Pool & Spa News articles from November 2002

Pool & Spa News archives from November 2002

Water chemistry `maverick' dies.
November 15, 2002... Jock Hamilton, one of the pool and spa industry s leading, and at times controversial, experts on water chemistry died Oct. 20 of cancer. He was 61. Hamilton grew up in Southern California, where, in 1961, he started a service/repair...

PIE attendance strong in 2002.
November 15, 2002... The Pool Industry Expo not only rebounded from last year's low attendance--it broke records. The trade show, held Oct. 17-19 at the Monterey Convention Center in Monterey, Calif., attracted 6,917 attendees, besting its 1999 record of...

A change of heart. (reflections).
November 15, 2002... Many people have a hard time dealing with change--I know I do. Even change for the better can be tough. Recently, I traded in my pick-up truck for a new car, and although the tired old truck had long since outlived its usefulness, I...

Spreading out ...
November 15, 2002... Acu-Trol Programmable Controllers, an automatic controls manufacturer based in Auburn, Calif., now is offering its products internationally through three offices in Canada, Israel and Norway. The expansions were planned to make distribution...

And the winner is ...
November 15, 2002... Dimension One Spas Inc., a manufacturer of hydrotherapy products in Vista, Calif., announced it received the Society of Plastics Engineers' People's Choice Award. The award was for the company's innovative use of plastics in its new AquaFit 19...

NSPI-Florida names new director. (news).
November 15, 2002... John C. Schwartz has been named executive director of the National Spa & Pool Institute-Florida, aka Florida Pool & Spa Association. He assumes the post following the resignation of Jon Bednerik in June. Schwartz plans to begin reviewing...

Longshoremen's strike effects minimal. (news).
November 15, 2002... The West Coast dockworkers' strike has only a minimal impact on the pool and spa industry--at least for now. Goods usually shipped via the Pacific Ocean and delivered by truck nationwide piled up around West Coast ports in the wake of an...

Master pools guild focuses on business programs. (news).
November 15, 2002... As part of a stronger emphasis on business management, the Master Pools Guild is incorporating two new programs into the organization. The first is a business model for members, coordinated by Jerry Goolsby, a professor of business...

Same biz, new name ...
November 15, 2002... Several units of St. Paul, Minn.-based Conseco Finance Servicing Corp. now are operating as Mill Creek Servicing Corp. The new name reflects Conseco's close ties to Mill Creek Bank, the FDIC-insured and Utah-regulated bank that provides funding...

The chosen cities ...
November 15, 2002... Future dates for the International Pool & Spa Expo, have been announced. In 2003, the expo is scheduled to take place Nov. 5-7 at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. The 2004 show is slated for Las Vegas, Dec. 1-3, at the Las Vegas...

The National Swimming Pool Foundation. (Progressions).
November 15, 2002... The National Swimming Pool Foundation, responsible for education and research in the pool industry, named Todd Smith of Indianapolis its new president. He succeeds longtime chairman of the board Les Kowalsky. Smith, the executive director of...

Multiquip Inc. (Progressions).
November 15, 2002... Multiquip Inc., a manufacturer of construction equipment in Carson, Calif., has promoted Kevin Day to national sales manager and Wil Maiorano to national field sales manager. Previously, Day and Maiorano were Western and Eastern division...

Modern Home Products. (Progressions).
November 15, 2002... Modern Home Products, an Antioch, III., based manufacturer of products for gas grills, appointed Joe Brueggemann vice president of sales. Brueggemann has a sales and marketing background spanning more than 15 years with manufacturers of durable...

Superior Furniture Inc. (Progressions).
November 15, 2002... Casual Creations by Superior Furniture Inc., a manufacturer of aluminum tubular casual furniture based in Sarasota, Fla., announced that Arthur James Jr. and his father, Arthur James Sr., are the new owners. The James family currently owns and...

A `taste' for discovery: eighteenth century chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele discovered chlorine, but his penchant for tasting his finds may have been his downfall. (profile).
November 15, 2002... Several years ago, LIFE magazine named chlorine one of the Top 100 discoveries that changed the way we live. The man responsible for discovering this lifesaving, if sometimes controversial, element was a Swedish pharmacist named Carl...

