Pool & Spa News articles from December 2005

Pool & Spa News archives from December 2005

IAF absorbed by APSP.
December 12, 2005... The International Aquatics Foundation, the industry's new standards-writing body, has been incorporated into the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals. The APSP Board of Directors voted in November to bring IAF in-house. The...

Study says many test kit results vary.
December 12, 2005... A recent study has concluded that "unacceptable differences" exist between field test kits used to measure pool water parameters. The findings were released by researchers at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. ...

Tell them.(REFLECTIONS)
December 12, 2005... I'm a member of a variety of online bulletin boards, where people post questions that are then answered by others in the group. A few of these forums are dedicated to swimming pool and hot tub owners. Most of the members are avid...

The times, they are a-changing.(COMMENTARY)
December 12, 2005... In his recent book The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell writes about how little changes can have big effects. When small numbers of people start behaving differently, their actions can ripple outward until a critical mass or "tipping point" is...

Don't hibernate: the best time to sell a pool in the Sunbelt is ... now. Here's why off-season construction is good for business.(MAKING NEWS)
December 12, 2005... Unlike some of his colleagues, builder Steve Barr likes to offer enticing specials to fill the fall months with new projects. This year, the co-owner of Sandcreek Pools Inc. in Brentwood, Calif., knew his off-season promotion was a big hit. ...

Muto foundation bestows scholarships.
December 12, 2005... The Guy & Gloria Muto Memorial Scholarship Foundation has announced its 2005 scholarship award winners. A total of $6,500 was awarded to eight scholarship recipients: Scott Segro, Englewood, Fla.; Ann Becker, West Chester, Ohio; Sarah Milam,...

Feds fine pool company.
December 12, 2005... A pool company in Waverly, N.Y., has been fined by the U.S. Labor Department for alleged violations of federal youth employment regulations in a case that involved the deaths of two employees. According to the Elmira/Coming Star-Gazette, Charm...

BioLab implements hefty price increases.(MAKING NEWS)
December 12, 2005... Citing hikes in raw materials, energy and packaging costs, BioLab Inc. has raised prices on a variety of pool and spa products. In many cases, the increases exceed 30 percent. The company reports that in the past 12 months, chlorine prices...

Home building dips with temperatures.(MAKING NEWS)
December 12, 2005... As autumn made its presence known, total housing starts dipped 5.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 2.01 million units in October. The pace is 2.3 percent below a year earlier, but it's up by 5.3 percent on a year-to-date basis....

SCP continues acquisitions.(MAKING NEWS)
December 12, 2005... SCP Pool Corp. announced two acquisitions in November that expand the company's worldwide operations. Marking its first foray into Italy, the Covington, La.-based distributor acquired the issued and outstanding stock of B&B s.r.l., a...

IAF invites standards comments.
December 12, 2005... The International Aquatics Foundation is inviting public review comments on its new draft standard BSPv'IAF-4 Aboveground/Onground Residential Swimming Pool (Draft No. 1, November 2005). Professionals in the pool and spa industry, as well as...

Code requirements seminar planned.
December 12, 2005... Williamsport, Pa., will be the site of the Building & Fire Code Academy's day-long seminar Jan. 10. The session will explain the requirements in the 2003 International Residential Code. Topics will include residential pool requirements such as...

Aboveground pool season dampened.(MAKING NEWS)
December 12, 2005... Cold weather in the Northeast and sunshine in the Midwest brought a mixed season for the aboveground-pool industry--and ultimately cut into the bottom line. "Aboveground-pool sales have been tapering off," said Marty Hoffinger,...

Small firms anticipate a good quarter.(MAKING NEWS)
December 12, 2005... The mood of small-business owners skyrocketed nearly four points in October, when the Small Business Optimism Index reading hit 103.7. This news bodes well for the final quarter of 2005 and confirms previous findings that the hurricanes did not...

Hot tub council bestows eagle and INSPIRE Awards.
December 12, 2005... APSP's Hot Tub Council has announced the 2005 recipients of two of its most prestigious honors: the Eagle and INSPIRE awards. Andy Tournas, founder/president of ThermoSpas Inc. in Wallingford, Conn., has received the Eagle Award, which...

