Pool & Spa News articles from June 2006

Pool & Spa News archives from June 2006

Raw materials costs skyrocket in 2006.(MAKING NEWS)
June 5, 2006... As fuel and energy costs continue to rise, it's likely the pool and spa industry will see increases in the price of cement, PVC, metals and other raw materials through the remainder of 2006. The situation, many say, will be a repeat of 2004...

Expo keynote speaker to reveal secrets.(MAKING NEWS)
June 5, 2006... Organizers of the international Pool & Spa Expo and Backyard Living Expo have tapped customer service guru Robert Spector as the 2006 keynote speaker. He will offer insight on how consumer trends affect business owners Spector, who has...

Big box, small pool.(REFLECTIONS)
June 5, 2006... One of our staff writers, Josh Keim, has been working on a story about the relationship between inflatable pools, big-box stores and water safety. As part of a research effort, I dropped by a Toys "R" Us last weekend and posed as a customer....

Do the ESOP: a growing number of pool firms have implemented employee stock ownership programs as an owner exit strategy. Read this before considering your own.(MAKING NEWS)
June 5, 2006... Some time soon, Fred Butler plans to retire. "I think anyone who builds a business cares about its longevity," said the owner of Pools Plus Inc. in Elizabethtown, Ky. "They are concerned about their customers and the employees who helped...

California addresses heat-related deaths.(MAKING NEWS)
June 5, 2006... Hoping to avoid last year's wave of heat-related deaths, California's Division of Occupational Safety and Health is looking to permanently adopt emergency safety regulations that were put into place in September 2005. After more than a...

Florida subcontractor licensing how a reality.(MAKING NEWS)
June 5, 2006... After two years of pressure from the pool industry, the state of Florida has begun the process of licensing subcontractors. "The problem is that there's never been a method in Florida where a sub can get such a license; there is no...

Georgia builders oppose new licensing law.(MAKING NEWS)
June 5, 2006... The Georgia pool and spa industry is struggling with a new law that requires contractors to be licensed. First proposed in 2004, the bill was "put through so fast that it wasn't really as well-reasoned as you'd hope," said Kevin M. Veler,...

Sunlight Saunas makes 'hot 100 list'.
June 5, 2006... Sunlight Saunas of Lenexa, Kan., has made Entrepreneur s Hot 100 List for the third year in a row. This year, the company came in at No. 92. The sauna distributor also was honored by Ingram's magazine as Kansas City's Fastest-Growing Company...

Jacuzzi celebrates 50th anniversary.
June 5, 2006... Jacuzzi Hot Tubs is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first portable hydrotherapy pump, the J-300, invented in 1956 by the Jacuzzi brothers. The Chino, Calif.-based manufacturer is running a promotion from May to September to commemorate...

Region 10 show postponed indefinitely.
June 5, 2006... The 2007 Southeastern Pool & Spa Show has been postponed indefinitely due to complications arising from Region 10's reincorporation into the national body of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals. As of July 1, the Region 10 Board of...

Astral expands into India.
June 5, 2006... In early May, AstralPool launched its Astral India division in Chennai, the fourth largest city in India. Pere Ballart, AstralPool International's corporate manager, officially unveiled the new headquarters. "Chennai, being a port city, offers...

Correction.(Correction notice)
June 5, 2006... The "In My Backyard" feature in the May 8, 2006, issue contained a mistake regarding the size of the family home owned by Florida builder Michael Manley. The text should have stated that it is a 4,700-square-foot house. Pool & Spa News regrets...

Say what!
June 5, 2006... 'The ancient Greeks and Romans built pools to use for athletic training in the palestras, as well as nautical games and military exercises. Roman emperors also had private pools where fish were kept, hence the Latin word for pool,...

NSPF teams up with President's Council.
June 5, 2006... The National Swimming Pool Foundation of Colorado Springs, Colo., has partnered with the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports as a "50th Anniversary Partner to Get America Moving!" Through the partnership, the two organizations...

Savio hires two.
June 5, 2006... Savio Engineering Inc. of Albuquerque, N.M., has appointed Rob Kashauer director of research development and manufacturing. He's been in electronics research and development for more than 20 years, and set up two manufacturing facilities in the...

Paramount adds Bracanovich.
June 5, 2006... Paramount Pool & Spa Systems announced that Andrew Bracanovich is the new Southwest regional sales manager, covering Arizona and New Mexico, and the western tip of Texas. Bracanovich has been working with in-floor cleaning systems for 11 years....

