Pool & Spa News articles from March 2006

Pool & Spa News archives from March 2006

Plasterers conference continues to grow.(MAKING NEWS)
March 13, 2006... When Visioneering Management took over the day-to-day operation of the National Plasterers Council four years ago, it set several goals, two of which were to grow the NPC membership and to make it a truly national organization. If the 17th...

Pool People USA to boost outreach.(MAKING NEWS)
March 13, 2006... Pool People USA, the consumer Web site that connects potential customers with qualified builders, is making a variety of changes to its system. In a move designed to improve the quality of referrals it sends to homeowners, Pool People USA...

When less is more.(REFLECTIONS)
March 13, 2006... People love to look at high-end swimming pools. They make us think of movie stars, villas in the south of France and wine cellars larger than most apartments. These aquascapes also can serve as inspiration for builders and designers, which...

The plaster etching controversy.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
March 13, 2006... We would like to correct the misstatement about on-Balance's position on plaster etching, as reported in the article "Arch Study Tackles Plaster Problem" (Nov. 28 issue, pp. 11, 22). The article states that we have "steadfastly claimed...

Water mania: pool designer Jorge Martinez del Rosal eyes an exciting future with the release of his new book.(MAKING NEWS)
March 13, 2006... Near the black-sand shores of Guatemala's Pacific Coast is one of Water-mania S.A.'s award-winning pools. Pitched curves, rich blue tile, crisp palms and a soft wooden bridge make it the ideal vacation paradise. Even more remarkable than...

Seller beware: TTY credit card scams are a growing threat. Here's what you need to know to avoid its dangers.(MAKING NEWS)
March 13, 2006... The phone call came on Nov. 16, 2005. The customer, using a teletype (TTY) operator reserved for those with disabilities, had called Mountain Hot Tub to order 20 500-watt swimming pool lights and cords. He wanted them shipped overnight to an...

Aquatech: rolls out new programs.(MAKING NEWS)
March 13, 2006... Aquatech Corp.'s annual conference brought the announcement of an ambitious insurance program and a new employee-management system. The conference was held in Orlando Feb. 16-21. Beginning in May, the group plans to become a...

Balboa Instruments settles ongoing lawsuits.(MAKING NEWS)
March 13, 2006... Joshua Keim After eight years, Balboa Instruments Inc. has reached a settlement in its longstanding intellectual property lawsuit against Gecko Electronique Inc., Hydro-Quip and Charisma Spas. Balboa first filed suit against the defendants...

Radiant Systems buys Synchronics.
March 13, 2006... Radiant Systems Inc., a point-of-sale technology provider, has acquired Synchronics. Terms of the acquisition, which was effective January 2006, were not released. Jeff Goldstein, Synchronics' founder, owner and president, will remain president...

Entrapment standard moves forward.
March 13, 2006... The much-anticipated anti-entrapment standard, ANSI/IAF7, appears to be one step closer to approval. It passed through its second comment period, which became necessary after the first version received a high volume of negative comments. Carvin...

Marquis grants 200th wish.
March 13, 2006... Eight-year-old Alicia is the 200th child to receive a Marquis spa through the "In the Spirit of the Wish" campaign. The McMinnville, Ore., girl has methylmalonic acidemia, a genetic disorder that makes the body unable to properly process...

Patio Pools & Spas renamed.
March 13, 2006... Patio Pools & Spas, a Pool & Spa News Top Builder, has renamed its retail division "The Backyard Store by Patio Pools." The Tucson, Ariz.-based company will open its sixth location in Marana, Ariz., April 1, and two more in the Grand Canyon...

Spatex attendance increases.
March 13, 2006... Spatex '06, held Feb. 17 in Hampshire, England, enjoyed a 6 percent increase in attendance this year. The exhibition for professionals in the pool, spa and sauna industry also saw approximately 30 percent of visitors spending two or more days...

Virtual store relocates base.
March 13, 2006... PoolPartsOnline.com, a virtual pool parts store, has successfully completed its relocation from New York to Central Florida. To accommodate quicker delivery times, six more distribution centers have been added to the company's network.

Correction.(Correction notice)
March 13, 2006... In the article "Pool Builders Announce Acquisitions" (Feb. 13, 2006, issue), it was incorrectly stated that Premier Pools & Spas acquired Litehouse Products, LLC, in 2005. In fact, the two companies formed a 50-50 joint venture in 2005 called...

