Pool & Spa News articles from June 2002

Pool & Spa News archives from June 2002

Bednerik resigns Florida post. (news).
June 7, 2002... NSPI-Florida has announced the resignation of Executive Director Jon Bednerik. Bednerik, who had been the organization's executive director since 1993, will officially leave his National Spa & Pool Institute-Florida post on June 30. ...

Fla. rethinks two main drain code. (news).
June 7, 2002... Florida officials have reinterpreted a new building code concerning suction entrapment hazards, sparking a strong response from manufacturers of safety vacuum release devices (SVRS). The code, which went into effect Jan. 1, originally...

The need for speed. (reflections).
June 7, 2002... I recently finished reading Bill Gates' book titled Business @ The Speed of Thought: Using a Digital Nervous System. If the '80s were all about building quality back into products, and the '90s were all about building better products, he says...

Hayward CEO honored ...
June 7, 2002... The National Ethic Coalition of Organizations recently awarded its 2002 Ellis Island Medal of Honor to Oscar Davis (shown), chairman and CEO of Hayward Industries, Elizabeth, N.J. The award recognizes U.S. citizens who have provided an...

Consumer survey to be launched ...
June 7, 2002... PK Data will begin interviewing consumers in mid-summer as part of an ongoing study of the pool and spa industry, according to Bil Kennedy, president of the Duluth, Ga.-based research firm. Researchers hope to collect data on pool sales, as...

Northeast sees some relief. (news).
June 7, 2002... While still in the throes of a drought that may last all summer, the Northeast is seeing some signs of hope. "It's been raining a lot--not enough to make up for the deficit, but enough to improve the supply," said Joel Caesar, executive...

Texas entrapment bill rewritten. (news).
June 7, 2002... The Texas Department of Health is putting the final touches on a rewrite of an entrapment-prevention bill for commercial pools that many in the industry considered impractical and ineffective. The draft has gone through two committees and...

Winner on deck ...
June 7, 2002... The California Redwood Association and Workbench magazine are sponsoring a redwood deck contest for building and design professionals. Entries must have been built in the last three years and will be judged based on quality of design,...

California barriers bill ...
June 7, 2002... The California Assembly Appropriations Committee passed AB 2455, which would require a second child barrier and the retrofitting of existing pools to meet the bill's requirements upon resale of the home or when a permit is pulled. A full...

Study: U.S. swimmers weak. (news).
June 7, 2002... Nearly 40 percent of U.S. adults are at a heightened risk for drowning because they cannot swim, according to a study conducted by the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control in Atlanta. "I think the figures might be worse," said...

Safety in B flat ...
June 7, 2002... Tucson (Ariz.) Fire Department inspectors Nikki Sprenger and Nancy Avery have been teaching kindergarteners about water safety in a new way, according to a story in the Arizona Daily Star: They're singing. "The music is short and creative,"...

BaquaSpa Web site earns award ...
June 7, 2002... A Silver Award for Web site design went to BaquaSpa from the Philly Gold Awards this year. BaquaSpa's site, launched in January 2001, was created by its online branding agency, WebFingerprint, a division of the Brownstein Group. The award is...

Zodiac Pool Care Inc. (Progressions).
June 7, 2002... Zodiac Pool Care Inc. of Pompano Beach, Fla., has named Kate Thielseher president and chief executive officer. Thielscher previously served as managing director of Zodiac Pool Care South Africa (Pty.) Ltd. Concurrent with her appointment, Robin...

Crystal Fountains. (Progressions).
June 7, 2002... Crystal Fountains, manufacturer of fountains, spray jets and other waterfeature components in Concord, Ontario, Canada, has named Sylvie Williams manager of inside sales. The firm also appointed Glenn Pedersen project director, with...

Water Pik Technologies. (Progressions).
June 7, 2002... Water Pik Technologies' Jandy team has announced new hires: Dan Granucci as a technical support representative, Kathy Featherstone as a warranty support specialist and Bob Clary as a project engineer for pumps and filters. The Petaluma,...

Splash SuperPools, LLC. (Progressions).
June 7, 2002... Tommy Thomason has joined the Dealer Development Division of Splash SuperPools, LLC. His duties include conducting training sessions with Splash dealers as well as focusing on the service, support and expansion of the Little Rock, Ark.-based...

