Pool & Spa News articles from February 2003

Pool & Spa News archives from February 2003

SCP to expand fort Wayne production.
February 14, 2003... In the wake of its acquisition by SCP Pool Corp. last summer, Fort Wayne Pools, a package-pool manufacturer/distributor based in Indiana, is gearing up to increase production. Covington, La.-based SCP plans to spend $2.7 million in new...

NSPI-Florida adopts code of ethics.
February 14, 2003... At a Board of Directors meeting last month, the National Spa & Pool Institute-Florida unanimously adopted a code of ethics that members are expected to follow--or risk expulsion from the group. "In an effort to grow membership, there have...

Opportunity knocking. (Reflections).
February 14, 2003... There's a great story by W. Somerset Maugham called "The Verger." In it, the verger, or handyman, is fired from his church because he can't read or write. On his way home, he decides to dull his pain with a smoke, but can't find a tobacco store...

Soda promos make big splash for little cash. (Making News).
February 14, 2003... When William Nelson began finalizing plans to promote the upcoming spring opening of a renovated community pool called Whitewater Junction at Longview Park, he didn't bother calling the local newspaper or a slick publicity firm. Instead,...

Onward and westward.
February 14, 2003... Dynasty Spas, a manufacturer in Athens, Tenn., has plans to grow operations by expanding its current headquarters and opening a distribution center in Phoenix. The additions are to help supply new dealers in the West. "The demand we have on the...

They still don't get it.
February 14, 2003... The industry's promotion of hot tubs as a health benefit may be working when it comes to consumers, but some government officials still haven't caught on. In his State of the State address last month, Colorado Governor Bill Owens urged...

Swim spa pioneer Carol Meyer dies. (Making News).
February 14, 2003... Carol S. Meyer, vice president of Rio Plastics, a manufacturer of swim spas, exercise tanks and equipment in Brownsville, Texas, died Dec. 20, 2002. She was 77. Meyer and her husband, Carl, founded Aqua Slide `N' Dive in 1956. The company...

Housing starts up in all regions. (Making News).
February 14, 2003... Indicating that housing provided even greater support than expected to the U.S. economy in 2002, Commerce Department figures show that builders ramped up production of new homes and apartments near the end of the year, finishing with a total of...

Winner's circle.
February 14, 2003... Sta-Rite Industries, a manufacturer of pool and spa equipment headquartered in Delavan, Wis., has renewed its auto racing sponsorship of Rookie of the Year contender Damon Lusk of Tommy Baldwin Racing. Lusk, 25, ran races for TBR last season in...

Mystery unsolved.
February 14, 2003... Billionaire Keith McCaw, 49, drowned in the hot tub at his Seattle home last December. He was found bleeding from the head, although authorities recently ruled the drowning accidental and noted that neither alcohol nor other drugs were...

Mill Creek Bank unaffected by bankruptcy. (Making News).
February 14, 2003... While its parent company has filed for bankruptcy protection, major industry lender Mill Creek Bank, known until recently as Conseco Bank, is not affected. In December, Mill Creek's parent company, Conseco Finance Corp. of St. Paul, Minn.,...

Indicators improve--slightly. (Making News).
February 14, 2003... The U.S. Leading Economic Indicators Index increased by 0.1 percent to stand at 111.3 after declining from May through September 2002. The improvement suggests a stronger economic recovery in the first half of 2003. The negative contribution...

New location benefits aqua show.
February 14, 2003... A new location and an expanded technical seminar program marked the Aqua 2003 Retail Conference & Expo, held Jan. 7-9 in Las Vegas." "It's not as busy or as large as the national show, but this has been the best Aqua show," said David Cadis,...

Swingers in hot water.
February 14, 2003... A swingers club in a private home outside Chicago has created a stir among residents and gained the attention of the local zoning board. The owner of Couples Playhouse has been charged with failing to obtain permits for pools and hot tubs he...

