Pool & Spa News articles from April 2005

Pool & Spa News archives from April 2005

Gas, oil prices rise; more hikes expected.(Making News)
April 11, 2005... Gasoline and crude oil prices hit a new high in March, with signs indicating that prices will continue to rise. The American Automobile Association said the average price of regular unleaded gasoline hit a high of $2.13 per gallon on March...

Pentair/Sta-Rite update.(Making News)
April 11, 2005... One year after Pentair Inc. announced it would purchase WICOR Industries, parent of the Sta-Rite brand, the two companies are unveiling changes and boasting a new strategy. "We see this very much as a growth venture," said Scott Levin,...

Doing the impossible.(Reflections)
April 11, 2005... I am a contrarian. If someone makes a statement--whether it's fact or just their opinion--I will often reflexively disagree with what they said. Mostly, I do this because I love a good debate. And that's fine. But sometimes I argue with...

The lost years: new product warranty terms have the industry feeling hopeful.(Making News)
April 11, 2005... A few years ago, Jared Green conducted an informal, internal study on his warranty accounts and was surprised by the results. "I figured out that in one year, we spent more than $10,000 in labor and materials replacing warranty products....

Inter-Fab cycles for charity.
April 11, 2005... Twenty staff members from Inter-Fab Inc. in Tucson, Ariz., participated in a bicycle race to raise money for families in crises. The event, El Tour de Tucson, is ah annual cycling fundraiser that benefits various local and national charity...

Gas leak sends 38 swimmers to hospital.
April 11, 2005... Last month, 38 children and adults in Royal Oak, Mich. were sickened during swimming lessons when a carbon monoxide leak entered the pool area from a second-floor mechanical room. According to Royal Oak tire inspector Toro Nikkila, the leak was...

Canadian trade group sees new lawsuit.(Making News)
April 11, 2005... The Pool & Hot Tub Council of Canada is being sued by a woman who dove into an aboveground pool. Her mother is also suing. Listed as defendants are a "John Doe Manufacturer" and owners of the property where the accident occurred. In August...

New homes for spring.(Making News)
April 11, 2005... The appeal of home ownership is having an undeniable effect on the housing market. A new dl-time record for housing starts was set in February. Total starts grew by 05 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 2.19 million units, setting...

Lodge group contests water testing rule.
April 11, 2005... Members of the Brown County (Ind.) Lodging Association are lobbying their state health department to retract a law requiring hot tub water to be tested weekly by a state-certified laboratory. The group met with Indiana Department of Health...

Burning chlorine injures 15 firefighters.
April 11, 2005... Fifteen firefighters were briefly hospitalized with respiratory problems after inhaling chlorine gas from a blaze at a home in Columbia, S.C. With the flames under control, most of the firefighters had removed their protective masks before...

Entrapment standards delayed.(Making News)
April 11, 2005... A long-awaited entrapment standard will be delayed six to eight months due to the number of concerns it has generated. The NSPI Technical Committee wrapped up the first draft of BSR/NSPI-7 2000X late last year and sent it out for review and...

EPA fines Hayward.
April 11, 2005... Hayward Pool Products recently was fined $57,500 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The agency claimed that the firm failed to report the release of chemicals used or processed during the period of 1998 to 2002. Bruce Fisher,...

Spatex '05 a success.
April 11, 2005... Nearly 2,500 visitors attended Spatex '05, a major European pool and spa trade show. One hundred national and international exhibitors were on hand for the ninth annual event, which took place Feb. 13-15 at the Hilton Metropole in Brighton,...

Industry balks at NEC revision.(Making News)
April 11, 2005... A recent amendment to the National Electric Code has raised the ire of some manufacturers and installers of fiberglass and vinyl-liner pools, though a process is already under way to reverse it. The code in question is Section 680.26C of...

San Juan Pools' dealers aid Navy vet.
April 11, 2005... After San Juan Pools' recent annual dealer conference in Orlando, Fla., 50 participants volunteered their time to help build a fiberglass therapy pool and spa at the home a Navy veteran who had been critically injured in Iraq. Peter Reid, a...

