Pool & Spa News articles from December 2002

Pool & Spa News archives from December 2002

Exhibitors gamble on Atlantic City.
December 13, 2002... The 2003 Atlantic City Pool & Spa Show has 408 registered exhibitors--a record-breaker for the New Jersey show. "It's the greatest show we ever will have had," said Joel Caesar, executive director of the Northeast Spa & Pool Association,...

Mayo Clinic reports on `hot tub lung'.
December 13, 2002... Residential hot tub use may increase the chances of contracting a rare respiratory disease caused by an organism commonly found in poorly maintained spa water, according to a case report recently released by the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn....

Feel the joy. (reflections).
December 13, 2002... If you're anything like me, ordering pizza doesn't usually inspire much, except maybe heartburn. But that was before I talked to Michael at Pizza Hut. Normally, when I call for pizza, the conversation goes something like this:...

Tackling industry myths. (letters).
December 13, 2002... I read the October 30 edition of Pool and Spa News with great interest. I think the issue addressed many of the problems facing the industry as a whole. I think Myth No. 31 ["All builders have to do is build a good pool to make it in...

I believe ... (letters).
December 13, 2002... To all the pessimist members of NSPI--to all the nebbish wussies--fear not! NSPI has been here since 1956 and will continue as long as there is a swimming pool industry. All people in the pool industry are members of NSPI, whether they pay...

For the good of all. (letters).
December 13, 2002... A message to all NSPI members, in response to Skip Phillips' comments in the convention issue [10/30/02, page 24]: Contrary to Skip Phillips' Genesis 3 mentality, NSPI will arise from Chapter 11 as the "New NSPI" with its staff, core of...

To affiliate or not to affiliate.
December 13, 2002... National Spa & Pool Institute Region 3 will not create its own affiliated organization any time soon. While the national NSPI board appeared receptive to the request, its Chapter 11 filing soured plans. "It's an issue no one has control over,"...

Help on the way.
December 13, 2002... At the direction of its Builders Council, the National Spa & Pool Institute will explore establishing a national program to arbitrate disputes between builders and homeowners. NSPI staff will report its findings to the council at its March 19...

Happy silver anniversary.
December 13, 2002... Dimension One Spas, a San Diego manufacturer of hot tubs, celebrated its 25th anniversary Oct. 24-28 by hosting an international dealer conference in La Jolla, Calif. Nearly 200 dealers attended. Presentations were given on showroom design and...

Permanent tech class sites sought. (news).
December 13, 2002... The National Spa & Pool Institute's Service Council is taking steps toward developing permanent locations for its service technician certification classes. In the past, NSPI has had logistical problems finding sites and coordinating...

Education tour 2003.
December 13, 2002... Aquascape Designs Inc., a professional pond equipment manufacturer in Batavia, Ill., is slated to host its new AquaClass National Seminar Tour in more than 42 cities from January through March 2003. The two-day seminars will cover four primary...

Environmentally friendly firm.
December 13, 2002... Advantis Technologies, a pool and spa chemical manufacturer in Alpharetta, Ga., was recently recognized by Georgia's state chapter of the Air and Waste Management Association. The company earned the A&WMA award by reformulating products to help...

SVRS standards clear hurdles. (news).
December 13, 2002... The final obstacles have been overcome, clearing the way for safety vacuum release system manufacturing standards to be published by the American Society for Testing Materials early next month. "We have resolved all the negative votes that...

Aqua show expects strong showing. (news).
December 13, 2002... The 11th Annual Aqua Retail Conference & Expo, scheduled for Jan. 7-9, 2003, in Las Vegas, is expected to draw 300 exhibitors, according to show organizers. "What we hope to accomplish with this show is to continue to provide a destination...

Super-sized.
December 13, 2002... The Northeast Spa & Pool Association held the first meeting of its Congress of Committees Oct. 20-21. The 20-plus committees were consolidated into four "super" committees, which developed ideas for NESPA to implement in 2003 with Board...

