Pool & Spa News articles from May 2005

Pool & Spa News archives from May 2005

'The Rookie' to pitch expo keynote speech.(MAKING NEWS)
May 9, 2005... Organizers of the 2005 International Pod & Spa Expo have named Jim "The Rookie" Morris as this year's keynote speaker. A former minor league base ball player forced out of the game by injuries, Morris became a high school teacher and coach...

New insurance in Northeast.(MAKING NEWS)
May 9, 2005... As of May 1, The Hartford Financial Services Group is offering liability insurance to pool and spa companies in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The Northeast Spa & Pool Association negotiated the plan; however,...

How to win.(REFLECTIONS)
May 9, 2005... I love this magazine and am very proud of all the articles we publish. That said, there's a special spot in my heart for our how-to features. Maybe it's because they are so popular with readers. Or maybe it's just selfish because in the process...

The art of acquisitions: consolidation is fast becoming a fact of life for the industry. Whether you're acquiring or merging companies, these tips will help.(MAKING NEWS)
May 9, 2005... Six years ago, Brian Quint's company merged with Carlson Pool & Spa. He struggled with the decision beforehand, weighing the benefits against the inevitable surprises. In the end, the move turned out to be very successful. "My...

Here we go again.
May 9, 2005... Confusion over the correct term for portable spas recently resurfaced in a big way--on a hit NBC-TV talk show. In an April episode of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," the host tried to get actress Cynthia Nixon to say the "mystery word of the day."...

Semitanker plows through pool store.
May 9, 2005... Champion Pools in Swanton, Ohio, was burned virtually to the ground after a semitanker ran into it April 3. It was the last Sunday off before the season began, so no one was on the premises. "We were fully stocked and ready to roll this week,"...

Rebate scheme may have fooled industry.(MAKING NEWS)
May 9, 2005... Law enforcement officials in Missouri say that a rebate voucher scare has snared hundreds of businesses, including some in the pool and spa industry. The Missouri attorney general's office has filed a lawsuit to stop a cashable voucher...

Small business optimism dips.(MAKING NEWS)
May 9, 2005... Small business optimism dipped in March, sliding 1.2 points to 102.5. Analysts believe the drop is regionally related to weather. But they said that numbers remain consistent with solid economic growth. "The percentage of owners with unfilled...

NSPF secures $500,000 for 2005 grants.
May 9, 2005... The National Swimming Pool Foundation's Board of Directors voted to allocate $500,000 in research grants, fellowships and scholarships for 2005. That's a 44 percent increase over 2004. The Colorado Springs, Colo.-based nonprofit group said it...

Aboveground pool standard up for review.
May 9, 2005... The International Aquatics Foundation in Alexandria, Va., is inviting industry and nonindustry professionals to participate in the review of the next edition of NSPI-4 American National Standard for Aboveground/Onground Residential Swimming...

Pentair rehires former exec.(MAKING NEWS)
May 9, 2005... Pentair Inc. has tapped Charles M. Brown, former head of its Tools Group, to serve as president/COO of Pool & Spa and Pump operations in the company's Water Group. The appointment was effective April 4. "Pentair is a company that combines...

Weather Mars home building pace.(MAKING NEWS)
May 9, 2005... Blame the weather for dampening home-building efforts in March. Housing starts dropped 17.6 percent to 1.84 million units in March, with the Midwest the hardest hit. It was disappointing after a record high February, but housing experts are...

A crackdown on green pools.
May 9, 2005... In an attempt to prevent outbreaks of West Nile Virus this summer, county authorities in California and Arizona are cracking down on green pools. In Los Angeles County, two agencies have teamed up to uncover potential problem areas: The San...

Lucite receives MASTAR award.
May 9, 2005... Lucite International has received Masco Supplier Team Award Recognition honors from Masco Corp., maker of home-improvement and building products. The award salutes Masco's national supplier groups for leadership and commitment to achieving...

Industry pioneer Marvin Allred dies.(MAKING NEWS)
May 9, 2005... Marvin H. Allred, founder of distributor Pool Water Products, died from a long-term heart condition March 5. A pioneer in the Southern California pool industry, 79-year-old Allred passed away in Makaha Valley, Hawaii, where he lived. ...

Jacuzzi converts assets to cash.
May 9, 2005... Jacuzzi Brands Inc. has sold its Plant City, Fla.. facility for $3 million. The factory was used to manufacture spas through November 2003, but production has since relocated to the company's Chino, Calif., facility. In addition, the firm...

