Pool & Spa News articles from January 2006

Pool & Spa News archives from January 2006

Housing market poses new challenges.(MAKING NEWS)
January 9, 2006... Recent data suggests that a more stable, yet leaner, housing market might be ahead for the construction and pool industries. Housing starts have fluctuated over the past two months. Construction fell 5.6 percent in October, the largest drop...

Hot Tub Council taps PR firm.(got spa?)
January 9, 2006... The APSP Hot Tub Council has hired a public relations firm to help launch a campaign designed to raise consumer awareness about portable spas. Last month, the council selected New York-based Gibbs & Soell Inc. to help develop the year-long...

Ring in the new.(REFLECTIONS)
January 9, 2006... Every January at Pool & Spa News, someone remembers to update the tag line on the cover of the magazine. As of today, it reads: "The Voice of the Industry for 45 Years." Forty-five years! This publication is older than most pool and spa...

Killer formula.(LETTERS)(Letter to the Editor)
January 9, 2006... The Nov. 14 article titled "Cryptosporidium Outbreak Sparks Class Action Suit" states that it takes nearly a week to destroy the parasite. This statement is only correct if you are maintaining the chlorine level at 1 ppm. Crypto has a CT...

A mind is a terrible thing to waste.(LETTERS)(Letter to the Editor)
January 9, 2006... Kudos to you on your column "Do The Right Thing" (Sept. 26 issue). Education is so important in this industry, yet few take advantage of all the offerings--and more is being made available all the time. Though your article was directed at...

Resource center: tapping into small-business networks can provide valuable services for your company.(MAKING NEWS)
January 9, 2006... Last year, when California signed into law a bill that would reform workers' compensation, Mike Geremia gave himself a pat on the back. Though the president of Geremia Pools Inc., a Pool & Spa News Top Builder in Sacramento, was never involved...

New energy policy offers tax incentives.(MAKING NEWS)
January 9, 2006... President George W. Bush signed an energy bill into law on Aug. 8 that contains a federal tax incentive program designed to encourage Americans to consider renewable energy options for their businesses. Some pool and spa industry members say...

New homes for a new year.(MAKING NEWS)
January 9, 2006... Housing starts rebounded from an October setback, increasing 5.3 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 2.12 million units in November. This pace is an impressive 17.5 percent above the same time last year. Specifically, construction...

Russian pool roof collapse kills 14.(MAKING NEWS)
January 9, 2006... The snow-covered roof of a Russian indoor swimming pool collapsed last month, raining debris down onto swimmers at the facility located in a Ural Mountains town. The accident occurred on Dec. 4 in the town of Chusovoi in the Perm region,...

Canadian show continues growth.(MAKING NEWS)
January 9, 2006... The Canadian Pool & Spa Conference & Expo exceeded last year's record-breaking numbers. "All the numbers that we track are up more than 10 percent," said Ben Lim, communications manager with the Pool and Hot Tub Council of Canada, formerly...

Small companies' optimism cools.(MAKING NEWS)
January 9, 2006... After an exuberant October, small-business optimism cooled in late autumn, dropping to 101.2 in November. Inflation fears may have been the cause, with firms raising their average selling prices in November. Fewer business owners reported...

World Aquatic Health Conference slated.
January 9, 2006... The Third World Aquatic Health Conference, sponsored by the National Swimming Pool Foundation, is set for Sept. 20-21, 2006, in Austin, Texas. An opening reception will occur the evening of Sept. 19 at the Radisson Hotel & Suites. "This is the...

Manufacturer and actor grant hot tub wish.
January 9, 2006... A 5-year-old boy with severe birth defects received a hot tub in December, courtesy of ThermoSpas and actor Dustin Diamond (Screech from "Saved By The Bell"). Sidney Bernabei of Dalzell, Ill., was born with frontal nasal dysplasia (nose split...

All clear for a cruise.
January 9, 2006... Pool Water Products rewarded its 2005 All Clear Professional dealers with a Mediterranean Cruise Nov. 5-12, 2005. They visited various cities in Spain, Monaco, France and Italy. Retailers interested in the 2006 All Clear Color Action program...

Paddock opens new locations.
January 9, 2006... Paddock Pools, Patios & Spas, a pool builder and outdoor living retailer based in Scottsdale, Ariz., has opened a new location in Chandler, Ariz. The 15,000-square-foot outdoor living superstore opened Nov. 12, 2005. Then, on Nov. 26, the...

