Pool & Spa News articles from February 2005

Pool & Spa News archives from February 2005

Education wins out at Atlantic City show.(Making News)
February 14, 2005... The 2005 Atlantic City (N.J.) Pool & Spa Show continued its tradition of success in the face of adverse weather conditions. Running Jan. 25-27, the industry's second-largest annual show drew nonexhibitor attendance of 8,457, just edging out...

16th NPC Conference biggest yet.(Making News)
February 14, 2005... When the National Plasterers Council holds its annual conference later this month, organizers predict a 33 percent increase in attendance over the record-breaking 2004 event. The 16th annual conference will be held Feb. 24-26 at the Ritz...

Beware of dog.(Reflections)
February 14, 2005... For letter carriers of the U.S. Postal Service, every day on their routes presents new challenges. Six days a week, these intrepid civil servants brave foul weather, traffic jams, uneven sidewalks and even criminals. But ask any letter carrier...

Genesis 3.(Opinions)
February 14, 2005... First-time writer, longtime reader here. I love what you have done to Pool & Spa News since you came around, Erika! I noticed the letter from Paul Benedetti and Brian Van Bower in the Dec. 24 issue, where they declined Pool & Spa News'...

California contractors license board on the chopping block.(Commentary)
February 14, 2005... In his January "State of the State" address to the legislature, California's Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called for the elimination of inefficient and expensive boards and commissions whose members are, in many cases, "making more than $100,000...

Pool Cover Specialists (PCS): a company on a roll!(Masters Of Design Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
February 14, 2005... Formed in 1984 as a pool-cover maintenance company and manufacturer of upgraded replacement parts for various automatic-cover systems, the company began manufacturing the earliest version of its own automatic cover system, the Solar 2000 in...

In fine foam: thermal foam shells are an imported pool structure technology designed to keep pool water warmer and generate profits.(Making News)
February 14, 2005... John Barnes knows what plagues his customers. After more than 30 years in the pool industry, the owner of VIP Pools Inc. in Four Oaks, N.C., says the biggest problem that people in his area have is the high price of heating a pool. "I...

New programs mark Region 10 show.
February 14, 2005... The 2005 Southeastern Pool & Spa Show, hosted by APSP Region 10, came to a close with a host of new programs and offerings. Held at Atlanta's Cobb Galleria Centre and Renaissance Waverly Hotel Jan. 11-15, the event featured 128 exhibitors,...

Marquis dealers meet in Cancun.
February 14, 2005... Marquis Spas of Independence, Ore., held its International Dealer Conference last month in sunny Cancun, Mexico. Highlights from the event included the company's annual awards banquet at El Rey, an ancient Mayan ruin estimated to have been...

Arch provides tsunami relief.
February 14, 2005... Arch Chemicals Inc. in Norwalk, Conn., is working with the global Water Relief Network to bring chlorine-based water sanitizing products to aid survivors of the Indian Ocean tsunami. At press time, more than 280,000 people were presumed dead as...

Aquatech rolls out retirement program.(Making News)
February 14, 2005... At its annual conference last month in Dana Point, Calif., buying group Aquatech Society introduced a new 401(k) program for its members. Provided through John Hancock Financial services, the Aquatech Society Retirement Plan offers a choice...

Housing starts soar.(Making News)
February 14, 2005... Housing starts soared the last month of 2004, ringing in at 2.00 million (seasonally adjusted). That was a 10.9 percent increase over unusually wet November's 1.80 million (revised). "The nation's home builders continue to move forward to meet...

NSPF relocates.
February 14, 2005... The National Swimming Pool Foundation has moved to a larger facility in its base town of Colorado Springs, Colo. The new 8,000-square-foot facility is expected to enable NSPF to more efficiently serve its customers and to expand its new...

China to host new pool exhibition.
February 14, 2005... China will host SSF-China 2005, a new international exhibition for the swimming pool, bath technology, sauna, physiotherapy and fitness equipment industries. Slated for Sept. 16-18, the event will take place in Beijing and is sponsored by the...

Keys fitness buys Image Spa.(Making News)
February 14, 2005... Keys Fitness Products of Dallas has acquired Image Spa, a Texas-based division of ICON Health & Fitness that manufactures hot tubs sold primarily at mass merchant chains. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. "It was a good...

Small company owners upbeat in new year.(Making News)
February 14, 2005... Small business optimism was high during the holiday season in December 2004, surging to 106.1, the third-highest figure since the index began. The numbers leapt four points to match a 30-year record in November. Thirty-seven percent of...

