Pool & Spa News articles from July 2005

Pool & Spa News archives from July 2005

Region 3 returns to APSP talks.(MAKING NEWS)
July 11, 2005... Only six weeks after announcing they were seceding from the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, the Region 3 Board of Directors voted to "retract their disassociation and continue to pursue affiliation with APSP." National executives...

FSPA reaches affiliation agreement.(MAKING NEWS)
July 11, 2005... After some protracted and at times contentious negotiations, the Florida Swimming Pool Association has renewed its affiliation agreement with APSP. The former Region 7 first broke away and signed an affiliation agreement with APSP (then...

The watering hole: college campuses are drawing throngs of students by turning their aquatics centers into luxurious leisure areas.(MAKING NEWS)
July 11, 2005... Long gone are the days when only the college varsity swim team knew where the pool was located. Across the nation, universities are offering more than the typical, six-lane pools at their athletic facilities. Today's student can soak away...

APSP restructures dues.(MAKING NEWS)
July 11, 2005... As part of APSP's continuing reorganization process, the national trade group has changed its membership dues schedule. It will now be based on each company's annual sales volume rather than a flat fee. The new system does not necessarily...

Inter-Fab buys Latham's City Fiberglass line.(MAKING NEWS)
July 11, 2005... Inter-Fab Inc. has acquired the City Fiberglass line of diving boards, bases and pool slides from Latham Splash Canada. Terms of the sale were undisclosed. The acquisition is expected to boost Inter-Fab's annual sales by 10 percent or...

New-home construction upbeat.(MAKING NEWS)
July 11, 2005... Continuing low mortgage rates and favorable economic conditions kept new-home construction booming in May. Housing starts grew 0.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 2.01 million units for the month--1.8 percent above last year's...

The saga continues.
July 11, 2005... By the time "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" on NBC-TV went on summer hiatus, viewers had learned a valuable lesson: "Jacuzzi" is not a generic word for hot tubs. It all began when the talk-show host was chided by a Jacuzzi Inc. lawyer in April for...

Students suffer chlorine exposure.
July 11, 2005... A dozen high school students in Indio, Calif., recently were taken to local hospitals after being exposed to potentially deadly chlorine gas. They were in the pool for a physical education class when they suddenly became ill. The school...

Unable to bear the heat.
July 11, 2005... A 140-pound black bear took a swim in a Porter Ranch, Calif., pool at the end of May. The bear found her way into the suburban neighborhood and homeowner Maryam Salahael was alerted when the family dog began barking. After pulling her children...

Man electrocuted in pool accident.
July 11, 2005... A 29-year-old man from Vidalia, La., was electrocuted in his parents' pool in mid-May. Family members found Daniel Brock Creel in waist-deep water and were shocked by the electrical current when they tried to pull him out of the pool. A breaker...

Large jury awards: three pool accidents net.(MAKING NEWS)
July 11, 2005... In early June, three lawsuits totaling more than $12 million were settled in favor of plaintiffs who died or were injured in pool-related accidents. In Tucson, Ariz., a jury awarded Jennifer Ward $6 million for the death of her daughter,...

California builder Tony Geremia dies.(MAKING NEWS)
July 11, 2005... Anthony Geremia, co-owner of Geremia Pools, died June 2 from complications of a stroke. He was 75. For approximately 35 years, Tony, as he was known, managed field operations at the Sacramento, Calif.-based pool construction company. ...

SmartPool appoints Kizitaff.
July 11, 2005... Randy Kizitaff has joined SmartPool Inc. As the national sales manager, he will oversee regional sales managers and representatives while working with management to provide direction for the company. Previously, Kizitaff spent 10 years at...

S.R. Smith Commercial hires Webbe.
July 11, 2005... S.R. Smith Commercial has tapped John Webbe as its Midwest regional sales manager. He has several years' industry experience, having worked previously in retail and distribution. Webbe also has been service manager at Kreepy Krauly USA, and...

Carter Grandle selects Denison.
July 11, 2005... Susan Denison has been hired as show room manager of Carter Grandle's new permanent showroom in the Chicago Merchandise Mart. The Sarasota, Fla. based patio furniture manufacturer plans to introduce Denison at the grand opening of the showroom...

