Pool & Spa News articles from August 2002

Pool & Spa News archives from August 2002

Entrapment statistics not reliable.
August 9, 2002... Confirming the suspicions of many in the industry, Pool & Spa News has verified that the only national statistics tallying pool and spa entrapment accidents are inaccurate. The data shows that 147 incidents occurred from Jan. 1, 1985 to...

NSPI calls for an entrapment summit.
August 9, 2002... The National Spa & Pool Institute has scheduled a meeting with entrapment-prevention device manufacturers to build consensus on how to prevent entrapment incidents. The meeting brings together professionals from two schools of thought on...

Follow the leader. (reflections).
August 9, 2002... Until recently, I took a lot of pride in my 9-year-old son's knowledge of water safety. I taught him a series of do s and don'ts to remember while swimming, and thought if any kid would make safe choices in the water, it was him. But just two...

Las Vegas' newest craze.
August 9, 2002... As part of a new breed of interactive, theme-based nightclubs in Las Vegas, the Skin Pool Lounge at the Palms Casino Resort (shown) has transformed a 75,000-square-foot pool area into a club and concert venue. Mood lighting and fog effects lend...

What an idea.
August 9, 2002... markUrban, a manufacturer of flow-reversal products in Tustin, Calif., and Fail-Safe, a manufacturer of suction entrapment release systems in Aurora, Colo., have teamed to create a device designed to reduce suction entrapment incidents. The...

SVRS standard nears approval.
August 9, 2002... The final draft of a provisional standard for safety vacuum release systems has inched closer to completion, with 80 percent of all ballots returned voting affirmative. The American Society for Testing & Materials requires that at least 60...

Tech course revisions on track.
August 9, 2002... With the newest revision of the Basic Pool & Spa Technology textbook now complete, the National Spa & Pool Institute's Service Council is racing to complete related course materials in time for fall classes. "We are moving forward with the...

Three times the fun.
August 9, 2002... Crystal Clear Pool and Spa, a chemical manufacturer in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, is offering a year's supply of its Eclipse3 products (all-natural pool-water treatments) to the winner of a photo contest featuring poolside fun. Involving both...

Way cool promotion.
August 9, 2002... Pool Pro Alliance (PPA) recently kicked off its Forever Cool Summer Pool Contest, designed to attract more people to its Web site (poolpeopleusa.com) and to help them discover the advantages of pool ownership. "Our marketing goal is quite...

Texas adopts heater regulation.
August 9, 2002... A new low NOx emissions standard regulation for residential pool heaters in Texas may mean a slight price hike for consumers in some parts of the country, but won't impact many manufacturers regarding product retooling and redesigning. The...

Manufacturers wanted.
August 9, 2002... The National Spa & Pool Institute's Service and Builder Councils are looking for manufacturers to participate in their Education Demonstration Site at the 2002 International Pool & Spa Expo slated for Oct. 30 to Nov. 1 in Dallas. Manufacturers...

Greasing his way to the top.
August 9, 2002... A pool service specialist was selected to lead the WD-40 Fan Club, acting as an adviser for promotions and testing products of the WD-40 Co., headquartered in San Diego. "I'm a big fan of WD-40," said Thomas Livermore, the pool service...

Spectrum Aquatics. (Progressions).
August 9, 2002... * Spectrum Aquatics has tapped Aaron Erickson, former commercial sales manager, to be its field sales manager. And Bruce Giffin was promoted to Customer Service Department manager. Spectrum Aquatics manufactures water-safety equipment in...

Custom Molded Products. (Progressions).
August 9, 2002... * Custom Molded Products, a Tyrone, Ga. based manufacturer of injection-molded parts, appointed Mick Hayes national sales manager. A 27-year-industry veteran, he will be responsible for managing the firm's sales and marketing business with...

Fiberstars Inc. (Progressions).
August 9, 2002... * Fiberstars Inc., a Fremont, Calif.-based manufacturer of fiberoptic lighting, has made several recent promotions and personnel additions: The new general manager of the Pool & Spa Division is Mark Masterman. Masterman has been in the industry...

