Pool & Spa News articles from August 2004

Pool & Spa News archives from August 2004

FTC approves Pentair, Sta-Rite agreement.(Making News)
August 6, 2004... The Federal Trade Commission has completed its review of Pentair Inc.'s acquisition of WICOR Industries, the parent company of Sta-Rite Industries. The July announcement paved the way for Pentair to complete the transaction. Also in June,...

RecWaterTec to buy Etani.(Making News)
August 6, 2004... Recreational Water Technologies, LLC, a developer and marketer of specialty water-treatment chemicals, has announced two strategic moves. It is set to acquire Etani International Inc., maker of the chemical delivery system Aquapill, and also...

Take a look.(Reflections)
August 6, 2004... Discussing pool safety with homeowners is a tricky thing. If you're too lackadaisical, consumers can walk away believing that alarms are meant to be disconnected and mandatory fencing is nothing but the result of a pesky law. On the other...

Hot for Hawaii: a construction boom is helping the island pool industry, but building in paradise has its challenges.(Making News)
August 6, 2004... Dennis Oliver sometimes gets frustrated when customers call and expect him to appear at their homes instantaneously. With a 90-mile service route, the general manager of Puni Nani Pools & Spas Inc. in Lihue on the island of Kauai simply can't...

Zodiac wins design award.
August 6, 2004... Industrial Designers Society of America recently honored Zodiac Pool Care Inc. with a 2004 Silver Industrial Design Excellence Award (shown) for the Zodiac G4 Automatic Pool Cleaner. Each year, IDSA confers the awards for product design...

Pentair equipment seminars slated.
August 6, 2004... Pentair Pool Products of Sanford, N.C., has announced the schedule for its 2004/2005 Equipment Training Seminar Series. The seminars will focus on technical instruction for the company's MiniMax heaters, its IntelliTouch control system and...

College creates degree for industry.(Making News)
August 6, 2004... A fully accredited Florida college has become the first such institution to offer a two-year Associate of Science degree for those entering the pool and spa industry. Keiser College, with nine campuses statewide, is partnering with Horner...

Housing starts drop dramatically.(Making News)
August 6, 2004... Housing starts plunged from 1.97 million in May to 1.80 million (seasonally adjusted) in June--an 8.6 percent decrease, the lowest in more than a year. Rising interest rates have slowed the housing boom, which some analysts see as signalling...

Pool safety Web site launched.
August 6, 2004... A new resource for water safety information and drowning prevention guidelines has entered cyberspace, PoolSafetyNetwork.org, an Internet-based nonprofit organization, provides visitors with information and statistics from government agencies,...

Hot Tub Council calls for awards nominations.
August 6, 2004... NSPI's Hot Tub Council has issued a call for nominations for its 2004 Eagle and INSPIRE awards. The INSPIRE Award, which stands for "Industry Nomination for Spa Promotions and Innovations, Recognizing Excellence," distinguishes an NSPI member...

Calif. sting nabs illegal contractors.(Making News)
August 6, 2004... California's Contractors State License Board caught 13 pool builders in a sting operation targeting unlicensed contractors. Conducted at a Sacramento-area home in June and July, the operation yielded six unlicensed contractors. Seven others...

Writer Stephen King donates Aquatic Center.
August 6, 2004... Best-selling horror fiction writer Stephen King and his wife, Tabitha, attended a summer dedication ceremony for a municipal pool in their hometown, paid for mostly by donations from the King family. Opened in late June, the Beth Pancoe...

Court says spa not for storage.
August 6, 2004... The Wyoming Supreme Court upheld a decision ordering a Jackson, Wyo., resident to remove his portable spa for failing to get approval for the installation from his homeowners' association. After Bruce Stevens placed a portable spa on the deck...

NPC breaks ground on research center.(Making News)
August 6, 2004... Construction of the National Plasterers Council's new research center on the campus of Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, Calif., began last month. Contractors broke ground July 12 for a $400,000 facility that will provide a dozen test...