Golf legend's grandson drowns.
April 11, 2005... The 17-month-old grandson of professional golf great Jack Nicklaus died March 1 in a drowning accident at the toddler's home in North Palm Beach, Fla. Jake Walter Nicklaus was found submerged in his hot tub after an apparent case of negligence...

New group undertakes industry education.(Making News)
April 11, 2005... What began as a quest for APSP to find permanent locations for its technical certification classrooms has evolved into an entirely new organzation--one that may become a clearinghouse for educational programs throughout the industry. The...

Upbeat attitudes for small businesses.(Making News)
April 11, 2005... The nation's small-company owners maintained steady, confident outlooks on the economy in February, bringing the Small Business Optimism Index to a solid 103.7--unchanged from the previous month. Strong job-creation plans drove the numbers....

Three sign on at Gulf Coast Spas.
April 11, 2005... Gulf Coast Spas of Clearwater, Fla., has hired John D. Clements to oversee the creation of a new Florida manufacturing plant. As director of operations, he'll act as plant manager over all facets of manufacturing, production, quality control,...

Blue Hawaiian taps Hoover.
April 11, 2005... Gary Hoover has been named general operations manager at Blue Hawaiian Products in Largo, Fla. He oversees all plant operations, including monitoring local, state and federal standards: safety; shipping and receiving; plant maintenance; and...

Edgar G. Harman, fiberglass pool pioneer.(In Memoriam)
April 11, 2005... Edgar G. Harman, cofounder of San Juan Products Inc. of Seattle, passed away from natural causes in January. He was 81 years old. An industry veteran of 23 years, Harman helped launch one of the nation's largest fiberglass pool...

Skip McCabe, veteran builder.(People)
April 11, 2005... SkiP McCabe, the general manager of Premier Pools & Spas, died suddenly in Mar&. He was 59. According to his family, he succumbed to undetermined heart complications. For 28 years, McCabe worked in the pool business with various...

The home front: a front-yard waterfeature can create a grand entry.(Design Corner)
April 11, 2005... Michael Schneider's clients know that water makes just as much sense in the front yard as in the back. Most of the properties he designs showcase homes worth $750,000 to $7 million, on lots measuring 1/4 acre or less. Many clients ask this...

Up on the roof: solar pool heating technology is gaining widespread acceptance. Here are a few tips to install and troubleshoot one of today's user-friendly systems.(Technically Speaking)
April 11, 2005... Installing a solar heater can increase the use of a pool by two months at the beginning and end of the swim season. By utilizing something as common as the sun's energy, your customers will enjoy uncommon cost-effective benefits. Solar...

Radio-controlled pool toys.(New Products)
April 11, 2005... by Swimline Corp. Features: manufacturer releases a new set of radio-controlled pool toys, such as its Hovercraft (shown), featurin8 a long-range transmitter controller; works on both land and water: other products include a...

Mistscaping system.(New Products)
April 11, 2005... by Fogco Systems Features: misting system adds fog to waterfeatures and garden areas; kit provides outdoor cooling; new 1.0- to 1.5 gpm Promotional Direct Drive Pump is an outdoor-rated unit with a four-pole TEFC motor, thermal relief...

Saratoga Step-n-Spa.(New Products)
April 11, 2005... by Imperial Pools Mfg. & Dist. Features: new one-piece thermoplastic cantilever step is intended to offer the utility of a step and the luxury of a spa in one unit; it gives homeowners more interior space for sitting and lounging on the...

Echoes of nature pond kit.(New Products)
April 11, 2005... by Inter-Fab Features: kit comes with all the parts necessary to construct a pond in several hours, per maker; containment and circulation equipment is included, along with a rock waterfall, accent boulder and coping system; utilizes a...

Sunlite solar pool heating collectors.(New Products)
April 11, 2005... by Aquatherm Industries Features: manufacturer's solar pool heating collectors feature the newly patented stem block, a component designed to meter the flow of water in an effort to maximize the transfer of heat to the pool while keeping...

