Pool & Spa News articles from November 2004

Pool & Spa News archives from November 2004

Expo to break records.(Making News)
November 1, 2004... This year's International Pool & Spa Expo will cover the most exhibit space in the show's history, said show director Rick McConnell. Organizers had to expand the show floor four times to accommodate exhibitors. As of press time, 239,865...

PIE delivers despite dip in attendance.(Making News)
November 1, 2004... The 18th Annual Pool Industry Expo saw a slight dip in attendance figures this year, hit broke records in terms of booth and new-exhibitor numbers. Don Koss, a PIE executive director, said attendance at this year's show, held Sept. 30 to...

A new phenomenon.(Reflections)
November 1, 2004... An exotic, interesting part of the world, Latin America has had more than its share of economic ups and downs. Now a new market is opening up, and pool builders are intrigued. But I'm getting ahead of myself. First, let's take a "behind the...

Filter favorite.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... The article about filtration caught my eye. (See Filters, Pumps and Heaters Quarterly Market Report, Sept. 3, page 79.) This will be brief. Over the years, I have found cartridge filters to be more problematic than they are worth,...

What's next for spot 'etching' studies?(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... Re: News story in Sept. 3 issue, titled "New Spot Etching Study Released" We congratulate the National Plasters Council for its efforts in conducting its own study on etching deterioration and confirming all previous studies--that...

Keep your superstars: holding on to top construction executives is harder than ever. Here are three ways to halt their flight.(Making News)
November 1, 2004... When Paul Benedetti's senior construction supervisor said he was feeling burned out, Benedetti sprang into action. The principal of Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa in Morgan Hill, Calif., knew his valued employee had to stay happy, so he offered...

Tables are turned on unlicensed contractor.
November 1, 2004... A California contractor, calling himself a consultant, was fined outside of small claims court when he tried to sue a client for unpaid services. The case involved an unhappy El Dorado County homeowner who withheld half of the consultant's fee....

HPBA celebrates silver anniversary.
November 1, 2004... Organizers of the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association Expo are bringing the home-living trade show back to Atlanta for its 25th anniversary. The show will be held Feb. 23-26, 2005, at the Georgia World Congress Center. More than 400 companies...

Texas wants industry lobbying group.(Making News)
November 1, 2004... To better influence pool and spa legislation in the state of Texas, chapters of the Independent Pool & Spa Service Association here are forming a lobbying group that will operate similarly to California's SPEC. "We have had a concern in...

Small Business continues its ascent.(Making News)
November 1, 2004... Autumn has brought a colorful outlook for small companies. The Small Business Optimism Index rose by more than 1.5 points in September to 104.5. This continues an 18-month string of readings at the 100 mark or more. "The index continues in a...

San Juan Pools rebounds after fire.
November 1, 2004... A ribbon-cutting ceremony for its rebuilt plant in Lakeland, Fla., (shown) in late October marked San Juan Pools' rebound after a devastating fire in January. The new factory features 18,000 square feet of production space and an air...

Singer Sheryl Crow aids pool center.
November 1, 2004... The community of Kennett, Mo., broke ground on an aquatics facility, to be named for the pool's celebrity patron. The Sheryl Crow Community Aquatic Center is part of an effort to revitalize the downtown area of Crow's hometown. Kennett received...

Florida pool finishers face criminal charges.(Making News)
November 1, 2004... The owner and a former employee of a pool contracting firm in Palm Harbor, Fla., have been charged with grand theft, scheming to defraud and unlicensed contracting. Authorities said the pair caused more than $31,000 in damage to...

500 Aussies protest pool closing.
November 1, 2004... Close the city pool to build a library and art gallery? Not if 500 Australian suburbanites can stop it. The city council was considering closing the pool in Richmond, New South Wales, Australia, and selling the land to fund a...

The happiest pool on earth.
November 1, 2004... At the 2004 Olympics in Greece, swimmer Michael Phelps became the first American to win eight medals in a single Olympiad. So what did he do next? He went to Disneyland, of course. As part of Disney's Swim with the Stars educational tour,...

NSPI head to leave in two years.(Making News)
November 1, 2004... Jack Cergol, chief staff executive of the National Spa & Pool Institute, plans to leave the organization in 2 1/2 years. Cergol, 58, said he will explore other industries or perhaps politics. He and his wife, lobbyist Kelly Hardy, may...

Unemployment rate unaffected by mother nature.(Making News)
November 1, 2004... Unemployment numbers were untouched by hurricanes, tropical storms, volcanic activity and genera[ change of season in September. The unemployment rate remained unchanged that month at a seasonally adjusted 5.4 percent, with 8 million nonworking...

