Pool & Spa News articles from May 2006

Pool & Spa News archives from May 2006

Hot tub 'study' angers industry.(MAKING NEWS)
May 8, 2006... A recent analysis of drowning records claims that an American drowns nearly every day in a bathtub, hot tub or spa. The report has angered the hot tub industry, which says the data is inaccurately represented. This latest furor follows a...

California safety bill introduced.(MAKING NEWS)
May 8, 2006... The California legislature is considering a new bill that would boost drowning-prevention requirements on new pools as well as renovations. If AB 2977 passes, all pool construction after Jan. 1, 2007, including renovations, will have to...

Take a step back.(REFLECTIONS)
May 8, 2006... Recently, I learned a lesson about the value of standing back from a situation to gain perspective. I was chatting with Rex Richard, an Arizona pool builder, and mentioned that my son was driving me crazy. I explained that he believes he's...

Retailer's brush with credit card scam.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
May 8, 2006... Just wanted you to know that I read your "Seller Beware" article in the March 13 issue (page 20) about credit card scares, and the same thing happened to me. The guy wanted me to ship some things to him in Ghana, Africa, similar to what...

Pools on a budget.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
May 8, 2006... I enjoyed your editorial in the March 13 issue ("Reflections," page 9), and I think the essence of what you said about nice pools done on a budget needs to be embraced by our industry in order to go forward. Our staff logs about 12,000...

Sell safety.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
May 8, 2006... Pool & Spa News should be commended for the comprehensive coverage of pool safety in the March 27 issue (page 38). As president of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, I know that your magazine has covered safety for years, but never have...

From a distance: implementing a teleworking program boosts employee morale and reduces HR costs. Here's how to do it right.(MAKING NEWS)
May 8, 2006... In Atlanta, a commuter can expect to spend an average of 67 hours a year stuck in traffic. That's in addition to the "normal" commute time, according to a national transportation study conducted by Texas A&M University in 2005. Armed with...

Sundance spas earns coveted seal.(MAKING NEWS)
May 8, 2006... Sundance Spas Inc. has received the Good Housekeeping Seal, becoming the only spa manufacturer holding that distinction. After nine months of quality control and customer service evaluations, Sundance officially earned the organization's...

Amy Yoder: named vice president/general manager at BioLab.(MAKING NEWS)
May 8, 2006... Since being tapped as vice president/general manager of Pool, Spa and HomeCare at BioLab Inc., Amy Yoder has made it a priority to familiarize herself with the pool and spa industry during her first 90 days. In her new role, Yoder is...

Spring home building cools.(MAKING NEWS)
May 8, 2006... New-home construction in the United States dipped 7.8 percent in March, with the seasonally adjusted rate standing 1.96 million units. "Home builders are seeing a softening in demand because of rising interest rates, affordability issues and a...

FPSIE announces class schedule.(MAKING NEWS)
May 8, 2006... The Foundation for Pool & Spa Industry Education is set to begin instruction this October. The independent pool-industry educational organization has released its class schedule through May 2007. It begins with NSPF's Certified Pool...

Leading Economic index drops again.(MAKING NEWS)
May 8, 2006... The U.S. Leading Economic Indicators Index fell from a revised February reading of 138.5 to 138.4 in March. The index's 10 indicators split evenly: five positive, five negative. Among those surging were vendor performance, stock prices and...

New York requires UV systems on sprayparks.(MAKING NEWS)
May 8, 2006... In response to a serious cryptosporidium outbreak, the New York Health Department has issued a controversial emergency code that requires ultraviolet disinfection systems at sprayparks in that state. The code, which went into effect in...

Small-company owners not so confident.(MAKING NEWS)
May 8, 2006... Owners of small companies were less confident in March, according to the Small-Business Optimism Index. The reading that month was 98.0, a drop of 3.5 points--two points below the 30-year average. "Although the first quarter will be very...

Pulliam turns 90.
May 8, 2006... Pulliam Pools of Forth Worth, Texas, recently celebrated its 90th anniversary. The festivities were held at the corporate office, where Pulliam presented a check for $2,000 to Safe Kids Tarrant County from fund-raising activities during the...

