Pool & Spa News articles from May 2002

Pool & Spa News archives from May 2002

Northeast moving to beat drought.
May 10, 2002... Some pool and spa professionals in the Northeastern United States are getting an early start on the season while others wait out what may be the worst drought in the region's history. "Everybody is out there getting pools open as fast as...

California faces new safety bills.
May 10, 2002... A California entrapment-prevention bill has passed through its first committee, while another controversial water-safety bill has surfaced in the assembly. Senate Bill 1726, introduced by Senator John Vasconcellos, slid through its first...

This Bud's for You. (reflections).
May 10, 2002... Springtime is "Annual Report to Shareholder" season for most public companies. I have always enjoyed plowing through these booklets because they contain a wealth of information that demonstrates how these once-tiny companies overcame enormous...

Comments on chemistry: re: the article "Going to the Source," 2/8/02. (letters).
May 10, 2002... It is suggested that "a constantly rough condition with the makeup water" can justify (adding) an alternate sanitizer such as ozone, ionization, or UV. Alkalinity and hardness of the source water have no effect on disinfection. Therefore, use...

Dealers honored ...
May 10, 2002... Independence, Ore.-based Marquis Spas recently honored its top dealers of 2001 at the company's annual dealer conference in Las Vegas. The top honor, known as The Marquis Cup, was awarded for the third year in a row to The Spa Brokers based in...

Splash! makes a splash ...
May 10, 2002... Promoters of the Splash 2002! Pool & Spa Trade Show, scheduled for Aug. 4-5 in Sydney, Australia, report that more than 50 percent of the show's booth space has been sold. Splash 2002! will feature seminars by 13 local professionals and four...

Custom 800-number for techs. (news).
May 10, 2002... The concept of a phone number that spells out a catchy phrase could become big business for the pool and spa industry if a Palm City, Fla., service tech has his way. John Walsh, founder and vice president of marketing for 1-866-POOL...

Neozyme enters residential pool market. (news).
May 10, 2002... After years serving the hospitality industry, pool and spa clarifier maker Neozyme Int'l Inc. will have SCP Pool Corp. distribute its product to the residential pool market. SCP began distributing Neozyme's AQ Plus clarifier on April 9,...

[??] Habla usted espanol?
May 10, 2002... The Northeast Spa & Pool Association recently held its first class entirely in Spanish. Titled "Como Abrir Una Pisina, (How to Open A Swimming Pool), it was part of NESPA's Professional Training Institute in March. "We know there's a large...

Stage 3 drought in New Mexico ...
May 10, 2002... Residents in Santa Fe, N.M., are preparing for the area's drought to be upgraded to a Stage 3 Water Emergency. That status--which could happen any time unless the drought immediately ends--means residents are prohibited from washing vehicles at...

Council touts NSPI affiliation. (news).
May 10, 2002... The National Spa & Pool Institute's Service Council is developing a brochure for consumers aimed at encouraging the use of pool technicians affiliated with NSPI. The group, which met last month in Fairhope, Ala., commissioned its Consumer...

Electronic data saving industry money. (news).
May 10, 2002... Leslie's Poolmart Inc., a Chatsworth, Calif.-based retailing chain, has recently teamed with Advantage Data Exchange (ADX), which specializes in electronic document exchange, a move designed to save the firm thousands of dollars in overhead...

One lucky duck ...
May 10, 2002... A duck was rescued after being trapped for 36 hours in a maze of water pipes at the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth, Minn. According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, the duck escaped the aquarium's aviary on April 9 and scurried into the skimmer...

Members wanted ...
May 10, 2002... The National Spa & Pool Institute is seeking members interested in joining its Service Council. Prospective Service Council members should have a background in swimming pool service or a related field. For more information, contact Ken Suzuki,...

Correction ...
May 10, 2002... In the April 5, 2002, issue of Pool & Spa News, Stingl Products was listed as a member of the new Suction Outlet Safety Task Force, a group of entrapment-prevention-equipment manufacturers seeking requirements for safety vacuum-release systems...

Marquis Spas of Independence. (Progressions).
May 10, 2002... * Marquis Spas of Independence, Ore., named Kathleen Arndt as the company's director of marketing. Arndt previously served as marketing services manager for Louisiana-Pacific Corp., where she was employed in various roles since 1976.

Pentair Pool Products. (Progressions).
May 10, 2002... * Pentair Pool Products of Sanford, N.C., has hired Ron Olney as Western regional sales manager of its Spa and Bath Products Group. Olney's territory includes the western United States and British Columbia, Canada. For the last 14 years, he was...

