Pool & Spa News articles from March 2005

Pool & Spa News archives from March 2005

Florida show continues to shine.(Making News)
March 14, 2005... Despite a shortage of hotel rooms in the Orlando area, the 2005 Florida Pool & Spa Show outdistanced last year's attendance records. Held Feb. 18-19 at the Orange County Convention Center, the event drew approximately 4,800, including...

NPC jazzed over 2005 Conference.(Making News)
March 14, 2005... As expected, the pool plastering industry descended on New Orleans in record numbers for the 16th Annual National Plasterers Council Conference. Attendance for the event, held Feb. 24-26 at the Ritz Carlton, soared from last year's figure...

Losing ground.
March 14, 2005... After weeks of heavy rains pummeled Southern California, a mudslide sent this concrete poor careening into a ravine from its perch on a Bel-Air hillside. Miraculously, the pool remained intact. Nearly 34 inches of rain have made this season one...

One is not enough.(Reflections)
March 14, 2005... A few months ago, our business editor, Shabnam Mogharabi, wrote a news analysis article about the Texas pool industry. The piece focused on the lack of licensing requirements for Lone Star builders, and the effect it has had on the industry...

A win-win situation.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
March 14, 2005... I enjoyed the article on thermal foam shells in your Feb. 14 issue ("In Fine Foam," page 19). We have been using "polystyrene wall construction" since 1994 and have had a completely positive experience. The learning curve is minimal, the...

Readymade business manual.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
March 14, 2005... Your magazine does an excellent job of education. Anybody in the business who reads Pool & Spa News regularly can grow immensely. I've seen articles ranging from construction details and service tips to how to settle a customer account. ...

Plasterers honored.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
March 14, 2005... Thank you very much for the 2005 Plasterers Issue of Pool & Spa News (Feb. 28). The interview with me and the coverage on the new research center was absolutely outstanding. I cannot say how much this issue means to the men and women who...

Rock solid: last year served publicly traded firms well, with many predicting record pool and spa business for 2005.(Making News)
March 14, 2005... High raw materials costs, consolidation and strong international sales generated solid growth in 2004 for publicly traded companies related to the pool and spa industry. While not all public firms had reported their 2004 figures at press...

Distributor recalls dive sticks.
March 14, 2005... The Dollar General Corp. of Goodlettsville, Tenn., has recalled ]80,000 of its Sun & Shade dive stick packages. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the company distributed the fish- and seahorse-shaped pool toys...

APSP updates education calendar.
March 14, 2005... The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals has updated its 2005 Education Calendar, increasing the number of available times and locations for the following: Professional Pool & Spa Operator (PPSO) courses; Tech I and Tech II schools; and...

ThermoSpas launches dealer program.(Making News)
March 14, 2005... After nearly a decade of selling spas direct-to-consumer, ThermoSpas Inc. has unveiled a growth campaign that includes establishing a dealer network in states west of the Rocky Mountains. The decision was motivated by time zone differences....

Housing starts break record.(Making News)
March 14, 2005... Housing starts shot to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 2.16 million units in January--the highest pace in 21 years. That's a 4.7 percent increase over the previous month, and an impressive 11.6 percent higher than January 2004. Weather was...

Baja products sponsors youth cycling.
March 14, 2005... Youth cycling has a friend in the spa business. Baja Products Ltd., a Tucson, Ariz.-based manufacturer of portable spas, announced it would be the primary sponsor for the Eclipse Racing Team, a national cycling team dedicated to developing...

Arch earns IT distinction.
March 14, 2005... Arch Chemicals Inc. was named to the InformationWeek 500, a list of the most innovative corporate users of information technology. The list is compiled annually by InformationWeek, a print magazine based in Manhasset, N.Y., that provides news...

Fort Worth water gardens renovation proposed.(Making News)
March 14, 2005... Engineering firm Freese and Nichols has proposed $2.88 million in renovations to safeguard a water-feature at the Fort Worth Water Gardens in Texas. In June 2004, four vacationers drowned in the park's Active Pool after a child fell in and...

Fort Wayne pools names Dealers' Choice Awards.
March 14, 2005... Fort Wayne Pools Inc. has announced the winners of its 2004 Dealers' Choice Awards. The program recognizes outstanding installations of the company's fiberglass pools. Honorees were chosen by the manufacturer's dealers, and the names were...

