Pool & Spa News articles from June 2003

Pool & Spa News archives from June 2003

Jacuzzi sells pool assets to Cantar.
June 6, 2003... Cover and aboveground-pool manufacturer Cantar/Polyair has purchased the pool equipment assets from Jacuzzi Inc. and Jacuzzi Leisure Products Inc. for $41.2 million. The purchase includes the Atlantic Pools line of aboveground pools. Last...

Leslie's offers service plan.
June 6, 2003... Leslie's Poolmart, the largest pool products retailer in the nation, will begin selling its customers two-year service plans on pool and spa equipment --even products purchased at competing stores. While manufacturers typically provide...

Worlds apart. (Reflections).
June 6, 2003... The handyman who makes repairs in my apartment is a nice guy and, over time, we've become friendly. Donny's from Israel, and has been in the United States for a little under a year. He brought his wife and two kids here after determining...

More to the story? (Letters).
June 6, 2003... Your builder was right and I'm sure that rather than marking up the price of the material, he just didn't pass on any of his negotiated trade discount. I wonder what your friends would say if they knew just how much auto repair materials are...

Exceeding expectations. (Letters).
June 6, 2003... After working in the retail industry for over 20 years (eight of those in the hot tub industry at Olympic Hot Tub Co.), I've come to the conclusion that the customer is, indeed, not always right. But, to me, that's not the question. The...

Right, but wrong. (Letters).
June 6, 2003... Thanks for a great "Reflections" story. It made me think.... My conclusions are: The pool builder was legally and ethically correct, but dead wrong from a "business strategy" standpoint. Oftentimes in life, you can win and lose at the...

Extended pool seasons reap big rewards. (Making News).
June 6, 2003... Ron Gibbons services one East Coast family's pool all year'round--even in the dead of winter. They're an athletic bunch, so they like to participate in swimming, marathon running and tennis on a regular basis. "My guys stand in the snow...

City held liable in diving accident.
June 6, 2003... The city of Walnut Creek, Calif., has been held liable for $28 million for a diving accident that left 22-year-old Scott Shropshire a quadriplegic. Shropshire was diving from a 3-meter board on July 6, 2000, when he landed on a synchronized...

Firefly chemical used to find bacteria.
June 6, 2003... Scientists in Bridgend, South Wales, are using the chemical that makes fireflies glow to detect germs such as Legionnaires' disease and E.coli that can reside in pools, according to BBC News Online. Developed by Biotrace International, the...

Hayward postpones sale to Bain Capital. (Making News).
June 6, 2003... Hayward Industries Inc. has indefinitely postponed plans to sell its residential swimming pool equipment and plastic products businesses to Bain Capital Inc., according to company officials. In March, Hayward announced that the company had...

Rain bogs down housing starts. (Making News).
June 6, 2003... Nationwide, single-family housing starts fell 3 percent in April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.36 million units. Unusually wet weather in parts of the South--the nation's largest housing market--apparently contributed to this...

Marines get a cool gift.
June 6, 2003... The 513th Marine Attack Squadron and the 13th Aviation Logistics Squadron, slated to be stationed in Bagram, Afghanistan, all summer, recently received a special gift, according to the Yuma Sun. The Yuma, Ariz.-based Marines e-mailed Jim...

Imperial to distribute equator polymer line.
June 6, 2003... Imperial Pools Manufacturing & Distribution has entered into an agreement with Equator Manufacturing of Toronto, to distribute polymer panels and braces under the Matrix brand name. Equator has manufactured pools in Canada for 30 years....

Anthony & Sylvan posts first quarter loss. (Making News).
June 6, 2003... In one of the first clear signs that the weak economy is taking a toll on the industry, pool building and retailing giant Anthony & Sylvan Pools Corp., has registered a double-digit loss in first quarter sales for this year. Net sales for...

Economic indicators show slight increase. (Making News).
June 6, 2003... After declining in February and March, the leading index increased 0.1 percent in April, according to the Conference Board. Half of the 10 indicators that make up the index increased, including consumer expectations, real money supply, stock...

Companies send sanitizer to Iraq to prevent waterborne diseases.
June 6, 2003... Smyrna, Ga.-based Arch Chemicals' HTH Water Products business has supplied more than 200 metric tons of calcium hypochlorite products to the U.S. Defense Department and UNICEF for use in sanitizing drinking water in Iraq. The Defense Department...