In memoriam.
November 15, 2002... * Robert Wayne Beasley, 56, owner of RWB Sales Inc., in Woodstock, Ga., died August 5 of cancer. Beasley was involved in the pool and spa industry for Beasley more than 25 years, and will be remembered for his keen sense of humor and personal...

Hot tub sales hotter than ever. (business currents).
November 15, 2002... James D. McClure needed more manufacturing space for his line of hot tubs, swim spas, cover lifts and accessories--and he needed it fast. His 130,000-square-foot facility in Vista, Calif., could no longer accommodate the recent "substantial"...

Business currents.
November 15, 2002... Housing Starts by Region (in thousands of units) [GRAPHICS OMITTED] Nationwide Housing Starts Starting a new trend [GRAPHIC OMITTED] Housing starts in September experienced their greatest month-to-month rise since...

Durable goods fall: durable goods, a category that includes pools and spas, plummeted nearly 6 percent in September. This was the largest decrease in nearly a year, suggesting more bad economic news ahead. (business currents).
November 15, 2002... * NEW ORDERS for manufactured durable goods in September decreased $10.5 billion or 5.9 percent to $167.6 billion, the Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau reported. This followed a 0.6 percent August decrease and was the largest decrease...

Pool and Spa industry stock market transactions. (business currents).
November 15, 2002... Pool and Spa Industry Stock Market Transactions Quotations are for October 25, 2002 NYSE: New York Stock Exchange NASD: NASDAQ Exchange AMEX: American Stock Exchange TOR: Toronto Stock Exchange OTC: Ober-the-Counter Trading ...

Leading economic indicators. (business currents).
November 15, 2002... Index drops again The Conference Board announced that the U.S. Leading Economic Indicators Index declined for the fourth consecutive month in September, to 111.6. Five of the 10 indicators comprising the index decreased, including stock...

Housing construction soars. (Business Briefcase).
November 15, 2002... Housing construction regained firm footing in September, soaring 13.3 percent--its highest level in 16 years, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. The increase propelled the number of housing starts nationwide to a seasonally adjusted...

$4 million home sales jump. (Business Briefcase).
November 15, 2002... America's wealthiest people went house hunting in July just as stock prices fell to their lowest level in five years, according to research firm DataQuick Information Systems in San Diego. Sales of homes priced at more than $1 million rose 25...

Small Business Optimism Index. (business currents).
November 15, 2002... Business stays the same The Small Business Optimism Index was down in September, dipping to 101.0. Bright spots in the report included a bump in capital spending plans and continuing solid inventory figures. "September was a status-quo...

Light it up: investing in store lighting can brighten customers--and your sales. (retailing).
November 15, 2002... This is the first in a two-part series on using lighting and color to revamp your store. When it came time to remodel the showroom, Para Lloyd and Dan Hyatt added lights--lots and lots of lights. "We layered with halogen spots," says...

Weathering the storm: what service techs can do before and after the storm to ease their workloads--and their customers' minds. (service).
November 15, 2002... John Quatrini saw Mother Nature at her worst this past summer when a dust storm combined with rain and essentially caused mud to come from the sky. Needless to say, it was devastating to the area's pools. "[After the storm], we had 275...

Shelf life: dressed up or stripped down, sun shelves offer builders an easy way to jazz up pools. (construction).
November 15, 2002... When Blake Barnes first started building pools in 1987, sun shelves were a rarity. "Now we do them on nearly every pool," says the president of [B.sup.2] Pools & Spas Inc. in The Woodlands, Texas. Barnes isn't the only builder noticing the...

Max air spa blowers. (Spa Accessories).
November 15, 2002... By Air Supply of the Future * Features: designed for super-quiet operation with new, high-performance motor * Contact: Air Supply of the Future Inc., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (954) 832-0027 Circle 125 on Postage-Free Card ...

