Pool & Spa News articles from January 2004

Pool & Spa News archives from January 2004

Canadian expo sees attendance rise.(Making News)
January 16, 2004... The Canadian Pool and Spa Conference & Expo enjoyed a dramatic jump in attendance at its silver anniversary edition Last month--helped in part by a rising number of U.S. exhibitors. Approximately 1,300 pool and spa professionals attended...

NPC Conference has new look.
January 16, 2004... With the National Plasterers Council under new management and setting new goals, it is no surprise that the group's annual conference is taking on a different look as well. The 15th Annual NPC Conference, slated for Feb. 26-28 at the...

Unforgettable.(Reflections)
January 16, 2004... The new year often brings change--sometimes for the better, sometimes bittersweet. Two integral members of the Editorial Department have decided to move on to other opportunities, and while I recognize that both of there have made the...

Water fitness brings hefty profits.(Making News)
January 16, 2004... After decades of feeling the burn and sweating to the oldies with strenuous aerobic exercises, baby boomers want a reprieve. Many are catching on to the low-impact, stress-relieving ease of water workouts. It's a preferable alternative for...

G/G Industries relocates.
January 16, 2004... G/G industries, a Valencia, Calif-based spa-components manufacturer, has moved to a new facility in the Industrial Commerce Center of that city. The move to the larger facility took approximately two weeks and was completed without disruption...

Zodiac and PSA join forces.
January 16, 2004... The Zodiac Group, a Pompano Beach, Fla.-based manufacturer of pool products, recently signed an agreement for the acquisition of PSA, reportedly Europe's leading pool-heating systems manufacturer. Jean Michel Renard, director of the Zodiac...

NSPI retail concept store returns.(Making News)
January 16, 2004... The 2004 International Pool & Spa Expo will be home to the NSPI Retailers of Excellence concept store. Unlike the display-store designed by the NSPI Retailers Council in 1999, the new 2,400-square-foot exhibit will be the result of a...

New book from veteran chemist.
January 16, 2004... Bob Lowry, a well-known pool chemist and consultant for 32 years, has published a book titled Pool Chlorination Facts. The 192-page book is divided into 20 chapters covering tips, tricks and short-cuts to resolve chlorination mysteries. It also...

Evosus enters pool market.
January 16, 2004... Evosus, a Portland, Ore.-based manufacturer of specialty retail software, has entered the pool and spa market with a customized program designed especially for retail stores in the industry. Company principal Les Price, a former manager of five...

Master Pools Guild boosts member benefits.(Making News)
January 16, 2004... Master Pools Guild, a pool-building cooperative, has added three more member benefits to its roster. The group enhanced the benefits of its Web site, developed a renovation brochure to meet the needs of the growing remodeling field and...

Housing starts hit 19-year high.(Making News)
January 16, 2004... Home builders are clearly on a roll, pushing housing starts to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 2.07 million units in November. That's 43 percent above October's revised 1.98 million units. In fact, it's the strongest housing production...

PWP rewards dealers.
January 16, 2004... Pool Water Products, an Irvine, Calif.-based distributor of pool and spa products, recently rewarded its "All Clear" dealers (shown) with a seven day cruise to the Southern Caribbean. The dealers earned the cruise for purchasing a certain...

Golden Coast partners with Marquis.
January 16, 2004... Golden Coast, said to be the United Kingdom's largest independent pool and spa distributor, has announced a partnership with Marquis Spas, an Independence, Ore.-based manufacturer of spas. Golden Coast recently unveiled select Marquis spas to...

Orange County drops barrier law.(Making News)
January 16, 2004... The Orange County (Calif.) Board of Supervisors has voted to rescind one of the most stringent pool barriers laws ever passed in the state. The board will take another look at the law at the beginning of January. However, officials say it...

Economic indicators continue upward March.(Making News)
January 16, 2004... The U.S. Leading Economic Indicators Index increased 0.3 percent to 114.2 in November. It now has increased at an annual rate of nearly 6 percent since its most recent Low in April--and this strength has been extremely widespread, The index's...

Casual furniture showrooms expand.
January 16, 2004... Merchandise Mart Properties, a Chicago trade show and property management firm, has announced that multiple casual furniture showrooms will be expanding within the Chicago Merchandise Mart. Four leading furniture manufacturers have expanded or...

Watkins supports WWF.
January 16, 2004... Watkins Mfg Corp. a Vista-Calif., based manufacturer of spas, recently contributed part of the proceeds from its Tiger River spa line to the World Wildlife Fund and the Zoological Society of San Diego. This is the company's 11th consecutive...

