Pool & Spa News articles from December 2004

Pool & Spa News archives from December 2004

SCP and Latham Intl. to exchange assets.
December 10, 2004... In a notable exchange of assets that helps each company focus on its core business, SCP Pool Corp. is set to acquire the distribution assets of Latham International LP's Canadian subsidiary, Pool Tech Distribution Inc. In return, Latham will...

Sage Capital acquires L.A. Spas.
December 10, 2004... Sage Capital Partners LP, a Los Angeles private equity firm, has acquired L.A. Spas from its founder, Bill Holmes, who retired earlier this year. Terms of the acquisition were not released. Michael Bernath (shown), formerly of ClearLight...

Different paths, same goal.(Reflections)
December 10, 2004... You don't need an MBA to know that pool building is tied to the residential construction industry. The cost of materials, seasonal highs and lows, and a fickle economy can spell success or failure in either field. Taking notice of new trends in...

Upping the ante: increased competition has home builders offering more elaborate incentives to new buyers than ever before.(Making News)
December 10, 2004... Roughly 20 percent of the 220 pools Les Lurey builds annually are for one client: Grand Homes. The Dallas home builder offers its new buyers a free pool worth up to $12,500 for purchasing a Grand home. Lurey's company, Venture Custom Pools, is...

Attendance up at Canadian Expo.
December 10, 2004... This year's Canadian Pool & Spa Conference & Expo came to a successful close with record-breaking turnouts despite a scheduling variance. Held at the Toronto Congress Centre in Ontario, the event attracted more than 2,100 attendees--a 50...

Mid-America Show completes comeback.(Making News)
December 10, 2004... The revived Mid-America Show will return again to the Pheasant Run Resort & Mega Expo Center in St. Charles, Ill., on Jan. 18-20. Exhibitor booth sign-ups for the upcoming show look as if they will exceed last year--and the year before. In...

Housing starts warming up.(Making News)
December 10, 2004... Home building rebounded in October, making up for the wet weather conditions that had stalled many projects. Housing starts rose 6.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 2.03 million units in October, causing NAHB's chief economist,...

Recreonics aids U.S. troops in Iraq.
December 10, 2004... Some U.S. soldiers in Iraq now can enjoy fun in the sun, thanks to a shipment of swim accessories from Recreonics Inc. The 1st Marine Expeditionary Force stationed at Camp Fallujah had recently reopened a nearby pool ravaged by war, in hopes of...

New Jersey registration law delayed.
December 10, 2004... As one of his final official acts, former New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey granted a delay for the Home Contractors Registration Act, which requires contractors doing home construction or repairs worth $500 or more to register with the state....

World of concrete bets big on Vegas.(Making News)
December 10, 2004... The World of Concrete show will pour into the Las Vegas Convention Center Jan. 18-21. Averaging approximately 60,000 attendees annually, the nation's 17th largest trade show can draw as many as 70,000 when it's held in Las Vegas, according...

Leading economic indicators dip again.(Making News)
December 10, 2004... The U.S. Leading Economic Indicators Index continues to fall with the seasonal temperatures, dropping 0.3 percent in October to 115.1. This is a continuation of the index's decline for five months in a row--and an indication of consumer...

Rec Warehouse sponsors diabetes research.
December 10, 2004... Rec Warehouse, a large pool/spa retailer in Orlando, Fla., donated $100,000 to the Central Florida American Diabetes Association during the 9th Annual Walk for Diabetes. Held in Winter Park, Fla., last month, the event raised a total of...

Swim-a-thon keeps pool afloat.
December 10, 2004... An aquatics center in Berkeley, Calif., can keep its doors open for the winter due to the efforts 80 local swimmers, who conducted a 24-hour swim-a-thon. Officials said that diminishing city funds and rising gas and electricity prices would've...

