Pool & Spa News articles from February 2006

Pool & Spa News archives from February 2006

25th Atlantic City trade show shines.(MAKING NEWS)
February 13, 2006... Celebrating its silver anniversary, the Atlantic City (N.J.) Pool & Spa Show continued a tradition of success with a record-breaking event. In years past, the show organizers often have had to contend with difficult weather conditions. But...

Pool builders announce acquisitions.(MAKING NEWS)
February 13, 2006... Two large, well-known pool construction companies recently announced acquisitions and ambitious expansion plans. Premier Pools & Spas in Arizona and Pools of Fun in Indiana are enjoying growth spurts that may well be a sign of things to come...

Fear of commitment?(REFLECTIONS)
February 13, 2006... Doctors are leaving the American Medical Association in droves. The trade group once represented two-thirds of the nation's physicians, but after years of declining numbers, they are down to about 25 percent. And market share is even lower...

Why form IAF, APSP?(LETTERS)(Letter to the Editor)
February 13, 2006... The article "IAF Absorbed by APSP" (Dec. 12 issue) has been driving me crazy ever since I read it. If there are not enough "layers of protection" between APSP and IAF, why not increase them? Am I crazy? Doesn't bringing the IAF in-house give...

Try communicating with these customers.(LETTERS)(Letter to the Editor)
February 13, 2006... I read your "Tell Them" editorial (Dec. 12) and appreciate your thoughts on the subject [of communicating company policies and the reasons for them with customers]. I'd also like to offer some thoughts. First, a little history: My father...

Book smarts: business books are growing in popularity. Here are five classics and five recent hits that will inform and inspire your company.(MAKING NEWS)
February 13, 2006... What's in your bookcase? For many professionals, the titles on those shelves define everything from office behavior to personal ethics. Today's business books have upped the ante, offering well-researched, wise and witty content. "The...

APSP rolling out insurance plan.(MAKING NEWS)
February 13, 2006... The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals has found an insurance program to endorse. Underwritten by The Navigators Group, it will provide several of the insurances that able to find in the past few years, or have only found at very high...

IPSSA partners with NSPF, will offer CPO courses.(MAKING NEWS)
February 13, 2006... The National Swimming Pool Foundation has signed a partnership agreement with the independent Pool & Spa Service Association Inc. that will help enhance IPSSA's educational offerings. As part of the agreement, NSPF will train 10 individuals...

Region 10 show overcomes storm.
February 13, 2006... APSP Region 10 held its Southeastern Pool & Spa Show Jan. 10-13 at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel in Atlanta. Despite a severe thunderstorm, nonexhibitor attendance rose 15 percent, with 581 showing this year, compared with last year's 507. "So...

Former Olympic swimmer dies.
February 13, 2006... Erik Namesnik, who won silver medals swimming in the 1992 and 1996 Olympics, died at age 35. He was injured in a car accident in Pittsfield Township, Mich., on Jan. 7, and had been in a medically induced coma to reduce swelling around his...

Pool People USA partners with firms.
February 13, 2006... Pool People USA, a marketing initiative developed by pool manufacturers and distributors, has partnered with ImproveNet and Service Magic, among others, to provide leads to members free of charge. From January to September in 2005, the program...

MAAX consolidates operations.
February 13, 2006... MAAX Spas Inc. will cease manufacturing in Beamsville, Ontario, Canada. In February, the company's spa operations will be consolidated into its Chandler, Ariz., facility. MAAX, maker of Coleman Spas, is said to be the nation's third-largest spa...

Steam-Whirl under new ownership.
February 13, 2006... Judith Gordon, former owner and CEO of Len Gordon Co./Brett Aqualine, has acquired Steam-Whirl Products in Las Vegas. Terms of the acquisition were undisclosed. Gordon has worked for Steam-Whirl for three years as vice president and sales...

Pentair, ITT create Faradyne Motors.
February 13, 2006... Golden Valley, Minn.-based Pentair Inc. has entered into a joint venture agreement with ITT Industries Inc. to create Faradyne Motors, LLC, a stand-alone company based in Newark, N.Y. Faradyne will design, develop and manufacture submersible...

Bullfrog Int'l. adopts TUV safety rating.
February 13, 2006... Bullfrog International, LC, a Bluffdale, Utah, manufacturer of portable spas, announced that it has transferred its product safety rating from the U.S.-and Canadian-recognized Underwriters Laboratories to internationally recognized TUV....

Keiser College announces scholarship.
February 13, 2006... Keiser College will be offering a scholarship program for CPO and CPI graduates as a way to foster continuing education in the aquatics field. Dr. Arthur Keiser, chancellor of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Keiser College, will give a $500...