Florida Marlins in hot water.
June 6, 2003... The Florida Marlins are using hot tubs to lure people to Pro Player Stadium, a venue that has the second-lowest attendance in the National League, according to The Miami Herald. The spas are part of a $2.5 million marketing effort to refill...

Florida declares June Pool Safety Month. (Making News).
June 6, 2003... Florida Governor Jeb Bush has declared June "Swimming Pool Safety Month," and NSPI-Florida has kicked off the event by launching a consumer Web site. "We are developing ways to reach out to the consumer while increasing the value of an...

Small business optimism takes unprecedented leap. (Making News).
June 6, 2003... In the biggest single-month increase in the history of the survey, the National Federation of Independent Business' Index of Small Business Optimism jumped 5.3 points to 100.0 in April. This increase bests even the leaps of 3.8 points and 4.3...

Ecolab declares two-for-one stock split.
June 6, 2003... The board of directors at Ecolab Inc. (NYSE: ECL), a sanitizer maker in St. Paul, Minn., declared a two-for-one split of the company's common stock. The stock split will be in the form of a 100-percent stock dividend payable June 6. This...

National City Mortgage reaches milestone.
June 6, 2003... Dayton, Ohio-based National City Mortgage Co., recently celebrated its 1-millionth mortgage serviced. Founded in 1955 and acquired by Cleveland-based National City Corp. (NYSE: NCC) in 1989, the organization has become a leading provider of...

Dollar value dips, stocks follow. (Making News).
June 6, 2003... The month of May closed out with stock prices headed downward as the dollar fell to a new four-year low against the euro and a two-year low against the yen. However, U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow indicated that Washington is happy with...

Pool and spa industry stock market transactions. (Making News).
June 6, 2003... Pool and Spa Industry Stock Market Transactions Quotations are for May 15, 2003 Vol Symbol (100s) NEW YORK...

Lochinvar announces new hires, promotions.
June 6, 2003... Lochinvar Corp., a Lebanon, Tenn.-based manufacturer of water heaters, boilers and pool heaters, has announced several new hires and promotions. Bob Check, formerly of Carrier, has joined Lochinvar as director of customer service. Mark Spears...

Aquatherm tabs Salesman of the Year.
June 6, 2003... Aquatherm Industries Inc., a Lakewood, N.J., manufacturer of solar pool heating systems and pool heat pumps, has named Scott Bologna of Stilwell Solar in Fort Myer Fla., its "Solar Industries Salesman of the Year" at its Eastern Dealer meeting...

Super vision names new CFO/COO.
June 6, 2003... Super Vision International Inc., a manufacturer of fiberoptic and LED lighting, has announced the hiring of Dan Regalado as chief financial officer and chief operating officer, and has engaged in restructuring its organization. Super Vision...

Breaking down barriers: despite working in an industry dominated by men, retailer Amy Barto has found a way to become one of the best in the business. (People).
June 6, 2003... Ever since she was a teenager and began working in her mother's pool store in Phoenixville, Pa., Amy Barto has been determined to succeed in what she says is a male-dominated industry. When guys would come in to buy filter sand, Barto would...

Going with the flow: five ways to make fountain maintenance pay off. (Chemistry Clinic).
June 6, 2003... If you've ever considered venturing into fountain repair and maintenance, your pool and spa background will be an excellent foundation. But there are some differences. Here are five tips to help you get started: 1 Know thy fountain....

Making room: retailers say the backyard room trend is growing every year, but to be successful, stores--and sales philosophies--have to grow with it.
June 6, 2003... If Jeff Black had any lingering doubts about expanding his spa business into backyard accessories, it took just one deal to put his mind at ease. "I just sold a customer who has a large backyard more than thirty grand worth of patio...

Inside out: designers and pool builders transform a formal property into a Mexican hacienda-from the inside out.
June 6, 2003... When interior designer Tammy Isaak was first hired to work on this home, she was asked to refurnish just one room. "He'd just purchased the property," says Isaak, the president of Studio Red Interiors in Sacramento, Calif., "and I was...

Grill seekers: whether they realize it or not, most builders are in the market of selling barbecues.
June 6, 2003... Outdoor living has become a multi-billion-dollar Industry in the United States, With everything from $8 dinner plates to $8,000 grills being snapped up by consumers trying to create the "perfect backyard." The U.S. Census Bureau reports...

Eclectic enclosures: today's pool enclosures offer more options and features than ever before. (Close Up Enclosures).
June 6, 2003... Long gone are the days when the only options for pool enclosures were expensive wooden structures that deteriorated with age. Now consumers have far more choices in terms of style, color, shape and safety features that better suit their...