Arthritis sufferers help design spa.(Making News)
January 16, 2004... ThermoSpas, a Wallingford, Conn. based portable spa manufacturer, has been lauded by the Arthritis Foundation for the design of one of its vessels. The company's Healing Spa was awarded the Atlanta-based Arthritis Foundation's Ease-of-Use...

Small Business Optimism still upbeat.(Making News)
January 16, 2004... The Small-Business Optimism Index jumped again in November to 105.3. People generally feel good about the economy and expect higher sales in the upcoming month, according to the National Federation of Independent Business. However, rising...

WaterFurnace and Aqua Comfort join forces.
January 16, 2004... WaterFurnace International, a geothermal heating and conditioning company, has entered into a joint agreement with Sykesville, Md.-based Aqua Comfort Technologies. a distributor of pool heat pumps to build products for sale in North America....

Great Lakes adds infrared saunas.
January 16, 2004... Great Lakes Home & Resort, a manufacturer of hot tubs, saunas and casual furniture in Holland, Mich., plans to introduce a new line of infrared saunas. Conventional Saunatec heaters circulate 180 degrees of hot air throughout the sauna, while...

Wall Street rings in the New Year.(Making News)
January 16, 2004... At this time of year, stocks rend to ascend as investors optimistically put their year-end bonuses and dividends to work. Dubbed "the Santa Claus rally" by analysts, this period from December through early January typically kicks off a new year...

Pool and spa industry stock market transactions.
January 16, 2004... Pool and Spa Industry Stock Market Transactions Vol. Close Net Change Symbol (100s) 12/22/03 from 12/8/03 Quotations are for December 22, 2004 ...

Newman promoted to executive VP.
January 16, 2004... Jim Newman has been promoted to executive vice president of Little Rock, Ark., operations for Eaststar, a Michigan-based holding company. Eaststar is the parent company of aboveground pool and portable spa manufacturer Splash SuperPools, and...

S.R. Smith taps Kaled.
January 16, 2004... Nabil Kaled has been recruited to lead the newly launched Commercial Sales Division of S.R. Smith. a Canby, Ore. based manufacturer of pool deck accessories. Kaled is a 13-year construction industry veteran and has a strong background in...

Gobsil joins BioGuard.
January 16, 2004... Jeff Gobsil has been hired as dealer development manager at BioGuard, a Lawrenceville, Ga.-based chemical manufacturer. Gobsil is responsible for pool and spa product sales to retailers and distribution channels in the eastern Carolinas, as...

Engelking named nat'l. sales manager.
January 16, 2004... Bob Engelking has been named national sales manager at King Technology Inc., a manufacturer of chemical feeders in Hopkins, Minn. Engelking will be working with Vice President of Sales Scott Bittner, along with company sales representatives...

Doughboy bestows honors.
January 16, 2004... A father-son team at Springboard Marketing was recognized by Doughboy Recreational for longtime service as the company's sales reps. Joe Collica began representing Doughboy aboveground pools in the Northeast in 1968 and son Tony Collica started...

Trailblazer: Neal Smith, a charter member of NSPI and an industry leader, succumbs to cancer.(People)
January 16, 2004... Neal Morrison Smith loved the pool and spa industry. He joined it in its infancy in the late '50s, pioneered the advent of a national trade group and helped build one of the industry's most successful distributorships from the ground up. ...

Three for one: three-function air switches provide the same advantages as single-function (on/off) latching air switches.(Technically Speaking)
January 16, 2004... When installing a two-pump spa system or replacing the pumps in an existing system, many technicians assume that a single-speed auxiliary pump drives the special jets. However, with competitively priced two-speed pomps and three-function...

Code of conduct: using communication, consultation and joint decision-making to improve lawyer-client relationships.(Legal Eagle)
January 16, 2004... Now that holiday shopping is behind you, imagine the following scenario: You know something is wrong with your home computer, but can't figure out the problem. When you go to your local electronics store, the salesperson is happy to see you. He...

Seal the deal.
January 16, 2004... We love to hate him. However, no one doubts that Sam Walton, founder of Wal-Mart, has left an indelible impact on small businesses--pool and spa retailing in particular. One way to heat him is to fight fire with fire. For example,...

Counter intelligence: a picture speaks a thousand words. Does your sales counter? Is it being used to its fullest potential?
January 16, 2004... Sandy Bradbury's store in Columbus, Ind., has become a brilliant example of retail design innovation. Literally. It glows dazzling white until automatic timers shut off the lights at 1 am. Stacked glass blocks form the base of two sales...