Master pools meets in Virgina.(Making News)
December 10, 2004... The Master Pools Guild had a record-breaking attendance at its fall meeting Nov. 3-6 in Hot Springs, Va. Approximately 300 people, including Master Pools members' families, went to the event. Several educational sessions took place during...

Small businesses bubbling with holiday spirit.(Making News)
December 10, 2004... Small-business owners are positive about the current economic growth, as revealed in the Small Business Optimism Index. For the 19th consecutive month, the index posted a 100+ reading. Registering at 103.9 in October, a tiny slip of 0.6 of a...

OxyChem to buy chemical facilities.
December 10, 2004... Occidental Chemical Corp. has agreed to purchase three chlorine and caustic soda manufacturing facilities from Vulcan Materials Co. for $214 million in cash. The three facilities have an annual combined capacity of approximately 815,000 tons of...

Super Vision acquires LED technology.
December 10, 2004... Super Vision International Inc. has acquired a portfolio of LED technology from Jerry Laidman of LED Inc. in Henderson, Nev. The Laidman technology includes schematics for a proprietary 1978 lighting system that is "capable of generating...

Arkema joins chemicals industry.
December 10, 2004... Restructuring in Europe's The Total Group has created a new Paris-based chemical company called Arkema. Company executives said their goal will be to boost the new firm's presence in the United States and Europe, and to assist in consolidating...

Lower oil prices aid drivers.(Making News)
December 10, 2004... Pool and spa industry members who drive trucks for a living were happy to find some relief at the pumps last month as gas prices dipped again. Lower crude oil prices and a seasonal drop in consumption in November helped reduce the average...

Pool and spa industry stock market performance.(Making News)
December 10, 2004... Pool and Spa Industry Stock Market Performance Quotations are for November 22, 2004 Vol. Symbol (100s) NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE A.O. Smith...

Fiberstars names new director.
December 10, 2004... Fiberstars Inc., a Fremont, Calif.-based manufacturer of fiberoptic pool and spa lighting, announced that Paul von Paumgartten has been named director. He will guide Fiberstars in the launch of its energy-efficient commercial lighting system,...

Larson joins Automatic Pool Covers.
December 10, 2004... Joel T. Larson has joined Automatic Pool Covers Inc. as national sales manager of the Fishers, Ind., company. He will be responsible for sales development of the firm's advanced pool safety product line, the AutoGuard Series. Formerly the...

GAME faces.
December 10, 2004... Great American Merchandise & Events, aka GAME, has hired two staff members. Dennis Chapman is the new national sales manager for the pool and spa accessories merchandiser. He will service GAME's national accounts and focus on introducing the...

Pentair recruits three.
December 10, 2004... Forrest "Tripp" Burnham was hired as a field service technician for Pentair Pool Products, a manufacturer of pool and spa equipment based in Sanford, N.C. He will establish and maintain warranty stations as well as help troubleshoot the...

Lord of the fireflies: an unemployed electronics engineer turns his fascination with fireflies into a bright idea for backyards.(People)
December 10, 2004... Like slow-burning stars, lightning bugs seem to dot the nighttime landscape in Stephen Taylor's backyard. But wait.... This is Apple Valley, Calif. Fireflies aren't indigenous to the desert, are they? "The light itself is an LED that...

All about bromine: bromine is your best bet when it comes to hot-water applications. Here are some tips on working with chlorine's halogen cousin.(Technically Speaking)
December 10, 2004... Once considered an alternative sanitizer, bromine is now commonly used in residential and commercial aquatic applications. Here, we examine the characteristics that make bromine a popular spa sanitizer, and the variables you need to consider...

Condralite decorative concrete.(New Products)
December 10, 2004... by Stone to Foam Features: polymeric concrete surfacing system offers a new option for adding texture and style to concrete pool and spa decks; product is applied over existing concrete decking in a choice of finishes; Condralite Quartz...

Small pools.(New Products)
December 10, 2004... by Fanny Tagavi and Pere Planells Features: this book illustrates an array of 28 pool projects from around the world; it highlights small pools--none more than 550 square feet in size--and shows how aquascapes were incorporated into tight...

