Pool & Spa News articles from June 2004

Pool & Spa News archives from June 2004

Polaris buys key Clear-Tech lines.(Making News)
June 4, 2004... Polaris Pool Systems Inc. announced it has acquired the AutoClear, AutoClear Plus and Pure & Clear product lines from Clear-Tech Automation Inc., a Pompano Beach, Fla.-based manufacturer of natural chlorination products. Terms of the sale,...

Florida loses hard-wire alarm fight.(Making News)
June 4, 2004... After two years of legal wrangling, a Florida District Court of Appeals essentially has eliminated battery-powered alarms for new-pool construction in this state. The decision overturned a ruling that would have allowed new-pool owners to...

Tell the world.(Reflections)
June 4, 2004... A few months back, I attended the Florida Pool & Spa Show in Orlando. While there, I got a call from a manufacturer, telling me about a party being hosted by a local builder, Nils Erickson. Erickson had just opened a brand-new,...

The solar solution.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
June 4, 2004... The article "The Solar System" in the April 9 issue has several incorrect and misleading statements and ends on a totally false premise that, if credible, could frighten away potential buyers. The article mentions costs to consumers for...

Reap the benefits of employee ownership.(Making News)
June 4, 2004... Barry Knickerbocker never took more than a few days off Turk. In the early '90s, however, the founder and then-president of Spa Parts Plus had to leave his company for nearly a month--and he was worried. When he returned and saw that everything...

Extreme-ly satisfying: install a pool in two days ... on national TV? These manufacturers take on the job.(Making News)
June 4, 2004... Manufacturers in the pool and spa industry make the products that help build the pools, but rarely do they get recognition. For two manufacturers on opposite coasts, a television show has changed that, giving them the opportunity to seep in...

Aquascape designs announces sports car giveaway.
June 4, 2004... A photo/essay contest and Lotus Elise Giveaway is being held by Aquascape Designs Inc. a manufacturer of water gardening products based in Batavia, Ill. To enter, each contractor must submit a before and after photo of their favorite pond...

Consultant implicated in pool controversy.
June 4, 2004... A consultant for Connecticut's Department of Transportation is under fire for allegedly receiving kickbacks for offering government contracts to the state's largest environmental contractor, Earth Technology. In 1999, DOT consultant John Curran...

CPSC investigating entrapment, drowning.(Making News)
June 4, 2004... The Consumer Product Safety Commission will be holding public hearings in Tampa, Fla., and Phoenix to collect input from the public and trades about drownings and entrapment and how the tragedies can be prevented. The meetings will focus...

Builders win Pebble Tech contest.
June 4, 2004... Pebble Technology Inc. of Scottsdale, Ariz., has named the winners of its NCAA Final Four sales contest. Begun in January, the contest was designed to reward the top dealers of the manufacturer's specialty pool surfaces in the Florida and Texas...

German pool show set for autumn.
June 4, 2004... Interbad 2004, an international trade fair for swimming pool and bath technology, saunas, physiotherapy and wellness, will be held Sept. 29 to Oct. 2 at the Messe Stuttgart Convention Center in Stuttgart, Germany, Sponsored by the German...

Study finds drowning risk underestimated.(Making News)
June 4, 2004... When it comes to the threat of childhood drowning, parental perceptions don't always line up with reality, according to a study performed by the National Safe Kids Campaign. The organization surveyed parents of children aged 14 and under....

BioGuard allies with Dimension One.
June 4, 2004... The SpaGuard Division of BioGuard has announced a new marketing agreement with Dimension One Spas Inc, to include the SpaGuard line of spa chemical treatments as the "preferred" chemical line of Dimension One Spas. The partnership is designed...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
June 4, 2004... In the article "Distribution Derby" in the May 7, 2004. issue, the "Spa Essentials" logo accompanying the text for Essentials Spa Supplies was not the official logo of the company. Spa Essentials is a brand of BioLab Inc. and is not affiliated...

SCP addresses retailing rumors.(Making News)
June 4, 2004... Though many throughout the pool and spa industry have expressed concern that SCP Pool Corp. plans to expand into the retail and/or manufacturing side of the business, officials at the distribution company say that is not going to happen. ...

Super Vision reports record revenues.
June 4, 2004... Super Vision International Inc. reported record-high revenues of $3.1 million in the quarter ended March 31, up 30 percent from $24 million in the same period last year. The increase was due primarily to upticks in the pool-and-spa and...