Pool alarm system wins CES award.
January 9, 2006... AquaSonus, LLC, received the Consumer Electronics Association Innovations Design and Engineering Showcase Honoree Award in the software/embedded technology category for its passive-sonar pool alarm system. The company's system will be showcased...

Spatex operators day returns.
January 9, 2006... Organizers of Spatex '06, an exhibition for professionals in the pool, spa and sauna industry, have announced that they will again devote the final day of their show to managers of large and small commercial pool facilities. The 10th Annual...

Award-winning slime.
January 9, 2006... The Ig Nobel award recently went to Ed Cussler, a chemical engineer and professor at University of Minnesota. His experiments, which had swimmers trying to navigate through "goo," were reported by Pool & Spa News in the Jan. 17 issue, page 22....

Williams promoted at Super Vision.
January 9, 2006... Jacqueline Williams has been promoted a Super Vision International to the position of RMA supervisor. She will be responsible for technical support supervision, return merchandise authorization and warranty claims for the Orlando, Fla.-based...

Structure Studios hires Millen.
January 9, 2006... Butch Millen has been named Structure Studios' Western regional manager in the sales department. He will be responsible for nurturing relationships with pool builders, as well as overseeing the company's independent representatives on the West...

Hayward promotes Murray, Glibowski.
January 9, 2006... Hayward Pool Products Inc. of Elizabeth, N.J., has named Mark Glibowski district sales manager for the territories of southern New Jersey and Long Island, N.Y. Glibowski replaces John Murray, who accepted the position of national training...

Pentair appoints two technical specialists.
January 9, 2006... Pentair Water Pool and Spa of Sanford, N.C., has appointed Mark Barnett and Lamont Miller to technical positions. Barnett is the new technical service specialist, heat pumps, for the Florida region. He will serve as the company's field service...

Road Machinery hires Quintero, promotes Carillo.
January 9, 2006... Road Machinery Co. of Phoenix has hired Javier Quintero as account manager in Albuquerque, NM, and Robert Carillo has been promoted to account manager in the same location. Both will be responsible for sales and rentals of new and used Komatsu...

The graduate: this month, Shawn Wiseman will be the first ever to receive an online associate degree in aquatic engineering technology.(PEOPLE)
January 9, 2006... Shawn Wiseman gave advanced education the old college try, but it didn't stick. Eventually, he found work at a pool construction company and never gave school a second thought. It wasn't until the Orlando, Fla., resident came across an ad for...

Bridges of Maricopa County: one encircling pool, two bridges and six waterfeatures connect elevations and styles in this Scottsdale backyard.(DESIGN CORNER)
January 9, 2006... For this Scottsdale, Ariz., project, it was crucial that the designers select the right pool shape, waterfeature placement and materials. The homeowner wanted a naturalistic, free-form vessel. He also requested a long, straight lap pool....

Feeling the pressure: an automatic cleaner can be a pool tech's best friend or worst enemy. Here are some tips on how to keep pressure-side cleaners operating at peak performance.(TECHNICALLY SPEAKING)
January 9, 2006... Pressure-side automatic pool cleaners have gained popularity in recent years, becoming an industry unto themselves. They fall into two basic categories: one utilizes an auxiliary booster pump; the other relies on the pool's circulation pump....

See the light.(NEW PRODUCTS)
January 9, 2006... Custom Acrylic Lighting Design introduces handrail and ladder lighting systems for aesthetic and safety purposes; uses cast acrylic rod to light ladders and handrails; lighting system works with new construction as well as existing pools ...

East Coast charm.(NEW PRODUCTS)
January 9, 2006... New England Arbors' Newport Arbor is inspired by the traditional design of New England architecture; made of weather-proof vinyl; designed for easy assembly and installation; withstands moisture and insects; made to require only an occasional...

Stationary flows.(NEW PRODUCTS)
January 9, 2006... Aqua Control introduces free-standing technology; floating display aerators and fountains need a float to operate, but bowl fountains do not; company presents stationary aerators (shown) and fountains; more than 30 spray patterns available;...

Mighty clean.(NEW PRODUCTS)
January 9, 2006... Mytee Mitt now offers a pool and spa cleaning glove that is designed to clean better and scratch less; slices under the dirt, leaving the surface unmarred and unsoiled; flat fibers have three edges, so it takes little pressure to clean the...

Everyone wins.(New Products)
January 9, 2006... WinEstimator announces the launch of "Small Business Contractor," an add-on solution to Microsoft's "Small Business Accounting" (aka "SBA"); provides users of "SBA" with the ability to quickly create job estimates, and with increased accuracy;...