Polaris acquisition completed.
February 14, 2005... The Zodiac Group has completed its previously announced acquisition of Polaris Pool Systems Inc. of Vista, Calif. The 250 million Euro (~$324 million) transaction strengthens Zodiac's position in the automatic pool cleaners market. "Most people...

Great Lakes partners with ASHTA.
February 14, 2005... Indianapolis-based Great Lakes Chemical Corp. has secured a long-term supply of chlorine thanks to a new partnership with ASHTA Chemicals Inc. of Ashtabula, Ohio. The agreement will provide Great Lakes with a steady supply of chlorine for use...

Report: manufacturing on the rise.(Making News)
February 14, 2005... U.S. factories are continuing to rebound. The Institute for Supply Management's most recent research shows the manufacturing sector grew for the 20th straight month in January. ISM's index, which measures manufacturing activity,...

Pool and spa industry stock market performance.(Making News)
February 14, 2005... Pool and Spa Industry Stock Market Performance Vol. Symbol (100s) Quotations are for February 1, 2005 NEW...

SwimEx names new president.
February 14, 2005... Rudy A. Mutter has been appointed president of SwimEx, LLC, a manufacturer of aquatic therapy and conditioning pools Mutter in Warren, R.I. His responsibilities include the clay-to-day operation of the company's business, strategic planning,...

Levine promoted at HornerXpress.
February 14, 2005... HornerXpress of South Florida Inc. in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has promoted Eric Levine to regional vice president. He will now supervise six branches throughout Florida and help the pool products distributor grow its infrastructure, network of...

Jacuzzi Spa Division appoints three.
February 14, 2005... The Jacuzzi Spa Division of Chino, Calif., has announced three changes to its sales and marketing departments. The acrylic spa manufacturer hired Carmen Rodriguez to be export sales administrator. She will provide administrative support for the...

Focus Taps waterlines.(manufacturers' representatives)
February 14, 2005... Focus Temp International has tapped Waterlines Inc. to represent the pool heater manufacturer in the northeastern United States. The Waterlines team of sales professionals will help develop and support Focus Temp's dealer, distribution and...

Cason joins BSA.(manufacturers' representatives)
February 14, 2005... Chris Cason is the newest addition to the sales team at Blake Sales Associates in Vista, Calif. He will cover the San Diego and South Orange counties for the manufacturer's agent. A former employee of Mesa Distributing, he has eight years'...

Hayward hires new sales VP.(People)
February 14, 2005... Veteran industry professional George Williams has left Hayward Pool Products to pursue other opportunities, according to the Elizabeth, N.J., pool-equipment manufacturer. Williams was the vice president of sales for North America. He has...

Walking a straight line: a contemporary setting joins line and texture.(Design Corner)
February 14, 2005... The concept for this indoor waterfeature revealed itself as soon as landscape designer Mark David Levine walked into the Southern California home. The highly contemporary architecture was a study in hard lines. Pillars, beams and a slanted...

Measure for measure: electronic controllers measure sanitizer levels in several ways. This guide can help you pick the right one for the right pool.(Technically Speaking)
February 14, 2005... Electronic controllers are becoming more and more prevalent in the pool and spa marketplace. Their ability to continuously monitor and maintain water conditions makes them popular with health departments, facility managers and municipal...

Aqua scope and snorkel.(New Products)
February 14, 2005... by GAME Features: company now distributes this scope and snorkel set from Wild Planet's Outdoor Antics line of pool and spa toys; scope allows user to see above and below the water simultaneously; lightweight mask has an adjustable strap...

Angel guard.(New Products)
February 14, 2005... by InnovaPlas Products Features: self-closing and -latching barrier for aboveground pool steps is designed to be aesthetically pleasing; for use on outside of pool with company's Bill Mor steps; wet side is interchangeable with Fiesta,...

Patio furniture.(New Products)
February 14, 2005... by Teak Patio Warehouse Features: company offers a line of outdoor patio furniture made from teak, a hardwood that is resistant to water damage and weather, per maker; line includes oval and rectangular dining tables (with or without...

Modular barbecue islands.(New Products)
February 14, 2005... by Corsair Outdoor Living Systems Features: a series of modular barbecue islands is available in a variety of styles, including the Southwestern (shown), Tiki and Diner models; components are made using the company's aluminum composite...