Woodard, LLC. (Progressions).
August 9, 2002... * Martin Weissburg has joined Woodard, LLC, a casual furniture manufacturer based in Chicago, as executive vice president and COO. Most recently, Weissburg was president of Great Dane Financial, a truck manufacturer.

Taylor Technologies Inc. (Progressions).
August 9, 2002... * Shawn Sutphen has joined Taylor Technologies Inc. as art director of promotional materials. He comes to the Sparks, Md.-based manufacturer of water-testing supplies from the printer American Color Graphics, where he was a designer, digital...

Blake Sales Associates. (Rep Notes).
August 9, 2002... Custom Molded Products of Tyrone, Ga., has appointed Blake Sales Associates, based in San Diego, as its representative in Arizona, California, Montana, Nevada and Wyoming. CMP produces injection-molded parts for the pool and spa markets.

NESPA to research water pool, spa use. (news).
August 9, 2002... The Northeast may be looking wetter, but the Northeast Spa & Pool Association has initiated two new activities to prepare for future droughts and demonstrate the local industry's willingness to promote and practice water conservation. The...

More builders going automatic. (business currents).
August 9, 2002... In the past, when a customer's automatic safety cover needed installing or servicing, David Coonan called a specialty installer. But when the general manager of All-American Custom Pools and Spas in Norwalk, Conn., ended up being placed on a...

Nationwide housing starts (in millions of units). (business currents).
August 9, 2002... [GRAPHIC OMITTED] U.S. housing starts surged last month, then dipped 3.6 percent in June to 1.67 million. However, compared with the same month last year, June home building was up 2.4 percent--and exceeded the average pace for 2001 by a...

Following the money. (business currents).
August 9, 2002... Here's a state-by-state breakdown of average household income. The top five states are in shaded blue and the bottom five are in shaded red, Top 5 1 Maryland $51,695 2 New Jersey $51,032 3 Minnesota ...

Pool and spa industry stock market transactions: quotations are for July 22, 2002. (business currents).
August 9, 2002... Pool and Spa Industry Stock Market Transactions Quotations are for July 22, 2002 NYSE: New York Stock Exchange NASD: NASDAQ Exchange AMEX: American Stock Exchange TOR: Toronto Stock Exchange OTC: 0ver-the-Counter Trading ...

Leading Economic Indicators: scandals halt index's upward trek. (business currents).
August 9, 2002... Scandals halt index's upward trek The U.S. Leading Economic Indicators Index held steady at 112.4 in June, according to the Conference Board. Five of the index's 10 indicators grew, with the positive contributors being real money supply,...

Small Business Optimism Index: first climb in prices. (business currents).
August 9, 2002... First climb in prices Although small-business owners reported the first upward movement in product prices in more than a year, the price increases continue to lag behind labor costs, according to NFIB. The Small Business Optimism Index has...

SCP research coverage initiated. (Business Briefcase).
August 9, 2002... William Blair & Co., LLC, has initiated research coverage of Covington, La.-based SCP Pool Corp. (NASDAQ: POOL) with a long-term buy rating. The Chicago-based independent investment firm estimated that SCP, which is reportedly the industry's...

Mid East lighting contract awarded. (Business Briefcase).
August 9, 2002... Super Vision International Inc. (NASDAQ: SUPVA), manufacturer of LED and fiberoptic lighting technology in Orlando, Fla., announced it has been awarded about $350,000 for a high-profile project in Kuwait. The emir of Kuwait has contracted Super...

Franklin electric and INCON merge. (Business Briefcase).
August 9, 2002... Intelligent Controls Inc. of Saco, Maine, a supplier of electronic devices and power reliability systems for the power utility market and other industrial applications, announced a merger with Franklin Electric Co. Inc. (NASDAQ: FELE) of...

