Pool & Spa News articles from December 2003

Pool & Spa News archives from December 2003

Anthony & Sylvan attains private status.
December 12, 2003... The only publicly traded pool builder in the nation has gone private. Anthony & Sylvan Pools Corp., based in Mayfield Village, Ohio, bought stock back from shareholders who owned fewer than 100 of the company's common shares. The offered...

Vernon Plastics makes comeback.
December 12, 2003... After closing in July, Vernon Plastics, a pool-liner maker based in Haverhill, Mass., is getting a second chance, thanks to new owners. The 45-year-old vinyl plant, previously owned by imperial Wall Covering, will keep the Vernon name, said...

Excess baggage.(Reflections)
December 12, 2003... "We're checking two bags," I told the skycap outside the airport. "Do you think we have enough time?" The place was packed with Thanksgiving travelers, and our flight left in just over an hour. The man smiled cheerfully and assured me we were...

Education = success.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
December 12, 2003... I wanted to personally thank the Pool & Spa News staff for our recent coverage (profile, 9/5/03, p. 66). Our employees have enjoyed your new format, layout and content this year. Education and training are needed for success. If companies...

Beef up NSPI's spa tech certification program.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
December 12, 2003... I am grateful that NSPI has turned some of its attention toward certification of spa technicians (10/3/03 issue, page 20). I'm all for this program, but NSPI really needs to improve its "technical support" for spa technicians before I'll...

Name game.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
December 12, 2003... Is your name Pool & Spa News or Pool & Hot Tub News? John Baur St. Retired President Baur Pool Service Frazer, Pa.

Texas spirit.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
December 12, 2003... Re: "Troubled Waters," 10/24/03. I am not exactly sure how having a state-required contracting license is going to make a pool builder care about standards or have any more knowledge than those of us who are not required to have the...

What about drainless pools?(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
December 12, 2003... I am stunned and dumbfounded. Although your recent cover story on suction entrapment (10/24/03) was quite thorough, it missed a major, glaring point. If one of your goals, as I read on your Web site, is to help pool and spa professionals...

Education is the answer.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
December 12, 2003... I just returned to my office from an extended leave to finally sit down and read the latest Pool & Spa News. While I was away, numerous associates contacted me concerning the "Troubled Waters" article. Reviews were all favorable. I admit...

The industry hasn't ignored entrapment.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
December 12, 2003... What a horrible disservice you have done to the pool industry with this article. You have perpetuated the sensationalizing of the entrapment issue and painted a picture of an industry that has ignored the hazard. You quote five...

Distribution: automatic pool covers debate.(Making News)
December 12, 2003... Michael Shebek distributed automatic pool covers from his Indiana-based company for nearly 15 years. But then last year, be decided it would be more lucrative to manufacture them instead. "We decided it was time for us to join a growing...

ThermoSpas receives first INSPIRE Award.
December 12, 2003... NSPI's first INSPIRE Award has been presented to ThermoSpas Ins. a manufacturer/retailer based in Wallingford, Conn. Defined as the "Industry Nomination for Spa Promotion and Innovation, Recognizing Excellence," it honors a company's overall...

Poolmaster acquires license for dispenser line.
December 12, 2003... Poolmaster announced its acquisition of exclusive North American rights, under license, to manufacture, market and distribute the CloriDuck and CloriCritter lines of floating chlorine dispensers. The products feature water animal images (ducks,...

Lachocki named News NSPF CEO.(Making News)
December 12, 2003... Tom Lachocki, chairman of NSPI's Recreational Water Quality Committee and director of product development at BioLab Inc., has announced he will step down from both positions to become CEO for the National Swimming Pool Foundation. "It's...

Changes at NSPI's Hot Tub Council.
December 12, 2003... Jim McClure ended his term as chair of the National Spa & Pool Institutes Hot Tub Council earlier this month and passed the gavel to Vice Chair Chris Robinson. McClure guided the council through arguably one of its toughest years, as council...