Butler spa cover lift. (Spa Accessories).
November 15, 2002... By Aquatic Specialties * Features: durable aluminum construction; works with most spas 8 feet wide or less, according to manufacturer * Offerings: four-color packaging; same-day shipping * Contact: Aquatic Specialties Inc.,...

Spa safety covers. (Spa Accessories).
November 15, 2002... By Be-Lite/CMT Aluminum Spa Covers * Features: made of aluminum in seven designer colors with two different color trims; covers manufactured to individual specs; 12V spa and bath lights with many plug and switch options; Prismatic LED...

Incline aquatic treadmill for pools & swim spas. (Spa Accessories).
November 15, 2002... By Aquabilt * Features: designed with benefits of professional exercise equipment at affordable price; user-friendly; allows operator to vary speed; easily adjusted to provide lighter stroll or higher resistance workout; rounded corners...

Pool series by Balboa elite pool and spa control. (Spa Accessories).
November 15, 2002... By Balboa Instruments * Features: made to be easily installed; one circuit requires a 30 or 40 amp; controls two-speed pump or two single pumps; two valve actuators; light output up to 1000 watts, GFCI included; digital temperature control...

Scentsations fragrances and chemicals. (Spa Accessories).
November 15, 2002... By BioLab * Features: company offers its Scentsation line of products; liquid formula is available in 1 oz. and 8 oz. cosmetic bottles; SUN for the Spa and Spa Clear chemicals for spa also available * Offerings: free counter display...

Spa lift SL48. (Spa Accessories).
November 15, 2002... By Aquatic Access * Features: provides water-powered handicapped access to spa; lift features 360-degree seat turn; stainless steel construction; lifts up to 300 pounds with sufficient home water pressure * Offerings: special dealer...

`Being' spa aromatherapy. (Spa Accessories).
November 15, 2002... By BaquaSpa * Features: bromine-free; chlorine-free; four aromatic blends, named Reflect, Release, Enlighten and Awaken; designed for easy use; made exclusively for spas * Offerings: samples available * Contact: BaquaSpa,...

Spa covers. (Spa Accessories).
November 15, 2002... By Caldera Spas * Features: customized fit; 1.5-pound density polystyrene foam encased in durable, marine-grade vinyl; convenient tie-down straps; exclusive pad in the cover hinge designed to lock in heat * Offerings: POP displays;...

Funscents spa fragrances. (Spa Accessories).
November 15, 2002... Funscents Spa Fragrances By Capo Industries * Features: company offers eight fragrances designed to leave skin feeling soft; SpaBoss, a new brand of chemicals for the spa also available; all products color-coded for easy identification;...

Pool and spa enclosures. (Spa Accessories).
November 15, 2002... By CCSI Intl. * Features: company offers enclosures that allow natural breezes to filter in while protecting users from inclement weather, per maker; enclosures can feature opening roofs and sliding glass doors * Offerings: design...

Handi-step. (Spa Accessories).
November 15, 2002... By Confer Plastics * Features: economical, sturdy, all-plastic spa step comes in two colors for round spas or hot tubs; three colors available for steps that accommodate square spas * Contact: Confer Plastics Inc., North Tonawanda,...

Spaside umbrella. (Spa Accessories).
November 15, 2002... By Cover Valet * Features: easy installation, no assembly required, per maker; slides easily into custom-fit spa side base; choice of green or tan; user-friendly --just turn the crank and it's ready * Contact: Cover Valet, Cerritos,...

Ultra-lite quad-fold spa cover. (Spa Accessories).
November 15, 2002... By Covertech Fabricating * Features: six internal "c" channels; 560-pound tensile webbing, eight to 12 locking buckles; weather-resistant vinyl top; meets ASTM standards, per maker * Contact: Covertech Fabricating Inc., Etobicoke,...

Polymer spa accessories. (Spa Accessories).
November 15, 2002... By Creative Spa Products * Features: company offers steps, planter boxes, corbel bar supports, low voltage accent lights and patio furniture in recyclable polymers * Contact: Creative Spa Products, Escondido, Calif. (800) 500-5450 ...