Cordon joins Sta-Rite.
July 11, 2005... Pentair Water Pool and Spa has appointed Wendy Cordon as the Sta-Rite territory sales manager covering Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange and San Diego counties in Southern California. She will provide the Sanford, N.C-based manufacturer with...

BioGuard taps Woodfield.
July 11, 2005... Allison Woodfield has been hired by BioGuard as dealer development manager. She's responsible for the expansion of new dealer customers for the firm's distribution channel in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and northwestern Florida She has 10...

Tait joins Meyco.
July 11, 2005... Jim Tait has joined Meyco Products as a West Coast sales representative. He will represent Meyco covers and Kiddy Korral fences in the Midwestern states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin. Meyco Products...

Sweet charity: Mary Vail has made philanthropy her PR firm's crusade, and earned knighthood in the process.(PEOPLE)
July 11, 2005... For publicist Mary Vail, charity work is its own reward. But in her wildest dreams, she never thought that her work would earn her an order of knighthood or that one day she'd be signing her letters "Lady Mary Vail." "I don't deserve to be...

Arch Chemicals wins Golden Hammer.
July 11, 2005... Arch Chemicals recently received a Golden Hammer Award at the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas. The Smyrna, Ca.-based chemical manufacturer was recognized for being the top vendor to hardware and home-improvement retailers in the category of...

Irish theater troupe performs play underwater.
July 11, 2005... A theater company in Northern Ireland is putting on a play entirely in a swimming pool. The Big Telly Co. has adapted Hans Christian Anderson's "The Little Mermaid" to be performed underwater. The cast uses oxygen tanks and even moves props and...

Water Pik sells Laars Heating Systems business.
July 11, 2005... Water Pik Technologies Inc. has sold its Laars Heating Systems business to Bradford White Corp. for $24.3 million. The transaction was completed June 30 and is not expected to have a material impact on Water Pik's operating income for the...

ServiceMagic to acquire ImproveNet.
July 11, 2005... ServiceMagic Inc. has announced it will acquire all the outstanding stock of ImproveNet Inc. for approximately $6.72 million, or $0.12 per share. The transaction, which is expected to close in the third quarter of 2005, will combine the...

Home sales setting records.(MAKING NEWS)
July 11, 2005... The Commerce Department reported that sales of new single-family homes jumped 2.1 percent in May, the second highest level in history. The housing market has been hot this year. This has some experts wondering if a speculative fever is...

Pool and spa industry stock market performance.(MAKING NEWS)
July 11, 2005... Pool and Spa Industry Stock Market Performance Quotations are for June 24, 2005 Vol. Symbol (100s) NEW YORK...

Changes afoot at Marquis.
July 11, 2005... Marquis Spas, an Oregon manufacturer based in Independence, has opened a new store in Clackamas. Two live radio shows were broadcast from the store during the June grand opening. The retail stores currently called Your Back Yard in Salem and...

Toddler drowns in pool cover.
July 11, 2005... A 2-year-old boy in Columbia County, N.Y., drowned on top of a neighbor's pool cover. Police found Matthew Lentz dead in only 2 feet of water. New York state law requires inground pools to be surrounded by fences or other barriers at least 4...

Con artist still in hot water.
July 11, 2005... Joseph Kmaid, a Port Orange, Fla., man convicted in a hot tub scheme, has been accused of failing to pay court-ordered restitution. A year ago, Kmaid masterminded a home-spa fraud that netted more than 51.5 million. Many customers either didn't...

Leading index dips as temperatures rise.(MAKING NEWS)
July 11, 2005... The economic outlook in May was a little bleak following April's unchanged reading. The U.S. Leading Economic Indicators Index decreased 0.5 percent to a reading of 114.1. The index has now declined at a 2.2 percent annual rate over the past...

Updated software.(NEW PRODUCTS)
July 11, 2005... by Structure Studios Features: "Pool Studio" software has been updated to remove many of the drawing constraints; the updates allow for pools and spas to support vanishing edges; product also enables pools to be raised above or lowered...