See ya later, alligator.
November 1, 2004... Authorities arrested a homeowner in Royalton, Ill., after discovering an alligator in his hot tub. A call from a concerned neighbor caused the Franklin County Animal Control and Royalton Police to head for the home, where they encountered a...

CPSC warns of off-season drownings.
November 1, 2004... As part of Baby Safety Month in September, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission released a Water Safety Tips pamphlet and video broadcast to warn parents and child caregivers about drowning hazards in and around the home that exist year...

BioLab division lands commercial distribution deal.(Making News)
November 1, 2004... BioLab Commercial Pool Care, a division of Lawrenceville, Ga.-based BioLab Inc., was named the exclusive North American supplier of ChlorKing Inc.'s commercial salt-chlorine generators. Under the partnership, ChlorKing retains manufacturing...

Arch expands its South America operations.
November 1, 2004... Arch Chemicals Inc. announced in October that it is entering Argentina's pool products market. The company's HTH Water Products business has formed an alliance with Clorotec, a pool products company in Buenos Aires. Terms of the agreement were...

Pentair completes sale of Tools Group.
November 1, 2004... Pentair Inc. completed the sale of its Tools Group in October. The division was acquired by The Black & Decker Corp. of Towson, Md., for approximately $775 million. Proceeds from the sale will be used to pay down the $850 million loan...

Record oil prices may cool economy.(Making News)
November 1, 2004... Many economists are concerned about a possible down-shifting in consumer spending in response to record-high crude oil prices and last month's escalating U.S. Treasury prices. The fear is that all this may have a dampening effect on the...

Pool and spa industry stock market performance.(Making News)
November 1, 2004... Pool and Spa Industry Stock Market Performance Quotations are for October 12, 2004 Symbol NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE A.O. Smith Corp. AOS...

Viewpoints: industry members react to Sen. John Edwards' mention of a pool-evisceration case at the vice presidential debate.(People)
November 1, 2004... The televised debate between vice presidential candidates Dick Cheney and John Edwards Oct. 5 drew 43.6 million viewers. Those potential voters heard Democrat Edwards defend his record on tort litigation by invoking the Valerie Lakey case. She...

Switching gears: see how to convert a chlorine pool to a biguanide system.(Technically Speaking)
November 1, 2004... Chlorine has been the pool sanitizer of choice for as long as we can remember. Today, there is an Environmental Protection Agency-approved alternative sanitizer that can be used in place of chlorine. The biguanide system can be a lifesaver...

The magic of merchandising: dynamic hot tub showrooms capture consumers' attention. Ask yourself these questions to see how your shop shapes up.(Showtime)
November 1, 2004... Salesmanship is an important part of selling spas and related products, but "showmanship" plays an equally important role. Showmanship creates an environment in which people want to buy. Today's savvy consumers aren't just comparing your...

Astra-glaze-SW+.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... by Trenwyth Industries Features: glazed masonry units are designed to protect buildings in high-moisture environments; units are lightweight or medium weight prefinished concrete blocks with thermosetting glazing compound permanently...

Biofalls filter.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... by Aquascape Designs Features: redesigned water gardening filter has replaced its rock ledge with a removable upper tray that can hold a mixture of rocks, plants and gravel, which is intended to naturalize and camouflage the unit; circular...

Napa sling.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... by Pacific Sun Casual Furniture Features: company offers a new line of outdoor furniture made with sling fabric; collection includes chaise lounges with contour seats, club chairs, dining chairs, dining tables, round side tables, round bar...

Leisure accents spa and patio products.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... by Confer Plastics Features: company's new line of spa and patio accessories includes all-plastic bars, bar stools, benches and steps; designed to be maintenance-free; easy, snap-together assembly; product tops are available in three...

Aboveground pool liner pattern.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... by Imperial Pools Mfg. & Dist. Features: company introduces its Monterey tile and Sand Pebble liner pattern for aboveground pools; beaded, 25-mil liner uses a traditional tile with three-dimensional touches that incorporates gray and blue...

Reactor.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... by Advanced Control Logix Features: offered is a new reactor for the company's AWDX medium pressure UV water-treatment system; designed for pool and spa applications; includes a stainless steel vessel with a microprocessor-based control...

HammerHead pool vacuum.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... by HammerHead Patented Performance Features: product is designed to provide fast cleaning of bottom debris with no setup time required; self-contained, portable unit features D-volt rechargeable battery power using standard marine battery,...

