Aquatics International articles from October 2005

Aquatics International archives from October 2005

Left behind.(Editorial)
October 1, 2005... The timing is eerie. Just as we put the finishing touches on our comprehensive report about minorities being left behind in aquatics, Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast and reminded everyone how blatantly the color divide still...

Aquatics venues hear wedding bells.
October 1, 2005... When people talk about taking the plunge on their wedding day, they don't usually mean racing down a giant water slide or leaping into a pool. But as couples look for ways to make their weddings stand apart from traditional, ho-hum ceremonies,...

NSPF issues e-mail virus alert.(National Swimming Pool Foundation)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... In early August, the National Swimming Pool Foundation of Colorado Springs, Colo., became infected with the worm_netsky.P (W32.Netsky.P@mm) virus, which was then sent through e-mails and distributed to industry members. The virus was a...

Resort settles suit.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... A South Carolina resort has settled a lawsuit brought against it by a Maryland African-American family that claimed they were barred from using the facility's pool. The amount of the settlement was not disclosed. More than 100 members of the...

Study shows swimming strengthens women's bones.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... A recent study of female lap swimmers aged 8 to 26 offers the first evidence that swimming can strengthen young women's bones. The British Journal of Sports Medicine reported that the athletes' lower-leg bones have greater mineral content, more...

Shocking interference: how to accurately measure chlorine levels in water shocked with potassium monopersulfate.
October 1, 2005... The most popular sanitizers used in pools and spas--chlorine and bromine--function both as biocides (they kill bacteria and other potentially harmful microbes) and oxidizers (they "burn up" unpleasant organic contaminants such as bather wastes,...

Considering therapy: think you can't offer aquatic therapy because you don't have the right pool? Here are 10 ways you're wrong.
October 1, 2005... As baby boomers age, more and more of them need physical therapy. Whether it's because of an injury or just to feel better, they're turning increasingly to the water to cure what ails them. Operators who have started offering the programs are...

In the minority: every year, minorities make up a disproportionately large number of drownings in the United States. This first of a two-part series examines the scope of the problem and why the aquatics industry has failed to address it.
October 1, 2005... On May 17, the city pool in Bridgeport, Texas, was packed with seventh graders celebrating the end of the school year. Some were enjoying the barbecue; others were splashing around in the water. Luis Gonzalez, a friendly Hispanic boy with...

Inability to swim closes doors for many minorities.
October 1, 2005... While drowning is the biggest risk that minority children face due to lack of swimming skills, it is not the only consequence. Missing that one ability closes a multitude of doors for minorities that whites take for granted. "There are so...

New wave: wave pools are staples at commercial waterparks, but these multifunctional amenities are fast finding their way into municipal and community pools, too.
October 1, 2005... The moment the surf's up signal sounds, the excitement crests at Wilson's Waves in Yonkers, N.Y., as kids start running from the parking lot to the pool. "As soon as they know those waves are coming, they are psyched," says Judith Leblein,...

Training programs.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2005... by American Red Cross Features: company offers aquatic training programs, including lifeguarding, lifeguard management; learn-to-swim, water safety, CPR, first aid and AED Contact: American Red Cross, Washington, D.C., 800.667.2968;...

2005 equipment catalog.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2005... by Aquam Aquatic Specialist Features: 2005 commercial pool equipment catalog contains the company's full line of commercial grade pool products; categories include recreation, safety and rescue, deck and facility equipment and training ...

EverTuff partitions.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2005... by Comtec/Capitol Industries Features: partitions are made of solid plastic; designed to be nonabsorbent and to resist stain, odor and mildew; available in multiple color and design options Offerings: 15-year warranty Contact:...

Pool lifts.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2005... by Aquatic Access Features: stainless steel lifts can be used for pools, spas, docks and boats; ADA-compliant, per maker; each one includes necessary components for installation Contact: Aquatic Access Inc., Louisville, Ky....

