Pool & Spa News articles from April 2004

Pool & Spa News archives from April 2004

Study reveals pools add value to homes.(Making News)
April 9, 2004... The National Association of Realtors may have confirmed what pool builders have believed for years: Swimming pools add value to residential property. Inground pools increase property values from 8 percent to as much as 15 percent,...

Insurance woes beset NESPA.(Making News)
April 9, 2004... The Northeast Spa & Pool Association may have to find a new carrier for its business insurance policy. At press time, the trade group was still waiting to hear from its insurer about the fate of its program. Signs are more positive now...

A core vision.(Reflections)
April 9, 2004... Recently, I attended a screening of an HBO series called "The Wire." The show's creators were there to answer questions, along with actors from the particular episode they showed. "The Wire" has a lot of separate characters and plot lines...

Home building hits a high note.(Making News)
April 9, 2004... Not since Jimmy Carter was in the White House in 1978 have the housing starts been so high. New-home construction in 2003 was up, totaling 1.848 million units, according to a report by the U.S. Commerce Department. This is 8.4 percent...

TIA show to debut in Phoenix.
April 9, 2004... A show created to boost the home, garden and pool market segments will debut May 4-5 at the Pointe South Mountain Resort in Phoenix (shown). The American International Outdoor Toy Show is hosted by the Toy Industry Association Inc., a New...

NSPF announces fellowships.
April 9, 2004... The National Swimming Pool Foundation announced it will award up to 10 research fellowships annually to graduate students and post-doctoral researchers. It's part of an effort to reduce risks such as disease, drowning and entrapment associated...

Sunny outcome for Florida show.(Making News)
April 9, 2004... Record numbers of attendees and exhibitors flocked to the Sunshine State last month for the Florida 2004 Pool & Spa Show. Though final numbers were not available at press time, Show Director Wendy Parker said approximately 3,000 attendees...

Weather cools housing starts in February.(Making News)
April 9, 2004... Unusually cold weather in parts of the nation put a freeze on new-home construction in February. Housing starts dipped to a seasonally adjusted rate of 1.855 million from 1.90 million units in January. "Weather put a crimp in housing...

Fibre Tech conference goes to Las Vegas.
April 9, 2004... The Palace Station Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas was the site of Fibre Tech Inc.'s recent National Dealer Conference. The four-day event included a pool demonstration, where Fibre Tech installers resurfaced a local commercial pool. At an awards...

Safety pioneer lauded.
April 9, 2004... In its March issue. the business magazine Fast Company named Robert Jechart, CEO of RJE Technologies Inc., to its Fast 50 innovators list. Jechart was chosen from a list of 1,650 entries submitted by individuals in 30 countries. He receives the...

Leadership Conference names speakers.(Making News)
April 9, 2004... A New York Times bestselling author and a recruiting expert will headline NSPI's 16th Annual Industry Leadership Conference slated for this summer. The conference will be held Aug. 18-20 at the Hyatt Regency Denver Downtown. This year's...

SBA's Small-Business program extended.
April 9, 2004... One of the most important job-creation programs of the U.S. Small Business Administration has been extended. SBA Administrator Hector V. Barreto applauded the decision by President Bush to reauthorize the 504 Loan Program, which aims to help...

Pacific Industries receives patent.
April 9, 2004... Pacific Industries of Latham, N.Y., has been granted a design patent for its SunLedge step. Molded from a sheet of thermoplastic, the step uses the patented TES system to provide durability and support. Its 8-foot design provides a single step...

ThermoSpas big with boomers.
April 9, 2004... ThermoSpas' campaign to target aging baby boomers is paying off. Sales in 2003 increased 20 percent to $58 million as the company focused on this demographic and its health needs. In the 1990s, the Wallingford, Conn.-based manufacturer was a...

Security concerns hit Wall Street.(Making News)
April 9, 2004... Security concerns had a negative impact on Wall Street late last month after the assassination of the founder of the militant Palestinian group Hamas. One session saw the Dow Jones drop 147 points, pushing it perilously close to the...

Pool and spa industry stock market transactions.(Making News)
April 9, 2004... Pool and Spa Industry Stock Market Transactions Quotations are for March 22, 2004 Vol. Symbol (100s) NEW YORK STOCK...

Conner wins excellence award.
April 9, 2004... Composites Fabricators magazine has awarded its 2003 Excellence and Innovation Award to Bob Conner, the plant manager at Blue Hawaiian Fiberglass Pools, based in Largo, Fla. Conner has 30 years' management experience, 13 of those in the...