Finland or bust.
December 13, 2002... 16 dealers with Finnleo Sauna & Steam, a manufacturer of saunas and steam rooms based in Cokato, Minn., won a trip to Finland by meeting sales incentives set by the company. The group visited Finnleo's sauna heater factory and learned about the...

Correction.
December 13, 2002... Pentair Pool Products was inadvertently identified as a maker of professional tools and equipment in in the 11/29/02 issue, page 28. Pentair Pool Products manufactures pool and spa equipment.

NSPI forms new education group. (news).
December 13, 2002... The National Spa & Pool Institute has formed a new group for professionals seeking a higher level of certification. The group is called the International Society of Certified Aquatics Professionals, and will include members from all...

Advantis Technology. (Progressions).
December 13, 2002... * Advantis Technology, a manufacturer of pool and spa chemicals based in Alpharetta, Ga., has hired three sales professionals: Paul Kurke, formerly a dealer for the BioGuard product line, now is Southeast territory sales manager. The Midwest is...

PoolPak International. (Progressions).
December 13, 2002... * Robert Paley has been appointed president of PoolPak International, a manufacturer of dehumidification equipment in York, Pa. Paley, whose background includes work with international firms, plans to aggressively pursue the international...

Jacuzzi Premium. (Progressions).
December 13, 2002... * Jarrett McGuckin of Carmel Valley, Calif., has joined Jacuzzi Premium, a manufacturer of hot tubs based in Chino, Calif., as regional sales manager, responsible for territory in Northern California and western Nevada.

Pentair Pool Products. (Progressions).
December 13, 2002... * Pentair Pool Products, a manufacturer of pool and spa equipment based in Sanford, N.C., has promoted Mike Tacconi to director of customer advocacy. He is responsible for domestic and international customer service and technical support...

The Quintessential chairman: in this excerpt from his final speech as National Spa & Pool Institute chairman, Quint talks about challenges that both he and the organization are tackling. (commentary).
December 13, 2002... Dallas--October 29, 2002 I stand before you today knowing a lot more about the issues facing our association and our industry than I did one short year ago. I can say that about me, and I can say that it is also the case for the entire...

Upscale RV parks add more pools, spas. (business currents).
December 13, 2002... Mike McLeod has noticed an interesting phenomenon at his five-star, private-membership recreational vehicle park in Birch Bay, Wash. The 80-acre resort's three heated pools and hot tubs have become its most popular amenity. "Many of our...

Nationwide housing starts. (business currents).
December 13, 2002... The construction rate for new homes and apartments slowed by 11.4 percent--a still-healthy seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.6 million units in October, according to the Commerce Department. And the rate at which new permits were issued...

Building force: here's a look at total construction from September 2000 to September 2002. The 2002 figure is only slightly higher than the previous year. (business currents).
December 13, 2002... Construction put in place during September 2002 was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $836.7 billion, 0.6 percent above the revised August estimate of $831.5 billion, according to the U.S. Commerce Department's Census Bureau....

Pool and spa industry stock market transactions: quotations are for November 22, 2002. (business currents).
December 13, 2002... Pool and Spa Indusb'y Stock Market Transactions Quotations are for November 22, 2002 NYSE: New York Stock Exchange NASD: NASDAQ Exchange AMEX: American Stock Exchange TOR: Toronto Stock Exchange ...

Leading Economic Indicators. (business currents).
December 13, 2002... Indexes hold steady Although the U.S. Leading Economic Indicators Index has been flat or declining over the past five months, it only decreased 0.2 percent in October. In fact, six of the 10 components advanced, said the Conference Board....

Conseco posts billion-dollar 3Q loss. (Business Briefcase).
December 13, 2002... Conseco, Inc. (NYSE: CNC), the Indianapolis parent of pool and spa loan underwriter Conseco Finance Group, announced a consolidated net loss for the third quarter totaling $1.77 billion, compared with a net loss of $410.6 million for the same...

