Pool & Spa News articles from January 2005

Pool & Spa News archives from January 2005

Zodiac to buy Polaris.(Making News)
January 17, 2005... The Zodiac Group has signed an agreement to acquire Polaris Pool Holdings Corp. and its subsidiaries for 250 million Euros (~$333 million). The acquisition will take effect in the first quarter of 2005. Vista, Calif.-based Polaris will join...

Duties to be levied on chemicals.(Making News)
January 17, 2005... The U.S. Department of Commerce has made a preliminary ruling that Chinese and Spanish producers/exporters of chlorinated isocyanurates have sold the chemicals at unfair prices in the U.S. market. Commerce officials determined that Spanish...

Time for a new code.(Reflections)
January 17, 2005... Over the past couple of years, tort reform has been increasingly talked about as more and more people are affected and jury awards continue to mount. My own views on the topic have gone back and forth, depending on who I've talked with and what...

Avoiding future tragedies.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
January 17, 2005... I look forward to your publications more than other industry news because of your attention to safety. I've read your Homeowners' Guide to Pool Safety, as well as recent pool electrocution articles. Your attention seems to center on older...

Inside scoop from an inspector.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
January 17, 2005... Re: "The Inspectors" article (11/1/04). Six years ago, I sold my pool construction business to pursue inspections and forensics (expert witness) full-time. Since then, I've inspected more than 1,000 pools. I don't use a checklist (that the...

Researchers speak out.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
January 17, 2005... Re: the letter titled "What's Next for Spot 'Etching' Studies? (11/1/04). We would like to clarify our studies in question for your readers. First, the National Plasterers Council did not conduct, but rather, funded the study dealing with...

Google me not: search engines hold onto information for years. Here's how to make sure your company's private data stays off the Web.(Making News)
January 17, 2005... It's a new year--time to start from scratch and leave past mistakes behind you and your company, right? Think again. The Internet seems to never forget. Search engines such as Google and Yahoo! can store "snapshots" of Web sites in their...

APSP N.E. Affiliate completes first CPB course.
January 17, 2005... The APSP Northeast Affiliate (aka Northeast Spa & Pool Association) held the first official APSP Certified Building Professionals course Nov. 15-19. Thirty-one builders, service technicians, salespeople and landscape designers traveled to NESPA...

Chlorine gas rules amended.
January 17, 2005... A recent amendment to the International Fire Code and the Uniform Fire Code eliminates the need for a scrubbing system when storing or using 150-pound cylinders or l-ton containers of liquefied chlorine gas. A scrubbing system consists of a...

Hoffinger loses first appeal. (Making News).
January 17, 2005... A California appellate court let stand a $12.5 million decision against aboveground-pool manufacturer Hoffinger Industries. The case sprang from a 1993 incident in which then-11-year-old Leesa Bunch of Orland, Calif., dove into a family...

Another plaster study.
January 17, 2005... The Tucson, Ariz.-based pool research and consulting firm onBalance has released a study that it said differentiates between pool plaster "soft spots" and spot etching. The findings conclude that soft spots are caused by calcium chloride,...

New entrapment standard omits SVRS's.(Making News)
January 17, 2005... The initial phase in creating the industry's first suction-entrapment avoidance standard is nearly complete, but the process has not been without controversy. The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals sent the first draft of standard...

Lochinvar aids habitat for humanity.
January 17, 2005... The Second Annual Black Bag Big Bass Tournament, a fund-raiser for Habitat for Humanity of Wilson County, Tenn., got a big boost from Lochinvar Corp. The Lebanon, Tenn.-based maker of pool heaters, boilers and residential water heaters was a...

Aquascape designs announces pond contest winners.
January 17, 2005... Deck and Patio Co. in Huntington Station, N.Y., took home the grand prize in Aquascape Designs' 2004 Photo Contest. The contest awards participating dealers for outstanding installations of the company's line of ponds. Deck and Patio Co....

Three firms sued for Baker entrapment: one settles.(Making News)
January 17, 2005... A lawsuit was filed against three pool companies for the entrapment death of 7-year-old Virginia Graeme Baker, granddaughter of former Secretary of State James Baker. According to the plaintiffs, on June 15, 2002, the child was entrapped...

Wet weather tough on home building.(Making News)
January 17, 2005... New-home building slowed as extremely wet weather put construction on hold in many areas. Housing starts declined to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.77 million units in November 2004, which was 13.1 percent below October's 2.04 million...

Swimming in slime: a group of researchers discover swimming in syrup is as easy as in water.(Making News)
January 17, 2005... Duane Proell's reaction caught University of Minnesota professor Edward L. Cussler off guard. When Cussler approached the school's aquatics center director in the summer of 2003 and asked to fill a 25-yard university pool with a gooey...