Pool controller.(New Products)
April 11, 2005... by Blue I Technologies Features: company introduces the HydroGuard HG-302 pool controller, which is designed to monitor chlorine, pH, ORP and temperature; automatically makes adjustments as necessary; uses Colorimetric DPD technology for...

Skamper-ramp big dog.(New Products)
April 11, 2005... by Skamper Industries Features: water rescue device for animals up to 90 pounds; provides an exit ramp for pets in an effort to safeguard against drowning; product is white, box-corrugated, recyclable plastic, which has UV- and...

Vinyl pool liner.(New Products)
April 11, 2005... by HPG International Features: Blue Majestic Sidewall vinyl-liner pool pattern now is offered; available at 39 inches in both 20- and 28-mil. thickness; designed for low-temperature flexibility, durability, and resistance to algae, mold,...

Xport drain system.(New Products)
April 11, 2005... by Pentair Water Pool and Spa Features: pool drain is made to provide powerful cleaning and anti-entrapment safety protection; system's funnel shape compresses and directs debris to the outlet port for faster cleaning with less likelihood...

AquaGlow.(New Products)
April 11, 2005... by Colored Aggregate Systems Features: photoluminescent chemical compound contains phosphorescent particles that absorb light energy from natural and artificial sources to release it in the form of visible light; made to glow in the dark;...

'Free' sanitizing system.(New Products)
April 11, 2005... by Leisure Time Features: three-part biguanide-based system for sanitizing spas; products are chlorine- and bromine-free for sensitive skin; system will not fade bathing suits or damage hair, per maker; Control chemical is used at spa...

Pool steps.(New Products)
April 11, 2005... by InnoVate Features: two new pool steps now are available; wide step offers 6-inch-deep, nonslip treads to provide swimmers with larger platform; measures 30 inches wide by 42 inches high and extends to 56 inches; 8-4-8 combination pool...

Design templates and carrying case.(New Products)
April 11, 2005... by Paramount Pool & Spa Systems Features: Liquid Studio Draw is a design book and CD set that consists of 130 pool and spa templates printed on acetate paper; bound in two notebooks; each template is ready to be traced on vellum or...

Yellow pool & spa test strips.(New Products)
April 11, 2005... by AquaChek Features: company announces the addition of a cyanuric acid test to its Yellow test strips, which is in addition to the free chlorine, pH and total alkalinity tests; does not require use to dilute the water for levels above 150...

SwivelSkim.(New Products)
April 11, 2005... by Iwanit Products Features: floating bidirectional pool skimmer is intended to minimize the physical effort needed to skim debris from surface of the pool; patented swiveling net apparatus pivots from an axle that bisects the opening of...

Cavity wake ozone injector.(New Products)
April 11, 2005... by Bowles Fluidics Corp Features: introducing the cavity wake ozone injector; product has company's special wake-style venturi nozzle; integral mixing chamber; reduced outgassing; improved dissolved oxygen performance, per maker; no...

5810S portable spa.(New Products)
April 11, 2005... by Dynasty Spas Features: the latest portable spa from the company's Advantage Series seats six and has 58 stainless steel jets; measures 90-by-90-by-39 inches; includes two 5hp pumps, full foam package, ionizer water purification system,...

Solargy solar pearl light.(New Products)
April 11, 2005... by Dynamic Enterprises Group Features: floating solar light is available on a half scallop shell; base is constructed like a surfboard for flotation: Lasts a minimum of eight hours and is large enough to not get caught in the skimmer, per...

Scaling the wall: a primer on building a stand-up vanishing-edge weir wall.(AquaScapes)
April 11, 2005... The wall is where it all happens. It's the edge in "vanishing edge." If done well, a dramatic illusion is created. If not, the wall reveals itself with an obvious weir or uneven water coverage. No matter how simple or intricate a project...

My first pool: these builders' first pools were often comical--and always memorable--learning experiences.
April 11, 2005... Often the memories are sweet; sometimes they're bittersweet. For the following five builders, remembering their first pool projects brought a mix of laughter, frustration and, most of all, nostalgia. Tom Driscoll President Cabana...