SCP earnings mark 12 years of growth.
March 13, 2006... For the 12th consecutive year, SCP Pool Corp. reported record annual net sales and net income. Earnings per share for the year ended Dec. 31, 2005, increased 26 percent to $1.50 per diluted share on net income of $83.6 million. Net sales for...

Pool Shot Products promotes Girard.
March 13, 2006... Pool Shot Products has promoted Alan Girard to national sales manager. He will be responsible not only for continuing the firm's growth and expansion, but also driving new-product development efforts. Previously, Girard was manager of...

Vyn-All Products welcomes Dill.
March 13, 2006... Tony E. Dill Sr. has joined Vyn-All Products Corp. as operations manager of the company's Southeastern manufacturing facility in McKenzie, Tenn. Dill has 24 years' manufacturing experience in the industrial sector. Vyn-All Products Corp. is a...

Water Tech hires Vita.
March 13, 2006... Jason Vita has been hired as a graphic designer by pool-products manufacturer Water Tech Inc. He will be responsible for creating all of the East Brunswick, N.J.-based firm's creative elements, including advertising, branding, packaging and the...

Guidry, Leisure Pools honored for plant management.
March 13, 2006... Howard Guidry, factory manager at Leisure Pools in San Antonio, has been given the 2005 Excellence and Innovation Award for Plant Management and Production Supervisor. The American Composites Manufacturers Association chose Guidry for the...

FeherGuard, Saftron tap Logan-Lynde.(MANUFACTURERS' REPRESENTATIVES)
March 13, 2006... FeherGuard Products Ltd. announced in January that Logan-Lynde and Associates will represent its line of solar cover reel systems throughout Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Logan-Lynde also will represent Saffron, a manufacturer of vinyl pool...

Johnson added to Blake Sales.(MANUFACTURERS' REPRESENTATIVES)
March 13, 2006... Blake Sales Associates, a manufacturer's representative agency in Vista, Calif., has added Randy Johnson to its sales team. He will be responsible for covering the greater Phoenix area Johnson has 28 years' experience in the pool and spa...

The new guy: Michael Reed, APSP's newest addition, is enthusiastic about making members happy.(PEOPLE)
March 13, 2006... Bill Weber began his job as CEO of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals in late 2005, but he's no longer the newest member of the team. That title now belongs to his first hire, Michael Reed, who will serve as director of business...

Costa Rican oasis: local materials and a killer view make this Latin American pool the most elegant around.(DESIGN CORNER)
March 13, 2006... Juan Roca, a Costa Rican pool designer and builder, didn't intend for people to mistake this naturalistic pool for a pond. His goal was to give the project an organic feel, but not necessarily imitate nature. "You realize it's a pool, but...

Feeling the pressure: if your client's heater has chronic problems, the trouble may be as simple as low gas pressure. Here's how to find out.(TECHNICALLY SPEAKING)
March 13, 2006... The most common reason for heater failure is insufficient gas supply. Undetected gas pressure problems also can fuel an even bigger problem: Good heaters often are needlessly rebuilt again and again before low gas pressure is identified. ...

Grab hold.(NEW PRODUCTS)
March 13, 2006... Grab-Me handrails are a new series of pool, spa and bathroom rails designed by Andrew Byrom; full alphabet set is made to order from stainless steel tubing with a brushed finish; can be used indoors or outdoors, as ornamental accents or...

He scores!(NEW PRODUCTS)
March 13, 2006... Swimline Corp./International Leisure Products introduces the Pool Jam inground basketball; features a hard-body design with super-size basketball backboard; sturdy molded hoop and Real-Feel game ball; insta-snap; no tools required for quick,...

Citrus fresh.(NEW PRODUCTS)
March 13, 2006... GLB Pool & Spa introduces Rendezvous Spa Cleaner, which uses the natural power of citrus to keep surfaces clean; spray-and-wipe formula can remove the toughest grease and grime quickly and easily, per manufacturer; can be used on pools, patio...

Clear as day.(New Products)
March 13, 2006... Paramount Pool & Spa Systems introduces the Clear[O.sub.3] water-purifying system, which is designed to create clear water in any new or existing pool or spa; cylindrical chamber was developed for maximum ozone generation and is sealed to...

Dolphin aglow.(New Products)
March 13, 2006... GAME has created the Solar Dolphin to put a glow in any pool or spa; the dolphin is waterproof and requires no wiring; charged by the sun and powered by a rechargeable NiCad battery, its neon light automatically turns on at dusk; measures 8...