Cal Spas dealers cruise the Caribbean.
April 9, 2004... More than 135 of Cal Spas' top dealers attended the Pomona, Calif.-based manufacturer's annual dealer incentives trip. This year, winners and their guests took a six-day Caribbean cruise aboard the MS Oosterdam, a Holland America ocean liner.

Imperial opens Massachusetts branch.
April 9, 2004... In March, Imperial Pool Manufacturing & Distribution opened a branch in Amesbury, Mass. The new 30,000-square-foot facility boasts extensive warehousing and distribution capabilities and is part of a nationwide expansion effort by Imperial to...

Man sentenced to 20 years for spa fraud.(Making News)
April 9, 2004... The former president of Americana Leisure Products has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for a hot tub scheme that cost at least 18 customers in the Reno, Nev., area tens of thousands of dollars. Todd Andrew Surgeon, 34, pleaded guilty...

Small-Business enthusiasm slips slightly.(Making News)
April 9, 2004... Continuing a 10-month string of readings above the 100 level, the Small-Business Optimism Index registered 102.6 in February. While that's down more than 3 points from the previous month, the reading is still well above a year ago. "We don't...

Acu-Trol taps Grimes.
April 9, 2004... Acu-Trol Programmable Controllers, an Auburn, Calif.-based manufacturer, recently tapped its own Aaron Grimes to fill the chief financial officer position formerly held by retired Acu-Trol co-founder Bob Lenney. For more than 10 years, Grimes...

Smith named Pulliam V.P.
April 9, 2004... Debra Smith has been promoted to rice president of Pulliam Aquatech Pools Inc., an inground-pool construction firm in Fort Worth, Texas. Smith joined the firm as office manager in 1992 and has extensive administrative and management experience....

Neptune-Benson hires two.
April 9, 2004... Neptune-Benson Inc., an aquatics filtration designer and manufacturer, has hired Guy Scott Shaffer as its marketing coordinator in charge of marketing and promotions. Shaffer comes to the West Warwick, R.I.-based company after a term as...

Clear Tech promotes Webbe.
April 9, 2004... John Webbe has been promoted to national sales manager by Clear Tech Automation Inc., a Pompano Beach, Fla.-based manufacturer of automatic salt chlorinating systems for inground pools. Previously, Webbe was the company's national service...

Plastimayd appoints Nibler.
April 9, 2004... Greg Nibler has been named marketing coordinator at Plastimayd Corp., a manufacturer of pool liners, enclosures and safety covers in Clackamas, Ore. For five years before this, he was part of the inside sales and customer service team. Now,...

Images in Tile partners with artist.
April 9, 2004... Marine artist Carey Chen has been commissioned by Images in Tile, LLC, a Denver manufacturer, to design tiles featuring seascapes. Using a digital process for imprinting tiles, the company will infuse Chen's original artwork into an exclusive...

Marathon gal: a small-town lifeguard swims her way to a national fitness record.(People)
April 9, 2004... For Dawn Bergeson, The challenge was simple: She wanted the record and was determined to get it. Bergeson, a 42-year-old water safety instructor from Cottonwood, Minn., was once again entering the February Fitness Challenge--one of the...

The bacteria hunter: keep swimmers safe and healthy by testing for bacteria at poolside.(Technically Speaking)
April 9, 2004... Every pool and spa operator wants to ensure the safety of bathers. A large part of this effort involves minimizing the risk of recreational water illnesses (RWIs). Despite these efforts, thousands of cases of RWI are reported to the Centers for...

Against the ropes: duking it out with a vendor or your own staff? Here are tips for resolving disputes without costly court fights.(Legal Eagle)
April 9, 2004... One of the few certainties in life, aside from death and taxes, is that pool and spa businesses will encounter disputes from time to time. These disputes can occur over a sale or delivery, merchandise quality, the installation of a pool of spa,...

Fountain of youth: this builder's renovated pool is the focal point for family entertaining and sports.(In My Backyard)
April 9, 2004... How would you characterize the style of your pool? Michael D. Manley: It's a unique blend of modern and Mediterranean. How often do you use it? M.D.M.: Not as much as I would like. My family uses the pool all the time, though. I...