Federal Reserve ups interest rates.
January 17, 2005... The Federal Reserve Board raised the short-term federal funds rate to 2.25 percent from 2 percent in December. The widely expected raise was the fifth consecutive rate increase in 2004. Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said the economy...

Anthony & Sylvan buyout approved.
January 17, 2005... In December, majority shareholders of Anthony & Sylvan Pools Corp. approved a previously announced management buyout proposal. Shareholders will receive $5.50 per share in cash for their Anthony & Sylvan common shares. The per-share price...

Jacuzzi's fourth-quarter profits up.
January 17, 2005... In the 2004 fourth quarter, Jacuzzi Brands Inc reported profits of $5.5 million, or $0.07 per share, up from a loss of $16.3 million, or $0.22 per share in the same period last year. Fourth-quarter sales were up 5 percent to $343.7 million...

New year is lookin' good.(Making News)
January 17, 2005... Most business sectors sound optimistic about 2005, and two key barometers--manufacturers and small-company owners--are downright chipper. The 600 respondents in Bank of America's Survey of Manufacturing Company CFOs were the most upbeat in...

Pool and spa industry stock market performance.(Making News)
January 17, 2005... Pool and Spa Industry Stock Market Performance Quotations are for December 20, 2004 Net Change Vol. Close from ...

Great Lakes names new chairman, acting CEO.
January 17, 2005... The Board of Directors at Great Lakes Chemical Corp. in Indianapolis announced that Nigel D.T. Andrews is the new nonexecutive chairman. He has served as an independent director on the board since 2000. Andrews holds senior executive roles at...

Blunck joins Marquis Corp.
January 17, 2005... Marquis Corp. of Independence, Ore., hired Maddie Blunck to the newly created position of corporate communications director. Blunck will work to strengthen the portable-spa manufacturer's communications base. Previously, she was media...

Aquascape Designs taps Weidman.
January 17, 2005... Rick Weidman has been named national programs manager at Aquascape Design Inc., a water gardening products manufacturer based in Batavia, III, He will coordinate the programs designed to help water-garden retailers improve their sales of...

Pentair's Aurther retires to Arizona.
January 17, 2005... Bill Aurther, Pentair Pool Products' heaters product manager, has retired, leaving behind a notable legacy. In 1957, he began his industry career as co-founder of Fleetwood Heaters in South El Monte, Calif. He served as general manager until...

Desmarais claims Victory.
January 17, 2005... Lynn Desmarais has joined Victory Plastics International's design team. She will design vinyl pool liner pat terns for the manufacturer of plastic film, sheeting, laminates and coated plastics. Previously, Desmarais worked at Omnova Solutions,...

The young and the restless: despite a prolific freshman year as CEO of NSPF, Tom Lachocki can't get no satisfaction.(People)
January 17, 2005... It's the middle of Expo week in Las Vegas, and Tom Lachocki is carefully guiding me through a session of NSPF's Certified Pool Operator Instructor course. It's almost time for a lunch break, but Lachocki is just getting started. He brings...

Credit report: how to take credit without stepping on others' toes.(Design Corner)
January 17, 2005... There's nothing like opening a prominent magazine and seeing your work, only to realize that your collaborator got credit, but you didn't. Or how about when you show your portfolio to a prospective client, who points to a project you're...

Moment of clarity: clarifiers not only keep pool water looking good, but they keep it safe and healthy, too. Here's a closer look at these service tech allies.(Technically Speaking)
January 17, 2005... Every customer expects their pool to look clean and clear. It s a reasonable expectation. And every service professional works tirelessly to achieve it. Water clarity is important for several reasons. The first one is somewhat obvious: the...

Barbecue Island.(New Products)
January 17, 2005... by Cal Flame Features: the Gourmet 3000 Sports Bar & Grill Barbecue Island now comes with upgradeable options such as three 17-inch, flat-panel, adjustable TVs; five-burner gas grills; griddle trays: wok station; smoke tray; and single or...

Aqua spinner.(New Products)
January 17, 2005... by Poolmaster Features: company offers this new twirl-n-whirl inflatable, which is designed to rock, roll and twist depending on the actions of the riders: constructed from translucent, ladder-style, descending cone-shaped sections capped...

Dupree bay spa.(New Products)
January 17, 2005... by One Spas Features: the latest from the company's line of curvilinear spas; features hydrotherapy for two people; SoftTouch Air Control System allows user to control air that is induced into jets; SoftTouch Luminosity Light Effects...