NSPI expands builder education.(Making News)
December 12, 2003... The National Spa & Pool Institute Builders Council recently held its first-ever Certified Builder Level 1 course and is in the process of developing an advanced two-day course covering high-end design and construction. Thirteen students...

Howard joins Carecraft.
December 12, 2003... Greg Howard, former CEO of Polaris Pool Systems, has joined Carecraft Inc as vice president of business development. Howard left Polaris after 18 years of service to pursue new endeavors, and stated that his former relationship with Polaris...

SCP Pool Corp. unveils service technician rate book.(Making News)
December 12, 2003... SCP Pool Corp. has created a new program designed to provide an alternative for service technicians who bill by the hour. The distribution company's "Flat Rate Pricing Program" provides service companies with customized price lists for a...

Home builders ramp up production.(Making News)
December 12, 2003... The nation's home builders ramped up the pace of housing starts to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.96 million units in October, stated the Commerce Department. This was 2.9 percent above September's upwardly revised estimate of 1.91...

NESPA holds awards show.
December 12, 2003... Twenty-seven companies have been honored with design awards from the Northeast Spa & Pool Association. A total of 99 awards were presented. For the first time, the Best of Competition Award went to a waterfeature, this one designed by The Deck...

Cal Pump gets new HQ.
December 12, 2003... Cal Pump, manufacturer of water-garden pumps and lighting, recently relocated its headquarters from Sylmar to Valencia, Calif., in a move to increase production and distribution. The firm nearly doubled its capacity, from 21,000 square feet to...

NSPI-Florida changes its name.(Making News)
December 12, 2003... The National Spa & Pool Institute's Florida affiliate has changed its name. Formerly called both NSPI-Florida and the Florida Pool & Spa Association, the organization now will be simply known as the Florida Swimming Pool Association...

Index reveals economic upswing.(Making News)
December 12, 2003... The U.S. Leading Economic Indicators Index increased 0.4 percent to 113.6. The index has now increased at a 5.7 percent annual rate over the last six months. Its continued growth suggests that the economic recovery should last, at least in the...

ITT acquires WEDECO.
December 12, 2003... ITT Industries (NYSE: ITT) announced that it will acquire Dusseldorf, Germany-based WEDECO, a disinfection equipment company, in a move to step up its water filtration business. The equipment will provide ITT with a broad product range of...

Great Lakes implements price hike.
December 12, 2003... Great Lakes Chemical Corp. (NYSE: GLK) announced that it would increase the cost of bromine and ethlyene dibromide by $100 per metric ton, on average, for shipments made after Dec. 7 in all regions of the world except North America The company...

Strong dollar helps stocks rally.(Making News)
December 12, 2003... A recovery in the dollar helped Wall Street rebound sharply late last month, according to the Associated Press. The market had been struggling as investors grappled with fears over the weakening dollar and concerns that stock prices may be...

Pool and Spa industry stock market transactions.(Making News)
December 12, 2003... Pool and Spa Industry Stock Market Transactions Quotations are for November 24, 2003 Vol. NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE Symbol (100s) A.O....

2004 Expo calls for presentations.
December 12, 2003... The 2004 International Pool & Spa Expo has issued a call for presentations to all educators, engineers, consultants and specialists to share their knowledge and business expertise at the educational conference program to be held at the Las...

Fort Wayne Pools wins safety award.
December 12, 2003... Fort Wayne Pools Inc., a manufacturer of pool components in Fort Wayne, Ind., received WSO's Concerned Company/Corporation Award last month. It is reportedly the first industry firm to win the award. The honor was presented to Lawrence D....

Web site attracting more customers.(Making News)
December 12, 2003... More and more consumers are taking advantage of an industry Web site to learn about pools and locate builders. The number of visitors to the PoolPeopleUSA.com Web site rose by 127 percent from 2002 to 2003, according to a report given to...