DVD demo.(New Products)
March 13, 2006... The Pool Invention People at Water Tech now offer an in-store DVD for retailers to use in explaining the benefits of the company's Pool Buster underwater battery-powered vacuum cleaner; DVD simulates a movie theater, complete with people in the...

Massage away cares.(New Products)
March 13, 2006... Bullfrog Spas presents the Lumbar'ssage JetPak, which includes a single Power Storm II jet and AcuPoint therapy contact points on the JetPlate; designed to be affordable, and to use a small amount of water flow in its operation; interchangeable...

Baby safety.(New Products)
March 13, 2006... Baby-Loc Ltd. introduces Baby-Loc Deluxe fencing to keep youngsters away from the pool; quality aluminum frames have black powder coating; deck-friendly installation; folds into sections for easy storage when not in use; stainless steel hinges...

Aquatic fun.(New Products)
March 13, 2006... The Alberca is Choispool USA's soft-sided, portable, aboveground pool; 39-mil-thick liner and a printed marbleized interior, along with a double polyreinforced liner; the frame is made of carbon steel compounded with zinc, polished and...

Picturesque pergola.(New Products)
March 13, 2006... Fire Stone Home Products has added two pergolas to its outdoor collection: the Sonoma and the Sierra; the Sonoma is constructed of white cedar and comes in arched beam 14-by-14-foot and 10-by-10-foot designs; the Sierra is a straight beam...

Lucky 7.(New Products)
March 13, 2006... AquaChek has added total bromine and cyanuric acid tests to its Select Pool & Spa Test Strips; the seven-way test strip also tests total chlorine, free chlorine, pH, total alkalinity and total hardness; features an informative booklet of...

Pool designs galore.(New Products)
March 13, 2006... Pool Design Software recently added several new manufacturers' libraries to its "SplashWorks!" pool-design software; computer program offers more than 1,000 predrawn pools and 140+ hatch fill patterns; "SplashWorks!" also integrates with...

EZ does it.(New Products)
March 13, 2006... Robarb has added EZ filter cleaner to its Spa Specialties product line; low-foam formula is made to clean dirt, organics, oil and grease residue, as well as soap and minerals that can build up on spa filter cartridges; designed for overnight...

Lone star: former geophysicist Greg Smith now creates breathtaking pool designs. The life of this quirky builder might just be fit for Hollywood.
March 13, 2006... Early morning, 1976. The sky was still dark and Texas native Greg Smith was seated in the back of a large, dusty truck with a dozen Argentinean field workers. He had arrived in Buenos Aires from the United States one day earlier and was eager...

The unsung heroes: Pool & Spa News celebrates great design for less than $60,000.
March 13, 2006... A large budget may open up limitless design options, but it doesn't guarantee an eye-pleasing aquascape. Conversely, a moderate price tag doesn't necessarily mean you're stuck with a mediocre design. That's why Pool & Spa News decided to...

Deal broker: when the time comes to sell your service company, working with a broker can help you get the best deal. This will get you started.
March 13, 2006... After 25 years in the pool service industry, Richard Frederick was ready to call it quits. "I was 68 and had other things I wanted to do, like play golf and go fishing," says Frederick, who for three decades owned Excel Pool & Patio in Los...

A&B Brush Mfg. Corp.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: Wall Brushes Features: steel-tipped wall brushes serve as two in one; center material is available as either nylon or a combination; the brush is designed to make reaching the corners easier; steel tip is made to be long lasting...

Aladdin Equipment Co.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: PRO Boxes Features: kits for pool service professionals contain O-rings, gaskets, Magic Lube and pump seals; designed for convenience Offerings: visit booth for show specials on PRO Boxes and cartridges Contact: Aladdin...

Applied Biochemists.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: Tile Max Pius Features: thicker, reformulated tile cleaner is designed to cling better to vertical tile, concrete and vinyl surfaces; squirt-top cap simplifies application of the multiacid gel; removes scale, stains and oil...

Acu-Trol Programmable Controllers.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: Programmable Controllers Features: company offers a variety of programmable controllers that monitor and control the entire pump room, from chemicals and temperature to backwash on pools and spas; new backwash controller,...

Allied Innovations.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: Perfect Pool Package Features: packaging options include the Lennovator with wireless radio remote control, two Intermatic valve actuators and the new Pool Pilot digital salt chlorine generator; also the AutoPilot salt chlorine...

