Pool & Spa News articles from March 2002

Pool & Spa News archives from March 2002

Company buys Gordon, Aqualine.
March 8, 2002... As of Feb. 11, both Len Gordon deck-side pool and spa controls and Brett Aqualine spa packs have new and different owners. In February, Ron Clark, former owner and president of Sundance Spas, and Judith Gordon-Zaslowsky, CEO/owner of Len...

Florida show brings rewards.
March 8, 2002... Exhibitors are hailing the Florida 2002 Pool & Spa Show, held Feb. 22-23 at the Radisson Hotel in Orlando, as one of the busiest National Spa & Pool Institute-Florida shows ever. "This show has been really, really great!" exclaimed Bruce...

Myths and legend. (reflections).
March 8, 2002... By now, most of us have heard several myths surrounding health and water. Some of them are worth a good laugh, such as the story about too much chlorine in pool water turning hair green. But others inspire more concern, such as the one I...

Toymax to be acquired ...
March 8, 2002... Toymax International Inc., manufacturer of Funnoodle pool and water-toy accessories, is being acquired by toy-maker Jakks Pacific Inc. for an undisclosed sum, according to both companies. Jack Friedman, Jakks Pacific's chairman/CEO, said a...

Sundance wins Mazzei Visionary Award ...
March 8, 2002... Mazzei Injector Corp. (MIC) has given its first-ever Visionary Achievement Award to Sundance Spas Inc. of Chino, Calif., in recognition of Sundance's advancements in ozone technology for portable spa use. MIC is a Bakersfield, Calif.-based...

NPC conference shines. (news).
March 8, 2002... Preliminary observations of the 13th Annual National Plasterers Council indicate the best-attended show since the organization began in 1989, according to show officials. Final attendance figures for the show, held Feb. 21-23 at the Golden...

9/11 attacks spark insurance woes. (news).
March 8, 2002... Insurance claims in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks have totaled more than $50 billion, forcing some insurance companies to close and others to limit new policies, according to insurance providers within the pool and spa industry....

FiberOptic Technologies attains ISO certification ...
March 8, 2002... Manufacturer FiberOptics Technologies, based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, has attained ISO 9001-2000 certification. Company President Pat King said that to get the rating, a company must meet a standard of quality in all facets, from...

Updated commercial pool data to be released ...
March 8, 2002... The fate of the commercial pool sector is intertwined with the nation's economy and both have experienced considerable growth in the last few years, according to research firm P.K. Data Inc. of Duluth, Ga. Future growth for this sector may...

Backyard pool saves six ...
March 8, 2002... Having a pool proved to be a lifesaver for Fallbrook, Calif., resident Janemarie Monroe, five neighbors and three dogs. As a wildfire ravaged their neighborhood Feb. 10, a helicopter from the San Diego County Sheriff's Department instructed...

Longtime IPSSA exec retires. (news).
March 8, 2002... Sally Ryan, executive secretary of the Independent Pool & Spa Service Association, retired March 1 after serving the group nearly 20 years. With her public relations background, Ryan began editing the newsletter of IPSSA-precursor Cal-IPSA...

Region 3 show attendance up. (news).
March 8, 2002... Bigger crowds and more booths than last year marked the 2002 National Spa & Pool Institute Region 3's Conference and Exhibition in the Dallas suburb of Irving Feb. 15-16. Total attendance was 1,662 compared with 1,446 last year, according...

Derby Duck copyright defended ...
March 8, 2002... Great American Merchandise & Events (GAME) of Scottsdale, Ariz., has successfully settled copyright and trademark claims against eight companies producing products similar to GAME's Derby Duck design. The Derby Duck design is used for products...

Aqua show ...
March 8, 2002... The Aqua International Conference & Expo hosted 250 exhibitors this year, remaining almost even with last year, according to exhibit manager Stan Chambers. The 2001 show attracted 300 exhibiting companies in 78,000 square feet of exhibit space....

2001 not a bad construction year after all. (business currents).
March 8, 2002... When it came to new-pool construction, 2001 wasn't a record-setter, but it wasn't the worst of times, either. A study of 25 pool and spa markets nationwide shows that most had a year comparable to 2000. In terms of project dollar...

Nationwide housing starts. (business currents).
March 8, 2002... Nationwide Housing Starts Warm weather, interest rates drive construction across USA [GRAPHICS OMITTED] Unseasonably warm weather and low mortgage rates interest rates lifted housing starts to their highest level in nearly two...

Pool and spa permits. (business currents).
March 8, 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 Permit...