Insta-patio.(NEW PRODUCTS)
July 11, 2005... by Sunstar Spa Covers and Accessories Features: company offers 24-inch square tiles that can form a patio for positioning under a spa, as well as other applications; maintenance-free patio assembles in minutes and will not crack, peel or...

Towel tree.(NEW PRODUCTS)
July 11, 2005... by Poolmaster Features: poolside towel tree has three 24-inch bars that provide six branches for hanging towels and accessories; option of a sand or water-filled base to keep the rack sturdy when drying wet items; built from weatherproof,...

Professional service kit.(NEW PRODUCTS)
July 11, 2005... by AquaChek Features: company now offers a test kit for service professionals and commercial pool operators; includes tests for 16 chemistries; features FAS-DPD liquid and AquaTrend phosphate test kits; waterproof manual and laminated...

Seashell socket cover.(NEW PRODUCTS)
July 11, 2005... by Flange Features: company offers seashell-shaped product to cover sockets found on inground pool ladders; due to the seashell design, the cover decorates as well as hides sockets; product is offered in white ABS and chrome-plated;...

Skimmer intake guard.(NEW PRODUCTS)
July 11, 2005... by Machineworks of Ohio Features: new plastic skimmer intake guard blocks floating toys, candles and other devices from entering the skimmer, and thereby prevents the pool pump from running dry; product snaps into the company's aboveground...

Dual storage tank.(NEW PRODUCTS)
July 11, 2005... by Mer-Made Filter Features: company has developed fiberglass-reinforced plastic hypochlorite storage tanks; outer tank is designed to meet today's environmental protection standards; primary chemical storage chamber is surrounded by an...

Pool Cover Specialists (PCS): a company on a roll!(MASTERS OF DESIGN SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
July 11, 2005... 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 artists: Peter M. Magee & Mike Ferraro.(Concrete Pools)
July 11, 2005... THE CANVAS: Decomposed granite, gradual 20-foot slope, soft curves of a desert golf community THE PALETTE: Grids of stone and tile, the poetry of light and shadow, tousled brambles alongside sluicing channels of water THE MASTERPIECE: Quiet...

The artists: Mark McInturff & Don Gwiz.(CONCRETE POOLS)
July 11, 2005... THE CANVAS: Autumn trees standing watch, a house of clean lines the distant rhythm of the Potomac THE PALETTE: Warm Ipe wood, cool bluestone, underwater glass that hides boundaries THE MASTERPIECE: A curved vanishing edge imitates the...

The artists: Bill Palmer & Michael Theilacker.(CONCRETE POOLS)
July 11, 2005... THE CANVAS: Pie-shaped double lot, golf course beyond, clandestine desert paradise THE PALETTE: Granite and limestone, straight geometry, handmade grates THE MASTERPIECE: A study in simplicity, contemporary web of water, tranquil...

The artists: Michael Giordano & Jason Usnick.(CONCRETE POOLS)
July 11, 2005... THE CANVAS: Thick, clay soil rich in moisture, 30-year-old maple trees, a sea of majestic, green woods THE PALETTE: Sun-kissed stone, passionate hues, hidden pathways, wild flora THE MASTERPIECE: Secret garden with a tender heart, the wilds...

The artist: Roger Soares II.(CONCRETE POOLS)
July 11, 2005... THE CANVAS: Steep slopes of tough earthen rock, engineering obstacles THE PALETTE: Tile, verdant vegetation THE MASTERPIECE: Touch of fire, detail, a place where the four elements of earth, wind, fire and water unite WRAPPING ITS...

The artist: Gary Orr.(CONCRETE POOLS)
July 11, 2005... THE CANVAS: A plentiful backyard, the "U" of a modern ranch house, a willowy backdrop THE PALETTE: Polished stone table, hovering white fabric waves, vine-woven columns set boundaries THE MASTERPIECE: Water bubbles through pebble,...

The artist: Michael Giovanone.(VINYL-LINER POOLS)
July 11, 2005... THE CANVAS: Subzero ground freeze, Hudson Valley vistas, sloped substrata THE PALETTE: Tan and taupe tile, 40 tons of natural rock THE MASTERPIECE: Playful light and waterworks, out-of-the-box ingenuity, perched paradise THOUGH A...