Dimension One Spas. (Progressions).
May 10, 2002... * Dimension One Spas a spa manufacturer based in Vista, Calif., has hired five regional sales managers. Donny Jones, Mark Logan, David Lynde, Kevin Ludden and Jamie Stark are responsible for maximizing product sales in their respective regions...

BioLab. (Progressions).
May 10, 2002... * Chris Smith is BioLab's new global credit and operations manager. Prior to his new position with the Decatur, Ga.-based company, Smith was director of business operations for Arrow Electronics. He has more than 13 years' experience in credit...

Question: given the uncertain economy of the past year, have you been better able to retain quality employees? (viewpoints).
May 10, 2002... "Turnover has never been a problem for us. Our people are very loyal. We see a lot of people coming in looking for work, but unfortunately we can only hire a few people. And if I don't trust someone when I meet them, I'm sure not going to hire...

Hot tubs rank no. 1 among aging. (business currents).
May 10, 2002... As Americans age, they're going to want to settle down and make their homes more age-friendly. The best way to do that? Add a hot tub to their lives. That is the conclusion reached in "Aging in Place," a new report from the American...

Nationwide housing starts (in millions of units). (business currents).
May 10, 2002... After five months of stronger numbers, the nation's new-housing outlook declined in March. The Commerce Department reported 1.6 million housing starts for March, down from 1.79 million in February. The decrease was the largest single-month drop...

Pool and spa permits. (business currents).
May 10, 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 April 18, 2002. (business currents).
May 10, 2002... Pool and Spa Industry Stock Market Transactions Quotations are for April 18, 2002 Vol. NYSE Symbol Exchange (100s) A.O....

Indicator Index nudges up again. (Leading Economic Indicators).
May 10, 2002... [GRAPHIC OMITTED] How times change: The Conference Board's Index of Leading Economic Indicators posted a slight gain in March, rising to 112.3. The increase makes it six consecutive months since the last decrease, according to Conference...

Owners hit new optimism highs. (Small Business Optimism Index).
May 10, 2002... [GRAPHIC OMITTED] The nation's small business owners took a sharply brighter view of the future, driving up the National Federation of Independent Business' Small Business Optimism Index to its highest level since 1997. The index rose to...

Polyair Inter Pack sales flat. (Business Briefcase).
May 10, 2002... Swimming pool accessory maker Polyair Inter Pack (AMEX: PPK) reported sales of $19.88 million for the first quarter of its 2002 fiscal year, up slightly from $19.83 million for the same period a year earlier. The Toronto, Ontario, Canada-based...

A.O. Smith files for public offering. (Business Briefcase).
May 10, 2002... Milwaukee-based spa motors manufacturer A.O. Smith Corp. (NYSE: AOS) has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission about a plan to offer 3.5 million shares of common stock, the company reported. The firm said it...

Earnings jump for SCP. (Business Briefcase).
May 10, 2002... SCP Pool Corp. (NASD: POOL) reported a 75 percent increase in its earnings per share for first quarter 2002. The distributor, based in Covington, La., also reported quarterly sales of $171.4 million, up from $155.2 million in first quarter...

Supplying satisfaction: with all the new technology and consolidation, it's harder than ever for distributors to satisfy their clients. Here's what customers say distributors can do to keep their business. (Cover Story).
May 10, 2002... When it comes to working with his distributors, Bob Bollman usually can only smile. Whenever he needs something for his pool and spa repair and service firm, the distributors are there. "They're knowledgeable. They regularly contact me on...

Making fun: carrying products that help make backyards fun can bring customers into your store and pump up your profits. (retailing).
May 10, 2002... Editor's note: This is the third in a retail series showing how to make consumers' backyard dreams come true. Anyone who's seen kids joyously splashing around in the midday sun knows a body of water--be it a pool, swim spa or portable...

A certain chemistry: everyone knows chemicals are a staple for both retailers and service technicians. But how they're bought, sold and used may surprise you. (Service).
May 10, 2002... Editor's note: This is the second of four exclusive industry surveys conducted for Pool & Spa News by Readex Until the early part of last century, the only way to keep a pool clean was to empty and refill the entire vessel on a frequent...

