Pool & Spa News articles from July 2004

Pool & Spa News archives from July 2004

Hayward to acquire Goldline.
July 7, 2004... Hayward Pool Products Inc. is set to acquire Goldline Controls Inc. in a move that allows Hayward to offer a complete pool management system and product line, according to company officials. In June, Hayward signed a letter of intent to...

Cement shortage swells.
July 7, 2004... A cement shortage that began in Florida in early May is rolling steadily across the nation. Currently, high-construction areas along the East and West coasts are seeing especially tight supplies. The Portland Cement Association, a Skokie,...

The home buyer angle.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
July 7, 2004... The "No Boundaries" story (June 18 issue, page 48) was extremely informative and well-written. I am in the homebuilding industry and this information may come in handy to some of my home buyers. Jes Garner Builders Program Coordinator...

Why is that?(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
July 7, 2004... Maybe you can help me solve a dilemma that I have been trying to figure out for quite some time. Why is it that every time I sell a complete pool package (pool, liner, filter, etc.) to a customer, a few months later the same customer...

Listen up, bankers.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
July 7, 2004... Re: "Study Reveals Pools Add Value to Homes" (April 9 issue, page 1). Great article. Perhaps, though, it is the home appraisers and the home mortgage bankers who also need to hear this story. Many real estate agents are at the mercy of...

Spa afficionados.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
July 7, 2004... I am a senior advertising major at Hampton University in Hampton, Va., and I came across your Web site while searching the Internet for a class assignment. I found Rebecca Robledo's article "Going Mainstream" very helpful and insightful...

Camera phones: be on the alert so this new technology doesn't harm your company--or the industry.(Making News)
July 7, 2004... Spend enough time in public, and chances are good you'll see someone taking a picture using a cell phone. In fact, camera cell phones are so widespread that analysts predict there will be 1 billion of them worldwide in the next five years. ...

New date and site for S.E. show.
July 7, 2004... The Southeastern Pool & Spa Show is changing dates as well as venues The event will occur Jan. 11-15, 2005, at Atlanta's Cobb Galleria Convention Center and Renaissance Waverly Hotel. Traditionally held in early February, the show was moved up...

Paragon Pools sponsors pool safety campaign.
July 7, 2004... Las Vegas-based pool builder paragon Pools hosted the "Float Like a Duck" pool safety campaign at the Las Vegas Municipal Pool. Organized with the American Red Cross and the Las Vegas Department of Leisure Services, the campaign was designed to...

SCP makes S&P's Top 10.(Making News)
July 7, 2004... Standard & Poor's Equity Research Group has added SCP Pool Corp. to the S&P Top 10 portfolio, which includes companies considered to be the best candidates for capital gains over the next six to 12 months. SCP Pool, which carries S&P's...

Master Pools awards design honors.(Making News)
July 7, 2004... The Master Pools Guild gave out its 2003 Awards of Excellence earlier this year. The program garnered 312 entries in 27 categories. Thirty-two companies were given 200 honors. The top honor, the Grand International Award, went to...

A.O. Smith recalls spa pumps.
July 7, 2004... A.O. Smith Electrical Products Co., a manufacturer of pump motors, recently issued a recall of a pump motor installed in 25 Coast Mountain Spas brand units. The motors in the circulating pumps contain faulty capacitors that can overheat and...

Athletic field muddies Judge Judy's pool.
July 7, 2004... A power couple in the television-court world has complained about a field adjacent to their Greenwich, Conn., property. Judith and Gerald Sheindlin--she's known as Judge Judy and he's a former "People's Court" judge--said the neighbors built...

World War II Memorial: fountains add joy and dignity to a long-awaited monument.(Making News)
July 7, 2004... The World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., was dedicated May 29 amid much fanfare. Veterans spoke about their experiences with enthralled listeners, and a team of designers got to share the stage with the president of the United States. ...

Danaher Corp. announces 2-for-1 stock split.
July 7, 2004... Danaher Corp., parent of AquaChek Pool & Spa Test Strips, issued a two-for-one split of its common stock in May, bringing the company's shares outstanding as of June 14 to 308 million. The stocks were issued May 20 to shareholders on record as...

