Pool & Spa News articles from May 2003

Pool & Spa News archives from May 2003

NSPI to develop new entrapment standard.
May 9, 2003... The National Spa & Pool Institute is devising a standard devoted solely to entrapment avoidance. "The collective consciousness of the industry demands that we produce that document rather than have it produced for us," said Dan Johnson, a...

Paymer quits NPC post.
May 9, 2003... After 17 years at the helm, Lyn Paymer has stepped down as executive director of the National Plasterers Council. "It was a mutual decision," said Bob Chandler, who chairs the NPC Board of Directors. "It's something that is better for Lyn...

Is the customer always right? (Reflections).
May 9, 2003... Thoughts about customer service come at the strangest times. Last weekend, I was over a friend's house, having a beer and dangling my feet in their totally tricked-out, stunning pool. I don't know these folks very well, and it was the first...

Hydrotherapy tubes revisited. (Letters).
May 9, 2003... I read with interest your article on the hydrotherapy tube spa (Design Corner, 3/28/03). I thought you should know that this product has been around (and patented) since the early '80s. A Garden Grove [Calif.] pool builder named Deans Pools...

Aging Americans favor: hot tubs. (Making News).
May 9, 2003... A whopping 85 percent of people aged 65 and older want to do it--and they want a hot tub to go with it. It's called "aging in place," and it means living in your own home as long as possible. According to the American Association of...

Tommy Lee cleared in drowning.
May 9, 2003... A Santa Monica, Calif., jury has cleared rock star Tommy Lee of all responsibility in the drowning death of a young boy at Lee's poolside birthday party for his son. Parents of 4-year-old Daniel Karven-Veres had requested $10 million in the...

Kafko goes West with Aquaflex deal. (Making News).
May 9, 2003... In an effort to expand into the West Coast vinyl-liner market, Kafko U.S. Corp., a manufacturer of pool kits, has purchased Aquaflex Vinyl Engineering Inc., based in Sacramento, Calif. Kafko will maintain the Aquaflex name and product line...

Imperial heads South.
May 9, 2003... Imperial Pools Manufacturing and Distribution, a Latham, N.Y.-based distributor of pool and spa products, recently celebrated the grand opening of a distribution center in Memphis, Tenn. It drew guests from 32 pool companies in the Memphis...

Retailer reaches out to troops.
May 9, 2003... Condor Pools, Spas and Billiards, a retail outlet in Brooksville, Fla., coordinated collection of "reminders from home" last month to send to U.S. troops fighting in the Gulf. Condor President Scott Amundsen, a member of the Hernando County...

Fiberstars teams with U.S. military. (Making News).
May 9, 2003... Fiberstars Inc. has been awarded $2.7 million in funding to help develop state-of-the-art light sources for the military, which may also result in several applications for the pool and spa industry, according to company officials. The...

Housing starts going strong. (Making News).
May 9, 2003... A substantial increase in new-home construction last month provided reassurance that housing activity will proceed at a healthy level this year, according to Kent Conine, president of the National Association of Home Builders. Figures released...

Sylvan takes on distribution duties.
May 9, 2003... Sylvan Woods, a Ukiah, Calif.-based manufacturer/distributor of redwood spa accessories, has taken over distribution for Spa Settings in the United States. Both companies have manufactured and distributed redwood spa products for more than 12...

Parade of Ponds lined up.
May 9, 2003... The 11th Annual Parade of Ponds will be held July 17-21 in Batavia, Ill. Hosted by Aquascape Designs, a pond equipment manufacturer, the event offers seminars covering pond construction and maintenance, for everyone from beginner to advanced....

ISHOF: still in search of a home. (Making News).
May 9, 2003... The commissioners of Pompano Beach, Fla., have reversed their decision to allow the International Swimming Hall of Fame to build a new home in their city. Originally, they approved a proposal by ISHOF and its partner, the Swerdlow Real...

Economy shows hopeful signs.
May 9, 2003... The U.S. Leading Economic Indicators Index declined for a second straight month by 0.2 percent, to stand at 110.6 in March. The index has been fluctuating around a flat trend since December 2001, suggesting that real GDP growth will stay in the...

Tecumseh restructures.
May 9, 2003... Tecumseh Products Co. (NASDAQ: TECUA) in Tecumseh, Mich., a full-line independent global manufacturer of commercial and residential compressors, plans to close its engine manufacturing facility in Douglas, Ga. Approximately 550 people will lose...