Small Business Optimism still sizzling this summer.(Making News)
August 6, 2004... As small companies enjoyed an increase in business this June, the Small Business Optimism Index reached 103. This marks a 15-month string of readings at 100 or above--a feat unseen in the index's 17-year history. The job market and profit...

Permit fee waivers boost home improvements.
August 6, 2004... The city of Anaheim, Calif., recently released figures for its Home Improvement Holiday, a program designed to bolster home improvements and beautification within the city by waiving residential building permit fees. From March 1 through May...

Pacific Pools aids paralysis victim.
August 6, 2004... Pacific Pools recently donated one of its 16-by-36-foot vinyl-liner pools to Michael Lewis of Muscle Shoals, Ala. Six years ago, Lewis was paralyzed from the chest down after a boating accident and has used water therapy to regain his mobility...

CDC studies commercial spas.(Making News)
August 6, 2004... More than half the commercial spas in a recently released study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control suffer from chemical, mechanical and maintenance health-code infractions. "We need to do a better job of taking care of the spas in this...

RenoSys Corp. buys MetaFab assets.
August 6, 2004... RenoSys Corp., an Indianapolis manufacturer, has purchased the assets of local metal fabricator MetaFab Inc. from Union Planters Sank. They will form the basis of RenoSys' new subsidiary, MetaFab, whose aquatic products segment will be headed...

SCP Pool reaches tax accord with Louisiana Governor.
August 6, 2004... SCP Pool Corp. officials signed a tax agreement in July with Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco to keep the company's headquarters in Covington The five-year agreement states that the distributor will not have to pay state taxes on non-operating...

Energy and food prices ease up.(Making News)
August 6, 2004... Americans were hit hard by soaring energy and food prices, but they got some relief earlier this summer. Prices settled down, holding to a modest increase and providing fresh evidence that inflation isn't an immediate threat to the...

Clarification.(Making News)(Correction Notice)
August 6, 2004... In the July 7 story "Leading Economic Indicators Rise," Pool & Spa News noted that Pentair stock led New York Stock Exchange decliners with a loss of -30.11. To clarify, the price reflected Pentair's 2-for-1 stock split on June 8.

Pool and Spa industry stock market performance.(Making News)
August 6, 2004... Quotations are for July 19, 2004 Pool and Spa Industry Stock Market Performance. (Making News) Vol. Close Net Change Symbol (100s) 7/19/04 from...

Pentair hires Morris, Merrow.
August 6, 2004... Pentair Pool Products of Sanford, N.C., has added two technical service representatives to its telephone support team. Robert Morris will provide technical assistance for Pentair's automation products line. For 21 years, Morris has worked in...

Custom Molded taps Zahora, Wooten.
August 6, 2004... Atlanta-based Custom Molded Products, LLC, has made some changes to its Customer and Technical Service departments. The new engineering and project manager, Russ Wooten, will provide technical support for customers and serve as liaison between...

Bjerk joins Anderson Mfg. Co.
August 6, 2004... Lee Bjerk has joined Anderson Manufacturing Co., a St. Paul, Minn.-based manufacturer of leak detection and repair products. As distributor sales manager, Bjerk will handle distributor sales accounts and customer service. He brings years of...

Plastimayd promotes Coleman.
August 6, 2004... Plastimayd Corp. recently promoted Jack Coleman to inside sales representative, responsible for sales of the company's vinyl pool liner. For the past three years, he has worked as a customer service agent for the Clackamas, Ore.-based liner...

Baja partners with Watermark.(manufacturers' reps)
August 6, 2004... Baja Products Ltd. has tapped Mark Ecker of Watermark Independent Manufacturers' Agents to be its representative in the Midwest territory. Ecker will oversee selling and branding for Baja portable spas in the territory that includes Illinois,...

Aggregate Concepts appoints agents.(manufacturers' reps)
August 6, 2004... Aggregate Concepts, LLC, of West Palm Beach, Fla. named two sales organizations to represent its products in three regions. William E. Knox and Associates Inc. will cover 13 states in the South and Midwest. South-West Independent Marketing will...