Centex home unit sales up 27%. (Business Briefcase).
December 13, 2002... Dallas-based Centex Corp. (NYSE: CTX) said its home-building unit sales for the first seven weeks of the quarter ending Dec. 31, 2002, were 27 percent higher than unit sales at the same point in the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2001. Centex also...

Arch Chemicals monitors infrastructure. (Business Briefcase).
December 13, 2002... Arch Chemicals Inc. in Norwalk, Conn. (NYSE: ARJ), manufacturer of specialty chemicals used in industrial and commercial applications, announced now it's using NetBotz, an Austin, Texas-based global provider of security solutions, to protect...

Small Business Optimism Index. (business currents).
December 13, 2002... Optimism slowly climbs The Index of Small Business Optimism fell .6 points to 100.4 in October. While America's plodding recovery continues, statistics "do not reveal either substantial risks of deflation or a risk of a substantial...

That intrapreneurial spirit: boost your bottom line and send your company in profitable new directions by turning employees into in-house entrepreneurs. (management).
December 13, 2002... Brian Quint never aspired to be a major player in the e-commerce world. But five years ago, when an employee came to him with an idea to launch a company Web site, Quint supported it. "I told the employee, `Fine, come back to me with a plan...

Let's make a deal: dealer incentives are key to retailing success. Here's how experts say you can get the most from your vendors. (retailing).
December 13, 2002... When Noel Spilbor experienced one of his vendor's training programs, he knew he'd found someone who would give him the best incentives available. "I had this vendor who came in and did a class--how to repair it, how to sell it and so...

Eye in the sky: global positioning technology is revolutionizing the way owners run their service companies. What can it do for you? (service).
December 13, 2002... Darla Woody knew she had a big problem the moment she took over as manager of American Pacific Pools. "It was a mess," says Woody of the service company in Arlington, Texas. "We had guys who were saying they were going out to do a certain...

Between a rock and a hard place: how a fiberglass-pool builder created a 100-ton paradise in an irregularly shaped backyard. (construction).
December 13, 2002... When you build pools for a living, you don't want to shy away from a challenge in your own backyard. That's why David Klohr decided to scale the steepest mountain of his career fight in his own backyard: a fiberglass pool surrounded by 100...

Omega inground pump. (Pumps).
December 13, 2002... By Astral Products * Features: company offers high performance, self-priming, quiet-running pumps, per maker * Offerings: quantity discounts available * Contact: Astral Products Inc., Jacksonville, Fla. (904) 378-0999 Circle...

Magnum force 3 pump. (Pumps).
December 13, 2002... By Jacuzzi Bros. * Features: flows up to 220 gpm; patented, air-cooled heat sink designed to allow pump to run dry without damage to shaft seal * Offerings: unconditional two-year warranty against seal failure * Contact: Jacuzzi...

Automatic pool cleaner booster pump. (Pumps).
December 13, 2002... By Polaris Pool Systems * Features: company offers quality pump combined with the durability of 3/4hp motor * Contact: Polaris Pool Systems, Vista, Calif. (800) 822-7933 Circle 121 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Aboveground pool cover pump. (Pumps).
December 13, 2002... By Beckson Industrial Products * Features: company offers self-priming, hand-operated siphon pumps * Offerings: extra discounts for first orders * Contact: Beckson Industrial Products Inc., Guilford, Conn. (800) 723-7062 ...

Jandy stealth pump. (Pumps).
December 13, 2002... By Jandy * Features: high-performance pump; ultra-quiet operation; large basket for excellent hydraulic flow and increased debris-holding capacity; reduces energy consumption, according to manufacturer * Contact: Jandy, Petaluma,...

Pool pumps, filters and steps. (Pumps).
December 13, 2002... By Poolco Industries * Features: company offers inground and aboveground pumps, as well as a full range of cartridge, sand and DE filters * Contact: Poolco Industries Inc., Belleville, N.J. (973) 844-9500 Circle 122 on Postage-Free...