An all-around achievement: making this perimeter-overflow pool work required close attention to engineering and construction details. (construction).
May 10, 2002... To some builders, designing a pool's aesthetics is the most glamorous part of the job. Not so with Steve Sargent. "The technical part is a specialty, and it's very important to these projects," says Sargent, owner of Elite Custom Pools and...

Automatic controllers and online DPD test. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By Acu-Trol Programmable Controllers * Features: sanitizes with automatic monitor and control of chemicals, temperature and filtration; controls up to three pools/spas per machine; offers high-speed data/voice modem for 24-hour remote...

Aqua-Doc water conditioner. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By Aqua-Nova * Features: magnetic water conditioner designed to improve water clarity, stabilize pH, inhibit algae growth, and stop staining and pitting; saddle clamp design * Offerings: "try-me" program * Contact: Aqua-Nova Inc.,...

Automatic pool & spa controller. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By Aquasol Controllers * Features: patented flow-cell controllers designed to provide accurate readings while automatically monitoring/balancing pH and sanitizer levels; modular circuitry allows simple installation, calibration and...

Pool Pilot Digital. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By AutoPilot Systems * Features: push-button technology; continuous in-line superchlorination meant to eliminate the need for harsh chemical shocking * Offerings: training; co-op advertising; demo units * Contact: AutoPilot...

Ozonator by Balboa. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By Balboa Instruments * Features: features Smart Start technology and a plasma-cell UV lamp; designed to be energy-efficient; consumes one-third the energy of conventional ozonator, according to manufacturer * Contact: Balboa...

Mineral springs system. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By BioGuard * Features: product produces a continuous sanitizer using a blend of Beginnings and Renewal minerals in conjunction with an electrolytic chlorine generator; unique blend provides customers with soft, sparkling water *...

Omni Pool Start-up Kit. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By BioLab Distributor Products * Features: kit includes Omni Crystal Clear Multi-Shock, Algae Terminator and Stain and Scale Prevention; free water sample bottle and pool-care guide included * Offerings: $10 in Omni product coupons ...

BioFree automatic sanitizing system. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By BioQuest * Features: patented bromine sensor automatically measures water chemistry; electrolytic bromine cell and pump produce bromine to sanitize spa * Contact: BioQuest Inc., Reno, Nev. (888) 829-9993 Circle 167 on Postage...

FLEXFLO A-100N peristaltic chlorinator. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By Blue-White Industries * Features: output of 95 gpd; high-pressure rating; self-priming, degassing valve design; eliminates buildup of gas or air in the pump head; all-ball-bearing gear motor * Contact: Blue-White Industries,...

Carefree pool/spa purifier. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By Carefree Clearwater Ltd. * Features: user-friendly controls; variable power output for spas and pools; solid-state electronic circuitry multiple-fuse protection; light-emitting diodes display power output range; anode condition and...

DM52 automatic monitoring and dosing unit. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By Chemigen USA * Features: easy to use with onscreen help menu; single probe monitors, controls and tests chlorine/pH levels; digital timer and audible or visual alarms; available in 110 and 220 volts * Offerings: two-year warranty on...

Chemtrol PC2000. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By Chemtrol * Features: ORP, pH, PPM and temperature control with true remote control; on-board data logging * Offerings: five-year electronics warranty; toll-free technical support; factory-trained dealer network for local support ...

Regal Gas Chlorinators. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By Chlorinators Incorporated * Features: high-quality product involves fewest parts in the industry, according to manufacturer * Contact: Chlorinators Incorporated, Stuart, Fla. (772) 288-4854 Circle 172 on Postage Free Card ...

AutoClear in-line salt chlorine generator. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By Clear Tech Automation * Features: state-of-the-art electrolytic cell and microprocessor controls; installed on the pool's return side; compact; self-cleaning cell has built-in flow switch; made for 2-inch plumbing, eliminating flow...

The Enterprise. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By ClearWater Enviro Technologies * Features: copper/silver ionization system greatly reduces chlorine use in pools and spas; 37 models designed to handle any amount of water * Contact: ClearWater Enviro Technologies Inc., Clearwater,...

Microzone ozone generator. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By ClearWater Tech * Features: compact; adjustable output; corona discharge; high output option * Offerings: volume discounts; co-op advertising * Contact: ClearWater Tech, LLC, San Luis Obispo, Calif. (800) 262-0203 Circle...

Saltwater chlorine generator. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By ClorMatic * Features: company offers chlorine generators and saltwater chlorine generators * Contact: ClorMatic, div., Huron Tech Systems, Jacksonville, Fla. (800) 548-7883 Circle 176 on Postage Free Card [ILLUSTRATION...