Small-business optimism heats up.(Making News)
December 12, 2003... NFIB's Index of Small-Business Optimism in October revisited the near-record level reached in August, attaining a reading of 104. Index components showing gains included spending plans for capital equipment, expansion and inventory...

Anthony & Sylvan taps Smith and Bellar.
December 12, 2003... Andrew Smith has been promoted to general manager of the Charlotte, N.C. Division of Anthony & Sylvan, a Mayfield Village, Ohio-based pool builder. Smith is responsible for overseeing the company's pool sales and construction operations in...

Star Mfg. appoints sales manager.
December 12, 2003... Star Manufacturing International, a St. Louis manufacturer of commercial restaurant equipment, including outdoor gas grills, has appointed Dave Backs national sales Backs manager of its Consumer Products Division. He will oversee the selection,...

MultiQuip promotes two.
December 12, 2003... Mike Ferguson has been promoted to vice president of sales for Multiquip Inc.'s General Construction Equipment Group (GCE). Multiquip is a Carson, Calif.-based manufacturer of construction equipment. Ferguson is responsibile for all Multiquip...

Rumpsa joins great lakes H&R.
December 12, 2003... Matt Rumpsa is the new director of dealer relations at Great Lakes Home & Resort, a manufacturer of hot tubs, saunas, furniture and accessories in Holland, Mich. Rumpsa's responsibilities include dealer services and support, such as sales,...

Burns joins Pentair.
December 12, 2003... Kevin Bums has been hired as field service technician in charge of supporting Pentair Pool Product's Florida customers with the MiniMax series of pool and spa heat pumps. Burns will provide technical information on the heat pump line to all...

Hard-knock life: life hasn't been easy for this adventurer, but it's always interesting.(People)
December 12, 2003... Wayne Stanton knows what it's like to lose everything. Twice. The owner of Surfside Spas & Pools in Clearwater, Fla., is an honor graduate from the retailing school of hard knocks. During his 20-year career, Stanton has gone from rags to...

The starvation diet: take away algae's favorite food source and put an end to a common pool problem.(Technically Speaking)
December 12, 2003... It happens every year. Pool professionals work hard to properly close pools down for the off-season, utilizing shock and algaecide. When spring arrives, they begin the start-up process with more chemicals, shocking and algaecide. Yet in spite...

For the record: the value of implementing an effective record-retention policy for your company.(Legal Eagle)
December 12, 2003... Most smaller businesses don't think about L records management, much less have a rational plan in place. Some companies deal with it by keeping everything, while others often dispose of important records. However, many have learned the...

Less than zero: hot tubs still need servicing--even if it's 20 below zero and snowing.
December 12, 2003... The call comes into your service department: The hot tub of one of your valued customers is on the fritz. The heater doesn't work and the jets won't bubble. You assign the task to one of your best service technicians, who immediately...

Setting the mood: aromatherapies, lights and candles may be mere afterthoughts to spa owners, but to retailers, they're why customers keep coming back.
December 12, 2003... Peter Southworth was skeptical about carrying scents and other mood-enhancing products for portable spas. But once the East Coast retailer introduced them to his product mix, sales skyrocketed. "We're always researching more...

A slippery slope: with no codes dedicated to slides, builders must exercise caution before they plunge into creating their own designs.
December 12, 2003... In many parts of the country, more clients than ever are asking for slides This makes some builders nervous. Due to liability issues, many contractors only build slides when the customer insists. However, slides add an element safe fun to...

Wet paint: it's amazing how a few coats of paint can rejuvenate a pool--and your bottom line. This three-step guide will help ensure a professional finish.
December 12, 2003... Want to make an old, stained pool look new again at a reasonable price? It's tough to beat pool painting. Compared with other resurfacing options such as replastering or fiberglassing, the job requires little training, few specialty tools and a...

Las Vegas review: the 2004 Aqua Show returns to Mandalay Bay.
December 12, 2003... Las Vegas' Mandalay Bay Convention Center will lay out its welcome mat for the 2004 Aqua Show, scheduled for Jan. 6-8. Professionals from the spa, pool and casual furniture industries will have an opportunity to take classes, socialize, and...