Shop shopping: picking a new retail location requires much thought. See what you need to do to find the best place for your next store.
April 11, 2005... Daniel Bridges was having a little trouble at his pool and spa store. Despite generating a large amount of marketing, he wasn't bringing in as much foot traffic as he'd hoped. "The volume and the new customer clientele were not coming into...

Showroom 2005: an exciting array of products to help you be more profitable this season. Companies are displaying the diversity of their lines to help make your buying decisions easier.
April 11, 2005... An exciting array of products to help you be more profitable this season. Companies are displaying the diversity of their lines to help make your buying decisions easier. Cover Valet Your Spa Side Specialist to see our entire line visit...

Sanitizing the issue: experts share tips for selling the profitable, and sometimes controversial, pool sanitizing systems.(Close up: sanitizing equipment)
April 11, 2005... Whenever he tries to sell an alternative sanitizing system, Tod Goodman shows his customer a vinyl-liner remnant he tore out of a pool last summer. Unlike typical vinyl-liner replacements that are due to fading or staining from an improperly...

Swim spas.(Fiberglass Pools, Swim Spas and Coatings)
April 11, 2005... by Bradford Products Features: 316L stainless steel and ceramic tile construction; standard and custom models available; variable output from 0 to 5 mph; multiple depths; hydrotherapy jet clusters; safety rails; wide range of colors, sizes...

AquaGuard 5000.(Fiberglass Pools, Swim Spas and Coatings)
April 11, 2005... by Aquatic Technologies Features: two-part epoxy provides protective coating for pools, spas, steel, cement of fiberglass; available in various colors and styles Offerings: 15-year warranty Contact: Aquatic Technologies Inc.,...

Olympian swim spa.(Fiberglass Pools, Swim Spas and Coatings)
April 11, 2005... by Cal Spas Features: swim spa offers a heated exercise zone and an attached spa zone; exercise zone is equipped with 22 jets, two large multicolored lights and two PiUowsage headrests; spa zone features 25 jets, on large multicolored...

Fiberglass Pools.(Fiberglass Pools, Swim Spas and Coatings)
April 11, 2005... by Blue Hawaiian Fiberglass Pools Features: manufacturer offers 60 fiberglass models, five of which are patented designs; models include these combinations: one-piece pool/spa, pool/waterfeature and pool/children's wading pool; two models...

Fiberglass pools and spas.(Fiberglass Pools, Swim Spas and Coatings)
April 11, 2005... by Composite Pool Corp. Features: fiberglass pools incorporate in-floor deaning systems, Starlite in-floor fiberoptic lighting, perimeter fiberoptic lighting; perimeter tile, custom mosaics, iniaid tile, Gemstone finishes and built-in...

Uniwall.(Fiberglass Pools, Swim Spas and Coatings)
April 11, 2005... by Family Fun Corp. Features: product is made to offer complete design freedom; self-supporting flexible fiberglass pool walls are easy to maintain, according to manufacturer Offerings: construction training, designing rods ...

Fiberglass Coating.(Fiberglass Pools, Swim Spas and Coatings)
April 11, 2005... by Fibre Tech Features: fiberglass coating is designed to be durable; provides a seamless, waterproof barrier that permanently adheres to any structurally sound surface, according to manufacturer Offerings: 25-year limited warranty ...

Fiberglass pools: by Leisure Pools.(Fiberglass Pools, Swim Spas and Coatings)
April 11, 2005... by Leisure Pools Features: company offers a series of fiberglass pools in a variety of colors; designed with Australian technology Offerings: new-dealer packages Contact: Leisure Pools, San Antonio (210) 333-7477 Circle 473 on...

NataDek floor and deck surfacing.(Fiberglass Pools, Swim Spas and Coatings)
April 11, 2005... by Natare Corp. Features: slip-resistant PVC surface is made for use in wet environments such as pool decks and locker rooms; designed for easy maintenance and to resist staining, abrasion, chemicals, mildew, rot, mold and UV light;...

Newlander armor products.(Fiberglass Pools, Swim Spas and Coatings)
April 11, 2005... by Oceaneering Research & Development Features: company offers products for building and resurfacing pools; applications for these inground, epoxy-building systems include pools, tanks and more Contact: Oceaneering Research &...