Lynx Grills buys CabanaKitchens.
May 9, 2005... Lynx Grills Inc., a maker of stainless steel outdoor kitchen products, has acquired CabanaKitchens Inc., a manufacturer of high-end grills that feature integrated gas ovens and broilers. Cabana will become a new division under Lynx, and the...

Consumer confidence wavers.(MAKING NEWS)
May 9, 2005... Americans' confidence in the economy may be wavering, but new-home sales last month seemed impervious to recent trends as they reached their highest levels in history. Consumer confidence declined in April for the third consecutive month,...

Pool and Spa industry stock market performance.(MAKING NEWS)
May 9, 2005... Pool and Spa Industry Stock Market Performance Quotations are for April 26, 2005 Vol. Close Net Change Symbol (100s) 4/26/05 from 4/8/05 NEW...

The real McCoy: inside Brett Kingstone's real-life war with patent thieves and his new tell-all book.(PEOPLE: profile)
May 9, 2005... Industrial espionage. Sting operations. FBI wiretaps. An international network of "economic terrorists." At the center of it all, one man's fight to save his company from enemies within and without. Sounds like the makings of a sensational...

Splash SuperPools taps three.
May 9, 2005... Splash SuperPools in Little Rock, Ark., has appointed Tommy Thomason as its new national sales manager. A three-year company veteran, Thomason now oversees sales and marketing of all of the firm's aboveground-pool and hot tub lines. Also, Eric...

Arch restructures sales force.
May 9, 2005... After acquiring Avecia Pool & Spa in 2004, Arch Chemicals Water Products restructured its sales team and Customer Service Department. Hulan "Buck" Hall was named national sales manager and will supervise the team of regional and territory sales...

Hammond joins Latham.
May 9, 2005... Latham International, a manufacturer of vinyl pool products, has hired Steve Hammond as its director of information technology. Hammond will develop information technology and systems needed to support Latham's growth. He has more than 25...

Bullfrog Spas promotes two.
May 9, 2005... Ray Pritchett was recently promoted to sales manager of the eastern United States for Bullfrog Spas. Based out of Missouri, Pritchett will oversee sales representatives east of the Mississippi River. He's a 12-year industry veteran, two of them...

Paragon pools appoints Stanton.
May 9, 2005... John Stanton has been named manager of the Construction Department at Paragon Pools, a Las Vegas builder of residential and commercial inground pools. He will oversee engineering, field management and warranty service. Stanton has built pools...

Nichols passes away.(IN MEMORIAM)
May 9, 2005... Gene H. Nichols, founder of Nichols Pools in Bristol, Pa., died this past Christmas Day of cardiopulmonary failure. He was 86. According to daughter Nancy Cramer, he sold the first aboveground pool made by B.F. Goodrich in the 1950s, after...

The ties that bind: by blending shapes and materials, this pool and home look like they are made for each other.(DESIGN CORNER)
May 9, 2005... It's tough designing a spec home. When you make something for unknown clients, you have to guess what they will like. In the case of a high-end dwelling in the Phoenix area, the pool played a crucial role. "I wanted it to sell the house,"...

From Ariz. farm to top Calif. distributor.(INDUSTRY INTERVIEW)(Reprint)
May 9, 2005... Pool Water Products is not only one of the most successful full-line distributors of pool and spa products in California, but one of the largest distributors in the country. With seven full-line distribution outlets in California, each...

Putting the 'hot' in hot tub: before you open the door to the spa pack, remember that 'no heat' doesn't necessarily mean a bad heater.(TECHNICALLY SPEAKING)
May 9, 2005... While water temperature is the most common spa customer complaint, it often has nothing to do with the integrity of the heater. Many components in the hot tub can affect its heating ability. Understanding the system's capabilities and...

Open season.(POOL OPENINGS)
May 9, 2005... Tis the season. More than 1.2 million pools in the Northeast and Midwest need to be readied for the summer. Pool & Spa News knows it takes more than a little sunny weather to successfully open a pool. In fact, while talking to service...

Movin' on up: how service technicians can take advantage of pool opening season to sell enhancements and upgrades--and see their revenues soar.(POOL OPENINGS: ENHANCEMENTS/UPGRADES)
May 9, 2005... Glen Rich has uncovered a gold mine: renovation. It's become one of the fastest-growing departments at Riverbend Sandier Pools, a Pool & Spa News Top Builder in Plano, Texas. Indeed, the firm did 500 remodels in 2004 and will more than double...