Flexible solutions completes Donlar Corp. acquisition.
July 7, 2004... Flexible Solutions International Inc. has completed its acquisition of all assets associated with Donlar Corp. of Bedford Park, Ill. The $6.15 million acquisition included a cash payment of $3 million June 9 and a $3.15 million promissory note...

Leading economic indicators rise.(Making News)
July 7, 2004... A closely watched barometer of future economic activity rose in May--and the stronger-than-expected showing suggests the economy will continue to expand. The Conference Board's Index of Leading Economic Indicators rose for the third...

Pool and Spa industry stock market performance.(Making News)
July 7, 2004... Quotations are for June 21, 2004 Pool and Spa Industry Stock Market Performance Vol. Close Net Change Symbol (100s) 6/21/04 from 5/28/04 NEW YORK...

Pentair's coats passes at 63.
July 7, 2004... Thirty-year pool industry veteran Dale Coats of Pentair Pool Products has succumbed to a stroke at the age of 63. In the early 1970s, he began as a field service technician at Purex and was quickly promoted to service manager. Coats also worked...

Sundance promotes Ramirez, hires Toby.
July 7, 2004... Sundance Spas has promoted Alfred Ramirez to warranty manager. After 13 years in the Quality Control and Warranty departments, Ramirez now manages and oversees all aspects of Sundance's warranty program. In other personnel news, Brandii Toby...

Clarification.(Correction Notice)
July 7, 2004... In the May, 7, 2004, issue, it was reported that Fred Shaw of Certol International was promoted to vice president of national sales. Shaw's current title is national sales manager Pool 6. Spa News received the information in error.

Competitive intelligence: for 12 years, PK Data president Bil Kennedy has sought the elusive statistics this industry wants.(People)
July 7, 2004... Bil Kennedy knows more about the pool and spa market than most. For instance, did you know that nearly 50 percent of hot tub owners are college graduates? Are you aware that the Alaskan swim season only lasts nine days? Kennedy knows. For...

NSPI finalizes conference agenda.(Making News)
July 7, 2004... The National Spa & Pool Institute has finalized its agenda for the upcoming 16th Annual Industry Leadership Conference--and it includes an eclectic slate of speakers as well as data gleaned from a recent pool and spa consumer survey. The...

Housing starts unaffected by temperatures.(Making News)
July 7, 2004... Housing starts were virtually unchanged in May, down by less than 1 percent from April. Currently at a seasonally adjusted annual pace of 1.97 million units, housing starts saw a substantial gain in the West. Economists are optimistic, though,...

Aqua series fractional aerator.(New Products)
July 7, 2004... by Otterbine Barebo Features: new aerator with air-cooled motor is designed to limit hydraulic loss associated with water- and oil-lubricated motors for increased energy efficiency; snap-in light pockets for addition of company's...

Tracer pocketester.(New Products)
July 7, 2004... by LaMotte Co. Features: waterproof, pocket-sized digital water tester measures for salt, TDS and temperature; sodium chloride and TDS ranges from 0 to 9,999 ppm; temperature range covers 32 degrees to 149 degrees Fahrenheit;...

Bear paw commercial pool slide.(New Products)
July 7, 2004... by Spectrum Aquatics Features: commercial pool slides for recreational pool facilities; made with noncorrosive, 304L stainless steel superstructures and 27-inch-diameter UV-stabilized polyethylene flumes; flume colors include red, blue or...

Iridescent vinyl-liner border.(New Products)
July 7, 2004... by Imperial Pools Mfg. & Dist. Features: company introduces vinyl-liner pattern with new iridescent tile border; blue-hued pattern features a combination of coarsely engraved square tiles with inlay of smooth diamond-shaped tile in center;...

Clearview scent-trific chlorine.(New Products)
July 7, 2004... by Oreq Corp. Features: company offers low-odor chlorine tablets; trichlor tabs are produced without specialized drying process or other impurities that might cause higher levels of odor, per maker; product bucket is injected with a citrus...

Each a work of art.(Reflections)
July 7, 2004... Welcome to the Pool & Spa News Masters of Design issue. Assembling this edition has been extremely challenging and a lot of fun--and I'm pleased to say it reflects some of the best of what our industry has to offer. There were hundreds...