Decked out.(New Products)
January 9, 2006... Vinyl Works Canada introduces a 5-by-5-foot resin pool deck; composed of an anti-skid resin platform on a structural steel frame, with a resin handrail and post structure; includes both in-pool and ground to deck resin step-ladders and gate for...

Your choice.(New Products)
January 9, 2006... Florida Pool Products now offers Spa Choice, a full line of chemicals that includes bromine tablets, fragrances and highly formulated specialties for spa usage; pearlized packaging is designed with consumer appeal in mind Contact: Florida...

Little helper.(New Products)
January 9, 2006... L&B Innovations presents The Pool Caddy equipment organizer; holds brushes, nets, vacuums, hoses and poles, and attaches to walls or flat surfaces with two screws; made of molded ABS material with UV protection Contact: L&B Innovations...

A timely idea.(New Products)
January 9, 2006... Exaktime offers the newly redesigned Jobclock to track employee time and attendance; stores up to 10,000 records and downloads current or past employee attendance quickly; extended battery life can operate under harsh conditions; improved audio...

Under the covers.(New Products)
January 9, 2006... Commercial Fabrics has a new 5-by-4, walk-on spa cover; the 2-pound-density, tapered 5-to-4-inch foam inserts for weather roll-off; holds up to 500 pounds according to ASTM testing, per maker; heat-sealed in heavy-duty, 4-mil. black...

Here comes the sun.(New Products)
January 9, 2006... Solutions Group SA presents Sun Sorb, a patented foam in a consumer-friendly design that absorbs oils and dirt from pools and spas, eliminating dirty scum lines; place in the skimmer or free float; packaged in single and twin packs ...

Anti-freeze.(New Products)
January 9, 2006... Jedco Products presents the patented skimmer freeze protector LID'L SEAL, which provides a device that seals off the skimmer and exposed metal wall; snaps into the interior of the ridged mounting plate to winterize without the need to drain...

Fitting in.(New Products)
January 9, 2006... A complete selection of heavy-duty fittings now is available from Industrial Specialties Mfg.; made from reinforced nylon; the chemically resistant fittings handle up to 200 psi and 140 degrees Fahrenheit; suitable for air, vacuum and liquid...

Breaking the mold: casual furniture is coming out of its shell. These five hot trends show how.
January 9, 2006... In the casual furniture market, this is a pivotal time for retailers. Thanks to more active research and development departments, the products live up to customers' needs, says Petey Fleischut, owner of Casual Marketplace in Hockessin, Del. ...

Old world sizzle: European hot tub sales have soared in recent years. Will the trend continue?
January 9, 2006... Chris Brimley is overjoyed. Last year, the director of international business at Bullfrog International, LC, masterminded a partnership so potentially lucrative that it may help his Bluffdale, Utah-based company lead the world's luxury spa...

Stand out: here's a behind-the-scenes look at the pros and cons of private labeling.
January 9, 2006... Thirty-five years ago, Tom Hesselson's father was looking for something that would set his pool and spa retailing operation apart from the competition. Private labeling was a concept he thought could get the job done. "My father started...

Atlantic City Show planner.
January 9, 2006... If you're flocking to America's Playground for the 2006 Atlantic City Pool & Spa Show, be sure to take our guide, which highlights the action on the exhibit floor, in the classroom, around the casinos and out on The Boardwalk Show Stoppers...

Tell me about it ... stud: If you're into poker, try a hand of Caribbean Stud.
January 9, 2006... Poker has never been more popular. Besides all the private games held in back rooms throughout the country, there's "Celebrity Poker Showdown," The World Series of Poker, The World Poker Tour, "Ultimate Poker Challenge" and more. It's hard...

Patriotic plans: Al Rizzo hopes to give veterans specially equipped pools of their own.
January 9, 2006... Rizzo Pools in Newington, Conn., sprouted from rather humble beginnings. Owner Al Rizzo opened the business in 1955 with just $600 in the bank and a few pieces of equipment, including a compressor and a digger, from his father. Rizzo was...

On the menu: explore some of Atlantic City's popular dining destination spots.
January 9, 2006... While the casinos seem to hold the monopoly on restaurants, Atlantic City does feature a variety of stand-alone eateries that are worth a trip away from the glitz and gambling. The city is known for its excellent Italian fare and...