Pool and spa industry stock market transactions: quotations are for Feb. 19, 2002. (business currents).
March 8, 2002... Pool and Spa Industry Stock Market Transactions Quotations are for Feb. 19, 2002 NYSE Symbol Exchange Vol. Close Net Change (100s) 2/19/02 from 2/6/02 A.O....

Economic recovery continues. (Leading Economic Indicators).
March 8, 2002... The nation's Index of Leading Economic Indicators rose for a fourth month, rising to 112.2 in January, according to Ken Goldstein, Conference Board economist. He said the increase, which places the Index at its highest level since January 2000,...

Record net sales for SCP in 2001. (Business Briefcase).
March 8, 2002... Covington, La. -- headquartered SCP Pool Corp. (NASD: POOL) reported record net sales of $856.1 million for 2001. up from $673.2 million in 2000, a 27 percent increase. Most of the sales growth came from service centers acquired in 2001 and...

PolyOne sees stronger demand. (Business Briefcase).
March 8, 2002... Cleveland -- based polymers maker PolyOne Corp. (NYSE: POL) reported seeing stronger product demand in December, but still has a cautious outlook for the company's first quarter 2002 performance, according to company Chairman and Chief...

GE buys Hercules water-treatment unit. (Business Briefcase).
March 8, 2002... Wilton, Conn. -- based General Electric Specialty Materials, a division of General Electric Co. (NYSE: GE) announced that it will buy BetzDearborn, the industrial water-treatment division of Hercules Inc. (NYSE: HPC) for $1.8 billion. The deal,...

Jump in optimism signals end of U.S. recession. (Small Business Optimism Index).
March 8, 2002... Consumer confidence increased for a third month, a sign that the recession is over, according to the National Federation of Independent Business In January. the association's monthly Small Business Optimism Index. which gauges the attitude of...

Aqua Vac Systems Inc. (Progressions).
March 8, 2002... * Amy L. Green has been named marketing manager at Aqua Vac Systems Inc., an automatic pool-cleaner manufacturer based in Green West Palm Beach, Fla. Previously, she was marketing communications specialist at A.O. Smith Electrical Products Co.

Pentair Pool Products Inc. (Progressions).
March 8, 2002... * Pentair Pool Products Inc. of Sanford, N.C., announces the following appointments: Kevin Miller has been promoted to product manager of the Rainbow Lifegard line of pool/spa cleaning and maintenance equipment. Miller is based at the firm's...

Phillip Saltzman now leads national sales at Pegasus Products Inc. and The Cover Co. in Branchburg, N.J. (Progressions).
March 8, 2002... * Phillip Saltzman now leads national sales at Pegasus Products Inc. and The Cover Co. in Branchburg, N.J. Previous positions Saltzman he has held include regional sales manager at Loop-Loc Ltd. and national product manager of Century Products'...

In memoriam.
March 8, 2002... * Robert W. Alt, sales manager at Master Pools by High-Tech Pools Inc., died Jan. 5 after a battle with cancer. He was 56. Alt was with the Cleveland builder five years, but had devoted most of his career to the pool construction industry,...

The problem solver: retired service technician Alan Vander Boegh has invented nearly 20 labor-saving tools. (profile).
March 8, 2002... The pool and spa service industry is a specialized business that often requires a highly specific tool to get a job done. Ideas for these tools sometimes can leap from the minds of pool service technicians, and Alan Vander Boegh, a 25-year...

Builder of the year: said to be Orlando's first woman-owned pool building company, this crew enjoys making their customers' dreams reality. (Industry's Choice Awards * 2001).
March 8, 2002... Being a pioneer can be a lot of fun. Just ask Joyce Bowles. One year ago, she launched Backyard Aquatics by Joyce Bowles, which she says is the only pool-building firm in the Orlando, Fla., area owned and operated by a woman. And...

Distinguished builders. (Industry's Choice Awards * 2001).
March 8, 2002... Region 1 * Connecticut, Maine, Massachussettes, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington, D.C. All American Custom Pools & Spas Inc. Norwalk, Conn. Principals: (L-R) Robert Romano,...

Home coming? After a so-so sales year in 2001, the aboveground-pool industry hopes home is where the public's heart is as retailers gear up for the 2002 season. (Quarterly market report: aboveground pools).
March 8, 2002... What a difference a year makes. At the start of the 2001 season, aboveground-pool retailers nationwide had their stores stocked, with many expecting a 10 or 20 percent increase in sales from the year before. But life threw out a few surprises,...

Economists bullish on pool market. (Quarterly market report: aboveground pools).
March 8, 2002... When it comes to economic forecasts, experts butt heads on a lot of points, but they seem to agree on one thing: Economic conditions are creating a good environment for aboveground-pool retailers--at least for now. Despite the recession,...