A fearless leader: Ellen Dash has helped hydrophobes overcome their fear of the deep for 21 years.(People)
August 6, 2004... For 64 years, engineer Jim Liskovec had lived with hydrophobia, a fear of water. His fear was so crippling, he wasn't able to fully enjoy some of the best experiences of life with his wife, Sue, an avid snorkeler. It seemed his retirement would...

Under control: to get accurate readings from chemical controllers, the sensors must be maintained properly. Here are some pointers.(Technically Speaking)
August 6, 2004... Automated water chemistry controllers are becoming a staple for most commercial pools and some residential applications as well. The key to reliable readings is the proper installation and maintenance of the sensors. Here are some tips on...

Minimizing diving injury claims: a Texas tort reform statute limits property owner liability.(Legal Eagle)
August 6, 2004... Many states have legislated various tort reforms in an effort to curtail runaway litigation. Though the recently enacted Texas Recreational Use Statute benefits property owners rather than builders, manufacturers or suppliers, it's a good...

Give yourself a promotion: 10 ways to raise your community profile and profits.(Showtime)
August 6, 2004... The famous showman P.T. Barnum, known as the "Prince of Promotions" in the 1800s, had a favorite saying: "Without promotion, something terrible happens--nothing!" That's as true today as it was then. Perhaps your hot tub retail promotions...

Custom stainless steel spas.(New Products)
August 6, 2004... by Diamond Spas Features: spas are made from 316L stainless steel, then buffed and finished by hand; plumbing fixtures are forged from stainless steel and copper; can be built to fit most small spaces; customizable options include shape,...

Multifunctional eyewear accessory.(New Products)
August 6, 2004... by hides Features: three-in-one eyewear accessory acts as a cord, a case and lens-safe cleaning cloth, per maker; made from a patented double roll of DuPont microfiber; three available models: Classic, Technoskin and H2O; the H2O model...

Mission collection.(New Products)
August 6, 2004... by Pacific Sun Casual Furniture Features: company's newest line of outdoor furniture includes cast aluminum dining chairs with optional cushions and faux stone dining tables; chairs available in three backrest styles: Santa Cruz (shown),...

Test kit selection guide.(New Products)
August 6, 2004... by Taylor Technologies Features: guide catalogs the company's line of liquid reagents and test-strip products; includes products for both professional and consumer use; guide is meant to be informative as well as fun by parodying the...

2004 vinyl liner collection.(New Products)
August 6, 2004... by McEwen Industries Features: company introduces its 2004 vinyl pool liner collection, which includes six patterns, including Cameron (shown); the patterns are custom-designed Offerings: dealer kit comes with full-length samples,...

Con-crax crack filler.(New Products)
August 6, 2004... by Revere Products Features: self-leveling, crack filler for exterior concrete; acrylic sealant is designed to remain flexible to resist cracking during seasonal weather changes; comes ready to use in a pourable bottle; no mixing or...

Wedding-cake step.(New Products)
August 6, 2004... by Latham Intl. Features: company now offers a wedding-cake step to fit vinyl liner, steel, polymer, fiberglass, wood and concrete pools; available in 2-inch radius corner, 6-inch radius corner, 180 degree straight, or 90-degree corner...

MP3 masonry saw.(New Products)
August 6, 2004... by Multiquip Features: designed to cut bricks, blocks, interlocking pavers, stone, terra cotta and other types of masonry; 14-inch blade capacity; powered by Universal 2hp, 115V, 50/60Hz, single-phase motor that operates at 3,600 rpm;...

Swim-up blackjack floating game table.(New Products)
August 6, 2004... by SkyDancers Intl. Features: combines Las Vegas-style gaming with water recreation; includes waterproof cards, chips and floating table; the table is made from buoyant foam; table covers are interchangeable for different games such as...

AK400 system controller with flow cell.(New Products)
August 6, 2004... by Acu-Trol Programmable Controllers Features: product controls chemicals, filtration, temperature, lighting, conductivity, water level, pressure and vacuums; new molded flow cell features a cell sampling port, chemical injection ports...

