Pool & Spa News articles from May 2004

Pool & Spa News archives from May 2004

Gas prices rock the industry.
May 7, 2004... U.S. motorists have been paying an average 31.5 cents per gallon more since December 2003, according to a recently released report. No near-term relief is in sight as pool building and service companies desperately seek ways to protect their...

Pentair names new president.
May 7, 2004... Pentair Pool Products has recently named Scott Levin its president and general manager, creating a new position for the company. Levin will help the Sanford, N.C.-based manufacturer adjust to its large-scale growth, improving distribution...

Before cupid strikes.(Reflections)
May 7, 2004... Prior to coming to Pool & Spa News, I worked at a research company, overseeing day-to-day operations for a variety of studies. I liked my job. The people who reported to me all seemed happy and motivated, and if there was a morale problem, I...

More health-care options for small firms.(Making News)
May 7, 2004... Owning a business is part of the American dream. But as many small-business owners know, getting quality health-care insurance for themselves and their employees is a nightmare. "I'm jumping through hoops all the time," said Sandy Bradbury...

Middle East Pool show debuts.
May 7, 2004... The Middle East Pool Exhibition 2004 came to a successful close April 22 at the Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Centre in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, aka UAE. The first-ever four-day event--sponsored by the General Exhibition Corp.,...

Marquis and King Tech. strike deal.
May 7, 2004... Two manufacturers, Marquis Spas and King Technology Inc., recently announced an agreement to install King's Spa Frog sanitizing system as standard equipment on Marquis models. The system is a mineral purifier intended to cut bromine usage and...

Industry copes with severe drought.(Making News)
May 7, 2004... One of the worst droughts in recent history continues to grip much of the west and southwestern United States. Yet pool and spa industry workers said they've yet to completely feel its impact. "Oh, my God, yes. There is absolutely a...

Symposium tackles pool safety issues.(Making News)
May 7, 2004... It was all about changing attitudes on pool safety. The Third Annual National Drowning Prevention Symposium in Palm Springs, Calif., last month drew pool industry experts, community advocates, relatives of drowning victims, and health and...

Aquatherm receives NSF approval.
May 7, 2004... Aquatherm Industries of Lakewood, NJ., announced it is the first solar pool-heating equipment manufacturer to receive safety certification from the National Sanitation Foundation for its line of solar collectors. NSF awards certification to...

ThermoSpas helps aching teen.
May 7, 2004... ThermoSpas of Wallingford, Conn., recently donated one of its Healing Spas to fibromyalgia sufferer Kaitlin Durkin in Marion, Mass. The donation is part of the company's "Seasons of Giving" program, designed to provide therapy spas to kids with...

NSPI debuts advanced builder program.(Making News)
May 7, 2004... NSPI will roll out a new advanced education program for builders at this year's International Pool & Spa Expo in Las Vegas. Organized by the NSPI Builders Council, the program will be held Nov. 30 to Dec. 1, two days before the exhibits...

Housing starts grow after winter chill.(Making News)
May 7, 2004... New-home construction thawed from last month's freeze as housing starts reached a season ably adjusted annual rate of 2.007 million units in March, up from 1.887 million units during February. "The interest rate structure remains favorable;...

DuPont to slash workforce.
May 7, 2004... DuPont recently revealed plans to cut back its workforce by 6 percent, or 3,500 positions, as part of a $900 million cost-cutting program originally announced back in December. The company also plans to slash 450 contractor jobs. The statement...

G.B. Financial Services renamed.
May 7, 2004... In an effort to create a new identity for its financing program for pool builders, Pool & Spa Systems in Tempe, Ariz., has switched the name of this branch from G.B. Financial Services Inc. to Paramount Capital Finance Corp. The services aim,...

Report: economic momentum strong.(Making News)
May 7, 2004... The Conference Board reported in April that its Index of Leading Economic Indicators was above the 100.0 mark for the seventh consecutive month. That indicates strong economic momentum going into the second quarter. The Associated Press...

Pool and spa industry stock market transactions.(Making News)
May 7, 2004... Pool and Spa Industry Stock Market Transactions Net Change Quotations are for Vol....

Aqua Pool helps fight cancer.
May 7, 2004... At the American Cancer Society Hope Gala 2004 in Plantsville, Conn., Aqua Pool & Patio Inc., a pool designer in Windsor, Conn., donated a gunite pool for a live auction benefiting the Society's programs for cancer research and education. Valued...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
May 7, 2004... In the 4/9/04 issue's Top 50 Products, King Technology's Spa Frog Floating System's bromine cartridge was described as lasting two to four months; it actually lasts two to four weeks. In addition, Zeotech Corp. manufactures a product called...