A safe bet: growing public awareness and regulations have combined to make sales of safety products soar. (Safety Equipment).
August 9, 2002... Don Ludlow learned years ago that accidents happen in the blink of an eye. It was a bright, beautiful June afternoon when the Salt Lake City retailer/builder brought his 4-year-old son to a job site at a recently built condominium complex. ...

Layers of protection: here's a look at many of the safety precautions available for today's swimming pools. Of course, the best precaution of all is adult supervision. (Safety Equipment).
August 9, 2002... 1 Safety fencing Keeps children and pets away from the pool when no one's there. Fencing comes in an array of styles and can be permanent or temporary. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 2 Automatic cover All residential pools should...

The proactive approach: a pool expert argues that proactively addressing safety concerns is the best defense against unnecessary reactive government regulation.
August 9, 2002... I'm not a big fan of the government, and I haven't been impressed with its work trying to prevent drownings. In my experience, government officials often make up their minds before hearing input from the people most knowledgeable about the...

Safety restraints: an industry lobbyist discusses how to evaluate barrier bills and other proposed safety regulations. (Safety Equipment).
August 9, 2002... In the nearly 20 years since California's first proposed barriers ordinance, this state's pool and spa industry has evolved from opposing laws of any kind to accepting them as a fact of life--as long as they are workable and effective. ...

The safe way: a veteran builder explains how he addresses safety with every project--why you should too.
August 9, 2002... You can't put a price on safety, but you wouldn't guess it by the way most builders sell pools. Typically, when it comes to safety, builders either try to sweep the issue under the carpet, or they don't have good information for their clients....

Specialty spas, saunas, steam rooms. (marketplace).
August 9, 2002... The following pages of Marketplace contain information on a variety of specialty spas, saunas and steam rooms. Product details are based on information provided by the manufacturers. To learn more about a specific item, circle its number on the...

Commercial pool equipment.
August 9, 2002... The following pages of Marketplace contain information on a variety of commercial pool equipment. Product details are based on information provided by the manufacturers. To learn more about a specific item, circle its number on the postage-free...

AK200 Mini-Program-System by Acu-Trol Programmable Controllers. (product pipeline).
August 9, 2002... * Features: system is miniversion of AK200 pool and spa controller; uses 44 different Mini Program Systems programs to determine which relays, alarms and pagers should be on or off; may be configured for specific type of control to handle from...

Outdoor ceiling fan by Hunter Fan Co. (product pipeline).
August 9, 2002... * Features: two new models, The Cascade and The Nomad, maximize outdoor air circulation and provide optional lighting; versatile design aims to enhance any outdoor living space; designed to eliminate unwanted mosquitoes and flying insects;...

Aqua Magic Pool & Spa Acid by Certol Intl. (product pipeline).
August 9, 2002... * Features: product offers a safer alternative to muriatic acid; reduces harmful fumes up to 90 percent; used in pools and spas as an acid wash, pH down; effective enough to clean tile, filters and pool decks; made not to harm skin or protein...

Borderlines adhesive borders by Jedco Products. (product pipeline).
August 9, 2002... * Features: patent-pending borders are designed for use in vinyl, fiberglass and stainless steel pools; decorative borders adhere over faded liners or stubborn waterlines to dramatically change the appearance of any pool; made of high-grade...

DuraWood mini double step by Essentials. (product pipeline).
August 9, 2002... * Features: product is designed to coordinate with spa cabinet finish; two-tread step measures 30 inches wide; heavy-duty construction aims to ensure sturdy, no-flex footing; minimal assembly required; available in tan or gray painted finish...

Aqua Master Jr. radio remote controller by LASS Enterprises. (product pipeline).
August 9, 2002... * Features: designed to retrofit existing pool/spa combinations; eight-channel radio system provides remote control of up to eight items, such as the pump, blower, lights, waterfeature pump, two actuators for valves and more; weatherproof...