Aqua Products names executive vice president.
February 13, 2006... George Williams recently joined Aqua Products as executive vice president, responsible for the firm's North American business operations. His first move will be to develop sales and marketing strategies to support corporate growth. Williams...

Paddock hires Nolen as CFO.
February 13, 2006... Paddock Pools, Patios & Spas, a pool builder and outdoor living specialty retailer based in Scottsdale, Ariz., has hired Sean Keven Nolen as chief financial officer. Buzz Ghiz, president of Paddock's Pool Division stated, "With our rapid growth...

BioLab vice president Siebert retires.
February 13, 2006... Jim Siebert, BioLab vice president and general manager of BioGuard, has retired after 43 years of service. "It is impossible to communicate in words the impact that Jim has had on BioLab and BioGuard," said Scott Newton, BioGuard's marketing...

Window to the underworld: designing and building with underwater windows.(DESIGN CORNER)
February 13, 2006... Don Gwiz was a bit nervous about installing his first underwater window project. "I was at the Atlantis Resort [near Nassau in the Bahamas]," says the vice president of Lewis Aquatech Pools in Chantilly, Va. "In a restaurant, there was a...

Seasoned advice: testing pools with chlorine generators is tricky. Here's what you need to know.(TECHNICALLY SPEAKING)
February 13, 2006... Salt-chlorine generators are becoming more popular among pool owners. A pod equipped with one offers benefits, but does not eliminate the need for routine water analysis, as some of your customers may think. Here's a quick water-testing guide...

Back flow? No!(NEW PRODUCTS)
February 13, 2006... Magic Plastics introduces its CR Valve, a corrosion-resistant back-flow prevention check valve; designed to protect heat exchangers from the potential damage of inline chlorinators while also maintaining a full-flow circulation system; the 100...

'Luxe swim spa.(NEW PRODUCTS)
February 13, 2006... ThermoSpas now offers a swim spa designed to comfortably fit 14 people; built-in surround sound system; five pumps and 61 jets; features a jogging treadmill, a swimming machine, two therapy seats, an automatic cover remover, lighted grab bars...

A new dimension.(NEW PRODUCTS)
February 13, 2006... Dimension One Spas has developed the Nautilus, which seats up to seven and accommodates people of varying heights; equipped with two height-adjustable NeckFlex jet pillows, "his and her" BioForm therapy seats and a Sport Zone seat: has the...

The guardian.(NEW PRODUCTS)
February 13, 2006... Neptune-Benson presents the PVC Guardian hair and lint strainer; heavy-duty construction and a 1-inch-thick, transparent acrylic lid; strainer comes in 3- to 12-inch sizes, in a straight and eccentric design; 50 psi tested, with easy-open...

Giddyup!(NEW PRODUCTS)
February 13, 2006... Poolmaster introduces a colorful inflatable animal float, the Sea Horse SuperJumbo Rider; 64 inches from nose to tail and, with rider, floats 36 inches above the surface; two bonded handles are affixed to the neck for balance; constructed of...

Design a dream.(NEW PRODUCTS)
February 13, 2006... Pool Design Software has added a bonus CD of 1,000 stamp and stencil concrete textures to its photo imaging program; the software allows a builder to virtually create a customer's backyard, adding different pool shapes, waterfalls, landscaping,...

Water workout.(NEW PRODUCTS)
February 13, 2006... H20 Gym presents the powerless aqua gym equipment, packaged with 34 programmable protocols; designed for those interested in fitness and wellness who are in the overweight, senior and low ADL population; the patented design is foldable, slides...

Get a boost.(NEW PRODUCTS)
February 13, 2006... Mantec Services presents a luxury booster cushion; the 17-by-19-inch cushion can be filled with water or air for easy height adjustments; designed for simple filling and cleaning, and to stay secure on bottom Offerings: one-year warranty...

On the edge.(NEW PRODUCTS)
February 13, 2006... Inlays offers safety-edge ceramic tile; the 2-by-6-inch tiles are skid-resistant and frostproof; designed to clearly mark the step edge to enable safe pool entry; available in blue or black Contact: Inlays Inc., (800) 426-6873;...

Heating up.(NEW PRODUCTS)
February 13, 2006... United States ThermoAmp presents the Heat Siphon, a part of the DX digital series of pool heat pumps: digital control with a two-button interface and red LED display dual thermostat; PumpJump and pool/spa Auto-Pick are built in, and the product...