Ultra poly one coat.(Fiberglass Pools, Swim Spas and Coatings)
April 11, 2005... by Poly Solutions Features: one-coat hybrid epoxy coating for concrete, fiberglass, metal and previously painted pools Contact: Poly Solutions Inc., Gibsonia, Pa. (724) 449-1040 Circle 410 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION...

AquaSwim n' Spa.(Fiberglass Pools, Swim Spas and Coatings)
April 11, 2005... by Rio Swim Spas Features: two size configurations are available; larger spa measures 19 feet across, with depths of 4 to 4.5 feet; smaller spa is 16 feet across, with 3- to 3.5-foot depths; both are steel-reinforced with 2.5-inch square...

Fiberglass pools and spas: by San Juan Products.(Fiberglass Pools, Swim Spas and Coatings)
April 11, 2005... by San Juan Products Features: one-piece fiberglass pools and spas are available in more than 55 models; products have smooth finishes Offerings: 25-year warranty; marketing assistance and materials; dealer training; technical support...

Plaster sealer.(Fiberglass Pools, Swim Spas and Coatings)
April 11, 2005... by Sau-Sea Swimming Pool Coatings Features: plaster sealer is designed to stop staining, acid attacks and moisture damage to plaster/gunite pools Contact: Sau-Sea Swimming Pool Coatings, Southampton, N.J. (800) 472-8732 Circle 467...

One-piece fiberglass pools and spas.(Fiberglass Pools, Swim Spas and Coatings)
April 11, 2005... by sun fiberglass products Features: company makes one-piece fiberglass pools and spas with nonporous surfaces; 23 models are available Offerings: lifetime structural warranty; dealer training Contact: Sun Fiberglass Products Inc.,...

Swim spas.(Fiberglass Pools, Swim Spas and Coatings)
April 11, 2005... by sunbelt spas Features: company offers swim spas with six ergonomic seats; a swim stream and Badu jet; and fiberoptic options Contact: Sunbelt Spas, Houston (800) 258-7727 Circle 465 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION...

Fiberglass pools and spas: by Viking Pools.(Fiberglass Pools, Swim Spas and Coatings)
April 11, 2005... by viking pools Features: in-floor cleaning systems; raised bond beams; Starlite fiberoptic lighting; Splash Tunes built-in speakers with poolside stereo system; perimeter tile; custom mosaics; inlaid tile; vanishing edges; Crystite...

A stately statement: this Texas builder transformed what was once a cotton field into a quiet retreat for his family.(In My Backyard)
April 11, 2005... How would you characterize the style of your pool? Charles Barnes: It's a formal pool that flows from our home, which is also formal. The pool stretches horizontally across the house. It's about 1,100 square leer, more rectangular, with...

Fuzzy logic.(Editor's Notes)
April 11, 2005... The line between indoors and outdoors grows fuzzier all the time in high-end houses. Kitchens and media centers are no longer confined to the indoors, while water features and putting greens are no longer restricted to the outdoors. No,...

Warming trend.
April 11, 2005... Rustic Pleasure Fireplaces are becoming as important to outdoor spaces as they are to indoor ones. They extend the season in northern climates and take the chill off when the southern sun goes down. But while an indoor fireplace can make a...

Strong & fancy: decorative concrete offers endless design possibilities.(In Depth)
April 11, 2005... Concrete is the most widely used construction material. If the mix design is right and worker skills are good, concrete serves the homeowners' needs for long periods of time with little or no maintenance. It can be molded easily into any shape,...

Radiantly warm swimming: in-floor heating adapted for pools.(Problem Solved)
April 11, 2005... Innovation doesn't always mean reinventing the wheel. Sometimes it's just finding a new way to use an old product. That's what Michael Giovanone, resident of Latham, N.Y.-based Concord Pools, did. The 33-year veteran pool builder constructs...

Party central: poolside pleasures in the desert.(Cover Story)
April 11, 2005... If the producers of MTV's "Real World" ever want to shoot in Palm Desert, Calif., designer/builder Judson Davis has just the place for them. The home, christened Desert Castle by the company that rents it out on occasion for the owner, is an...