Thermocraft Industries/Aquabond. (Progressions).
June 7, 2002... Brenda Moore has been assigned to run the new Melbourne, Fla., warehouse of Thermocraft Industries/Aquabond. The Placentia, Calif.-based manufacturer of pool, gas and electrical products also appointed Joel Mattice to the newly created position...

Creating a demand: some people don't like pools. But, says this NSPI speaker, that's no reason you shouldn't sell them one. (profile).
June 7, 2002... If the pool and spa industry is to thrive, says Eric Richardson, it has to begin selling its products to people who don't think they want them. "If there was an announcement that the industry was going to give away all its products--its...

Consumers hot on essentials, cool to add-ons. (business currents).
June 7, 2002... With Memorial Day barbecues over and the summer swim season officially in high gear, consumer spending trends are taking shape. Shoppers seem willing to spend on pools, spas, chemicals and toys, but appear more miserly about high-end...

Nationwide housing starts (in millions of units). (business currents).
June 7, 2002... Home building adjusts to season [GRAPHIC OMITTED] Despite continued strength in the construction of single-family dwellings, the nation's housing starts fell back to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.56 million units in April...

Pool and spa permits. (business currents).
June 7, 2002... Pool and Spa Permits Tabulations of permits issued for new pool and spa construction in selected U.S. cities and unincorporated parts of counties. Valuations are in millions. City/County Permits Issued ...

Pool and spa industry stock market transactions: quotations are for May 16, 2002. (business currents).
June 7, 2002... Pool and Spa Industry Stock Market Transactions Quotations are for May 16, 2002 Symbol NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE A.O. Smith Corp. (parent of MagneTek Motors) ...

Slightly decline follows five-year high. (Small Business Optimism Index).
June 7, 2002... [GRAPHIC OMITTED] The index dipped to 102.7 in April 2002, after hitting an impressive 103.7 in March (the highest level since 1997). Reason for the decline: increasing labor costs that cut into companies' profits. However, the National...

Vanson, HaloSource merge. (Business Briefcase).
June 7, 2002... Vanson Inc. and HaloSource Corp. have announced a merger to create innovative products based on Vanson's chitin and chitosan technology, and HaloSource's antimicrobial expertise. The new enterprise--Vanson HaloSource based in Raymond,...

Aquavations and C.L. industries form alliance. (Business Briefcase).
June 7, 2002... Aquavations Corp., which specializes in pre-blended pool plaster systems, and C.L. Industries Inc., maker of cement products for pools and spas, signed a long-term joint marketing agreement, effective June 1. By combining resources, the Florida...

Anthony & Sylvan buys back shares. (Business Briefcase).
June 7, 2002... Anthony & Sylvan Pools Corp. (NASD: SWIM) repurchased about 337,000 shares or about 7 percent of its common shares outstanding for $2.4 million. The residential inground concrete pool builder said it purchased the shares at $7.15 from an...

FeherGuard acquires Poolfix rights. (Business Briefcase).
June 7, 2002... FeherGuard Products Ltd., manufacturer of solar cover reel systems in Milton, Ontario, Canada, has acquired marketing and distribution rights to Poolfix, an adhesive and filler repair system manufactured by Profix 2000 Ltd. in Toronto. "We are...

Something special: specialty finishes are finally making strong inroads into the white plaster market. Can marcite still compete? (Quarterly market report: finishing materials).
June 7, 2002... When it comes to pool finishes and consumers, it has always been about choices. Until recently, the pool industry had very few of them to offer. But now, with specialty pool finishes firmly entrenched in the market, pool owners have more...

Adding to the mix: additives and admixtures affect every characteristic of finishing materials--from smoothness to long-term durability. Experts explain how they work and why you should be using them. (Quarterly market report: finishing materials).
June 7, 2002... Applicators of plaster and special finishes require absolute control over the product. One minute they need it fluid, the next minute they need it firm. They need it fluffy enough to trowel smoothly, but dense enough to last. But cement, a...

Building trust: additives are an inseparable, albeit sometimes mysterious, part of the finishing-materials industry. Here's how they can work for you. (Quarterly market report: finishing materials).
June 7, 2002... In many ways, additives and admixtures are a mystery: They work on a molecular level, so you can't see them perform; many of the blends are proprietary or pre-blended into composite admixtures or finish materials, so you don't always know...

Finishing materials resources.
June 7, 2002... Finishing Materials Resources Glass bead White Manufacturer Fiberglass mixes plaster Aquadek Inc. * Aquavations Corp. ...