Safety first: during the pool opening season, make safety a priority and watch your company reap the rewards.(POOL OPENINGS: SAFETY PRODUCTS)
May 9, 2005... During a routine opening a few years ago, Amy Barto's service technicians were disturbed by what they found in one aboveground pool. "This woman had put a collapsible nylon object in the bottom of the aboveground pool--one of those forts...

Good chemistry: when opening a pool, should cal hypo be used on a vinyl liner? Which type of algaecide is needed? Here, veteran service techs provide the answers.(POOL OPENINGS: CHEMICALS)
May 9, 2005... Pool openings are an annual spring ritual in the Northeast and Midwest. This is where backyard vessels are traditionally shut down during the cold winter months. Now, as temperatures inch upward and days grow longer, service technicians prepare...

Top 50 products: back by popular demand ... the most-requested new products and where to find them.(Readers' CHOICE 2005)
May 9, 2005... At the beginning of each year, Pool & Spa News presents its annual "New Products Supplement." It's a compilation of the latest innovations available on the market. The items that generate the most interest from our readers then set the stage...

Colorquartz ceramic-coated accent stones.(Renovation and Repair)
May 9, 2005... by 3M Industrial Minerals Features: from the Colorquartz line of ceramic-coated products; stones are designed for use in pebble pool finishes; intended to blend with natural pebble to enhance the pool's water tones; made with inorganic...

Acrylics, epoxies and urethanes.(Renovation and Repair)
May 9, 2005... by AquaBond Features: company offers acrylics, epoxies and urethanes with gun dispensing system; gun system is available in 50-and 400-mil. size Contact: AquaBond, LLC, Placentia, Calif. (714) 961-1420; Booth 228 Circle 457 on...

Ceramic mosaic tile designs.(Renovation and Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Artistry in Mosaics Features: company offers ceramic mosaic tile designs; frost-proof, handcrafted products; more than 100 designs in stock Offerings: lifetime warranty; full-service design department Contact: Artistry in...

Ceramaquartz.(Renovation and Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Aggregate Concepts Features: new blend of natural aggregate crystals fused with a pigmented ceramic coating is intended to add color dimension and smooth, slip-resistant texture to pool walls; durable against chemical and UV...

AquaGuard 5000.(Renovation and Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Aquatic Technologies Features: two part epoxy provides protective coating for pools, spas, steel, cement or fiberglass; available in various colors and styles Offerings: 15 year warranty Contact: Aquatic Technologies Inc.,...

Handheld scarifiers.(Renovation and Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Aurand Manufacturing & Equipment Features: company presents handheld scarifiers in electric and pneumatic models; designed for coating removal and surface preparation; dust free units also available Contact: Aurand Manufacturing &...

Leakmaster butyl tape.(Renovation and Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Anderson Manufacturing Co. Features: butyl tape is a hand moldable rubber gap filler that can be used to seal a variety of leaks, fill cracks, replace gaskets or seal leaking light conduits; available in 15-foot boxed rolls Contact:...

Hydrazzo polished marble pool finish.(Renovation and Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Aquavations Corp. Features: creates a smooth texture with the durability of exposed aggregates; designed to resist spot etching, topical stains, permanent scale and algae Offerings: free marketing assistance and materials; display...

CrystalStones.(Renovation and Repair)
May 9, 2005... by C.L. Industries Features: pebble finish is designed to combine the look of pebble aggregates with durability Offerings: free marketing assistance and materials; display materials; extended warranties Contact: CL Industries,...

Vinyl-liner patterns.(Renovation and Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Canadian General-Tower Ltd. Features: inground vinyl pool patterns are available in classic tile and stone designs, as well as more modern styles; new Tower Collection 2005 line of patterns is available Offerings: full color...

Inground vinyl liners.(Renovation and Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Cantar Pool Products Features: manufacturer offers new value patterns (Paradise, Cyprus and Sanibel designs) with free upgrades to 28 rail. models Offerings: retail display program: four color literature; co-op advertising;...

CP7 aluminum coping for fiberoptic lighting.(Renovation and Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Cinderella Features: all aluminum construction; no PVC inserts; designed to hold numerous brands of perimeter fiberoptic cable Offerings: UPS shipping Contact: Cinderella Inc., Saginaw, Mich. (989) 755-7741 Circle 449 on...

Everguard 2000.(Renovation and Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Classic Pool Installers Features: patented product is made using rigid ABS plastic with glued seams; designed to eliminate any water contact with pool-wall skimmer opening; also ideal for repairing walls on existing pools, per maker ...

Crown flex nonskid coating.(Renovation and Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Color Crown Corp. Features: rubberized, nonskid coating can be applied to most surfaces except plastic, per maker; choice of multiple colors, including glow in the dark; no VOCs; designed to resist salt and chemicals Contact: Color...

