Pool & Spa News articles from February 2002

Pool & Spa News archives from February 2002

Florida Show prospects bright.
February 8, 2002... With its floor space completely booked a month before show time and no major distractions on the horizon, coordinators of the Florida 2002 Pool & Spa Show are full of optimism. This year's event, slated for Feb. 22-23 at the Radisson...

Laven buys back Pacific Pools.
February 8, 2002... Pacific Pools and Performance Products, a leading manufacturer of polymer inground pool kits, once again is under the stewardship of the Laven family, the company's original owners. Mark Laven, son of Pacific Pools founder Merrill Laven,...

Asked and answered. (reflections).
February 8, 2002... Many of us rely on salespeople for crucial information about a new product before making a purchase. Indeed, several of our readers have noted that consumers come into retail stores specifically to gather information before adding a pool or spa...

Pool builders forge alliance with child-safety advocates ...
February 8, 2002... * Pool builders forge alliance with child-safety advocates... A group of California pool/spa professionals has formed an alliance with a high-profile California children's safety advocacy group to promote pool safety. Still in its infancy...

New Mid-America Show a success. (news).
February 8, 2002... Organizers of the new Mid-America Pool & Spa Show said this year's event, held in St. Charles, Ill., was an important first step toward rebuilding the show. "It's the beginning of a new show," said Mike Hansen, executive director of...

NPC Conference betting on Vegas. (news).
February 8, 2002... Organizers of the 13th Annual National Plasterers Council Conference, set for Feb. 21-23 at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, once again will try to strike a balance between business and technical educational fare. "We [have tried] to do...

Back to the drawing board ...
February 8, 2002... * Back to the drawing board... Genesis 3 Design Group co-founder David Tisherman will conduct the Genesis Professional Drawing School March 10-16 at Arizona State University in Phoenix. The intensive, college-level course will show...

Make way for the Turtle ...
February 8, 2002... * Make way for the Turtle... National pool-products retailer Leslie's Swimming Pool Supplies has begun carrying and promoting the Safety Turtle Pool Alarm. Leslie's will stock the wristband device in its 400 stores and also make it available...

Region 10 show draws new exhibitors. (news).
February 8, 2002... The 2002 Southeastern Pool & Spa Show pens its gates with more business education, new scheduling and a record number of new exhibitors. With two weeks of planning left at press time, 52 new companies had reserved exhibit space. The total...

Maytronics awarded $1.1 million. (news).
February 8, 2002... The U.S. Court of Appeals/11th Circuit for southern Florida last month upheld a lower court's decision regarding breach of contract. The court of appeals ruled that Aqua Vac Systems Inc. failed to uphold a contract with Maytronics Inc., an...

A grrrreat cause ...
February 8, 2002... * A grrrreat cause... Watkins Manufacturing Corp. of Vista, Calif., recently donated a portion of its Tiger River spa proceeds to the World Wildlife Fund and the Zoological Society of San Diego. The funds go toward supporting conservation...

Tennessee pool company to change name ...
February 8, 2002... * Tennessee pool company to change name... Rogers Pool Supply Inc., which had been based in Memphis, Tenn., for 35 years, has moved into a new 18,000-square-foot facility in Cordova, Tenn. The company, which started 48 years ago, has changed...

Correction ...
February 8, 2002... * Correction... A quotation appeared incorrectly in the letter of Peter Poczynok, president of Triodyne Safety Systems in the Jan. 25, 2002 issue. The following quote should have been attributed to Dr. William Rowley: "The swimming pool...

Industry stocks withstand downturn in '01. (business currents).
February 8, 2002... 2001 wasn't a record-setting year for strong stock performance, but the pool and spa industry's publicly traded companies fared better than the stock market overall. During a year-long period from Jan. 16, 2001, to Jan. 17, 2002, stock...

Sacramento, Calif., growth to continue. (Regional economic roundup: a closer look at selected cities in key areas around the country).
February 8, 2002... * Sacramento, Calif., growth to continue. Expect a strong housing market during the second half of 2002 in Sacramento, Calif., and continued job growth throughout the year, predicts Robert Dean, executive vice president and managing director of...

Florida tops nation in new jobs. (Regional economic roundup: a closer look at selected cities in key areas around the country).
February 8, 2002... * Florida tops nation in new jobs. Despite increasing nationwide unemployment and an uncertain economy, Florida created a nation's best 138,200 jobs in 2001, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unlike many states, which lost jobs...