PRO Box 3 by Aladdin Equipment Co.(Pumps)
December 12, 2003... Features: contains three heads and seats to handle most pump seal replacements: PRO Box also contains Magic Lube, Magic Lube II and a pump seal cross reference guide; PRO Boxes I and 2 also Available Contact: Aladdin Equipment Co.,...

Magnum Force Pool Pump by Jacuzzi Pool Equipment.(Pumps)
December 12, 2003... Features: patented, air-cooled heat sink allows pumps to run dry without doing damage to the shaft seal: exclusive double Ring-Lok design allows "tool free" access to strainer basket and pump internals Offerings: two year warranty ...

Pool, Spa And Waterfeature Pumps, CD ROM Catalog by Speck Pumps-Pool Products.(Pumps)
December 12, 2003... Features: company offers pumps for commercial and residential pools and spas, inground and aboveground installations; the waterfeature pumps are suitable for pools with vanishing edges, waterfalls, fountains or water slides Offerings: updated...

Dual Filtration Pump System by Cal Spas.(Pumps)
December 12, 2003... Features: system utilizes two equally balanced pump heads in conjunction with two Bio-Clean anti-bacterial filter cartridges; one pump head feeds the floor jets, while the other feeds water to the water system, allowing for cooler, quieter and...

Stealth and PlusHP Pumps by Jandy/Water Pik Technologies.(Pumps)
December 12, 2003... Features: ideal for in-floor and suction cleaning applications, waterfalls, jet pumps and filtration pumps: large capacity baskets, high head, high performance and quick connect unions; available in full, up-rated and 2-speed models; new line...

Max-E-Pro Pump by Sta-Rite Industries.(Pumps)
December 12, 2003... Features: hydraulic design moves large volumes of water at low operating costs; sturdy redesigned base dampens sound and minimizes vibration, per maker; Quick-Lock trap cover ring permits fast access to strainer basket; one-piece housing; large...

NorthStar and Super II High Performance Pumps by Hayward Pool Products.(Pumps)
December 12, 2003... Features: NorthStar pump is designed to maximize flow rate and minimize noise; easy service and installation, per maker; high-efficiency motor, CPVC unions and Quad-Lock seal design: Super II pump is self-priming and features a Lexan see...

WhisperFlo Pumps by Pentair Pool Products.(Pumps)
December 12, 2003... Features: pumps are designed to be high performance, quiet, energy efficient, with built in strainer pot and volute: constructed of 40 percent glass-filled thermoplastic: cam and ramp see-through lid design and 2-inch suction/ discharge ports;...

Executive Euro Pump by Waterway Plastics.(Pumps)
December 12, 2003... Features: high-performance Executive wet end is specifically designed for 56 frame motors; large 2-inch intake for improved flow performance and noise reduction; Italian EMG motor is made to be water-resistant and has two double-shielded ball...

PolarBear Single And Two-Speed Spa Motors by A.O. Smith Electrical Products Co.(Motors)
December 12, 2003... Features: engineered to withstand high temperatures to keep spa pumps running cool; electronic start switch; top-of-motor controls housing; vented end and main frame; both single and two-speed applications are available in 2-, 2 1/2--or 3hp ...

Aqua Klear Filter Sand by Fairmount Minerals.(Filters)
December 12, 2003... Features: product is designed to clean pool water and keep it clear; inert, odorless, ecologically safe and won't stain or solidify, per maker Contact: Fairmount Minerals, Wedron, Ill. (800) 255-7263 Write 132 on Postage-Free Card ...

Universal and Purex Replacement Grids by Filbur Mfg.(Filters)
December 12, 2003... Features: available in 24 square feet to 72 square Feet sizes; reinforced polystyrene frame with tough polypropylene covering ensures durability and high performance; superior cloth allows for longer grid life, per maker; packaged in cases of...