Perfect Dose awards Holiday Pools.
March 14, 2005... Perfect Dose Systems of Sauget, Ill., recently bestowed its 2004 Dealer of the Year on Holiday Pools Inc. Based in Fresno, Calif., Holiday Pools is a pool and spa retail/construction company that saw the largest sales growth of Perfect Dose's...

ISHOF memorabilia recovered.(Making News)
March 14, 2005... The International Swimming Hall of Fame has recovered the most valuable parts of its memorabilia collection after a temporary employee allegedly stole them from the Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based museum. Paul Nicholas Christow, 48, was filling...

Small business optimism perseveres.(Making News)
March 14, 2005... Small-business owners continued to exhibit a hopeful attitude regarding the economy in January despite a dip in the readings. The Small Business Optimism Index fell 2.4 points to 103.7, but the reading is still one of the strongest in 30 years....

Rola-Chem buys Bug Solutions.
March 14, 2005... Rola-Chem Corp./Paradise Industries, a manufacturer of recreational water control products, has acquired Bug Solutions, a maker of pool and spa maintenance and cleaning accessories. Terms of the acquisition, which was finalized in February....

USA Slide acquires Morning Star.
March 14, 2005... USA Slide Inc. has acquired the assets and intellectual property of Morning Star Manufacturing, a maker of commercial and residential water slides. Terms of the sale, which took effect in January, were undisclosed. Dick Andert, CEO of USA...

U.S. workers unhappy with jobs.(Making News)
March 14, 2005... A new survey indicates that American workers are less happy in their jobs than they were 10 years ago. The survey, released late last month by The Conference Board, a New York business research group, says that only 50 percent of U.S....

Pool and Spa industry stock market performance.(Making News)
March 14, 2005... Pool and Spa Industry Stock Market Performance Quotations are for February 25, 2005 Vol. NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE Symbol (100s) A.O. Smith...

Pentair promotes Del Amo.
March 14, 2005... Pentair Water Pool and Spa of Sanford, NC, recently promoted Carlos Del Amo from director of marketing to vice president of marketing and product development. He will continue to manage the marketing strategy and direction of the company. He...

Ludlow earns Ernst & Young honors.
March 14, 2005... David Ludlow, founder/CEO of Bullfrog Spas, was inducted into the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Hall of Fame. Ludlow, whose Bluffdale, Utah, company makes portable spas, was recognized for accomplishments in manufacturing and...

Plastimayd taps Banks.
March 14, 2005... Tony Banks is Plastimayd Corp.'s new regional sales manager in the Southeast. He will responsible for sales and customer support in Alabama, Georgia, northern Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. He brings 15 years of pool-kit...

Advantis forms new marketing team.
March 14, 2005... Susan Van Valkenburgh was made marketing communications manager at Advantis Technologies, an Alpharetta, Ga.-based manufacturer of pool and spa chemicals. She will coordinate advertising, public relations, trade-show appearances, Website...

Handle with care: a swim instructor's passion for teaching and a mother's love lead to a specialized class for autistic youngsters.(People)
March 14, 2005... Like any mother, Allison Trenary would do anything for her 4-year-old daughter, Hannah--and that includes requesting a specialized swim program for autistic children at her community pool. Hannah was born with autism, a developmental...

Behind the myth: Japanese gardening isn't about myth and symbolism. It's about nature.(Design Corner)
March 14, 2005... Japanese gardening is based on capturing the beauty of nature and bringing it into one's daily life. However, our image of it has gone horribly astray. Half of my job involves showing people that this idea they have in their heads is wrong!...

Pump it up: a look at how a heat pump works, what it can do and tips on how to install it.(Technically Speaking)
March 14, 2005... The heat pump has established itself as a viable product in the pool industry. Using a compressor, a refrigerant and an evaporator to cool the air, it essentially acts as an air conditioner. The warm, humid climate of Florida has become the...

Laminar jet pulse controller.(New Products)
March 14, 2005... by Jandy Features: company introduces the LPC4 laminar jet pulse controller; designed so that the Jandy Laminar Flow Jets will pulsate, creating bursts of color in the fiberoptic lighting as it travels through the laminar jet stream; can...

Spa start-up kits.(New Products)
March 14, 2005... by Robarb Features: company has updated its Spa Specialties start-up kits with new graphics intended to enhance their consumer appeal; now included are three premeasured applications of Spa Shok; kits are available with either chlorine or...