'Rudy' tapped as Expo keynote speaker.(Making News)
May 7, 2004... Organizers of Hanley Wood's 2004 International Pod & Spa Expo have announced that Rudy Ruettiger, best known as the inspiration for the 1993 hit movie "Rudy," will be this year's keynote speaker. "Rudy has a story to tell about his life...

Inflation signs point toward small firms.(Making News)
May 7, 2004... Continuing an 11-month string of readings above the 100 mark, the Small-Business Optimism Index remained unchanged at 102.6 in March. Though small businesses are holding a positive economic outlook, the reading indicates an inflationary trend....

Sundance promotes Pasley, Ferguson.
May 7, 2004... Sundance Spas Inc., a Chino, Calif. based manufacturer, has promoted Jerry Pasley from director of sales to vice president of sales. An 11-year company veteran, Pasley is responsible for North American sales of Sundance's Jacuzzi Spa Division,...

Three join San Juan Pools.
May 7, 2004... San Juan Pools has added three new faces to its sales and support team. Bill Sheldon now is national sales manager for the Lakeland, Fla.-based fiberglass pool manufacturer. Sheldon has a 20-year background in sales and marketing. Thirty year...

Certol names Shaw sales V.P.
May 7, 2004... Certol International has named Fred Shaw the vice president of national sales. Shaw will oversee sales of the company's AquaMagic Pool & Spa Acid line throughout the United States and Canada. Certol is a manufacturer of water treatments, based...

Water Tech hire Falzer.
May 7, 2004... Mike Falzer has joined Water Tech Inc., a maker of pool and spa products. As national sales manager, Faker will cover sales for the company's Pool and Spa Division throughout the United States and Canada. Water Tech is headquartered in New...

Redman to endorse Pacific Pools.
May 7, 2004... Golfer Michele Redman of the Ladies Professional Golf Association has signed an endorsement deal with Pacific Pools, a vinyl-liner pool manufacturer. The contract calls for Redman to wear the company's logo on her clothing at all LPGA...

Turning a new Leif: from the Cold War to steel shortages, Leif Zars has survived it all, and reinvented his company along the way.(People)
May 7, 2004... Keim He patented one of the first cantilevered deck designs for inground pools and chaired the first NSPI committee to develop workmanship standards for the pool industry. In the 50 years he's been in the pool business, Leif Zars is responsible...

The right size: sizing commercial sand filter systems means paying attention to all the details.(Technically Speaking)
May 7, 2004... When selecting the correct sand filtration system for a commercial project, you must pay close attention to every step of the process. Whether the project is a new waterpark or a renovation of a smaller commercial pool, certain aspects of the...

Bad documents can bite: identifying ways to eliminate or manage litigation through better documentation.(Legal Eagle)
May 7, 2004... One significant risk area for companies that are litigation targets is "bad" documents. In litigation, you generally need to turn over all the relevant documents you have to the opposing party--whether good or bad for your case. What...

Three moon bay pool.(New Products)
May 7, 2004... by Blue Hawaiian Fiberglass Pools Features: latest addition to company's line of one-piece fiberglass pools; free-form, patent-pending design goes from shallow to deep to shallow, enabling it to double as an activity pool; steps include...

Sunchaser supercushion lounger.(New Products)
May 7, 2004... by Swimline Corp. Features: company introduces floating lounger with nylon-covered, inflatable cushion; sturdy, molded adjustable frame and pontoon design; available in blue or orange prints Contact: Swimline Corp., Edgewood, N.Y....

Pendulum swing.(New Products)
May 7, 2004... by Health in Motion Features: new, two-sided 440P pendulum swing is designed to seat four; constructed of 3-inch round 11-gauge steel with polyesterelectrostatic resin powder coat finish; sealed steel ball bearings; imported hardwood...

Inground steel pools.(New Products)
May 7, 2004... by Imperial Pools Mfg. & Dist. Features: company offers two new free-form shapes of inground steel pools: keyhole and lagoon (shown); both shapes are available in 16-by-32-feet, 18-by-46-feet or 20-by-40-feet Offerings: literature ...

Metro spa.(New Products)
May 7, 2004... by Sundance Spas Features: made to seat three adults; four therapy stations for a variety of hydrotherapy options; total of 21 hydrojets, including Pro-Touch II with interchangeable nozzles for personalized massage experience; ozone...