Eclipse 3. (Spa Accessories).
November 15, 2002... By Crystal Clear Pool and Spa * Features: company produces full line of environmentally friendly products to complement Eclipse 3 algaecide, according to maker * Offerings: coop advertising; dealer incentives; technical support *...

Spa accessories catalog, EZ Lifter spa cover lift. (Spa Accessories).
November 15, 2002... By Dimension One Spas * Features: Accents catalog is filled with variety of spa accessories; patented EZ Lifter is designed for easy installation and use; fits most spas; garden sheds, entertainment centers, and wood or metal roof gazebos...

Air blowers. (Spa Accessories).
November 15, 2002... By El Nino Air * Features: made for whisper-quiet operation; compact design; thermally protected for maximum safety; large mounting base; full-rated ball-bearing motor; UL--and CSA certified; glueless installation; impact-resistant...

AquaChek test strips. (Spa Accessories).
November 15, 2002... By Environmental Test Systems * Features: two test strip products available; Aquachek TDS test strips, which test for total dissolved solids, and Aquacheck Monopersulfate, which measures levels of monopersulfate, pH and total alkalinity...

Nature mat. (Spa Accessories).
November 15, 2002... By Essentials * Features: for use with low-profile spas that don't require steps; available in cedar and redwood finishes; custom-crafted from 1/2-inch-thick, naturally decay-resistant hardwood; measures 24-by-26-inches; open link design...

Spa covers. (Spa Accessories).
November 15, 2002... By Florida Spa Covers * Features: fast turnaround on orders, per maker; 1-pound, 2-pound, lightweight, walk-on and custom covers; virgin foam cores; UV- and mildew-protected marine vinyl * Offerings: volume discounts; showroom displays...

Infrared IRMT-4 remote. (Spa Accesories).
November 15, 2002... By Gecko Electronic * Features: gives user full control of audio, video and therapeutic features on AV-equipped spas and surroundings; can control four devices; 17 keys for up to 29 functions; ergonomic design; floatable; waterproof...

Look Its Bob! . (Spa Accesories).
November 15, 2002... By GLB Pool and Spa * Features: absorbs scum before it clouds water or clogs filters: product floats and can be reused; constructed from material originally designed to clean up oil spills; compatible with all GLB and Rendezvous water-care...

Thermoduck. (Spa Accesories).
November 15, 2002... By Great American Merchandise and Events * Features: pool and spa thermometer measures 9-by-3.5-inches; dual-range degrees scale * Contact: Great American Merchandise & Events, Scottsdale, Ariz. (602) 957-3825 Circle 148 on...

Roll-up cover. (Spa Accesories).
November 15, 2002... By Great Northern Engineering * Features: no lifting; easy to roll; Western red cedar or redwood bonded to insulate backing; meets or exceeds ASTM standards; custom-made to fit * Offerings: trade pricing; literature * Contact:...

Spa parts wholesale catalog. (Spa Accesories).
November 15, 2002... By Horizon Spa Parts * Features: company offers wholesale specialty parts for portable and inground spas * Offerings: special orders; equipment repairs; stock orders shipped the same day * Contact: Horizon Spa Parts, Tucson, Ariz....

Custom Hot Spring Spa covers. (Spa Accesories).
November 15, 2002... By Hot Spring Spas * Features: customized fit; shoe-in-cover, hinge creates tight seal, locking in heat, per maker; 1.5-pound density foam core; durable marine-grade, tapered vinyl for water runoff; child-resistant safety locks; UL-listed...

UL-listed covers and accessories. (Spa Accesories).
November 15, 2002... By Ideal Spa Covers * Features: full line of spa covers, cover lifts with specialty mounting brackets * Offerings: fast lead times, according to manufacturer * Contact: Ideal Spa Covers Inc., Orange, Calif. (714) 288-9996 ...

Hydro-therapies-wellness fragrance line. (Spa Accesories).
November 15, 2002... By InSPAration * Features: company features its new line of aromatherapy spa and bath fragrances; other products include SpaCandles, the After Spa line of hand and body lotions, Body Misthydrants formulated especially for after-spa use,...