Cal Spas undergoes major expansion.
May 8, 2006... Cal Spas has opened a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that nearly doubles its existing plant space to 1 million square feet--and added 600 jobs to bring its total workforce to 1,200. The manufacturer of home-resort products had...

Inter-Fab leads charity race.
May 8, 2006... For the second consecutive year, Inter-Fab Inc., a Tucson, Ariz.-based pool accessories manufacturer, topped the corporate sponsorship list for El Tour de Tucson. The firm raised more than 520,000--a 60 percent increase over last year--for Tu...

Two fiberoptic firms report losses.
May 8, 2006... Fiberoptic manufacturers Fiberstars Inc. and Super Vision International Inc. both reported widening losses in their financial filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Fiberstars' 2005 fourth-quarter loss widened significantly from a...

FSPA participates in Healthy Kids Day.
May 8, 2006... Ten chapters of the Florida Swimming Pool Association participated in the 15th Annual Healthy Kids and Families with the YMCA on April 8. The free event featured activities promoting healthy kids in spirit, mind and body. The chapters also...

S.R. Smith names president/CEO.
May 8, 2006... Rich Laitta has accepted the position of president/CEO at S.R Smith. Before joining the firm, he worked at General Electric Co., where he earned more than 20 years' manufacturing, sales and marketing experience. "Rich will lead the management...

Pebble Tech's sales team expands.
May 8, 2006... Pebble Technology Inc., a Scottsdale, Ariz., manufacturer of pebble pool finishes, announces three new regional sales managers. Josh Ambroson is handling Los Angeles, Bakersfield and Orange County, Calif. Ambroson has experience in sales,...

Paramount welcomes Sedell.
May 8, 2006... Paramount Pool & Spa Systems of Tempe, Ariz., has hired Rich Sedell as the Northeast regional sales manager. He has been in the pool and spa industry in various capacities since 1982. Most recently, Sedell was a manufacturer's agent in the...

Pentair adds reps.
May 8, 2006... Pentair Water Pool and Spa of Sanford, NC., has added Manny Acino, John Blase and Dan Porter to its team of territory sales managers. Acino, who will cover the Phoenix area, has more than two decades' sales experience, mostly in the consumer...

Reaching out: Stuart Andrews urges builders to hire immigrants.(PEOPLE)
May 8, 2006... Nearly one in every seven people on Long Island, N.Y., is an immigrant, according to a 2004 study by the Brookings Institution. This surge in the foreign-born population there has had significant repercussions on local businesses, particularly...

Water, water everywhere: this aquascape gives the illusion of connected bodies of water.(DESIGN CORNER)
May 8, 2006... It was inevitable that water would become an integral part of this La Jolla, Calif. residence. The house already had a prime view of the coastline, plus the homeowners were of Taiwanese and Filipino descent, and for them, water carries a lot of...

Seal of approval: a close look at how concrete deck sealers differ, and which one is right for your customers.(TECHNICALLY SPEAKING)
May 8, 2006... In today's pool market, more money is being spent on decks and waterfeatures than ever before. But a deck must be protected. Thus, millions of gallons of sealers are sold annually to keep them looking new. These products give service...

Top 50 products of 2006: today's your lucky day. Pool & Spa News is unveiling the most-requested new products and where to find them.(Reader's CHOICE 2006)
May 8, 2006... Everyone loves a winner, and when it comes to new products, there are always some standouts that capture pool and spa professionals' imagination--or meet a particular need. Each issue of Pool & Spa News contains product information, to be...

Deal or no deal: salespeople live by one rule: survival of the fittest. Here, Pool & Spa News takes you inside a real-life negotiation, then offers an expert's take on the process.(SECRETS OF SELLING)
May 8, 2006... This is the first part of a series examining the art of negotiations. During the trade-show season, some exhibitors shell out as much as six figures to wine, dine and dazzle prospective clients. For their reps, the pressure to close a sale...