Aqua-flex. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Aero Tec Labs Features: collapsible pillow style bladder tanks for pool repair and maintenance Contact: Aero Tec Labs Inc., Ramsey, N.J. (800) 526-5330 Circle 150 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Aquaguard 5000. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Aquatic Technologies Features: two-part epoxy designed to provide protective coating for pools, spas, steel, cement or fiberglass; available in various colors and styles Offerings: 15-year warranty; exclusive and nonexclusive territories...

Floor tiles and pavers. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Australian Natural Tile Features: company manufactures quality 12.5-inch-square terracotta floor tiles and pavers; wide range of colors, accessories Contact: Australian Natural Tile, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (011) 61-732-714648 ...

Leak detection packages. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Anderson Manufacturing Co. Features: efficient and easy-to-use electronic leak detection equipment, per maker Offerings: instructional training CD and free LeakMaster repair products with purchase Contact: Anderson Manufacturing Co., St....

Air pro air-driven grinder. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Aquavations Corp. Features: designed to handle a variety of applications, from light buffing to heavy polishing work; powerful motor, with lightweight aluminum housing to reduce operator fatigue, per maker Contact: Aquavations Corp., Coral...

Decorative concrete. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Bonamite Corp. Features: decorative concrete in more than 100 patterns and an extensive palette of colors Contact: Bomanite Corp., Madera, Calif. (559) 673-2411 Circle 157 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Aqua glass/fiberglass resurfacing. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Aqua Creations Features: company offers fiberglass resurfacing services; custom colors and high-tech machine applications; also available is a brand-new granite glass coating that resembles real pebbles, but actually is a fiberglass-smooth...

Epoxybond Pool Putty. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Atlas Minerals & Chemicals Corp. Features: hand-moldable epoxy that cures hard under water, according to maker; offerings include co-op advertising and dating programs Contact: Atlas Minerals & Chemicals Corp., Mertztown, Pa. (800)...

Pool finishes and deck coatings. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... C.L. Industries Features: pool plaster, exposed aggregate pool finishes, deck coatings, cements, grouts and bonding agents for commercial and residential pools Offerings: protected territories, free marketing assistance and materials,...

Hydro Torque. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Cain Ventures Features: HT Mini-Max grinds, sands, polishes, drills and cuts a variety of hard surfaces; product effectiveness is enhanced through use of exclusive line of diamond abrasives and Hurry-Cain Hydro Abrasives, available in...

Vinyl-liner patterns and step material. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Canadian General-Tower Ltd. Features: 14 in-house design patterns for vinyl-liner replacement, textured step material, 28- and 20-mil thickness Offerings: full-color brochures; Virtual Pool program for vinyl-liner patterns Contact:...

Vinyl cleaners. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... AquaMagic Features: concrete, brick, aluminum and vinyl cleaners for repair and renovation; biodegradeable, nonflammable and noncorrosive, per maker Contact: AquaMagic, div., Certol International, Denver (800) 843-3343 Circle 161 on...

AQ series coping. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Federal Stone Industries Features: available in various sizes, radii, colors and textures; designed to meet virtually any remodeling or renovation need; radius chart included to aid the installer in figuring curves Contact: Federal Stone...

Poolfix adhesive and filler system. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... FeherGuard Products Ltd. Features: designed to provide a permanent bond on most materials; when wet with adhesive, product is made to harden instantly and can be cut, sanded, painted, drilled to reset screws or thread-cut for bolts;...

Fiberglass pool resurfacing. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Fibre Tech Features: company offers fiberglass pool resurfacing services; six-step, hand-laid installation process reduces costs of pool maintenance, per manufacturer Offerings: 25-year warranty and exclusive territories Contact: Fibre...

Architectural toppings and resinous flooring. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Floric Polytech Features: micro-toppings, stampable overlays, sealers, deck coatings, industrial coatings, concrete restoration products Contact: Floric Polytech, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. (866) 435-6742 Circle 165 on Postage-Free Card...

Exterior coordinates. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Fort Wayne Pools Features: program allows for complete color coordination of every component of a pool, including steps, liners, handrails, ladders and interior pool components such as skimmers and inlets Contact: Fort Wayne Pools, Fort...

Vinyl pool liners. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Garrett Liners Features: company offers 30 border and bottom patterns for inground pool liners; extra-strong, 28-mil SuperLine; 28/20-mil TUFFside; exclusive Ultrafit process for exceptional fit, according to maker Offerings: 20-year...