Great expectations: today's aboveground pools boast features and amenities that mirror their inground cousins. (Quarterly market report: aboveground pools).
March 8, 2002... After spending years in the shadow of their well-heeled inground relatives, aboveground pools are finally finding the spotlight--and some respect. Many retailers point to the fact that today's aboveground pools are built with more durable...

Above it all: with improved product and service, aboveground pools enjoy a better image--and better sales--than years past. (Quarterly market report: aboveground pools).
March 8, 2002... Ask veteran retailers how consumers used to perceive aboveground pools and they will quickly draw you this picture: "You mean `pools on wheels'?" John Mosher jokingly asks. "That's what my friends in the inground business used to call...

Above and beyond: rather than selling on price, a growing number of aboveground-pool dealers are selling on lifestyle. Here's why they're doing it--and why you should be, too. (Quarterly market report: aboveground pools).
March 8, 2002... With all the innovations in design, production and attitudes, the aboveground-pool shopper of yesterday would hardly recognize today's models. No longer the plunk-them-down-and-jump-in ugly stepsister, today's aboveground pools--and their...

303 Aerospace Protectant. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By 303 Products * Features: beautifying, UV-screening protection for spa and pool covers * Offerings: free handouts, samples and brochures for stocking dealers * Contact: 303 Products Inc., Palo Cedar, Calif. (800) 223-4303 ...

EZ tool; EZ spa maintenance chemicals. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By API * Features: simple to use; designed to provide high water quality * Contact: API (formerly Aqua Pure Intl.), Jupiter, Fla. (561) 743-0449 Circle 257 on Postage Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Pool & spa chemicals. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By Advantis Technologies * Features: specialty chemical line includes Robarb and GLB Pool and Spa, professional-strength pool formulas from Applied Biochemists, spa water-care treatments from Leisure Time and accessories from Blue Devil...

pHree & Clear Balance tablets. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By AllChem Industries * Features: clarifies water; maintains pH and total alkalinity; enhances filtration; improves sanitizer performance * Contact: AllChem Industries/Water Treatment Group, Gainesville, Fla. (800) 523-0450 Circle...

Pool chemicals for service professionals. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By Applied Biochemists * Features: products include extra-strength Tile Max Plus for removing stains and scale, Staintrine for removing metal stains and Filtertrine Pro commercial cartridge filter cleaner * Offerings: retailer...

All-clear specialty chemicals. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By Aqua Tri * Features: product line includes oxidizer (nonchlorine shock), alkalinity, calcium hardness, stain and scale, oil and scum remover, mustard knockout, clarifier; yellow eliminator, diatomaceous earth, cyanuric acid, soda ash,...

HTH poolife dealer exclusive product line. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By Arch Chemicals/HTH Water Products * Features: line features technically advanced chemistry platforms; available products include primary sanitizers in granular, solid and liquid forms, shock treatments, pool maintenance, spa products,...

BaquaSpa spa aroma therapy products. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By Avecia Pool Products * Features: available in four aromatic blends, Enlighten, Awaken, Reflect and Release; features a blend of natural essential oils, herbs and botanicals * Offerings: marketing aids; authorized dealer and service...

Sparkling clear system. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By BioLab * Features: consumer-friendly system; provides quality water care * Offerings: Rewards Program * Contact: BioLab Inc., Decatur, Ga. (800) 959-7946 Circle 264 on Postage Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Sun chemicals. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By BioLab Distributor Products * Features: complete line of pool and spa products, including Sun-Lite biguanide * Offerings: full dealer support, direct-mail program * Contact: BioLab Distributor Products, Decatur, Ga. (800)...

Mineral systems. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By BioGuard Pool & Spa Products * Features: produces continuous sanitizer using a unique blend of Beginnings and Renewal minerals in conjunction with Mineral Springs electrolytic chlorine generator * Contact: BioGuard Pool & Spa...

One-shot water sanitizer. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By BioQuest * Features: for use with BioQuest automatic sanitizing systems; special formula is less corrosive to spa components than traditional sanitizing methods; holds pH within acceptable range; inhibits stain and scale; designed to...

Industry leader takes necessary steps to eliminate pool chemistry controller hassles ... (Advertisement).
March 8, 2002... The industry's most advanced, most reliable pool chemistry controllers have one thing in common--they're from Kroger & Eckels. Many pool chemistry controllers can save you time testing and dosing. Some can even save you money by minimizing...