Silent watch dog safety fence.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... by Quaker Plastic Corp. Features: company introduces its removable barrier fence; composed of 48-inch-high sections; rigid posts with no exposed screws to prevent cuts to children; posts are connected with brass safety latches, making it...

Ferrometer 1000.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... by Palintest USA Features: hand-held, easy-to-use meter is designed to determine total iron content in water and is equally suitable for measuring pool or drinking water and more: uses industry standard 1,10-phenanthroline test; capable of...

Floating thermometers.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... by Swimline Corp. Features: a new assortment of soft-top floating thermometers is available in a variety of styles from the company's line of HydroTools products; styles include the cool shark, mermaid, penguin and seal, all shown; cords...

TM-2 remote.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... by Beachcomber Hot Tubs Features: fully sealed, floating remote control handset now is available on all the company's hot tubs equipped with the AquaCoustics Surround Sound System: also controls functions such as massage jets, lights and...

PC3000 pump and heater control.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... by Chemtrol Features: 4-20mA control board is designed to make operation of the pump and heater more energy-efficient by reducing the pump operating speed during off-hours; controls heater when water temperature exceeds programmed set...

Decathlon flooring.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... by Mats Inc. Features: new nonslip, athletic flooring for poolside, spaside and locker room applications; uses black, recycled rubber with EPDM colored granules; designed to resist wear and staining; nonabsorbent; colors will not fade and...

Tile Max Plus.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... by Applied Biochemists Features: company's tile and pool surface cleaner has been reformulated; thicker formula clings better to vertical surfaces in tile, concrete and vinyl pools, per maker; new squirt top cap is intended to make...

Spa & bath elixirs.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... by Spazazz Features: company has repackaged its line of spa and bath aromatherapy elixirs in a disposable 2.5-ounce aroma bottle; elixirs are designed to eliminate dry skin and increase fragrance longevity; 12 blends of moisturizing...

DryConn waterproof connectors.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... by King Innovation Features: waterproof connectors are silicone-filled to provide a dry and safe environment for wire splices exposed to water, condensation, vapors and dust: designed to eliminate pre-twisting and heat shrink; removes need...

'Certified Pool-Spa Operator Handbook'.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... by National Swimming Pool Foundation Features: written by veteran CPO instructor Ron Ford, the revised handbook emphasizes pool and spa operations and protecting people in and around aquatic areas; covers topics such as suction entrapment,...

LED replacement light.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... by O'Ryan Industries Features: company offers its new StarBurst 72S Spa and Pool LED light with nine color modes; comes with Edison Base; Wedge Base system is available: for 12V and 120V systems Contact: O'Ryan Industries, Vancouver,...

Geocoding solutions.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... by Whitegold Solutions Features: company builds direct-marketing lists based on aerial imagery and reverse geocoding; the service turns aerial imagery into a database of text-based attributes associated with a particular home or business...

Spa purge.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... by Natural Chemistry Features: concentrated formula is designed to restore spa plumbing to a cleaner state by attacking the buildup of organic waste contamination; from oils, lotions, cosmetics, hair products, sweat and more; product...

PHC2 humidity-sensing control.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... by Therm-Stor Features: humidity sensing control is intended for use with the Vehere Pool & Spa Humidity Controller; can be loaded remotely; enclosed in white housing; low-profile design measures 4-by-3.5-by-1.75 inches in size; "high,"...

Water table.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... by Cot Spa Covers Features: floating water table is designed for reading and playing table games while enjoying the spa; accessory also can be used as a decorating table for floral arrangements and lighting; holds up to eight pounds; also...

Clean & Refresh.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... by Ultima Features: filter cleaner for zeolite media is intended to improve filter efficiency for clearer water; removes filter-clogging oils, minerals, scale and damaging ammonia, per maker; for use every three months; product can also be...

Deck-o-drain.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... by Deck-O-Seal Features: drainage system for concrete pool decks; designed to carry water away quickly from decks and patio areas; made of long-lasting PVC that resists wear and corrosion; nondirectional design eliminates need for right or...

Multilingual test strip packages.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... by AquaChek/ETS Hach Co. Features: company's line of pool and spa test strips now is available in 10 languages for specific international markets; multilingual packages include instructions in English, Russian, Greek, Polish and Hungarian;...

Spa pad.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... by EZ Pads Features: prefabricated two-segment spa pad for placing under self-contained spas and hot tubs; designed to provide a solid. 3-inch-thick foundation; made of an all-weather polymer for various climate conditions; available in...