Pentair's first-quarter earnings rise 43 percent.
June 4, 2004... Pentair Inc. reported that its earnings per share for the quarter ended April 3 increased 43 percent to $080 from $0.56 in the same period last year. The earnings were boosted by the Minnesota-based firm's net sales, which rose 20 percent to...

Construction strong despite slowdown.(Making News)
June 4, 2004... A report from the Commerce Department last month said that the number of housing projects builders broke ground on dipped in April, according to the Associated Press. Nonetheless, the activity level still suggested that the residential...

Pool and spa industry stock market transactions.(Making News)
June 4, 2004... Pool and Spa Industry Stock Market Transactions Vol. Symbol (100s) Quotations NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE are...

The birthday boy: Jack LaLanne turns 90 and anticipates another death-defying feat.(People)
June 4, 2004... For most people, birthdays conjure up images of candlelit cakes, goofy party hats and dinner with friends and family. But for fitness icon Jack LaLanne, birthdays are best celebrated by performing a Herculean aquatic feat such as crossing...

Turning up the heat: when installing a heater, there's a basic checklist you need to follow to avoid getting burned.(Technically Speaking)
June 4, 2004... Heaters are the single most expensive piece on a pool's equipment pad. So, before bidding on a job to install one for a customer, there are some basic guidelines to be considered that, if overlooked, could cost you time and money. Know the...

Lock and key: four tips for preventing employees from becoming competitors after they leave your company.(Legal Eagle)
June 4, 2004... As a business owner one of the last things you want to see is the departure of a salesperson. It's even worse, though, when the salesperson takes the company's information to work for the competition across the street. Many...

Playa collection.(New Products)
June 4, 2004... by Pacific Sun Casual Furniture Features: new line of outdoor furniture includes casual seating and complementary tables that can be topped with acrylic, tempered glass or faux stone; aluminum extrusions with fabric sling seating are...

Ecosavr liquid solar blanket.(New Products)
June 4, 2004... by Flexible Solutions Intl. Features: new liquid solar blanket for residential pools; designed to be easy to use; user cuts fin and a monomolecular, invisible layer forms on pool surface to reduce heat and water loss by up to 40 percent,...

The igloo.(New Products)
June 4, 2004... by Swimline Corp. Features: latest addition to company's line of pool inflatables: designed in the shape of an igloo and comes with a swim-through base; available in ice-blue color Contact: Swimline Corp., Edgewood, N.Y. (631) 254-2155...

Salt chlorinator systems.(New Products)
June 4, 2004... by AquaPower-Plus Salt Chlorinators Features: saltwater chlorinator systems run at 2,500 ppm of salt, according to maker: clear cell Offerings: 5 year limited warranty: "Try-Me" special includes 50 percent discount on wholesale price for...

Jacuzzi laser filter.(New Products)
June 4, 2004... by Cantar Features: laser sand filler available in new 19-inch model; filter is 2 inches taller to provide increased sand depth and improved filtration and debris carrying capacity, per maker; under-drain with side-slotted laterals is...

Ready-to-assemble gate system.(New Products)
June 4, 2004... by L.B. Plastics Features: PVC fence and railing gates are designed to be adjustable during custom installation to help minimize dimensional problems at final fitting; made with reinforced-aluminum corners for durability and easy hardware...

AquaChek TDS test strips.(New Products)
June 4, 2004... by AquaChek-ETS/Hach Co. Features: one-dip test strips are designed to test for total dissolved solids without conductivity meter; strips measure in increments of 0-, 500-, 1,500-,3,000- and 5,000 ppm; test requires a one-second dip and...

Platinum ladder.(New Products)
June 4, 2004... by Northern Stainless & Rail Products Features: ADA-approved safety ladder decreases gap between pool wall and ladder from 6- to 3 1/2 inches in an effort to lessen entrapment concerns; made from 304 stainless steel; 316L stainless steel...

DW059K-2 cordless impact wrench.(New Products)
June 4, 2004... by DeWalt Features: high-torque impact wrench is heavy-duty, 18V, 1/2-inch and cordless; produces 300 ft./lbs, of maximum torque, 2,600 blows per minute and 1,650 rpm, per maker; designed to be lightweight; wraparound, anti-slip comfort...

Ultra-Solv II.(New Products)
June 4, 2004... by Certol Intl. Features: reformulated, multipurpose cleaner is intended to replace hazardous chlorinated or aliphatic solvents, harsh alkalis and acids; made to remove grease, oil, soil, stains and uncured paints from concrete, metal and...