Inflatable lounger.(New Products)
March 14, 2005... by Poolmaster Features: new Cabana Breeze nylon inflatable pool lounger features a cabana-style shade top; 220-denier sun shade with fiberglass frame has three zippered roll-up windows; body and side floats are covered with 420-denier...

Rogue pool slide.(New Products)
March 14, 2005... by S.R. Smith Features: pool slide measures 6 1/2 feet tall at the top of the slide (8 feet tall to the top of the handrails) and is equipped with the manufacturer's new high-volume water delivery system, which pumps 20 gpm; comes in a...

Phosphate test strips.(New Products)
March 14, 2005... by Industrial Test Systems Features: patent-pending Pool Check phosphate pool and spa test strips are designed to be an alternative to liquid phosphate tests: dip-and-read strips detect phosphate levels at 0-, 200-, 400-, 600-, 1,000- and...

Infrared cooking systems.(New Products)
March 14, 2005... by Lynx Professional Grills Features: ProSear IR infrared burners (shown at right) are available on Lynx's Professional Series Grills; the 30-inch grill has three options: one ProSear burner and one Red Brass Burner, two ProSear burners,...

Vinyl pergola kits.(New Products)
March 14, 2005... by Finyl Vinyl Building Products Features: outdoor vinyl pergola kits are made to be maintenance-free and are available in sizes that range from 8-by-8-feet to 24-by-16-feet; all styles can be mounted on a slab or inground; made from...

Flex-Flo A-100NV.(New Products)
March 14, 2005... by Blue-White Industries Features: variable-speed peristaltic metering injector is offered with an optional Micro-Flow FVS (flow verification sensor) that is made to continuously monitor and ensure chemical injection: in the event that...

Infiniti series spas.(New Products)
March 14, 2005... by Cal Spas Features: models from the manufacturer's latest portable spa series are designed with a valveless topside for a clean look; each seat is equipped with its own motor for independent control, allowing users to adjust water flow...

Portico vinyl pool tile pattern.(New Products)
March 14, 2005... by Plastimayd Corp. Features: the latest tile pattern from the company's line of inground vinyl pool patterns simulates gray- and bluestone in the border area, with a sandstone background and floor; designed to match many decking materials...

Flow sense.(New Products)
March 14, 2005... by Advanced Control Logix Features: industrial-strength flow cell and sensor system is new to the company's chemical controller; flow cell is injection-molded, with a removable transparent lid for sensor inspection and comes with a...

Sealer & adhesive remover.(New Products)
March 14, 2005... by Aqua Mix Features: reformulated sealer and adhesive remover is designed to work faster and be safer to use; will not etch polished marble, per maker; has a higher flash point of 220 degrees Fahrenheit and is noncombustible; designed to...

All wrangled up: Texas has no licensing requirements. This leaves reputable builders frustrated. What is holding up the Lone Star State?(State of Texas)
March 14, 2005... The following article is part of an ongoing series investigating the Texas pool industry, its opportunities and challenges. Matthew Gohlke does not like to be the bearer of bad news. But in Texas, where pool builders don't need state...

Got brand? A smart, quality brand is difficult to create. Here are four sure-fire ways to make it happen.
March 14, 2005... Last summer, Joan Roth was hired by Shasta Pools & Spas for one purpose: Develop and unleash Shasta's newly revamped marketing strategy. For a company that has been a top pool builder in Arizona since I968, it may seem unnecessary to...

Extreme heat: sizing and installing heaters for commercial pools involves a lot more than just consulting a chart. Here's what you need to know.
March 14, 2005... The best commercial pool service technicians are like old-time Western movie heroes. They arrive at just the right moment to swoop in and save the day by ensuring a client's pool water remains warm and comfortable for their customers. The...

Duster/vinyl-liner brush.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by A&B Brush Mfg. Features: dusts and cleans corners of house or pool enclosure; designed to leave no streak marks on vinyl-liner pool or spa: broad bristle base for general cleaning; durable metal handle Contact: A&B Brush Mfg.,...

Electronic load-sensing module (eMod).(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by A.O. Smith Electrical Products Co. Features: eMod technology is offered on A.O. Smith and Century motors; made to sense changes in input power associated with over- and under-voltage, locked rotor, dryness, jammed or blocked pump, and...