'Being' body mist.(New Products)
January 17, 2005... by Arch Chemicals Water Products Features: the "Being" line of body mists is the latest addition to the company's array of aromatherapy products: hydrating lotions are sprayed directly on the skin to infuse with moisture: nongreasy formula...

Aboveground-pool pump and filter.(New Products)
January 17, 2005... by Hayward Pool Products Features: XStream filter and PowerFlo Matrix pump are designed to service aboveground pools: filter's longer, more efficient life span is due to its extra-large body, which allows for equal distribution of debris,...

Madison Keywest.(New Products)
January 17, 2005... by Canadian General-Tower Ltd. Features: the newest addition to the company's Tower Collection of vinyl-liner patterns features a continuous volute border design to evoke elements of classical architecture; the tile's solid trim is...

AquaSure filtration media.(New Products)
January 17, 2005... by Hollingsworth & Vose Co. Features: filtration media is designed to offer high water-flow rates with minimal resistance; AquaSure Ag model incorporates antimicrobial protection into the fiber with silver-based Fosshield Antimicrobial...

Lock-down bleacher system.(New Products)
January 17, 2005... by Quaker Plastic Corp. Features: lock-down bleacher system for inground-pool resin steps; system offers stair support posts that are pulled into a vertical position and locked into place, creating more stability; product is preassembled...

Water master testing system.(New Products)
January 17, 2005... by BioLab Distributor Products Features: company introduces this water-testing system, which handles up to seven water parameters in 60 seconds and costs less than standard wet testing, per maker; developed originally for use in the...

Filter perfect.(New Products)
January 17, 2005... by Natural Chemistry Features: filter cleaner with highly concentrated, deep-cleaning solution is designed to remove deep-set oils, grease and scum buildup on filters; for use on the cartridge elements, DE grids and sand filters found on...

'SplashWorks'.(New Products)
January 17, 2005... by Pool Design Software Features: software program for pool design includes drawing shortcuts such as right-click for snap, horizontal and vertical cursor mode; cursor step sizes enable user to make faster and more accurate drawings, per...

Display boxes.(New Products)
January 17, 2005... by Walls + Forms Features: customized display boxes are intended to attract attention and enhance the appearance of products; square, radiused, rolled or formed displays are handcrafted; produced in a variety of plastic-laminated colors...

The wind in your sales.(Retailing)
January 17, 2005... Ah, the sweet science of selling. As another year slowly unfolds, pool and spa retailers continue their eternal quest for ways to sell more products, net higher profits and, in turn, grow their businesses. That's where Pool & Spa News'...

Frozen assets: five ways to keep your retail crew busy during winter months.(Retailing)
January 17, 2005... As leaves fall from the trees and winds blow cold, homeowners close down their pools and retreat inside to the warmth of crackling fireplaces. Their pools probably won't be given another thought until robins reappear and the first crocuses pop...

Apart from the rest: focusing on a single product category can boost sales and credibility. See how three retailers get the job done.(Retailing)
January 17, 2005... "Don't put all your eggs in one basket." It's common sense, right? Think again. In the pool and spa retailing industry, this old adage doesn't always hold true. Retailing experts say concentrating displays and marketing efforts around a...

Ringing in the new: five company owners want to hit new heights in the new year. Business experts suggest how that can be accomplished.(Retailing)
January 17, 2005... It's a brand-new year, which means a fresh opportunity to hit new peaks in the selling season. The time is now to reset last year's priorities and make new ones. From moving to a new location to changes in advertising strategies, pool and...

Boardwalk bound: the Atlantic City Pool, & Spa Show plans for smooth sailing this January.(Atlantic City Show Planner)
January 17, 2005... What does the Atlantic City Pool & Spa Show have in common with your neighborhood postal worker? Both can withstand rain, sleet and snow. Just ask attendees at last year's event. Preshow winter storms were no match for the hardy souls who...

Business for all seasons: what do you do when cold weather puts a damper on business? This Northeast pool-building firm takes advantage of additional opportunities.
January 17, 2005... The bottom line for building pools in the Northeast? "Once it gets cold, pools close. And that's it," says Mike Giordano, a pool builder in Pine Brook, N.J. "We have to get all of our work done as fast as possible." Another way the...

Attractions: an assortment of places to see and be seen when out and about in Atlantic City.
January 17, 2005... Absecon Lighthouse The lighthouse, which is just a few blocks from Atlantic City's Boardwalk, is well worth the visit. Built in 1857, the 171-foot structure is the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey and the third tallest in the United States....