Eyeball return fittings by Maximum Return by Elf. (product pipeline).
August 9, 2002... * Features: product works in combination with a roving cleaner to clean concrete, fiberglass and vinyl pools; easy to install; jet nozzles are designed to tap out easily; cuts pool operation costs dramatically and improves any circulation...

Ascorb-X by N. Jonas Co. (product pipeline).
August 9, 2002... * Features: granular product designed to remove stains on the bottom of all types of pools; no need to empty pool to use; company offers full line of pool and spa care chemicals and cleaners; safe, effective, per maker * Contact: N. Jonas...

FilterBath by Plastics Design and Mfg. (product pipeline).
August 9, 2002... * Features: according to manufacturer, the product safely submerges up to 10-by-35-inch spa filters; tall, narrow design aims to prevent toddler drowning; large base decreases likelihood of tipping; cap keeps fluids in, children and animals...

Premium pattern collection by Plastimayd Corp. (product pipeline).
August 9, 2002... * Features: collection has five patterns that all use a premium printing process to achieve rich colors and designs; available in 20 mil; many designs also available in super-strength Perma-Wall 30/20 system * Contact: Plastimayd Corp.,...

Safety vacuum release system by Play Safe Systems. (product pipeline).
August 9, 2002... * Features: simultaneously breaks vacuum and shuts the pump down when vacuum at the drain changes by 1 Hg; completely automatic; system designed to change its activation level with changing conditions in pool or spa; affordable * Contact:...

Baja scuba-series swim mask by Poolmaster. (product pipeline).
August 9, 2002... * Features: tempered safety-glass lens mounted in high-impact, multicolored frame; pro-style face skirt with double feather edge; nonslip strap with rotating releases; full nose pocket for easy clearing * Offerings: company's Swim & Dive...

LED lighting systems by Saratoga Spas. (product pipeline).
August 9, 2002... * Features: Colorblast and Colorsplash patented lighting options offer a main light LED upgrade with wide variety of bright digital colors and sequences; allows user to illuminate spa interiors * Contact: Saratoga Spas, Latham, N.Y. (800)...

ZeroPhos and tablets by Sea-Klear. (product pipeline).
August 9, 2002... * Features: per manufacturer, this phosphate remover offers technological advances in slime prevention in a nontoxic, natural compound that effectively reduces phosphate levels to remove algae; designed to be safe to use around children or...

Foosball table by Shelti Corp. (product pipeline).
August 9, 2002... * Features: three-model line of high-end tables employ performance-enhanced play components such as 3D-imaging-designed foosball men and unique QPC permeation-coated rods; tables play fast and hard like traditional American-style tables, but...

Frontier III diving board by S.R. Smith. (product pipeline).
August 9, 2002... * Features: made of laminated acrylic with an embossed texture that resists marring; slip-resistant, sanded tread surface for safety; available in 6-, 8-, 10- and 12-foot lengths; several Designer Series colors available, to complement any...

Swim lion by Swimline Corp./Intl. Leisure products. (product pipeline).
August 9, 2002... * Features: latest product from Inflatable Ride-On series has many convenient features, such as large hand grabs and vivid colors; heavy-duty, kid-proof vinyl construction offers years of fun play, per maker * Contact: Swimline Corp./Intl....

SOFTspa enhancements catalog by Essentials. (business tools).
August 9, 2002... * Features: 16-page, four-color catalog highlights comprehensive selection of products for softsided spas, including Easycare products for vinyl-liner spas, water, analysis software, water-treatment and maintenance products, specialties...

Paramount partner business solutions dealer brochure by Paramount Pool & Spa Systems. (business tools).
August 9, 2002... * Features: 12-page customizable brochure for pool companies; allows dealers who sell Paramount in-floor systems to showcase their company's history and pools; designed to create a great impression with clients * Contact: Paramount Pool &...

Double-duty pamphlets by Pentair Pool Products. (business tools).
August 9, 2002... * Features: full-color pamphlets are designed to serve as handouts and self-mailers; part No. K43031 points out improvements on Kreepy Krauly product and introduces E-Z Vac for aboveground pools; part No. P2-301 highlights SAm and SAL lighting...