The artist: Rick Ashabraner.(VINYL-LINER POOLS)
July 11, 2005... THE CANVAS: Tall timbers of the Pacific Northwest, a winning ticket, a taxing timetable THE PALETTE: Cultured-stone accents, cascading waterfalls, warm cedar woods THE MASTERPIECE: A rustic retreat, country-lodge hospitality, an...

The artist: Markus Brunner.(VINYL-LINER POOLS)
July 11, 2005... THE CANVAS: A temperate woodsy settlement, solid clay soil THE PALETTE: Murmuring riverbed, quarried flagstones, profusion of foliage THE MASTERPIECE: A black-bottom lagoon, shades of Monet English garden intimacy, lazy summer...

The artist: Ed Gibbs.(VINYL-LINER POOLS)
July 11, 2005... THE CANVAS: A long journey, looming winter, dense shale THE PALETTE: Waters from the Northumberland Strait, salt-splashed cedars, a picturesque bridge THE MASTERPIECE: Novia Scotian charm, modern sensibility, shades of local color A...

The artist: Michael Schneider.(WATERFEATURES)
July 11, 2005... THE CANVAS: A manicured lawn, the protective shadow of an old sycamore tree, infinite possibilities THE PALETTE: Spiritual water, Buddha in repose, secrets and surprises THE MASTERPIECE: The fingerprints of leaves on concrete, a...

The artists: Kathy Swehla and Clayton Varick.(WATERFEATURES)
July 11, 2005... A JAPANESE-THEMED WATERFEATURE STANDS TALL AMID THE WOODLANDS OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST When landscape designers Kathy Swehla and Clayton Varick realized their clients' entire yard was composed of basalt boulders from ancient lava flow,...

The artists: Stefan Thuilot & Joseph Huettl.(WATERFEATURES)
July 11, 2005... THE CANVAS: An unappreciated landscape, plentiful views from the house, quiet suburban setting THE PALETTE: Warm redwood deck, juxtaposition of concrete, and plant life, a "shiny penny" finish THE MASTERPIECE: Modern meets minimalist,...

The artist: Hendrikus Schraven.(WATERFEATURES)
July 11, 2005... THE CANVAS: Ruined stream bed, excessive runoff THE PALETTE: Cascade Mountain granite, bridges, exotic plantings THE MASTERPIECE: Gentle transition from dry creek to burgeoning flower bed, silvery salmon slipping upstream, return to a...

The artist: Bill Shoreman.(FIBERGLASS POOLS)
July 11, 2005... THE CANVAS: Shifting sand, hurricane-proof masonry, Britain's sunniest territory THE PALETTE: Fiberglass with a heart of steel, limestone decking, a planter to break a fall... and meet a code, shellfish mosaic THE MASTERPIECE:...

The artist: Jay Tucker.(FIBERGLASS POOLS)
July 11, 2005... THE CANVAS: An archetype of American living, rich green perimeter, classic country accents THE PALETTE: Dry-stack natural stone, ornamental concrete, water in motion THE MASTERPIECE: Old World appeal, kaleidoscope of textures, the...

The artist: Jason Stoker.(FIBERGLASS POOLS)
July 11, 2005... THE CANVAS: Drop-dead gorgeous desertscape, intimate slice of family life, classic white-fenced Americana THE PALETTE: Sapphire blue fiberglass shell, rustic-colored concrete, multihued fiberoptic lighting THE MASTERPIECE: Simple...

The artist: Pat Walsh.(ABOVEGROUND POOLS)
July 11, 2005... THE CANVAS: Low trees, steep rocky slope, the big sky of Texas hill country THE PALETTE: Bright sun, natural pine, welcoming shade from oaks and cedars THE MASTERPIECE: Homespun haven in which to cool off, chill out and enjoy life ...

The artist: Mike Killingbeck.(ABOVEGROUND POOLS)
July 11, 2005... THE CANVAS: A sprawling house, 400 acres, wide-angle view THE PALETTE: A neutral gray oasis, natural farmscape THE MASTERPIECE: Scenic stunner, resplendent recreational retreat, softened hardscape, spacious decking A PRETTY POOL...

