Pool & Spa News articles from January 2002

Pool & Spa News archives from January 2002

AC show debuts computer courses.
January 11, 2002... The 2002 Pool & Spa Show in Atlantic City, N.J., already has surpassed last year's floor-space sales and, as of mid-December, had the highest number of exhibitors ever registered at this point in the planning. At press time, 411 exhibitors...

Survey: industry optimistic for '02.
January 11, 2002... Eighty-two percent of pool and spa professionals are predicting increases ranging from 1 percent to more than 50 percent in their business this year, according to a survey by J.T. Fosdick Associates Inc of New York. The study, conducted at...

Survey says ... (reflections).
January 11, 2002... Despite the generally gloomy news about the economy, the majority of pool and spa professionals say they remain optimistic about this year. Industry members are predicting an average increase in business of 13 percent, according to an...

ISHOF not going Hollywood ...
January 11, 2002... * ISHOF not going Hollywood... The International Swimming Hall of Fame has withdrawn its proposal to build a new facility in Hollywood, Fla., as ISHOF officials had announced in October. Instead, ISHOF is pursuing Pompano Beach as its new...

PWP dealers relax in Bahamas ...
January 11, 2002... * PWP dealers relax in Bahamas... Pool Water Products, an Irvine, Calif.-based distributor, rewarded its dealers for their purchases of the company's products with a trip to the Bahamas. For information on the 2002 program, call (949)...

Multiquip acquires construction equipment maker ...
January 11, 2002... * Multiquip acquires construction equipment maker... Multiquip, a Carson, Calif., supplier of compaction equipment, pumps and generators, recently announced its acquisition of Stow Manufacturing, a light construction equipment company based in...

Study shows spas energy-efficient. (news).
January 11, 2002... With a study showing that portable electric hot tubs have minimal impact on residential energy consumption, the National Spa & Pool Institute's Hot Tub Council now is taking steps to disseminate key findings to prepare members for any further...

Hot tub dealer accused of fraud. (news).
January 11, 2002... A major hot tub manufacturer says it is frustrated over an inability to distribute its product due to a criminal case in which it plays no role. Cal Spas, based in Pomona, Calif., recently learned that one of its dealers has been charged...

Fountain school debuts ...
January 11, 2002... * Fountain school debuts... Approximately two dozen pool, fountain and landscape professionals attended Genesis 3's first Fountain Educational Program, organized in conjunction with fountain manufacturer/designer Crystal Fountains at its...

Pool/spa design book in the works ...
January 11, 2002... * Pool/spa design book in the works... Alan Sanderfoot, former editor of Aqua magazine, has been contracted to write a book on pool and hot tubs. The working title is Pools & Hot Tubs: New Design for Gracious Living. The 192-page hardcover...

Vacuum device standards near ready. (news).
January 11, 2002... The American Society for Testing and Materials' standards for vacuum release systems could be ready as soon as February, said Dave Stengl, ASTM Sub-Committee chairman. A final draft of standards for the devices--designed to prevent pool...

Industry mood upbeat. (Forecast 2002).
January 11, 2002... "We're looking forward to a strong 2002. Because people have been so cautious with travel, they're spending more time at their swimming pools, which means we should sell more pool toys." Stephen Leung, vice president of sales Prime...

Top workplace forecasts for 2002. (Forecast 2002).
January 11, 2002... While no one knows exactly what to expect in the coming year, here are the trends the Herman Group, a Greensboro, N.C.-based labor trends analysis firm, sees in its crystal ball for the next 12 months: * More workers will become independent...

Growth strategies. (Forecast 2002).
January 11, 2002... Specialty chemical maker Avecia will be upgrading its Web site to make it more attractive to consumers: "It's a pool profile center. There's a calendar that keeps track of the chemical history and will tell [pool owners] when to add chemicals."...

North American construction affected by economy. (Forecast 2002).
January 11, 2002... According to a report from the annual North American Construction Forecast, new construction overall in North America is expected to decline 6.3 percent in 2002 due to the economic downturn. The report, delivered in Washington, D.C., in...

Nationwide housing starts. (business currents).
January 11, 2002... Housing starts in November surprised analysts by posting its biggest single-month increase since January, rising to a seasonally adjusted 1.65 million units, according to the Commerce Department. But the increase was primarily in apartment...