Pacific Indus. sets Cancun confab.
December 12, 2005... Pacific Industries, a division of Latham International has moved its annual Showcase Builders Conference to Orlando, Fla., from Cancun, Mexico, which was devastated by Hurricane Wilma. The event, to be held Jan. 3 to 6 at the Grand Floridian...

Mid-America: show rolls out new courses.(MAKING NEWS)
December 12, 2005... Region 5 of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals will debut a new education program along with its Mid-America Pool & Spa Show. Called Mid-America Pool & Spa University, or MAPS-U for short, the slate will include 16 fee-based...

Economy is rebounding.(MAKING NEWS)
December 12, 2005... The U.S. economy is feeling the holiday spirit even as hurricane recovery efforts continue. The U.S. Leading Economic Indicators Index grew 0.9 percent in October to 137.9. This follows a large downturn in September, which partly reflected the...

Polyair lands dirt devil deal.
December 12, 2005... Cantar Pool Products, a division of Polyair Inter Pack Inc., has begun marketing pool products under the Dirt Devil brand. Cantar recently acquired an exclusive three-year licensing agreement from Royal Appliance Manufacturing Co. of...

Leslie's streamlines its operations.
December 12, 2005... Leslie's Poolmart Inc. announced a plan to modernize its supply chain by using an automated order management process. SPS Commerce, a leading supplier of Electronic Data Interchange software, will provide the retailer with the tools to...

Retail sales grow, gas prices fall.(MAKING NEWS)
December 12, 2005... Holiday retail forecasts look healthy, thanks to strong Thanksgiving weekend sales, while lower gas prices bode well for consumers and pool and spa companies alike. The National Retail Federation said Thanksgiving holiday shopping jumped...

Pentair promotes Dojcsak, hires Williams.
December 12, 2005... Pentair Water Pool and Spa has promoted Charlene Dojcsak to product manager/heaters. She'll be coordinating strategic marketing and product development for the company's growing heaters category. Dojcsak joined Pentair in 2003 as a supply chain...

Arch Adds Muirhead.
December 12, 2005... Arch Chemicals' Water Products has hired Michael G. Muirhead as director of manufacturing for Arch Water Products. Murihead will be responsible for the company's manufacturing operations in Charleston, Tenn., where he is based, as well as...

BullFrog International taps roller.
December 12, 2005... Bullfrog International, LC, a Bluffdale, Utah-based manufacturer of portable spas, recently hired Eric Roller as regional sales manager for the Great Lakes area. His responsibilities will include increasing Bullfrog's awareness throughout the...

Advantis names Johnson as rep.
December 12, 2005... Advantis Technologies has named Sonya Johnson inside sales representative. She will primarily support sales managers in the oversight of private label accounts. Johnson is currently working on an MBA in project management. Advantis is an...

Halco welcomes kitchens.
December 12, 2005... Halco Lighting has hired Kristen Kitchens as its marketing associate. In this newly created position, she will be assisting in all areas of marketing for the Norcross, Ga. manufacturer of lighting products. Kitchens graduated from the...

Blue Suede pools: he's had some unusual jobs during his career, but it was David Burton's foray into the pool industry that brought him success.(PEOPLE)
December 12, 2005... David Burton has a lot of funny stories to tell. For example, he's been an Elvis impersonator for 12 years--and he started a pool business after answering an ad. People may laugh, but it's no joke that Burton Pools and Spas landed its...

Arbor day: four ways to create beautiful and durable arbors and pergolas.(DESIGN CORNER)
December 12, 2005... Arbors, trellises and pergolas once had distinct meanings. An arbor, or "tree" in Latin, was used to create shelter. "Trees and saplings would be bent together to form a structure, and they would then be covered with vines," says Peter...

Mineral supplements: mineral-based sanitizers have made inroads into the pool industry. Take a look at what they do and how they work.(TECHNICALLY SPEAKING)
December 12, 2005... For many service technicians, non-electrical, mineral-based sanitizing products have become a viable alternative to systems based on chlorine. A mineral can be defined in a number of ways. But most agree it refers to substances that are...