WPSS celebrates milestone. (Making News).
February 14, 2003... Organizers of the 25th Annual Western Pool & Spa Show are hoping to get a wonderful gift to help celebrate the event's silver anniversary this year: attendance figures above the 10,000 mark. "Last year, we had around 8,900 [attendees],"...

Dealers awarded.
February 14, 2003... Direct Replacements Inc., a Marietta, Ga.-based pool distributor, honored two of its dealers recently. Andrew and Rachel Cook, owners of A-Quality Pool Products, also located in Marietta, were given the No. 1 National Dealer Award for...

Advanced technical training being offered.
February 14, 2003... Acu-Trol Programmable Controllers, a manufacturer in Auburn, Calif., has scheduled advanced training seminars on pool and spa controllers at its headquarters for March 12-14. On the first day, controller basics will be reviewed. Advanced...

Florida show may be biggest yet. (Making News).
February 14, 2003... Set in a new, larger venue, the Florida 2003 Pool & Spa Show already has broken exhibit records and is vying for similar attendance results. Slated for Feb. 21-23, the show moves this year to the Orange County Convention Center, where more...

Optimism takes hit. (Making News).
February 14, 2003... After a promising November, small-business optimism stumbled in December in the face of continued price cuts, leaving business owners with reduced earnings. The National Federation of Independent Business' Index of Small Business Optimism fell...

SwimEx breaks away from TPI.
February 14, 2003... An investment group has acquired the SwimEx division of TPI Composites Inc., according to SwimEx, manufacturer of small-space pools for conditioning and injury rehabilitation used by the athletic training industry. The new company, known as...

Albemarle buys antioxidants business.
February 14, 2003... Albemarle Corp. (NYSE ALB), parent company of Jordan Bromine Ltd., has acquired Ethyl Corp.'s (NYSE: EY) fuel and lubricant antioxidants business. Albemarle and Ethyl are both based in Richmond, Va. Terms of the sale were not disclosed. The...

U.N. inspectors report jars market. (Making News).
February 14, 2003... Stocks fell sharply with the Dow Jones industrial average finishing below 8,000 for the first time since Oct. 14, as investors shrugged off upbeat news about the U.S. economy and focused instead on a sobering report from United Nations weapons...

Vogue pool products taps Gilles Lebuis for top spot.
February 14, 2003... The board of directors at Vogue Pool Products in Canada announced the appointment of Gilles Lebuis as company president. Previously, Lebuis was vice president of sales and marketing. He succeeds Guy Lebuis, who is remaining in the firm as...

Long Island Hot Tubs hires Russo-Friedman as COO.
February 14, 2003... Long Island Hot Tubs, a pool and spa retailer in Yaphank, N.Y., recently hired Lewis Russo-Friedman as its chief operating officer. Previously, he was at Arthur Edwards Pool and Spa in Miller Place, N.Y. "Lewis brings a great deal of retail and...

PristineBlue names Lutje regional manager.
February 14, 2003... Nancy Lutje of Albuquerque, N.M., has been named Western regional manager for PristineBlue, a manufacturer of water treatments for pools and spas based in Bella Vista, Ark. Lutje is responsible for sales and service of PristineBlue products to...

True grits and determination: after 14 years as NSPI Region 10 director, Jane Rutledge leaves behind quite a legacy. (People).
February 14, 2003... Jane Rutledge started in the pool business as a customer. "We fell into the business," she said with a laugh. Rutledge, who is retiring after 14 years as National Spa & Pool Institute's Region 10 executive director, continued, "We had put...

Suspicious minds: five ways to build trust between you and your attorney. (Legal Eagle).
February 14, 2003... While attorney/client relationships often can be awkward and full of suspicion, they don't have to be. Open communication increases the chances your lawyer will develop into a trusted adviser, one who keeps your best interests in mind and adds...