Too close to home: a 1996 prom-night tragedy put the entrapment debate in the public spotlight. (Safety Equipment).
August 9, 2002... Public-Spa Death Puts Focus on Safety A fatal accident that claimed the life of a New Jersey teenager has sparked nationwide concern over safety in public and semipublic spas--and prompted several health and safety organizations in the...

No reorganization for NSPI.(news)
August 23, 2002... The National Spa & Pool Institute has stepped away from a proposed restructuring of the organization, deciding instead to improve the current structure. The decision was based on feedback from all industry sectors and NSPI regions,...

Horner unveils expansion plan.(news)
August 23, 2002... Horner Equipment, distributor of pool and spa equipment/supplies, announced the opening of three distribution branches this month and three more in September in Florida. The branches increase the company's employee base by more than 40 percent...

Take a test drive.(reflections)
August 23, 2002... Lately, I've been immersed in my work. Literally. I've begun swimming at two different municipal pools not far from where I live. I didn't think these commercial pools had much to teach me. After all, I'm not a builder or service tech, and...

Are these pools legal?
August 23, 2002... Officials in the village of Sussex, Wis., are questioning the safety of inflatable temporary pools that operate with a filter and pump. "These are not kiddie pools," said Al Olmstead a village trustee during a board meeting covered by the...

Master of manufacturing.
August 23, 2002... ... Robert Lauter (second from right), president of Master Spas Inc. in Fort Wayne, Ind., has been named a regional Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year recipient. The international competition is sponsored yearly by Ernst & Young, a...

Proposed law no laughing matter.(news)
August 23, 2002... A Massachusetts legislator is joining forces with an unlikely ally--a syndicated daily comic strip--to help crack down on unscrupulous pool contractors. Rep. Paul E. Caron (D-Springfield) is pushing legislation that would, among other...

Florida to convene safety summit.(news)
August 23, 2002... With the debate of pool safety issues dominating the industry of late, the Florida Pool & Spa Association has decided to host a forum on the subject. "The goal of the forum is to move the design of swimming pools to a safer standard,...

A dry town in the Wet Mountains ...
August 23, 2002... Homeowners in Beulah, Colo., are offering the water in their pools as an emergency water reserve for their volunteer fire department. The town, population 800, is located in the Wet Mountains near Denver and it has run out of water. Beulah's...

Almost show time ...
August 23, 2002... Online registration now is available for the 2002 International Pool & Spa Expo, being held in Dallas Oct. 29 to Nov. 1. Information and registration are available 24/7 on the Web site www.PoolandSpaExpo.com. "Early registration ensures an...

PR campaign to promote spas.(news)
August 23, 2002... Hot tub retailers could soon benefit from a national public relations campaign, as well as new resources to help their businesses. "The idea we're working with today is a 'Complete Your Retreat' campaign," said Dirk Caudill, division...

Revised NSPI Builders Manual ...
August 23, 2002... The National Spa & Pool Institute Builders Council has revised its Builders Manual to include new sections on waterfeatures, lighting and fire pits. Modifications also have been made to existing sections on vanishing-edge and beach-entry pools,...

Pond group kicks off program.(news)
August 23, 2002... The Professional Pondbuilders Association held its first certification program last month in Altoona, Pa., in conjunction with the Pondapalooza East convention sponsored by Pondkeeper magazine. Sixty-five pond professionals attended the...

Sundance Spas Inc.(Progressions)
August 23, 2002... Larry Graham has joined Sundance Spas Inc. as regional sales manager for the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas. Sundance Spas Inc., manufactures acrylic hot tubs in Chino, Calif. Previously, he was sales manager at...

Vita Spa.(Progressions)
August 23, 2002... Vita Spa, a Miami spa manufacturer, announced the appointment of Larry Giles as national sales manager. Giles, who has been part of the Vita sales staff for more than 15 years, most recently held the position of Eastern regional sales manager....