Chlorine container pump.(New Products)
June 4, 2004... by Beckson Industrial Products Features: low volume chlorine container pump transfers liquid chlorine from 5-gallon containers: includes a 70mm cap adapter, patented safety strap and twist handle to prevent unauthorized use, per maker; for...

Buggspray.(New Products)
June 4, 2004... by Bugg Products Features: company offers EPA-approved bug repellent; made to keep away West Nile Virus mosquitoes, Lyme disease-carrying ticks and more; available in two 25 percent DEET formulas: Buggspray Original with vanilla scent, or...

Chemicals Quarterly Market Report.
June 4, 2004... During the 1970s, a television public relations campaign used the tag line: "Without chemicals, life itself would be impossible." This is certainly true of the pool and spa industry. You'd find very few consumers who would be willing to...

The specialists: with so many specialty chemicals available, here are the ones service technicians say they can't live without.(Chemicals Quarterly Market Report)
June 4, 2004... A longtime pool industry veteran once said, "Whatever problem a pool has, this industry has a bottle for it." He wasn't kidding. Over the past 10 years or so, a variety of specialty chemicals and products have hit the market. They have all been...

Down the drain: as environmentally sensitive areas crack down on pool-water disposal, professionals wonder where the liquid should go.(Chemicals Quarterly Market Report)
June 4, 2004... If you live in the right areas, you've probably heard the same story over and over again. A veteran service technician--let's call him Joe Pool--is finishing up a call. The total dissolved solids are more than 2,000 parts per million, so it's...

Bubbling back up: after suffering an economic slip following 9/11, pool chemical sales are back on the rise.(Chemicals Quarterly Market Report)
June 4, 2004... While most people might shy away from blistering summer heat, Blair Lynch in hoping for a long, hot season. "100 degrees every day," declares the operations manager at Mermaid Pool, Spa and Patio in Anderson, Ind. The high temperatures, he...

Safety net: industry professionals seek to protect themselves while promoting safety--and products.(Close up: safety equipment)
June 4, 2004... John Migliaccio says it's not enough to sell safety products such as fences, alarms and covers. Instead, he tells industry professionals to develop comprehensive plans for addressing their customers' safety needs, before and after the sale....

Colorquartz aggregate.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by 3M Corp. Features: granules are colored with a ceramic coating; product is designed to be used as an added ingredient in pool plaster to create colorful, durable exposed aggregate finishes; 14 colors; two sizes; available in 50-pound...

LeakTrac 2200 vinyl-liner leak detector.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Anderson Manufacturing Co. Features: product is designed to detect leaks in pool without dye, diving or pool draining Offerings: instructional CD-ROM Contact: Anderson Manufacturing Co Inc., St Paul, Minn. (800) 348-1316 ...

Acrylics, epoxies and urethanes.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by AquaBond Features: company offers acrylics, epoxies and urethanes with gun dispensing system; gun system available in 50- and 400-ml size Contact: AquaBond, LLC, Placentia. Calif. (714) 961-1420 Write 162 on Postage-Free Card...

AquaGuard 5000.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Aquatic Technologies Features: two-part epoxy provides protective coating for pools, spas, steel, cement or fiberglass; available in various colors and styles Offerings: 15-year warranty Contact: Aquatic Technologies Inc.,...

Hydrazzo polished marble pool finish.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Aquavations Corp. Features: designed to create a smooth texture with the durability of exposed aggregates; made to resist spot etching, topical stains, permanent scale and algae Offerings: free marketing assistance, materials;...

Model D3522 hydraulic peristaltic pump.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Blastcrete Equipment Co. Features: product includes 1/3 cubic-yard mixer; 0-6 cubic yard output; mixes and pumps vermiculite/cement, pool plaster, stucco, lightweight concrete, cellular concrete, mortar and more Contact: Blastcrete...

Pool plaster, finishes, coatings and grouts.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by C.L Industries Features: a complete line of pool plaster, exposed aggregate finishes, polished marble and pebble finishes, deck coatings, cements, grouts and bonding agents Offerings: free marketing assistance, materials; display...

Vinyl liner replacement patterns.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Canadian General-Tower Ltd. Features: inground pool liner patterns from classic the and stone to modern patterns using latest styles; 14 house patterns Offerings: full-color brochures; Web site with virtual pool program for liner...