Flashing lights.(NEW PRODUCTS)
December 12, 2005... O'Ryan Industries presents the Starburst Series of LEDs, designed to produce a dramatic setting with underwater color and lighting effects; multiple lighting modes with vibrant colors; longer bulb life than a standard halogen or incandescent...

Magic Wand.(NEW PRODUCTS)
December 12, 2005... The Water-Wand is Pool Systems USA's new hand-held cartridge filter cleaner; suitable for spa and pool cartridge filters; features eight fingers/combs to open the pleats while eight 180-degree fan nozzles clean both sides of all the pleats in...

Handy drilling.(NEW PRODUCTS)
December 12, 2005... Multiquip offers the new CDM-1H hand-held core drill, designed for smaller applications; single-speed model works in wet drilling applications up to 3 inches in diameter and can be used with Multiquip's Cobra dry drilling bits up to 5 inches in...

Double duty.(NEW PRODUCTS)
December 12, 2005... The Great Cleaning Canister is Essentials' new storage device and filter-cleaning tool; sized to accommodate most filters, and can soak one to two at a time; the canister is topped with a two-handle lid to provide a clean, dry storage area for...

Leaves be gone.(NEW PRODUCTS)
December 12, 2005... Skimlite Manufacturing's new M-16 is designed to pick up leaves and debris, as well as save on time and replacement costs; seams are only along the sides for less resistance; 16-inch design holds as much as a 24-inch model, but weighs 1/4 pound...

Pebble surfing.(NEW PRODUCTS)
December 12, 2005... Pebble Technology has launched a Web site (www.pebbleteccom) along with several marketing materials to educate consumers; the site enables visitors to view the application process, research licensed installers and certified pool builders, and...

Therapeutic waterfeature.(NEW PRODUCTS)
December 12, 2005... Bullfrog International has released the AquaFall JetPak, which integrates a waterfeature into a removable JetPak seat-back; the horizontal sheet of cascading water, situated below the headset, can be regulated from a complete shut-off position...

Chasing the Sun.(NEW PRODUCTS)
December 12, 2005... Swimline Corp. presents its SunChaser Super Cushion patterned lounge chair: the sunrise swans print is available in blue and orange: chair has a printed nylon cover and is designed to be soft, cool and comfortable to the touch; inner cushion...

Turbo Slide.(NEW PRODUCTS)
December 12, 2005... S.R. Smith offers the new Turbo Twister slide for residential pools; stands more than 8 feet tall at the top of the handrails; comes equipped with a water-delivery system that can provide up to 40 gpm, with adjustable valve: enclosed ladder for...

Filter clean.(NEW PRODUCTS)
December 12, 2005... Pentair Water Pool and Spa introduces the Sta-Rite PRD system for aboveground pools; DE traps dirt and debris as small as 5 microns, as well as body oils, lotions, pollens, dust and some bacteria, per maker; Mod DE tank design is made to allow...

To the races.(NEW PRODUCTS)
December 12, 2005... Robelle Industries introduces its Racer 2, a working inflatable; made to hold up to 100 pounds; motorized; 12V rechargeable unit is included; designed for pool use only Contact: Robelle Industries Inc., (800) 976-6571; www.robelleind.com ...

Easy clean.(NEW PRODUCTS)
December 12, 2005... EZ Filter Cleaner is Robarb's new low foam formula that removes dirt, organics, oil and grease residue as well as soap and minerals that can build up on spa filter cartridges; concentrated formula is designed for overnight cartridge soaking...

The whole package.
December 12, 2005... The story of package pools is the quintessential tale of the ugly duckling that transforms into a beautiful swan. For years, these installations played second fiddle to their more sophisticated concrete cousins. That has all changed. ...

Time is money: streamline installation and boost volume with these 10 handy tips.(QUARTERLY MARKET REPORT)
December 12, 2005... For package-pool installers, it's easy to do the math: The more time they save during installation, the more pools they can build each year. "If I can save an hour on a pool, I can build 10 more in a year," says Michael Giovanone,...