Single-family building boosts Utah construction. (Regional economic roundup: a closer look at selected cities in key areas around the country).
February 8, 2002... * Single-family building boosts Utah construction. The value of new construction in Utah during the first nine months of 2001 reached an all-time high of $3.076 billion, according to the University of Utah's Bureau of Economic and Business...

Nationwide housing starts. (business currents).
February 8, 2002... West helps keep housing market going For the second month, construction activity in the West helped slow a drop in the nation's housing starts. While construction nationwide in December totaled 1.57 million units, down from 1.63 million in...

Housing starts by region. (business currents).
February 8, 2002... Northeast [GRAPHIC OMITTED] South [GRAPHIC OMITTED] Midwest [GRAPHIC OMITTED] West [GRAPHIC OMITTED]

Pool and spa permits. (business currents).
February 8, 2002... Tabulations of permits issued for new pool and spa construction in selected U.S. cities and unincorporated parts of countries. Valuations are in millions. Pool and Spa Permits Tabulations of permits issued for new pool and spa...

Pool and spa industry stock market transactions: quotations are for Jan. 23, 2002. (business currents).
February 8, 2002... Pool and Spa Industry Stock Market Transactions Quotations are for Jan 23, 2002. NYSE: New York Stock Exchange NASD: NASDAQ Exchange AMEX: American Stock Exchange TOR: Toronto Stock Exchange OTC: Over-the-Counter Trading ...

Leading economic indicators. (business currents).
February 8, 2002... Economic recovery accelerates The Index of Leading Economic Indicators rose for a third month in December, climbing to 111.4, up from 110.1 in November, a strong sign that the recession could be over soon, said Ken Goldstein, Conference Board...

Small business optimism index. (business currents).
February 8, 2002... Entrepreneur optimism continues The National Federation of Independent Business' Small Business Optimism Index is almost back to where it was at the end of summer. The NFIB index, which gauges the attitude of 5,000 of the nation's small...

Ecolab plans restructuring. (Business Briefcase).
February 8, 2002... In an effort to reduce costs, Ecolab Inc. (NYSE: ECL) of St. Paul, Minn., will eliminate 350 to 450 positions, or about 2 percent of its total work force, within the next 12 months, announced the company. According to Michael Monahan, Ecolab...

ISP sells pharmaceutical business. (Business Briefcase).
February 8, 2002... International Specialty Products (NYSE: ISP) of Wayne, N.J., announced it is getting out of the pharmaceutical fine chemicals business. According to a company release, ISP on Jan. 11 signed a letter of agreement to sell its ISP Fine Tech...

MAAX sales jump in third quarter. (Business Briefcase).
February 8, 2002... Maax Inc. (TOR: TMXA) of St. Marie, Quebec, Canada, reported sales of $126.8 million for the quarter ended Nov. 30, 2001, up from $113.8 million for the same period a year earlier. The 11.4 percent increase--accompanied by a net income gain of...

The U.S. Small Business Administration. (Progressions).
February 8, 2002... * The U.S. Small Business Administration has named Alice Cunningham, co-owner of Olympic Hot Tub in Cunningham Seattle, the Small-Business Person of the Year for western Washington. Criteria used to select winners included staying power, sales...

Splash. (Progressions).
February 8, 2002... * Splash Magazine-Australia named BatterUp! Productions of Carlsbad, Calif., its sales agent for U.S. advertisers looking to promote pool/spa products Down Under. Batter Up! principal Laurie Batter is available to assist U.S. companies in...

Muskin Leisure Products. (Progressions).
February 8, 2002... * Edward Mercer has been appointed customer service manager, announced Muskin Leisure Products, a subsidiary of Groupe Zodiac, based in Issy-les Moulineaux, France. Mercer will be responsible for all customer service activities for Ovation,...

Making his mark: one New York firefighter is hoping his poolside inventions ultimately help him find solace after Sept. 11. (profile).
February 8, 2002... In the wake of the horrific Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center, New York firefighters have been elevated to a near-mythical hero status. And rightly so. One of those firefighters, Greg McFarland of Staten Island, is hoping to make...

NSPI Region 3 Captures the `Magic'. (trade shows).
February 8, 2002... "Capture the Magic! Water in Motion" is the theme of National Spa & Pool Institute Region 3's 2002 Conference and Exhibition, slated for Feb. 15-16 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Irving, Texas. In developing a plan for this year's show,...

NSPI Florida Pool & Spa Show 2002. (trade shows).
February 8, 2002... After a long day at the Florida 2002 Pool & Spa Show, exhibitors and attendees can look forward to spending an evening with a celebrity--a nonhuman one, that is. This year, NSPI-Florida will host the exclusive "Party with the Big Fish at...