AquaBond.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: Acrylics, Epoxies and Urethanes Features: company offers acrylics, epoxies and urethanes with gun dispensing system; the gun system is available in 50- and 400-mil, size Contact: AquaBond, LLC, Placentia, Calif. (714) 961-1420;...

Advantis Technologies.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: Pool and Spa Chemicals Features: company will have a display celebrating GLB Pool & Spas 50th anniversary, Robarb's new look, Applied Biochemists' professional strength pool formulas, the complete Rendezvous spa care line, Leisure...

A.O. Smith Electrical Products Co.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: eMod Features: all A.O. Smith and Century pool and spa motors now are available with eMod technology; electronic load-sensing module detects a change in input power associated with overvoltage, undervoltage, locked rotor, a...

AquaChek.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: Professional Service Kit Features: company will showcase this new kit for commercial pool operators and service professionals, along with FAS-DPD liquid kit, the redesigned AquaTrend Phosphate Test Kit, and the AquaChek Silver...

AquaJet.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: Robotic Pool Cleaner Features: one-hour pool cleaning; lightweight cleaner weighs 11 pounds; customized cycles; patented hydroscrubbing jets and systematic directional guidance; can operate immediately in freshly plastered pool...

Be-Lite.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: Aluminum Spa Covers Features: meets ASTM safety standards, per maker; covers are designed to resist damage from UV rays and pets that like to chew; product can bear the weight of children Contact: Be-Lite, Anaheim, Calif....

Aquatic Access.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: Water-Powered Pool Lifts Features: self-operable portable pool lifts are built of 316L and 304L stainless steel; meets all of the ADA and ABA guidelines, according to the maker Contact: Aquatic Access Inc., Louisville, Ky....

Blue-White Industries.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: Injection Fittings Features: double-seal ceramic ball check valve and duckbill-type flapper valve, which will resist solids-forming chemicals; overall size has been decreased by 25 percent for added strength; additional features...

Balboa Direct.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: Value Pack Retrofit Kit Features: each unit contains a versatile spa control kit, customer's choice of topside panels and enough cords for a spa upgrade; designed for quick installation Contact: Balboa Direct, Tustin, Calif....

Cantar Pool Products.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: Dirt Devil Pool Vacuum Features: automatic pool vacuum cleans inground and aboveground pools completely, efficiently and inexpensively, according to the manufacturer Contact: Cantar Pool Products, Youngstown, Ohio (800)...

Coral Seas.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product:. Green to Clean and Yellow Out Features: both products are made to work with all types of chlorine to remove algae from swimming pools: no brushing required, per maker Contact: Coral Seas, Garland, Texas (800) 962-2222: Booth...

Deck-O-Seal.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: Signature Series Redwood Features: drain, joint and replacement tops are made to look like real wood; designed for durability in outdoor environments; will retain its color and mechanical properties under long exposure to UV,...

Deep Blue Water Technologies.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: MPULSE 3000 Features: maintenance tool is used to condition water so that calcium scaling is manageable; also aids in keeping salt cells on chlorine generators clean; treats pool water by applying high-frequency, low-voltage...

DEL Ozone.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: TrioPure 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; Booth 442...

E-Z Products.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: E-Z Patch 9 Pebble Repair Kit Features: new kit for repairing pebble; acrylic modified and available in 3-, 10- and 50-pound sizes; available in five colors Contact: E-Z Products, Cave Creek, Ariz. (480) 488-3213; Booth 319 ...

Emerson Motor Technologies.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: EZ48 Motors Features: motors come as 48 frame, single and two-speed, 60 Hz, 1.5 compartment thru-bolt; designed for quick, easy installation; available in 1/2- to 1 1/2 hp; slots for a standard shaft wrench, single (captive) screw...

Fafco.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: Solar Pool Heaters Features: complete system is available in one package; increases swim season four to six weeks in the spring and autumn, per manufacturer; designed to raise water temperature 10 degrees or more Offerings:...

G&P Tools.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: Cord Stoppers Features: stoppers are made to eliminate water leaks at pool lights to eliminate the need for silicone or putty; available in retrofit for below-the-waterline repair or without the slit for new installation;...

Filbur Manufacturing.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: Cartridges and DE Grids Features: Reemay filter media with urethane end caps and strong PVC center cores; DE grids use a reinforced frame and proprietary cloth for better filtration; packaged ready for distribution Contact:...

GABco Products.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: Wall Whale Features: product is designed to brush a pool in approximately five minutes; the tail on the whale is engineered to put more than 10 times the force against the pool surface Contact: GABco Products Inc., Keller,...