A good balance: the industry must work together to create a much-needed balance of plaster education and research. (Chemistry Clinic).
February 14, 2003... An important industry document debuts at the 14th Annual National Plasterers Convention: the 2002 edition of the NPC Technical Manual. At a time when both research and education are sorely lacking in the industry, having a common guide for...

Rock on: San-Rock Pool plastering survived a recession and near-bankruptcy to become one of Southern California's leading pool plastering firms.
February 14, 2003... Like his name suggests, Ed Rock has had to endure a lot over the years--and not crack under the pressure. "This business is the school of hard knocks," he says. "You either learn it, copy it or produce it, or you're gone. [The business] is...

Throw in the trowel: pool plasterers use six basic trowels to coax a work of beauty out of a fickle mixture of cement, sand and water.
February 14, 2003... "The right tool for the right job." These are the watchwords for pool plasterers--craftspeople who, in a matter of hours, coax a work of beauty out of a fickle concoction of cement, sand and water. This feat is all the more impressive given...

Attention grabbers: with a bit of effort and creativity, you can attract customers who never intended to buy an aboveground pool--even during the off-season.
February 14, 2003... As soon as Rick Chandler saw the cars pouring into his parking lot, he knew he could chalk up another successful promo. Moments earlier, a local radio station had announced "the secret location" where tickets would be given away to a...

Set in stone: a step-by-step guide to creating natural-looking flagstone decks.
February 14, 2003... Flagstone decks have become increasingly popular as more homeowners want their backyards to have the feel of nature. But creating a natural look takes attention to detail. A flagstone deck consists of hundreds of pieces, fitting together...

WPSS marks silver anniversary: what started out as a local educational seminar has become an industry mainstay.
February 14, 2003... The year was 1979: Jimmy Carter was president, "The China Syndrome" dominated Hollywood box offices and disco reigned as king of pop culture. It was also the year when two small Southern California pool and spa organizations joined forces to...

On the waterfront: Long Beach offers visitors cruises, canals, first-class cuisine and an array of attractions.
February 14, 2003... Conventions have a way of keeping you locked into the same daily routine. As you travel from the hotel to the convention site, pausing only long enough to gulp down a sandwich and some coffee before working the floor, you then repeat the...

WPSS show schedule.
February 14, 2003... Wednesday, Feb. 26 Founders Memorial Golf Tournament The Cascades Golf Club, Sylmar, Calif. Registration, 7:30 a.m.; shotgun start, 9 a.m. Early Exhibitor Welcome Party Renaissance Hotel, 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27...

25th Annual Western Pool & Spa Show February 27-March 1 * Long Beach (Calif.) Convention Center.
February 14, 2003... A.O. Smith 316 Abcana Industries 439 Advantis Technologies 445 Afras Industries 418 American Leak Detection 232 Anderson Mfg. 529 Aqua Creations ...

Gazebos: Abris Penguin Shelters. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: constructed of fully extruded aluminum; all models feature sliding doors; roofs contain ultraviolet light inhibitors to keep gazebo cool during daytime hours, per maker, wind panels available in clear, beige or white Contact:...

Double-wide lounge with umbrella: Arizona Casual Furniture. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: three hollow flat extruded aluminum with all-welded frame; metal adjustable uprights; available with or without cushion; available with umbrella stand (as shown); custom paint, strap and fabric colors; patent-pending; independent...

Bahama umbrella: Becher-Schmidt USA. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: large-size umbrellas offer shelter from the sun and rain while adding an attractive atmosphere, per maker Offerings: discount on multiple-unit orders Contact: Becher-Schmidt USA, Westwood, N.J. (201) 666-7024 Circle 229...

Stone medallions: Agape Tile. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: 24 readymade stone designs available, up to 180 cm; material is designed to be suitable for all exterior installations such as flooring or table tops; custom designs without size limitations also offered; custom murals in Venetian and...

Sauna rooms and steam equipment: Baltic Leisure Co. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: company offers precut sauna kits; modular units; commercial grade benching; ADA-compliant; handicapped access doors; electronic programmable controls Contact. Baltic Leisure Co., Oxford, Pa. (800) 441-7147 Circle 227 on...