Franklin electric enjoys record quarter.
May 9, 2003... Franklin Electric Co. Inc. (NASDAQ: FELE), a manufacturer of submersible water and fueling system motors in Bluffton, Ind., experienced a record 2003 first quarter net income of $4 million, an increase of 9 percent over $37 million for the same...

Investors take wait-and-see approach. (Making News).
May 9, 2003... With the war largely over, investors now are turning their attention to the strength of corporate profits. While first-quarter earnings generally have been better than expected, the market remains concerned about the long-term economic outlook,...

Pool and spa industry stock market transactions. (Making News).
May 9, 2003... Pool and Spa Industry Stock Market Transactions Net Change ...

Cal Spas honored.
May 9, 2003... The SIMA Group, reportedly Canada's largest network of pool, spa and patio retailers, recently honored Cal Spas of Pomona, Calif., with two awards: No. 1 Vendor and Best Marketing Support. The awards were given in recognition of the firm's...

Water babies.
May 9, 2003... Water births are on the rise in the United States. Since Dr. Michael Rosenthal opened the first water-birthing center outside Los Angeles in the late 1980s, more than 6,000 American babies have been born in the water. Hospitals practicing water...

SCP promotion aims at consumers. (Making News).
May 9, 2003... SCP Pool Corp., the nation's largest distributor of pool and spa products, has begun a new promotional campaign targeting consumers. "We are trying to grow this industry," said Dominick Latino, director of marketing at the Covington,...

Small business optimism wavers.
May 9, 2003... The Small Business Optimism Index continued to slide to 94.7 in March, but the 1.4-point drop was less than half as steep at February's loss of just over three points. "Fewer [company] owners expect growth, which impacts their hiring and...

Zodiac taps two managers.
May 9, 2003... Tim Lawrence has been promoted to national sales manager for Zodiac Pool Care Inc., a Pompano Beach, Fla., manufacturer. Lawrence has been with Zodiac 10 years and most recently was regional sales manager of the South/Central, Southeast and...

BioLab promotes Parsons, Starr.
May 9, 2003... BioLab Inc., a pool and spa chemical manufacturer based in Decatur, Ga., has promoted Paul Parsons to executive vice president and general manager, and Doug Starr to senior vice president and general manager at BioLab Canada. Parsons now is...

Filtration pioneer retires.
May 9, 2003... Clark Green, owner/general manager of Universal Filtration Inc. in Alhambra, Calif., is retiring after 38 years in the pool industry. During his long career, Green designed and implemented many of the techniques still used to cover DE grids...

Esposito named Salesman of Year.
May 9, 2003... Aquatherm Industries Inc., a Lakewood, N.J., manufacturer of solar pool heating systems and pool heat pumps, has named Dennis Esposito 2002's "Ecosun Salesman of the Year." Esposito, an employee of Performance Solar in Escondido, Calif.,...

Deland named Western manager.
May 9, 2003... Goldline Controls Inc., an East Greenwich, R.I.-based manufacturer of pool and spa controls, has hired Mike Deland for the newly formed position of Western regional manager. Deland will be based out of his hometown of Phoenix and will be...

Jandy promotes Anderson.
May 9, 2003... Jason Anderson has been promoted to territory sales manager for Jandy, a Petaluma, Calif., based manufacturer of pool and spa products. Anderson is responsible for all sales issues pertaining to Jandy pool and spa products, including Laars...

Artistic license: Robert Dakota started out servicing pools. But his travels inspired him to take another path. (People).
May 9, 2003... For Robert Dakota, the pool industry was one stop on his path from theology student to mosaic artist and owner of Mosaix, a tile mosaic business in Palm Springs, Calif. He began in the pool business at age 16, working for his uncle. Dakota...

Breaking it down: using enzymes to help break down organic contaminants can give your customers the best-looking pool water they've ever had. (Chemistry Clinic).
May 9, 2003... Many maintenance problems facing service professionals relate directly to the organic load in a pool and its systems. The greater the amount of organic contaminants (body oils, suntan lotions, hair products, pollen, smog, insects and the like),...

Reading the fine print: distributors in at-will relationships with manufacturers may have more leverage than they think. (Legal Eagle).
May 9, 2003... You are a regional distributor, and a national manufacturing company tells you it thinks you've become a problem. The manufacturer points out that although you are located in an area that remains prosperous and economically vibrant, your...