Capo specialty chemicals. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By CAPO Industries * Features: product line includes Formula 6000; non-foaming, winterizing poly-algaecide * Offerings: same-day shipping; free display stands * Contact: CAPO Industries Ltd., Buffalo, N.Y. (800) 263-8250 ...

Eclipse 3. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By Crystal Clear Pool and Spa * Features: company produces a full line of environmentally friendly products to complement Eclipse 3 algaecide * Offerings: co-op advertising; dealer incentives; full technical support * Contact:...

Formula F-series water treatment products. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By Diversified Waterscapes * Features: company produces complete line of water-treatment products to keep water foam-free, clear, algae-free and a natural color * Offerings: special dealer pricing; co-op advertising * Contact:...

PristineBlue. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By Earth Science Laboratories * Features: nonchlorine water-care product offers easy, gentle chemical maintenance for pools and spas; non-biguanide formula is compatible with chlorine; two-week maintenance program cost is approximately the...

PoolRX. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By Enviro Holdings * Features: designed to eliminate all types of algae and provide superior water quality; reduces chlorine usage by up to 75 percent; natural * Contact: Enviro Holdings, Lake Forest, Calif. (800) 376-6579 Circle...

AquaChek test strips for measuring TDS. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By Environmental Test Systems * Features: one-dip strips measure the total dissolved solids (TDS) levels in spas or pools; patent-pending chemistry allows users to measure TDS of water from 0 to 5000 parts per million; requires only...

Marquis Spa Care. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By Essentials * Features: full line of water-treatment products developed to complement Marquis spa line; packaging and instructions include specific dosage requirements for various sizes of Marquis spas; four start-up kits available;...

Water treatment system. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By Etani Intl. * Features: patented system for delivering chemicals to pool; pre-filled plastic capsule is placed in skimmer, pump basket or directly into pool; thorough mixing; long-lasting effects * Contact: Etani Intl. Inc., Hollis,...

Pool and spa chemicals. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By GLB Pool and Spa * Features: easy-to-recognize packaging; specialty line includes algaecides, sequestering agents, clarifiers and more; company's chlorine-free shock Oxy-Brite now comes in 25-percent larger bottle for same price;...

Pool and spa test strips. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By Industrial Test Systems * Features: low prices; broader range of detection; full product line; single dip; larger test pads * Offerings: private labeling; lowest price guarantee * Contact: Industrial Test Systems Inc., Rock...

Hydro-therapies-wellness fragrance line. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By InSPAration * Features: company features its new line of aromatherapy spa and bath fragrances; other products available include SpaCandles, the After Spa line of hand and body lotions, Body Misthydrants formulated specially for...

Spa chemicals. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By Leisure Time * Features: new products include easy-to-use Reserve and Renew chlorine-free sanitizing system for spas; 12 fragrances by EsScents; Deluxe Spa Care Kit comes packaged in convenient, reusable pail; kit provides enough...

Miraclear clarifier. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By La-Chlor Chemicals * Features: cube-shaped clarifier has new look; product designed to keep pool and spa water clean for 30 days; easy to use; nontoxic; biodegradable; available in three sizes * Contact: Lo-Chlor Chemicals, Fort...

Pool-Tec 1-step winter lay-up. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By McGrayel Co. * Features: provides complete winter protection that lasts from autumn to spring; chlorine-free * Offerings: buy-one-get-one free introductory offer * Contact: McGrayel Co., Fresno, Calif. (800) 289-7660 Circle...

ALG-X. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By N. Jonas & Co. * Features: nonstaining, highly effective copper algaecide; effective against all types of algae * Contact: N. Jonas & Co. Inc., Bensalem, Pa. (800) 523-6533 Circle 281 on Postage Free Card [ILLUSTRATION...

Metal-free and PHOSFloc products. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By Natural Chemistry * Features: metal-free chelating and sequestering agent deactivates iron, copper and other metals that can affect water clarity; product is not affected by extremes of pH and temperature; PHOSfloc bulk phosphate...

The Clearview solution. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By Orenda Technologies * Features: state-of-the-art specialty chemical products for clear pool and spa water * Offerings: product literature; application assistance * Contact: Orenda Technologies Inc., Trumbull, Conn. (800)...

Accu-Tab chlorinating system. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By PEG Industries * Features: designed to reduce maintenance, increase reliability and enhance operator safety; consists of 3-inch calcium hypochlorite tablets with 65 percent available chlorine; patented delivery system * Contact: PPG...

Algaedyn, silver algaecide. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By Pool Products Packaging * Features: effectively kills mustard, pink and black algae * Offerings: national marketing campaign * Contact: Pool Products Packaging, Evanston, Ill. (800) 344-6210 Circle 285 on Postage Free Card...