Outdoor resin furniture: Bemis Mfg. Co. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: according to manufacturer, product is easy to care for; durable; provides convenient storage; resistant to rust and corrosion; meets ASTM residential standards Contact: Bemis Mfg. Co., Sheboygan Falls, Wis. (920) 467-4621 ...

Incline aquatics treadmill: Aquabilt. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: user-friendly treadmill allows the operator to vary the speed, expending as much or little effort desired and still sustain the workout benefit; easily adjustable; water-damped rollers stabilize the walkway belt; rounded corners and...

Outdoor wooden furniture: The Bear Chair Co. Ltd. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: furniture is available in Northern white pine or Western red cedar; chairs feature curved seats, wide arms and sculpted backs Contact: The Bear Chair Co. Ltd., South River, Ontario, Canada (800) 421-1406 Circle 228 on...

Splash roller: Bestway-USA. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: I-beam construction for durability; allows many kids to have fun at same time; versatile product can be used in pool or on lawn; designed to provide a sate, fun way for youngsters to play, per maker Contact: Bestway-USA, Johnson,...

Outdoor oasis program: BioGuard. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: company's new product-expansion program is based on strategic relationships with vendor-partners who produce pool, patio and backyard lifestyle items; wide range of products available; allows year-round profit opportunity; broadens...

Commercial barbecues: Bull Outdoor Products. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: company offers NSF- and CSA-approved, 16-gauge steel barbecues, including Steer, Texan, Angus and Brahama models; the Texan features double-lined hood with seamless welded edges, Bull Sure-Lite gas valves with ignition; the Steer...

Cal flame G3000 barbecue grill island: Cal Spas. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: 304 commercial grade stainless steel construction; grills feature V-grade grid for easy cooking and cleaning; options include refrigeration, stainless steel sink, rotisserie with heavy-duty motor, side burners, stereo system, beverage...

Venetian sling: Casual Creations by Superior Furniture. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: slings are available in 16-frame colors and 90 fabrics Offerings: five-day special-order manufacture; 15-year warranty; no early-buy requirements; no minimums; discounts, per maker Contact: Casual Creations by Superior Furniture...

Gazebos: CCSI Intl. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: gazebos are designed to provide a light, crisp garden environment, which allows year-round enjoyment of summer activities; powder-coated, colored aluminum frames and rafters and sliding glass doors are made to provide minimum...

Wicker, rattan, loom wicker and vinyl wicker: Cebu Imports. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: company offers quality wicker, rattan, loom wicker and vinyl wicker bedrooms, dining, seating groups Contact: Cebu Imports Inc., North Charleston, S.C. (843) 851-4001 Circle 237 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Play systems: Childlife Backyard Play Systems. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: quality backyard play systems for youngsters and families are provided to specialty retailers; product is not sold to mass merchants, according to manufacturer Contact: Childlife Backyard Play Systems, Holliston, Mass. (800)...

Spa accessories and cover lifts: The Cover Valet. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: company offers a number of spa accessories, including the Cover Valet, The Cover Caddy, The Cover Rock-It, The Cover Stand, Spaside Handrail; Spaside Umbrella Offerings: multiple incentives Contact: The Cover Valet, Cerritos,...

Gazebos: Diamante Spas/U.S. Tooling and Spas. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: structures are created and manufactured in-house to provide customers with one-stop shopping Contact: Diamante Spas, div., U.S. Tooling and Spas Inc., Ontario, Calif. (800) 305-7727 Circle 240 on Postage-Free Card ...

Portable fireplace: Essentials. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: portable fireplace comes complete with two sturdy wheels and a handle, to make it easy to move to any location; safety mesh screen is designed for safety and provides a cozy fireplace ambiance; easy to extinguish; black porcelain...