Hayward phantom.(New Products)
December 10, 2004... by Hayward Pool Products Features: intended to be a total pool cleaner, this pressure-side, automatic vacuum is designed to collect debris from the bottom and sides of the pool while skimming the surface of the water; for inground pools;...

in.tune.(New Products)
December 10, 2004... by Aeware Features: receiver and MP3/CD player is built for spas and hot tubs; hi-fi features in a fully waterproof enclosure; IPX5-, UV- and salt spray-resistant front panel and back gaskets; built-in wireless infrared sensor, backlit...

Kiddy Pool-Korral.(New Products)
December 10, 2004... by Meyco Products Features: safety pool fence incorporates the Tot-Lock mechanism, which is designed to safely lock a fence pole into reinforced pole sleeves; fence sections cannot be removed by toddlers, per maker; requires holes with...

DuoClear sanitizing system.(New Products)
December 10, 2004... by Zodiac Pool Care Features: new pool sanitizing system combines company's Nature2 mineral sanitizing technology and Clearwater saltwater chlorination technology in one compact unit; available in three different sizes; features a...

RC swimming duck.(New Products)
December 10, 2004... by GAME Features: remote control swimming racer is the latest addition to the company's Derby Duck collection; user can control the movement of the duck; racer is powered by four AA batteries; remote is powered by 9-volt battery; also new...

Spa buster.(New Products)
December 10, 2004... by Water Tech Features: underwater spa cleaner is battery-powered, rechargeable and self-contained; strong enough to clean any spa or small pool, per maker; unit is 14 inches long and weighs 3 pounds; designed to last up to 40 minutes when...

Stretch-a-hose.(New Products)
December 10, 2004... by Cinco Technologies Features: self-priming vacuum hose is made to be strong yet lightweight and compact requires little space for storage; kink-free design; swivel end for easy vacuuming; long and tapered end for simple connection with...

Chlorine generators.(New Products)
December 10, 2004... by Jandy Features: company has combined a feature enhancement software packet for its AquaLink RS control system and AquaPure and Clormatic salt chlorine generators; digital communications enable the pool owner to monitor levels from...

Aboveground pool liner pattern.(New Products)
December 10, 2004... by Imperial Pools Mfg. & Dist. Features: company introduces its Monterey tile and sand pebble liner pattern for aboveground pools; beaded, 25-mil liner uses a traditional tile with three-dimensional touches that incorporate gray and blue...

Rendezvous.(New Products)
December 10, 2004... by GLB Pool & Spa Features: chlorinating concentrate granular, a specially blended chlorine formula for high-temperature spa and hot tub environments, now is available in a 5-pound bottle; requires 1/2 ounce per 500 gallons of spa water,...

Synchronizing LED lights.(New Products)
December 10, 2004... by O'Ryan Industries Features: manufacturer now offers a synchronized LED light in three sizes: 10, 20 and 28 LED bulbs: LEDs have nine color modes: features low voltage and low power consumption. Per maker Offerings: five-year...

An array of alternatives: the growth of specialty finishes nationwide is being driven by consumer demand. Now, builders are customizing the products.(Specialty Finishes)
December 10, 2004... In the past three years, Hal Hampton has not finished a single pool with traditional white plaster. The owner of Vacation Pools, LLC, in Lucerne Valley, Calif., includes an upgrade to a quartz-based finish in his base price, and the results...

All mixed up: more and more plasterers are picking their own colored pebbles and quartzes to create a custom look.(Specialty Finishes)
December 10, 2004... Randy Beard didn't flinch when he heard the request. His client wanted the surface of his new pool to resemble the color of a Sapphire Gin bottle: a rich, electric blue. Beard knew he could fulfill the client's wish. "We are cutting edge...