The vinyl rules: vinyl-liner pools shouldn't be serviced like concrete vessels. Experts say they have their own special needs. Here's a closer look.(QUARTERLY MARKET REPORT)
December 12, 2005... If a service technician has spent most of his or her career working exclusively on concrete pools, it's crucial to learn about the distinct and subtle differences between vinyl and concrete before accepting maintenance jobs that involve package...

Good as new: a tiny tear can create big trouble. Check out this how-to guide for fixing some of the most common package pool problems.
December 12, 2005... The sun's ultraviolet light can wreak havoc on vinyl. The comers and bottom of a pool's vertical wall also are vulnerable to deterioration, as are the areas around the cutouts for return lines and skimmers. In addition, sanitizers and chemicals...

Higher learning: the Southeastern Pool & Spa Show takes its education program in a new direction.
December 12, 2005... Set for Jan. 10-13 at Atlanta's Cobb Galleria Centre and Renaissance Waverly Hotel, the Southeastern Pool & Spa Show will feature several firsts, including multilingual courses and a daylong retail retreat. Sponsored by the Association of...

Alladin Equipment Co.(PUMPS)
December 12, 2005... Aladdin Equipment Co. Product: PRO Boxes 1, 2, 3 and 4 Features: kits for pool service professionals contain pump seals and Magic Lube, O-rings, gaskets; designed for convenience Contact: Aladdin Equipment Co., Sarasota, Fla. (800)...

Columbia Pool Filter.(Pumps, Filters, Motors)
December 12, 2005... Product: PMX 2 HP Pump Features: high output, dual drain, pump accepts any lint trap with 1 1/2-inch NPT connection; now supplied with pump platform Contact: Columbia Pool Filter Inc., Bronx, N.Y. (718) 993-0389 Circle 467 on...

Jandy.(Pumps, Filters, Motors)
December 12, 2005... Product: Stealth Pump Features: company offers a pump that is made for ultra-quiet performance; features a large trap basket; designed to perform powerfully and efficiently Contact: Jandy, Petaluma, Calif. (800) 227-1442 Circle...

Aqua-Flo.(Pumps, Filters, Motors)
December 12, 2005... Product: The Flo Master XP Series Booster Pumps Features: XP2, XP2e 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 21/2-inch inlets and outlets; 50 or...

Hayward Pool Products.(Pumps, Filters, Motors)
December 12, 2005... Product: TriStar Pump Features: pump is designed to be energy-efficient and quiet; features a Tri-Lock lid with large, easy-to-clean, no-rib strainer basket design Contact: Hayward Pool Products, Elizabeth, N.J. (888) 429-9273 ...

Magic Plastics.(Pumps, Filters, Motors)
December 12, 2005... Product: Smart Check Valves Features: valves are designed to provide reliable back-flow prevention without the inline restriction of a conventional center poppet check valve; uses high powered magnets to remain in the closed position to 2...

Cantar Pool Products.(Pumps, Filters, Motors)
December 12, 2005... Product: Magnum Force Pool Pump Features: patented, air-cooled heat sink allows pump to run dry without damage to shaft seal Offerings: 3-year limited warranty Contact: Cantar Pool Products, Youngstown, Ohio (800) 836 1210 ...

Hercules Bulldog Sealing Products.(Pumps, Filters, Motors)
December 12, 2005... Product: Gaskets and O-rings Features: company offers the most commonly used O-rings and gaskets for pumps and filters, plus pool valves and chlorinators Contact: Hercules Bulldog Sealing Products, Clearwater, Fla. (800) 777-5617 ...

Pentair Water Pool and Spa.(Pumps, Filters, Motors)
December 12, 2005... Product: IntelliFlo Pump Features: can be adapted for any application 220-to 240 volt, 50 or 60 hertz up to 160 gpm; can be programmed to deliver the appropriate power; senses system pressure and adapts output; four-speed version also...

Polaris Pool Systems.(Pumps, Filters, Motors)
December 12, 2005... Product: Halcyon Booster Pump Features: 28 percent quieter than comparable pumps, per manufacturer; compact size and adjustable 360-degree volute are designed to provide more flexibility at installation; redesigned components and...

