Pool & Spa News articles from August 2005

Pool & Spa News archives from August 2005

Hayvard to sell industrial unit.(MAKING NEWS)
August 8, 2005... Hayward Industries Inc. has sold its industrial filtration business to the Eaton Corp., a Cleveland industrial manufacturer with 2004 sales of $9.4 billion. Terms of the transaction, which will close in the third quarter of 2005, were...

FSPA director to step down.(MAKING NEWS)
August 8, 2005... John Schwartz, executive director of the Florida Swimming Pool Association, has turned in his resignation, citing health issues with a family member. He met with FSPA's executive committee in June to discuss the situation. "I told them...

Don't leave them hanging.(REFLECTIONS)
August 8, 2005... Not long ago, I received a call from an executive at an electronics magazine. He knew nothing about swimming pools, except that he wanted one in his backyard, and he thought the editor of a pool publication might be able to give him the skinny....

Justice for all: small businesses sometimes can't afford full-time lawyers. Prepaid legal plans might help ease your legal fees.(MAKING NEWS)
August 8, 2005... Mike Aprati consults with a lawyer two or three times annually for everything from simple real estate questions to serious contractual issues. But he feels lucky because he has several attorney friends. "Otherwise, I'd probably be paying a...

MTV2 buys spa.
August 8, 2005... The team from MTV2's "Mother Truckin' Summer" caught Rix Pool and Spa owner Jim Silverstein off guard when they came in to purchase a portable spa. It was part of a promotion to introduce new VJ Jeremy Hassell. He was filmed taking a test soak...

APSP kicks off safety campaign.
August 8, 2005... In July, members of the Association of Pool 8, Spa Professionals announced a public water safety initiative for 2005. "New Safety Technologies for Existing Installations" aims to help protect the owners and operators of existing pools, spas,...

FSPA to hire full-time lobbyist.(MAKING NEWS)
August 8, 2005... The Florida Swimming Pool Association will be hiring a full-time government relations specialist. The move makes FSPA the first pool and spa trade group to have its own staff lobbyist. The California pool industry does have a lobbying...

Housing starts remain strong.(MAKING NEWS)
August 8, 2005... New-home construction continued its strong pace through June, closing out at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 2 million units. This is 9.7 percent above last year's pace. The rate did not change from May. "Demand fueled by favorable...

Patio Pools & Spas restructures.
August 8, 2005... Patio Pools & Spas, a Pool 6 Spa News Top Builder and retailer in Tucson, Ariz., has undergone some restructuring in response to rapid growth. The company's portable spa and retail store division is being subdivided into two separate entities....

Cable technicians rescue young boy from pool.
August 8, 2005... A 10-year-old Washington boy was rescued from a pool by two cable technicians in the Seattle suburb of Des Moines in mid-June. Jamario Covington fell into the pool at a townhouse development and went straight to the bottom. Todd Hickam and Ryan...

APSP seeks code changes.(MAKING NEWS)
August 8, 2005... The International Aquatics Foundation wants to change entrapment-prevention language in the ICC's International Residential Code. So far, four regions of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals are banding together to help. Currently,...

Leading index takes turn for the better.(MAKING NEWS)
August 8, 2005... June showed promise for the economic outlook, as the U.S. Leading Economic Indicators Index increased by 0.9 percent to 137.7. This follows no change in May. In the past six months, the index increased 0.6 percent. Among the factors leading to...

NSPF introduces handbook in Spanish.
August 8, 2005... The National Swimming Pool Foundation will introduce Guia para el Certified Pool-Spa Operator, the Spanish translation of its Certified Pool-Spa Operator Handbook, at the World Aquatic Health Conference. The event is slated for Sept. 19-21 in...

Russian waterpark tragedy update.
August 8, 2005... Russian prosecutors have charged Anatoly Voronin, head of Moscow State Enterprise, with criminal negligence in the incident at Transvaal Park February 2004. The collapse of the waterpark's huge glass roof killed 28 and injured 200. Voronin's...

Two chemical plants experience reactions.(MAKING NEWS)
August 8, 2005... Two pool-chemical plants in the Sunbelt experienced accidents that caused evacuations in July. In California, a chemical cloud formed over a facility; in Georgia, fire flared up in a plant, injuring three. At 3 a.m. on July 8,...

Chemtura unveiled.
August 8, 2005... In July, newly merged chemical giants Crompton Corp. and Great Lakes Chemical Corp. announced that the combined entity would be called Chemtura Corp. The new company holds leading positions in several high-value specialty chemical niches,...