Housing starts by region. (business currents).
January 11, 2002... [GRAPHICS OMITTED]

Pool and spa permits. (business currents).
January 11, 2002... Pool and Spa Permits Tabulations of permits issued for new pool and spa construction in selected U.S. cities and unincorporated parts of counties. Valuations are in millions. City/County Permits Issued Permit...

Pool and spa industry stock market transactions: quotations are for Dec. 17, 2001. (business currents).
January 11, 2002... NYSE Symbol Exchange Vol. Close Net (100s) 12/17/01 Change from ...

GE to meet forecasts. (Business Briefcase).
January 11, 2002... Despite a recession and financial hit from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, General Electric (NYSE: GE), the Fairfield, Conn.-based parent of GE Industrial Systems, should meet its financial projections for the fourth quarter and 2001 fiscal...

Danaher acquires Viridor. (Business Briefcase).
January 11, 2002... Controls manufacturer Danaher Corp. (NYSE: DHR) of Washington, D.C., announced in December that it has acquired Viridor Instrumentation Ltd. of the United Kingdom, a manufacturer of analytical instruments for clean water, wastewater, ultrapure...

New chief legal officer at PolyOne. (Business Briefcase).
January 11, 2002... Wendy Shiba has been named the new vice president, chief legal officer and secretary of Cleveland-based PolyOne Corp., the company announced. Shiba succeeds Gregory Rutman, who retired, according to a company press release. Shiba joined the...

Economic outlook improves slightly. (Leading Economic Indicators).
January 11, 2002... The Index of Leading Economic Indicators rose 0.5 percent in November, the second month of increase and highest gain this year, according to the Conference Board. Six of the index's 10 components posted increases, including interest rate...

Optimism rebounds in November. (Small Business Optimism Index).
January 11, 2002... Small business optimism rebounded sharply in November, rising 3.1 points, according to the National Federation of Independent Business' monthly Small Business Economic Trends Report. The increase is a sign that the shock of the Sept. 11...

Masco Corp. (Progressions).
January 11, 2002... * Masco Corp., based in Taylor, Mich., has named Timothy Wadhams vice president of finance and chief financial officer. Wadhams joined Masco in 1976, where he has held several accounting and managerial positions. Wadhams succeeds Richard...

Pentair Pool Products. (Progressions).
January 11, 2002... * Pentair Pool Products, pool-equipment manufacturer in Sanford, N.C., named Mike Echols territory sales manager for Echols Georgia, South Carolina and eastern Tennessee; he is responsible for product sales as well as providing sales support to...

Great American Merchandise & Events. (Progressions).
January 11, 2002... * Great American Merchandise & Events, based in Scottsdale, Ariz., has tapped Bernie Uzelac to be director of merchandise sales. Uzelac has more than 16 years' experience in managing retail and wholesale merchandise equipment. Also, Tony...

Breaking the language barrier: Carolina teenager produces drowning-prevention video in Spanish for area's growing Hispanic population. (profile).
January 11, 2002... Hillary Langley knew there was a problem, but she wasn't sure what to do about it. The 17-year-old high school senior from Charlotte, N.C., had read an article in the newspaper about the drowning death of a local Hispanic youth. Then, days...

Las Vegas show focuses on retailer profits. (trade shows).
January 11, 2002... The 2002 Aqua International Conference & Expo will focus on growing profits for retailers through better sales techniques and increasing inventory. The expo, to be held Feb. 11-13 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, features an educational...

Atlantic City show planner.
January 11, 2002... The Atlantic City Pool & Spa Show ranks as the industry's second largest trade show of the year--an eagerly anticipated event where colleagues from far and near come together to network, do business, see the latest products and then unwind at...

Best in show: getting the most of your trade show experience takes careful planning and preparation. Here's how. (Atlantic City show planner).
January 11, 2002... Joel Caesar calls it the "trade show stare." It's that blank expression on the face of an otherwise smart, proficient attendee that means they are about to do or say a silly thing. "Something happens to people when they get to a trade show that...

Tips for attendees. (Atlantic City show planner).
January 11, 2002... Other than sore feet, the hardest thing for trade show attendees to avoid may be getting lost, both figuratively and literally. Because trade shows are so big--the Atlantic City show covers 1.4 million square feet--experts say the sheer size...

Are you game? (Atlantic City show planner).
January 11, 2002... With their maze of aisles and row upon row of carnival-style booths competing for your attention, trade shows can start to feel like a big game board, with each booth just one more stop on the board. So why not turn the trade show into a game...