Seeing clearly: turbid water is unhealthy and dangerous. Learn how to fix the problem.
May 8, 2006... On a spring night in 2001, 14-year-old Rashaad Barnett was attending a poolside birthday party at a motel in St. Louis. But when the children were called in for cake and presents, no one could find Rashaad. Police joined the search two...

Go, team! When it comes to customer service, you need to put the right culture and systems in place before you take your company to new heights.(Company overview)
May 8, 2006... This first installment in a two-part series examines how to maintain a high level of customer service as your company progresses from a small, to high-volume operation. The devil is in the details, especially in customer service. 'The...

3M Industrial Minerals.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Colorquartz Crystals Features: bonds quartz with an exterior ceramic coating; color is designed to resist bleeding or fading, even when exposed to harsh sunlight, strong pool chemicals and acid washings Contact: 3M Industrial...

AquaBond.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Concrete Repair Compounds Features: designed for the structural repair of concrete in a variety of applications; formulated to fill cracks in construction projects such as pool decks and stone walls; available in 50mL and 400mL...

Artistry in Mosaics.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Frostproof Ceramic Mosaics Features: the company offers frostproof, handcrafted ceramic mosaics: designed for easy installation; more than 100 designs are in stock Offerings: free drafting stencils and other sales tools ...

Aggregate Concepts.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Ceramaquartz Features: this 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...

Aquatic Technologies.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: AquaGuard 5000 Features: two-part epoxy provides protective coating for pools, spas, steel, cement or fiberglass: available in various colors and styles Offerings: B-year warranty Contact: Aquatic Technologies Inc.,...

Atlas Minerals & Chemicals.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Epoxybond Pool Putty and Pool Paste Features: putty is made to stop leaks and fill cracks underwater; Pool Paste Fast Set resets tile and repairs hairline cracks on most surfaces in five minutes, according to maker Contact:...

Anderson Manufacturing Co.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Crack and Skimmer Repair System Features: low-pressure epoxy/foam injection system is designed so the user can make affordable repairs to concrete pools; leaks are sealed with injectable epoxy or expanding urethane foam and...

Aquavations Corp.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Hydrazzo Polished Marble Pool Finish Features: designed to have a silky smooth texture and the durability of exposed aggregates; available in a variety of colors; natural variegated appearance; resistant to spot etching, topical...

Aurand Manufacturing & Equipment.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Handheld Scarifiers Features: the company offers handheld scarifiers in electric and pneumatic models; designed for coating removal and surface preparation; dust-free units also available Contact: Aurand Manufacturing &...

Cantar Pool Products.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Endurance Series Inground Vinyl Liners Features: specially formulated vinyl and inks are made with more UV stabilizers that are designed to provide fade resistance and additional protection from the elements; three new patterns ...

Central Distribution.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Inground Vinyl Liners Features: company bas hundreds of vinyl liners in stock: 30 mil thick Offerings: same-day shipment direct to dealer Contact: Central Distribution Inc., Salem, Ohio (800) 362-0460 Circle 490 on...

Cinderalla.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Falls Features: new shower and sheer falls are installed into 3-foot section of aluminum coping; falls are completely assembled and ready for pool liner installation; available in company's CP-7 and CP-2 coping styles: both styles...

C.L. Industries.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: CrystalStones 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: C.L....

Colored Aggregate Systems.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: AquaGlow Features: 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; available in green and...

Color Crown Corp.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Crown Flex Nonskid Coating 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 ...

Deck-O-Seal.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Signature Series Redwood Drain Replacement Top and Renu-Strip Features: real wood look; designed for durability in outdoor environments and chemical resistance; greater UV stability; enhanced color stability Contact:...

Engelhard Corp.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: MetaMax High Reactivity Metakaolin Concrete Additives (HRM) Features: white concrete additive is designed to improve color and reduce surface imperfections; made to increase the strength and durability of concrete Contact:...

Essentials.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Vinyl Repair Kit Features: for use in fixing small vinyl tears, punctures and slits; seal the vinyl, match the color and texture; comes with resin, a miniheat iron, colored pigments and fabric samples that give a selection of...