Spa accessories. (Spa Accesories).
November 15, 2002... By Leisure Concepts * Features: company offers a line of quality cover lifts and dura-plastic steps * Contact: Leisure Concepts, Spokane, Wash. (800) 469-2428 Circle 154 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

EsScents gift packs. (Spa Accesories).
November 15, 2002... By Leisure Time * Features: decorative mesh gift bags with drawstrings; each contains a dozen 1/2-ounce sample pouches; the 12 fragrances are the latest scents in the EsScents line; compatible with the entire Leisure Time spa care line,...

Spa pillows. (Spa Accesories).
November 15, 2002... By Mantec Services * Features: constructed of quality materials; suction cup or permanent attachment systems; variety of colors, styles * Offerings: one-year warranty; customized services * Contact: Mantec Services Inc., Seattle...

Safety energy cover with linear heat seal. (Spa Accesories).
November 15, 2002... By Marquis Spas * Features: cover tapers from 4- to 2 inches to provide water runoff and incorporates a linear heat seal the entire length of the hinge where heat is most likely to escape; made of marine-grade, double-stitched vinyl with...

Headhugger spa pillows; spa cover care. (Spa Accesories).
November 15, 2002... By Panorama Cabana * Features: nine pillow colors; cover care accessory display * Offerings: brochures and displays * Contact: Panorama Cabana Inc., Kansas City, Mo. (800) 359-1698 Circle 158 on Postage-Free Card ...

Paradise Spa vac. (Spa Accesories).
November 15, 2002... By Paradise Industries * Features: hand-held operation; no pumping or batteries needed, per maker; aluminum telescopic pole; 50-micron filter * Offerings: literature; store demo kit; display filter * Contact: Paradise Industries,...

Cedar Spa enclosures. (Spa Accesories).
November 15, 2002... By PDC Spas * Features: solid cedar, handcrafted spa enclosures and gazebos; custom-designed to fit more than 18 spa designs * Offerings: co-op advertising; financing; showroom displays * Contact: PDC Spas, Williamsport, Pa. (800)...

Remote control SAL underwater color light. (Spa Accesories).
November 15, 2002... By Pentair Pool Products * Features: Easy Touch Remote Control for new or existing spas is affordable, four-function, wireless and hand-held; Spectrum Aqua-Light SAm automatic color-changing light for spas and small pools also available...

Spa covers. (Spa Accesories).
November 15, 2002... By Prestige Spa Covers * Features: company will showcase its spa covers; four styles from which to choose; quality, custom made products, per maker * Offerings: direct-ship program; 2/5-year warranties * Contact: Prestige Spa...

Vinyl spa covers, accessories. (Spa Accesories).
November 15, 2002... By RKB Intl. * Features: designed to be durable, weather-and mildew-resistant; engineered for extended service; tailor-made; Avalon bright-white spa cover also available; UV-stable, per maker * Offerings: color swatch cards for both...

Spa accessories. (Spa Accesories).
November 15, 2002... By Saratoga Spas * Features: cover is insulated with thermal bar and heat-seal gasket; Weather-All Cabinet made to be maintenance- and scratch-free; luxury spas with TV/DVD and stereo system; LED lighting system offers array of colors;...

Spa enclosure and patio pavilions. (Spa Accesories).
November 15, 2002... By Sequoia Works * Features: designed for privacy, weather protection, low maintenance, versatility, spa-mounted and free-standing buildings * Offerings: warranty; store design assistance * Contact: Sequoia Works Inc., Rio Linda,...

Moments spa aromatherapy. (Spa Accesories).
November 15, 2002... By SpaGuard * Features: refreshing, rejuvenating fragrances; four aromas in new packaging, including Revive, Passion, Tranquility and Retreat * Contact: SpaGuard Inc., Decatur, Ga. (800) 859-7946 ext. 2 Circle 166 on Postage-Free...

Outdoor towel and robe warmer. (Spa Accesories).
November 15, 2002... By SpaCessories * Features: designed to be durable, weather-resistant, handcrafted Western red cedar cabinets keep towels, robes and footwear warm and dry for pool and spa users in any season; additional storage space in lower cabinet area...