Everything must go! Why should discounters have all the fun? You can beat them at their own game, and generate excitement about your store at the same time.
January 16, 2004... Sales aren't what they used to be. "There was a time when sales used to mean something. Now, when you say '10 percent off,' [the customer] just laughs in your face," says Rick Segel, retailing guru and author of the book, Retail Business Kit...

Price check: get ready to throw out your routine pricing habits to develop a proactive strategy.
January 16, 2004... When it comes to the fine art of retail pricing, the practices at most stores could use some fine-tuning. In fact, experts say, too many store owners and managers just follow the same pricing routines from product to product, year to year....

Chain of command: five steps to realizing multiple profits from your multistore operation.
January 16, 2004... Peter Von Hopffgarten knows all too well the challenges of running a retail store chain. "You have to consider tracking inventory, keeping your sales staff in the loop, keeping up with your servicemen and watching over your managers," says...

Molding a new spa customer: the newest and biggest player in rotationally molded spas wants everyone to "Live The Dream".
January 16, 2004... Mike Johnson wants to get everyone in hot water. Johnson is the President of the newly formed Dream Maker, LLC, the largest rotationally molding spa manufacturer in the world. His line of affordable, portable spas may change the industry by...

Atlantic City show planner: from city sights to seminars, this section has just what you need to plan your trip.
January 16, 2004... The 2004 Atlantic City Pool & Spa Show, the industry's largest regional trade show, hits the New Jersey shore Jan. 27-29. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore an expansive show floor, numerous educational seminars and lively special...

At the top of his game: NESPA's Joel Caesar is retiring. Really. He's just going to stay around a little bit longer to coordinate the show he loves so much.
January 16, 2004... Twenty-one years ago, when Joel Caesar interviewed for the newly created position of executive director of the Northeast Spa & Pool Association, the board of directors wasn't even certain it wanted the job to exist, let alone whether it wanted...

Post-show: survival skills: trade shows involve a lot of handshakes, smiles and information exchanges. An action plan ensures your efforts don't blow away into thin air.
January 16, 2004... You heard it here first: "Anybody who likes going to trade shows is a very sick person because these are hard work if you do them right," says Steve Miller, author of How to Get the Most Out of Trade Shows and a consultant in Federal Way, Wash....

Atlantic City revealed: tantalizing tidbits about the city that's "always turned on".
January 16, 2004... * Atlantic City was once a wooded island inhabited by Lenni Lanape Indians. The island was first called Absegami, or "little water," which later became Absecon Island. In 1800, the first settler, Jeremiah Leeds, established a year-round home on...

In the cards: blackjack's simplicity makes this popular game a sure bet.
January 16, 2004... After more than 300 years in casinos and saloons, blackjack is considered the most popular card game in the world. While the game's exact origins are unknown, it first became popular in 18th century France, where it evolved from games such as...

Attractions.
January 16, 2004... Absecon Lighthouse: This historic lighthouse, which was built in 1857, is located just minutes from the Boardwalk. At a height of 171 feet, the lighthouse is the tallest in New Jersey. 31 S. Rhode Island Ave.; (609) 449-1360;...

On the town: from high-stakes gaming to intimate dinners for two, there's something in Atlantic City to suit everyone's fancy.
January 16, 2004... If a city is going to make the claim that it is "always turned on," it better have the quantity and quality of must-see places to go and things to do to back up its assertion. In this case, Atlantic City truly delivers. Situated along the...

Schedules: find all the Atlantic City show seminars and events here.(Calendar)
January 16, 2004... Put on your thinking caps! The 2004 Atlantic City Pool & Spa Show's education program boasts an impressive 75 seminars--up from 58 last year. Besides offering a hard-hitting slate of technical courses, organizers have amped up their coverage of...

Southern hospitality: the 2004 Southeastern Pool & Spa Show extends a warm welcome.
January 16, 2004... A unique blend of tradition and innovation has timed the steady growth of the 2004 Southeastern Pool & Spa Show over the past few years. Sponsored by NSPI Region 10, the event is expected to attract approximately 1,200 people to the...

3M colorquartz aggregate.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by 3M Co. Features: granules colored with a ceramic coating: product is designed to be used as an added ingredient in pool plaster to create colorful, durable exposed aggregate finishes; 14 colors; two sizes; available in 50-pound bags...

Aquapro air-driven grinder.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by Aquavations Corp. Features: designed to handle a variety of applications, from light buffing to heavy polishing work: powerful motor with light, weight aluminum housing to reduce operator fatigue, per maker Contact: Aquavations...

Pool finishes and deck coatings.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by C.L. Industries Features: pool plaster, exposed aggregate pool finishes, deck coatings, cements, grouts and bonding agents for commercial and residential pools Offerings: protected territories, free marketing assistance and...