Pulsar 1 commercial pool sanitation system.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2005... by Arch Chemicals Features: NSF-certified chlorinator that removes organics and metals, chlorinates, boosts hardness and shock treats in one process, per maker; company's wave concept is designed for pools/spas from 500 to 50,000 gallons...

UV-treatment systems.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2005... by Engineered Treatment Systems Features: ultraviolet light-treatment system is engineered to provide a nonchemical, environmentally friendly treatment for eliminating micro-organisms and reducing chloramines; designed to do away with...

Male guard boardshort.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2005... by The Finals Features: designed to be lightweight and comfortable; made of 100 percent brushed polyester; durable and quick drying; waistband with Velcro closure and multicolor draw cord; contrast color piping and stitching; hidden...

Site concession and furnishings.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2005... by Kay 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 1197...

TrackStart starting platforms.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2005... by Adolph Kiefer & Associates Features: side mount design is made for pools with bulkheads or limited deck space; stainless steel backstroke bar; 32-inch track style top is available in patented thermoplastic or stainless steel; custom...

Water-play structure.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2005... by KoalaPlay Group Features: large-scale water structure is designed to hold 1,200 people; three patented bucket towers: Skull Tower, Shipwrecked Boat Towers and Volcano Tower; 17 towers and eight slides; five themed play areas ...

Water slides.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2005... by Miracle Recreation Equipment Co. Features: the WSRB692308 offers multiple slides, including a speed slide with a three-story drop; company also offers a selection of products that include 36-inch open or enclosed body flume slides, speed...

Model 580 SM tower/fountain.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2005... by Most Dependable Fountains Features: combines a foot and shower tower with a sand-free, ADA-compliant drinking fountain; sand trough design is made to direct water and sand to an external location to prevent clogging; bubbler,...

PVC pool lining systems.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2005... by Natare Corp. Features: PVC membranes are designed to create a watertight liner to avoid annual surface repair; can be used for renovation or new construction; primary and slip-resistant; available colors include white, sky blue,...

OmniPod.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 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...

PAL portable lift.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2005... by Recreonics Features: portable lift meets all ADA requirements, per maker; designed for a lifting capacity of 300 pounds; pushbutton operation; controls are waterproof and submersible; 24V battery-powered, with supplied recharging unit;...

PVC pool shell.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2005... 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...

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

Tyvek and vinyl wristbands.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2005... by Price Chopper Features: company offers both Tyvek and vinyl wristbands that are engineered to be tear-resistant and waterproof; available in various colors and designs Contact: Price Chopper Inc., Orlando, Fla. 407.679.1600; Booth...

Round tables.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2005... by R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co. Features: Pilot Rock tables are offered in portable and stationary frames; 48-inch diameter round top; four round or curved seats; expanded or perforated steel top and seats are vinyl-coated in a choice of five...

The outpost outdoor display board.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2005... 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...

PAL portable aquatic lift.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2005... by RMT Aquatics Features: lift is designed to be portable and easy to operate; flexible for multiple applications; battery-powered; ADA-compliant, per maker Contact: RMT Aquatics, Miami 800.577.4424 Booth 1573 Circle 427 on...

Vitriturf.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2005... by Vitriturf Features: safety flooring is designed for use around swimming pools and playgrounds; product is poured into place; cushioned and porous Contact: Vitriturf, Hauppauge, NIY. 631.231.1300, ext. 22; Booth 3008 Circle 422...

Double flat panel cantilever.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2005... by Shade Structures Features: pictured 15-by-30-foot PTFE panels are designed to add shade and a modern look to an older pool facility Offerings: warranties on fabric and structural elements Contact: Shade Structures, Costa Mesa,...

Spray cannon.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2005... by Vortex Aquatic Structures Intl. Features: spray cannon rotates 360 degrees and has a controllable spray zone that can soak anyone within a 30-foot radius Offerings: 25-year warranty; conceptualized renderings; layout drawings;...

Aquatic planners, designers and engineers.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2005... by Water Technology Features: company's portfolio includes indoor and outdoor waterparks, resort/hotel pools, family aquatics centers, water spraygrounds, indoor and outdoor leisure pools, competition pools, university and high school...