Natural desires: when it comes to today's pool tile and decking materials, gloss is out and the natural look is in. Here's what you should be carrying if you want to keep up with the times. (Quarterly market report: finishing materials).
June 7, 2002... If you're planning to work with pool tile or decking material any time soon, make room--lots of room. With the new season, those in the surfaces sector of the industry say today's finishing products are bigger, classier and more durable than...

Safety & disability-access products marketplace. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... Creating products that keep people--and allow the disabled to enjoy access to pools and spas--is one of the most rewarding and important services our industry provides. From residential to commercial pools, such products can make a big...

Alarms. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Acu-Trol * Features: alarms sound when pool or spa water goes out of tolerance; automatic functions include paging up to eight phone numbers after alarm goes off, and shutting off when water is out of tolerance * Offerings: Web...

SOS pool alarm. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Allweather * Features: floating pool alarm designed to provide extra measure of protection against accidental drowning; attaches to ladder when pool is not in use; emits loud warning sound when someone falls into pool * Contact:...

Yellow jacket safety pool cover. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Anchor Industries * Features: tough, durable, green polypropylene mesh; constructed with heavy-duty wear strips to protect underside from rough coping; meets ASTM safety cover standards; designed for easy cleanup and maintenance *...

Automatic and manual safety covers. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Aquamatic Cover Systems * Features: all-fluid-drive hydraulics; alternative track mounting; vanishing edge; hidden lid and leafing edge details * Offerings: working display models; posters; banners * Contact: Aquamatic Cover...

Pool lift IGAT-180. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Aquatic Access * Features: water-pressure-powered; designed for easy installation and portability * Contact: Aquatic Access Inc., Louisville, Ky. (800) 325-5438 Circle 274 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Removable pool safety fence. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Baby Barrier * Features: oldest in the industry and perfect safety record for nearly 40 years, according to manufacturer; various colors; three grades for multiple price points * Offerings: no start-up fee; lead referral *...

Removable fencing, wind screens. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Baby-Loc Ltd * Features: 4.5- or 5-foot fence height, quality poly-coated, open weave mesh black fabric for high tensile strength, UV stability; 1-inch reinforced, cored fiberglass pole and solid-brass, double-ended latches; optional...

Aluminum spa covers, lights, blowers. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Be-Lite/CMT Covers * Features: safety covers come in two thicknesses, eight colors, two-color trims; spa lights and blowers are UL-listed with colored lenses; plug and switch options * Contact: Be-Lite Inc./CMT Covers, Anaheim,...

Safety pool covers and fences. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Cantar/Polyair Corp. * Features: company produces the Secur-A-Matic automatic safety cover system, Protect-A-Pool safety fencing system, Secur-A-Pool safety cover system, and the Secur & Clean solid pool protection system * Contact:...

Prevent laser perimeter pool alarm. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Caretaker Systems * Features: state-of-the-art laser technology designed to surround pool perimeter with invisible laser beam, sounding an alarm if child enters laser's path; sounds an alert before child reaches water; system includes...

Pool entry system. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Confer Plastics * Features: solid, sturdy handrails enable elderly or slightly handicapped users to pull themselves out of pool; wide, comfortable steps; adjust to fit 48- to 54-inch pools; gate available to secure unit from...

Save-T cover II automatic and step-saver manual safety pool/spa covers. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Cover-Pools * Features: designed to accommodate freeform and rectangular pools, universal or under-track systems and vanishing-edge pools; limited lifetime warranty on mechanism, hydraulic or water-resistant electric options; wireless...

Coverlon safety covers. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By The Cover Co. * Features: triple stitching, webbing on both sides; polypropylene construction; high-tensile strength; water drains * Offerings: literature; banners * Contact: The Cover Co., Somerville, N.J. (908) 707-1122 ...

Automatic pool covers. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Coverstar * Features: quality automatic and manual cover systems, designed for reliability; new vinyl alloy fabric * Offerings: sales and installation; training; videos; sales literature; Web site * Contact: Coverstar Inc.,...

LifeGuard barrier. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Covertech Fabricating * Features: designed to help prevent children from falling into pool or spa; anchors inside non-corrosive aluminum posts secure mesh from top to bottom, ensuring uniform grip, cleaner look; 48-inch-wide,...

Voice alert 3100 notification system. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Cross Point Industries * Features: wireless pool-safety system consists of motion sensor and patented voice notification; provides remote, in-home alerts to a child's movements around monitored pool area; records up to three messages...