`A.C.' all fun and games. (Atlantic City show planner).
January 11, 2002... Atlantic City, N.J., is best known for the Miss America pageant and more than a dozen lavish casino-hotels. But Atlantic City--"AC" as the locals call it--isn't just about glitz, gambling or glamour. Sports enthusiasts will find plenty to see...

Fun-lover's guide. (Atlantic City show planner).
January 11, 2002... Forget hockey and basketball--you're more the participant type, you say? Have we got leisure-time tips for you! When you're off-duty from the Atlantic City show, there are many local amusements to see. Check it out: * Atlantic City piers:...

Get out! (Atlantic City show planner).
January 11, 2002... Whether you've exhausted the AC opportunities or you want to watch some professional team sports, the good news is this: Philadelphia and New York are each a short ride away. Following is a schedule of sporting events in these two cities during...

Nightlife: from glitzy casino clubs to friendly neighborhood watering holes, Atlantic City's night scene has it all. (Atlantic City show planner).
January 11, 2002... True, conventions are hard work, but they're never all work and no play. With its numerous bars, restaurants, clubs and lounges (not to mention casinos), Atlantic City offers you ample opportunity to unwind, or to at least continue business...

The insider's casino guide. (Atlantic City show planner).
January 11, 2002... With all of the different games we've been featuring in Atlantic City, how could we not mention the city's most famous games of all? With this handy guide to AC's biggest casinos, you shouldn't have any trouble deciding how to spend at least...

Dining adventures: from home-style cooking to gourmet cuisine, Atlantic City knows how to please any palate. (Atlantic City show planner).
January 11, 2002... Looking to be a local, if only for a night or two? As we do every year, we've rounded up some of the best dining spots Atlantic City has to offer. You'll find some perennial conventioneers' favorites--tops with the locals as well--along with...

Seminars. (Atlantic City show planner).
January 11, 2002... The 2002 Atlantic City Pool and Spa Show has something for everyone. The two seminar tracks--technical and business--are geared toward a variety of skill levels from basic to advanced. This year's 38 technical seminars are free to registered...

The great indoors: creating beautiful backyard vignettes in your store is a great way to entice shoppers. Here's how to create scenes that wow them every time.
January 11, 2002... It's the difference between being told about a movie and seeing it for yourself. "When you take a spa and set it in the middle of a store without a context, you can sell it," says Jeff Grant, president of Trio Design Group in LaJolla,...

Getting into hot water: reluctant to add hot tub repairs to your menu of services? Here's a primer to help demystify these vessels and troubleshoot them safely and correctly. (service).
January 11, 2002... Even though swimming pools and hot tubs have become inexorably linked over the past two decades, many service technicians--and firms--remain, reluctant to work on hot tubs. The reasons are many. For example, hot tubs are equipped with...

Branching out: when the pool comes in, the tree doesn't have to go out. It just takes the right care and consultation. (construction).
January 11, 2002... Imagine watching a precious family heirloom slowly disinte grate before your eyes. What represented cherished family memories and perhaps even a bit of financial security is forever lost. That's how your clients may feel when crews...

24th Annual Western Pool & Spa Show--seminar schedule: Long Beach Convention Center 300 E. Pine Blvd. Long Beach, California.
January 11, 2002... 25th Annual Western Pool & Spa Show -- Seminar Schedule LONG BEACH CONVENTION CENTER 300 E. PINE BLVD. LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA Thursday, February 7, 2002 Time CLASSROOM 1 CLASSROOM 2 2:00 PM ...

What kind of training or assistance programs do you offer builders? (marketplace).
January 11, 2002... "We have a pretty comprehensive library of training courses for virtually all of our products. We have a comprehensive loader course and courses on compact excavators, VersaHandler telescopic tool carriers and skid steer loaders, for example....

3M Colorquartz aggregate. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... * Features: two sizes of quartz aggregate ceramically coated in an array of custom colors; adds strength and allure to pool finishes; resistant to UV rays and harsh chemicals * Offerings: 10-year warranty on color permeance and...

Boss expansion joint sealant, adhesive and ceramic tile grout. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By Accumetric, LLC/Boss Products * Features: joint sealant is self-leveling, requires no mixing and has 50 percent movement capability; one-part pool and spa adhesive and ceramic tile grout products are mildew resistant, noncorrosive and...

Trackmaster skid steer equipment. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By Aqua Tech Holiday Pools * Features: company offers durable construction equipment for hard to reach jobs * Offerings: free instructional video available at Web site www.trackmaster2000.com * Contact: Aqua Tech Holiday Pools,...