A tale of two pools: when it comes to problems with pool water, where a customer lives can make a big difference. Find out how source water can determine its effect on the chemical balance in customers' pools.
August 6, 2004... Jim and John were good friends in high school, but college and jobs in different areas of the country eventually separated them. At their high school reunion, they found they had something more than friendship in common. They both had built new...

Tour de Piscine: foreign pool industries often are an enigma to U.S. companies. Here's why the European market is abuzz with activity--and business prospects.(Close Up)
August 6, 2004... With the first signs of spring, fashion designers look toward Paris. The City of Lights often dictates what the average person will wear in the year to come. The pool industry is no different. At European expos, professionals from around...

Working out the kinks: as waterfeatures become more common to the pool environment, you need to know how to fine-tune the hydraulics.
August 6, 2004... If you've built a pool, you can jump right into doing a waterfeature, right? Yes and no. The hydraulic systems are similar, but not identical. "Builders know 90- to 95 percent of what they need to" regarding waterfeature hydraulics, says...

Center of attention: more than ever, consumers want to design their yards around portable spas. This means retailers may realize rewards exceeding those of simply selling spas.
August 6, 2004... Kathleen Carlson loves portable spas. However, she says their placement often is overshadowed by well-landscaped inground pools. In such cases, "it's like a wart in the backyard," jokes the senior vice president of sales and marketing for Aqua...

Pool and spa specialty chemicals.(Specialty Chemicals)
August 6, 2004... by Alden Leeds Features: company offers a complete line of pool spa and specialty chemicals, including granular chlorine. chlorine tablets, bromine, algaecide, shock and more Contact: Alden Leeds Inc. South Kearny, N.J. (800) 822-5387...

Phos-out! and more treatment.(Specialty Chemicals)
August 6, 2004... by APi Pure Water for Life Features: formulation is designed to remove orthophosphates from pool water in 24 hours: removes most metals and carbonates to clarify water, per maker: patent-pending delivery system: 32 ounces treats up to...

Professional strength algaecides.(Specialty Chemicals)
August 6, 2004... by Applied Biochemists Features: professional strength algaecides for routine use and also winter application; specialized formulas for different algae types; compatible with the company's other products, including surface cleaners, filter...

All clear specialty chemicals.(Specialty Chemicals)
August 6, 2004... by Aqua Tri Features: a variety of chemicals in professional strength for pools and spas, including oxidizer, alkalinity, calcium hardness, cyanuric acid and more Contact: Aqua Tri, Irvine, Calif. (949) 756-1666 Write 1063 on...

Brilliance spa-care line.(Specialty Chemicals)
August 6, 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, shock, and metal and scale control are...

4-pack tile care system.(Specialty Chemicals)
August 6, 2004... by Bio-Dex Laboratories Features: four-step system for cleaning and caring for pool tile; formulated for conventional and pebble finishes; 4-pack includes Bio-Dex All Supreme, No. 300 Tile Cleaner, TPS Tile Protectant and Restorative, and...

SoftSwim assist.(Specialty Chemicals)
August 6, 2004... by BioGuard Features: patented biguanide sanitizing agent is designed to treat mold and slime that might develop in the circulation system of outdoor pools; uses Aesptrol: alternative to chlorinated and brominated pools, per maker ...

AquaClear rapid tabs.(Specialty Chemicals)
August 6, 2004... by BioLab Custom Products Features: fast-dissolving 2-ounce tablets with special pH buffer; convenient size; use as an alternative to trichlor tablets Offerings: available for private label; backed by marketing support Contact:...

Winter care pool closing kits.(Specialty Chemicals)
August 6, 2004... by BioLab Distributor Products Features: winterizing kits include chlorine-based Winter Shock, Winter Algaecide and an easy to follow guide; available in two sizes: 10,000- and 20,000-gallon pool kits Contact: BioLab Distributor...

