Pool & Spa News articles from October 2002

Pool & Spa News archives from October 2002

Conseco faces class action suit. (news).
October 11, 2002... A Conseco Inc. shareholder has filed a class action lawsuit in Indiana accusing the company of misleading investors about its financial condition. Conseco Inc. is the Indianapolis-based parent of pool and spa loan underwriter Conseco...

Arbitrator awards Avecia $2 million. (news).
October 11, 2002... An arbitrator has awarded Avecia Inc., a Wilmington, Del.-based manufacturer of alternative sanitizers, $2 million to settle an ongoing dispute with another manufacturer over the value of its research. After completing research to prove its...

The competitive spirit. (reflections).
October 11, 2002... I love to compete. Sometimes when I'm swimming laps in our local pool, I end up sharing a lane with a swimmer who's a little faster than me. That's when I get the best workout. To keep up--or even pass them--I kick off harder, pull...

The presidential model ...
October 11, 2002... Former President George Bush (right) and his wife, Barbara, recently became spa owners. Bush cited family togetherness as a main reason for buying a Hot Spring Grandee spa from Vista, Calif.-based Watkins Manufacturing. "He selected the spa...

Ducks follow new route ...
October 11, 2002... Polaris Pool Systems Inc., in Vista, Calif., now is the exclusive distributor for Great American Merchandise & Events (GAME), based in Scottsdale, Ariz. The line includes the Turbo Turtle and Derby Duck. "We were looking for a partner with...

PIE attendance rebounds in '02. (news).
October 11, 2002... It looks as if things may be getting back to normal for the Pool Industry Expo, slated for Oct. 17-19 at the Monterey Convention Center in Monterey, Calif. Last year, PIE was the first major pool and spa industry trade show to be held...

Bowling for customers ...
October 11, 2002... Pacific Pools, manufacturer of inground polymer pools and safety covers based in Latham, N.Y., has announced a partnership with professional bowler Kim Adler. The company bid online at ebay.com for logo placement on Adler's skirt or shorts and...

WPSS design time ...
October 11, 2002... The Western Pool & Spa Show Design Contest has been upgraded, with new and revised categories included as part of WPSS' 25th anniversary. A list of the current categories can be found on www.westernshow.com. Each will have gold, silver and...

Arizona campaign saves lives. (news).
October 11, 2002... Child drownings in Maricopa County, Ariz., were cut by 50 percent this summer after local media and other organizations saturated their communities with information on pool safety. With 11 child fatalities and 16 adult fatalities recorded...

Double-barrier law dies ...
October 11, 2002... California Assembly Bill 2455, which would have required two drowning-prevention measures on every pool built, has officially died. It had been held up in a special file for costly measures and expired when the Senate Appropriations Committee...

Let us demonstrate ...
October 11, 2002... This year's Educational Demo Site at the International Pool & Spa Expo debuts two new features: An entrapment demonstration will be held Thursday, Oct. 31, at noon, and there will be a continuous loop projection of graphics from the NSPI...

Correction ...
October 11, 2002... The ranking in the Pool and Spa News 100 (9/6/02 issue) for The Spa Depot in Olympia, Wash., was incorrect. Its 2000 and 2001 revenues were reversed on the charts. Based on the revised numbers, Spa Depot ranks No. 21, not No. 44. Pool and Spa...

California adopts dual main drains. (news).
October 11, 2002... California now has a dual-main drain requirement for new pools. On Sept. 19, Governor Gray Davis signed Senate Bill 1726, which mandates that all pools built after Jan. 1, 2003, include at least two main drains per pump, set at least 3 feet...

BioLab Inc. (Progressions).
October 11, 2002... BioLab Inc., manufacturer of pool and spa products in Decatur, Ga., hired John Bogosian as vice president of manufacturing for its U.S. Recreational Water Division. He will be responsible for manufacturing operations at the company's Conyers,...

Arch Chemicals Inc. (Progressions).
October 11, 2002... Randy Hitchens has joined Arch Chemicals Inc., a supplier of pool sanitizers in Kennesaw, Ga., as vice president of its HTH Water Products Division. Hitchens was previously president of Chem Lab Products Inc., in Ontario, Calif., and has more...

CNA Global Specialty Operations. (Progressions).
October 11, 2002... Gregory Mallon has been named vice president of construction at CNA Global Specialty Operations, a Chicago construction insurance agency. Mallon will be responsible for the supervision and growth of CNA. Before joining the firm, Mallon spent 10...