Water-powered pumps. (Pumps).
December 13, 2002... By GT Water Products * Features: powered by garden-hose water; requires no electricity, no moving parts, pumps approximately 800 gallons of water per hour; made of high-impact ABS plastic, according to maker * Offerings: five-year...

WhisperFlo pumps. (Pumps).
December 13, 2002... By Pentair Pool Products * Features: quiet, energy-efficient pump has built-in strainer pot and volute, per maker; made of 40 percent glass-filled thermoplastic; Cam & Ramp see-through lid design and 2-inch suction/discharge ports;...

Whisper Clean pump. (Pumps).
December 13, 2002... By Saratoga Spas * Features: company offers 1/20hp pump for continuous water circulation; WhisperClean filtration cartridge also available * Offerings: brochures, POP materials; line-art for ads * Contact: Saratoga Spas, Latham,...

Super 90 pool and spa pump. (Pumps).
December 13, 2002... By Speck Pumps-Pool Products * Features: engineered for durability and quiet performance; constructed of 100 percent recyclable plastics; UL-listed; quick disconnect unions; 2-inch suction port; 1.5-inch or 2-inch discharge port or easy...

Max-E-glas II pump. (Pumps).
December 13, 2002... By Sta-Rite Industries * Features: energy-efficient; handles the most demanding installations, according to manufacturer; available in several sizes, from 3/4hp to 3hp * Contact: Sta-Rite industries inc., Delavan, Wis. (800) 752-0183...

Pool pump. (Pumps).
December 13, 2002... By U.S. Fluid Tech Corp. * Features: impeller, sleeve and wear ring constructed of brass; epoxy-coated inside and out; back pull-out design allows quick, easy maintenance; high water-flow capability, per maker; pump ends available for...

Jandy HHSPlus pump. (Pumps).
December 13, 2002... By Water Pik Technologies * Features: enlarged basket for more debris-holding capacity and increased water flow; clear-lid with cross-rib handles makes opening and cleaning easy without tools, per maker; 303 grade stainless steel hardware;...

PRO box 1. (Motors).
December 13, 2002... By Aladdin Equipment * Features: includes 36 small O-rings and gaskets with more than 300 applications, along with Magic Lube and Universal Switches, both industry standards, according to manufacturer * Contact: Aladdin Equipment,...

48-frame Conservationist 6 and centurion 56-frame E-Plus 6. (Motors).
December 13, 2002... By A.O. Smith Electrical Products * Features: designed to run at low speed to eliminate the need for a circulator pump; Conservationist 6 motor is a 2 pole/6 pole motor, available in spa duty with hp ranging from 3.0/.12 up to 4.5/.17;...

Extreme E-premium efficient pool and spa motors. (Motors).
December 13, 2002... By Emerson Motor Co. * Features: angled terminal board, integrated voltage change device; switchless PSC design on single-speed; 56-frame construction; available in 56J, 56C and square-flange; reduces energy consumption, according to...

Aquafil pool filter. (Filters).
December 13, 2002... By Johns Manville * Features: company offers bright white filters with consistent webbing and improved pleatability, per maker * Contact: Johns Manville, Denver (800) 654-3103 Circle 132 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION...

Vacuum sand filtration systems. (Filters).
December 13, 2002... By Natare Corp. * Features: open-top stainless steel filter tanks, flow rates up to 20 gpm/sq, ft.; precise flow control; NSF-approved; custom-engineered; guaranteed water clarity; covers, access hatches; ladders; wet well/dry well and...

FNS plus DE filters. (Filters).
December 13, 2002... By Pentair Pool Products * Features: made of fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene for strength and reliability; top manifold design with vertical Service-Ease grid pack for convenient servicing; continuous high-flow internal and manual air...

Jet spin. (Filters).
December 13, 2002... By Filbur Mfg. * Features: automatic filter cleaner designed to fit most filter cartridges; hands-free operation; sprays water inside and outside; use-friendly, per maker * Contact: Filbur Mfg., Santa Ana, Calif. (714) 424-9185 ...