Electric veranda grill.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... by Masterbuilt Features: outdoor electric grill is designed for easy use and cleanup; plugs into standard outlet: has a small footprint for little patios or decks: 1650W heating element will cook at high temperatures to sear food;...

SD 80 sand filter.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... by Pentair Pool Products Features: company introduces the latest addition to its Sand Dollar filter line; features a turnover capacity of up to 54,000 gallons and a flow rate of 75 gpm, per maker; top-mount, six-function, 1 1/2-inch...

Event-full Expo: visitors to the International Pool & Spa Expo can investigate the bustling show floor, top-notch classes and vibrant host city.(Calendar)
November 1, 2004... The most challenging part of the International Pool & Spa Expo, to be held Dec. 1-3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is figuring out how to take in everything at once. To help you create a solid game plan, we've compiled this extensive...

Swim city: while Vegas is a desert town, water has made a significant impact on the city.
November 1, 2004... Water is intrinsically tied to the Las Vegas experience, whether you're drinking by the pool at Caesars Palace, soaking in a spa at the MGM Grand, riding the waves at Mandalay Bay or admiring the dancing fountains of Bellagio. Despite the...

International Pool & Spa Expo exhibitors 2004.
November 1, 2004... 50 Below 3119 4 Sales Finance 3222 7-11 Pool Products 2587 A A&A Manufacturing...

On a roll: take a trip on Las Vegas' latest tourist attraction: the monorail.
November 1, 2004... There are two relative certainties about Las Vegas--setting aside the long-accepted axiom that "the house always wins." First, it's a forward-looking city of constant change. Second, it has u nostalgic affection for the past, insofar as the...

Through the years: a look at the people and events that shaped this desert town into a resort destination.
November 1, 2004... In the early 1700s, Spanish traders discovered and named Las Vegas, meaning "the meadows." Around 1844, explorer Capt. John Fremont's writings spread news of the area to the nation. Mormons built a fort in 1855, the first non-Indian settlement....

Venturing into Vegas: put a twist on your visit by checking out these extraordinary attractions.
November 1, 2004... Ever since the first commercial airliner touched down at the Las Vegas airport in 1926, out-of-towners have been flocking to the desert oasis for fun and games. But don't spend all your time in the casinos. There are plenty of fun attractions...

Latin fever: baby boomers are retiring south of the border. This exodus has influenced the Latin pool industry and may affect U.S. builders in the future.
November 1, 2004... San Diego schoolteacher Dinah Sutton was browsing online in May when she saw an advertisement for Valle Escondido. The 200-home retirement community offered a golf course, swimming pool, 24-hour security and a lush mountainside location. ...

Making waves: the new and improved vinyl-liner pool is grabbing a bigger piece of the market--and that's making some of the competition nervous.(Package Pools)
November 1, 2004... It's right there on the Web site of a gunite builder: "Vinyl pools are bad." The headline on the page reads, "Vinyl-liner Pools? You Can't Be Serious!" Then it adds a piece of advice: "Just Say NO to Vinyl." The page goes on to list five...

The inspectors: when a home is sold, an 'expert' is often paid to inspect the pool. Learn how to incorporate this lucrative service into your business.
November 1, 2004... As America's backyard pools age, the demand for inspections is increasing. Performing pool inspections for real transactions is one way service technicians, who have the built-in expertise, can create a new revenue stream for their growing...

You're fired! Terminating an employee, especially a long-term one, can be fraught with difficulties. Here's how to deal with three common cases.
November 1, 2004... Approximately five years ago, Tom Driscoll learned a $15,000 lesson. The president of Cabana Pools Aquatech in Houston discovered that an employee, who had only been with his company for six weeks, lied to him. When he fired the individual,...

Cannonball bridge: this naturalistic pool is a welcoming haven for the builder's family and friends.(In My Backyard)
November 1, 2004... How would you characterize the style of your pool? Adam Alstott: It's a natural setting--tropical, like the name of my company. How often do you use it? A.A.: We use it all the time. This weekend we had six kids in it--and I only...

NSPI emerges from bankruptcy.(Making News)
November 19, 2004... The National Spa & Pool Institute has emerged from bankruptcy and is on the road to an official name change. On Oct. 28, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia officially released the group from bankruptcy....

Show of force.(Reflections)
November 19, 2004... One day in July, out Editorial Department held the first of many planning meetings for this Pool & Spa News Expo issue. I remember looking out the conference room window at the smoggy summer sky, and thinking the trade show seemed realty far...