Field lessons: applying specialty finishes takes finesse and an impeccable sense of timing. Use these eight tips to go with the flow.(Specialty Finishes)
December 10, 2004... For the best finishers, applying specialty materials becomes second nature, whether quartz, pebble, glass bead or polished marble. The craftsperson and supervising foreman are closely attuned to the product's nature--how it must go on, how it...

Changing times: the growing Southeastern Pool & Spa Show has fine-tuned its educational and networking opportunities.
December 10, 2004... If you're attending the 2005 Southeastern Pool & Spa Show, slated to run Jan. 11-14, expect to see a different show from years past. "We're going from a quaint little show to a force to be reckoned with," says Jennifer VanderWier, show...

Safeguarding your customers: safety shouldn't be secondary in aboveground-pool retailers' sales presentations.(Close up: aboveground pools)
December 10, 2004... When the season hits, aboveground-pool customers turn to retailers for a quick, affordable and fun reprieve from the scorching heat and humidity. While these customers' thoughts may be focused on family togetherness, splashing around with...

Stock up and save.
December 10, 2004... Most retailers carry an array of safety devices designed specifically for the aboveground-pool environment. Among the most popular products are signage, pool alarms, fencing, retractable ladders and stairways with built-in self-locking gates....

Winter break.(Reflections)
December 10, 2004... At this time of year, winter's chill is upon us, inches of snow have begun piling up outside in much of the nation... and the walls start to feel as if they're closing in. For many pool and spa retailers, though, this feeling of...

Great indoors: in-home portable spa retreats are a small, but profitable, niche.
December 10, 2004... For many homeowners, the epitome of relaxation is not walking through the cold air outside to reach their portable spas. Rather, it's heading down the hall and enjoying an indoor spa oasis. After the luxurious soaks they've experienced at day...

Avoiding the guessing game: excess aboveground pool inventory can leave a retailer strapped for space ... and cash. Here's how to minimize the problem.
December 10, 2004... Aboveground-pool retailers can relate well to the cell phone commercials where an adult takes grade-schoolers to task for going over their monthly macaroni allotment or incorrectly guessing the number of minutes they'll play with a ball. ...

Fallin' in love: waterfalls are making a splash with portable spa retailers and their customers.
December 10, 2004... When his regular customers coming in for quick chemical refills also began scooping tip new portable spas bedecked with waterfalls, Kelly King knew he had a winning feature on his hands. King, the general manager of Mountain Hot Tub Co. in...

Largest expo ever.(Making News)
December 24, 2004... Some may call it the City of Sin, but to the organizers of the 2004 International Pool & Spa Expo, Las Vegas was a slice of heaven. "In terms of attendance and booth space, this was the biggest [Pool & Spa Expo] in history, period, no...

Listen up.(Reflections)
December 24, 2004... I've never been big on New Year's resolutions. Over the course of my life, I've spent thousands of dollars in gym memberships never used past February, and thrown away countless packets of cigarettes, only to sheepishly fish them out of the...

Thanks, but no thanks.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
December 24, 2004... This letter was given to Pool & Spa News at the Masters of Design and Top 50 awards presentation at the International Pool & Spa Expo. Re: Masters of Design Award (2004). On behalf of myself and Mr. Brian Van Bower, first let me thank you...

Another perspective.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
December 24, 2004... "The Future of Chemical Automation" article (Oct. 1, 2004, page 40) by Robert Hedrick of Acu-Trol was well-written and informative. He rightfully points out that chemical automation is now becoming more and more a valuable management tool for...

Gadget guide: make your company's next high-tech purchase a no-brainer with these tips and product recommendations.(Making News)
December 24, 2004... The sales force at Essig Pools Inc. has finally begun using digital cameras on a regular basis. "They already have their own laptops; now they're using digital cameras, too," said Dan Essig, president of the North Miami-based Pool & Spa...

NSPF awards grants, fellowships.
December 24, 2004... The National Swimming Pool Foundation has awarded three research grants and three board fellowships totaling more than $175,000 for 2005. To help reduce outbreaks caused by chlorine-resistant pathogens, NSPF of Colorado Springs, Colo., has...