E-Z Products.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: E-Z Patch 9 Pebble Repair Kit Features: new pebble repair kit is acrylic modified and comes in 3-, 10- and 50-pound sizes; available in five colors Contact: E-Z Products, Cave Creek, Ariz. (480) 488-3213 Circle 482 on...

Factory Direct Liners.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Vinyl Pool Liners Features: company offers a new collection of vinyl-liner patterns, including the Seaside pattern (shown) Contact: Factory Direct Liners Inc., Atlanta (770) 458-5900 Circle 481 on Postage-Free Card ...

Fairmount Minerals.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Colored Aggregate Features: new colored aggregate is permanently colored to a variety of hues; once the coloring process is complete, the sand is engineered so it will not bleed, fade or change color, per maker; made of 100...

Family Fun Corp.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Uniwall Features: product offers complete design freedom; fiberglass pool walls are flexible, self-supporting and easy to maintain, per manufacturer Offerings: construction training, designing rods Contact: Family Fun Corp.,...

Fort Wayne Pools.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Package Pool Products Features: the Exterior Coordinates line includes steps, ladders, handrails and interior pool components; 10 liner patterns from which to choose; liners are constructed using virgin vinyl that's specially...

Federal Stone Industries.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: AQ Series Coping 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:...

G&P Tools.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Cord Stopper Features: product is made to eliminate water leaks at the pool light; slide on power cord and push into conduit; available in retrofit or new installation models; company also offers more than three dozen specialty...

Fibre Tech.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Fiberglass Coating 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...

Homestead Pool Products.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Better Vac III Liner Vacuum Features: suction rate of 750-cubic foot-per-minute; create a quick pull-down Contact: Homestead Pool Products Inc., Salem, Ohio (800) 378-3497 Circle 474 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION...

Horizon Spa & Pool Parts.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Replacement Parts Catalog Features: the 2006 edition features an array of replacement spa parts and accessories from various manufacturers; pool parts catalog also is available Contact: Horizon Spa & Pool Parts Inc., Tucson, Ariz....

Iosso Products.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Mold & Mildew Stain Remover Features: company offers this multisurface cleaner that is designed to remove mold and mildew stains Contact: Iosso Products, Elk Grove, III. (888) 747-4332 Circle 470 on Postage-Free Card ...

Imerys.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Pool Mix 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,...

Kelley Technical Coatings.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Fusion Plus Features: company offers conversion coating for rubber-based coated pools to give them an epoxy finish; coverage of approximately 225- to 250 square feet per gallon Contact: Kelley Technical Coatings Inc., Louisville....

Inlays.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Safety Edge Tile Features: 2-by-6-inch safety edge ceramic tiles are factory skid-resistant and frost-proof; designed to clearly mark the step edge to enable safe pool entry; available in blue or black Contact: Inlays Inc.,...

Kover Krete Systems.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Pre-Kote Original and Pre-Kote Instant Features: available in 2-Part or Just-Add-Water; also available in white or gray Offerings: freight-allowed programs available Contact: Kover Krete Systems, Orlando, Fla. (407)...

Latham International.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Wedding Cake Step Features: designed to install in less than an hour; noncorrosive and nonabrasive; fits all vinyl liner pools, per maker, polymer steel, wood, concrete and fiberglass; available in four straight panel models: 180...

Loop-Loc Ltd.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Inground Pool Liners Features: company now offers designer inground pool liners; available in 13 patterns; engineered to fit in any size or shape pool; made of virgin vinyl material; designed to resist puncturing, algae, mold,...

Leakseeker.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: The Leakseeker Features: electronic underwater leak detection unit Contact: Leakseeker, Pompano Beach, Fla. (954) 584-3542 Circle 466 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

McEwan Industries.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Vinyl Inground Liner Patterns Features: Murray, which features a dolphin motif, is the latest of the company's line of 40 durable vinyl pool liners; 12 new patterns offer a variety of styles Offerings: five-day service...