SwimClear and pro-grid vertical grid DE filter by Hayward Pool Products.(Filters)
December 12, 2003... Features: heavy-duty SwimClear filter is constructed using durable PermaGlass XL; choice of 225,-325,-425--or 525-foot cleaning capacity; Pro-Grid vertical grid DE filters are made to provide efficient flow and large cleaning capacity for pools...

CL and DEL Series Filters by Jandy/Water Pik Technologies.(Filters)
December 12, 2003... Features: easy-grip textured tank handles; special clean/dirty indicator on pressure gauge; extra large capacity for extended cleaning cycles; durable; high-impact; UV and corrosion-resistant thermoplastic tank body; variety of sizes; DEL...

Aquaweb by Johns Manville.(Filters)
December 12, 2003... Features: company offers bright-white filters with consistent webbing and improved pleatability, per maker Contact: Johns Manville, Denver (800) 654-3103 Write 137 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Filter Leaves And Covers For Vacuum DE Filters by Mer-Made Filter.(Filters)
December 12, 2003... Features: company offers heavy-wall styrene filter leaves for Mer-Made filters, as well as replacements for product models in other pool and spa lines; other available products include polypropylene replacement filter lead covers to...

Vacuum Sand Filtration Systems by Natare Corp.(Filters)
December 12, 2003... 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 wet-well-only models also...

Zeobest Ultra by Northern Filter Media.(Filters)
December 12, 2003... Features: company presents its nonadditive, non-leaching, antimicrobial natural zeolite filter media; product is made to remove 99.9 percent of virus, bacteria, algae and cryptosporidium; sized to .50 to .60 ram; 50 pounds per cubic foot:...

Replacement Pool And Spa Cartridges and DE grids by Pleatco Filter Cartridges.(Filters)
December 12, 2003... Features: company offers replacement filter cartridges for product models in numerous pool and spa lines; rugged polyurethane and plastisol end caps offer greater chemical resistance and are less prone to crack and breaks, per maker ...

System:2 PLM300 by Sta-Rite Industries.(Filters)
December 12, 2003... Features: 300 square feet of Mod Media filtration area in a corn pact tank; superior dirt-holding capacity, per maker: easy to install in new and retrofit applications; Posi-Lok easy-off ring; Mod Media one-piece module drops into the easy-open...

Alternative Filter Media by SWIM.(Filters)
December 12, 2003... Features: company presents its line of filter media products, including CF-138, Fiber Clear and Zeo Sand; Pour A Lid decorative skimmer Lids will available Offerings: technical information; samples Contact: SWIM Inc., Santa Ana, Calif....

Mystic White II Angular Pool Filter Sand by U.S. Silica.(Filters)
December 12, 2003... Features: maximizes solids entrapment: assures uniform flow rate and sharp filtration, per maker; odorless, nonstaining, noncalcifying; easy to use: made for use in aboveground and inground pool filtration systems of all shape, size and...

Filter Cartridges by Unicel.(Filters)
December 12, 2003... 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 loss, per maker...

Crystal Water filters by Waterway Plastics.(Filters)
December 12, 2003... Features: company offers filters with 2 1/2-inch internal piping to improve flow and reduce system noise when using 2 1/2-inch, 2-inch or 1 1/2-inch plumbing; multihandle lid design makes servicing easy, according to maker Contact:...

Zeobrite Filter Media by Zeotech Corp.(Filters)
December 12, 2003... Features: according to manufacturer, product provides excellent water clarity; lowers total operating costs: cuts backwashing by 50 percent: reduces chloramines, odor and eye burning: filters up to 3 microns: environ mentally safe; all natural...

Valves: magna check water conditioning check valve by Magic Plastics.(Filters)
December 12, 2003... Features: company offers its spring-loaded, positive seal backflow-prevention check valve, equipped with quality water conditioning magnets: designed to reduce water hardness and improve water clarity; check valve features UV-stabilized sight...