AquaGuard 5000.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by Aquatic Technologies Features: two-part epoxy is designed to provide a protective coating for pools, spas, steel cement or fiberglass; available in a variety of colors and styles Offerings: 15-year warranty: exclusive and...

S220 skid-steer loader.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by Bobcat Co. Features: 2,200-pound-rated operating capacity; 75hp Kubota turbo-charged diesel engine: 5,500 ft. lb. of lift breakout force, 6.500 ft.-lb, of tilt breakout force; lift height of 122A inches: 20.7 gpm standard auxiliary...

Deck-O-Seal.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by Deck-O-Seal Features: premium-grade pourable, self-leveling firm, flexible, tear-resistant joint sealant, according to manufacturer Contact: Deck-O-Seal, Hampshire, Ill (800) 542-7665 Write 187 on Postage-Free Card ...

Powerhouse concrete cleaner.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by AquaMagic Features: liquid concrete cleaner Is designed to help builders keep concrete clean and free from stains during construction or renovation work; concentrated cleaner is biodegradable, nonflammable and noncorrosive, per maker;...

Decorative concrete.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by Bomanite Corp Features: decorative concrete in more than 100 patterns and an extensive palette of colors Contact: Bomanite Corp, Madera, Calif. (559) 673-2411 Write 185 on postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Sure-foot.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by Environmental Coating Systems Features: decorative, nonskid topping for old or new concrete, asphalt, tile and terrazzo Contact: Environmental Coating Systems, Laguna Beach, Calif (800) 255-3325 Write 188 on postage-Free Card...

AQ series coping.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by Federal Stone Industries Features: available in various sizes, radii, colors and textures; designed to meet virtually any remodeling or renovation need; radius chart included to aid the installer in figuring curves Contact: Federal...

Dura white.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by Huber Engineered Materials Features: company's Dura White product is designed to deliver bright, white, durable plastered surface Contact: Huber Engineered Materials, Atlanta (770) 607-3345 White 192 on Postage-Free Card ...

Package pool wall panels.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by Kafko Intl. Features: Flex Polymer Wall System is available in height of 42 inches, which allows a 3-foot water depth in the shallow end of the pool: panel also comes in 48 inch-high panels for water depths of 6 inches or more; ideal...

MVC-64 vibratory plate compactor.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by Multiquip Features: 2,257 pounds of compaction force; travels up to 82 feet per minute, per maker; dual bottom plates for extended life; two gasoline engine options; 10.6 quart water tank Contact: Multiquip, Carson, Calif. (800)...

Fiberglass pool resurfacing.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by Fibre Tech Features: company offers fiberglass pool resurfing services; six step, hand-laid installation process reduces costs of pool maintenance, per manufacturer Offerings: 25 year warranty and exclusive territories Contact:...

Pool mix.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by Imerys Features: product is a high white marble, ground to a specific aggregate for inground pools; when formulated with white cement, the product is designed to provide a smooth finish for years Contact: Imerys, Roswell, Ga, (800)...

White cement.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by Lehigh Cement Co. Features: company offers white portland cement for pool plaster; ASTM-certified, per maker Contact: Lehigh Cement Co., White Cement Division, Allentown, Pa. (610) 366-4600 Write 196 on Postage-Free Card ...

NataClad package pool systems.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by Natare Corp. Features: available in polished stainless steel--or NataClad hard bonded PVC laminated to stainless steel with optional stainless steel overflow gutters or ceramic tile bullnose and overflow gutter; ceramic tile waterline...

Airplaco 914.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by Gunite Supply and Equipment Co. Features: available as either truck-mounted or trailer unit for concrete, 8unite and shotcrete; bulk materiaLs capacity is 12 to 14 cubic yards; production capacity is 20 cubic yards; designed to increase...

Pool depth & safety markers.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by Inlays Mfg. Features: depth and safety markers now are available in ceramic tile, vinyl stick-on and glass overlays; reaches depths up to 14 feet on a single tile; smooth and skid-resistant surfaces available: metric depths also offered...

Pool plastering trucks.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by Macalite Equipment Features: truck features a Putzmeister plaster pump with a 37hp diesel engine and Hydra-Flow plaster mixer; one diesel engine runs both plaster pump and mixer; mixer has forward, neutral, reverse and variable speed...

Pool finishes.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by National Pool Tile Group Features: company offers naturally tumbled pebble finishes in a variety or colors and pebble sizes; designed to form a smooth, durable surface; stain resistant finish Contact: National Pool Tile Group,...