How to be a billionaire: the head of SCP reflects on the industry as his company approaches its billion-dollar goal.
May 9, 2003... In just a little more than two decades, SCP Pool Corp. has grown from a single location in Metairie, La., to 191 service centers in North America and Europe. Today, it is said to be the world's largest wholesale distributor of pool supplies and...

Strength in numbers: survival tactics from small distributors faced with giant competition.
May 9, 2003... It may not exactly be a case of David vs. Goliath, but today's small, independent distributors of pool and spa products have to find their own personal slingshot if they hope to survive against the giants. "The nature of competition does...

Time for a sauna? The burgeoning sauna market mirrors the growing demand for hot tubs. Could saunas be the next big thing?
May 9, 2003... Are saunas the hot tubs of the new millennium? Like hot tubs, saunas are luxury items that fall in the "affordable" category, starting around $2,500. But also like hot tubs, the sauna experience is an absolute necessity for some users, not...

Stealing their thunder: 10 tips borrowed from other industries to break you out of your marketing rut.
May 9, 2003... These are uncertain times for many spa and pool businesses. Those selling luxury items can get hit especially hard when the economy even looks recessionary. Now that consumer confidence has taken a hit, you'll probably see a lot of people...

Acu-Trol automatic controllers. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... Acu-Trol Programmable Controllers Features: sanitizes with automatic monitor and control of chemicals, temperature and filtration; new combined chloramine control is designed to continuously measure combined chloramines and shock as...

Salt chlorine generators. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... Autopilot Systems Features: company offers automatic chlorine generation available in-line, in-deck and in-pool models with LED and digital information display Contact: Autopilot Systems, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (800) 922-6246 ...

Cal Spas dually filtration pump system. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... Cal Spas Features: system utilizes two equally balanced pump heads in conjunction with the Bio-Clean anti-bacterial filter cartridges; designed so that one pump head feeds the floor jets while the other feeds water to the pure water system...

Aqua-Doc water conditioner. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... Aqua-Nova Features: company offers a new titanium series magnetic water conditioner; conditioner is more powerful than older models Offerings: Try-Me program; dealer kits; brochures; counter cards Contact: Aqua-Nova Inc., Van Nuys,...

Ozonator by Balboa. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... Balboa Instruments Features: product 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...

Model 1200 Carefree Clearwater pool ionizer. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... Carefree Clearwater Features: upgraded electronic circuit board; more efficient design and power output, per maker; new start-up high ion buttons; automatic anode check light Offerings: co-op advertising incentives; counter-top...

Automated chemical controllers. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... Aquasol Controllers Features: monitors and maintains both sanitizers and pH; works with all types of sanitizers; provides safety alerts and features; electrodes and flow cell included with every controller at no extra charge; easy to...

FlexFlo A-100N peristaltic-type chlorinator motors. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... Blue-White Industries Features: new larger, all ball bearing gear motor features top- notch design and materials, per maker; permanent lubrication; generates 30 percent less heat, 30 percent more torque than the company's smaller gear...

Chemtrol PC2000. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... Chemtrol Features: company offers ORP, pH, ppm, temperature control with true remote control and on-board data logging. Offerings: five-year electronics warranty; toll-free technical support; factory-trained dealer network for local...

Autoclear plus salt chlorine generator. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... Clear-Tech Automation Features: company offers chlorine generators with LCD salt readout; Jandy Aqualink compatible Offerings: five-year warranty; POP displays; literature; dealer incentive programs Contact: Clear-Tech Automation,...

Clearwater pool purifier, Star 2001 enterprise copper silver ionizer. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... Clearwater Enviro Technologies Features: product provides bacteria-free and algae-free water with little use of an oxidizer; product also features state-of-the-art Ion-Mate electronic descaler Contact: Clearwater Enviro Technologies...

Apex VI. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... ClearWater Tech Features: product offers ozone output of 8 grams per hour at 8 SCFH, per maker; system ships complete and fully integrated for easy installation. Contact: ClearWater Tech, LLC, San Luis Obispo, Calif. (800) 262-0203....

ClorMatic saltwater chlorine generator. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... Clormatic (Huron Tech Systems) Features: self-contained, compact, sanitizing system; electrolytic generation uses salt to produce pure sanitizer at a nearly neutral pH; closed-loop system produces chlorine from a small amount of salt added...

Crystal pool algae inhibitor. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... Crystal Pool Technologies Features: according to manufacturer, product kills algae, reduces chemicals, eliminates rust and corrosion; minimizes gunite staining; promotes better filtration; reduces scaling; is alternative compatible...