Site specific: a phenomenal lot calls all the shots.
April 11, 2005... Do no harm" is a phrase that's normally associated with doctors, but it's a directive that was eagerly appropriated by a couple in Arlington, Texas, when they set out to build on a suburban, 1.37-acre site. "We had this really phenomenal lot,...

Creative caps.(Outdoor Products)
April 11, 2005... Ornamental post caps are made with weather-resistant polystone bases and are cast into shapes such as pineapples, cherubs, doves, artichokes, squirrels. and pyramids, some with PVD metallic finishes and stained-glass decorative tops. The post...

Copper cone.(Outdoor Products)
April 11, 2005... Utilizing a 20-watt G4 halogen lamp, the BB-23 path light has a cone-shaped shade with a 7 1/2-inch opening, spreading light across a wide area. Standing 23 1/2 inches high, the fixture and shade are constructed of copper and retain a polished...

Slate aesthetic.(Outdoor Products)
April 11, 2005... Available in field tile and mosaic sizes, Indian Slate unglazed porcelain tile can be used for exterior applications and is resistant to outdoor climates, solar radiation, thermal shock, abrasion, and freezing. Five colors in a matte, rectified...

Step safely.(Outdoor Products)
April 11, 2005... The SL730 wall-recessed step light measures 4 1/2 by 11 inches and uses an energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamp. Its louvered faceplate, constructed of die-cast aluminum, delivers glare-free lighting and has a weather-resistant polyester...

Sandy surface.(Outdoor Products)
April 11, 2005... Designed to provide the feel and appearance of a sand beach, Beach ceramic wall and floor tiles come in two styles. Beach Sand uses varying particulate sizes and random patterns to create the appearance of a sandy expanse. Beach Shells tiles...

Light-ly grilled.(Outdoor Products)
April 11, 2005... Professional outdoor grills feature a 50-watt halogen light incorporated into the rotisserie motor to illuminate the grilling surface. The grills also feature two stainless steel storage drawers, a slide-out LP tank tray, condiment shelf,...

Thoroughly refreshing.(Outdoor Products)
April 11, 2005... The maker's 41-inch-wide Outdoor Refreshment Center incorporates a variety of work features, including a sink with a pro-style faucet, a storage trough for large containers, and a sliding ice bin. Other accessories include a high shelf, speed...

Walking on shells.(Outdoor Products)
April 11, 2005... Made from natural shell and fossil aggregates mixed with Portland cement, SeaStone exposed shell surfacing can be used for vertical, horizontal, wet, and dry exterior applications, including pool surrounds and stairs. The surface is milled to a...

Nana Wall Systems, Inc.(Backyard Living: special advertising section)(Advertisement)
April 11, 2005... * Bring the outdoors in with the Nana Wall[TM]: elegant precision-engineered folding glass wall system that makes large wall openings a possibility * When open, it provides beautiful vistas and when closed, the Nana Wall[TM] allows for...

Super Vision's Galaxy Light.(Backyard Living: special advertising section)(Advertisement)
April 11, 2005... * Super Vision's Galaxy Light is a color changing LED replacement lamp that screws into most existing pool or spa housings. * An on-board chip controls the 10 different color changing and single color modes by a flip of the existing pool...

Spa industry sees resin prices soar.
April 25, 2005... Sparked by rising crude oil prices, the cost of certain plastic resins has nearly doubled over the past year, forcing some spa makers to pass the cost on to consumers. Resins and other petroleum-based products are used extensively...

Industry wants to lift cap on foreign labor.
April 25, 2005... The pool and spa industry is lobbying Congress to pass a bill that would lift a cap on the number of temporary foreign workers allowed to come to the United States through a special visa program. The current law limits the number of workers...

Angels: stirred the waters.(REFLECTIONS)
April 25, 2005... I have recently taken to studying religious texts and have been astonished that in virtually all traditions, water plays a vital role. From ritual cleansings to baptisms, the element of water and its healing principles are there. Recently,...