Smart start: get the season off to a strong start by taking advantage of the A.C. show's educational offerings.
January 9, 2006... As the industry enjoys a brief lull before the upcoming season, it's the perfect time for pool and spa professionals to hunker down and hit the books. And the Atlantic City Pool & Spa Show will give its attendees a variety of opportunities to...

3M Industrial Minerals.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: Colorquartz Ceramic-Coated Accent Stones Features: from the Colorquartz line of ceramic-coated products; stones are designed for use in pebble finishes; intended to blend with natural pebble to enhance the pool's water tones; made...

Aggregate Concepts.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: Ceramaquartz Features: blend of natural aggregate crystals fused with a pigmented ceramic coating are intended to add color dimension and smooth, slip-resistant texture to pool walls; durable against chemical and UV deterioration,...

Aquabond.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: Repair Compound Features: two-sandable and paintable epoxy is designed to be used on any vessel's surface; repairs fiberglass, plastic, aluminum and wood; dries white and cures in two to four hours, per maker; company also offers...

Aquatech Corp.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: Member-Owned Buying Group Features: membership in the buying group offers savings on equipment and supplies Contact: Aquatech Corp., Huntington Beach, Calif. (877) 283-2782 Circle 456 on Postage-Free Card ...

Aquavations Corp.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: Hydrazzo Polished Marble Pool Finish Features: creates a smooth texture with the durability of exposed aggregates; designed to resist spot etching, topical stains, permanent scale and algae Offerings: free marketing assistance...

Artistry in Mosaics.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: Pool Mosaics Features: company offers frostproof ceramic mosaic designs for pools Offerings: free 1/4-inch scale drafting stencil for use in placing mosaic designs in pool design layouts Contact: Artistry in Mosaics Inc.,...

Aurand Manufacturing & Equipment.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: Handheld Scarifiers Features: company presents handheld scarifiers in electric and pneumatic models; designed for coating removal and surface preparation; dust-free units also available Contact: Aurand Manufacturing &...

Blastcrete Equipment Co.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: Model D3522 Hydraulic Peristaltic Pump Features: product includes 1/3-cubic-yard mixer; has 0-6 cubic yard output;, mixes and pumps vermiculite/cement, pool plaster, pebble pool finishes, stucco, lightweight concrete, cellular...

Busby-Gilbert Custom Tile.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: Ceramic Tiles Features: company offers ceramic tiles, molding and decorative pieces; stoneware is durable and able to withstand extreme climactic conditions, per manufacturer Contact: Busby-Gilbert Custom Tile, Van Nuys,...

C.L. Industries.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: CrystalStones 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....

Colored Aggregate Systems.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: AquaGlow Features: chemical compound contains phosphorescent particles that absorb light energy from natural and artificial sources and then release it in the form of visible light; made to glow in the dark; available in green and...

Fairmount Minerals.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: Colored Aggregate Features: new colored aggregate is permanently colored to a variety of hues; once the coloring process is complete, the sand is engineered not to bleed, fade or change color, per maker; made of 100 percent...

Federal Stone Industries.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Products: AQ Series Coping Features: available in various sizes, radii, colors and textures; designed to meet virtually any remodeling need; radius chart is included to aid the installer in figuring curves Contact: Federal Stone...

Gunite Supply and Equipment.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: Gunite Hose Features: blue and red stripe hose includes 1 1/4-inch pure gum rubber reinforced by two braids of high-strength filament treated for maximum adhesion and a nonmarking abrasion resistant cover, working pressures up to...

Hercules Bulldog Sealing Products.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: O-Rings and Gaskets Features: company offers O-rings and gaskets for pool and spa pumps, filters and chlorinators Contact: Hercules Bulldog Sealing Products Inc., Clearwater, Fla. (866) 625-0560 Circle 445 on Postage-Free...

Imerys.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: Pool Mix 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,...

Imperial Pools Mfg. & Dist.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: Pool Construction Products Features: company makes and distributes steel inground pool kits, one-piece thermoplastic steps and vinyl liners for inground and aboveground pools; new line of pool-liner patterns for 2006 Contact:...

Inlays.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: Depth and Safety Markers Features: available in ceramic tile, vinyl stick-on and glass overlays; depths up to 14 feet on one tile; smooth and skid-resistant surfaces; metric depths also offered Contact: Inlays Inc., Green Bay,...

Jedco Products.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: Saddle Brace Features: adaptable concrete-filled deck support is engineered for easy installation; designed to saddle over any steel or polymer wall support;, allows concrete patios to be poured immediately while reducing the risk...