Automatic programmable controllers.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by Acu-Trol Features: company will showcase its programmable controllers, which are designed to monitor and control the entire pump room, from chemicals and temperature to filtration and backwash: line includes SmartpH, PoolPC Pro,...

PRO Boxes 1, 2, 3 and 4.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by Aladdin Equipment Co. Features: kits for pool service professionals contain O-rings, gaskets, Magic Lube and pump seals; designed for convenience Offerings: show specials on all PRO Boxes Contact: Aladdin Equipment Co.,...

Lennovator pool and spa control.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by Allied Innovations Features: RF wireless handheld remote provides real time communication: the in tune stereo system, a waterproof CD player designed for spas, pools and wet applications, also will be displayed Offerings: brochures;...

Tile max plus.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by Applied Biochemists Features: thicker, reformulated tile cleaner is designed to cling better to vertical tile, concrete and vinyl surfaces; new squirt-top cap simplifies application of the multiacid gel; removes scale, stains and oil...

All clear specialty chemicals.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by Aqua Tri Features: company offers a variety of chemicals in professional strength for pools and spas, including oxidizers, clarifiers, soda ash, cyanuric acid and more Contact: Aqua Tri, Irvine, Calif. (949) 756-1666; Booth 401 ...

TigerShark QC.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by Aqua Vac Systems Features: can clean any standard residential pool in 60 minutes, per maker; designed with a more efficient cleaning pattern, allowing for quick cleanups between standard cycles; requires no hoses or hook ups; patented...

Test kits.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by AquaChek Features: company will exhibit its AquaTrend line of pool and spa test strips and new professional service kit (shown) for commercial pool operators and service professionals; FAS-DPD Liquid Kit and the redesigned AquaTrend...

ECOmatic chlorine generator.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by Balboa Direct Features: on display will be this chlorine generator, which uses salt in water in an effort to eliminate germs, viruses and bacteria Contact: Balboa Direct, Tustin, Calif. (714) 384-0382; Booth 649 Circle 469 on...

Automatic pool cleaner.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by AquaJet Features: patented JetDrive system; can dean any residential pool configuration In one hour, per maker: robotic cleaner works independently of filter hoses and pumps to hydroscrub, vacuum and microfilter pools Contact:...

WaterMaster testing system.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by BioLab Distributor Products Features: company introduces this water-testing system, which handles up to seven different water parameters in 60 seconds and costs less than standard wet testing, per maker; originally developed for the...

Chlorine generators.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by AutoPilot Systems Features: in line and in-deck models are available for residential and commercial applications; self-cleaning; microprocessor-controlled; patented temperature compensation and bypass manifold Contact: AutoPilot...

Digi-Flo F-1000.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by Blue-White Industries Features: battery powered digital flowmeters provide flow rate, total flow and rate-plus-total readings; factory programmed; easy clamp-on installation, per maker Offerings: factory training and support ...

Acid Magic.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by Certol Intl. Features: formerly called Aqua Magic. this alternative to muriatic acid is designed to be safer to ship, store and handle Offerings: 10 percent off 2005 prices with early season special through April 30 Contact:...

TrioPure ozone sanitation system.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by DEL Ozone Features: combination ozone and salt chlorine system; operates independently of the pool pump; self-cleaning; designed to be low maintenance Contact: DEL Ozone, San Luis Obispo, Calif. (800) 676-1335; Booths 116, 118 ...

Deck-O-Shield.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by Deck-O-Seal Features: waterfall and stone sealer/ water repellent is made to penetrate the surface to form a barrier to moisture; product is water-based, transparent, stain-resistant, nonyellowing, VOC compliant and USDA-accepted, per...

E-Z pooldeck coating.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by E-Z Products Features: manufacturer will highlight this professional grade, nonskid pool deck and patio coating, which is formulated with 45 percent acrylic and 3 percent epoxy; coating is easy to apply, low sheen and long-lasting, per...

MPULSE 3000 water-treatment system.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by Deep Blue Water Technologies Features: new control uses low voltage, high frequency electrical impulses (2,300 to 3,00 per second) to break down calcium bicarbonate into powder form in an effort to prevent calcification on pool sup...

Solar cover reel system.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by FeherGuard Products Ltd. Features: company will display its solar cover reel systems for inground, aboveground and commercial pools; other offerings include a vacuum hose reel, designed to be versatile Contact: FeherGuard Products...