`S' series fiberglass strainers. (Filters).
December 13, 2002... By Mer-Made Filter * Features: dimensioned to allow direct replacement of Sta-Rite PKG 98 and PGK 184 strainers used with Sta-Rite "C" and "D" pumps; clear acrylic lid allows inspection of the stainless steel basket without shutting down...

Zeobest. (Filters).
December 13, 2002... By Northern Filter Media * Features: high ammonia capacity and surface area; reduces need for frequent backwashing; reduces burning eyes and chloramines; filters small particles down to 3 microns; 100 percent natural; reduces chemical...

Replacement pool and spa cartridges, DE grids. (Filters).
December 13, 2002... By Pleatco E&F Corp. * Features: company offers replacement cartridges for product models in top pool and spa lines, including Sundance Spas, Jacuzzi Bros., D-1 Spas, Marquis Spas, Intex Pools, Hayward and Pentair * Contact: Pleatco...

Spunbonded polyester fabric. (Filters).
December 13, 2002... By Reemay * Features: 100-percent polyester fabric contains no fillers, additives or binders, per manufacturer; continuous filament construction is fabricated to prevent fraying or unraveling suitable for holding pleats; high wet strength,...

System 3 mod DE filters. (Filters).
December 13, 2002... By Sta-Rite Industries * Features: fits inside Sta-Rite's System 3 tanks; single-grid DE module holds either 60 or 72 square feet of filter media; company also offers Posi-Clear cartridge filters molded of rugged ABS thermoplastic to...

CF-138 filtration media. (Filters).
December 13, 2002... By SWIM * Features: for use in DE filters and as an aid in cartridge and sand filters; biodegradable, nontoxic, filters to 2 microns, per maker; packaged in 7- and 25-pound bags; FiberClear, composed of same material in 9-ounce polybag for...

Mystic White II Pool Filter Sand. (Filters).
December 13, 2002... By U.S. Silica Co. * Features: designed to meet and exceed specifications of major sand-filter manufacturers; angular shape assures uniform flow rate and sharp filtration * Offerings: early-buy specials; retail poster; retail...

Cartridge filter cleaning unit. (Filters).
December 13, 2002... By Spin-N-Free * Features: company offers product designed to spin and clean dirty cartridge filters in seconds * Contact: Spin-N- Free Inc., Roseburg, Ore. (877) 481-4181 Circle 139 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Filtration products. (Filters).
December 13, 2002... By Swan Filtration * Features: company manufactures products and equipment for pool and spa water filtration * Contact: Swan Filtration, Northridge, Calif. (818) 701-5455 Circle 141 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Vacuum pressure replacement grids. (Filters).
December 13, 2002... By Textile Industries * Features: Velcro and zipper covers; custom elements and covers * Contact: Textile Industries Inc., Chicago (312) 829-3112 Circle 1143 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Filter cartridges. (Filters).
December 13, 2002... By Unicel * Features: company offers line of replacement filter cartridges and DE grids; sharp pleat folds maximize spacing between pleats; tough urethane end caps assure durability; rigid PVC cores allow maximum flow at minimum pressure...

Easy maintenance vacuum DE filter systems. (Filters).
December 13, 2002... By Water Tech Corp. * Features: company offers individually removable filter elements * Offerings: free engineering/design booklet (shown) * Contact: Water Tech Corp., Ocklawaha, Fla. (352) 288-5234 Circle 146 on Postage-Free...

Clearwater CSA plastics. (Filters).
December 13, 2002... By Waterway Plastics * Features: large filters with choice of pump styles; designed for easy assembly and servicing; system includes bases, hoses and fittings for a complete system in one box * Offerings: accessory base for Clearwater...

Harborlite AquaPerl. (Filters).
December 13, 2002... By World Minerals/Celite Corp. * Features: company offers a safe, lightweight alternative to DE filter media * Contact: World Minerals/ Celite Corp., Lompoc, Calif. (805) 737-2463 Circle 148 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION...