Pool and spa chemicals. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By ProTeam * Features: colorful packaging designed to make products easier to understand and use; full line of pool and spa chemicals available * Contact: ProTeam, St. Augustine, Fla. (800) 356-6460 Circle 286 on Postage Free Card...

Pool, spa chemicals: By Sea-Klear. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By Quantum Biochemical * Features. full product line includes algae- and deposit-control formulas for pools, pool and spa clarifiers, balancers, shock treatments and maintenance products; attractive, color-coded packaging is easy to use...

Spa and pool chemicals. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By RAM Chemical and Supply * Features: individually wrapped 3-inch tablets, concentrated clarifier; full pool and spa chemical line; consumer-friendly packaging * Offerings: marketing training; store layout assistance * Contact:...

Spa, pool chemicals. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By Robarb * Features: line includes Super Blue Crystal Clear Clarifier, sanitizers, algae-control formulas, balancers and maintenance products; updated Spa Specialties line has attractive packaging with color-coded categories; spa guide...

Pool and spa chemicals. (Chemicals Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By Sea-Klear * Features: company offers a complete line of natural specialty chemicals for pools and spas; alternative purifier for spas; ZeroPhos Phosphate Remover, Self-Floccing Defoamer and Chlorine-Free shock treatment *...

Pool enclosures. (Enclosures Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By Adams Aluminum * Features: aluminum frame; screen, glass, vinyl products for roof and wall applications * Contact: Adams Aluminum Inc., Mandeville, La. (985) 626-8813 Circle 215 on Postage Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Aluminum estate gate fencing. (Enclosures Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By Alumi-Guard Ornamental Aluminum Fencing * Features: traditional-style fence; Armor-Guard powder-coating provides maintenance-free protection; matching custom estate gates available * Contact: Alumi-Guard Ornamental Fencing, Hudson,...

Pool and spa enclosures. (Enclosures Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By AmeraCover Pool Enclosures * Features: enclosures retract to open and closed positions for fair-weather clay use; open design; no tracks to injure bare feet; enhances pool safety * Contact: AmeraCover Pool Enclosures, Jamestown,...

Ornamental steel and aluminum fencing. (Enclosures Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By Ameristar Fence Products * Features: maintenance-free Permacoat epoxy and polyester finish; extra-strength Forerunner specially roll-formed rail * Contact: Ameristar Fence Products, Tulsa, Okla. (800) 321-8724 Circle 218 on...

Retractable pool enclosure. (Enclosures Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By Aqua Telescopic Enclosures * Features: standard and custom designs; lightweight aluminum frame; trackless, state-of-the-art, retractable pool enclosure designed to offer cleaner, warmer and safer swimming environment * Contact: Aqua...

Pool enclosures. (Enclosures Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By Atria Pool Enclosures * Features: aluminum and powder-coated color frames; motorized roof panels allow natural ventilation * Contact: Atria Pool Enclosures, div., CCSI, Garden Prairie, Ill. (800) 537-8231 Circle 220 on Postage...

Removable pool safety fence. (Enclosures Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By Baby Barrier * Features: oldest in the industry; perfect safety record for nearly 40 years; various colors; three grades for multiple price points * Offerings: no start-up fee; lead referral * Contact: Baby Barrier, Punta Gorda,...

Gazebos. (Enclosures Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By Bosman Home Front * Features: company offers a line of Amish furniture, including gazebos, garden sheds, arbors, bridges, pre-built storage barns and sheds, Victorian playhouses and more; all furniture, including new Sun Room Gazebo, is...

Sunset gazebo. (Enclosures Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By Caldera Spas * Features: gazebo includes a bar, four stools and slatted roof with an open-sky view * Contact: Caldera Spas, Vista, Calif. (800) 669-1881 Circle 223 on Postage Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

LifeGuard barrier. (Enclosures Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By Covertech Fabricating Inc. * Features: helps prevent children from falling into pool or spa; anchors inside noncorrosive aluminum posts secure mesh from top to bottom, ensuring uniform grip, cleaner look; 48-inch-wide, reinforced,...

Woodcrest wood designs. (Enclosures Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By Creative Wood Designs * Features: choice of four structure designs; rounded corners in smoked plexiglass and redwood; a skylight; French-style sliding doors and windows; bay windows; bar stools * Contact: Creative Wood Designs,...

Ornamental aluminum fencing. (Enclosures Marketplace).
March 8, 2002... By Delgard Premier Aluminum Fencing * Features: easy to install; maintenance-free; several designs available; complies with stringent building codes of most municipalities * Offerings: limited lifetime warranty * Contact: Delgard...