Custom fabricated pool grates. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Grate Ideas Features: company offers pool grates with made-to-measure corners; ultrasonically wedged; no on-site assembly required, per manufacturer Contact: Grate Ideas, Burlington, Va. (800) 292-6044 Circle 168 on Postage-Free Card...

Dura White. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Huber Engineered Materials Features: company offers product designed to deliver bright white, durable, plastered surface Contact: Huber Engineered Materials, Atlanta (770) 607-3345 Circle 172 on Postage-Free Card

Pool Mix. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Ymerys Features: product is a high white marble, ground to a specific aggregate for inground pools; when formulated with white cement, product is designed to provide trouble-free, smooth white finish for years Contact: Imerys, Roswell, Ga....

Vinyl liners and drop-in steps. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Imperial Pools Mfg. & Dist Features: one piece thermoplastic step with Trimline coping, series of vinyl-liner patterns designed to imitate the look and feel of gunite pools Offerings: full-color brochures and POP displays; Web site with...

Mosaics -- by Inlays. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Inlays Features: one-piece; skid- and frost- resistant; easy to install, according to manufacturer Offerings: literature; sample program; toll-free phone and fax; Web site Contact: Inlays Inc., Green Bay, Wis. (800) 426-6873 Circle...

Flex polymer wall system. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Kafko Manufacturing Features: available in industry-standard height of 42 inches, which allows 3-foot water depth in pool's shallow end; also comes in 48-inch-high panels for water depth of 6 inches more; ideal for fiat-bottom pool design,...

Olympic pool products. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Kelley Technical Coatings Features: company offers a full line of pool and deck renovation systems Offerings: co-op POP displays; sales aids; on-site training Contact: Kelley Technical Coatings, Louisville, Ky. (800) 458-2842 Circle...

The Leakseeker. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Leakseeker Features: electronic underwater leak detection unit Contact: Leakseeker, Pompano Beach, Fla. (954) 584-3542 Circle 175 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

White Cement. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Lehigh Cement Co. Features: company offers white portland cement for pool plaster; ASTM-certified Contact: Lehigh Cement Co., White Cement Division, Allentown, Pa. (610) 366-4600 Circle 176 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION...

Pool plastering equipment. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Macalite Equipment Features: company manufactures the Hydra-Flow plaster mixer and is a distributor for Excalibur and Putzmeister plaster pumps; line includes plaster hoses, nozzles and easy-flow nozzles for pebble applications Contact....

Start-up conditioner. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Fix-A-Leak/Marlig Industries Features: concentrated liquid leak sealer for plumbing and structural leaks in pools and spas; easy-to-follow instructions, per maker Offerings: technical support available Contact: Fix-A-Leak/Marlig Industries...

Vinyl liners. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Merlin Industries Features: computer-aided design and manufacturing, 20- and 27-mil virgin vinyl, more than 25 patterns Offerings: 20-year warranty, brochures, vinyl samples, co-op advertising, dealer locator on Web site Contact: Merlin...

Wafer style tuck point diamond blade. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Multiquip Features: streamlined blade thickness for easy grout and mortar removal; eight blades with double- and triple-style models, ranging from 4- to 7 inches in diameter and can be used with right-angle grinders; excellent grinding...

Natatec PVC Membrane Systems. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Natare Corp. Features: watertight liner is designed to eliminate annual surface repair; according to manufacturer, no painting, plaster, fiberglass or caulk needed Contact: Natare Corp., Indianapolis (800) 336-8828 Circle 181 on...

Pool plastering tools and pumps. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Nathan Kimmel Co. Features: company offers line of pool plastering tools, pumps, parts, hoses, trowels, nozzles and plaster cleats Contact: Nathan Kimmel Co., Los Angeles (800) 421-0005 Circle 182 on Postage-Free Card ...

BBQ Island. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... National Pool Tile Group Features: company offers prefabricated, modular BBQ Island kits; kits are ready to ship and come with accessories and tile; designed for fast, easy assembly; no forklifts and/or cranes needed, per maker Contact:...

Newlander armor products. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Oceaneering Research and Development Features: company offers product for building and resurfacing pools; applications for these inground fiberglass building systems include pools, tanks and more Contact: Oceaneering Research and...

Pool coping, pavers. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Pacific Clay Brick Products Features: company offers selection of quality pool coping and pavers, including clay brick products and porcelain tiles Contact: Pacific Clay Brick Products Inc., Lake Elsinore, Calif. (909) 674-2131 Circle...