Flexible Solutions.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: Ecosavr and Heatsavr Features: Ecosavr liquid pool cover is for residential applications, while the Heatsavr is for commercial pools Contact: Flexible Solutions, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada (877) 326-7287; Booth 446 ...

GLB Pool & Spa.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: Saltwater Pool Care Kit Features: contains specialty chemicals and other products to care for a pool up to 20,000 gallons that has a salt chlorine generator; contains Algimycin 2000 triple-action algaecide, Oxy-Brite nonchlorine...

Goldline Controls.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: Aqua Logic Pool/Spa Automation Control Features: cost-effective automation, per manufacturer; optional chlorine generation and wired or wireless remotes Offerings: videos and literature Contact: Goldline Controls, La Mesa,...

Heliocol Solar Pool Heating.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: Solar Collectors Features: company's solar collectors come in new terra cotta and gray colors, in addition to the standard black; individual tube design was created for easy installation and to withstand hurricane-force winds ...

Harmsco Filtration Products.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: Calypso Flow Filter Features: filter includes cleanable, reusable cartridge and a built-in pressure gauge; designed to be corrosion-resistant Contact: Harmsco Filtration Products, West Palm Beach, Fla. (800) 327-3248; Booth...

Industrial Test Systems.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: eXact EZ Advanced Photometer System Features: waterproof photometer has the sampling cell sealed/built into the meter, to eliminate the task of handling cells or curvettes Contact: Industrial Test Systems, Rock Hill, S.C....

Hayward Pool Products.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: TriStar Pump Features: improved flow capacity and reduced noise levels; Tri-Lock lid with large, easy-to-clean, no-rib strainer basket design and a variety of bases that retrofit existing filtration systems Offerings: $50...

Inlays.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: Safety Edge Tile Features: 2-by-6-inch safety edge ceramic tiles are factory skid-resistant and frostproof, and designed to clearly mark the step edge for safe pool entry; available in blue or black. Contact: Inlays Inc.,...

Inter-Fab.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: Build Your Own Slide Features: customer can incorporate handcrafted rockwork or concrete formations into custom backyard settings; 18 different flume sections for a variety of combinations; construction anchoring system; Zoom Flume...

Iwanit Products.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: Pool Maintenance Accessories Features: SwivelSkim (shown) bidirectional surface skimming net; PolePivot locks to a skimmer net or brush from the straight out to a 45- or 90-degree angle; LapEase portable tethered swim station;...

J&J Electronics.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: Color Splash Features: multicolor, LED inground pool and spa lights have nine color modes; Edison base for easy installation; multiple synchronized lights; proprietary cooling system Offerings: five-year warranty Contact:...

Jack's Magic Products.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: The Purple Stuff Features: made to prevent and remove metal stains in pools with salt generators; prevents scaling of salt generator ceils, per maker Contact: Jack's Magic Products Inc., Largo, Fla. (800) 348-1656; Booth...

Jandy.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: PureLink Water-Purification System Features: AquaPure system is integrated into an AquaLink RS power center; ready to accept the AquaLink RS controller of the user's choice; simplified wiring and installation Contact: Jandy,...

King Technology.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: Instant Frog and Frog Bata Features: together, products control bacteria, prevent algae and keep the pH neutral; Instant Frog mineral sanitizer sits in the skimmer basket of inground pools up to 25,000 gallons and is replaceable...

LaMotte Co.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: Tracer PockeTester Kit Features: measures salt and TDS from 0-9,999 ppm; also measures temperatures from 32 to 149 degrees; packaged in a carrying case with a special calibration standard Contact: LaMotte Co., Chestertown, Md....

Magic Plastics.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: "Smart" Check Valves Features: patented valves are designed to provide reliable back-flow prevention without the inline restriction of a conventional center poppet check valve; uses magnets to remain in the closed position to 2...

Marlig Industries.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: Fix-A-Leak Features: concentrated liquid leak sealer for plumbing and structural leaks in pools and spas; easy-to-follow instructions Offerings: technical support Contact: Marlig Industries, Niagra Falls, N.Y. (905)...

Master Tile.(Western Pool & Spa Show Exhibitors)
March 13, 2006... Product: Plastering and Decking Products Features: company offers waterline pool tile, stone and brick coping, and plastering and decking products Contact: Master Tile, Anaheim, Calif. (714) 712-8210; Booth 516 Circle 438 on...