Lehigh Cement Co.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: White Cement Features: white pool plaster, when properly applied to the interior of concrete pools and spas, creates a reflective, sparkling ambiance, according to the maker Contact: Lehigh Cement Co./White Cement Division,...

Macalite Equipment.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: PTO Driven Equipment Features: company offers plastering equipment that is hydraulically driven off the PTO of the truck; eliminates the engines on the equipment, allowing for less maintenance and making it lighter in weight ...

Marlig Industries.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Fix-A-Leak Features: concentrated liquid leak sealer for plumbing and structural leaks in pools and spas; easy-to-follow instructions Offerings: technical support Contact: Marlig Industries, Niagra Falls, N.Y. (905)...

Natare Corp.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Natatec PVC Lining Systems Features: system is designed to be watertight and cost-effective; also made to help user save on chemicals, heat and water Offerings: 10-year guarantee Contact: Natare Corp., Indianapolis (800)...

Merlin Industries.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Vinyl Liners Features: company has added three patterns to its 2006 line, as well as dark gray vinyl; steps, bar stools, tanning ledges or a complete baseball diamond design Contact: Merlin Industries Inc., Hamilton, N.J....

NPT Pool Tile & Stone.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Rock and Stone Features: company's stone and rock can be added to a design project, including hardscape decking, mesh decking, decorative stone finishing and resurfacing amenities such as barbecues, walkways and retaining walls;...

Modern Pool Systems.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Coping Tape, Pumps, Vinyl Liner Tracks Features: tape protects coping during deck pour without leaving a residue; submersible trash pump for draining pools to start repairs is designed to handle leaves and solids up to 5/8-inch...

Oceaneering Research & Development.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Newlander Armor Products 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 a...

Pebble Technology.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Pool Finish Products Features: company offers Pebble Tec, Pebble Sheen and Pebble Fina pool finishes; creates durable pebble pool and spa interiors; for new pools or remodeling Contact: Pebble Technology Inc., Scottsdale,...

Plastimayd Corp.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Vinyl Pool Liner Renovation Tools Features: full line of tools for complete liner renovation; matching faceplates to liner patterns: aluminum and PVC liner coping: high-powered vinyl vacs with auto shut-off for vac and water:...

Pegasus Products.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: "Under the Sea" Liner Features: company offers its "Under the Sea" vinyl-liner pattern, which is made to resemble a scene from the ocean bottom Contact: Pegasus Products Inc., Branchburg, N.J. (908) 707 1122 Circle 454 on...

Poly Solutions.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Ultra Poly One Coat Features: one-coat hybrid epoxy coating for concrete, fiberglass, metal and previously painted pools Contact: Poly Solutions Inc., Gibsonia, Pa. (724) 449-1040 Circle 451 on Postage-Free Card ...

Pentair Water Pool and Spa.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Energy-Efficient Pump Features: pump can be used in upgrades and renovations and is designed to provide substantial energy savings; programmable and operates at almost any speed; can set four distinct functions; user may...

Quaker Plastic Corp.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Vinyl Liner Steps, Stairs, Deck Drains Features: EZ Steps adjustable drop in steps: in-pool ladders in white and designer stairs and in-wall seat units in various sizes and treads; Ridg-adized cantilever inground stairs, including...

Quikspray.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: U Blend Mixer and Carrousel Pump Features: company offers mixer and pump that is top-load/bottom-dump: lower height; air or electric power Contact: Quikspray Inc., Port Clinton, Ohio (419) 732-2611 Circle 449 on...

Sau-Sea Swimming Pool Products.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: VOC-Compliant Paints Features: company offers VOC compliant paints, including rubber-based paints: designed to aid in avoiding the trouble and expense of changing paint types due to EPA VOC restrictions Contact: Sau-Sea...

Sider-Oxydro.(Renovation and Repair)
May 8, 2006... Product: Premixed Pool Plaster Features: premixed plaster for concrete/gunite pools; no brushing or check-cracking, according to the manufacturer; only requires the addition of water at the job site Contact: Sider-Oxydro Inc.,...