They've got questions, you've got answers: the top five consumer questions about pool and spa construction and maintenance, and the answers that will make you--and your customer service--shine. (Cover Story)(retailing).
February 8, 2002... If you can call it a battle to get business these days, pool and spa retailers can be said to be on the front lines. After all, it's in their shops where customers often make first contact with the industry. Typically, this contact comes...

Paying for profit: using a performance rewards system can work wonders but --it also has risks. (management).
February 8, 2002... Q I spend an incredible amount of time being a peacemaker between my salespeople and my construction foreman. I've tried everything I can think of, including giving bonuses to each when projects are completed on time. I've even created a bonus...

Going to the source: knowing the properties of your source water can help you determine which chemicals to use for disinfection and pH adjustment. (service).
February 8, 2002... Most service technicians know how sanitizers, pH, calcium hardness and total alkalinity (TA) affect pool water chemistry. However, water experts say many overlook the most prominent influence on those parameters: a pool's source water. ...

On the beam: when building a pool on a slope, you have several options for support. Here, Akins explains how he accomplished this on a recent project of his own. (construction).
February 8, 2002... Q I have been asked to do a project in a yard with a 20-foot grade change. There is a lot of room, but the drop from the house is too steep to walk on. I recall a pool you showed in your seminar last year to illustrate difficult site...

WPSS exhibitors marketplace. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... The oceanside city of Long Beach, Calif., once again plays host to the annual Western Pool & Spa Show. The city is perhaps best known for the Queen Mary ocean liner, the Aquarium of the Pacific and the Villa Riviera (shown), a 1929 Tudor...

Duster/vinyl-liner brush. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By A&B Brush Mfg. Co. * Features: dusts and cleans corners of house or pool enclosure; leaves no streak marks on vinyl-liner pool or spa; broad bristle base for general cleaning; durable metal handle * Contact: A&B Brush Mfg. Co.,...

48-frame motor. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By A.O. Smith Electrical Products Co. * Features: full-rated at 3hp; ratable as a special 6bp motor; original two-compartment design; separate work and control room * Contact: A.O. Smith Electrical Products Co., Tipp City, Ohio (937)...

Portable aboveground pools. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Advantage Manufacturing * Features: available in 16-by-4-feet-deep or 20-by-4-feet-deep, round designs; come with pumps, motors, ladders and fittings; new models have improved joint design, blue color, improved pump and filter assembly...

Pool and Spa chemicals. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Advantis Technologies * Features: company will be showcasing its line of professional strength pool formulas from Applied Biochemists; leading spa water care treatments from Leisure Time and accessories from Blue Devil also will be...

Removable mesh safety fences. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By All-Safe Pool Safety Barriers by Sunwest Industries Inc. * Features: company offers removable, self-closing gates with EZ close sections; choices of pole styles, mesh types, heights and colors; pool safety nets also available with...

Professional pool products. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Applied Biochemists * Features: product line contains a complete array of pool chemicals specially designed for the pool service professional, including algaecides, surface cleaners, filter cleaners and metal and scum control products...

Pool series by Balboa Elite pool and Spa control. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Balboa Instruments * Features: easy installation; one circuit requires 30 or 40 amps; controls a two-speed pump or two single-speed pumps; two valve actuators; light output up to 1000 watts with GFCI; digital temperature control *...

Aluminum Spa covers, lights, blowers. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Be-Lite/CMT Covers * Features: safety covers come in two thicknesses, eight colors, two-color trims; spa lights and blowers are UL-listed with colored lenses; plug and switch options * Contact: Be-Lite Inc., Anaheim, Calif. (714)...

Pool and Spa accessories. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Blue Devil * Features: company offers a line of tools and accessories for pool and spa maintenance needs that require vacuums, brushes, leafbaggers, rakes, skimmers and testing kits * Offerings: corresponding four-color card...

Flexflo a-100n peristaltic chlorinator. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Blue-White Industries * Features: 95 gallon per day output; extended tube life; higher pressure capability; self-priming; advanced cooling system; all-ball-bearing motor; weather-resistant * Contact: Blue-White Industries,...

Secur-a-matic electric pool cover. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Cantar/Polyair Corp. * Features: fully automatic system covers and uncovers the pool quickly and simply with turn of a key; designed to protect virtually every shape and size pool; 3TruTrac2 system designed to provide straight,...