AquaGlow.(Renovation and Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Colored Aggregate Systems Features: this chemical compound contains phosphorescent particles that absorb light energy from natural and artificial sources and then release it in the form of visible light; made to glow in the dark;...

Coping stone.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Creacon Co. Features: new precast, concrete coping stone is designed for durability; comes in 15 standard colors: custom colors and designs also available Contact: Creacon Co. Inc., Grandview, Mo. (888) 763-5774 Circle 445 on...

Pool deck coating.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... by E-Z Products Features: professional grade, nonskid pool deck and patio coating, formulated with 45 percent acrylic and 3 percent epoxy; coating is easy to apply, tow sheen and long-lasting, per maker Offerings: brochures:...

Deck-O grip.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Deck-O-Seal Features: nonyellowing, nonslip, acrylic cure and seal: clear membrane for renovating old concrete: glossy appearance: VOC-compliant product dust-proofs concrete, per maker: helps improve abrasion and stain resistance ...

PoolStone cleaning block.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Earthstone Intl. Features: pool and spa cleaning block is designed to remove hard water, rust. minerals and mildew stains from tile, grout and concrete: safe for gunite, plaster, tile and filters, according to maker: made from 98...

Leakseeker.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Don Lawrence Pool Service Features: company offers an electronic underwater leak detection unit; incorporates a hydrophone with headset for audio-detection Contact: Don Lawrence Pool Services, LLC, Pompano Beach, Fla. (954) 584-3542...

MetaMax PA plaster additive.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Engelhard Corp. Features: plaster additive is intended to improve troweling and reduce efflorescence, mottling, crackling and spot etching; for white and color plaster, as well as exposed aggregate finishes Contact: Engelhard Corp.,...

Vinyl repair kit.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Essentials Features: product is made to fix small vinyl tears, punctures and slits; three-step process for sealing the vinyl while matching the color and texture: kit contains resin, a mini-heat iron, colored pigments, fabric samples,...

AQ series coping.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Federal Stone Industries Features: available in various sizes, radii, colors and textures: designed to meet virtually any remodeling or renovation need; radius charts are available to aid the installer in figuring curves Contact:...

Vinyl liner.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Factory Direct Liners Features: company offers a new collection of vinyl-liner patterns for 2005, including the Seaside pattern (shown) Contact: Factory Direct Liners Inc., Atlanta (770) 458 5900 Circle 438 on Postage-Free Card...

Fiberglass coating.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Fibre Tech Features: fiberglass coating is designed to be durable; provides a seamless, waterproof barrier that permanently adheres to any structurally sound surface, according to manufacturer Offerings: 25-year limited warranty ...

Uniwall.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Family Fun Corp. Features: product offers complete design freedom; fiberglass pool walls are flexible self-supporting and easy to maintain, according to manufacturer Offerings: construction training, designing rods Contact:...

Pavers, quarry tile and pool coping.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Florida Brick & Clay Co. Features: company offers brick coping and a complementary line of Sunshine pavers and AmeriCraft quarry tile, which may be used with its pool coping: medallions and decorative listello borders are available ...

Vinyl pool liners.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Garrett Liners Features: 30 border and bottom patterns for inground pool liners: made to be strong: 28-mil SuperLine: 28/20-mil TUFFside: exclusive Ultrafit process for exceptional fit, according to maker Contact: Garrett Liners,...

Vinyl liners.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Imperial Pools Mfg. & Dist. Features: new TruEdge replacement vinyl liner technology is intended to make patterns run seamlessly into the coping or cantilever decking: other vinyl pool products include one piece thermoplastic step with...

Specialty parts.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Horizon Spa and Pool Parts Features: specialty parts wholesaler offers thousands of parts for spa and pool repairs/renovations Offerings: technical assistance Contact: Horizon Spa and Pool Parts. Tucson. Ariz. (800) 874-7727 ...

Vinyl stick-ons and glass overlays.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Inlays Features: company manufactures vinyl stick-ons for decks and glass overlays for waterfeature installations: kits are intended for easy installation Contact: Inlays Inc., Green Bay Wis. (800) 426-6873 Circle 429 on...

Pool mix.(Renovation Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Imerys Features: product is a high white marble, ground to a specific aggregate for inground pools; when formulated with white cement, the product provides a smooth, long-lasting finish, per manufacturer Contact: Imerys. Roswell,...