The artist: Paul Benedetti.(Concrete Renovation)
July 7, 2004... THE CANVAS: A swatch of lawn, a retro pool in need of renovation THE PALETTE: Earth tones with streaks of green, tiny spillways, a cover box hidden by flagstone THE MASTERPIECE: Details, details, details; visual high jinks; understated water...

The artists: Adam Alstott & Scott Redmon.(Concrete Pools)
July 7, 2004... THE CANVAS: Longtime colleagues, a movie-set courtyard, hints of Europe THE PALETTE: Black coping, a floor of gold and rust, stone mosaic waterline tile THE MASTERPIECE: Dramatic color contrast, a river runs through it, pure grace RELATED...

The artist: Steve Oliver.(Concrete Pools)
July 7, 2004... THE CANVAS: A stark desert setting, heat, light, limitless possibilities THE PALETTE: Shiny black rock, flowers flashing sudden orange, jungle dreams THE MASTERPIECE: The harsh, haunted life force of Mayan ruins meets the sleek comfort of...

The artists: Jim Mowry & Bill Bauer.(Concrete Pools)
July 7, 2004... THE CANVAS: An endless backdrop of rolling emerald, a view to forever, a true cliffhanger THE PALETTE: Warm floating teak to lift the spirits, aqua ice to soothe the soul, limestone etched by trade winds long ago THE MASTERPIECE: Forest...

Instant 3D: Pool Studio[TM] gives designers a real advantage, its "Design in 2D, View in 3D" technology being the key to more pool sales.
July 7, 2004... It has always been difficult for home owners to look at a pool drawing and imagine that pool actually in their backyard. But now computers are finding use in the pool industry other than balancing checkbooks and writing e-mail. Using the latest...

The artists: Brian Van Bower & Bill Taylor.(Concrete Pools)
July 7, 2004... THE CANVAS: A hidden pool, a hillside home on stilts, a desire to be visible THE PALLETE: Perimeter-overflow spa, flagstone deck, rhapsody in blue THE MASTERPIECE: A radiused curve so graceful it breaks your heart and mends it again in a single...

The artist: Michael D. Manley.(Concrete Renovation)
July 7, 2004... THE CANVAS: Retro glass blocks, an '80s pool in need of renovation, a lonely bubbler THE PALETTE: Russet and jade, sparkling sheer descents, toys for the most important hostess THE MASTERPIECE: Old World Italy meets Mediterranean warmth,...

The artist: John Lambert.(Fiberglass Pools)
July 7, 2004... THE CANVAS: Southern bayou, drenched soil, massive trees THE PALETTE: French Quarter flairs, a woman's curves, the warmth of crimson brick THE MASTERPIECE: A backyard brimming with romance, a mold is broken RELATED ARTICLE: A little spice...

The artist: John Dubyoski.(Fiberglass Pools)
July 7, 2004... THE CANVAS: Rocky site, steep elevation, five species of bamboo THE PALETTE: Centuries of stone, an arcing mosaic, church light THE MASTERPIECE: A hint of old Europe, pitch-perfect curves, a project that reminds us everything has shades of gray...

Pool cover specialists (PCS): a company on a roll!(Masters Of Design Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
July 7, 2004... Formed in 1984 as a pool-cover maintenance company and manufacturer of upgraded replacement parts for various automatic cover systems, the company began manufacturing the earliest version of its own automatic cover system, the Solar 2000 in...

The artist: Jason Lott.(Fiberglass Pools)
July 7, 2004... THE CANVAS: Parched Utah plains, rocky soil, a technical riddle THE PALETTE: Stacked cantilever deck, handcrafted European glass, leaf-filtered light THE MASTERPIECE: Minimalism perfected, a true marvel of engineering, an indoor, sun-drenched...

The artists: Doug Gillespie & Juergen Partridge.(Portable Spas)
July 7, 2004... THE CANVAS: An enchanted forest of cedar and pine, tiny space, tricky access THE PALETTE: Flagstone patio, geometric pond, cascading waterfall THE MASTERPIECE: A secret stone garden, nature's balm for the weary soul RELATED ARTICLE: An...