Neptune-Benson Inc.(Progressions)
August 23, 2002... Neptune-Benson Inc., a West Warwick, R.I.-based manufacturer of commercial pool filtration systems for recreational facilities, appointed Joseph Chairs and Larry Crowley sales representatives. Chairs is responsible for sales and support to...

Horner Equipment.(Progressions)
August 23, 2002... Six new regional sales managers have joined Homer Equipment, a distributor of pool and spa products based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to assist with the company's further expansion in Florida. Doug Learn will cover Naples/Fort Myers; Ross...

FeherGuard Products Ltd.(Rep/Distributor Notes)
August 23, 2002... FeherGuard Products Ltd., maker of pool cover reel systems in Milton, Ontario, Canada, announced its new manufacturer's reps: Stellar Sales will handle sales in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas. W.C. Marketing will represent...

Panda's Creation.(Rep/Distributor Notes)
August 23, 2002... Panda's Creations, manufacturer/distributor of the A2Z Hand Skimmer in Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada, announced California Specialty Distributors in Morro Bay, Calif., is its U.S. distributor.

2002-2003 trade show/conference schedule.(trade shows)
August 23, 2002... It's that time again! The 2002-03 trade show season is upon us and below is the entire season at-a-glance. Watch upcoming issues of Pool & Spa News for full coverage of the North American shows important to pool and spa professionals. ...

Company sales strong in second quarter.(business currents)
August 23, 2002... Despite mounting concerns about accounting scandals and the health of the nation's economy, many publicly traded firms connected to the pool and spa industry reported slight to significant gains in second-quarter sales figures. SCP Pool...

Confidence tumbles with stocks.(business currents)
August 23, 2002... U.S. Consumer Confidence Index The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index, which declined in June, fell again sharply in July, from 106.3 to 97.1. "The continued decline in the value of stock market portfolios, coupled with ongoing...

Second quarter results.(business currents)
August 23, 2002... SECOND QUARTER RESULTS Here's how publicly traded companies with pool and spa-related divisions fared in 2002. 2nd Quarter 2nd Quarter Company Sales 2002 Sales 2001 ...

Pool and spa industry stock market transactions.(business currents)
August 23, 2002... Pool and Spa Industry Stock Market Transactions Quotations are for August 2, 2002 NYSE: New York Stock Exchange NASD: NASDAQ Exchange AMEX: American Stock Exchange TOR: Toronto Stock Exchange OTC: Over-the-Counter Trading ...

Albemarle elects CEO.(Business Briefcase)
August 23, 2002... Mark C. Rohr has been elected president/CEO, according to Albemarle Corp. (NYSE: ALB) of Richmond, Va. Effective Oct. 1, Rohr replaces Floyd D. Gottwald Jr., who has served as CEO since the company's inception in 1994. Rohr joined Albemarle in...

Hayward adopts software.(Business Briefcase)
August 23, 2002... Atlanta-based SynQuest Inc. (NASDAQ: SYNQ) announced that Hayward Industries Inc. in Elizabeth, N.J., is using SynQuest profit margin planning software to allocate supply chain resources across its U.S. manufacturing and distribution network....

NASDAQ issues delisting warning.(Business Briefcase)
August 23, 2002... Advanced Lighting Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: ADLT) in Solon, Ohio, announced that it may be removed from the NASDAQ listing, according to a recent warning issued by the stock exchange. Under NASDAQ rules, the company has until Oct. 22 to regain...

Joblessness holds steady nationwide.(business currents)
August 23, 2002... The labor market, with an unemployment rate at a steady 5.9 percent, has exhibited no signs of either significant deterioration or marked improvement in the past several months. In the private business sector, unemployment rates changed little...

Rates barely budge.(business currents)
August 23, 2002... The Midwest, Northeast and South each recorded unemployment rates of 5.3 percent in June, while the West continued to experience the highest rate, 6.1 percent. Continuing their stability over the months, rates remain higher than a year earlier....