Custom shade structures.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2005... 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,...

SplashZone.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 1, 2005... by Waterworks Intl. Features: company offers interactive water-play products for all ages, per maker; fun-tower fountain is available Contact: Waterworks Intl., Kankakee, III. 815.932.3003; Booth 2520 Circle 418 on Postage-Free...

AquaPlay AP200.(NRPA Exhibitors)
October 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...

Two-compartment pump motors.(The Equipment Room)
October 1, 2005... by A.O. Smith Electrical Products Co. Features: pump motors offer patented features such as drop-in wire mounts, nonfriction bearing seals, no-adjust start switch, easy-access terminal board and easy-to-use voltage change plugs for dual...

Calypso flow filter.(The Equipment Room)
October 1, 2005... by Hormsco 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 ...

Sand filter.(The Equipment Room)
October 1, 2005... by Met-Made Filter Features: sand filters are made with all fiberglass construction; no laterals are buried in the sand bed Contact: Mer-Made Filter, Denmark, S.C. 803.793.4265 Circle 474 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION...

Heat pumps.(The Equipment Room)
October 1, 2005... by AquaCal Features: patented ThermoLink titanium heat exchanger; microprocessor controls, scroll compressors and dual thermostats Offerings: co-op advertising; directmail program Contact: AquaCal Inc., St. Petersburg, Fla....

Solar pool heating systems.(The Equipment Room)
October 1, 2005... by Heliocol Solar Pool Heating Features: solar collectors are offered in black, terra cotta and gray; individual tube design; overmolded header; designed for easy installation and to withstand hurricane-force winds; ISO 9001-2000 and Green...

Vacuum sand filtration systems.(The Equipment Room)
October 1, 2005... by Natare Corp. Features: open-top stainless steel filter tanks; flow rates up to 20 gpm/sq, ft.; precise flow control; NSF-approved, per maker; custom-engineered; options and accessories include covers, access hatches and ladders; wet...

COM25 commercial chlorine generator.(The Equipment Room)
October 1, 2005... by Clormatic Features: generator is self-cleaning; full-flow cell, patented solid-state tri-sensor; NSF-certified, per manufacturer; ORP interface Offerings: free evaluation and sizing for commercial pools Contact: Clormatic,...

Commercial pool heater.(The Equipment Room)
October 1, 2005... by Laurs Heating Systems Co. Features: built-in automatic mixing system; backwash switch; low NOx; flexible venting; available in seven sizes, from 500-1,999 MBTU; can be used indoors and outdoors Contact: Laars Heating Systems Co.,...

Guardian PVC hair and lint strainers.(The Equipment Room)
October 1, 2005... by Neptune-Benson Features: strainers feature heavy-duty construction and easy opening securing assemblies, per maker; 1-inch-thick transparent acrylic lid; straight and eccentric design; full face 1/8-inch-thick sealing gasket;...

Thermoplastic transfer pumps.(The Equipment Room)
October 1, 2005... by Pacer Pumps Features: pumps are designed to be corrosion-resistant and chemically compatible; multiple drive choices and broad flow ranges Contact: Pacer Pumps, div., ASM Industries, Lancaster, Pa. 800.233.3861 Circle 471 on...

Automatic backwash multiport valve systems.(The Equipment Room)
October 1, 2005... by Praher Valves Features: "Superstar" systems provide pressure or time clock activation with fireman switch delay; 1-11 minutes of backwash time, and 30 seconds to four minutes of rinse time, per maker; designed to work with other...

EQ series pumps.(The Equipment Room)
October 1, 2005... by Pentair Water P001 and Spa Features: noncorrosive, all plastic, self-priming pumps for commercial pool applications; efficient impeller design for lower motor load and extended motor life; includes 6-inch suction and 4-inch discharge...

RP2100 ASME heater.(The Equipment Room)
October 1, 2005... 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 Circle 467 on Postage-Free Card...

Replacement cartridges, DE grids.(The Equipment Room)
October 1, 2005... 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 Circle 469 on Postage-Free...