Blake Sales Associates Inc. (Rep Notes).
October 11, 2002... Blake Sales Associates Inc., a manufacturer's representative firm based in San Diego, has added Allen Lawrence to its sales team. Lawrence has worked in wholesale distribution for five years, most recently at an SCP branch in Las Vegas. Because...

Romano undaunted by problems facing NSPI. (profile).
October 11, 2002... John Romano, a 30-year veteran of the pool and spa industry, is about to tackle one of the toughest challenges of his career. On Nov. 1, he takes over as the new chairman of the National Spa & Pool Institute at a time when the trade group...

More colleges add pools, spas as perks. (business currents).
October 11, 2002... It's happened more than once at Kent State University. In fact, Paul Milton has lost count. "I can't tell you how many times my vice president has said to me that students have told her it looked like they were going to drop out of school...

Media household income. (business currents).
October 11, 2002... Here's a look at the increase in median household incomes by race and Hispanic origin from 1967-2000. Notice that Hispanics, African-Americans and Asians have all enjoyed steep increases in income, making them more likely pool and spa...

Pool and spa industry stock market transactions: quotations are for September 20, 2002. (business currents).
October 11, 2002... Pool and Spa Industry Stock Market Transactions Quotations are for September 20, 2002 NYSE: New York Stock Exchange NASD: NASDAQ Exchange AMEX: American Stock Exchange TOR: Toronto Stock Exchange OTC: Over-the-Counter Trading ...

Anthony & Sylvan announces restructuring. (Business Briefcase).
October 11, 2002... Anthony & Sylvan Pools Corp., of Mayfield Village, Ohio, (NASDAQ: SWIM) announced the closing of its pool installation divisions in the Orlando and southeastern Florida markets. Those divisions had combined revenues of approximately $21.3...

Pentair to acquire Plymouth Prods. (Business Briefcase).
October 11, 2002... Pentair Inc. of St. Paul, Minn. (NYSE: PNR), has entered into an agreement to acquire Plymouth Products Inc. of Sheboygan, Wis., from USF Consumer & Commercial WaterGroup, a unit of Vivendi Environment (NYSE: VE), for all undisclosed amount....

Leading economic indicators: economic index takes another fall. (business currents).
October 11, 2002... The Leading Economic Indicators Index dipped to 111.8 in August, the third consecutive drop. Weakness was widespread, with most of the components in the index showing declines. Interest rate spread was the biggest negative contributor. On the...

Small business optimism index: businesses slowly getting by. (business currents).
October 11, 2002... Recovering from a short-lived crater in sales in July, America's small businesses returned to the slow growth of the past year in August with the Small Business Optimism Index gaining two points, up now to 101.5. That is the typical level of...

Dallas days: with its reputation for doing things on a grand scale, the Lone Star State is the perfect setting for North America's biggest pool and spa show. (trade shows).
October 11, 2002... To get the most out of your International Pool & Spa Expo experience, you'll need to plan your itinerary carefully. This full show schedule should make that an easier task. Please be advised that both event times and locations are subject...

Expo essentials: everything you need to know about working, eating and relaxing in and around the Dallas Convention Center. (trade shows).
October 11, 2002... The Dallas Convention Center is a big place in a huge city, but don't fret. On these pages, you'll find all you need to know about walk-in registration, Business Center and Internet services, places to eat, and how to get around downtown Dallas...

Knockin' on expo's door. (trade shows).
October 11, 2002... The deadline for International Pool & Spa Expo registration is Oct. 11. But walk-in attendees may purchase tickets at the Dallas Convention Center. The registration desk is found at Lobby D, just outside of Hall D, which is on the north side of...

Texas treats. (trade shows).
October 11, 2002... Concession stands are located at three points in the Dallas Convention Center. A large one is found at the south end of Hall E, just east of the Educational Demo Site, and on the north and south sides of Hall C. If you're feeling...

Northern star: Canada's national pool and spa show gets set to shine in Toronto. (trade shows).
October 11, 2002... Known as a world within a city, Toronto once again has been designated host of the 2002 Annual Canadian Pool & Spa Conference and Expo at the Toronto Congress Centre Dec. 1-3. An estimated 1,300 attendees, including 350 distribution...

Going into overtime: asking employees for overtime might be asking for trouble. Here's why. (management).
October 11, 2002... Lynn Forrest didn't ask for a polka-dotted pool. "But that's what I got," he says. Forrest, owner of Aquaclassic Pools, a builder/retailer operating in Clute and Bay City, Texas, had told his crew to install blue cleaning heads for the...