Total Eclipse generators. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... DEL Ozone Features: high-output corona discharge technology; Total Eclipse models 2 and 4 offer fully automated, low maintenance, 24-hour operation, per maker; the line is designed to supply pools up to 50,000 gallons with fresh water...

Saltwater chlorinators. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... Eco-Marie Salt Water Pool Systems Features: company offers saltwater chlorinators that feature self-cleaning cells, clear cell housing and weather-proof power centers Offerings: five-year warranty Contact: Eco-Matic Salt Water Pool...

Chemical-free pool and spa sanitizing system. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... Eco-Smarte Planet Friendly Features: company offers automated sanitizing systems for pools and spas using natural oxygen and ionic copper Offerings: direct mail; toll-free consumer support 000 Contact: Eco-Smarte Planet Friendly,...

Electrolytic chlorine generators. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... Environmental Pool Systems Features: company offers chlorine generators that are NSF-listed for commercial applications and feature the largest output capacity on the market, per manufacturer Contact: Environmental Pool Systems,...

Water treatment system. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... Etani Intl. Features: patented system for delivering chemicals to pools; prefilled plastic capsule is placed in skimmer, pump basket or directly in pool; chemical feeding is based on the slow release of concentrated, quality...

Caribbean clear ionization systems. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... Fenix Technology Ltd. Features: company offers UL-, CSA- and NSF-listed copper/silver ionization systems Offerings: dealer pricing available to pool builders, service firms and pool stores; no minimums; 10-year warranty Contact:...

Aqua Logic. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... Goldline Controls Features: company offers products that provide pool and spa automation and chlorination Offerings: mailings; free products; demos; literature; videos; displays Contact: Goldline Controls, East Greenwich, R.I....

JED 103. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... JED Engineering Features: company offers a low-cost, reliable corona discharge type ozone generator for portable hot tubs Offerings: half-price trial offer for dealers Contact: JED Engineering Inc., El Cajon, Calif. (800) 552-8838...

Legionella control system. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... LiquiTech Features: sanitizing system safely kills waterborne bacteria, viruses and algae while permitting significant reduction of chlorine and other toxic chemicals, per maker Contact: LiquiTech Inc., Bolingbrook, Ill. (800) 635-7873...

Sanitizing systems. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... King Technology Features: company offer two new products for spas: Spa Frog In-line System is built into the spa wall and holds two cartridges, one for minerals and one for bromine; the Spa Frog Floating System uses the same cartridges,...

Rainbow automatic chlorine/bromine feeders and adjustable floating chemical dispensers. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... Pentair Pool Products Features: company offers NSF-listed; 15-, 30- and 40-pound capacity Rainbow high-capacity chlorine/bromine feeders for 1-inch PVC hard plumbing installations; designed for easy access, making recharging fast and...

Spa mineral purifier. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... Leisure Time Features: one-piece unit fits in most spa filters; no assembly required; controls and prevents unwanted bacteria growth for up to four months; effective in all types of spas; improves water quality without chemicals;...

P-50 mineral purifier. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... Pioneer H20 Technologies Features: product will treat pools of 10,000 to 100,000 gallons; full digital precision; NSF 50 certification; company offers chlorine generators for pools, bromine generators for hot tubs; point-of-use drinking...

Watermatic Pro System D-6. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... Polaris Pool Systems Features: digital C660 ORP/pH controller and granular dichlor feeder continuously monitor and automatically adjust pH and sanitizer levels in any pool or spa; designed so efficient use of chemicals increases bather...

PoolSquad dynamic. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... Pool Technology Features: company offers sanitizing system designed to automatically treat pool water; controls pH and salt chlorination Contact: Pool Technology, Indianapolis (317) 839-5278 Circle 209 on Postage-Free Card ...

PowerBaseAT chlorination unit. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... PPG Industries Features: unit incorporates the patented Accu-Tab chlorinator and 3-inch calcium hypochlorite tablets with 65 percent available chlorine to provide a better alternative for commercial pool and spa installations, per maker;...

CD-45000 ozonator. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... Purezone Features: designed to kill bacteria, viruses and algae; ozone breaks down organic and chemical contaminants for easy filtration; reduces chemical needs by up to 80 percent, per maker; easy wall-mount installation; 8 feet of PVC...

Pinnacle PZ6 hybrid ozonator. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... Spa Parts Plus Features: product offers Cold Plasma technology in a compact package; provides efficient ozone generation without corrosive byproducts of traditional corona discharge machines, per maker Offerings: dealer-direct;...