StoreWall.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by Filbur Mfg. Features: a slatwall product for store merchandising; wall is extruded from 100 percent PVC resin, making its thermoplastic panel waterproof and dent- and scratch-resistant; easy to install, per maker; panels come in 15-inch...

Pool-care kit.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by GLB Pool and Spa Features: specialty chemicals and other products necessary to care for a pool holding up to 20,000 gallons; contains products needed to participate in GLB's "No Algae. Guaranteed" program Contact: GLB Pool and Spa....

Ecosavr.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by Flexible Solutions Features: firm offers a liquid solar pool blanket that is biodegradable: traps in solar heat in an effort to heat the water Contact: Flexible Solutions, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada (877) 326-7287: Booth 120...

Aqua logic.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by Goldline Controls Features: chlorine generator is intended to provide cost-effective pool and spa automation; numerous wireless remote options are available Offerings: Try-One specials: videos; literature: showroom displays ...

Pool toys and maintenance products.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by GAME Features: offerings include the Derby Duck and Turbo Turtle chlorinators, thermometers and other maintenance products for pools and spas; AquaLink line consists of a new spa vac, backwash hose reel and brush with pumice stone;...

ColorLogic lights.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by Hayward Pool Products Features: new pool and spa lights incorporate patented Chromacore technology, which combines a microprocessor with LEDs that are designed to be bright and long-lasting; no moving parts; ability to synchronize two...

Pool check phosphate test.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by Industrial Test Systems Features: phosphate test offers user an easy dip and read test strip for determining concentrations of phosphates in pool water: detection levels are 0-, 200-, 400, 600-, 1,000 and 2,500 ppb: sold in bottles of...

Color splash lights.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by J&J Electronics Features: new inground pool and spa lights are the latest additions to the company's ColorGlo line of multicolor LED lighting products; retrofit light is designed to be easy to install and is available in 120V or 12V:...

CC-400 pool to spa control.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by Innovative Pool Products Features: entry-level automation uses patented Universal Powerline Bus technology for two-way communication; controls filter pump, valve actuators, heater and three auxiliaries: CC-60-QB and Smart Touch 840...

Stain identification kit.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by Jack's Magic Products Features: company will showcase this kit, which is designed to identify stains in swimming pools Offerings: new POP case Contact: Jack's Magic Products, Largo, Fla. (800) 348-1656; Booth 111 Circle...

Echoes of nature pond.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by Inter-Fab Features: pond kit includes the necessary equipment and artificial rock surrounds to construct a pond Offerings: Web Partner display program Contact: Inter-Fab Inc., Tucson, Ariz. (800) 737-5386: Booth 520 ...

Service Frog.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by King Technology Features: product uses Instant Frog and Frog Barn to control bacteria, prevent algae and keep the DH neutral Offerings: special show pricing Contact: King Technology, Hopkins, Minn. (800) 222-0169: Booth 426 ...

Insta-test Pro 600.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by LaMotte Co. Features: test strips measure cyanuric acid, free chlorine, total chlorine, pH, alkalinity and total hardness Offerings: free samples Contact: LaMotte Co., Chestertown, Md. (800) 344-3100; Booth 121 Circle 448...

Valves, accessories and fittings.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by Magic Plastics Features: company will exhibit valves, accessories and fittings; new products include the MagicVac portable spa cleaner, Smart Check magnet-actuated valve and numerous spa components; the Magna Check water-conditioning...

Package pool products.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by Latham International Features: wedding cake step and tile mount for vinyl pools: step is available in four styles: 180 degree straight, 2-foot radius corner, 6-inch radius corner and 90-degree corner models Offerings: brochures ...

Fix-a-leak.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... 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)...

Redesigned spa-care line.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by Leisure Time Features: redesigned look for 2005: proprietary new bottle shapes; an updated logo: simplified category system that uses color-coded caps and design highlights to identify products; new offerings include Jet Clean for...

Contractor marketing materials.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by National Pool Tile Group Features: marketing materials for the manufacturer's StoneScapes aggregate pool finishes and NPT finishes now available; brochures for contractors offer details about key product features and benefits: consumer...

2004 CPO handbook.(WPSS Exhibitors Marketplace)
March 14, 2005... by NSPF Features: NSPF will showcase its updated CPO handbook (shown), the new "NSPF Aquatic Safety Compendium" and information about CPO class schedules Contact: National Swimming Pool Foundation, Colorado Springs, Colo. (719)...