Moodlight fiberoptic lighting kits: Fiber Optic Technologies. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: company offers do-it-yourself fiberoptic kits for inground and aboveground pools, spas, decks and more; made for easy installation; according to maker, the product is attractive, safe, maintenance-free and can be added to any...

Paraflex wall-mounted umbrella: FIM Mfg. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: the only wall-mounted umbrella on the market, according to manufacturer; all-aluminum/stainless steel construction Contact: FIM Mfg. Inc., Mission, British Columbia, Canada (888) 551-5221 Circle 243 on Postage-Free Card ...

#114 piping boy: Florentine Craftsmen. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: made of lead; measures 32 inches high; base is 7-inches-by-8-inches; figure shoots streams of water from the two pipes he's playing Contact: Florentine Craftsmen Inc., Long Island City, N.J. (718) 937-7632 Circle 244 on...

All-weather outdoor tables: Gameroom Concepts. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: company manufactures quality outdoor pool tables that can be exposed to direct weather conditions, per maker Contact: Gameroom Concepts, Longwood, Fla. (888) 683-5999 Circle 245 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Teak furniture: Gardenside Ltd. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: company's backyard furniture is constructed using first European-quality kiln dried teak Offerings: three-year warranty Contact: Gardenside Ltd., San Rafael, Calif. (415) 455-4500 Circle 246 on Postage-Free Card ...

The garden octagon gazebo: Gazebo Works Too. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: part of company's Lath collection; models come in three sizes and feature a solid wood roof with rugged 2-by-4 supports; several upgrade options available, including a shake roof and decking package; optional cupola or bar tops also...

Redesigned almost heaven sauna: GPM Industries. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: full glass doors and stainless steel bands are included to give product a more contemporary look; handcrafted from solid 1-1/2 inch kiln-dried, Western red cedar heartwood; ball and socket construction for long-lasting durability, per...

Commercial grill: Holland Co. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: line has been re-engineered to streamline manufacturing to lower cost of grill without losing any quality; new options, such as thermostatically controlled cooking and dual burners; new units available in either a 6-or 9-foot trailer...

Scupper fountain: Inter-Fab. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: new fountain is suitable for poolside use; crescent basin and plumbing makes it an ideal garden or patio or accent, per maker; 6-foot garden bench also available Offerings: authorized dealer program; customizable literature ...

Billiard tables and supplies: Imperial Intl. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: company offers indoor and outdoor pool tables and supplies Offerings: special opening dealer price program Contact: Imperial Intl., Hasbrouck Heights., N.J. (800) 526-6261 Circle 251 on Postage-Free Card ...

Wrought iron patio group--Hamilton: Meadowcraft. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: furniture features durable, polyester, powder-coated finish; high-back contour chair features fully welded chair frame; made in USA Contact: Meadowcraft Inc., Birmingham, Ala. (205) 715-4244 Circle 252 on Postage-Free Card...

MHP model GJKBI stainless steel grill: Modern Home Products. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: stainless steel gas grill for built-in, outdoor kitchens has 904-square-inch cooking area & 54,000 Btus Offerings: lifetime warranty on grill exterior, burners, cooking grids and warming racks Contact: Modern Home Products,...

Prestige V grill: Napoleon Appliance Corp. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: company offers a backyard grill with all-stainless steel construction, tube and ceramic infrared burners, warming drawers and interior halogen lights Contact: Napoleon Appliance Corp., Barrie, Ontario, Canada (888) 726-2220 ...

Broil King Sovereign 90: Onward Mfg. Co. Ltd. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: 50,000 Btu Super 8 Infinity stainless steel burner; 15,000 Btu rotisserie burner; deluxe Acu-Temp thermometer; deluxe, three-position porcelain-coated, cast-iron cooking grids; roll-action lid requires minimum clearance;...

Outdoor hammock: Pacific Imports. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: comfortable polycotton fabric construction; lightweight; folds into small, compact size; durable; attractive hunter green color; affordable, per maker; includes pillow case Contact: Pacific Imports Inc., Seattle (877) 426-6625 ...