In-pool bar.(New Products)
May 7, 2004... by S.R. Smith Features: mosaic table option now is available for company's in-pool bar accessory; comes with two seats and an umbrella table manufactured from UV-stabilized, chemical-resistant, high-impact plastic, per maker; mounted on...

Zeobrite.(New Products)
May 7, 2004... by Zeotech Corp. Features: filter media is designed to replace sand in sand filters while reducing chemical and operating costs, backwashing frequency and eye irritating ammonia problems Offerings: literature Contact: Zeotech...

Pool liner visualization tool.(New Products)
May 7, 2004... by Plastimayd Corp. Features: Web-based program enables homeowners to visualize how pool liner patterns will look in their pools: users can drag various liner patterns into pool with water and brick coping to see how pattern might look...

sureTrack 4 test strips.(New Products)
May 7, 2004... by Taylor Technologies Features: new one-dip test strips measure for free chlorine or bromine, pH and total alkalinity; target ranges for each of these values correspond to recently updated ANSI and NSPI standards, per maker; shaker...

Micron disposable pool & spa filters.(New Products)
May 7, 2004... by Micro-Pure Water Filtration Features: disposable alternative to regular cartridges; designed to eliminate filter cleanings; life expectancy ranges from two to four months; filters have three times the dirt-holding capacity and 30 times...

Calcium removal system.(New Products)
May 7, 2004... by Modern Surfaces Features: chemical-free calcium-cleaning system designed to remove calcium buildup from various surfaces, such as aggregate, tile or stone, without damaging pool glaze; uses water instead of air in an effort to eliminate...

Hadco 22V transformer.(New Products)
May 7, 2004... by Hadco Lighting Features: lighting transformer with stainless steel power console: encapsulated coil arrangement designed for reduced noise and cool operation; available up to 1500 watts and voltage taps from 12V to 22V; accommodates...

Annual distributors issue.
May 7, 2004... What is the place of the distributor in 21st century business? With consolidation seemingly an everyday occurrence in the pool and spa industry, more and more independent distributors are beginning to wonder what the future may hold for them....

Bundling up: more and more manufacturers use the art of bundling to increase sales. However, distributors say the strategy has its pros and cons.
May 7, 2004... With industry consolidation becoming an everyday occurrence, an increasing number of manufacturers are turning to a strategy they hope will maintain customer loyalty. That strategy, known as "bundling," ties several high-ticket items together...

WINDO on the world: thriving in today's distribution world means more than just business--it's personal.
May 7, 2004... Many of today's independent distributors are slowly disappearing due to industry consolidation and the growing popularity of online retailing. Yet under the shadow of behemoth distributors, the Wholesale Independent National Distributors...

Distribution derby: meet 11 of the industry's most respected distributors. See how their products and points of differentiation help them remain strong in a competitive market.
May 7, 2004... Rising health-care costs, industry consolidation, dealer buying groups and competition from overseas markets are some of the current issues facing distributors in the pool and spa industry. Despite these challenges, many companies still see...

Risky business: in the first installment of this two-part series on office romance, we explore ways employers can deal with workplace dating and avoid potential liabilities.
May 7, 2004... Suzzette Diaz and Kevin O'Meara are in love. But a year ago, she wouldn't even go to dinner with him. "I didn't think it was appropriate," says Diaz, the service manager at All American Custom Pools in Norwalk, Conn. O'Meara works for the...

Desert storm: they took over their father's company during a recession. But within a decade, brothers Buzz, David and Edward Ghiz had swept through Phoenix and Las Vegas. Here's how they did it.
May 7, 2004... It was the time second-generation business owners dread, yet spend their entire lives working toward. When George Ghiz passed away in May 1988, his three sons were ready to run Paddock Pools & Spas. They'd grown up with the Scottsdale,...

AK600 pump room control.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by Acu-Trol Programmable Controllers Features: made to control chemicals, temperature, filtration and backwash; new combined-chloramines control; high-speed data/voice modem for 24-hour remote access: automates DPD test Offerings:...

Chlorinator system.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by AquaPower-Plus Salt Water Chlorinators Features: saltwater chlorinator for pools and spas; designed to run at 2500 ppm of salt: clear cell Offerings: 24 hour turnaround on defected cells; five-year warranty Contact: AquaPower...