Aquatic therapy and conditioning equipment.(New Products)
February 14, 2005... by SwimEx Features: manufacturer introduces a new line of aquatic therapy and sports conditioning equipment designed for any type of pool; line consists of the Aqua Ellipse, Aqua Bike, Aqua Recline and Aqua Cyclette, each is designed to...

Filter cartridges.(New Products)
February 14, 2005... by Essentials Features: the Great Barrier line of cartridge filters for spas is made with Reemay Advantage, featuring built-in Microban antimicrobial protection; designed to inhibit bacteria growth, which can cause stains, odors and...

Cartridge and grid cleaner.(New Products)
February 14, 2005... by Filbur Mfg. Features: Clean 'n Clear cartridge and grid cleaner for pool and spa applications; professional grade spray-and-rinse cleaning solution is designed to remove calcium, minerals, dirt and oil; available in 32-ounce spray...

Leak scope.(New Products)
February 14, 2005... by Anderson Manufacturing Co. Features: fiberoptic inspection tool allows user to view otherwise inaccessible locations in pipes, pumps, filters, heaters and fittings; waterproof, flexible cable fits into holes as small as 1/2-inch and will...

Natural stone vinyl liner.(New Products)
February 14, 2005... by The Vinyl Works Features: latest pattern from company's series of vinyl pool liners: shown is the natural stone wall with quartzite floor: features the patent-pending Truedge design, which brings the border pattern all the way up to the...

Pool fences.(New Products)
February 14, 2005... by Plastival Features: company now manufactures pool fences for aboveground and inground pools; both fences are made from recycled PVC, are UV-treated and designed to be maintenance-free; inground model features a wrought-iron look in...

Kool Klamp.(New Products)
February 14, 2005... by Too Kool Recreation Features: new lightweight, detachable sun shade system is made to hold umbrellas to any clean, hard, smooth surfaces: product suctions to wall to support shade or umbrella and is rustproof, per maker; designed for...

One-dip test strips.(New Products)
February 14, 2005... by AquaChek Features: Pro 5-Way and Silver 7-Way strips feature improved total chlorine tests, which also check for total bromine at levels of 0-, 1-, 2-, 5-, 10- and 20 ppm; total chlorine now has six color pads, reading levels at 0-,...

Under one umbrella: bringing certain construction phases in-house can be profitable for some builders. Here are tips for taking on new operations.
February 14, 2005... In 1992, Mike Hagemann purchased the company that built his personal swimming pool--and all the equipment that came with it. "When I bought the company, everything was being done in-house. That's the way it had always been," says Hagemann,...

Dog days: service techs encounter pets daily, and some can cause serious injury. Here's how to stay safe.
February 14, 2005... Last May, Cass St. Leon arrived at a new customer's home to clean their pool. The owner of New Wave Pools in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., knocked on the door to announce his presence, took out his cleaning supplies and went to work. The three...

Death by taxes: here's how to avoid some common tax preparation errors--and the harsh penalties they may incur.
February 14, 2005... It's that time of year again--the trade show circuit is winding down and the busy season is around the comer. But guess what else is only a couple of months away? Yes, tax time looms--time to sharpen the pencils, pull out the calculator...

Desert Oasis: the Region 3 Conference & Exhibition promises to quench attendees' thirst for ideas and inspiration.
February 14, 2005... In ancient Egypt, it took the work of thousands to build the pyramids. Their actions left a lasting impression on the world's landscape. On a smaller scale, the Region 3 Conference & Exhibition's participants will be gathering in Houston with...

Region 3 Conference & Exhibition Sheraton North Houston Hotel.
February 14, 2005... Region 3 Conference & Exhibition Sheraton North Houston Hotel THURSDAY, MARCH 3 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tech I & II Courses / PPSO Course, Part I FRIDAY, MARCH 4 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tech I & II Courses / PPSO Course, Part 2...

Fragrant customs spa fragrances.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by Adrienne Faith & Co. Features: exotic fragrances for spas, hot tubs and whirlpool baths; available in 12 scents and 12-pack vinyl gift sets Offerings: POP displays Contact: Adrienne Faith & Co., Grants Pass, Ore. (541) 474-4381...

All clear specialty chemicals.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by Aqua Tri Features: company offers a variety of chemicals in professional strength for pools and spas, including oxidizer, clarifier, soda ash. oil and scum remover, and more Contact: Aqua Tri, Irvine, Calif. (949) 756-1666 ...

Pool-care system.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by Baquacil Features: chlorine-free pool-care system is designed to provide bacteria protection in water without causing irritation to skin, hair or eyes; line includes Baquacil Sanitizer, Algistat, Algicide and Oxidizer Contact:...