Top 50 products of 2004: here they are--the new products that readers find most intriguing, and where to get them.
April 9, 2004... It's an annual tradition. The staff of Pool & Spa News carefully tallies reader response from the "2003 New Products Supplement." The 50 products generating the most interest are subsequently presented as Pool & Spa News' "Readers' Choice."...

Married to the job: a spouse and business partner all in one. How three couples make it work.
April 9, 2004... When Jeanette Clemens speaks of her "former boss," she does so with fondness and admiration: "He works his tail off. He loves to build pools." When she was first hired, she took care of the office work, keeping the books and pursuing sales,...

The solar system: installing and servicing solar pool-heating systems to make your bottom line shine.
April 9, 2004... The market for solar pool-heating systems is strong, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Approximately 25,000 systems were sold in the United States in 1999 (the most recent statistics available), accounting for about one-fifth of all...

Cleverly packaged: renovating a beloved neighborhood pool on a tight budget took creativity and community involvement--and resulted in a vinyl-liner pool that made everyone happy.
April 9, 2004... When the Bloomington (Indiana) Parks and Recreation Department wanted to renovate one of its city pools into a spraypark two years ago, it was surprised to meet with so much resistance from the community. The 25-meter Ralph R. Mills Pool,...

Max Air spa blowers.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Air Supply of the Future Features: air blowers are designed for quiet operation with new high-performance motor; available in 1-, 1.5- and 2hp models Contact: Air Supply of the Future, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (800) 848-3077 Write...

Spa & Garden catalog.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by A&B Accessories Features: catalog features a range of products and spa accessories, such as steps, handrails, stools and more Offerings: 5 percent discount on pre-paid orders Contact: A&B Accessories Inc., West Fork, Ark. (800)...

SpaWedge.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Almar Mfg. Features: inflatable air bag for standing up or laying down spa; made of 18 ounce PVC coated polyester; double layered on two sides to provide additional abrasion resistance; can be inflated by any shop vac, per maker ...

Polar bear spa motors.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by A.O. Smith Electrical Products Co. Features: company introduces a line of motors designed for spas; includes patent-pending electronic silent switch located at top of motor along with capacitor for better ventilation; class F insulation;...

Butler spa cover lift.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Aquatic Specialties Features: durable aluminum construction; works with most spas 8 feet wide or less, according to manufacturer Offerings: four-color packaging; same-day shipping Contact: Aquatic Specialties Inc., Oceanside,...

Tundra legend SE spa.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Arctic Spas Features: spa includes 81 jets, five digital lights, Forever Floor, Therapy Air, Peak Ozone System and Heatlock Insulation System Offerings: sales and service training for the spa line Contact: Arctic Spas, Thorsby,...

M7 pack.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Balboa Direct Features: product includes patented and patent-pending technology with solid-state sensors for hot-tub diagnostics and system management; incorporates no moving parts; designed for reliability, accuracy and ease of use ...

Platinum class spa line.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Artesian Spas Features: the four spas in the line feature patented DirectFlow switchless motor and plumbing system; each seat contains its own pump and motor directed to massage jets; operating system designed to eliminate entwining...

Spa Covers.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Be-Lite Features: company offers aluminum spa covers in a variety of shapes and colors; tie-downs available Offerings: POP displays; color literature; store posters Contact: Be-Lite Inc., Anaheim, Calif. (714) 630-6008 ...

Brilliance spa-care line.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Avecia Features: products are chlorine-free, have less odor, cause less skin irritation to eyes and skin, and won't upset the balance of spa water's chemistry, per maker; Brilliance Sanitizer, Metal and Scale Control and Shock are...

578 BLE spa model.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Beachcomber Hot Tubs Features: family-oriented multilevel seating; available with AquaCoustics surround sound, digital controls, standard EnviroSkirt, RFM, Hush Pump, Protec BEST and Evelight 3 Offerings: new BLE package offers...

Spa essentials spa cover wipes.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by BioLab Features: wipes are designed to remove dirt and buildup from spa cover to restore its luster; 25 wipes per dispenser Contact: BioLab Inc., Lawrenceville, Ga. (800) 959 7946, ext. 2 Write 261 on Postage-Free Card ...

BioFree automatic sanitizing system.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by BioQuest Features: patented BioQuest sensor; electrolytic cell produces bromine; designed to simplify spa maintenance Contact: BioQuest, Reno, Nev. (888) 829-9993 Write 262 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Portable spas.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Bullfrog Spas Features: spas include JetPaks, which are individual jetted seats that can be customized, upgraded and are interchangeable Contact: Bullfrog Spas, Salt Lake City (801) 565-811 Write 263 on Postage-Free Card ...