Getting grilled? If you're not carrying high-end barbecues, you might be getting burned by the competition. (retailing).
October 11, 2002... Paul Frey, sales manager at Backyards of America in Salt Lake City, constantly got calls from customers wanting to know if he sold barbecue grills. He didn't--until the calls started to add up to potential profit. Like Frey, many pool...

Oh, what a grill! (retailing).
October 11, 2002... Barbecue grills are proving to be a profitable sideline business for a growing number of pool and spa retailers, who say consumers now want more than what's offered by mass merchandisers. Those consumers have been there, done that and have...

Fight the power: if you're only using horsepower to choose the right pump, you may be getting the wrong results. (service).
October 11, 2002... Americans like to think big. SUVs have become the size of school buses. Movie popcorn now is served up in industrial-sized buckets. Yes, for most folks bigger is always better. But that very mind-set is at the core of many pool maintenance...

Torn between two heaters: knowing how to work on both electronic and millivolt heaters puts you at an advantage. (Equipment Clinic).
October 11, 2002... Today, pool and spa professionals have a choice in the type of heater they can install for their customers. However, that hasn't always been the case. For many years, millivolt, or standing pilot heaters, were the only kinds of heaters...

Perking up: builders share the special perks they use to keep employees happy--and loyal. (construction).
October 11, 2002... There's a lot of talk about labor shortages in the industry. Yet some companies hold onto valuable help for 10, 15, even 20 years and more. How is that possible? They do it by paying close attention to workplace intangibles such as...

Prodcuct pipeline.
October 11, 2002... New products are the lifeblood of any progressive industry. With that in mind, this section presents a selection of new offerings from the enterprising pool and spa industry. Here you'll encounter a sampling of products, from innovative...

Complete pond kits. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By AquatiConcepts by Strong * Features: pond kits and accessories, designed for easy installation, low maintenance; practical, economical; made of durable materials for years of top performance * Offerings: 25-year warranty on...

Polka-dot devil duckie. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Accoutrements * Features: 4 1/2-inch-long rubber duckie is covered from beak to tail in blue and red freckles; comes in yellow net bag with illustrated header; company also offers free catalog highlighting its many products *...

Sporttub 1056. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Baja Spas * Features: octagon-shaped spa measures 88-by-88-inches and 33 inches deep; operates at 240 gallons; plug-in technology allows spa to convert to 240V/40 amps; modular redwood cabinets; tapered hard cover; TurboStream frontal...

Wetland filtration system. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Aquascape Designs * Features: Snorkle and Centipede Wetland Filter is designed for large waterfeature filtration; produces water clarity and reduces algae growth for 20,000- to 30,000-gallon waterfeatures * Contact: Aquascape...

Z-frame series centrifugal pumps. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Berkeley Pumps * Features: available in several configurations and sizes; includes both SAE engine-drive and frame-mounted models; suitable for a wide variety of applications; large grease reservoirs extend bearing life and reduce...

One-piece fiberglass pool/spa combinations. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Blue Hawaiian Fiberglass Pools * Features: patent-pending Twin Bay offers a spillover spa incorporated into a one-piece fiberglass pool design; kidney-shaped pool with swimout fits into 14-by-32-foot installation area; manufactured with...

Loader x-changer mount. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Bobcat Co. * Features: a number of Bobcat compact excavator attachments can be used on Bobcat loaders; ideal for contractors using Bobcat loaders and compact excavators interchangeably * Contact: Bobcat Co., West Fargo, N.D. (701)...

Eurostone, techstone and decorative lighting. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Boulder Image * Features: company offers customized designs; many textures and colors from which to choose; designed to be durable, slip-resistant, low-maintenance; affordable; fiberoptic lighting options available * Contact:...

Jr-Q barbecue. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Bull Outdoor Products * Features: top of barbecue measures 31-by-48-inches with 27-by-39-inch base; tile top, stucco base; black, 20-by-30-inch, 60,000 Btu grill; warming rack and storage doors; many available upgrades; Power-Q and...

Outdoor aluminum casual furniture. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Casual Creations by Superior Furniture * Features: Jan Gross collection features optional Ergo-Flex Oscillator Gasket System; patent-pending product is made from flexible, extruded polymer and designed to bridge the sling rail and...