Kelleher, McLaughlin join Jacuzzi Hot Tubs.
June 5, 2006... Jacuzzi Hot Tubs has hired Mark Kelleher as marketing manager, and Melanie McLaughlin in the newly created position of international marketing specialist. Kelleher's role will be to further increase the Chino, Calif., company's presence in the...

HaloSource Inc. promotes Lockett.
June 5, 2006... HaloSource Inc. has promoted Rick Lockett to general manager of its SeaKlear Water Treatment Solutions line. Previously, he was director of sales and marketing, and has more than 14 years' experience in the pool and spa industry. SeaKlear makes...

Cal Spas appoints Rees.
June 5, 2006... Cal Spas has hired Mike Rees as corporate technical trainer. He will be responsible for developing technical training programs for the firm's product divisions. as well as Web-based information and troubleshooting guides for dealers. Rees also...

The franchise guys: Aaron and David Hagen created a successful business. Now they're in a serious franchise mode.(PEOPLE)
June 5, 2006... David Hagen worked only a few months for Paddock Pools, Patios & Spas, based in Scottsdale, Ariz., before realizing he wanted to start his own business. Upon hearing the plan, his twin brother, Aaron, was instantly on board. Six years ago, they...

That's hot.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 5, 2006... Wasauna presents a handmade, spruce wood infrared sauna; includes five ceramic heaters that emit far infrared rays; digital control box gives the user control over the temperature at a range between 80 and 140 degrees; 20-amp and 120V...

Causing a sunsation.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 5, 2006... RAVE Sports introduces the Sunsation lounger/water towable; can serve as a lounger or a way to ride waves; features an adjustable sun shade, tilting seat back, removable pillow, integrated six-can cooler, drink holder and zippered accessory...

Fish tale.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 5, 2006... The Catfish is Water Tech's new portable, handheld pool cleaner; its extended reach cleans floors, walls and stairs in and around ladders, drains, corners and more; lightweight and maintenance-free, according to maker; includes a rechargeable...

Open wide.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 5, 2006... Machineworks of Ohio now offers its Guardz-It Skimmer Guard in a wide-mouth model; designed to prevent small children from reaching into wide-mouth skimmers and potentially getting stuck; snaps into the skimmer on aboveground or inground...

Floating fun.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 5, 2006... Cot Covers & Accessories presents this new spa and pool floating table; allows the user to do anything that is done in the dining room, in the water, per maker; can be used while playing games, eating meals, reading books; available in blue,...

Step lightly.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 5, 2006... Quaker Plastic Corp. announces a new line of acrylic fiberglass steps for inground vinyl pools; the Total Liner Care feature has smooth corners and no sharp edges, to protect liners during installation; Lock-Down-Bleacher system provides stair...

Useful decoration.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 5, 2006... Poolmaster now offers colorful animal float thermometers; four designs: whale, duck, turtle and motor cruiser; decorative floats are soft-molded and display Fahrenheit and Celsius; polyethylene cord is included Contact: Poolmaster Inc.,...

Soak it in.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 5, 2006... The Luxury Series is the newest line of spas from Gulf Coast Spa Manufacturers; the LX 11000 (shown) is the largest in the series and seats six; 66 jets, plus waterfall, ozonator, two pumps and an air blower; other standard features include...

Pillowy comfort.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 5, 2006... Essentials has new deluxe vinyl pillows to provide comfort in spas; the curved design and counterweight help to assure that the pillows stay put once in place; contoured foam insert offers extra comfort and can be removed to release excess...

Look what just blew in.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 5, 2006... S.R. Smith's new Cyclone is the smallest in the company's line of slides; product is 4 feet, 5 inches tall and requires 42-inch water depth; composed of four pieces that are Designed for easy assembly and fit into a compact box for storage;...

Drink it up.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 5, 2006... Modern Pool Systems presents the Sqwincher electrolyte replacement drink for builders, installers and service professionals who work in the high-heat stress environment of backyards all summer; the beverage is absorbed 98 percent faster than...

A big fan.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 5, 2006... Hunter Fan Co. introduces the Oasis (Model 20523) patio fan; ornamental decorative base with wrought-iron metal trim; ceiling fan is mounted on a vertical pole; bronze finish and five reversible dark antique wicker/palm leaf blades; designed to...