Aqua-Flo expands.
December 24, 2004... Chino, Calif.-based Aqua-Flo Inc. has added a warehousing and distribution center to its operations. The original facility was no longer able to house the firm's recent growth, according to company officials. The additional location will...

PPSO gaining favor nationwide.(Making News)
December 24, 2004... In the year since APSP introduced its Professional Pool and Spa Operator course, 28 states have approved it as a certification program for public pool service technicians. Currently, 16 states require no certification at all for pool...

Consumer confidence gets winter chills.(Making News)
December 24, 2004... The Consumer Confidence Index actually dipped this holiday season, dropping from 92.9 in October to 90.5 in November. True, shoppers said they intend to spend more than last year, so "the outlook for retailers is mildly encouraging," said Lynn...

SPP partners with Optimus.
December 24, 2004... Spa Parts Plus of Prescott Valley, Ariz., has entered a reciprocal shipping arrangement with Optimus, LLC, of Memphis, Tenn. According to the agreement, each distributor will warehouse and ship product for the other. The deal, said SPP...

APSP doubles instructor credit hours.
December 24, 2004... The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals has doubled the number of education credit hours that instructors of APSP-accredited programs are entitled to receive. To encourage more instructor participation in the continuing-education programs,...

Retailers Council to revamp ROE program.(Making News)
December 24, 2004... In the wake of the reorganization of the national trade group, APSP's Retailers Council is revamping its Retailers of Excellence program. "It's not working now, so we need to re-examine the whole program," said Suzanne Barrow, director of...

Unemployment is unchanging.(Making News)
December 24, 2004... The U.S. jobless rate remained stuck at 5.4 percent for November. Unemployment has been either 5.4 or 5.5 percent every month since July, which is slightly below the rates in the first half of 2004. The unemployment rates (not seasonally...

In memoriam.
December 24, 2004... John C. Adams, owner/operator of Custom Pools by Adams in Lititz, Pa., passed away in August at his home. He was 69. For almost 45 years, Adams worked in every phase of pool construction, from design to management. For a long time, he had been...

Bauer joins Super Vision.
December 24, 2004... Super Vision International Inc. has hired Mike Bauer as vice president of sales and marketing. At the Orlando, Fla.-based firm, he will oversee sales, marketing, acquisitions, and product and business development. In his 16 years in the...

Marquis Spas welcomes Leitelt.
December 24, 2004... Marquis Spas has added Newton Leitelt to its sales force. As regional sales manager of the firm's Great Lakes region. Leitelt will manage accounts and provide sales training for the portable-spa dealers in his territory. Based out of Kentwood,...

Beyert promoted by Leviton.
December 24, 2004... Leviton Manufacturing Co. Inc. has appointed Jeff Beyert the Northeastern regional sales manager of its Lighting Controls Division. He will be in charge of Levitron product sales in his territory. Beyert began his career with the Little Neck,...

McCracken signs on at Chemline.
December 24, 2004... Frank McCracken has joined Chemline Inc., an industrial coating and resin manufacturer, as its controller and operations manager. He will supervise the day-to-day operations of the St. Louis firm's polyurethane and polyurea manufacturing plant....

Spa Parts Plus hires Leibach.
December 24, 2004... Shel Leibach is the new materials manager at Spa Parts Plus. He oversees inventory control, purchasing, warehouse operations and transportation logistics for the Prescott Valley, Ariz.-based distributor/manufacturer. Leibach's materials...

Filbur Mfg. appoints two sales agents.
December 24, 2004... Filbur Manufacturing of Buena Park, Calif., has tapped Chris Gunn and Gunn Sales Inc. in Valrico, Fla., as its sales representative in the state of Florida. At the same time, the company announced that Ty Pearce and Sales Link Inc. in Fresno,...