Society of pool building and retailing professionals. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By Aquatech Corp. * Features: buying group provides national marketing, branded and private label equipment, information and exchange * Offerings: select noncompetitive territories nationwide; Elite Membership Society * Contact:...

AquaGuard epoxy lining. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By Aquatic Technologies * Features: formulated for spray or roll-on application to steel, aluminum, concrete or fiberglass surfaces in pools, spas or fountains; available in Gulfstream, Bimini, standard blue, white and onyx *...

Exposed aggregate pool surfacing systems. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By Aquavations Corp. * Features: product line includes Hydrazzo, Hydro Torque, Sunstone Select, Sunstone Pearl * Offerings: display boards; kits; product brochures * Contact: Aquavations Corp., Coral Gables, Fla. (800) 429-4701....

Epoxybond pool putty. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By Atlas Minerals and Chemicals * Features: easy to use product hardens under water and stays white * Offerings: co-op advertising; dating program * Contact: Atlas Minerals and Chemicals, Mertztown, Pa. (800) 523-4269. Circle...

Hydraulic peristaltic shotcrete pump. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By Blastcrete Equipment Co. * Features: product can be used with vinyl or shotcrete pools, rockscapes; low cost; simple; safe; versatile * Contact: Blastcrete Equipment Co., Anniston, Ala. (800) 235-4867. Circle 177 on Postage Free...

Skid steer loader control system. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By Bobcat Co. * Features: Advanced Control System gives operators ability to select either hand or foot control in seconds by pushing a rocker switch on loader's dash; available as factory option on Bobcat G-Series loader models 753 and...

Pre-blended exposed aggregate finishes. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By C.L. Industries * Features: product line, includes Krystal Krete, Crystal Colors, Crystal Stones, PermaKote * Offerings: display boards; display kits; brochures * Contact: C.L. Industries Inc., Orlando, Fla. (800) 333-2660. ...

Stardek concrete coatings. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By Color Crown Corp. * Features: five decorative concrete systems available * Offerings: free training; no minimum purchase requirement * Contact: Color Crown Corp., Seffner, Fla. (800) 282-1599. Circle 180 on Postage Free Card...

KoverKrete products credit line. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By Contract Packaging * Features: credit program features include no limit and no qualifying; allows builders with bad credit and bankruptcies to receive credit; recorded message 24 hours per day * Contact: Contract Packaging Inc.,...

Tajah line of surfacing materials. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By Daltile * Features: new for 2002; product offers a natural slate look at an affordable ceramic tile price; extended lines now include decorative listellos; borders have also been added to the Scabos and Fashion Accent lines *...

Circulation system products. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By Eureka Manufacturing Co. * Features: made-to-order suction niches and main drains to facilitate smooth installation; anti-vortex plates also available; easy to install * Contact: Eureka Manufacturing Co., Bismarck, N.D., (800)...

EZ Joint Seal; EZ Patch #23. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By E-Z Products * Features: product has a 50-year life expectancy; self-leveling or step grade; fast surface skinover and cure time; available in many colors; 10.3 ounce or 29 ounce cartridge sizes * Contact: E-Z Products, Cavecreek,...

AQ series coping. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By Federal Stone Industries * Features: available in various sizes, radii, colors and textures; designed to meet virtually any remodeling or renovation need; radius chart to aid the installer in figuring curves * Contact: Federal Stone...

Pool resurfacing. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By Fibre Tech * Features: resurfacing method sandwiches fiberglass mat between four layers of Fibre Tech resin; designed to be a durable, flexible, nonporous surface; reduce chemical usage and algae buildup, stains and water loss *...

Specialty additive. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By FMC Corp. * Features: designed to prevent alkaline silica reactivity inherent in glass-based aggregates or silica sands that are naturally reactive; prevents expansive gel, cracking and deterioration of plaster finishes with reactive...

Handi-foam refill system. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By Fomo Products * Features: UL-rated foam for spa insulation; includes new Handi-Gun for accurate metering, high flow rate and anti-cross-over design * Contact: Fomo Products Inc., Norton, Ohio (330) 753-4585. Circle 188 on...

Golden look epoxy stone. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By Golden Look Intl. * Features: for quick resurfacing of pool decking; low cost; easy maintenance * Contact: Golden Look Intl. Inc., Euless, Texas (800) 433-5397. Circle 189 on Postage Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Decorative concrete surfacing systems. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By Increte Systems * Features: stamped concrete, textured overlay systems; nonskid; easy to maintain * Offerings: nationwide dealer/installation network * Contact: Increte Systems Inc., Tampa, Fla. (800) 752-4626. Circle 190...