CADalyst for change: our exclusive survey suggests CAD is steadily increasing in popularity. Experts say the technology will define the industry's future.(Making News)
November 19, 2004... It was excavation time, and all of a sudden Lynn Forrest's customer wanted to move his pool farther away from the house. "He wanted to reposition one end of the pool, which was a pain, but it would have been so much worse if I hadn't been...

ALD celebrates its 30th.
November 19, 2004... American Leak Detection celebrated its 30th anniversary at its annual convention in October. More than 200 franchisees from around the world headed for the Marriott Rancho Las Palmas in Rancho Mirage, Calif., to take in new-technology...

SPP opens Memphis center.
November 19, 2004... Spa Parts Plus has opened a distribution center in Memphis, Tenn., serving the area east of the Mississippi River. Not only will that mean reduced shipping costs and time for dealers in those states, but company officials said it enables the...

BioLab phases out Class 3 oxidizers.(Making News)
November 19, 2004... BioLab Inc., a subsidiary of Great Lakes Chemical Corp., announced last month it would eliminate Class 3 oxidizers from its U.S. product offerings by Jan. 1, 2005. All products classified as Class 3 oxidizers, including calcium...

Consumer confidence cools in autumn.(Making News)
November 19, 2004... Consumer confidence cooled again, dropping from 96.7 in September to 92.8 in October--nor are people feeling hopeful about the next six months. "Subdued expectations, as opposed to eroding present-day conditions, were the major cause behind...

The Home Depot honors spa maker.
November 19, 2004... The Home Depot Inc. named Image Spas its "2004 Partner of the Year" at its suppliers meeting in Atlanta last month. The spa maker has managed to double its sales each year since it began supplying the home-improvement retailer with portable...

Judge opens adults-only pool to kids.
November 19, 2004... A U.S. District Court judge has ordered a condominium complex that was once adults-only to open its main pool to children. For years, kids under 18 have been deferred to the two alternate pools at the Keys, a 792-unit development in Walnut...

BioGuard unveils initiatives at dealer mart.(Making News)
November 19, 2004... New vendors and a consumer marketing campaign were the focus of the annual BioGuard Dealer Mart. The four-day event was held in October at Atlanta's Cobb Galleria Center. The event marked the launch of BioGuard's new outdoor living...

Vogue announces Sweepstakes winners.
November 19, 2004... Vogue Pool Products in LaSalle, Quebec, Canada, released the names of its 2004 Swim & Win Sweepstakes winners. Aimed at generating pre-season sales, the promotion was open to consumers and dealers. People who purchased Impact or Zenith...

WPSS starts online registration.
November 19, 2004... Organizers of the 27th Annual Western Pool & Spa Show have opened online registration on the WPSS Web site, www.westernshow.com. Slated for March 10-12, 2005, the event returns to the Long Beach (Calif.) Convention Center. WPSS officials said...

NSPF's new conference hits its mark.(Making News)
November 19, 2004... In an attempt to raise the bar scientifically for the pool and spa industry, the National Swimming Pool Foundation held its first World Aquatic Health Conference last month and received rave reviews. Held Oct. 3-5 at the Atlanta Sheraton...

Practically joking: actor Leslie Nielsen has made a career out of sight gags and lampooning. But to this practical joker, pool safety is no laughing matter.(People)
November 19, 2004... It's a cozy evening at home, and you decide to pop a DVD into the player and relax. Leslie Nielsen alights on the screen and next thing you know, he's investigating the assembly room floor of a portable spa factory. As he inspects the...

Thompson named v.p. of operations.(People)
November 19, 2004... Roman Fountains Corp., a division of Volcano Industries, Inc., promoted Dale R. Thompson to vice president of operations. He will be in charge of all manufacturing, production and purchasing operations for the firm. Formerly its production...

BioLab promotes Sokolowski.(People)
November 19, 2004... Lisa Sokolowski has accepted the position of marketing manager at BioLab Distributor Products, a provider of pool and spa chemicals. Now she is responsible for managing dealer programs and incentives, as well as consumer promotions, literature...

Buchanan joins Latham.(People)
November 19, 2004... Joel Buchanan has joined vinyl-liner manufacturer Latham International as regional sales manager for Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. He will handle sales and support in his territory and be based out of the company office...

Victory Plastics taps new designers.(People)
November 19, 2004... Two designers have contracted with Victory Plastics International to create new vinyl pool liner patterns. Artist Michelle Griffoul of Santa Barbara, Calif., was commissioned to craft "visually stimulating" vinyl liners. Griffoul was the 2004...