Chlorine generators.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by AutoPilot System Features: models for residential and commercial applications; in-line, in-deck and in pool models avail able: self-cleaning; microprocessor controlled; controller compatible Offerings: co-op advertising, direct-mail...

UV sanitation system.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by Advanced Control Logix Features: high-intensity, medium-pressure UV system for pools and spas: uses only ultraviolet radiation to disinfect water, per maker, designed to eliminate chloramines without additional chemicals Offerings:...

Automated chemical controllers.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by Aquasol Controllers Features: designed to monitor and maintain sanitizer and pH; provides safety alerts and features: electrodes and flow cell included in every controller; made for easy installation and operation; reduces pool/spa...

Eco-matic saltwater sanitizing system.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by Balboa Direct Features: automatic cleaning system designed to be environment friendly, economical and easy to install Contact: Balboa Direct, Tustin, Calif. (800) 645-3201 Write 177 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION...

Aqua-doc water conditioner.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by Aqua-Nova Features: company offers a new titanium series magnetic water conditioner; conditioner is more powerful than earlier models, per maker Offerings: Try-Me Program; dealer kits: brochures: counter cards Contact:...

Caldera Monarch Corona discharge ozone system.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by Caldera Spas Features: mixes concentrated ozone with spawater as it travels through contact chamber, per maker; oxidizes organic contaminants; designed for low maintenance Offerings: co-op advertising; sales training; POP materials...

The Mineral Springs system.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by BioGuard Features: produces a continuous sanitizer using a blend of Beginnings & Renewal minerals in conjunction with Mineral Springs electrolytic generator Contact: BioGuard, Lawrenceville, Ga. (800) 859-7946, option 2 Write...

BioFree automatic pool sanitizing system.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by BioQuest Features: patented BioQuest sensor; electrolytic cell produces bromine; designed to simplify spa maintenance Contact: BioQuest, Reno, Nev. (888) 829-9993 Write 179 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

FlexFlo A-100N peristaltic chlorinator.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by Blue-White Industries Features: peristaltic chlorinator with exclusive tube-failure detection system Offerings: training; counter displays Contact: Blue-White Industries, Huntington Beach, Calif. (714) 893-8529 Write 180...

Cal Zone Quest 2000 ozonator.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by Cal Spas Features: corona discharge cell enables system to purify spa water without the use of damaging UV rays, per maker; designed to be nearly maintenance-free Offerings: lifetime warranty Contact: Cal Spas. Pomona, Calif....

Electronic water purification equipment.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by Carefree Cleanwater Ltd. Features: new model 1200 series includes features such as power control knob, high ion button for quick start-up, check anode indicator light, and slide switch for 220V to 110V selection Offerings: co-op...

CAT 2000 professional package.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by Chemical Automation Technologies Features: designed to save time and effort during installation; factory assembles a CAT 200 pH/ORP water-chemistry controller and flow cell with rotary flow sensor onto a 24-inch backboard; completed...

CH255 PPM/pH digital controller.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by Chemtrol Features: free-chlorine control with solid-state sensor that is designed to be easy to operate; maintenance-free, per maker Offerings: five-year electronics warranty: toll-free technical support Contact: Chemtrol,...

Autoclear plus salt chlorine generator.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by Clear-Tech Automation Features: digital salt readout; Jandy Aqualink compatible Offerings: 10-year limited warranty: POP displays and literature; retail product financing Contact: Clear-Tech Automation Inc., Pompano Beach, Fla....

The Scaleblaster model SB-300.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by ClearWater Enviro Technologies Features: product is designed to reduce chlorine use in pools and spas; digitally controlled microprocessor releases copper and silver into water to kill algae and bacteria; unit meets NSF Standard 50...

Apex VI.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by ClearWater Tech Features: according to manufacturer, the product offers ozone output of 8 grams per hour at 8 SCFH; system is shipped complete and fully integrated for easy installation Contact: ClearWater Tech, LLC, San Luis...

Chlorine generators.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by Clormatic Features: commercial units include 3-inch flanges, automatic self-cleaning cycle, ORP interface, 250-gallon flow rate, and can treat up to 100,000 gallons; NSF-certified, per maker Offerings: five and two year limited...

DELZone Total Eclipse.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by DEL Ozone Features: ozone systems designed for pools up to 50,000 gallons; reduces chemicals 60 to 90 percent and works up to 3,000 times faster than chlorine on viruses, bacteria, oils and other organics, according to manufacturer ...