Advantis recognizes Puetz, Watson.(Awards)
December 24, 2004... Advantis Technologies, an Alpharetta, Ga.-based manufacturer of specialty pool and spa chemicals, recognized two of its employees for 30 years of service. Vice President of Research and Development John Puetz and Territory Manager George Watson...

Doughboy awards Reps.(Awards)
December 24, 2004... Hollis Smith recently received the Doughboy Award of Excellence at the aboveground-pool manufacturer's 2004 sales meeting. The head of Hollis Smith & Associates was chosen for the honor based on exceptional management performance in sales...

SaVi spot lighting.(New Products)
December 24, 2004... by Super Vision Intl. Features: indoor/outdoor LED color-changing fixture with DMX control capabilities for special effects; light fixture is underwater-rated for added versatility; more than 16 million color capabilities, per maker; cast...

Inflatable shower cabana.(New Products)
December 24, 2004... by Swimline Corp. Features: company offers a new inflatable shower cabana, which includes a built-in shower head, on/off water valve, water-weighted base and a roll-up privacy curtain with tiebacks; connects to a standard garden hose;...

Sonar pool alarm system.(New Products)
December 24, 2004... by AquaSonus Features: passive sonar pool alarm system is based on digital signal processing; uses embedded computers, sensor technology and low power circuitry to provide accuracy and fast speed of detection, per maker; designed to be...

Lotus Flower fountains.(New Products)
December 24, 2004... by Haddonstone (USA) Ltd. Features: company offers two new fountains from its Arcadian line of garden designs: Lotus Flower Triple Fountain is a self-contained waterfeature that is available with or without a lower pedestal; Lotus Flower...

Lounger.(New Products)
December 24, 2004... by Outback Chair Co. Features: hanging lounger with classic deck chair design and sculpted wooden frame; includes padded all-weather fabric cushion and footrest; constructed from 600-by-600 UV-resistant, waterproof poly fabric over a...

Web site design.(New Products)
December 24, 2004... by YourWebPro Services Features: company offers Web site solutions tailored specifically to builders and contractors: enables a business to create and maintain its own site with no special training or software, per maker: domain name and...

Slab falls.(New Products)
December 24, 2004... by PoolRock.com Features: ledge-style waterfall design comes as two prefabricated, prestained pieces: 30-minute installation process requires fastening hidden bolts, connecting the water source and securing the unit to the deck; can handle...

Aqua step HD.(New Products)
December 24, 2004... by H2O Innovations Features: access step is designed for harsh conditions and easy installation; treads are constructed from aluminum and will withstand 500 pounds, per maker; 30- or 60-inch widths; shown with optional safety sideguards;...

Water basketball game.(New Products)
December 24, 2004... by Smith, S.R. Features: single-post basketball game is designed to be versatile; made of 1.9-inch O.D. stainless steel tubing, which can be mounted into deck; backboard is made of high gloss clear plastic and measures 29-by-44-inches;...

Swing and A-frame combo.(New Products)
December 24, 2004... by Great American Woodies Features: swing and A-frame combo in an Adirondack style: seats two; crafted from Southern cypress; designed to resist warping, checking and the harmful effects of weather; includes scroll braces and two side...

Spa accessory line.(New Products)
December 24, 2004... by Marquis Spas Features: company introduces its Dynamic Solutions spa accessory line, which includes cover lifts(shown), bathrobes, flip flops, remote controls, cleaners, filters and more Contact: Marquis Spas, Independence, Ore....

Lighted spheres.(New Products)
December 24, 2004... by Fiberstars Features: lighted spheres are designed to add color accents to a backyard landscape; each sphere is 8 inches in diameter and comes with 45 feet of fiber preattached; made with an outdoor polycarbonate material; primarily used...

Ozone systems.(New Products)
December 24, 2004... by Mainstream Water Solutions Features: ozone systems combine corona discharge generators with air dryers; designed to ensure steady output under varying conditions: all components are stainless steel, Teflon-lined or ozone compatible:...