Maintenance products.(Specialty Chemicals)
August 6, 2004... by Cal Spas Features: company's line of spa care products ranges from water-maintenance chemicals to special condition remedies to treatments for redwood cabinets Contact: Cat Spas, Pomona, Calif. (800) 225-7727 Write 1069 on...

Winterizing kit.(Specialty Chemicals)
August 6, 2004... by Capo Industries Ltd. Features: company offers a winterizing kit that includes polyalgaecide, stain and scale preventor, and nonchlorine oxidizer Contact: Capo Industries Ltd., Burlington, Ontario, Canada (905) 332-6626 Write...

Yellow out.(Specialty Chemicals)
August 6, 2004... by Coral Seas Features: scrub-free pool cleaner that works with chlorine to safely clean pool, per maker; product is available in 8-ounce and 2-, 4-, 8-and 20-pound sizes. Contact: Coral Seas, Garland, Texas (800) 962-2222 Write...

Eclipse 3 winterizing powder.(Specialty Chemicals)
August 6, 2004... by Crystal Clear Pool & Spa Features: winterizing powder is designed to prevent algae formation in winter water; ideal for pools with winter safety covers, per maker Offerings: co-op advertising Contact: Crystal Clear Pool & Spa,...

Oxone potassium monopersulfate.(Specialty Chemicals)
August 6, 2004... by DuPont Chemical Solutions Features: made to oxidize nonmicrobial contaminants and prevent the poor duality cloudy water they produce; when used in conjunction with a sanitizer such as chlorine or bromine, product promotes easier...

Algae shield.(Specialty Chemicals)
August 6, 2004... by Earth Science Laboratories Features: company offers an algaecide for pools and spas; one quart treats up to 32,000 gallons, per maker Offerings: POP materials Contact: Earth Science Laboratories, Rogers, Ariz. (800) 257-9283 ...

Easycare water treatment products.(Specialty Chemicals)
August 6, 2004... by Essentials Features: chemicals are specially formulated for vinyl-liner spas; kit includes SoftChlor, SoftDown, SoftRise, AquaChek Test Strips, a measuring cup, a water treatment guide, and "ABC Water Analysis" software Contact:...

Pool closing system.(Specialty Chemicals)
August 6, 2004... by GLB Pool & Spa Features: three-part system with OxyBrite shock, Algimycin winter algae preventive, and Sequa-Sol sequestering agent; comes in display-friendly box with easy-carry handle; available in two sizes: one size treats 12,000...

Enzyme treatment.(Specialty Chemicals)
August 6, 2004... by IPS-CareFree Enzymes Features: company offers cost effective, concentrated enzymes for pool and spa water; designed to improve water clarity and odors, and eliminate oils and organic residue Contact: IPS-CareFree Enzymes Inc.,...

Jack in a box.(Specialty Chemicals)
August 6, 2004... by Jack's Magic Products Features: product offers a guarantee against major stains and discolorations in pools; designed to be simple to use and cost-effective; weekly applications take only a few minutes Contact: Jack's Magic Products...

Starver phosphate remover.(Specialty Chemicals)
August 6, 2004... by Lo-Chlor Chemicals Features: formula is designed to remove phosphates; will not cloud water and filter pressure increase is minimal, per maker; kits will complete 100 tests; made to be easy to use: available in quads, gallons and...

Water clarifier.(Specialty Chemicals)
August 6, 2004... by Lynde Co. Features: clarifier is formulated to keep pool and spa water clear of iron, calcium buildup, staining, foam and cloudiness by removing coagulating impurities and suspended particles: available in cases or quarts Contact:...

Easy water care.(Specialty Chemicals)
August 6, 2004... by Marquis Spas Features: company offers a line of spa-care products with color-coded bottles intended to eliminate confusion; easy to follow treatment regimen assures healthy water chemistry, per maker Offerings: POP displays;...

Chemical winterizing kits.(Specialty Chemicals)
August 6, 2004... by N. Jonas & Co. Features: company offers a selection of winterizing kits, including special packages designed for mesh-covered pools and more; available in three sizes; products do not require chlorine, per maker Contact: N Jonas &...