The artists: Greg Smith & Ebbn Milks.(SPAS)
July 11, 2005... THE CANVAS: Creek-side greenbelt, contemporary home design, 4 feet of solid rock THE PALETTE: Emerald accents, wet-edge ingenuity, stairway of river fieldstone THE MASTERPIECE: Concrete ice cube, mirrored rectangles of light, a place...

The artists: Irven McGoohan & Robert Baca.(SPAS)
July 11, 2005... THE CANVAS: A tight lot, neighbors in full view, treasured trees that must remain THE PALETTE: Rich crimson brick, moss rock to lighten the look, a blanket of plum-colored deck tile THE MASTERPIECE: Towering fireplace to warm the body,...

The artists: Ariel Asturias and Rick Knight.(SPAS)
July 11, 2005... THE CANVAS: Steep backyard drop-off, scampering pets, a leafy panorama THE PALETTE: "Strands" of honey-blond Ipe wood, herbal scented potted plants, matching foliage embroidered into the scenery THE MASTERPIECE: Furniture-quality...

The artists: Ken Tucker and David Heron.(SPAS)
July 11, 2005... THE CANVAS: Rural serenity, an infinite nature experience, lush greenery THE PALETTE: Dry-stack Pennsylvania bluestone, cedar decking, integrated waterfall with changing hues THE MASTERPIECE: Quaint English garden, sophisticated social...

Distributors forming new buying group.
July 25, 2005... A movement is under way to create another buying group for independent wholesale distributors in the pool industry. It is the brainchild of Paul Sutherland, president of Vak-Pak Builders Supply, a small distribution company in Jacksonville,...

More courses enhance expo.
July 25, 2005... The 2005 International Pool & Spa Expo will contain more advanced courses, including an updated Advanced Builders Education track, a new Advanced Service Education track, courses sponsored by Pool & Spa News and a commercial track sponsored by...

Behind the scenes.(REFLECTIONS)
July 25, 2005... In putting together this issue of Pool & Spa News, an important principle of customer service once again became clear to me. We put a lot of thought and discussion into every headline we print. How many words should it be? Do we want a...

Finance frenzy: branded credit cards help the retail industry ease its customers' financing worries.(MAKING NEWS)
July 25, 2005... Tammy Knotts' summer sales are going well. Through July, she is able to offer her spa and above-ground-pool customers a monthly payment plan with a "12 months same as cash" promotion. "It's nice when a customer comes in and we can offer a...

APSP adds a twist to awards of excellence.
July 25, 2005... A surprise is in store for four designer/builders when the 2005 APSP International Awards of Excellence are presented. Four new Chairman's Awards will spotlight the "best of the best"--and that's all organizers are saying. Awards coordinator...

New home for Direct Replacements.
July 25, 2005... Direct Replacements, a Marietta, Ga.-based distributor, moved into its new 18,000-square-foot facility in May. Company officials hope that the headquarters will allow them to better inventory larger quantities of their products. The move is...

Industry mourns Hallmark pools' Ted Harrison.(MAKING NEWS)
July 25, 2005... Edward "Ted" Harrison, the funny, family-oriented president of Hallmark Pools & Spas, died June 8 after suffering a heart attack. He was 68. Known for his consistent commitment to quality and service, Harrison worked in pool sales through...

Summer draws shoppers out.(MAKING NEWS)
July 25, 2005... Summer brought people out to shop, as the consumer Confidence Index continued to rise in June. The index now stands at 105.8, up from 103.1 in May. "This month's gain in consumer confidence has propelled the index to a three-year high," said...

Unlicensed contractors plague west: illegal contractors have prompted the industry and government to react.(MAKING NEWS)
July 25, 2005... The building and remodeling boom has attracted more unlicensed pool builders than ever into California and Arizona. "It's sort of like the Wild, Wild West," said Harold Tapley, general manager at the Northern San Joaquin Valley Division of...