Gas prices fall from record high.(MAKING NEWS)
August 8, 2005... Retail gas prices dropped slightly last month from an earlier record high caused by concerns over hurricane damage. The national average was $2.30 a gallon for regular unleaded gas on July 22, down less than 1 percent from a record-setting...

Pool and spa industry stock market performance.(MAKING NEWS)
August 8, 2005... Pool and Spa Industry Stock Market Performance Quotations are for July 22, 2005 Vol. Close Net Change NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE Symbol (100s) 7/22/05 from 7/8/05 A.O....

Bromitron receives EPA registration.
August 8, 2005... In June, Bromitron Corp. received confirmation of its EPA registration on BromiCharge, to be used in conjunction with the Bromitron bromine generator. BromiCharge/ Bromitron is chlorine-free and meant for use in "indoor or outdoor covered spas...

Thief steals kids' aboveground pool.
August 8, 2005... Every summer, youngsters looked forward to escaping the New Mexico heat in the 3-foot-deep pool at the Kids Korner Pre-School and Daycare. Sandi Esch, owner/director of the center in Los Lunas, thinks the pool theft occurred over the July 16...

Rising oil prices fail to faze small firms.(MAKING NEWS)
August 8, 2005... Almost as if nothing can break the spirit of small companies, the Small Business Optimism Index remained high in June. Just as in May, the reading is I00.8. The net percentage of those who expect the economy to improve in the second half of...

Horner names Goldstein vp.
August 8, 2005... Team Horner of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has announced the promotion of Darren Goldstein to vice president of sales. He had been serving concurrently as director of new business development and branch manager of HomerXpress Treasure Coast. His new...

Pentair promotes June.
August 8, 2005... Pentair Water Pool and Spa of Sanford, N.C., has promoted Cliff June from business development project manager to manager of training and marketing logistics. In this newly created position, he will assist in planning the direction and growth...

General hires Coppo, Forgey.
August 8, 2005... After a 10-year hiatus, Lou Coppo has rejoined General Pool & Spa Supply of Rancho Cordova, Calif. He will work outside sales for the South Central Coast and South Central Valley regions, and be responsible for customer satisfaction. He'll also...

Dobbs joins Pebble Tec.
August 8, 2005... Julie D. Dobbs has been named Pebble Technology Inc.'s national accounts manager in the sales department. She will be responsible for starting and nurturing relationships with large pool builders, retail establishments and industry groups....

Correction.(Correction Notice)
August 8, 2005... In the People Brief titled "Tait Joins Meyco" (July 11 issue), it was incorrectly stated that Jim Tait has joined Meyco Products as a West Coast sales representative. Tait has actually joined the company as the Midwest sales rep. Pool & Spa...

Political pool man: from servicing pools to advising Gov. Schwarzenegger, the life of Terry Tamminen continues to take unexpected turns.(PEOPLE)
August 8, 2005... Terry Tamminen has lived all over the world, but these days, it's the California capital that needs him. The former owner of Palisades Malibu Pools was appointed to the post of cabinet secretary and chief policy adviser to the governor of...

Sand filter basics: high-rate sand filters can be confusing for those new to the business. Understanding valve modes is the key.(TECHNICALLY SPEAKING)
August 8, 2005... The pool industry uses three different types of filters to remove particles of dirt and debris from water. Here, we'll look at the ins and outs of one of them--the high-rate sand filter. The sand filter, though not complicated, does require...

Starting from zero: aero-depth sprayparks are making a splash across the country. Here are tips for deciding if it's the sideline for you.(SHOWTIME)
August 8, 2005... Zero-depth water playgrounds are becoming increasingly popular. These wet decks offer not only the lure of water play with fewer safety issues, but they also eliminate the need for lifeguards. Today, these units are being installed anywhere...

Eon decking, railing, fencing.(NEW PRODUCTS)
August 8, 2005... by CPI Plastics Group Ltd. Features: alternative decking system is designed to look and feel like wood, but last longer; doesn't require staining, power-washing, scrubbing or sanding, per maker; slip-resistant and easy to install;...

IntelliChlor.(NEW PRODUCTS)
August 8, 2005... by Pentair Water Pool and Spa Features: product uses common table salt to produce chlorine; designed to eliminate the need to buy, transport, store or pour chlorine compounds; display shows salt levels, cell cleanliness, sanitizer output...