SureStep spa step.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Byron Originals Features: designed to be maintenance-free, easy to assemble; rugged construction; UV-stabilized; will not fade or become brittle over time, per maker Offerings: three-year limited warranty Contact: Byron...

Galaxy entertainment spa.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Cal Spas Features: spa includes a 42-inch, pop-up plasma TV, marine-grade speakers, DVD player, CD/stereo system with four subwoofers, 49 jets, four waterfalls and fiberoptic lighting; seats six; also features Adjustable Therapy System...

Spa accessories.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by California Design Group Features: company offers its line of maintenance-free spa accessories, including storage steps, side bars, benches, garden furniture and planters Contact: California Design Group, div., Plastic Lumber Co.,...

FunScents spa fragrances.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Capo Industries Features: line offers eight fragrances designed to leave skin feeling soft SpaBoss spa chemicals also available to spa professionals only: all products color-coded for easy identification Contact: Capo Industries...

Quartet (rhythm series) spa.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Clearwater Spas Features: spa measures 78-by-78-inches; 24 jets; reflective thermal insulation and Durafloor construction Offerings: national flooring programs Contact: Clearwater Spas, Woodville, Wash. (800) 791-1190 Write...

Diamond spa.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Coast Spas Mfg. Features: two-seater spa is 70 inches wide; features fiberoptics, 3hp pump, 16 jets and an optional Sony AM/FM/CD ideal for small decks and patios, per maker Contact: Coast Spas Mfg., Langley, British Columbia,...

Spa-2-go.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Comfort Line Products Features: portable spa is designed for easy installation; plugs into standard 110V outlet; can be filled using garden hose; locking cover included; seats four adults; full-body turbo-wave massage: cushioned bottom...

Handi-step.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Confer Plastics Features: all-plastic, snap-together spa step designed to be economical; available in four colors Contact: Confer Plastics Inc., North Tonawanda, N.Y. (800) 635-3213 Write 272 on Postage-Free Card ...

Spa accessories.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by The Cover Valet Features: company offers a number of spa accessories, including The Cover Valet cover lift, Cover Caddy, Cover Rock-It, Cover Stand, Spaside Handrail and Spaside Umbrella Offerings: multiple incentives Contact:...

AquaRail.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Custom Molded Products Features: innovative concept features a waterfall built into the handle, according to manufacturer; variable flow capacity; patented design is available in gray, black and clear for fiberoptic and LED applications...

Lotus bay spa.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Dimension One Spas Features: the latest in the company's curvilinear Bay Collection spas; patent-pending design features adjustable fountain for audio/visual therapy and synchronized LED lighting to enhance the mood Contact:...

Rotationally molded spas.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Dream Maker Spas Features: new line of five rotationally molded spas with 10 to 13 jets; 110V, 15 amp: cash-n-carry hot tubs Contact: Dream Maker Spas, Orlando, Fla. (888) 768-6772 Write 275 on Postage-Free Card ...

Neptune series spas.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Dynasty Spas Features: LED lighting with illuminated waterfalls and jets; ABS bottom; Dyna-Shield maintenance-free skirting; SBSG S class pack; dual master massage jets; two 7hp pumps; 100-square-foot filtration system; three available...

Emerald, cygnus and vantage spas.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Emerald Spa Corp. Features: includes ergonomically styled interior; turbo air, fiberoptics, aromatherapy, HydroVibe stereo and intensive neck and foot therapy options; selection of cabinets also available Offerings: free...

Woodland steps.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Essentials Features: spa steps made with real wood treads: can be ordered in cedar, redwood or gray with polymer base in complementary colors or black to match black base cabinets; Woodland Step (single length) and Deluxe Step (double...

Portable spa platform.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by EZ Pad Features: prefabricated, two-segment spa platform is connected by a self-adhesive hinge: designed to provide solid, level surface; portable: made of high-density, 3-inch-thick expanded polystyrene and reinforced mesh and cement;...

Spa covers.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Florida Spa Covers & Vinyl Specialties Features: 1- and 2-pound, lightweight, walk-on and custom covers; virgin foam cores; UV- and mildew-protected marine vinyl, according to manufacturer Offerings: volume discounts; showroom...