Magna-latch magnetic pool gate latch. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By D&D Technologies * Features: key lockable; no mechanical resistance to closure; adjust vertically and horizontally; two sizes; Top Pull model places latch out of children's reach * Offerings: limited lifetime warranty *...

Pool patrol alarm for pools, doors, gates. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Danbury Marketing Corp. * Features: company offers electronic safety products with pricing and promotion programs * Contact: Danbury Marketing Corp., Nashua, N.H. (603) 595-2500 Circle 287 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION...

Ornamental aluminum fencing. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Delgard Premier Aluminum Fencing * Features: designed to be easy to install, maintenance-free; several designs available; complies with stringent building codes of most municipalities * Offerings: limited lifetime warranty *...

Family lifeguard movable pool floor. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By FLG Industries * Features: depth-specific aquatic therapy, movable pool floor system can be raised or lowered to any depth by remote, lockable control * Contact: FLG Industries Inc., Miami (800) 337-4847 Circle 289 on...

Flotation suits. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Floating Swimwear * Features: product line includes Pinwheel, Daisy, Royal Princess and Liberty designs for girls; Mr. Green, Aqua Man, Racer and Liberty for boys * Offerings: POP display; video; brochures; posters; Web site *...

289 series pool alarm. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By GRI * Features: complies with Audibility Requirement #2017; operates with 9V battery or 12V power supply * Offerings: warranties; free literature; counter displays * Contact: GRI, Kimball, Neb. (800) 445-5218 Circle 291 on...

Pool safety fencing products. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Guardian Pool Fence Systems * Features: removable mesh fence with patented, self-closing, key-locking gate for child safety; 4- and 5-feet-high units; 30 models available * Contact: Guardian Pool Fence Systems, Van Nuys, Calif....

UL-approved spa covers and accessories. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Ideal Spa Covers * Features: full line of spa covers, cover lifts with specialty mounting brackets * Offerings: fast lead times; excellent customer service, according to manufacturer * Contact: Ideal Spa Covers Inc., Orange,...

Depth markers. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Inlays Mfg. * Features: designed to be frost-proof, long-lasting, skid-resistant; smooth ceramic markers for decks; waterline applications; industrial-grade, skid-resistant vinyl stick-ons and tempered glass overlays with beveled edges...

Pool safety barrier fences. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Life Saver Pool Fence Systems * Features: removable poles; available in white, black and green; rapid delivery * Offerings: co-op advertising; lead referrals; marketing support * Contact: Life Saver Pool Fence Systems Inc.,...

Water-powered lift. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Liftsmith Ltd. * Features: all stainless steel construction; Rota-Lock rotation lock prevents lift from moving away from user while getting on or off the seat; 300- to 425-pound lifting capability * Contact: Liftsmith Ltd.,...

Loop-Loc mesh safety pool cover. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Loop-Loc Ltd. * Features: company offers mesh safety covers for inground, onground and decked onground pools; all-solid safety cover sold with Rain Sentry pump; original Loc-Solid safety cover with mesh drainage panels also available;...

Safety covers. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Merlin Industries * Features: product line includes Kaleido-scapes solid safety covers; Advanced Grade Super Mesh safety covers, standard mesh safety covers, solid covers and vinyl-liner patterns with 3-D printing * Offerings:...

Pool safety covers. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Meyco Products * Features: mesh covers designed to keep toddlers safe * Offerings: co-op advertising; dealer incentives; interactive Web site * Contact: Meyco Products Inc., Melville, N.Y. (800) 446-3926 Circle 299 on...

Independent pool lift. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Morris Independent Lift Corp. * Features: no pinch points; 316 stainless steel construction; footrest; floating safety armrests; water-powered; three control stations; 700-pound lift capacity; overhead trapeze bar * Contact: Morris...

Pool safety cover hardware. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Pa-Ted Spring Co. * Features: spring assemblies; brass anchors; strap buckles; vinyl sleeves * Contact: Pa-Ted Spring Co., Bristol Conn. (860) 582-6368 Circle 301 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Geyser main drain. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Pentair Pool Products * Features: patented main drain; return fitting made to simultaneously remove and return water and chemicals to the pool or spa while eliminating safety concerns about entrapment; designed to create more efficient...

Performance safety covers. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Performance Pool Products * Features: custom-manufactured; 1-inch polypropylene webbing; interlocked, double-overlap seams; coping rub strips; patent-pending "Invis-a-drain" on all solid models; mesh style also available; UV-resistant...