Beyond the surface: the National Pool Industry Research Center releases its 2005 findings--and they include a few surprises.
February 13, 2006... Albert Einstein once said, "If we knew what we were doing, it wouldn't be called research, would it?" In the world of plaster, research helps clarify misconceptions and improve the way plasterers, service technicians and builders perform...

The plaster Smith: Alan Smith talks about his business and involvement with the National Pool Industry Research Center--and reveals his secrets to being a good plasterer.
February 13, 2006... It was 1975, and Alan Smith was 18 years old when he entered the world of pool plastering. Since then, he has made an indelible mark on the business. His company, Alan Smith Pool Plastering Inc. in Orange, Calif., boasts nearly 15,000...

Code talker: Florida's trade group has found a new way to decipher the language of the state's extensive rules and regulations.
February 13, 2006... When members of an organization are willing to put up $250 each in addition to their regular dues to fund the hiring of a full-time lobbyist, you know they're committed to strengthening government relations. That's what Florida Swimming Pool...

Fun in the sun: the Florida Pool & Spa Show provides many opportunities for work and play.(Florida Show Planner)
February 13, 2006... The Florida Pool & Spa Show, which is sponsored by the Florida Swimming Pool Association, is the final destination for those wanting to blend business and pleasure. The show's 5,000-plus attendees will head to the Orange County Convention...

Continuing education: the Florida show offers attendees a full course load.
February 13, 2006... In Florida, continuing education is one of the top priorities for pool and spa professionals. In fact, all license-holders must take 14 hours of state-approved courses every two years. Those attending the Florida Pool & Spa Show will have...

Florida pool & spa show exhibitors.
February 13, 2006... February 23-25 * Orange County Convention Center * Orlando, Fla. Exhibit Hall Hours Friday: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. * Saturday: 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A A&A Manufacturing 132 A&B Brush ...

Safe at Home: safety product sales flourish amid greater consumer awareness of all the options.(Close Up: Safety)
February 13, 2006... Don Ludlow learned years ago that accidents happen in the blink of an eye. It was a bright, beautiful June afternoon when the Salt Lake City retailer/builder brought his 4-year-old son to a job site at a recently built condominium complex. ...

Acces,s Resin Products.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: Spacesaver Step Features: monoblock, molded stackable step for aboveground pools; designed to touch the floor of the pool to create more stability and security; two aluminum handrails; 100 percent virgin vinyl Contact: Acces,s...

Aussie Pools.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: Insulated Inground Wall System Features: company offers an energy-efficient design for building insulated pools, spas and other swim structures that save on heating costs, per maker; designed to extend the swim season; more than...

Blue Hawaiian fiberglass pools.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: New Pool and Spa Models Features: company has added seven one-piece fiberglass pool models and five spa models for 2006; the one-piece combinations include a spa or children's wading pool, or a pool waterfeature; some models...

Canadian General-Tower Ltd.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: Vinyl Sheeting Features: the company presents its new Tower Collection of vinyl sheeting for pool liners, from classic tile and stone designs to modern patterns with the latest styles, per maker Offerings: color brochures; Web...

Cantar pool products.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: Inground Vinyl Liners Features: Endurance Series liners are designed to turn pools into classic works of art; special mix of high-tech polymers is formulated to withstand harsh chemicals and shocks over time, per manufacturer ...

Cardinal Systems.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: Liner-Lock Step Track Features: company offers the option of adding a liner track to its steps and benches; allows the installer to attach liners over steps using a liner bead rather than rod pockets; designed to make installation...

Cinderella.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: Falls Features: shower and sheer Falls are installed into a 3-foot section of aluminum coping; falls are completely assembled and ready for liner pool installation; available in company's CP-7 and CP-2 coping styles; both styles...

Delair Group.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: Infinity Inground Pools Features: extruded aluminum wall panels, frame and coping; precurved panels on radius pools; straight panels up to 14 feet long Contact: Delair Group, Delair, NJ. (800) 235-0185 Circle 473 on...

E-Z Products.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: E-Z Patch 28 Features: clear sealant works above or under water, leaving no residue and becoming a strong, clear patch by itself; repairs cuts in vinyl liners, pool covers and plastic skimmers, and seals pool-light leaks ...

EZ-Swim.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: Metal Pool System Features: patented, all-metal system serves as an aboveground, inground or structure-situated installation; can be assembled by two people and ready for use in two days, per maker; designed for any depth and can...

Factory Direct Liners.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: Vinyl Pool Liners Features: company offers a new collection of vinyl-liner patterns, including the Seaside pattern (shown) Contact: Factory Direct Liners Inc., Atlanta (770) 458-5900 Circle 470 on Postage-Free Card ...