Eureka permanent filters.(The Equipment Room)
October 1, 2005... by Recreation Supply Co. Features: company offers high-rate, permanent media commercial pool filters; the filter line includes the traditional HRL series, HRL Tandem Tanks, HRL2C (dual cell) and HRG series; some filters are equipped to...

Stark filters.(The Equipment Room)
October 1, 2005... by Recreonics Features: integral composite fiberglass tank is coated in more than 80 miles of resin impregnated fiberglass filament; designed to be durable and corrosion-proof; standard or custom self-stacking modular tanks; choice of...

Heat siphon heat pumps.(The Equipment Room)
October 1, 2005... by US 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 fasteners...

Model 93.(The Equipment Room)
October 1, 2005... Porton, Zipporah by Speck Pumps-Pool Products Features: company offers a bronze, self-priming commercial pool pump; one-piece design holds a medium head pump with a 250 cubic-inch plastic strainer basket; suited for high-rate sand...

EQ Series pool pumps.(The Equipment Room)
October 1, 2005... by WMS Aquatics Features: impeller design makes the pumps effective for a wide range of commercial water applications, per maker Contact: WMS Aquatics, Ellensburg, Wash. 800.426.9460 Circle 461 on Postage-Free Card ...

Berkeley pumps.(The Equipment Room)
October 1, 2005... by Sta-Rite Features: centrifugal pumps generate a large volume in flooded-suction applications such as waterfeatures, waterparks, aquaculture, and commercial pools and spas; wide range of gpm/head configurations; 1,200-, 1,750- or...

Zeobrite.(The Equipment Room)
October 1, 2005... by Zeotech Corp. Features: designed to replace sand in sand filters while reducing chemical and operating costs, backwashing frequency and eye-irritating ammonia problems Offerings: literature Contact: Zeotech Corp., Fort Worth,...

JetMax.(THE SOURCE)
October 1, 2005... by AquaJet Features: on-board pump and filter design enables the vacuum to work without manual labor, hoses, pumps, hoists or tracks, belts and brushes; cleans most pools in an hour, per maker; standard equipped with both 2-micron and mesh...

Spray 'N Play.(THE SOURCE)
October 1, 2005... by NorthEast Aquatic Design Features: new patented, stainless steel modular spray deck has pieces that are easily changeable, serviced and winterized, per maker; available in various colors and textures and can be modified at any time; can...

EPG Goggles.(THE SOURCE)
October 1, 2005... by EPG Features: ear protective goggles are designed to prevent water from entering wearers' ears, which can lead to infections for swimmers and surfers; comes with rubber-sealed goggles that have tinted lenses; available in various colors...

Knight heating boiler.(THE SOURCE)
October 1, 2005... by Lochinvar Corp. Features: boiler is available in seven models, with inputs from 80 to 500 MBH; two-line, 16-character LCD display uses English rather than numeric codes to simplify installation and service calls; fully modulating burner...

Aqua grate.(THE SOURCE)
October 1, 2005... by Fibergrate Composite Structures Features: grating is made for recreational applications; grit-top offers a high level of slip resistance, per maker; 1/4-inch spacing between bearing bars is designed to be a comfortable walking surface...

SeaKlear Algae Prevention and Remover.(THE SOURCE)
October 1, 2005... by Vanson HaloSource Features: new product is made to kill and prevent blue, green, black and yellow mustard algae; remover comes with a no-algae guarantee; proven effective for all types of algae found in pools, per maker; designed to...

Red bromine test strips.(THE SOURCE)
October 1, 2005... by AquaChek Features: a total hardness test has been added to the red test strip, making it a four-way test strip; also tests for total bromine, pH and total alkalinity; test pad measures magnesium and calcium Contact: AquaChek,...

2006 youth Thermal/Wear.(THE SOURCE)
October 1, 2005... by TYR Sports Features: this new line of ThermalWear is designed for children and maintains warmth; blocks 100 percent of UV rays and provides a comfortable range of movement; available in a variety of colors and patterns, in sizes 2T to...