Metal free and PHOSfloc products.(Specialty Chemicals)
August 6, 2004... by Natural Chemistry Features: chelating and sequestering agent is designed to deactivate iron, copper and other metals; product is not affected by extremes of pH and temperature; PHOSfloc bulk phosphate remover is made for pools with...

Algaedyn algaecide.(Specialty Chemicals)
August 6, 2004... by Pool Products Packaging Features: company offers a silver based algaecide designed to effectively kill mustard, pink and black algae Contact: Pool Products Packaging, Evanston, Ill. (800) 344-6210 Write 1084 on Postage-Free Card...

Accu-tab blue SI.(Specialty Chemicals)
August 6, 2004... by PPG Industries Features: calcium-hypochlorite tablets are designed to prevent potential scale buildup; tablets contain scale inhibitors that are made to stave off the whitish, eggshell-like scale that can accumulate on some pool...

Enhance and activate spa-care system.(Specialty Chemicals)
August 6, 2004... by Rendezvous Features: chlorine-free spa-care system shocks and sanitizes simultaneously; Activate is a shock designed to trigger the liquid bromide salts in Enhance, generating bromine and killing organic contaminants; requires one...

Specialty chemicals.(Specialty Chemicals)
August 6, 2004... by Robarb Features: line includes Super Blue Crystal Clear Clarifier, sanitizers, algae-control formulas, balancers and maintenance products; Spa Specialties line includes color coded categories; spa guide walks user through each step of...

Spa silken.(Specialty Chemicals)
August 6, 2004... by SpaGuard Features: granular product is designed to improve the feel and clarity of spa water to enhance the user's experience; suitable for chlorine- and bromine-treated spas Contact: SpaGuard, Lawrenceville, Ga. (800) 859 7946,...

Total control shock.(Specialty Chemicals)
August 6, 2004... by Ultima Features: shock treats and fights algae simultaneously; combines the strength of chlorinating compounds and copper; made to fight and prevent all forms of algae; granular formula requires no premixing, does not combine and...

Sea-klear specialty chemicals.(Specialty Chemicals)
August 6, 2004... by Vanson Halosource Features: company's line of specialty chemicals includes 4-in-1 Clarifier, 3-month Algaecide, Self-Floccing Defoamer, Zero-Phos, Chlorine-Free Shock and Start-Up Contact: Vanson Halosource Inc., Redmond, Wash....

Rainbow light.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 6, 2004... by AutoPilot Systems Features: 30-degree light optimum underwater illumination; multiple lights can be synchronized; available in three sizes and in 110 and 12V models Offerings: co-op advertising and direct mail programs Contact:...

5000 series underwater lighting fixture.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 6, 2004... by Bronzelite Features: underwater lighting fixture is designed for illuminating waterfalls, spray jets, landscaping and more; nickel-plated finish; adjustable swivel yoke assembly; available in a variety of lamp options Contact:...

Flowerfall fountain.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 6, 2004... by Dunn-Rite Products Features: fits directly into pool return; wall-mount design places spray in the middle of the pool, but keeps the controls near the wall and out of the way of automatic pool cleaners and covers Offerings: one-year...

Solaragy solar floating pool lights.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 6, 2004... by Dynamic Enterprises Features: solar powered, floating LED pool lights; lights last a minimum of eight hours and have the brightness of two candles, according to manufacturer, batteries are included Contact: Dynamic Enterprises Inc.,...

Starburst LED pool light.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 6, 2004... by Essentials Features: light changes from pink to aqua, to purple, to blue; new optional "sync" feature allows user to operate two or more lights on the same cycle; "party mode" delivers a rapid sequence of light rotation Offerings:...

Moodlight fiberoptic kits.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 6, 2004... by Fiber Optic Technologies Features: company offers do-it-yourself fiberoptic lighting kits for inground and aboveground pools, spas, decks and more; made for easy installation; product is safe, maintenance free and can be added to any...