Saltwater chlorine generator. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By ClorMatic * Features: company offers chlorine generators and saltwater chlorine generators * Contact: ClorMatic, div., Huron Tech Systems, Jacksonville, Fla. (800) 548-7883; Booth 229 Circle 183 on Postage Free Card ...

Yellow out. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Coral Seas/Yellow Out * Features: patented, scrub-free pool cleaner; guaranteed to clean pool from green to clean * Offerings: free videos; displays, valuable prizes * Contact: Coral Seas/Yellow Out, Palm Desert, Calif. (800)...

Automatic and manual safety pool covers. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Cover-Pools * Features: Save-T Cover II automatic pool cover is designed to accommodate any pool, including freeform, rectangular, concrete, vinyl or fiberglass; available in hydraulic or waterproof electric options; optional features...

Waterfall-floating fountain. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Custom Cascades * Features: four styles to choose from; quality product made in the USA; provided beautiful, elegant spray * Offerings: display program; warranties; color brochures * Contact: Custom Cascades, div. Oreq Corp.,...

Air blowers. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By El Nino Ai * Features: compact design; large mounting base; whisper-quiet; thermally protected for maximum safety; full-rated, ball-bearing motor; UL- and CSA certification; glueless installation; impact-resistant housing *...

Emerson 56 inground pool and Spa motors. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Emerson Motors * Features: 56-frame construction with corrosion-resistant, durable powder paint; PSC electrical design with energy-saving run capacitor on every rating provides lower running and starting amps; angled terminal board with...

AquaChek pool and Spa test strips. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Environmental Test Systems * Features: company will introduce a new Internet-based Dealer Training Program; the complete professional and consumer product lines also will be showcased, including the AquaChek One-dip strip, which...

Pool cover reel. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By FeherGuard Products Ltd. * Features: easy installation; rib-locking tube system design for extra rigidity; UV inhibitors * Offerings: demos; displays; five-year warranty * Contact: FeherGuard Products Ltd., Milton, Ontario,...

Aqua rite. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Goldline Controls * Features: automatic electronic chlorine generators for pools * Offerings: authorized dealerships * Contact: Goldline Controls, La Mesa, Calif. (800) 294-4225; Booth 651 Circle 192 on Postage Free Card...

PSC2016 pool system controls. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Hayward Pool Products * Features: one-touch programming to control all pool functions; optional wireless capability; memory recovery system to protect programming during power outages; light dimmer switch and computer-controlled...

Heliocol/sun star. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Heliocol Solar Pool Heating * Features: patented individual tube design; united seamlessly to overmolded header pipe; easy to install; attractive design ISO 9002 certified; auto control; designed to withstand hurricane-force winds *...

OEM and Spa jets. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By ITT Hydroair * Features: company will showcase its new line of high-quality OEM and spa jets featuring five-point look; variety of therapy options * Contact: ITT Hydro Air, Brea, Calif. (800) 230-9560; Booth 759 Circle 195 on...

Pool and Spa digital control system. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Intermatic * Features: memory hold-up; freeze protection; wired or wireless remote; controls multiple equipment pads * Offerings: brochures; new product catalog * Contact: Intermatic Inc., Spring Grove, Ill. (815) 675-7028;...

All-natural enzymes. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By IPS Enzymes Corp. * Features: high-quality concentration of enzymes for pools, spas and lakes; full line of water gardening treatments * Offerings: start-up packages available * Contact: IPS Enzymes Corp., Kanasville, Wis. (262)...

New tracker automatic pool cleaner. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Jacuzzi Bros. * Features: programmed tracking feature ensures complete pool coverage; patented miniskirt design maintains vacuum power over uneven and curved surfaces; swivel action, self-cleaning hose cone flushes out debris, prevents...

Olympic pool products. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Kelley Technical Coatings * Features: company offers pool coatings, deck coatings and repair products; new-product packaging and literature * Offerings: co-op advertising * Contact: Kelley Technical Coatings, Louisville, Ky....

Sunblock and moisturizer. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Kidsaver * Features: nutrient-rich products offer protection from harmful sun rays; SPF-20 sunblock has combination of sunscreen agents, including titanium dioxide and powerful antioxidants such as vitamins A, D and E; moisturizer...

Frog bam. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By King Technology * Features: product fits inside company's Pool Frog system to prevent algae growth for up to 90 days; unique mineral formula * Offerings: no algae guaranteed when using Frog Barn with Pool Frog product *...