Aquatic educational DVDs.(THE SOURCE)
October 1, 2005... by Aquatics By Sprint Features: this new set of 10 DVDs is directed and edited by the company's medical staff; in each video, professionals demonstrate the proper techniques for their specialties; topics include aquatic therapy for polio...

Dual storage tank.(THE SOURCE)
October 1, 2005... by Mer-Made Filter Features: company has developed fiberglass-reinforced plastic hypochlorite storage tanks; outer tank is designed to meet today's environmental protection standards; primary chemical storage chamber is surrounded by an...

Mesh sports bag.(THE SOURCE)
October 1, 2005... by Pool Shot Products Features: heavy-duty mesh sports bag features a ventilated, see-through design made to allow wet items to dry during storage while resisting the growth of mold and mildew; developed for storing and handling pool toys,...

DEfender filters.(THE SOURCE)
October 1, 2005... by Neptune-Benson Features: automatic regenerative media filters for use in aquatics centers and waterparks; engineered to require one-fourth of the space of conventional sand filters; 4-6 micron particle removal; can filter up to 3,000...

Pentair promotes Ruis.(Dennis Ruis )(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... Dennis Ruis has been promoted to vice president, general manager of Pentair Water Pool and Spa. He will be responsible for developing strategies for the company's commercial pool business units. Ruis also is continuing in his role as vice...

BioLab hires Calvin.(Tom Calvin )(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... BioLab Commercial Pool Care, a division of BioLab, has hired Tom Calvin as Western regional sales manager. The Lawrenceville, Ga. based maker of water-treatment products for commercial pools and spas brought Calvin on board to handle sales,...

Chemtrol's Smith passes.(IN MEMORIAM)(Kevin R. Smith)(Brief Article)(Obituary)
October 1, 2005... Kevin R. Smith, a sales manager at Chemtrol, a division of Santa Barbara Control Systems, died in a boating accident Aug. 12. Smith joined the Santa Barbara, Calif.-based manufacturer in 1985. In his position, he over saw and contributed to the...

Industry calendar.(PEOPLE & EVENTS)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
October 1, 2005... OCTOBER Sept. 29-0ct. 2 APSP Tech I & II Irving, Texas 703.838.0083 www.theapsp.org 3-7 WWA 25th Annual Symposium & Trade Show Las Vegas 913.599.0300 www.waterparks.org 13 Water Rescue Technician Course...

Labor pains: an operator pays the price for misunderstanding labor regulations. Would you fare any better?
October 1, 2005... Hiring and managing an aquatics staff can be like walking a tightrope without a net. If you take a wrong step, you lose a potential employee. But as one operator discovered, such missteps can result in much more than a lost employee. Alexa...

Drawing the line.(Brief Article)(Editorial)
October 1, 2005... This time Of year, I do a lot of traveling. And that means I spend a lot of time in airports. More specifically, I spend a lot of time in lines: security lines, boarding lines, taxi lines. Sometimes, there's even a line to get in line. It's no...

Destination: known: destination waterpark resorts are the hot new trend in the industry. But it takes more than a hotel and waterpark to be a player in this market.
October 1, 2005... When Scott Hester thinks about taking a family vacation, the last thing he wants to do is go through airport security hassles and boarding headaches. So when it's time for a holiday, Hester plans to pack up the car and head for the waterpark...

Under one roof: enclosures make the difference between year-round profits and scraping by between seasons. Experts offer advice on picking the right type for you.
October 1, 2005... One word sums up Wisconsin Dells, Wis.--cold. temperature is below 50 degrees out of the year and the area has an of 30 inches. Though temperatures for a month or two in the summer, the area doesn't exactly seem like the ideal environment for a...

Back on track: this resort is small on size but big on ideas, with an elaborate train depot theme that honors history.
October 1, 2005... All aboard! Next stop, Minneapolis! Back in the late 1800s, the downtown train station in this burgeoning Midwestern city was bustling. But as time went on, little by little, activity at the Depot tapered off until finally, in 1971, the last...