Solar controller and three-way valves by Praher Valves.(Filters)
December 12, 2003... Features: company offers solar controllers; two models available: 24V or 120V, both featuring compact designs; three-way valve also available in 1 1/2- or 2-inch models; valves never need lubrication, per maker; designed for easy servicing ...

AquaTrend Pool & Spa Test Kits.(New Products)
December 12, 2003... by AquaChek-ETS Hach Co. Features: line includes six reagent liquid test kits, refill reagent on a blistercard, bulk refill reagents, plus one-minute, one-step phosphate test; kit is first hybrid kit available, per maker, with AquaChek...

SpaGuard Spa Silken.(New Products)
December 12, 2003... by SpaGuard Features: provides soft, clear spa water, per maker; made to improve the feel and clarity of spa water to enhance soaker comfort; is suitable for both chlorine-and bromine-treated spas; easy-to-use granular product will not...

Polaris 480 PRO Cleaner.(New Products)
December 12, 2003... by Polaris Pool Systems Features: professional-grade automatic pool cleaner is designed for inground pools; requires separate booster pump; provides power and performance with four super-sized vacuum jets and a large capacity intake, per...

Omni Spa.(New Products)
December 12, 2003... by Hydro Spa Features: spa measures 94-by-94-inches and comes with standard features such as three pumps, a waterfall, aromatherapy and a volcano jet, plus there's an optional stereo system; new design accommodates six to seven people and...

Aqua Bikes.(New Products)
December 12, 2003... by Ferno Performance Pools Features: three models from which to choose: provides a high-resistance, low-impact workout; can be used with any existing pool; perfect for weight loss and rehabilitation, per maker Offerings: one-year...

Commercial Grade Spring.(New Products)
December 12, 2003... by Plastimayd Corp. Features: company offers new spring on its pool safety covers; the spring offers nearly twice the tension of conventional springs, giving the cover a tighter fit, per maker; new design also is lower and more flush with...

Flyte-Deck II Diving Board.(New Products)
December 12, 2003... by S.R. Smith Features: acrylic-fiberglass diving board is made of tough acrylic, designed to resist scratching, rusting and fading; stand can be used with a 6-, 8- or 10-foot board and has a standard height of 1/2- meter; available in...

Spa Bright & Clear.(New Products)
December 12, 2003... by Leisure Time Features: new, improved formula features company's polymer action, which neutralizes and removes dirt, soap, oily films and suspended particles; faster clarifying action works in less time than ever, per maker; available in...

Mystri Pattern Pool Liner.(New Products)
December 12, 2003... by Sharkline Pools Features: new aboveground-pool liner pattern is available as an overlap or beaded liner; pattern uses diagonal tiles in blue and aqua colors with accents of red throughout the border; liner floor is a watery pattern that...

Aquasquid Underwater Throw Toy.(New Products)
December 12, 2003... by Aquatoy Features: design allows swimmers of all ages to explore the structure and movement of a squid; 12-inch long squid is made of durable plastic and can fly through the water up to 30 feet; Glow AquaSquid is great for nighttime...

Water bed: a Canadian man brings new meaning to 'portable spa'.
December 12, 2003... Some grandparents pass down family heirlooms or trust hinds, but not Wayne Myers. He plans to leave his grandson, Brady, an heirloom of a different sort: his famed hot tub truck. Seven years ago, a rusted-out 1989 Chevy S-10 caught Myers'...

The big picture.(Editor's Note)
December 12, 2003... Pool builders are very familiar with the products that go into the construction of a new vessel. But building the pool itself is only part of the picture. Many pool companies are working with landscape architects and custom home builders...

Portable fireplace.(backyard accessories & pool products)
December 12, 2003... by Essentials Essentials offers its portable fireplace, featuring two sturdy wheels and a handle, making it easy to move Fireplace is easy to extinguish and features a safety mesh screen and black enamel finish. Essentials (800) 866-2499...