Crystal pool algae inhibitor. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By Crystal Pool Technologies * Features: passive (non-electrical) ionization system; designed to kill algae, minimize chemical consumption up to 60 percent, reduce gunite staining, protect against rust and corrosion, promote better...

Eclipse and Total Eclipse ozone generators. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By DEL Industries * Features: corona discharge ozone technology at UV pricing; Eclipse 1, 2 and 4 for inground pools up to 100,000 gallons; Total Eclipse offers 24-hour operation for new pools up to 60,000 gallons * Contact: DEL...

Electrolytic chlorine generator. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By Environmental Pool Systems * Features: large capacity output of more than two pounds per day; NSF-- and ETL listings for commercial applications * Offerings: seven-year residential and three-year commercial warranties *...

Water treatment system. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By Etani International * Features: patented system for delivering chemicals to pool; prefilled plastic capsule is placed in skimmer, pump basket or directly into pool; thorough mixing; long-lasting effects promised * Contact: Etani...

Derby duck chlorinator. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By Great American Merchandise & Events (GAME) * Features: molded in durable vinyl; holds up to six jumbo chlorine tablets in a detachable basket; 12 chlorinators per case * Contact: Great American Merchandise & Events (GAME),...

Aqua Rite. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By Goldline Controls * Features: automatic electronic chlorine generator for pools up to 40,000 gallons; NSF-listed and tested to produce one pound of chlorine per day; digital salt display; exclusive Aqua Link interface; no bypass or flow...

SwimPure natural pool purifying system. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By Hayward Pool Products * Features: can be operated within Hayward top-mount sand filters or cartridge filters; each system designed to last six months, trap bacteria and purify water using [Nature.sup.2] science; powered by pool-water...

Automatic in-line chlorinator. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By Jandy * Features: hands-free operation; online chlorinator simplifies pool maintenance; holds up to nine pounds of chlorine that gradually dissolve with trichloride tablets or sticks; chlorine control valve allows for precise...

Frog Bam. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By King Technology * Features: Frog Bam product fits inside Pool Frog two-in-one mineral pool-care system; Pool Frog system combines minerals with precise low levels of chlorine; designed to prevent algae for up to 90 days *...

Spa mineral purifier. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By Leisure Time * Features: convenient one-piece unit; fits in most spa filters; no assembly required; controls and prevents unwanted bacteria growth for up to four months; designed to leave water soft and pure, improve water quality...

Rainbow Lifegard automatic chlorine/bromine feeders. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By Pentair Pool Products * Features: NSF-listed; 15-, 30- and 40-pound high-capacity chlorine and bromine feeders for 1-inch PVC hard plumbing installations; available in free-standing offline models for existing pools, or inline for new...

Genesis device bromine generator. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By Pioneer H20 Technologies * Features: fully automatic bromine generator for hot tubs and spas can be used as a stand-alone system or in conjunction with ozone; product features include nonmetallic, self-cleaning electrodes; no moving...

Watermatic chemical automation system. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By Polaris Pool Systems * Features: monitors and maintains sanitizer level, pH balance (liquid, granular or tablet); easy to install * Contact: Polaris Pool Systems Inc., Vista, Calif. (800) 822-7933 Circle 189 on Postage Free Card...

The Poolbuddy. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By The Poolbuddy * Features: designed to provide sanitizing from directly within pool, eliminate wear on pool equipment; no moving parts; easy installation * Offerings: multimedia CD-ROM; excellent profit margin, according to...

Natural purifying systems. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By Pool Pilot * Features: purifies water naturally; designed to eliminate chlorine odor and red eyes, keep water feeling soft; easy maintenance * Contact: Pool Pilot, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (800) 922-6246 Circle 191 on Postage Free...

PowerPacAT chlorination unit. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By PPG Industries * Features: product incorporates patented AccuTab chlorinator and 3-inch calcium hypochlorite tablets with 65 percent available chlorine; compact size provides simple conversion, easy installation; long-term reliability...

Photometer. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By ProMinent Fluid Controls * Features: self-diagnostic; designed for easy operation and calibration; measures free and total chlorine, pH, chlorine dioxide, ozone and/or cyanuric acid; DPD-1 buffer and reagent, DPD-3 solution, phenol and...

Ozone Water-Purification Systems. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By Prozone International * Features: includes corona discharge with optional 10- to 20 DC, 120-VAC or 240-VAC; compressor-driven VUV and CD spa systems; NSF-rated complete sanitation systems with patented adjustable orifice V3 dynamic...