Erupting volcano island.(NEW PRODUCTS)
August 8, 2005... by Poolmaster Features: inflatable, floating volcano erupts with water from a garden hose connection; eruption height is adjusted by water pressure; multichamber construction features four large side openings, bottom underwater entry,...

Pool buster max.(New Products)
August 8, 2005... by Water Tech Features: vacuum pool cleaner is rechargeable, battery-powered and self-contained; made to connect to any vacuum pole and clean without hoses; works for one hour before recharging is necessary, per maker; has a patented new...

'Create a Paradise' DVD.(New Products)
August 8, 2005... by Aquascape Designs Features: revised DVD has 60 new ponds and pondless waterfalls on display; interactive menu features a photo contest slide show with winners from 2003 and 2004, and information about the myths of water gardening; also...

VacWash.(New Products)
August 8, 2005... by e-valve Features: product's dual-acting system enables the user to clean the pressure filter and pump strainer with a single valve operation, which reverses the direction of flow through the filters; should be used with filter tanks...

Reflections floor pattern.(New Products)
August 8, 2005... by Canadian General-Tower Ltd. Features: new designer inground-pool liner pattern is available on a white or blue base film material; uses deep blue color mixed with wavy lines to simulate moving water; pattern can be used alone or combined...

Diamond blades.(New Products)
August 8, 2005... by STOW Construction Equipment Features: new line is designed to cut materials ranging from tile, brick and mason block to concrete and asphalt; individual blades can be used on grinders as well as circular, cutoff, tile and masonry saws...

Spwipes.(New Products)
August 8, 2005... by Spwipes Corp. Features: sun protection wipes with SPF 30 come in single-use packages designed for convenience and easy carrying; four varieties are available, including original, baby, kids and sports wipes; resists water and sweat, per...

FAS-DPD test kit.(New Products)
August 8, 2005... by AquaChek Features: product features a liquid titration method that allows the user to test for free chlorine, combined chlorine and monopersulfate compounds; meets the regulatory requirements for chlorine testing in many states, per...

Underwater repair putty.(New Products)
August 8, 2005... by Devcon Features: product is an epoxy-based compound that forms a strong, permanent seal underwater; designed to stay rust-free; putty is made to bond to steel, iron, aluminum, brass, bronze, concrete, wood and selected plastics; product...

Designer gray series.(New Products)
August 8, 2005... by Quaker Plastic Corp. Features: steps, seats and ladders are offered in a new designer gray series; comes with patented Total Liner Care feature to protect pool liners during installation; series was designed to meet the demand to match...

Aspetrol chlorine dioxide release agent.(New Products)
August 8, 2005... by Engelhard Corp. Features: the product, which is newly registered with the EPA, removes and prevents mold and slime growth from outdoor pool and spa circulation systems; releases chlorine dioxide at precise rates and in controlled...

Children of the desert.
August 8, 2005... In the past, Maricopa County, Ariz., has led the nation in childhood drownings. However, through education and anti-drowning campaigns, the rate of life-threatening incidents has decreased by 46 percent for children under age 4. The sun...

Selling agua: Texas' large hispanic population will be the pool owners of tomorrow. Is your company ready for this market?
August 8, 2005... The following article is the final installment in a three-part series investigating the Texas pool industry, its opportunities and challenges. Nearly 80 percent of Ron Robertson's employees are Hispanic. He has helped many of their...

In good company: how can you create an atmosphere where your most valued service techs remain loyal? Consider these ways to make your team feel more appreciated.
August 8, 2005... Service technicians are lone wolf personalities. They get in their trucks every morning and spend their days working alone, separated from co-workers and management. Often they forget they're part of the bigger picture, which can lead to...

Floating display aerators and fountains.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by Aqua Control Fountains & Aerators Features: company has more than 30 display patterns from 12- to 40hp; floating fountains, bottom circulators; bowl fountains and water pumps also offered Contact: Aqua Control Fountains & Aerators,...

Cal flame waterfalls.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by Cal Spas Features: barbecue grills, fireplaces and fire pits feature optional LED-lit waterfalls; one to three waterfalls (depending on model) flow down stone Contact: Cal Spas, Pomona, Calif. (800) 225-7727 Circle 428 on...

Flowerfall fountain.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... 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...