Vinyl pool liners. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Pegasus Products Features: variety of pattern selections for inground and aboveground liners; new vinyl-liner patterns available, including the Boulders pattern for aboveground pools, and the Galaxy and Galaxy Tile for inground pools...

Recapture the magic renovation brochure. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Pentair Pool Products Features: colorful, 12-page brochure and 8-page insert tab aimed at pool owners discusses interior pool refinishing, tile/coping replacement, deck resurfacing, concrete repair and more; packaged in lots of 25; ask for...

Acrylic-polymer cementitious surfacing. (Renovation and Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Perma-Crete Features: three-part, acrylic-polymer cementitious surfacing system; available in 150 colors; sealed, nonporous surface; designed to be chemical- and weather-resistant Offerings: on-site, in-house training; brochures; 10-year...

Vinyl pool liner renovation tools. (Renovation & Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Plastimayd Corp. Features: line of hard-to-find tools for pool liner renovation available, per maker; aluminum and PVC liner coping, vinyl vacs, drop-in steel steps, and coping paint Offerings: dealer marketing program; POP displays,...

Ultra poly one coat. (Renovation & Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Poly Solutions Features: company offers a one-coat hybrid epoxy coating for concrete, fiberglass, metal and previously painted pools Contact: Poly Solutions Inc., Gibsonia, Pa. (724) 449-1040 Circle 191 on Postage-Free Card

Sili-Thane 801 Joint Sealant. (Renovation & Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Polymeric Systems Features: durable, water-resistant caulking material for use in expansion joints and coping, and to seal leaks; UV-resistant and paintable, per maker; without primer, designed to adhere to PVC, aluminum, mortar and...

Pool coping and tile. (Renovation & Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Precision Tile and Coping Features: company offers several types of coping, including double bull-nose, flat bull-nose and cantilever style coping, along with hundreds of tile patterns, per maker Contact: Precision Tile and Coping, Sun...

Carrousel pump 15010TBM-3-GAM. (Renovation & Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Quikspray Features: designed for spraying heavy-bodied commercial coating; peristaltic pump requires little maintenance and is suitable for pumping many aggregated and fibered products, per maker Contact: Quikspray Inc., Port Clinton,...

Gunite dry shotcrete machine. (Renovation & Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... By Reed Shotcrete Equipment Features: product provides an extremely even flow of concrete for pool shotcrete construction, according to manufacturer Contact: Reed Shotcrete Equipment, Chino, Calif. (888) 779-7333 Circle 194 on...

FuturaPool. (Renovation & Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... RenoSys Corp Features: a PVC-lined, stainless steel pool system for pool renovation; made with stainless steel or galvanized steel and Renosys PVC shell pool interior; guaranteed watertight for 25 years Contact: RenoSys Corp.,...

Hydraulic ball valve 160 line pump. (Renovation & Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Schwing America Features: pumps 45 cubic yards per hour, per maker; combines hydraulic concrete pumps with dual-ball-valve sequencing system; spring-controlled accumulator; 20-by-6-foot cylinders; trailer-mounted model pumps grout,...

Epoxy Stone, Design Flo-Crete and Flooring Epoxies. (Renovation & Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Seamco Laboratories Features: industrial, residential and institutional flooring and decking materials Offerings: training; leads; advertising materials Contact: Seamco Laboratories Inc., Tampa, Fla. (813) 251-1881 Circle 197...

S-1 excalibur mobile plaster pump with mixer. (Renovation & Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Spray Force Manufacturing Features: tandem axle trailer allows mixer to be adjacent to the back of towing vehicle where it would be stored; 30hp engine, 210 Quincy air compressor, reciprocating pistons, crank and cam, four-speed ratios,...

Vinyl magic pool coating. (Renovation & Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Southern Vinyl Waterproofing Features: 100-percent liquid PVC; designed to be color-fast, resist rust and algae; low maintenance Contact: Southern Vinyl Waterproofing Inc., Bristol, Tenn. (423) 968-2556 Circle 199 on Postage-Free...

Anti-vortex main drain sumps. (Renovation & Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... 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. (201)...

Pool fittings and drain covers. (Renovation & Repair Products).
June 6, 2003... Splash Pool Plastics Features: eight designer colors; patented Pebbletop drains for aggregate finishes Contact: Splash Pool Plastics inc., Yorba Linda, Calif. (714) 779-5221 Circle 200 on Postage-Free Card