Preher Valves.(Pumps, Filters, Motors)
December 12, 2005... Product: Three-Way Diverter Valve Features: new Permaseal Plus diverter valve has a flow capacity of 200 gpm, head losses under 2 psi and adapts to all actuators, per maker; Teflon-coated silicone gasket is designed to never need...

Speck Pumps-Pool Products.(Pumps, Filters, Motors)
December 12, 2005... Product: Model 21 80 Pump Features: pump moves 400 gpm at 30 feet; low head, high efficiency, all plastic, 4 and 6hp pumps can be used for pools with vanishing edges, large waterfalls, fountains, water slides or swim jets; available as...

Swim Gym.(Pumps, Filters, Motors)
December 12, 2005... Product: Axial Flow Jet Pumps Features: high volume; low velocity, low-lift pumps produce flow of water for counter-current exercises; optional speed control; 10 inch PVC tees allow up to 3,000 gpm; 5- and 7hp models Contact: Swim Gym...

Waterway Plastics.(Pumps, Filters, Motors)
December 12, 2005... Product: Champion Pump Features: pump is designed for pools, pool/spa combos, in floor cleaning systems, waterfalls and waterfeatures Contact: Waterway Plastics, Oxnard, Calif. (805) 981-0262 Circle 457 on Postage-Free Card ...

Advanced Aquaculture Systems.(FILTERS)
December 12, 2005... Product: Perma-Beads Features: perma-bead media replaces sand in any sand filter and eliminates clogging and channeling without plumbing changes, per manufacturer Offerings: free system design, specification and technical support ...

Astral Products.(Pumps, Filters, Motors)
December 12, 2005... Product: Clarity Vertical Grid DE Filter Features: fiberglass laminated polyester resin; designed for easy assembly and disassembly; 2-inch standard connections; 50 psi working pressure; 2-inch multi-port valve included Contact: Astral...

Cal Spas.(Pumps, Filters, Motors)
December 12, 2005... Product: Dually Filtration System Features: system utilizes two equally balanced pump heads in conjunction with two bioclean, anti bacterial filter cartridges; one pump head feeds the floor jets while the other feeds water to the pure...

Cantar Pool Products.(Pumps, Filters, Motors)
December 12, 2005... Product: Earthworks DE Filters Features: eight industry-standard curved grids, all one size; GridLok design with quick release feature locks the grids into place, but allows for removal when lifted to "unlock" Contact: Cantar Pool...

Columbia Pool Filter.(Pumps, Filters, Motors)
December 12, 2005... Product: PL 875-4 Sand Filter System Features: rugged sand filtration system for inflatable pools; 8 gallon, heavy walled resin tank; backwash valve; 3/4 hp pump is powerful enough to vacuum, per maker; optional lint trap available ...

Fairmount Minerals.(Pumps, Filters, Motors)
December 12, 2005... Product: Aquaquartz Pool Filter Sand Features: made to filter out dirt, dust, algae, hair, makeup, suntan lotion, oil, leaves and insects; filter sand is inert and odorless, ecologically safe and will not solidify, according to the...

Filbur Manufacturing.(Pumps, Filters, Motors)
December 12, 2005... Product: Pure 'N Clean Cartridge and Grid Cleaner Features: multipurpose, citrus-based, cartridge and grid cleaner is engineered specifically for polyester filter media and DE grid cloth; removes calcium and scale buildup without...

Harborlite Corp.(Pumps, Filters, Motors)
December 12, 2005... Product: AquaPerl Features: company offers perlite filter media for swimming pools Contact: Harborlite Corp., Lompoc, Calif. (805) 737-2463 Circle 449 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Harmsco Filtration Products.(Pumps, Filters, Motors)
December 12, 2005... Product: Suresafe Anti-Microbial Filter Cartridges Features: utilizes silver zeolite technology; combines inert organic materials with silver into the filter media to enable cartridges to help eliminate odor-causing bacteria and inhibit...

Mer-Made Filter.(Pumps, Filters, Motors)
December 12, 2005... Product: Sand Filter Features: filters are made with all fiberglass construction; no laterals are buried in the sand bed Contact: Mer-Made Filter, Denmark, S.C. (803) 793-4265 Circle 447 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION...