Pinnacle systems. (Spa Accesories).
November 15, 2002... By Spa Parts Plus * Features: digital spa controls and equipment packs for 2002; state-of-the-art digital engineering, custom-designed topside control options with total programming capabilities, per manufacturer; designed for solid-state...

Aromatherapy pillow pak and spa tablets. (Spa Accesories).
November 15, 2002... By Spazazz * Features: skin-softening elixir pillow packs each come with 1/2-ounce of aromatic liquid; available in honey mango, tropical rain, eucalyptus, apple essence, cucumber melon and pear; spa tablets feature invigorating peppermint...

Shasta enclosure with maintenance-free wood. (Spa Accesories).
November 15, 2002... By Spa Settings * Features: enclosures feature a solid, lattice or metal roof; white or smoked windows; steps, gazebos, surrounds and accessories also available * Contact: Spa Settings, Long Beach, Calif. (800) 238-7012 Circle 168...

The SpaEraser. (Spa Accesories).
November 15, 2002... By The StainEraser * Features: contains no chemicals; will not harm recommended surfaces; removes many types of stains, residue, per maker; The StainEraser, The VinylEraser are available * Offerings: color brochures; pamphlets; display...

Hydro-air jets. (Spa Accesories).
November 15, 2002... By Standard Bronze Co. * Features: made to withstand rigorous hot water and chemical conditions; some models operate without separate pumps if properly piped; designed to save on installation and operating costs * Contact: Standard...

Minitablet floating spa dispenser. (Spa Accesories).
November 15, 2002... By Swimline Corp. * Features: specially designed dispenser holds 1-inch chlorine or bromine tablets or sticks; adjustable control ring * Contact: Swimline Corp., Edgewood, N.Y. (631) 254-2155 Circle 175 on Postage-Free Card ...

SunSound stereo system. (Spa Accesories).
November 15, 2002... By Sundance Spas * Features: patented, UL-listed integrated stereo system features unique pop-up speakers that disappear into the rail for a sleek, low-profile look when not in use; subwoofers are installed in the spa frame so user can...

Insulated spa covers. (Spa Accesories).
November 15, 2002... By Thermafoam * Features: 13 colors; covers up to 96 inches; unusual shape and size covers * Offerings: special dealer pricing * Contact: Thermafoam, Fort Worth, Texas (800) 333-3626 Circle 176 on Postage-Free Card...

Spa covers and accessories. (Spa Accesories).
November 15, 2002... By Sunstar Enterprises * Features: quality craftsmanship and top stitching, per manufacturer; personalized embossing available * Offerings: direct-mail program; brochures * Contact: Sunstar Enterprises, San Marcos, Calif. (800)...

Pop-up speakers. (Spa Accesories).
November 15, 2002... By Waterway Plastics * Features: 75 watt RMS; 150 watt peak two-way coaxial marine speaker; 10-foot cord for easy assembly; heavy-duty ABS plastic housing; unique pattern and low-profile design for easy fit, per maker * Offerings:...

Heaters. (Heating Products).
November 15, 2002... by Air Energy Heat Pumps * Features: dual thermostats; patented auto-heat titanium heat exchanger; digital temperature readouts; up to 140,000 Btus * Offerings: sales incentives * Contact: Air Energy Heat Pumps Inc., Fort...

Solar pool-heating systems and heat pumps. (Heating Products).
November 15, 2002... by Aquatherm Industries * Features: company produces quality solar-heating systems and pumps, per maker * Offerings: technical support service; sales and marketing assistance; dealer territories available * Contact: Aquatherm...

Solar pool heaters. (Heating Products).
November 15, 2002... By FAFCO * Features: complete system available in one package; product is easy to install, per maker * Offerings: early-buy programs; POS materials * Contact: FAFCO Inc., Chino, Calif. (530) 332-2100 Circle 193 on Postage-Free...

Nationwide propane service. (Heating Products).
November 15, 2002... By AmeriGas Propane * Features: company provides propane services to residential and commercial pool customers; propane-powered pools can be heated in minutes; top-notch customer service, payment options and safety standards provided, per...