Death linked to disease in rental spa.
July 25, 2005... John "Jack" Lewis, an 85-year-old grandfather, died of Legionnaires' disease after returning home from a vacation in North Carolina. Legionnaires' disease is a form of bacterial pneumonia that grows in hot water. Officials in North Carolina's...

Imperial wins Golden Cylinder Award.
July 25, 2005... The Gravure Association of America has awarded the Golden Cylinder Award to Imperial Pools Manufacturing & Distribution for its vinyl-liner pattern, Natural Stone. PolyOne Engineered Films printed the winning vinyl for the Latham, N.Y.-based...

APSP signs Leadership Conference speaker.(MAKING NEWS)
July 25, 2005... APSP has named Jon Meacham, managing editor of Newsweek, and author of Franklin and Winston, as this year's Leadership Conference keynote speaker. The theme of the conference, which will be held Aug. 10-12 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago...

Job outlook improves.(MAKING NEWS)
July 25, 2005... The outlook for the U.S. unemployed was better last month as the jobless rate continued downward. Unemployment was at 5 percent in June, seasonally adjusted. This follows the continual decrease since February, and now is 1.3 percentage points...

Pool thief caught wet-handed.
July 25, 2005... An Athens, Ga., woman stole a 24-by-48-foot, metal-frame pool from a Wal-Mart Supercenter in June. Roxanne Keyes Haggermaker, 31, got away with the crime until she returned the next day to steal chemicals for her new pool. Upon arrest,...

Texas City pool experiences chlorine explosion.
July 25, 2005... Wet chlorine pellets caused an explosion at the municipal pool in Bridgeport City, Texas, in June, according to the Wise County Messenger newspaper. A chemical reaction resulted when wet chlorine tablets were sealed inside a 5-gallon plastic...

Drownings may have genetic link.(MAKING NEWS)
July 25, 2005... A provocative new study conducted by researchers at the Mayo Clinic suggests that many incidents of unexplained drownings may be the result of a failure in the human heart's electrical system because of a genetic defect. By applying...

Fiberstars closes California base, unveils new CEO, vision.
July 25, 2005... As part of a cost-restructuring plan announced in June, Fiberstars Inc. has changed its CEO and will close its Fremont, Calif., office. The company tapped COO/CTO John Davenport to replace David Ruckert as chief executive officer. Ruckert will...

Job growth pleases economists.(MAKING NEWS)
July 25, 2005... More than 146,000 American jobs were created in June, less than Wall Street had hoped for, but enough to provide evidence of economic growth. The unemployment rate fell to a four-year low of 5 percent last month, down from 5.1 percent in...

Pool and spa industry stock market performance.(MAKING NEWS)
July 25, 2005... Pool and Spa Industry Stock Market Performance Quotations are for July 8, 2005 Net Change ...

Scherer named Balboa president.
July 25, 2005... Balboa Instruments has named Stephen J. Scherer president/COO. He has been with the Tustin, Calif.-based supplier of electronic spa and pool control systems for nearly 13 years. Scherer will help the firm continue its focus on increasing...

Pasol becomes Phase II CEO.
July 25, 2005... Dawn Pasol, P.E. has been named CEO of Phase II Engineering Inc. a structural pool engineering firm that recently opened in Corona. Calif. Pasol founded the firm and now, as CEO, shell oversee development of standardized and customized pool...

Wilkes names president.
July 25, 2005... Gerry Stancavage has been named president of Wilkes Pool Corp. Stancavage has been with the company more than 28 years. Wilkes manufactures onground and inground pools and is based in Mifflinville, Pa.

Don Ross passes away.(IN MEMORIAM)
July 25, 2005... Don Ross, a well-respected Pentair territory manager in the Las Vegas area, died May 29 after a long battle with cancer. He was 62. A memorial service was held June 18 at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Ross began his pool industry...

The golden girl: for half a century, in good times and bad, Norma Maring has devoted herself to the local pool.(PEOPLE)
July 25, 2005... Norma Maring has seen a lot of history unfold during her 50-year tenure at the municipal pool in the Kansas town of Chanute (pop. 10,000). From the tumultous days of integration to now, this septuagenarian has lived through many of the changes...