It's all relative: the feel-good, family atmosphere of this New York retail store keeps its employees and customers happy--especially when the season gets busy.
January 17, 2005... Geraty Pools & Spa is a typical mom-and-pop store. It's family-run, with a long-standing reputation and an extremely loyal customer-base. Established in 1966, the Herkimer, N.Y., pool and spa retail and construction company anchors a...

Hit the jackpot: riches may await those who heed the siren call of the slots.
January 17, 2005... If you're headed for Atlantic City, odds are, you'll play the slot machines. You might not be a gambler per se; you may even think slot machines are an exercise in futility. But you'll play. You know you will. With their snazzy lights,...

The life aquatic: things have gone swimmingly for Doug Janowicz since he left his computer-based world behind.
January 17, 2005... Ten years ago, Doug Janowicz was a computer analyst. Then his company began downsizing. So he walked away from the high-tech world and turned, naturally, to, um, servicing pools and spas. "Swimming pools were just something that I loved. I...

Winning big: Atlantic City offers many ways to unwind, from luxury day spas and high-end shops to gourmet restaurants. You can even gamble.
January 17, 2005... It's hard to believe that a town as synonymous with casino gambling as Atlantic City, N.J., has only had legal gaming for 25 of its 150 years. Built at the turn of the 19th century, the Boardwalk spurred the addition of beachfront hotels,...

The more you know: a comprehensive listing of the Atlantic City Pool & Spa Show's educational offerings.(Calendar)
January 17, 2005... It's not always who you know; oftentimes, it's what you know that matters. And at this year's Atlantic City Pool & Spa Show, attendees will have plenty of opportunities to learn more. During its four-day run, the show's educational program...

Colorquartz ceramic-coated accent stones.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 17, 2005... by 3M Industrial Minerals Features: from the Colorquartz line of ceramic-coated products: stones are designed for use in pebble pool finishes: intended to blend with natural pebble to enhance the pool's water tones: made with inorganic...

AquaGuard 5000.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 17, 2005... by Aquatic Technologies Features: two-part epoxy provides protective coating for pools, spas, steel, cement or fiberglass; available in various colors and styles Offerings: B-year warranty Contact: Aquatic Technologies Inc.,...

Model D3522 hydraulic peristaltic pump.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 17, 2005... by Blastcrete Equipment Co. Features: product includes 1/3-cubic-yard mixer: 0-6 cubic yard output; mixes and pumps vermiculite/cement, pool plaster, pebble pool finishes, stucco, lightweight concrete, cellular concrete, mortar and more...

Ceramaquartz.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 17, 2005... by Aggregate Concepts Features: new blend of natural aggregate crystals fused with a pigmented ceramic coating is intended to add color dimension and smooth, slip-resistant texture to pool wails: durable against chemical, UV deterioration,...

Hydrazzo polished marble pool finish.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 17, 2005... by Aquavations Corp. Features: creates a smooth texture with the durability of exposed aggregates; designed to resist scale and algae Offerings: free marketing assistance and materials: display materials, extended warranties; training ...

T250 track loader.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 17, 2005... by Bobcat Co. Features: track loader has low ground pressure and is designed to work in sand, mud and other soft conditions: 250-pound-rated operating capacity; radius lift path for digging and grading; 81hp Kubota turbocharged diesel...

Acrylics, epoxies and urethanes.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 17, 2005... by AquaBond Features: company offers acrylics, epoxies and urethanes with gun-dispensing system; the gun system is available in 50 and 400-mil. size Contact: AquaBond, LLC, Placentia, Calif. (714) 961-1420 Circle 448 on...

Handcrafted ceramic mosaics.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 17, 2005... by Artistry in Mosaics Features: company offers handcrafted ceramic mosaics: more than 100 in-stock items from which to choose; "Pool Draw" mosaic design program (shown) available for 2005 Offerings: lifetime warranty on all mosaics ...

Decorative concrete.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 17, 2005... by Bomanite Corp. Features: decorative concrete is available in more than 100 patterns and an extensive palette of colors Contact: Bomanite Corp., Madera, Calif. (559) 673-2411 Circle 442 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION...

CrystalStones.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 17, 2005... by C.L. Industries Features: pebble finish is designed to combine the look of pebble aggregates with durability Offerings: free marketing assistance and materials; display materials; extended warranties Contact: C.L. Industries,...

CP7 aluminum coping for fiberoptic lighting.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 17, 2005... by Cinderella Features: all-aluminum construction: no PVC inserts: designed to hold numerous brands of perimeter fiberoptic cables Offerings: UPS shipping Contact: Cinderella Inc., Saginaw, Mich (989) 755-7741 Circle 440 on...