The artists: Laurie & Bruce Milton, Steve Pondelis & Samuel Van Dam.(Portable Spas)
July 7, 2004... THE CANVAS: An inviting deck. Tranquil waters, rustic seaside scenery THE PALETTE: Warm Ipe wood, wraparound relaxation bench and a privacy wall THE MASTERPIECE: A design as clean and spare the mind of a Zen master, secluded getaway for the...

The artist: Peter Lavenson.(Portable Spas)
July 7, 2004... THE CANVAS: New England panorama, a three-way collaboration, warmth in winter THE PALETTE: Bluestone and slate, secret trap doors, a house of glass THE MASTERPIECE: A portable spa blends perfectly into its setting, a marvel of masonry, Nature's...

The artist: Dave McKibben.(Portable Spas)
July 7, 2004... THE CANVAS: A land of extremes, ancient desert, forever sky THE PALETTE: Rich, black granite, a touch of redwood, tropical accents THE MASTERPIECE: A free-form deck that spills like water across the thirsty ground RELATED ARTICLE: Nature's...

The artist: Michael Hall.(Vinyl-Liner Pools)
July 7, 2004... THE CANVAS: A modern fairy-tale, palace, calm order and symmetry THE PALLETTE: Unusual materials, touches of sapphires, overflow system THE MASTERPIECE: Grand and venerable with a touch of whimsy RELATED ARTICLE: A classical design in a...

The artist: Randy Rodecker.(Vinyl-Liner Pools)
July 7, 2004... THE CANVAS: A grove of oaks and maples, rustic meets suburbia, a geometric puzzle THE PALETTE: Bluestone pavers, handcrafted, bull-nose coping, natural rock table and chairs THE MASTERPIECE: Hybrid design, dreamy lagoon, racer's paradise ...

The artist: Dan Inderbitzen.(Vinyl-Liner Pools)
July 7, 2004... THE CANVAS: Pure American suburbia, fields of green, a physical challenge THE PALETTE: Poured concrete cantilever [edges, brick-accented retaining wall, natural field stone waterfeature THE MASTERPIECE: Abundant textures children laughing, a...

The artist: Anthony Boglino.(Vinyl-Liner Pools)
July 7, 2004... THE CANVAS: Gentle slopes lush deciduous woods, canopy of evergreens THE PALETTE: Red brick and Cambridge paver stones, genuine moss rock THE MASTERPIECE: High-end body, blue-collar heart, verdant wooded oasis RELATED ARTICLE: The customer...

Building a better safety cover.
July 7, 2004... In an ever changing swimming pool market, one thing remains constant. Safety is a foremost concern of builders, retailers, manufacturers and potential and existing pool owners. Although no one wants to talk about the possible and controllable...

The artist: Greg Mash.(Aboveground Pools)
July 7, 2004... THE CANVAS: Sea-salt air, shifting sand, a space too small THE PALETTE: Cool azure tile, sun-drenched pine deck, 52-foot vanishing edge THE MASTERPIECE: A dynamic interplay of materials, Caribbean tropics meets the Carolina lowlands, the...

The artists: Barry Vineberg & Dario Valencia.(Aboveground Pools)
July 7, 2004... THE CANVAS: The deep brood of the North Atlantic, rocky soil, a swift slope on the water's edge THE PALETTE: Custom black vinyl liner, gray composite wood, an ambling trail of bluestone THE MASTERPIECE: Sleek New York panache, a moody foray...

The artist: Scott Rolenc.(Aboveground Pools)
July 7, 2004... THE CANVAS: Patchy Midwest farmland, silty soil, hidden treacheries THE PALLETE: Tans and taupes, country-style deck, lush landscaping THE MASTERPIECE: A balanced blend of materials, salt-of-the-earth simplicity, a heartland hideaway ...

The artists: James Morgan & Greg Trutza.(Waterfeatures)
July 7, 2004... THE CANVAS: Arid landscape, a hillside terrain, a postcard-perfect mountain view THE PALETTE: Winding gunite aqueducts, golden travertine marble, a desert oasis encircled in cool waters THE MASTERPIECE: A classic Old World idea, a New...