Rendezvous fragrances.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by GLB Pool and Spa Features: fragrances are safe for all spa finishes, per maker; four available scents: Tahitian Moonlight, St. Moritz Sunrise, Aegean Twilight and Mediterranean Breeze; 8-ounce bottles and 1-ounce sample pouches...

Trident hot tub.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Great Lakes Home & Resort Features: at 33 inches deep, new hot tub seats four and comes with fold-down drink holders, molded head cushions, neck jets and Aqua Rail Waterfall, which doubles as a handrail; available in variety of colors...

Rubadub tub.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Great Northern Engineering Features: 44-inch-deep hot tub with adjustable height seating and customized jet placement; designed to be lightweight and energy-efficient; custom sizes and depths available Offerings: literature,...

Galaxy spa.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Hawkeye Mfg. Features: company's revamped flagship model includes a third pump for more responsive power; 43 stainless steel jets, two Hawkeye Dream Collars and handcrafted, top-rail mahogany cabinet Offerings: prepaid and truckload...

Spas.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Honey Tubs Features: seven- to eight-person spa; custom made; up to 50 hydrotherapy jets; available in a variety of colors Offerings: free delivery anywhere in the United States; dealer support; promotional items Contact: Honey...

Pool and spa parts catalogs.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Horizon Spa and Pool Parts Features: company's 2004 catalogs feature an array of pool and spa parts from numerous manufacturers Contact: Horizon Spa and Pool Parts, Tucson, Ariz. (800) 874-7727 Write 286 on Postage-Free Card ...

Spa aromatherapy fragrances.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by inSPAration Features: 52 fragrances offered within three product fines; new 4 ounce tri-pack and blister pack with 12 inSPAration fragrance selections, Hydro Therapies, Wellness line, Spa Pearls spa and bath crystals and AIRomatherapy...

ColorGlo multicolor portable spa light.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by J&J Electronics Features: 10 user-controlled lighting modes; 24 ultra-bright LEDs; easy retrofit, per maker Offerings: five-year warranty; co-op advertising; free store display and marketing tools Contact: J&J Electronics Inc.,...

The spa cover stuff.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Jack's Magic Products Features: UV Intercept formulated to deep clean and protect spa covers: water-soluble formula is combined with wipe; designed to prolong life of spa cover Contact: Jack's Magic Products, Largo, Fla. (800)...

J-365 spa model.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Jacuzzi Premium Features: model includes six-person seating, waterfall with backlight, 30 PowerPro jets and two pumps; measures 91-by-84-inches and 34 inches deep Contact: Jacuzzi Premium, Chino, Calif. (909) 548-3518 Write 291...

Spa frog.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by King Technology Features: floating, mineral spa-care system; reusable holder with two replaceable cartridges (one with minerals that last four months, the other with bromine that lasts two months, per maker Contact: King Technology...

Covermate easy cover lift.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Leisure Concepts Features: lift is made of black powder-coated aluminum with screw caps, bolt covers and rubber grips; simple design includes UV-resistant nylon catch strap, per maker Contact: Leisure Concepts, Spokane, Wash. (800)...

Spa Pillows.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Leisure Tech Features: air-filled spa pillows molded in heavyweight PVC vinyl; designed for durability and to resist spa chemicals, UV rays, ozone; can be molded to any shape, texture of color, per maker; air valve for adjustable...

Spa cover wipes.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Leisure Time Features: new wipes are designed to clean and condition vinyl spa covers; UV blockers provide maximum protection from the sun, per maker; 25 wipes per bottle; also available is a complete line of sanitizers, shock...

Spa pillows.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Mantec Services Features: constructed of quality materials; suction cup or permanent attachment systems; comes in a variety of colors and styles Offerings: one-year warranty; customized services available Contact: Mantec...

Silver anniversary reward spa.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Marquis Spas Features: HK40 jets are utilized throughout spa to allow each zone to run consecutively for upper- and lower back and lower-body therapy; two sets of adjustable Cascade neck jets operate in every zone, per maker ...

LS1050FST spa model.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Master Spas Features: model features 15-inch flat-screen digital television, DVD player, Sony CD stereo system with subwoofer and two pop-up, hi-fi, marine-grade speakers and waterproof multifunctional remote control Contact: Master...

The fun tub.(Portable Spas)
April 9, 2004... by Medallion Swim Pool Co. Features: 42 inches deep; lightweight, yet strong aluminum shell with durable vinyl liner; can be assembled on site so it will fit in most rooms, according to manufacturer Offerings: brochures Contact:...