Screened in: five ways to create the best pool environment in an enclosure.(DESIGN CORNER)
June 5, 2006... Screen enclosures have become a complicated business in Florida. After suffering the effects of numerous hurricanes, local officials decided to beef up requirements for these structures. The beams are now larger. Formerly 2-by-4-inches on...

Putting up resistance: resistant algae strains are no myth. Understanding the problem is the key to combating it.(TECHNICALLY SPEAKING)
June 5, 2006... Remember those old black-and-white monster movies? Some gargantuan beast attacks the city and the Army shows up to blast it. Everyone is celebrating the victory, when all of a sudden the menace rises back up from the ashes, bringing more...

Water on audio: the possibilities for manipulating sound in your waterfeatures are endless. Start with these rules and tips.
June 5, 2006... Sculpting sound and water is an elusive art. For starters, you're working with an invisible material. Plus, you won't hear the end product until the plumbing is hooked up and running. "It's even more difficult to quantify than splash," says...

One last look: do a final check to ensure that the project is perfect.
June 5, 2006... Months have led to this point, and now the pool is almost finished. It began with extensive design meetings between the pool and home builders. During each step of the construction process, both contractors have inspected the site: *...

Showing good form: a contract is more than a covenant between a service firm and a client. It can protect you from certain liabilities and misunderstandings. See what it should say and where to get it.
June 5, 2006... Casey Luke Short was growing frustrated. He faced a chronic predicament that plagued his pool and spa service business: customers making last-minute changes with specialty items on order. To put an end to the problem, Short turned his...

Adrienne Faith & Co.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product: Custom Spa Fragrances and Crystals Features: spa fragrances and crystals are available in 12 scents; Fragrant Customs offers gift sets, assorted cases, displays and sample bottles Contact:. Adrienne Faith & Co., Grants Pass,...

AquaChek.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product:. FAS-DPD Test Kit Features: AquaTrend FAS-DPD chlorine and monopersulfate test kit features a liquid titration method, enabling the user to test for free chlorine, combined chlorine and monopersulfate compound; packed in a plastic...

Bio-Dex Laboratories.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product: Zeo Filter Cleaner and Salt Protect Features: cleaner comes in a new liquid form and cleans/recharges Zeobrite, sand and other Zeolite media, as well as removing scale, oils and minerals; Salt Protect is formulated to control...

APi.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product: Revive! Features: water polish is designed to quickly and effectively remove phosphates up to 2,000 ppb, iron, copper, carbonates and organic debris all in one treatment Contact: APi, Jupiter, Fla. (800) 407-9964 Circle...

Arch Chemicals.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product: Poolife Active Cleaning Caplet System Features: designed to provide clear water in three steps: chlorinate and clarify with Active Cleaning Caplets, shock treat with TruboShock, and prevent algae with AlgaeBomb 30 algaecide ...

BioGuard.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product.: Once-A-Week 3-Step Program Features: designed to provide clear, sparkling water by following three steps; Smart Sticks are added to the skimmer and dissolve slowly to sanitize the water and kill bacteria; Smart Shock features an...

Aqua Tri.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product: All Clear Specialty Chemicals Features: company offers a variety of chemicals in professional strength for pools and spas, including oxidizer, clarifier, soda ash, oil and scum remover, and more Contact: Aqua Tri, Irvine,...

Baquacil.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product: Pool-Care System Features: chlorine-free pool care system is designed to provide bacteria protection in water without causing irritation to skin, hair, eyes or pool liners; line includes Baquacil Sanitizer & Algistat, Algicide and...

BioLab Distributor Products.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product: Maximizer Features: designed to create crystal clear pool water that feels soft and gentle for swimmers; add once a year, helps keep pool water balanced; sold in 20- and 45-pound sizes Contact: BioLab Distributor Products,...

Cal Spas.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product: Chemical Maintenance Products Features: company offers chemicals that are designed to make spa maintenance easy; items include chemicals for routine water maintenance, special remedies and conditions for redwood cabinets ...

Capo Industries Ltd.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product: Pool and Spa Chemicals Features: company has a complete line of PoolBoss, PoolChem and SpaBoss chemicals, including bromine and chlorine sanitizers, balancing chemicals and specialty chemicals; private labeling available ...

Certol International.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product: Acid Magic Features: muriatic acid replacement is designed to be safe to handle, store and ship Offerings: customized sales literature Contact: Certol International, LLC, Commerce City, Colo. (800) 843-3343 Circle...