E-Z SPA-OM.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by APi Pure Water for Life Features: the Perfect Mate chemical sanitizing system includes an oxidizer, clarifier, balance manager, conditioner and more; designed for easy, once-a-week use and has no drying residues, per maker; ozone and/or...

Yellow pool & spa test strips.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by AquaChek Features: patented test strips now feature a test for cyanuric acid in addition to free chlorine, pH and total alkalinity; cyanuric test pad is designed to give fast, accurate results up to 300 ppm without requiring user to...

Spa-care system.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... Features: bromine-and chlorine-free spa-care system is intended to provide bacteria protection in spa water without irritating the eyes or skin or causing damage to swimsuits; three-part system includes waterline control, oxidizer and sanitizer...

Aqua-Doc.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by Aqua-Nova Features: made to inhibit algae growth, scale formation, staining and pitting while reducing water hardness and TDS; helps stabilize pH, dissolve scum lines and improve water clarity, per maker; easy-to-install clamp design...

Poolife granular chlorinator.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by Arch Chemicals Features: patented calcium hypochiorite product that delivers 54.6 percent available chlorine, per maker; primary sanitizer and shock treatment kill bacteria, algae and organic contaminants in pool water; NFPA Class 1...

Burn out extreme.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by BioGuard Features: shock sanitizing product is developed from a patent-pending formulation of calcium hypochlorite, designed to dissolve faster, inhibit scale buildup, oxidize, clarify and control bacteria; safer than traditional...

Maximizer.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by BioLab Distributor Products Features: new product is designed to keep pool water clear while making it feel softer: helps balance water; made to be added to pool once a year; sold in 20- and 45-pound containers Contact: BioLab...

Spa maintenance products.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by Cal Spas Features: company offers a range of spa maintenance products, from routine water maintenance to special conditioning remedies: conditioners for redwood spa cabinets also are offered Contact: Ca/Spas, Pomona, Calif. (800)...

Vinyl-shock.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by Capo Industries Ltd. Features: product is intended to be a safer way to shock pools: dry powder blend shocks, clarifies and conditions in one treatment; can be broadcast over the water surface without mixing Contact: Capo Industries...

Acid magic.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by Certol Intl. Features: formerly called Aqua Magic, this alternative to muriatic acid is designed to be safer to ship, store and handle Offerings: early season special through April 30 Contact: Certol International, Commerce...

Eclipse3 Power Pak.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by Crystal Clear Pool and Spa Features: start-up kit contains E3 Algaecide. Non-Chlorine Shock, and Scale and Stain Prevention; designed to be easy to use and keep pool clear Offerings: co-op advertising Contact: Crystal Clear...

Spa care solutions.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by Essentials Features: water care products use a color-coded system to make spa treatment regimen easy to follow; each color I signifies which product to use, when to use it and specific dosage requirements for each application; line...

Pool-care kit.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by GLB Pool & Spa Features: specialty chemicals and other products needed to care for a swimming pool up to 20,000 gallons: contains products needed to participate in GLB's "No Algae. Guaranteed" program Contact: GLB Pool & Spa,...

Pool check phosphate test.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by Industrial Test Systems Features: new phosphate test offers user an easy dip-and-read test strip for determining concentrations of phosphates in pool water: detection levels are 0-, 200-, 400-, 600-, 1,000- and 2,500 ppb: sold in...

Spa aromatherapy fragrances.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by inSPAration Features: 52 fragrances are offered within three product lines: new 4-ounce tri-pack and blister pack with 12 inSPAration fragrance selections; Hydro Therapies, Wellness line, Spa Pearls spa and bath crystals, and...

Phos-shock.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by IPS-Carefree Enzymes Features: new phosphate remover is available in a hose end sprayer and removes 99 percent of phosphates, according to manufacturer; made to eliminate up to 2,000 ppb in 25,000 gallons of water. Enzymes can also be...

Stain IDentification kit.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by Jack's Magic Products Features: stain removal kit is designed to take the guesswork out by identifying which products will best eliminate a given pool stain; redesigned packaging Offerings: POP case Contact: Jack's Magic...

Pool frog mineral reservoir.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by King Technology Features: aboveground pool minerals with low levels of chlorine support (0.5- to 1.0 ppm) work to eliminate bacteria, prevent algae and leave water softer and clearer Offerings: Warranty Card Bonus Program for...