Lehigh Cement Co.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: White Cement Features: company offers 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 439 on Postage-Free...

Macalite Equipment.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: Pool Plastering Equipment Features: company specializes in pool plastering equipment; manufactures Hydra-Flow plaster mixers and distributes Putzmeister plaster pumps; product line includes plaster hoses, nozzles, easy-flow...

Mosaicos Venecianos De Mexico.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: Venetian and Byzantine Glass Mosaic Features: company offers Venetian and Byzantine glass mosaics; computerized and Byzantine glass mosaic murals available Contact: Mosaicos Venecianos De Mexico, S.A. de C.V. Morelos, Mexico...

Multiquip.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: Mayco C-30 Features: concrete pump has a 25-cubic-yard per hour capacity, per maker; pumps aggregate up to 1/2-inch diameter; 46hp Nissan gas or 39hp Deutz diesel engine options; frame integrated 18-gallon fuel tank Contact:...

Natare Corp.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: Commercial Pool Construction System Features: packaged NataClad commercial and public pools are engineered to combine the strength of Uniwall stainless steer construction with the colorful Natatec PVC to create a durable and...

NPT Pool Tile & Stone.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: Rock and Stone Products Features: company offers a variety of rock and stone products, such as hardscape decking and decorative stone finishing; resurfacing amenities include barbecues, walkways, retaining walls and the like ...

Plastimayd Corp.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: Pool Liner Construction Tools Features: company offers a full line of tools for pool liner renovations; products include high-powered vinyl vacs with auto shut-off for vac and water, drop-in steel steps and coping paint for coping...

Poly Solutions.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: Ultra Poly One Coat Features: one-coat hybrid epoxy coating for concrete, fiberglass, metal and previously painted pools Contact: Poly Solutions Inc., Gibsonia, Pa. (724) 449-1040 Circle 432 on Postage-Free Card ...

Quaker Plastic Corp.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: Curved Deck Drain Features: newest addition to company's 3-inch Water Hog deck drain line is designed to work with free-form pools and decks; made of all-weather PVC; mounts flush against the pool wall and comes ready for...

REED Shotcrete Equipment.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: Gunite Machine Features: company's gunite machine is designed to spray concrete evenly; nozzle is simple to operate, according to manufacturer Contact: REED Shotcrete Equipment, Chino, Calif. (888) 779-7333 Circle 430 on...

Rotor Clamp.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: Self-Compensating Hose Clamps Features: clamps expand and contract with the hose in response to temperature changes in the application; cannot be over- or undertightened, and can be easily removed by using manual or pneumatic...

Sau-Sea Swimming Pool Products.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: Paints Features: company offers VOC-compliant paint for pools, including rubber-base paint; comes in 14 colors; custom colors also available Contact: Sau-Sea Swimming Pool Products Inc., Southampton, N.J. (800) 472-8732 ...

Schwing America.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: HBV-260 Concrete Pump Features: concrete pump has a hydraulic ball valve; output to 70 cubic yards per hour; open loop hydraulics Contact: Schwing America Inc., White Bear, Minn. (888) 724-9464 Circle 427 on Postage-Free...

SGM.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: Southcrete Spray Deck Nite Brite Features: company offers a topical deck coating that glows in the dark; one-step system is composed of two components designed to be mixed at the job site; intended for aesthetic effect and safety...

Spray Force Mfg.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: Excalibur Hydra Pool Plaster Pump Features: completely hydraulic pump and mixer combo has a single 57hp diesel engine; 15 cubic foot hopper Contact: Spray Force Mfg. Inc., Fresno, Calif. (559) 291-3300 Circle 425 on...

Stegmeier Corp.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: Pool Forming Systems Features: company offers forming systems for pool edges, wall caps, step liners, and concrete counter tops Contact: Stegmeier Corp., Arlington, Texas (800) 382-5430 Circle 424 on Postage-Free Card ...

Tile Specialties.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: Depth Markers and Safety Tiles Features: company makes a line of depth markers and safety-related tiles for waterline and deck installation; screen-printed and kiln-fired at high temperatures to ensure permanence; designed to...

TXI/Riverside Cement Co.(Construction Equipment and Supplies)
January 9, 2006... Product: Riverside White Cement Features: cement is made for swimming pools, lagoons, reflecting pools and spas; designed to be durable Contact: TXI/Riverside Cement Co., Ontario, Calif. (909) 635-1800 Circle 422 on Postage-Free...