Crystal Clear Pool and Spa.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product: [Eclipse.sup.3] Power Pak Features: new start-up ready kit contains [E.sup.3] Algaecide, Nonchlorine Shock, and Scale and Stain Prevention Contact: Crystal Clear Pool and Spa, Brantford, Ontario, Canada (800) 263-8250 ...

Essentials.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product: Color-Coded Spa Care Solutions Features: company's Spa Care Solutions offers color coded bottles designed to eliminate confusion and create healthy water chemistry; each color breaks down which product to use and when to use it,...

GLB Pool & Spa.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product: Saltwater Pool-Care Features: contains specialty chemicals and other products needed to care for a pool up to 20,000 gallons that is equipped with a saltwater generator, Algimycin 2000 triple-action algaecide treats algae,...

Industrial Test Systems.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product: eXact EZ Advanced Photometric System Features: waterproof meter for 18 parameters; no tablets or liquids required; for commercial and residential use Contact: Industrial Test Systems Inc., Rock Hill, S.C. (800) 861-9712 ...

inSPAration.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product: Spa Fragrances Features: three new fragrance blends are offered: Summer Citrus, Pina Colada and Vanilla Bean; new kids' line of spa and bath fragrances comes in Berry Blast, Goofy Grape, Outrageous Orange and Wacky Watermelon;...

IPS-CareFree Enzymes.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product:. Pool Maintenance for Salt Chlorinators Features: designed to work effectively in all levels of saltwater; works in conjunction with all automatic or semi-automatic salt chlorinator units; contains natural enzymes, which safely...

Jack's Magic Products.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product: Surface Magic Features: collects swimming pool surface debris for easy cleanup; nontoxic and biodegradable Contact: Jack's Magic Products Inc., Largo, Fla. (800) 348-1656 Circle 462 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION...

King technology.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product: Frog Barn Features: for use with any Pool Frog system; eliminates algae for 90 days, according to maker; one bottle handles pools up to 15,000 gallons, while two can be used for up to 30,000 gallons Contact: King Technology...

Leisure time.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product: Chlorine-Free Spa Care Features: Deluxe Spa Care Kit for use with Reserve/Renew system; Reserve and Renew form a two-part, chlorine-free sanitizer for spas; Reserve liquid bromide salts remain in a stable bank until activated...

Lynde Co.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product: Water Clarifier Features: Unique Water Clarifier is formulated to keep pool and spa water clear of iron and calcium buildup, staining, foaming, and cloudiness by removing coagulating impurities and suspended particles; available...

N. Jonas & Co.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product: Private Labels Features: customers can have custom labels made or use their own logos on chemical bottles; unlimited designs, names and color choices; silk-screen bottles Contact: N. Jonas & Co. Inc., Bensalem, Pa. (800)...

Natural Chemistry.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product: Salt Water Magic System Features: multimineral system for chlorine generators is made to be easy to use, and simplify start-up and monthly maintenance; removes phosphates and provides an algae-free guarantee; generator works 50...

Poolmaster.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product: Basic 4 Test Kit Features: tests chlorine, pH, acid demand and total alkalinity; dear-view acrylic test block features clearly embossed range readings; packaged in polyethylene case; economy model is packaged in display clam...

Pacific Sands.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product: EcoOne Spa-Treatment System Features: new Barefoot and Hawkeye spas from Hawkeye Spa Manufacturing Inc. will come standard with an EcoOne Starter Kit; the kit includes a suite of EcoOne products for setting up, cleansing and...

PPG Industries.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product: Sustain Pool Care System Features: three-part pool care system is designed to be easy to use and create clean water Offerings: algae-free limited warranty Contact: PPG Industries, Monroeville, Pa. (570) 275-1039 ...

Palintest USA.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product: Pooltest 9 and 25 Features: waterproof and designed to float; results are displayed on a large LCD; no moving parts; portable for on-site testing; USB connection on the Pooltest 25 Contact: Palintest USA, Erlanger, Ky. (800)...

Robarb.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product: Sanitizers and Balancers Features: new for 2006: chlorine in tablet, stick and granular forms; bromine for pools; stabilizer, pH adjusters, alkalinity increaser and calcium hardness increaser, bottles and tubs have Robarb's...

Seaboard Industries.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product: Pool and Spa Chemicals Features: company offers a variety of chemicals to keep pools and spas sanitized Offerings: next-day delivery Contact: Seaboard Industries, Hawthorne, NJ. (973) 427-8500 Circle 451 on...