PES barbecue entertainment islands: PES Islands. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: company offers prefabricated, fully assembled barbecue entertainment islands Contact: PES Islands, Salt Lake City (800) 841-6408 Circle 259 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

2003 outdoor collection: Pacific Sun Casual Furniture. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: company offers a new, expanded aluminum outdoor furniture collection, featuring an extensive selection of vinyls, finishes and fabrics Offerings: seven-year commercial warranty Contact: Pacific Sun Casual Furniture, Hemet,...

Gas barbecue grill: Phoenix Grill Co. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: company offers gas barbecue grills with in-direct cooking system to eliminate flare-ups; product design allows for grilling, smoking and steaming; Phoenix Grill plate or cookie sheet on top of cooking grid allows for baking biscuits,...

Charcoal and gas barbecue grills and accessories: Patio Classics. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: company offers a line of full-sized and portable charcoal grills and grill accessories; 6000 Series charcoal grill offers an easy roll-back lid, a 410-square-foot cooking surface and a slide-off ash catcher; model NZ-490-SBP gas grill...

Wacky pool chair: by Pool Systems. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: allows user to relax, semisubmerged in a floating lounger; U-shaped tube inflates in seconds; tube suspends mesh hammock; colorful, compact, easy to ship and uses minimal shelf space, per maker Contact: Pool Systems, Phoenix (480)...

Water chair lounger: Poolmaster. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: designed for comfortable, waterborne relaxation; lounger doubles as chair or chaise; constructed of durable 420-denier nylon; outdoor fabrics encases four small, heavy-duty air chambers with one-zippered and three Velcro closures ...

The PoolBar: S.R. Smith. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: patented design features two submersive seats and umbrella table; made to attach easily with Santoprene thermoset pad; designed so seats fold up and out of water for ease of vacuuming; comes with 72-inch folding umbrella ...

Portable evaporative cooler: Quietaire Cooling. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: 36-inch, three-speed cooler is energy-efficient and designed to provide 40 to 50 feet of outward cooling within a radius of up to 35 feet; cools air by 10 to 30 degrees, per maker; 16-inch or 12-inch models available for smaller areas...

EnviroWood Adirondack chair: Seaside Casual Furniture. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: environmentally friendly chairs require no maintenance; quality construction Offerings: 20-year warranty; customer service hotline for dealer specials Contact: Seaside Casual Furniture, West Kingston, R.I. (800) 809-3114 ...

2002 furniture collection: Richard Shultz Design. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: bead-blasted stainless steel frames require very little maintenance, per maker; vinyl-coated polyester slings are field-replaceable for quick color changes; dining tables are modular and can be arranged together to increase seating...

Durapro leaf rakes and skimmers: Skimlite Mfg. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: made to be lightweight; strong; Durapro No. 3500 telescope pole combines outside nylon lock assembly with internal Contact: Skimlite Mfg., Salinas, Calif. (831) 422-1722 Circle 266 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION...

Lighted palm tree: Southwestern Imports Corp. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Futures: company offers 9-foot and 11-foot lighted palm trees that can be operated with remote control Contact: Southwestern imports Corp., Bethlehem, Pa. (610) 868-3422 Circle 267 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Garden furniture: Summer Classics. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: furniture is constructed of wrought iron, wrought aluminum, teak, all-weather wicker or cast aluminum; umbrella also available Offerings: three-year warranty; quick shipment Contact: Summer Classics, Columbiana, Ala. (205)...

Decorative fountains: Standard Bronze. (Backyard Furniture & Patio Accessories).
February 14, 2003... Features: company offers functional bronze metal fountains that are built to last; fittings work indoors or outdoors in any climate; choice of pipe sizes Contact: Standard Bronze, Bayonne, N.J. (201) 339-1351 Circle 269 on Postage-Free...