ECOsmarte chlorine-free pool/spa system.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by ECOsmarte Planet Friendly West Features: 100 percent nonsalt, nonchemical water technology, according to maker; automated Carbon Dioxide pH Down. Natural Oxygen and Ionic Copper Contact: ECOsmarte Planet Friendly West, LLC, Santa...

Pool thing.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by Environmental Pool Systems Features: saltwater chlorinator is NSF- and ETL-approved, per maker; for residential and commercial markets Contact: Environmental Pool Systems, Scottsdale, Ariz. (877) 766-5844 Write 191 on...

Water treatment system.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by Etani International Features: patented chemical feeding system is based on the slow release of concentrated chemicals from the prefilled plastic capsule; can be placed in skimmer basket or directly into pool; other products designed for...

Aqua Rite.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by Goldline Controls Features: digital salt display: 1.5 pounds of chlorine per day; patented Turbo Cell UL-listed and NSF-approved, per maker Offerings: five-year limited warranty; literature, videos and counter displays Contact:...

Controllers.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by Hanna Instruments Features: company offers a complete line of user-programmable, easy-to-operate controllers such as the pH 500 (shown), mV 600 and Hl 700 series pH, and EC/TDS & ORF; large, dual-level LCD displays; PID control;...

AquaPure water purification system.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by Jandy Features: self-contained, closed loop system automatically generates chlorine from ordinary table salt; utilizes solid titanium plates within an electrolytic cell coated with metals and is fully automatic through the AquaLink RS...

JED 103 ozone generator.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by JED Engineering Features: corona discharge type ozone generator intended to be low-cost and reliable; for portable hot tubs Contact: JED Engineering Inc., El Cajon, Calif. (800) 552-8838 Write 196 on Postage-Free Card ...

Perform-Max chemical feed system.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by King Technology Features: chemical feed systems for above-ground and inground pools, work with either chlorine or bromine tablets; bulk feeder is designed to erode rather than soak chemicals for more consistent output; patented...

Spa mineral purifier.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by Leisure Time Features: one piece unit fits in most spa filters, no assembly required, per maker; designed to prevent unwanted bacteria growth for up to four months; compatible with bromine, chlorine, ozone and nonchlorine shock ...

Pool disinfection system.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by MIOX Corp. Features: product includes on-site mixed oxidant generator, reduces chlorine odor and eliminates need for shocking, according to manufacturer Contact: MIOX Corp., Albuquerque, N.M. (505) 343-0090 Write 199 on...

720 Series II pH and ORP monitor/controller.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by Myron L Co. Features: product is designed to measure pH or ORP/redox in reverse osmosis, process control, seawater desalination, waste treatment and more; custom configuration models available for qualified OEMs Contact: Myron L Co,...

PV3 cleaning & circulation system.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by Paramount Pool & Spa Systems Features: improvements to cleaning systems include the new riser body kits, which feature a smooth outside body with plastic cap and custom-sized riser pipe for a better fit; PV3 retainer now incorporates a...

Automatic chemical feeders.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by Pentair Pool Products Features: line includes NSF-listed 15-, 30- and 40-pound capacity chlorine/bromine in-line feeders for 1-inch PVC plumbing; free-standing, off line models also available Offerings: sizing charts Contact:...

Watermatic pro system D-6.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by Polaris Pool Systems Features: digital C660 ORP/pH controller and granular dichlor feeder designed to continuously monitor and adjust pH and sanitizer levels; made so that efficient use of chemicals increases bather protection and...

PowerBase AT chlorination unit.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by PPG Industries Features: incorporates patented Accu-Tab chlorinator and 3-inch calcium hypochlorite tablets with 65 percent available chlorine; compact size and easy installation Contact: PPG Industries, Pittsburgh (800) 245-2974...

2004 catalog.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by Spa Builders Supply Features: distributor catalog features a wide range of sanitizing equipment for pools and spas; factory-direct parts Contact: Spa Builders Supply, Las Vegas (800) 772-7257 Write 205 on Postage-Free Card ...

Zorbie.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by Spa Parts Plus Features: water bobble helps reduce odors by eliminating bacteria-breeding foams, according to manufacturer Contact: Spa Parts Plus, Prescott Valley, Ariz. (800) 521-7587 Write 206 on Postage-Free Card ...

Chemical feeder.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 7, 2004... by Sta-Rite Industries Features: SR6000-S is designed to monitor pH and ORP and add chemicals as needed: dual pumps with individual controllers that can dispense two chemicals at two different locations: doses up to 70 gallons daily, per...