Bromine tabs.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by Leisure Time Features: product provides ideal dissolution rate for floating spa feeders, according to maker; produces bromine residual quickly at start-up and provides consistent residual during routine use; tabs are round for easier...

Starver phosphate remover.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by Lo-Chlor Chemicals Features: formula is designed to remove phosphates; will not cloud water, and filter pressure increase is minimal, per maker; kits will complete 100 tests; easy to use: available in quarts, gallons and 55 gallon drums...

Water clarifier.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by Lynde Co. Features: Unique Water Clarifier is formulated to keep pool and spa water clear of iron, calcium buildup, staining, foaming and cloudiness by removing coagulating impurities and suspended particles: available in cases or...

Revacil sanitizer.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by Mareva Features: company manufactures this chlorine-free sanitizer, which is designed to eliminate chlorine odors in pool Contact: Mareva Inc., Chesapeake, Va. (877) 738-2245 Circle 456 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION...

Dynamic solutions.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by Marquis Spas Features: private label accessory line of spa maintenance chemicals includes filter cleaner, metal and stain remover, calcium hardness increaser, pH and alkalinity increaser, pH and alkalinity decreaser, water clarifier,...

Aqua [T.sub.4].(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by Palintest USA Features: electronically tests three different parameters of pool and spa water: user has a choice of chlorine, bromine, pH, alkalinity or cyanuric acid Contact: Palintest USA, Erlanger. Ky. (800) 835-9629 Circle...

Instant Pool Water Conditioner.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by Natural Chemistry Features: product protects chlorine from sunlight as soon as it is added to pool water, per maker: uses a quick-dissolving liquid form of conditioner in an effort to reduce the amount of time before stabilizer is...

Accu-Tab Blue SI.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by PPG Industries Features: calcium-hypochlorite tablets are designed to prevent potential scale buildup: tablets contain scale inhibitors that are made to stave off the whitish, eggshell-like scale that can accumulate on some pool...

Blue elegance pool chemicals.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by N. Jonas & Co. Features: nonchlorine water-sanitizing systems are available in sizes for inground and aboveground pools; no daily maintenance required; products are EPA-accepted; water feels softer after treatment, per maker; algeacide...

Calcium hardness increaser.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by Robarb Features: raises the level of calcium hardness in spas: designed to prevent foaming, plaster etching and corrosion caused by low levels of calcium hardness; compatible with chlorine, bromine, ozone and mineral purification...

Watersafe bacteria test.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by Silver Lake Research Corp. Features: do it yourself test kit monitors for levels of harmful bacteria in the water and is based on immunochemical reagents and formats; disposable test strips are designed to provide results in 17 minutes...

HydroTools test strips.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by Swimline Corp. Features: five-way test strip kit measures for free chlorine, total chlorine, hardness, pH and alkalinity; bottle contains 50 strips Contact: Swimline Corp., Edgewood, N.Y. (631) 254-2155 Circle 446 on...

Oxidizers, sanitizers and balancers.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by Spa Parts Plus Features: distributor carries the full line of Leisure Time water-treatment products, which includes oxidizers, sanitizers and balancers Contact: Spa Parts Plus, Prescott Valley, Ariz. (800) 521 7587 Circle 448...

Service complete test kit.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by Taylor Technologies Features: test kit with FAS-DPD method: measures for free and combined chlorine. cynauric acid, pH, acid and base demand, total alkalinity and calcium hardness: test free and combined chlorine without color matching...

Spa silken.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by SpaGuard Features: water softener is designed to improve the feel and clarity of spa water to enhance the user's experience: suitable for chlorine- or bromine treated spas: granular product will not evaporate under sun's UV rays. per...

SeaKlear water treatment solutions.(Chemicals)
February 14, 2005... by Vanson Halosource Features: cleans and clears up pool water: line includes natural clarifier, algae prevention and remover, phosphate remover and chlorine free shock; Containment Removal System enhances filter's ability to remove...

Vinyl sheeting for pool liners.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 14, 2005... by Canadian General-Tower Ltd. Features: company introduces the Tower Collection 2005; liner patterns range from classic tile and stone designs to modern styles Offerings: color brochures; Web site with Virtual Pool Program for...

Pools.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 14, 2005... by Aussie Pools Features: company offers thermally insulated wall systems; fast construction; systems are energy-efficient, cost-effective, per manufacturer Contact: Aussie Pools, Sacramento, Calif. (916) 422-7875 Circle 430 on...