Taylor Technologies.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product: K-1766 Salt Test Features: for use in double-checking the results of an automatic salt-level indicator; drop-count test with a yellow-to-milky red color change; 1 drop equals 200 ppm sodium chloride Contact: Taylor...

SmartPool.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product: AquaPill Features: line of specialty pool chemicals features a patented slow-release delivery system, designed to ensure consistent effectiveness; includes clarifiers, a stain and scale preventer, algaecide, a winter kit, and the...

Ultima.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product: Enzyme Clarifier Features: natural solution to create clear water, uses enzyme technology to clean and clarify pool water; acts as a natural catalyst to increase breakdown of organic minerals; dual-action formula also prevents...

Swimline.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product: Floating Frog Chemical Dispenser Features: company now offers its HydroTools novelty chemical dispensers in this frog on a lily pad shape; holds 1-inch chlorine or bromine tablets or sticks Contact: Swimline/International...

Vanson HaloSource.(Pool and Spa Chemicals)
June 5, 2006... Product: SeaKlear Water-Treatment Solution Features: water-treatment solutions are designed to safely and effectively create clean and clear pool water, includes natural clarifier, phosphate remover, algae prevention and remover, and...

Acu-Trol Programmable Controllers.(Sanitizing Products)
June 5, 2006... Product: Automatic Controllers Features: controls entire pump room, from chemicals and temperature to filtration and backwash; combined chloramine control; offers high-speed data/voice modern for 24-hour remote access; automates DPD test,...

Aqua Environmental Products.(Sanitizing Products)
June 5, 2006... Product: Sigma III Pool Ion Generator Features: nonchemical treatment method eliminates chlorine, stabilizers and algaecides through micro-ionization using controlled amounts of copper and silver ions Contact: Aqua Environmental Products,...

AquaSol Controllers.(Sanitizing Products)
June 5, 2006... Product: Automated Chemical Controllers Features: monitors and maintains sanitizer and pH; provides safety alerts and features; electrodes and flow cell included in every controller; designed for easy installation and operation; reduces...

Advanced Control Logix.(Sanitizing Products)
June 5, 2006... Product: UV Sanitation System Features: high-intensity, medium-pressure UV system for pools and spas; uses only ultraviolet radiation to accomplish the process of disinfection so pool and spa water will not have any undesirable color, odor...

Aqua-Nova.(Sanitizing Products)
June 5, 2006... Product: Titanium-S Features: magnetic water conditioner, suited for saltwater pool applications, helps keep the cells clean and resistant to buildup; designed to maximize the efficiency of any electronic chlorine generator and improve the...

AutoPilot Systems.(Sanitizing Products)
June 5, 2006... Product: Pool Pilot Digital Features: salt chlorine generator with a "brain" Contact: AutoPilot Systems Inc., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (800) 922-6246 Circle 433 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

American SPS.(Sanitizing Products)
June 5, 2006... Product: Natural Chlorine Generator Features: independent blade technology enables operation at high and low salinity levels and temperatures without compromising cell life span or shutting down, per maker Offerings: seven-year warranty,...

AquaJet.(Sanitizing Products)
June 5, 2006... Product: Ozy Y3 CD Ozone Generator Features: generator kills bacteria and algae with an output of 0.6 grams of ozone; eliminates the smell and damaging effects of chlorine by inducing oxygen into the water, per manufacturer, also available...

Balboa Instruments.(Sanitizing Products)
June 5, 2006... Product: Ozone by Balboa Features: natural disinfecting ozone; SmartStart solid-state electronic ballast is made to eliminate the start-up flicker, sputter and harmful electronic noise that comes with iron ballast ozonators; PlasmaCell...

BioGuard.(Sanitizing Products)
June 5, 2006... Product: Mineral Springs System Features: uses the Mineral Springs sanitizer generation system and a program of minerals to provide clear and silky water; designed to enhance water comfort; makes water nonirritating to eyes, skin and hair,...

Blue-White Industries.(Sanitizing Products)
June 5, 2006... Product: FlexFlo A100N Chlorinator Features: peristaltic chlorinator incorporates the manufacturer's Tube Failure Detection System (aka TFD), which discerns a range of chemicals such as chlorine, acids and more; if an incompatible chemical...

Bromitron Bromine Generators.(Sanitizing Products)
June 5, 2006... Product: Bromine Generator Features: patented generator technology also has EPA registration, according to maker Contact: Bromitron Bromine Generators, Englewood, Fla. (877) 276-6463 Circle 429 on Postage-Free Card ...