AquaLiner destination series.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Cantar Features: series of vinyl liner patterns designed for tropical resort feel crafted from virgin vinyl to rigid quality standards, per maker Contact: Cantar, Youngstown, Ohio (800) 448-2343 Write 168 on Postage-Free Card...

CP7 aluminum coping for fiberoptic lighting.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Cinderella Features: all-aluminum construction; no PVC inserts; designed to hold numerous brands of perimeter fiberoptic cable Offerings: UPS shipping Contact: Cinderella Inc., Saginaw, Mich. (989) 755-7741 Write 169 on...

Coping stone.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Creacon Co. Features: new pre cast, concrete coping stone designed for durability; available in 15 standard colors; custom colors and designs available Contact: Creacon Co. Inc., Grandview, Mo. (888) 763-5774 Write 170 on...

Deck-o-grip concrete deck cure and seal.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Deck-O-Seal Features: designed to be nonslip, nonyellowing deck cure and sealant that provides a glossy appearance; product is easy to clean, dust-proofs concrete and improves weather resistance, according to company Contact:...

Waterproofing membrane.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Desjoyaux Pools Features: company offers a 60-mil. waterproofing membrane for inground pools Contact: Desjoyaux Pools, Savannah, Ga. (800) 322-0122 Write 172 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Underwater repair putty.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Devcon Features: putty is a nonrusting, epoxy-based compound that penetrates moisture to form permanent seal underwater, according to manufacturer; bonds to steel, iron, aluminum, brass, bronze, concrete, wood and selected plastics ...

Pooldeck coating.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by E-Z Products Features: professional-grade pooldeck and patio coating formulated with 45 percent acrylic and 3 percent epoxy; designed to be low sheen and easy to apply Offerings: brochures literature and free instructional video ...

Vinyl repair kit.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Essentials Features: kit comes with resin, a mini-heat iron, colored pigments and fabric samples, with a selection of patterns and grains; designed to repair spa covers soft-sided spas, patio seat cushions, boat cushions and more ...

Uniwall.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Family Fun Corp. Features: product offers complete design freedom, and self-supporting flexible Fiberglass pool walls are easy to maintain, according to manufacturer Offerings: construction training, designing rods Contact:...

AQ series coping.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Federal Stone Industries Features: available in various sizes, radii colors and textures; designed to meet virtually any remodeling or renovation need; radius chart is included to aid the installer in figuring curves Contact:...

Pool resufacing.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Fibre Tech. Features: company offers a pool resurfacing process that uses a hand-laid technique Offerings: 25 year warranty; national dealerships available Contact: Fibre Tech Inc., Largo, Fla. (800) 393-7283 Write 178 on...

Exterior coordinates pool liner.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Fort Wayne Pools Features: company offers entire line of steps ladders, handrails and interior pool components; 10 liner patterns from which to choose; liners are constructed using virgin vinyl specially treated to resist bacteria...

Pool grates.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Grate Ideas Features: custom-fabricated pool grates require no on-site assembly and feature made-to-measure corners, according to maker; product is ultrasonically welded Contact: Grate Ideas Burlington, Vt. (800) 292-6044 Write...

Mix-elvator with C-10 Gunite machine.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Gunite Supply and Equipment Features: hydraulic-ratio control system, 30hp diesel engine, maximum mixing capacity of 13 cubic yards, sand hopper capacity of 20 cubic yards and cement hopper capacity of 4 cubic feet Contact: Gunite...

DuraWhite.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Huber Engineered Materials Features: plaster product is designed to deliver a bright white, durable plastered surface Contact: Huber Engineered Materials, Atlanta (770) 607-3345 Write 182 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION...

Pool mix.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Imerys Features: product is a high white marble, ground to a specific aggregate for inground pools; when formulated with white cement the product provides a smooth, long-lasting finish, per manufacturer Contact: Imerys, Roswell, Ga....

Vinyl liners, coping and spillover spa.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Imperial Pools Mfg. & Dist. Features: company offers new Truedge replacement liner (shown), one piece thermoplastic step with patented Trimline coping, Whitewave spillover spa and more Offerings: full-color brochure and POP displays...

Pool depth & safety markers.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Inlays Features: avail able in ceramic tile, vinyl stickon and glass overlays; reaches depths up to 14 feet on one tile, smooth and skid-resistant surfaces, metric depths also offered Contact: Inlays Inc., Green Bay, Wis. (800)...