Flo-master XP series booster pumps.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by Aqua-Flo Features: XP2, XP2e and XP3 models are available; continuous rated horsepower of 1.5 through 4; one and two speeds; 48 or 56 frame motors; 2- or 2 1/2-inch inlets and outlets; 50 or 60 Hz Contact: Aqua-Flo, LLC, Chino,...

Rockwork, walls, waterfeatures.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by Colorado Hardscapes Features: company offers custom artificial rock features, waterfeatures and artificial or natural rock fountains Offerings: design center; full-service design/build Contact: Colorado Hardscapes Inc., Denver...

STARburst LED lights.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by Essentials Features: for use in any size spa, pool or jetted bathtub; eight models are available; lights change from one color to another; sync feature allows for two or more lights to operate on the same cycle; no special wiring...

MoodEFX hot tub lighting.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by Balboa instruments Features: 13 synchronized light shows; programmable color effects; LED technology is designed to last for years; lights are engineered to fit into existing sockets; no adapting required, per maker Contact: Balboa...

Spa fountain.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by Custom Molded Products Features: unidirectional, adjustable spray nozzle; comes with four interchangeable nozzles with varying low patterns; single, triple, cross and spray shower; can be illuminated with up to five single LEDS or a...

Piping boy fountain.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by Florentine Craftsmen Features: young figure shoots streams of water from the two pipes he is playing; made of lead; 32 inches high on a 7-by-8-inch base Contact: Florentine Craftsmen Inc., Long Island City, N.Y. (718) 937-7632 ...

Desert lily fountain.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by Fountains for Pools Features: model from the company's line of telescoping pool and spa fountains; waterfeature produces a conical spray pattern of water with a spillover waterfall edge that rotates 360 degrees; designed to retract...

Aqua towers.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by The Great American Waterfall Co. Features: company offers an architectural foam feature containing an aqua shower or aqua sheer waterfall Offerings: display units available Contact: The Great American Waterfall Co., Hudson, Fla....

ColorLogic.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by Hayward Pool Products Features: LED lights are designed to be bright and long-lasting; five fixed colors and seven color-changing shows; available in stainless steel and plastic Contact: Hayward Pool Products, Elizabeth, NJ. (888)...

Whitewave waterfall spa.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by Imperial Pools Mfg. & Dist. Features: spa sits at the edge of a pool with water spilling over to make it both a waterfall and a spa; has an extended water channel spillover to accommodate coping and concrete deck; measures 78 inches in...

Echoes of nature pond.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by Inter-Fab Features: pond kit includes necessary equipment and artificial rock surrounds to construct a pond Offerings: Web Partner display program Contact: Inter-Fab Inc., Tucson, Ariz. (800) 737-5386 Circle 418 on...

Color splash inground pool and spa lights.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by J&J Electronics Features: LED lights feature nine color modes; multiple lights can be synchronized; proprietary cooling system is designed to maximize product life span; uses 90 percent less electricity than standard pool lights, per...

Digital color blending pool & spa lights.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by Jandy Features: digital color allows user to transition through 10 colors, or lock on one color; no internal moving parts; bulb lasts up to 16,000 hours; ETL approved to fit into most standard niches, per maker Contact: Jandy,...

Fountain keeper kit.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by Jungle Laboratories Corp. Features: kit contains products designed to keep algae, white scale and foam at bay in waterfeatures; company also offers a pond kit that includes an ammonia chloramine remover to keep water clean and healthy,...

Waterfall.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by Napoleon Appliance Corp. Features: customize the waterfall using installed material of tile, granite, mirror, etc., or select the standard stainless steel or optional grooved acrylic panels; three sizes available; adjustable water flow;...

Fountain fixture.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by Pentair Pool Products Features: automated color-changing unit for fountain can rotate 360 degrees and pivot 180; optional niche kit allows imbedded installation and comes with required rock guard; natural bronze finish; integrated...

Designer sconces.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by Polaris Pool Systems Features: handcrafted sconces are offered in various finishes to match the tile and rock for most pools; for other waterfeature applications, there are metallic finishes in brass, copper and silver Contact:...

Endless cascades.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by PondSweep Manufacturing Co. Features: waterfall vault is made to create natural-looking, multiple directional, width and flow waterfalls; also acts as a Disappearing Falls or Disappearing Fountain; grate support and, a statuary or...

Two-tier fountain.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by Pool Shot Products Features: suitable for temporary or permanent installation in backyards, spas, health clubs and other settings; polyethelyne construction made for permanent outdoor installation; lightweight for easy movement and...