Pool and deck coatings.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by Nelsonite Pool and Deck Coatings Features: company offers a variety of quality pool and deck coatings Contact:. Nelsonite Pool and Deck Coatings, Los Angeles (800) 544-1998 Write 201 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION...

Acrylic-polymer cementitious surfacing.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by Perma-Crete Features: three-part. acrylic-polymer cementitious surfacing system; available in 150 colors; sealed, nonporous surface; designed to resist chemicals and weather Offerings: on-site, in-house training: brochures; 10 year...

Ultra poly one coat.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by Poly Solutions Features: company offers a one-coat hybrid epoxy coating for concrete fiberglass, metal and previously Contact: Poly Solutions Inc., Gibsonia, Pa. (724) 449-1040 Write 203 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION...

Carrousel pump 15010TBM-3-GAM.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by Quikspray Features: designed for spraying heavy-bodied commercial coating; peristaltic pump requires little maintenance and is suitable for pumping many aggregated and fibered products, per maker Contact: Quikspray Inc., Port Clinton,...

A30HP shotcrete pump.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by Reed Mfg. Features: sprays concrete efficiently with a Rexroth hydrautic pump; also features the true reverse S-tube, which is safer than ball valves, per maker Offerings: training available Contact: Reed MRS., Chino, Calif...

P-305 line pump.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by Schwing America Features: trailer pump features patentee Schwing Rock Valve and hydraulic components for reliability and consistency; 5-inch material cylinders combine with a 30-inch stroke for smooth, steady line pours: designed to...

Colored quartz aggregate.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by Southern Grouts and Mortars Features: colored aggregate is designed for use in pools, spas and fountains; made of natural quartz; available in blue, teal and black quartz; unaffected by pool chemicals, resists permanent staining, won't...

White cement, pool sand.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by TXI/Riverside Cement Features: company offers durable, quality white cement, steel, aggregates, concrete and pool sand Contact: TXI/Riverside Cement, Ontario, Calif, (909) 635-1800 Write 210 on Postage-Free Card ...

S-1 mobile.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by Spray Force Mfg Features: company offers hydraulic mixers with diesel or gas engines Offerings: custom alterations Contact: Spray Force Mfg., Fresno, Calif. (800) 824-8490 Write 208 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION...

Uni-Weld Pool Tite PVC cement.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by United Elchem Industries Features: company offers Uni-Weld Pool-Tite PVC cement; cleaners, primers and accessories also available Contact: United Elchem Industries Inc., Dallas (972) 241-6601 Write 211 on Postage-Free Card ...

Gutter systems for pools.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by Superior Swim Systems Features: stainless steel integral gutters for pools; according to the company, the product is designed to promote cleaner water, less piping in the pool and faster building Contact: Superior Swim Systems Inc.,...

Interior and exterior concrete resurfacing.(Construction Products)
January 16, 2004... by Versatile Building Products Features: company offers several decorative flooring options, including concrete overlays, industrial epoxy systems and decorative epoxies; Versa-Crete stampable concrete mortar and Kwik-Top resuffacing...

Aqua Jet pool cleaner.(Automatic Cleaners)
January 16, 2004... by Aqua Jet Features: automatic pool cleaner features Hydroscrub power-washing jets designed to blow debris off pool walls and bottoms using directed water pressure; cleaner then removes debris from the pool into an onboard filter bag ...

Ultra-vac automatic pool vacuum.(Automatic Cleaners)
January 16, 2004... by Doughboy Recreational Features: designed for use with any coved inground or above-ground pool from 3- to 9-feet deep; engineered for easy use and cleaning effectiveness; vacuums up debris on pool bottom and sidewalls Contact:...

Hayward navigator and Hayward viper pressure cleaner.(Automatic Cleaners)
January 16, 2004... by Hayward Pool Products Features: Navigator pool cleaner features a 40 percent larger intake, faster cleaning time and improved programmed steering with SmartDrive technology; Viper High-Performance Pressure Cleaner features a 41 percent...

Aquabot turbo T2 and T4.(Automatic Cleaners)
January 16, 2004... by Aqua Products Features: cleans any size pool, configuration or surface type in just one hour, per maker; the cleaners are designed to brush, power-wash, vacuum and microfilter pools from floor to waterline, including most stairs and...

Magnum automatic pool vacuum.(Automatic Cleaners)
January 16, 2004... by Embassy Pool Co. Features: powerful automatic vacuum is designed to clean both large above-ground pools and inground pools with deep and/or shallow areas; cleans most pool sidewalls Contact: Embassy Pool Co. Southhaven, Miss. (662)...