Family Fun Corp.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: Uniwall Features: product offers complete design freedom; fiberglass pool walls are flexible, self-supporting and easy to maintain, per manufacturer Offerings: construction training, designing rods Contact: Family Fun...

Fox Pool Corp.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: Inground Vinyl Steel Wall Pool Features: company offers an X brace deck support for package pools: powder-coated, galvanized universal wall Contact: Fox Pool Corp., York, Pa. (717) 764-8581 Circle 468 on Postage-Free Card...

Garrett Liners.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: Liners Online Features: visitors can view a selection of liners, as well as other information, at the company's recently redesigned Web site, www.garrettliners.com Contact: Garrett Liners Inc., Fallsington, Pa. (800) 222-3650...

Gladon Co.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: EZ Cove Features: pool cove is high-density, low-compression, smooth-skinned, extruded; available with either super-sticky adhesive backing or plastic snap-in strip Contact: Gladon Co. Inc., Oak Creek, Wis. (800) 448-6070 ...

Imperial Pools.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: Legacy Edition Steel Wall Features: top and bottom flanges measure 7 inches total; designed to be strong Offerings: lifetime, transferable warranty Contact: Imperial Pools Inc., Latham, N.Y. (800) 444-9977 Circle 465...

Jedco Products.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: Borderlines Features: peel-and-stick, preadhered pool borders; available in a variety of decorative designs that are made to be UV-stabilized and chemical-resistant; for use on fiberglass, acrylic or stainless steel pools ...

Kafko Mfg. Ltd.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: Polymer Inground Pools Features: modular alternative to typical masonry pools is intended to reduce labor intensity; walls consist of polymer boxes, each 1m long by 1.22m high by 15cm wide, which attach by sliding together;...

Latham International.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: TruTile Perimeter Tile Mount System Features: made to work in any polymer, wood and steel inground pool; trim colors are available in white, gray and blue; designed to be applied on any shape pool; the system includes a large...

Manufacturers Alliance for Choice.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: Package Pool and Vinyl Products Features: MAC is an organization of non-competing manufacturers, created to provide a complete line of pool and spa products for distributors; items include pool panels and steps, spas, vinyl...

Pegasus Products.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: "Under the Sea" Liner Features: company offers its "Under the Sea" vinyl-liner pattern, which is made to resemble a scene from the ocean bottom Contact: Pegasus Products Inc., Branchburg, NJ. (908) 707-1122 Circle 460 on...

Pen Fabricators.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: Custom Vinyl Liners Features: liners are fabricated to meet precise pool dimensions; downloadable forms provide fields for pool dimensions so that each order is handled on a custom basis Contact: Pen Fabricators, Emigsville,...

Performance Pool Products.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: Vinyl Patterns Features: company offers six new vinyl patterns for 2006; options include Swaying Palms (shown), Venetian, Wedgewood, Enchantment, Blue Enchantment and Terra Cotta Contact: Performance Pool Products, Latham,...

Plastimayd Corp.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: Pool Liners Features: new patterns for 2006; 22 pattern options; Ultra-Mayd liners are designed to resist fading and sun-rot; company also offers face plates that match liner patterns, for a seamless installation Contact:...

Pool Builders Supply.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: Regal Polymer Pool Kits Features: kits include extra-thick polymer walls, UV-resistant vinyl liners, acrylic fiberglass steps and blue-black safety covers Offerings: three-day service on custom vinyl liners with pool kit...

Quaker Plastic Corp.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: Vinyl-Liner Steps and Stairs Features: new Thermoplastic Roman Stair for vinyl-liner pools; EZ Steps, adjustable drop-in steps; in-pool ladders in white and designer gray colors; corner stair and in-wall seat units in various sizes...

Radiant Pools.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: Swimming Pools Features: company manufactures vinyl-Liner inground and aboveground pools; 2-inch insulated wall, all-aluminum poor Contact: Radiant Pools, Albany, N.Y. (518) 434-4161 Circle 454 on Postage-Free Card ...

Splash-A-Round Pools.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: Islander Kit Pool Features: all of the new Islander Kit Pools come with Everlast pool panels, pumps, filters, ladders, liners, coping and more; rock waterfall and rock veneer are optional Contact: Splash-A-Round Pools, West...

Swimline Corp.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: Aquarium Vinyl-Liner Pattern Features: vinyl-liner pattern for above-ground pools; eight-color tile pattern is designed to Lend a Caribbean feel to the pool; liner is made for easy installation, per maker; a series of aboveground...