Deck rocks.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by Replications Unlimited Features: rocks come in eight shapes and four colors; each rock design is sculptured to overhang the pool and can touch or submerge into the water; engineered to resist pool chemicals Contact: Replications...

Floating grecian fountain.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by Poolmaster Features: three-tier fountain head sprays water 6- to 10 feet high; connects to pool inlet with adapter kit and connecting hose; made for quick installation and removal Offerings: catalogs Contact: Poolmaster Inc.,...

Waterfall rock castings.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by RicoRock Features: fiber-reinforced concrete rock castings for standard or custom waterfalls; kits for one-day waterfall installations and several styles of castings for custom work Contact: RicoRock, Orlando, Fla. (407) 857-7356...

Catalina falls.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by PoolRock.com Features: hard composite waterfall flows at a rate of 40 gpm; made to be easy to install; comes in a variety of standard colors Contact: PoolRock.com, Tucson, Ariz. (520) 573-0025 Circle 408 on Postage-Free Card ...

Roman arch nozzle system.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by Roman Fountains Corp. Features: Roman arch nozzle system incorporates fiberoptic and diverter/cut-off options Offerings: literature Contact: Roman Fountains Corp., Albuquerque, NM. (800) 794-1801 Circle 405 on Postage-Free...

NiteLighter underwater system.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by SmartPool Features: underwater lighting system for aboveground and inground pools; made for easy installation; no drilling or draining of pool required; outdoor-rated 12V transformer; Ultra model includes automatic shutoff and three...

Decorative fountains.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by Standard Bronze Co. Features: functional bronze metal fountains are built for durability; fittings work indoors or outdoors in any climate, per maker; choice of pipe sizes Contact: Standard Bronze Co., Bayonne, N.J. (201) 339-1351...

Ponds and waterfeatures.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by Spa Parts Plus Features: company offers lights, Aqua Falls, fountainheads and more; complete kits for all pond needs, per maker Offerings: warranty Contact: Spa Parts Plus, Prescott Valley, Ariz. (800) 521-7587 Circle 403...

Dyna-wave waterfeature pump.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by Sta-Rite Features: designed to run quietly; made for low-head, high-flow applications; hydraulically balanced design; 2-inch ports with internal NPT threads and external threads engineered for quick connections; extra-large trap basket;...

1/2-horsepower pump.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by Speck Pumps-Pool Products Features: low head, high volume, all plastic pump model 21-80/30 delivers up to 250 gpm at 5 feet, per maker; pump is designed for pools with vanishing edges, waterfalls, fountains and water slides; low rpm...

Waterfeatures.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by Stone Pools by Rokquest Features: company offers precast stone products made of glass fiber-reinforced cement; modular and custom waterfalls, rock panels, boulders, and fire pits are available Contact: Stone Pools by Rokquest,...

NovaFall.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by Super Vision International Features: company offers a fiberoptically lit sheet flow waterfall Contact: Super Vision international, Orlando, Fla. (407) 857-9900 Circle 398 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Energy-efficient pond and waterfall pumps.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by W. Lim Corp. Features: company offers pumps for waterfalls and ponds designed to be energy-efficient; self-priming pumps and straight centrifugal pumps, 1/8- to 3hp Contact: W. Lim Corp., El Monte, Calif. (626) 448-6100 Circle...

Blossom floating fountain.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by Swimline Corp. Features: floating fountain comes with universal adapter kit; quick assembly and no tools required, per maker Contact: Swimline Corp., Edgewood, N.Y. (516) 254-2155 Circle 397 on Postage-Free Card ...

Waterfalls by Waterfall Creations of Florida.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... Features: waterfalls are designed for durability, easy installation and a natural look; made of lightweight concrete Offerings: dealer and installer programs Contact: Waterfall Creations of Florida, LLC, Hudson, Fla. (888) 861-1570 ...

Waterfall by Urdl's Waterfall Crentions.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... Features: company offers manmade rocks, panels and waterfalls, both precast and custom; made of durable PFRC construction Contact: Urdl's Waterfall Creations Inc., Delray Beach, Fla. (561) 278-3320 Circle 396 on Postage-Free Card ...

LED aqua jets.(Lighting, Waterfalls and Fountains)
August 8, 2005... by Waterway Plastics Features: patented LED Aqua Jets are designed to add illumination to any spa; they come in a variety of colors; designed with the company's exclusive LED Probe Contact: Waterway Plastics, Oxnard, Calif. (805)...