Northern Filter Media.(Pumps, Filters, Motors)
December 12, 2005... Product: Zeobest Ultra and Northern Ultra Filter Sand Features: designed to provide clear water for pools and waterfeatures; inactivates algae, bacteria, virus and parasites through lysis within the media bed; nonadditive, nontoxic,...

Pentair Pool Products.(Pumps, Filters, Motors)
December 12, 2005... Product: Quad DE Combination Filter Features: combines the convenience of cartridge filtration and the high water quality of DE; has four specially designed cartridgelike grids; used DE rinses off easily; backwashing not required, but...

Pleatco Filter Cartridge Corp.(Pumps, Filters, Motors)
December 12, 2005... Product: Filter Cartridges Features: cartridges are designed to increase filtration efficiency with anti-microbial end caps Contact: Pleatco Filter Cartridge Corp., Glen Cove, N.Y. (516) 609-0200 Circle 444 on Postage-Free Card...

Sta-Rite.(Pumps, Filters, Motors)
December 12, 2005... Product: Larger Mod DE Filter Features: fully backwashable 48 square-foot Mod DE model; 36-square-foot PLDE also available; single, replaceable grid makes for easy assembly; two piece tank consists of durable composite resin; Posi-Lok ring...

Unicel.(Pumps, Filters, Motors)
December 12, 2005... Product: Filter Cartridges Features: company offers a line of replacement filter cartridges and DE grids; uses Reemay cartridge filter media to offer sharp pleat folds to maximize spacing between pleats; urethene end caps are designed to...

SWIM.(Pumps, Filters, Motors)
December 12, 2005... Product: Filtration Media Features: filtration media now are available in 7- and 25 pound sizes for commercial use; company still makes 9-ounce size for residential pools; biodegradable, non-toxic and environmentally safe, per maker: also...

A.O. Smith.(MOTORS)
December 12, 2005... Product: eMod Technology Features: electronic, load-sensing module (eMod) technology; pump motor has an integrated electronic control module that calibrates to the input power of the complete hydraulic system upon each initial start-up;...

U.S. Silica Co.(Pumps, Filters, Motors)
December 12, 2005... Product: Mystic White Filter Sand Features: company offers angular filtration sand designed to filter out dust, dirt, leaves, insects, small stones, moss, oil, cosmetics, gum and other debris; backwashes readily and is easy to use, per...

Emerson Motor Technologies.(Pumps, Filters, Motors)
December 12, 2005... Product: EZ48 Motors Features: company offers a new line of 48 frame, single and two-speed, 60 Hz, 1.5 compartment thru-bolt pool and spa motors designed for quick and easy installation; available in 1/2- to 1 1/2 hp; features a slot for a...

Camelot Billiards.(Games, Pool Toys, Billiards)
December 12, 2005... Product: 3-in-1 Game Table Features: game table is 48 inches across and 3 1/2 inches high; three tables dining, card and bumper combined into one Contact: Camelot Billiards, div., Cal Spas, Pomona, Calif. (800) 225 7727 Circle 430...

Essentials.(Games, Pool Toys, Billiards)
December 12, 2005... Product: Game Towels Features: each towel is packaged with individual game pieces, wrapped in a clear, vinyl zipper pouch with corded handle; tropical themes are silk-screened onto the all cotton, machine-washable towels; Checkers game...

J-5 Sales Co.(Games, Pool Toys, Billiards)
December 12, 2005... Product: Outdoor Tennis Tables Features: Cornilleau outdoor tennis table has a resin-laminated surface rather than wood or aluminum; designed to be resistant to extremes of weather, fading and paddle blows Offerings: five-year warranty...

Carrom Co.(Games, Pool Toys, Billiards)
December 12, 2005... Product: Elite Stick Hockey Features: new cabinet design with Puck n-Play and sensor electronic scoring; company offers a complete line of U.S.-manufactured stick hockey, air-powered hockey, foosball and combo games Contact: Carrom...

Game.(Games, Pool Toys, Billiards)
December 12, 2005... Product: AquaGlow Underwater Light Show Features: stand-alone floating unit is powered by three AA batteries (not included) and an automatic "off" switch; projects variable light patterns and colors onto the sides and bottom of the pool or...