CD-45000 ozonator. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By Purezone * Features: designed to kill bacteria, viruses and algae on contact several thousand times faster than chemicals such as chlorine, according to manufacturer; ozone breaks down organic and chemical contaminants for easy...

Sigma III pool purifier and magnetic conditioner. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By Sigma Water Systems * Features: chlorine-free pool system releases very small amounts of silver and copper into water electronically to kill algae and bacteria; pool conditioner reduces calcium, lime deposits * Offerings:...

Pinnacle PZ6 hybrid ozonator. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By Spa Parts Plus * Features: product offers Cold Plasma technology in a compact package; efficient ozone generation without corrosive byproducts of traditional corona discharge machines, according to manufacturer * Offerings:...

SR-6000 chemical feeder. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By Sta-Rite Industries * Features: completely sealed housing; dual pumps with individual electronic controllers can dispense two chemicals at two different locations; does up to 70 gallons per day; variable pump speed permits chemical flow...

Chlorine generator. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By Sunshine Pool Products * Features: Autoclor model AC20 inline salt chlorine generator features digital display and solid platinum electrodes with a 20-year life expectancy; company manufactures a complete line of chlorine generators,...

Water-care system. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By Superior Aqua Enterprises * Features: product uses ionization and ozone to kill bacteria and algae in one easy-to-operate system * Offerings: 10-year, limited warranty * Contact: Superior Aqua Enterprises, Sarasota, Fla. (800)...

Clear systems S-13 purification system. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By UV Clear Systems * Features: product uses ultraviolet light to kill up to 99.99 percent of all bacteria and floating algae, according to manufacturer * Contact: UV Clear Systems, St. Petersburg, Fla. (727) 825-0100 Circle 201 on...

Clearwater chlorinator. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By Waterway Plastics * Features: for use in aboveground or inground pools; new inline chlorinator has improved dial, no external hose, PVC sockets, complete shut-off and a larger body for easier servicing; accepts 1-, 2- and 2.5- plumbing;...

[Nature.sup.2] mineral purifiers. (Sanitizing Equipment Marketplace).
May 10, 2002... By Zodiac Pool Care * Features: company offers several purifying systems, including the Professional Purifier "G" and Premium Purifier "M" for inground pools, Purifier "A" and [Nature.sup.2] "AG" for aboveground pools, [Nature.sup.2] Spa...

Redwood gazebos: a sound investment for the future. (Enclosures: thinking inside the box).
May 10, 2002... Americans' desire to spend their disposable incomes on building more comfortable, aesthetically pleasing home environment is a welcome trend manufacturers of leisure-time merchandise. Products such as gazebos and enclosures fit right into...

Look inside: enclosures' versatility make them popular in the pool world. (close up).
May 10, 2002... What do most prospective pool buyers dream about? In a nutshell, they want to have the ability to swim in all seasons and enjoy a pool and leisure area whenever they choose. Think pool enclosure. By most standards, a pool enclosure has...

Focusing on fences: when it comes to pool fences, barrier codes and aesthetics come into play. (close up).
May 10, 2002... The growing number of barrier laws cropping up around the country is piquing the interest of some pool and spa builders. They can't help but worry about the financial and aesthetic impact these new laws will have on their work. In Florida,...

Colorful signs. (business tools).
May 10, 2002... By Dismar Corp. * Features: bright sunflower on blue background provides Summer Sale sign kit theme; seasonal posters are available in five sizes and two prepackaged sign kits to help retailers host an inexpensive, but coordinated,...

Recapture the magic brochure. (business tools).
May 10, 2002... By Pentair Pool Products * Features: the 12-page, 8-insert tab, four-color brochure familiarizes pool owners with the many pool renovation options available; discusses interior refinishing, tile and coping replacement; deck resurfacing,...

Universal deck brochure. (business tools).
May 10, 2002... By Sharkline Pools * Features: brochure explains how deck system fits any size, shape, brand or height of aboveground pool; full-color photos and diagram illustrations; five sizes to accommodate any backyard * Contact: Sharkline Pools,...

Azure diamond liner pattern. (product pipeline).
May 10, 2002... By Aquaflex Vinyl Engineering * Features: new liner combines blues and greens on a blue base film, which hides seam lines more effectively than a white pattern, according to the manufacturer; 20-gauge thickness; one-week production time...