The artist: Randy Bauer.(Waterfeatures)
July 7, 2004... THE CANVAS: Sparse suburban half-acre, the base of a mountain, unlimited possibilities THE PALETTE: Natural stone, forest shrubbery, rushing water, a private rock grotto THE MASTERPIECE: sibilant swooshing sounds, aquatic acrobatics, enveloping...

The artist: Scott Cohen.(Waterfeatures)
July 7, 2004... THE CANVAS: A tightly bowed cul-de-sac, petite yard space, Southern California's suburban flatland THE PALETTE: Remnants of fine wine, twinkling lights, custom 3-D tiles THE MASTERPIECE: An intoxicating waterfeature, the enduring appeal of a...

The artists: Cheryl Price & Clarke Price.(Waterfeatures)
July 7, 2004... THE CANVAS: Small grassy lot, a vacant wall, a need for rejuvenation THE PALETTE: The strength of Pennsylvania stone, the beauty of blue Venetian glass, the warmth of an outdoor fireplace THE MASTERPIECE: Three shimmering falls, two gracious...

The artist: Randy Tumber.(Waterfeatures)
July 7, 2004... THE CANVAS: Verdant green, farm land of a long-ago hay field THE PALETTE: Cascading waterfalls, impeccably placed rocks THE MASTERPIECE: Replicating Mother Nature's charm, life celebrated RELATED ARTICLE: A well-crafted,...

Occidental, Clearon win trade victory.(Making News)
July 23, 2004... In a June 28 decision, the U.S. International Trade Commission found sufficient cause to investigate unfair pricing tactics by Chinese and Spanish manufacturers and importers of pool chemicals. After a lengthy hearing in early June, the ITC...

Cal Spas faces city in lawsuit.(Making News)
July 23, 2004... The city of Pomona, Calif., has filed a lawsuit against Cal Spas over a parcel of land recently owned by the company. The suit claims that Cal Spas obstructed the city's effort to secure a 13-acre property it wanted to use as a waste...

Beyond our borders.(Reflections)
July 23, 2004... "For those who have seen the Earth from space, and for the hundreds and perhaps thousands more who will, the experience most certainly changes your perspective. The things that we share in our world are far more valuable than those which divide...

Nailed by lumber: costs for wood products have nearly doubled in the past year, forcing builders to adjust prices.(Making News)
July 23, 2004... Steel, oil, cement--the prices for these commodities have soared during the past year. Recently, lumber joined their ranks. Prices for lumber and related wood products have reached near all-time highs in the first six months of 2004,...

Expo to feature 'Live Workshops'.
July 23, 2004... NSPI's councils for builders and service technicians plan to host "Live Workshops" at the 2004 International Pool & Spa Expo in Las Vegas. The workshop demos are intended to provide participants with education and hands-on training in a job...

NESPA awards scholarship.
July 23, 2004... The H.G. "Duke" Ellington Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by the Northeast Spa & Pool Association, has been awarded. Recipient Ronald J. Falcioni Jr. attends Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn., with a major in history. The Darien, Conn.,...

Four drown in public waterfeature.(Making News)
July 23, 2004... Four people, including a father and two of his children, drowned June 16 in a waterfeature at the Fort Worth (Texas) Water Gardens. Myron Dukes, 35, and his children--Lauren, 8, and Christopher, 13--drowned along with 11-year-old Juanitrice...

An ultimate pool for the family.(Making News)
July 23, 2004... What would you put in your home if the sky were the limit? That's what Builder, the magazine of the National Association of Home Builders, asked people in designing its Ultimate Family Home. Each year, Builder partners with design...

Torch Award goes to Tallman Pools.
July 23, 2004... The Better Business Bureau of Southeast Texas recently honored Tallman Pools and Chemicals in Nederland, Texas, with the BBB's Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics. The award is given annually to a for-profit business that maintains high ethical...

Samara Bros. recalls swimsuit coverups.
July 23, 2004... Samara Brothers Inc. has issued a recall of 30,000 units of its children's swimsuit coverups. The zipper-pull on the coverup can detach, posing a potential choking hazard to young children, according to a report by the U.S. Consumer Products...