SR6000-S chemical feeder. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... Sta-Rite Industries Features: monitors pH and ORP; adds chemicals as needed based on readings; dual pumps with individual electronic controllers that can dispense two chemicals at two different locations; doses up to 70 gallons per day;...

Ozone generators. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... Sunshine Pool Products Features: company offers EcOzone high output corona discharge ozone generator model OZ2000; product produces 2 gph of ozone, is water cooled and designed for pools up to 50,000 gallons; company offers a complete line...

HealthCare system. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... Superior Aqua Enterprises Features: advanced water purification system combines the algae- and bacteria-killing effectiveness of ionization with the oxidizing effectiveness of ozone in one easy-to-operate system, per manufacturer ...

UltraPure automatic water cleaners. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... Ultra Pure Water Quality Features: reduces chlorine usage by 60 to 70 percent, per maker Offerings: salesperson incentive program Contact: Ultra Pure Water Quality Inc., Burlington, Ontario, Canada (877) 281-7603 Circle 216 on...

Clearwater automatic in-line chlorinators. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... Waterway Plastics Features: designed to provide safe, reliable pool sanitation; durable flow valves that regulate chlorine, bromine flow were improved to better adjust for more accurate settings; dial was moved for easier viewing, per...

Ultraviolet treatment for pools and spas. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... UV Clear Systems Features: product features a new stainless steel chambers, 2-inch openings with slip union fittings and HO lamps; designed for use in residential pools Contact: UV Clear Systems Inc., St. Petersburg, FLa. (866)...

Nature2, clearwater saltwater chlorinator. (Sanitizing Equipment).
May 9, 2003... Zodiac Pool Care Features: Nature 2 product (shown) designed to eliminate bacteria/algae growth, reduce chlorine usage to .5ppm and has mineral cartridge that lasts six months; Clearwater saltwater chlorinator has self-cleaning cell,...

Gazebos, screen houses. (Enclosures).
May 9, 2003... Abris Penguin Shelters Features: company offers gazebos made from aluminum that will not rust, according to manufacturer Contact: Abris Penguin Shelters Inc., Montreal, Quebec, Canada (514) 276-3485 Circle 229 on Postage-Free Card...

Removable fencing, wind screens. (Enclosures).
May 9, 2003... Baby-Loc Ltd. Features: 4.5 or 5-foot fence height, quality poly-coated, open-weave mesh black fabric for high tensile strength, UV-stable; 1-inch reinforced, cored fiberglass pole and solid-brass, double-ended latches; optional magnetic,...

Garden prairie pool enclosures. (Enclosures).
May 9, 2003... CCSI Intl. Features: company offers enclosures with color-coated frames and rafters to minimize maintenance; manual or electric opening, light-transmitting roof panels and sliding glass doors allow for natural ventilation; commercial...

Gazebos and spa enclosures. (Enclosures).
May 9, 2003... Alliance Woodcraft Mfg. Features: company offers a large selection of gazebos. each featuring a strong roof Offerings: early-season and showroom discounts; free promotional sales materials Contact: Alliance Woodcraft Mfg. Inc.,...

Cal Spas Woodcrest Luxury solid gazebo. (Enclosures).
May 9, 2003... Cal Spas Features: company offers more than 60 styles and sizes of gazebos; bay windows, built-in bar, bench and matching stools; choice of wood, slate or metal roof in green, gray or rust color; acrylic dome skylight; redwood decking,...

The LifeGuard barrier. (Enclosures).
May 9, 2003... Covertech Fabricating Features: removable fence helps prevent children and pets from gaining access to pool, while still allowing sections to be removed for adult entry and exit; standard and custom designs; 4.5 -foot-high fence is made...

Trackless movable pool enclosures. (Enclosures).
May 9, 2003... Aquamatic Telescopic Enclosures Features: company offers custom-designed, trackless, movable pool enclosures; several elegant design choices; models up to 60 feet wide Offering: 10-year warranty; company installation available ...

Half Shoji gazebo. (Enclosures).
May 9, 2003... California Leisure Products Features: gazebos feature a solid roof with skylight, 2 bar stools and glass rack and two sliding panels; colors/styles available include dark, clear and white Contact: California Leisure Products, Ukiah,...

Magna-Latch self-latching gates. (Enclosures).
May 9, 2003... D&D Technologies Features: company's Magna-Latch magnetic self-latching gates are designed to provide consistent, reliable latching; gate features extensive vertical and horizontal adjustment and is key-lockable, per manufacturer;...