Tara Manufacturing.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: Pool Impressions Features: company offers pools with a picture welded into the liner Contact: Tara Manufacturing Inc., Owens Crossroads, Ala. (256) 725-2500 Circle 451 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Vinyl Fabrications.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: Vinyl Liners, Covers and Domes Features: company offers vinyl liners in 20-, 30- and 30/20-mil thickness; a variety of patterns available Offerings: product literature; technical assistance Contact: Vinyl Fabrications...

Vinyl Works.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: Milano Tile Features: Truedge design pattern was created to complement the latest trends in deck design and landscape styles; made to bring the border design all the way up to the coping and eliminate the unnatural line of color...

Vogue Pool Products.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: Simbio Ellipse Features: 7-inch top ledge (18cm) made from injection-molded resin; ledge cover is designed to never chip or discolor; 5-inch fully supportive upright (13 cm), per maker; steel wall Contact: Vogue Pool Products...

Vyn-All Products Corp.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: Inground Vinyl Liners Features: new Etched Ivy pattern with Breakwater Floor for 2006; available in a 20 mil. or DuraWall option; 28 mil. wall with 20 mil. floor durability, according to the manufacturer; UV- and...

Waterway Plastics.(Package Pools and Vinyl Liners)
February 13, 2006... Product: Renegade Vinyl Liner Skimmer Features: this inground skimmer has PVC sockets for better glue joints: 2-inch socket with 2 1/2-inch spigot for more flow; easy access, spring-loaded weir door simplifies replacement, per manufacturer:...

One for the record books: this Australian wonder claims the title of 'world's largest one-piece pool'.
February 13, 2006... There's big... and then there's B-I-G. Freedom Pools & Spas of Perth, Western Australia, has made what is reportedly the world's largest one-piece pool. And trucking the fiberglass vessel 1,550 miles to its destination--an apartment complex in...

Safety bill unveiled at drowning symposium.(MAKING NEWS)
February 27, 2006... At the National Drowning Prevention Symposium last month, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) unveiled a new federal bill offering incentives to states that implement pool safety laws. The tentatively titled Graeme...

Large builder and retailer form merger.(MAKING NEWS)(Company Profile)
February 27, 2006... Premier Pools & Spas, the Rancho Cordova, Calif.-based builder that ranked seventh on Pool & Spa News' Top 50 last year, has merged with Brunswick, Ohio, megaretailer Litehouse Products, LLC. The new company was formed Jan. 27 and calls itself...

The best investment: a day with a spa repair company proves to be an eye-opener.(REFLECTIONS)
February 27, 2006... It's rare that you see profound examples, back to back, of the right way and the wrong way to do something. Recently, I spent a day with employees from American Spa Services, first at the company's office, and then on the road with a...

It's a group effort.(LETTERS)
February 27, 2006... In your Jan. 9 issue, the article on page 105 seems to give me all of the credit for the "Pools For Our Heroes" program. First, let me thank you for the 20-year-old photo of me. It is so nice to look at these old pictures. Donating the...

Thoughts on China's pool industry.(LETTERS)
February 27, 2006... I am a faithful reader of Pool & Spa News and have enjoyed your "Reflections" in every issue. Thanks for the in-depth coverage on China and its impact on the U.S. pool and spa industry (Dec. 26 issue). After reading the special section, I was...

Thwarting thieves: keep your on-site construction equipment safe with these simple tips.(MAKING NEWS)
February 27, 2006... It was a scene straight out of a movie: thieves disabling lighting, slicing locks with plasma cutters, bypassing alarms, poisoning guard dogs, hot-wiring equipment. The difference was that in Los Angeles County, where this burglary took place...

Polaris founder tackles his greatest challenge.(MAKING NEWS)
February 27, 2006... When Jim Edmiston entered semiretirement from the pool industry in 1986, he embarked on a quest to capture the biggest marlin the world had ever seen. His journey included 40 countries and the seven seas. More than once, he came so close, he...

Consumers start year on high note.(MAKING NEWS)
February 27, 2006... Shoppers didn't let the winter chills cool their upbeat mood in January, as the Consumer Confidence Index rose again, to 106.3. This is the highest reading the index has seen since June 2002. "The January index was driven solely by consumers'...

Florida licensing bill delayed a year.(MAKING NEWS)
February 27, 2006... An effort to create a law in Florida that would require contracting licenses for those who clean pools and apply chemicals has been put on hold for at least a year. Such jobs used to require licenses as part of a larger Florida statute,...

Unemployment hits five-year low.(MAKING NEWS)
February 27, 2006... The U.S. jobless rate dropped to 4.7 percent in January, the lowest since mid-2001. "The boost in jobs was below forecasters' expectations, but it suggested that the economy was off to a strong start, dispelling worries about the slowdown...