Safety covers. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Plastimayd Corp. * Features: solid and mesh styles; Dura-4000 technology designed to provide 4,000 pounds of break-strength; Maxi-Burst straps; quality, custom craftsmanship * Offerings: eight-day service guaranteed; quotes within...

Child-resistant safety fences. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Pool Barrier * Features: removable; durable; transparent safety fence * Offerings: training programs; marketing assistance; huge inventory, prompt delivery, per manufacturer * Contact: Pool Barrier Inc., Lake Park, Fla. (561)...

Infinity 2000, powertrak and manual trak. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Pool Cover Specialists National * Features: safety cover system line includes Infinity 2000 cover with flood-proof motor; Undertrak vinyl-liner kit with simplified, undertrack installation; Recessed Trak kits with flush-mount track and...

Pool alarm. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Pool Guard/PBM Industries * Features: electronic sensor designed to detect entry into pool by triggering loud, pulsating alarm; safe, simple and easy to operate, per manufacturer; 9V battery alarm does not require tie-downs; remote...

The Novaroll. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Poolsaver * Features: provides benefits of an automatic cover; ASTM safety cover; 30-minute installation; no electricity, track or cover pump needed; designed for everyday use * Contact: Poolsaver Inc., Walnut, Calif. (800) 777-6657...

Poseidon system. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Poseidon Technologies * Features: drowning detection system based on computer vision technology; recording features; after-hours intrusion detection * Contact: Poseidon Technologies Inc., Beverly, Mass. (978) 921-7430 Circle...

Removable pool safety fence. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Protect-A-Child Pool Fence * Features: lock in deck, fiberglass support posts; point-lock latch * Offerings: lifetime warranty; training and support * Contact: Protect-A-Child Pool Fence, Pompano Beach, Fla. (800) 992-2206 ...

Safety mesh and solid pool covers. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Rayner Covering Systems * Features: A-B verifier for guaranteed accurate measurement on freeform covers * Offerings: Web site with order tracking * Contact: Rayner Covering Systems Inc., South Elgin, III. (800) 648-0757 ...

Eureka aquatic access ramps. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... Ramps By Recreation Supply Co. * Features: designed for convenient, dignified access; ramp treads made of extruded glass fiber bearings that are made to be resistant to pool chemicals, corrosion and UV radiation; easily removable when...

Pool emergency phone. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Recreonics * Features: designed to be waterproof and chlorine-resistant, with a vandal-resistant stainless steel faceplate; ADA-compliant; one-button call-and-speak feature: auto-answer; utilizes existing phone line or PBX. requiring no...

AQ-9000 aqua trek ramp. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Rehab Systems * Features: constructed of noncorrosive metal with PVC coating; combines ramp, stairs and underwater parallel bars; ramp is designed to be lightweight, durable; available in longer version for deeper pools * Contact:...

Aquatic lift with spine board option. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By RehaMed Intl. * Features: rechargeable battery, portable; up to 375-pound lift capacity; self-operating; does not impede swim lanes; designed to be maintenance-free, easy to assemble and install * Offerings: exclusive leads; co-op...

PoolEye and yardguard alarms. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By SmartPool * Features: pool and gate alarms designed for easy, do-it-yourself installation; models for aboveground and inground pools, for wooden or metal gates and sliding doors; alarms feature latest detection technology according to...

Electrical protection devices. (marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Spa Builders Systems Group * Features: company offers 240V GFCI protection device to leading electrical distributors * Contact: Spa Builders Systems Group, Ontario, Calif. (800) 772-7257 Circle 317 on Postage-Free Card

Swim-lift model 325. (Marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Spectrum Aquatics * Features: solid stainless steel construction; 180-degree rotation; self-operable; lifts up to 400 pounds, 55 psi * Offerings: extended warranty, lease plan * Contact: Spectrum Aquatics, Missoula, Mont. (888)...

Polished bronze or chrome-plated fittings. (Marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Standard Bronze Co. * Features: designed for applications such as waterparks and large commercial pools; square, anti-vortex frames; plates range in size from 7- to 19 square inches * Contact: Standard Bronze Co., Bayonne, N.J....

Spa covers and accessories. (Marketplace).
June 7, 2002... By Sunstar Spa Covers * Features: quality craftsmanship and top stitching, per manufacturer; personalized embossing available * Offerings: direct-mail program; brochures * Contact: Sunstar Spa Covers Inc., San Marcos, Calif. (800)...