Mosaics--by Inlays. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By Inlays * Features: one-piece; skid-resistant; frost-resistant; easy to install * Offerings: same-day shipping; literature; sample program * Contact: Inlays Inc., Green Bay, Wis. (800) 426-6873. Circle 191 on Postage Free...

Dura White. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By J.M. Huber/U.S. Marble Co. * Features: durable, bright white marble pool aggregate * Offerings: winter specials available through distribution * Contact: J.M. Huber/U.S. Marble Co., LLC, Cartersville, Ga. (770) 607-3345. ...

Multi-flex wall panel. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By Kafko * Features: available in industry standard panel height of 42 inches, which provides 3 inches of water depth in the shallow end; pool is also available in 48-inch high panels allowing for 6 feet more water depth in shallow end of...

Olympic pool products. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 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....

White cement. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By Lehigh Portland Cement Co. * Features: product provides uniform whiteness; consistent performance; reliable strength * Offerings: brochures * Contact: Lehigh Portland Cement Co. Riverside, Calif. (800) 523-5488. Circle 195...

Pool plastering equipment. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By Macalite Equipment * Features: product line includes plaster hoses, nozzles, easy-flow nozzles for pebble applications, Hydra-Flow plaster mixers; distribution of Spray Force Excalibur plaster pumps and parts for all plaster pumps and...

Hydrochem systems. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By Mapei Corp. * Features: company offers decorative, exposed aggregate pool finishes, water-proofing, decorative textured concrete coverings, and maintenance and care products * Offerings: sample boards, sales promotional brochures...

Systex polymer concrete decking system. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By Mortex Mfg. Co. * Features: three-step polymer deck topping product; colorful; durable; for use with new and existing concrete pool and deck patio surfaces * Offerings: color brochures; training video * Contact: Mortex Mfg. Co....

Glass mosaic tiles. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By Mosaicos Venecianos de Mexico--Kolorines * Features: attractive; durable; available in Venetian and Byzantine styles * Contact: Mosaicos Venecianos de Mexico, Cuernavaca Morelso, Mexico (52-7) 3-20-21-60/3-20-36-62/3-2036-02. ...

Ride-on power trowels. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By Multiquip * Features: three hydrostatic models are available including the STH-Supertrowel and the two-model HTH Series; units are manufactured with 46- and 60-inch non-overlapping rotors; dual joystick controls; no gear boxes, belts or...

Nantec membrane system. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By Natare Corp. * Features: commercial grade, 60-mil PVC liner; flexible, inner polyester mesh fabric; designed to be watertight; easily maintained; resistant to algae, mold and mildew; available in Caribbean blue, sky-blue and white ...

Pool tiles. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 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)...

Safety grip bullnose/pool coping. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By Pacific Clay Products * Features: unique bullnose brick design with safety-grip bulb end designed to provide superior safety for pool users * Contact: Pacific Clay Products Inc., Lake Elsinore, Calif. (909) 674-2131. Circle 203...

Acrylic-polymer cementitious surfacing. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By Perma-Crete * Features: three-part, acrylic-polymer cementitious surfacing system; 150 colors; sealed, nonporous surface; chemical- and weather-resistant * Offerings: on-site and in-house training; brochures; color and...

Ultra poly one coat. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By Poly Solutions * Features: long-lasting epoxy coating for concrete pools and other surfaces can be applied in just one coat * Offerings: marketing, advertising support * Contact: Poly Solutions, Gibsonia, Pa. (724) 449-1040. ...

Thom-Katt trailer pumps. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By Putzmeister America * Features: for use with shotcrete or concrete; 15 to 100 cubic yard outputs; smooth twin-shifting cylinders; rugged S-valve; reliable control system; easy accessibility * Contact: Putzmeister America,...

Carrousel pump 15010TBM-3-GAM. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By Quikspray * Features: designed for spraying heavy-bodied commercial coating; peristalic pump requires little maintenance and is suitable for pumping many aggregated and fibered products * Contact: Quikspray Inc., Port Clinton, Ohio...

Stainless steel recirculation systems. (Construction Marketplace).
January 11, 2002... By Recreation Supply Co. * Features: high-quality perimeter recirculation systems are designed to continually remove dirt, germs and organic material from pool; custom fitted; many profile options available * Contact: Recreation Supply...