Insta-test 3 strips. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By LaMotte Co. * Features: pool and spa test strips measure free chlorine or bromine, pH and total alkalinity; 50 strips per bottle * Offerings: free merchanising material * Contact: LaMotte Co., Chestertown, Md. (800) 344-3100;...

Spa water care solutions. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Leisure Time * Features: nonchlorine water-care system for spas, including Reserve & Renew, complete spa-care kits, balancers, spa mineral purifier, clarifiers, all-new fragrances, moisturizers, test strips and surface maintenance...

UL approved lennovator. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Len Gordon Co. * Features: 120/240V installations will operate eight pieces of equipment, including five 2hp motors, a spa light, gas heater and pool valves; radio frequency, handheld remote control with LCD readout and bi-directional...

Jet vac, legend, legend II pool cleaners. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Letro Products * Features: company offers three pressure-side automatic pool cleaners, automatic fillers, skimmer thermometers and The Boss suction-side cleaner * Offerings: new Letro Sweeping Rewards marketing program *...

Miraclear pool/Spa clarifier. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Lo-Chlor Chemicals * Features: product has new packaging; cube-shaped clarifier is placed in pump basket; keeps water clear for 30 days; three sizes available * Contact: Lo-Chlor Chemicals, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (800) 491-9810;...

Repair fittings. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Magic Plastics * Features: product line includes the original Uni-Body magic valves in 1-inch through 21/2-inch repair fittings, including the MagicMend pipe extender, inside connectors and extender fittings; quality PVC pump unions and...

Fix-a-leak start up conditioner. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Marlig Industries * Features: concentrated liquid leak sealer for plumbing and structural leaks in pools and spas; easy-to-follow instructions * Offerings: technical support * Contact: Marlig Industries Inc., Niagara Falls, N.Y....

Water level control accessories. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By MP Industries * Features: product line includes vacuums, thermometers, telescopic poles, nets, brushes and test kits * Offerings: co-op advertising * Contact: MP Industries Inc., Garden Grove, Calif. (714) 220-9085; Booth 626...

Pool tiles. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By National Pool Tile Group * Features: largest selection of pool tiles in the United States, according to manufacturer, including art mosaics, waterfeatures, bricks and coping * Contact: National Pool Tile Group, Anaheim, Calif. (888)...

Porta-filter portable filtration system. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Nautiqua Filtration Products * Features: bag filter to filter debris before reaching the pump; eliminates need for separate strainer basket; flow rate of 50 to 60 gallons per minute * Contact: Nautiqua Filtration Products, Michigan...

Solar reels; muck vac. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Odyssey Systems * Features: company will display its complete line of residential and commercial solar blanket reel systems; new packaging for strap kits will be highlighted; Muck Vac vacuum-cleaning system for ponds, fountains, small...

Complete chemical line. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By OrChem * Features: A-30 conditioner dissolves in hours; high-quality, low-cost 3-inch tabs * Offerings: shows specials * Contact: OrChem, div., Oreq Corp., Temecula, Calif.; Booth 340 Circle 214 on Postage Free Card ...

Pool and Spa test equipment. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Palintest USA * Features: company will showcase its complete range of pool and spa testing products, including the Pooltest photometers, the hand-held Pooltest 3, and the lightweight and portable Pooltest 25 * Contact: Palintest...

M-2000 pool sentry water-level controller. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Paradise Industries * Features: water-level controller has newly upgraded, self-cleaning float valve and durable plastic housing; product is smaller and stronger than its M-90 predecessor; company also will display its extensive line of...

Heating and lighting products. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Pentair Pool Products * Features: company will showcase its new MiniMax Plus HP heat pump, Spectrum Aqua-Light color spa light and Spectrum Amerlite full-sized color pool light; FIBERworks fiberoptic lighting systems, Rainbow Lifegard...

Water purification system. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Pool RX * Features: reduces chlorine by up to 75 percent; guaranted to eliminate any type of algae; active ingredients include copper, silver, zinc and a stain-preventing EDTA salt; unit is placed in pool skimmer basket; spa...

X-calibur. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Pool Pals * Features: easy-touch V-Clip and rim-twist angled lip; replaceable rim and net; heavy-duty net and frame; wide mouth scoop; double stitched single seam net * Offerings: show specials; color brochures; warranties *...

Removable child barrier. (marketplace).
February 8, 2002... By Pool Sitter * Features: durable child safety fence is 48 inches high * Offerings: lifetime warranty; discounts * Contact: Pool Sitter Inc., Largo, Fla. (800) 300-5009; Booth 555 Circle 221 on Postage Free Card ...