Polymer inground pools.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Kafko Mfg. Ltd. Features: modular alternative to typical masonry pools is intended to reduce labor intensity: wails consist of polymer boxes, each 1m long by 1.22m high by 15cm by sliding together; surfaces are UV-protected, per maker...

Package pool products.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Latham International Features: wedding-cake step and tile mount for vinyl pools; step is available in four styles: 180-degree straight, 2-foot radius corner, 6-inch radius corner and 90-degree corner models Offerings: brochures ...

Fix-A-Leak.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Marlig Industries Features: concentrated liquid leak sealer for plumbing and structural leaks in pools and spas; easy to follow instructions Offerings: technical support Contact: Marlig Industries. Niagara Falls, N.Y. (905) 374...

White cement.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Lehigh Cement Co. Features: company offers a white portland cement for pool plaster that is ASTM-certified, per maker Contact: Lehigh Cement Co., White Cement Division, Allentown, Pa. (610) 366-4600 Circle 426 on Postage-Free...

Tile, coping, decking and plastering products.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Master Tile Pool Division Features: company offers two lines of stone look and glazed tiles, as well as clay fired brick coping and pavers; imported stone and slate coping and decking; plaster finishes; concrete deck surfaces; mosaics;...

Pool plastering trucks.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Macalite Equipment Features: truck features a Putzmeister plaster pump with 37hp diesel engine and Hydra Flow plaster mixer; one diesel engine runs both plaster pump and mixer; mixer has forward, neutral, reverse and variable speed...

Vinyl liners.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Medallion Vinyl Products Features: manufacturer makes available 20-mil. liners made from virgin vinyl; computer-designed for accurate fit Offerings: color brochures Contact: Medallion Vinyl Products Inc., Colonial Heights, Va....

Vinyl Liners by Merlin Industries.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... Features: firm presents six new proprietary vinyl-liner patterns for 2005; computer designed products for better fit; Kona tile and Tropical Oasis tile are 28-mil. models Contact: Merlin Industries Inc. Hamilton, NJ. (800) 289-1836 ...

Glass mosaics, artistic murals and decorations.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Mosaicos Venecianos De Mexico Features: manufacturer presents glass mosaics, artistic murals and decorations in a wide variety of colors, sizes and styles; products are designed to resist chemicals Contact: Mosaicos Venecianos De...

SlabSaver Saw.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Multiquip Features: intended for concrete, asphalt and decorative work; compact and lightweight, per maker; comes with a 10-inch blade, but ago accepts 5-, 7-and 8-inch plus V groove blades; cuts up to 3 1/4 inch deep Contact:...

Pool plastering tools and pumps.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Nathan Kimmel Co. Features: a complete line of pool plastering tools, including pumps, parts, hoses, trowels, nozzles and plaster cleats Contact: Nathan Kimmel Co., Los Angeles (800) 421-0005 Circle 415 on Postage-Free Card ...

Aboveground pool liner track.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Modern Pool Systems Features: aluminum liner receiver track for aboveground pools; horizontal receiver is designed to not trap pool water that can leak between liner and pool wall, causing rust Contact: Modern Pool Systems,...

Krete kote systems.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Multicoat Corp. Features: deck coating system is designed to be cooler than concrete and easy to apply and dean; anti-skid, water-based product; item is freeze- and thaw-resistant, per maker Contact: Multicoat Corp., Rancho Santa...

Natatec PVC pool lining system.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Natare Corp. Features: PVC membranes are engineered to create a watertight liner that eliminates annual surface repair, per maker; designed to be cost effective; for renovation or new construction; colors include white, sky blue,...

StoneScapes aggregate finishes.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... by National Pool Tile Group Features: aggregate compound is designed to resist acid etching; premeasured and scientifically formulated for consistent color quality and results; wide range of color choices Offerings: new marketing...

Coatings.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Nelsonite Pool and Deck Coatings Features: firm's pool and deck coatings are designed to provide durable, easy to-maintain pool finishes Contact: Nelsonite Pool and Deck Coatings, Los Angeles (800) 544-1998 Circle 413 on...

Vinyl liners by Pegasus Products.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... Features: manufacturer unveils two new patterns for 2005; Bernhardt tile (shown) and Arizona tile; the CAD-designed patterns are manufactured with automated cutting tables for a better fit, per maker; specially treated vinyl is intended to make...

Newlander armor products.(Renovation & Repair)
May 9, 2005... by Oceaneering Research & Development Features: products for building and resurfacing pools; applications for these inground epoxy-building systems include pools, tanks and more; allows user to build any size or shape, and backfill and pour...