jeffrey S. Sanchez from vice president of consumer sales to chief executive officer. As CEO, he will concentrate on areas of profitable growth and expansion for the company, as well as supervise the launch and...

Pool Engineering enlists Lacher.(Pool Engineering Inc.)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Greg Lacher has joined the swimming pool structural engineering and design firm Pool Engineering Inc. as director of new business development. His duties at the Anaheim, Calif., firm include developing and implementing strategies to improve...

Wiecher joins Westport Pools.(Aquatic industry)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Westport Pools has appointed Dave Wiecher its commercial sales representative. He will oversee the service of the US Filter/Stranco and Spectrum Aquatics product lines. Wiecher's 19 years in the aquatics industry includes experience as a...

Industry calendar.(People & Events)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
October 1, 2004... OCTOBER 3-5 National Swimming Pool Foundation Health Conference Atlanta 719.540.9119 www.nspf.org 6-10 WWA Conference Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 915.599.0300 www.waterparks.org 7-10 FINA 3rd World OWS Championships Abu...

Hot dog steamer and bun warmer.(The Source)
October 1, 2004... by Gold Medal Products Co. Features: company introduces the 8150 glass-front hot dog steamer and bun warmer; designed to be easy to use and simple to clean; 700-watt heating element; 14 inches wide, 14 inches deep and 18 1/4 inches high;...

Net'em pool game.(The Source)
October 1, 2004... by S.R. Smith Features: pool game uses Frisbees and balls that are tossed at the wide-mouth net opening; can be used for a number of gaming applications, including water polo or Frisbee soccer; made of 1.9-inch diameter, commercial-grade...

ProTough lockers.(The Source)
October 1, 2004... by Penco Products Features: all-welded, fully framed lockers are made for corridor and athletic installations, recreational facilities and more; designed to withstand 40 percent more brute-force stress, per maker; available in a wide range...

NanoStick recreational water treatment.(The Source)
October 1, 2004... by Selecto Scientific Features: water treatment uses patented nano titanium technology to reduce organics to carbon dioxide and water when exposed to light; patented photo-catalytic ceramic material is packaged in an easy-to-use stick; one...

Water hog deck drain.(The Source)
October 1, 2004... by Quaker Plastics Corp. Features: company offers a 3-inch deck drain for commercial aquatics facilities; made of all-weather PVC; designed to handle 85.4 cubic inches per foot of water volume; mounts flush against the pool wall; unit...

AquaWalkers aqua shoes.(The Source)
October 1, 2004... by Sprint Aquatics Features: new aqua shoes designed to protect feet and provide stability on slippery surfaces during aquatic activities; available in women's size 5 to men's size 13; AquaTots (shown) are offered in children sizes 7-13...

Lost and found: a young operator learns there's no such thing as 'lost' water--360,000 gallons later.(Lessons Learned)(Certified pool operator)
October 1, 2004... Just out of college and gearing up for law school, Jeff Maxey found himself in the position of aquatic coordinator in charge of six antiquated pools in Foothills Park and Recreation District in Littleton, Colo. Foothills Pool, in...