Tile, plaster, coping and mosaics.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by International Pool Tile Corp. Features: company offers a variety of finishing material, including pool tile, plaster, coping and mosaics Contact: International Pool Tile Corp., Cranbury, N.J. (888) 865-6685 Write 186 on...

Polymer inground pools.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Kafko Mfg. Ltd. Features: a modular alternative to typical masonry pools; walls consist of polymer boxes. each 1m long by 1.22m high by 15cm wide which attach by sliding together; surfaces are UV-protected, per maker Contact: Kafko...

Kwik repair.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Lass Enterprises Features: one-piece, PVC line repair and fitting replacements; three fittings in six sizes; Extend-All fittings, return plumbing extenders and pipe extenders also available Contact: Lass Enterprises Inc., Altamonte...

The Leakseeker.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Leakseeker Features: company offers an electronic underwater leak detection unit Contact: Leakseeker, div, Don Lawrence Pool Services Pompano Beach, Fla. (954) 584-3542 Write 189 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

White cement.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by 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 Write 190 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION...

Pool plastering trucks.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Macalite Equipment Features: truck features a Putzmeister plaster pump with 37hp diesel engine and Hydra-Flow plaster mixer; one diesel engine runs both plaster pump and mixer; mixer has forward, neutral reverse and variable speed...

Clay Coping Bricks.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Marion Ceramics Features: new Cobblestone Grey hard-fired, clay coping bricks for use around pools, spas and other waterfeatures; smooth bullnose faces and cushion edges; available in five sizes Contact: Marion Ceramics, Florence,...

Fix-a-leak.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Marlig Industries Features: concentrated liquid leak sealer for plumbing and structural leaks in pools and spas; easy-to-follow instructions Offerings: technical support Contact: Marlig Industries, Niagara Falls, N.Y. (905)...

Exclusive 2004 vinyl pattern collection.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by McEwen Industries Features: company offers six new pat terns for vinyl liners including McKenzie (shown) Offerings: full-length samples, color brochures Contact: McEwen Industries, Charlotte, N.C. (704) 365-8070 Write 194...

Inter-glass reinforced fiberglass system.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Mid-America Pool Renovation Features: fiberglass mat and gel system for application over cracked and leaking concrete, acrylic, fiberglass and metal pools Offerings: 25-year limited warranty; dealer literatur, training Contact:...

Aboveground pool liner track.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Modern Pool Systems Features; aluminum liner receiver track for above ground pools; horizontal receiver is designed to not trap pool water which can leak between liner and pool wall and cause rust Contact: Modern Pool Systems,...

Stow mixers.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Multiquip Features: five new plaster/mortar mixers and three new concrete mixers: includes tubular steel frame with improved wheelbarrow clearance and new forklift pockets Contact: Multiquip Inc., Carson, Calif. (877) 289-7869 ...

Natatec PVC membrane system.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Natare Corp. Features: liners are layered with PVC membranes for a watertight surface; primary or slip-resistant models are available in white, sky blue, Caribbean blue and black: cost effective for renovations and new constructions,...

Pool plastering tools and pumps.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Nathan Kimmel Co. Features: complete line of pool plastering tools, including pumps, parts, hoses, trowels, nozzles and plaster cleats Contact: Nathan Kimmel Co., Los Angeles (800) 421-0005 Write 199 on Postage-Free Card ...

StoneScapes pool finishes.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by National Pool Tile Group Features: aggregate compound designed to resist acid etching: pre-measured and scientifically formulated fur consistent color quality and results: a wide range of color choices Offerings: Limited warranty:...

Pool coping and pavers.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Pacific Clay Brick Products Features: company offers a selection of quality pool coping and pavers, including clay brick products and porcelain tries Contact: Pacific Clay Brick Products Inc., Lake Elsinore, Calif. (909) 674-2131...

PebbleTec natural pebble pool finish.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Pebble Technology Features: product offers high durability and a unique look and texture. per maker: professional application Offerings: warranty: brochures: samples available upon request Contact: Pebble Technology Inc.,...

Dursila tile liners.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Pegasus Pool Products Features: durable vinyl liners are created using computerized cutting tables networked with the engineers' CAD and designing programs to eliminate the risk of human error, per maker. Contact: Pegasus Pool...

Pool liner renovation tools.(Renovation & Repair)
June 4, 2004... by Plastimayd Corp. Features: company offers a line of pool liner renovation tools (shown): aluminum and PVC liner coping, drop in steel steps and coping paint also available Offerings: full-color brochures: POP displays Contact:...