Spring-loaded swing check valves. (Valves).
December 13, 2002... By Flo Control * Features: spring-loaded assembly design creates positive seal even without backwater pressure on the valve; horizontal or vertical installation; glue well prevents excessive glue from entering the valve body and clogging...

Two- and three-way full-flow diverter valves. (Valves).
December 13, 2002... By Hayward Pool Products * Features: valves work with Hayward's 2100 Series pool system control unit and PSA24 actuator to improve water-flow management; available in 1.5- or 2-inch pods; made with industrial grade CPVC to handle up to 50...

Repair fittings. (Valves).
December 13, 2002... By Magic Plastics * Features: product line includes the original Uni-Body Magic Valves in 1-inch through 2.5-inch repair fittings, including the MagicMend Pipe Extender, inside connectors and extender fittings; quality PVC pump unions and...

Viceroy PVC butterfly valve. (Valves).
December 13, 2002... By Neptune-Benson * Features: all-PVC valves are noncorrosive; perfect for submerged applications, per manufacturer; sizes range from 3- to 12 inches and include latch lock handles, gear and electric actuators * Offerings: five-year...

Waterco 1.5 X 2 FPI valves. (Valves).
December 13, 2002... By Waterco USA * Features: available in two-way and three-way versions; spring-loaded easy turn handle, multi-location positioning points for fine adjustments; suits 1.5 pipe on the inside and 2 fittings on outside; deep ports for maximum...

Sarena bay luxury spa. (product pipeline).
December 13, 2002... By Dimension One Spas * Features: two BioForm recliners with no-float angles for better seating, relaxation; ultra-deep massage seats; seats seven to eight; patent-pending underwater controls; 82 hydrotherapy jets; three 3.6hp HydraMax...

Polar bar double lounger. (product pipeline).
December 13, 2002... By Poolmaster * Features: made of 14-gauge vinyl; large, portable, center-mounted ice bag for convenient refreshment; luminescent quality with blue and white, pearl-finish solid colors; features include face-to-face double seating with...

Aqua Chek merchandising clip strip. (product pipeline).
December 13, 2002... By Environmental Test Systems * Features: four-color POP can be hung from virtually any area of store; printed with vivid graphics; measures 4 inches wide and more than 2 feet long; will accommodate up to 12 AquaChek test strip products...

Slide cover. (product pipeline).
December 13, 2002... By S.R. Smith * Features: custom-sewn cover designed for pool slides; made to fit snugly over slide to protect it during the winter months; constructed of tough woven polyethylene with sewn edges and brass grommets; comes with nylon...

Avalon vinyl tile for inground pools. (product pipeline).
December 13, 2002... By Plastimayd Corp. * Features: new pattern creates look of metallic tiles; liner sparkles and shines to accentuate the natural light of pool water; pattern features flower motif embedded into its warm, metallic patina and is accentuated...

Squirtles. (product pipeline).
December 13, 2002... By Swimline Corp./Intl. Leisure Products * Features: part of the Pool Fun Toy line; toys are designed to be filled with water and squeezed to squirt water out; comes with counter display; assorted styles, including a fish, pirate and...

And the debate goes on and on ... suction entrapment is not a new issue. Industry leaders have actually been grappling with it for three decades. (backflip).
December 13, 2002... DEC. 6, 1976 -- Another death of a child trapped by the suction outlet of a spa has been reported, and this has caused the National Swimming Pool Institute to redouble its efforts to persuade the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to issue...

NSPI settles two of four lawsuits.
December 27, 2002... Two of the four personal injury lawsuits facing the National Spa & Pool Institute have been settled out of court. The first case involves Lucy Soto, a New Jersey resident who dove into a renovated, inground pool and sustained a spinal cord...

2002 volatile for industry.
December 27, 2002... The year 2002 was all about change for the pool and spa industry. Issues ranging from Chapter 11 filings to corporate acquisitions to safety were at the fore. The most prominent story of '02 was the news that the National Spa & Pool...