Florida keeps vent line option.(Making News)
July 23, 2004... Thanks to the lobbying efforts of the Florida Swimming Pool Association, field-fabricated vent lines still remain a viable option as a safety backup for residential pools in the Sunshine State. As the Florida building code currently stands,...

Summer draws shoppers to stores.(Making News)
July 23, 2004... The U.S. Consumer Confidence Index rose sharply last month by more than eight points. At 101.9. the index is up from the revised May reading of 93.1. "The strong improvement in current conditions has propelled consumer confidence to levels not...

SCP pool expects earnings to rise.
July 23, 2004... SCP Pool Corp. announced in June that it has raised its full year 2004 diluted earnings per share expectations. The new forecast increased the earnings to $1.70-$1.75 per diluted share, up from $1.60 per diluted share. The company also...

Polyair Inter Pack may buy back stocks.
July 23, 2004... The Toronto Stock Exchange accepted a notice from Polyair Inter Pack Inc. saying that the company intends to make "normal course issuer bids." The notice provides that the company may purchase up to 307,370 common shares, or 5 percent of the...

Experts see strong economic growth.(Making News)
July 23, 2004... The economy appears headed for a banner year despite a springtime spike in energy prices and a recent increase in interest rates. Many analysts are forecasting that the overall economy, as measured by gross domestic product, will grow 4.6...

Pool and spa industry stock market performance.(Making News)
July 23, 2004... Pool and Spa Industry Stock Market Performance Vol. Symbol (100s) Quotations are for NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE July 8, 2004 ...

Bishop joins Victory.
July 23, 2004... Karen Bishop has joined Victory Plastics International, a maker of vinyl pool liners headquartered in Haverhill, Mass. She will manage the Customer Service Department and provide support to company dealers. Bishop brings 10 Bishop years' human...

Advantis welcomes Moore.
July 23, 2004... Advantis Technologies Inc. recently named Tom Moore territory manager for the Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee markets. Moore will be responsible for sales of the company's line of pool and spa chemicals, as well as customer service in his...

Leviton taps Manjarris.
July 23, 2004... Leviton Manufacturing Co. of Little Neck, NY., has hired Del Manjarris as lighting controls sales specialist for its Lighting Control Division. He will focus on sales in the Texas market. The former owner/president of LLM Corp., Manjarris has a...

Aiello hired at Water Tech.
July 23, 2004... Jennifer Aiello has been appointed office manager at Water Tech Inc., a New York manufacturer of pool products. Her duties include running the day-to-day operations of the corporate offices. Aiello brings three years' experience as a sales...

Aquascape Designs taps Advisory Board.
July 23, 2004... Aquascape Design Inc., a manufacturer of ponds based in Batavia, III., has announced the names of its Certified Contractors Advisory Board. The board will evaluate the work and service of prospective Certified Aquascape Contractors through...

The answer man: you've got pool questions. Alan Schuster has answers.(People)
July 23, 2004... A Tennessee pool owner once e-mailed Alan Schuster that her aboveground had been besieged by frogs. "[They're] in the pool, around the pool, on the edges of the pool!" she wrote. "How do I get rid of these critters?" Short of getting a...

Inside the matrix: learning more about pools through computers.(Design Corner)
July 23, 2004... There's a scene in the movie "Titanic" where a computer technician re-enacts the disaster on a monitor and precisely simulates the last hours of the ill-fated ship. At one point in the simulation, the vessel splits in half. While it sounds...

Point taken: four ways to integrate an effective point-of-sale system into your business.(Checkout)
July 23, 2004... Regardless of their size or sophistication, pool and spa retailers can't afford to stay in business today and not be computerized. This rings especially true at the cash register. A good point-of-sale system has the potential to make a positive...

3D pool design software.(New Products)
July 23, 2004... by Creative 3D Visuals Features: three-dimensional pool design software takes CAD plans and creates high-definition 18-by-14-inch prints; can make virtual-tour videos showing day of nighttime, water movement, lighting, trees and shadows...

HydroTools floating candle sets.(New Products)
July 23, 2004... by Swimline Corp. Features: company offers assorted candle display sets designed for mood setting; includes ladybug, rose, sunflower and starfish styles; 24-piece assorted display sets or four-piece box sets available; floating blossom...