Pressure patch ultra bond.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 17, 2005... by Cobito Features: company offers a pressure patch that can be repositioned and is water-resistant: product is a spray adhesive for wail foam: designed for long tack time Offerings: free technical support for entire product line ...

Coping stone.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 17, 2005... by Creacon Co. Features: new precast, concrete coping stone is designed for durability; available in 15 standard colors: custom colors and designs also offered Contact: Creacon Co. Inc., Grandview, Mo. (888) 763-5774 Circle 438 on...

Deck-O-Shield.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 17, 2005... by Deck-O-Seal Features: protects against efflorescence and rust staining: product is water-based and designed to be transparent, non-yellowing and nonstaining; after application and complete drying, the surface appears unchanged, per...

Underwater repair putty.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 17, 2005... by Devcon Features: putty is a nonrusting, epoxy-based compound that penetrates moisture to form a permanent seal underwater, according to manufacturer; bonds to steel, iron, aluminum, brass, bronze, concrete, wood and selected plastics...

Pooldeck coating.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 17, 2005... by E-Z Products Features: professional grade pooldeck and patio coating, formulated with 45 percent acrylic and 3 percent epoxy; designed to be low sheen and easy to apply Offerings: brochures, literature and free instructional video...

AQ series coping.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 17, 2005... by Federal Stone Industries Features: available in various sizes, radii, colors and textures: designed to meet virtually any remodeling or ten ovation need; radius chart is included to aid the installer in figuring curves Contact:...

Pool cove.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 17, 2005... by Gladon Co. Features: pool cove is intended to add stability to aboveground pools by preventing the weight of the water in the liner from ballooning under the bottom of the wall; high-density, handcrafted, patented design Offerings:...

Dry mix gunite machine.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 17, 2005... by Gunite Supply and Equipment Features: Ridley C-10 dry mix gunite machine with heavy-duty drive train, multivein 9hp air motor, heavy-duty spur gear drive, continuous-feed hopper, exhaust suppression baffle, Positive-Lock tilt hopper and...

DuraWhite plaster product.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 17, 2005... by Huber Engineered Materials Features: product is designed to deliver a bright white, durable plastered surface Contact: Huber Engineered Materials, Atlanta (770) 607-3345 Circle 431 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION...

Pool mix.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 17, 2005... by Imerys Features: product is a high white marble, ground to a specific aggregate for inground pools: when formulated with white cement, the product provides a smooth, long-lasting finish, per manufacturer Contact: Imerys, Roswell,...

Step bullnose ceramic tiles.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 17, 2005... by Inlays Features: 5-by-10-inch step bullnose ceramic tiles are available with blue or black stripes; the clearly marked step edges are for safe pool entry, per maker; skid resistant Contact: Inlays Inc., Green Bay, Wis. (800)...

Polymer inground pools.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 17, 2005... by Kafko Mfg. Ltd. Features: this 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, surfaces are...

White cement.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 17, 2005... by Lehigh Cement Co. Features: company offers a white portland cement for pool plaster that is ASTM-certified, per maker Contact: Lehigh Cement Co., White Cement Division, Allentown, Pa. (610) 366-4600 Circle 427 on Postage-Free...

Pool plastering trucks.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 17, 2005... by Macalite Equipment Features: truck features a Putzmeister plaster pump with 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...

Clay coping bricks.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 17, 2005... by Marion Ceramics Features: new Cobblestone Grey, hard-fired, clay coping bricks for use around pools, spas and other waterfeatures; smooth, bullnose faces and cushion edges: available in five sizes Contact: Marion Ceramics, Florence,...

DuoScreed.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 17, 2005... by Multiquip Features: lightweight blade allows operator to strike off concrete efficiently, per maker, vibratory action embeds aggregate and reduces air voids in concrete, designed to be effective for standard form-to form or wet...

Pool plastering tools and pumps.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 17, 2005... by Nathan Kimmel Co. Features: a complete line of pool plastering tools, including pumps, parts, hoses, trowels, nozzles and plaster cleats is available Contact: Nathan Kimmel Co., Los Angeles (800) 421-0005 Circle 413 on...

StoneScapes pool finishes.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 17, 2005... by National Pool Tile Group Features: aggregate compound is designed to resist acid etching; premeasured and scientifically formulated for consistent color quality and results, available in a wide range of color choices Offerings:...

Pool finishes.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 17, 2005... by Pebble Technology Features: company presents a line of pebble pool finishes that includes Pebble Tec, Pebble Sheen and Pebble Fina Contact: Pebble Technology Inc., Scottsdale, Ariz. (800) 937-5058 Circle 421 on Postage-Free Card...