The Serenity spa. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Coast Spas * Features: patent-pending design features vanishing-edge waterfall; available in the Gold Series, the Serenity combines 28-jet action, a UL-approved, 20-amp, 7bp pump with an additional 2hp filtration pump, fiberoptic...

Sanding and cleaning tools. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Earthstone Intl. * Features: all products are made from more than 90 percent recycled waste glass; QuikSand, PowerSand, Grillstone and Poolstone products available; Poolstone contains no chemicals; safe for use around children, pets;...

Portable fireplace. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Essentials * Features: product comes complete with two sturdy, easy-to-move wheels and a handle; safety mesh screen is designed for optimum safety; black enamel finish; made to provide cozy fireplace ambiance * Contact: Essentials,...

AquaChek silver six-way test strips. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Environmental Test Systems * Features: available in a number of languages; designed so user can conduct tests in seconds; each strip offers test for total chlorine and hardness, free chlorine, pH, total alkalinity and cyanuric acid; 100...

Jobclock. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Exaktime * Features: attendance-tracking system is designed for owners of small businesses with multiple job sites and no supervisor; tracks employee hours, monitors punctuality and computes payroll; also allows for calculation of the...

Amberlight sauna. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Finnleo/Saunatec * Features: measures 72-by-72-by-84-inches; features wave-like, curved glass front, low-voltage lighting and integral shelving; choice of Saunatonttu or 6kW FSO-60 heater; available in Nordic white spruce/Abachi, clear...

Chelsea tile/coastal liner. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Garrett Liners * Features: contemporary design features bright blue diamonds tipped with turquoise on a copper terra cotta background surrounding a copper, flower-like jewel; 9-inch tile pattern designed to perfectly complement Coastal...

Party Blue. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By GLB Pool & Spa * Features: product designed to transform dull pool water into the brilliant blue color of the Caribbean Sea; one ounce for every 10,000 gallons of water provides long-lasting, bright blue hue; available in 8-ounce...

Cypress classic swing. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Great American Woodies * Features: 5-foot swing is constructed from premium grade Southern cypress, which resists checking and warping; comes with pre-assembled seat and back for additional strength and stability; contoured seat;...

Diverter valves. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Hayward Pool Products * Features: four new diverter valves are available; designed to complement the Totally Hayward pool management system; two- and three-way full-flow diverter valves work with company's 2100 Series pool system...

Pool sports. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Huffy Sports * Features: company offers several poolside sports products, such as portable and inground basketball systems, pool volleyball systems, twilight lighted sports balls, youth basketball systems; also available is a variety of...

Outdoor ceiling fan mounts. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Hunter Fan Co. * Features: two outdoor ceiling fan floor-mounting systems offered; The Cascade and The Nomad models both feature galvanized tubular steel construction and powder-coated finishes; designed to help eliminate unwanted...

Metal swivel fittings. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Industrial Specialties Mfg. * Features: 360-degree swivel fittings are available in brass, nickel-plated brass or stainless steel; provides design engineers with easy access in tight spots; available in straight connectors, elbows and...

645 AW planter. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Iron Decor * Features: handmade, hand-twisted wire; solid construction; measures 40-by-14-by-30-inches; company offers free freight allowance with orders of 1,500 or more * Contact: Iron Decor, McAllen, Texas (956) 631-0066 ...

Cover keeper. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Katt Mfg. * Features: made for easy installation, inexpensive; allows user to enter and exit the hot tub comfortably; styling designed to eliminate wear and tear; easy-to-buckle safety straps; constructed from quality steel;...

Ultimate spa brush. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Lass Enterprises * Features: clips into standard cleaning pole and makes brushing any spa quick and easy, per manufacturer; hemispherical shape adapts to the spa's shape, eliminating missed corners or curves; stiff enough to remove dirt...

pH Balance Plus formula for hard water. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Leisure Time * Features: locks in pH levels between 7.2 and 7.8; fast-dissolving granular formula is specially formulated to work for hard water applications, per manufacturer * Contact: Leisure Time, Alpharetta, Ga. (800) 455-2059...

Del Mar gas grill. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Magma Products * Features: sleek, elegant, stainless steel grill is ideally suited to any size, space and occasion; great for condominium and apartment dwellers, per manufacturer; stainless steel exterior is 18-9 grade mirror, polished...

Mikasa rammers. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Multiquip * Features: MT-55F, MT-65H and MT-84F four-cycle rammers feature stronger crankcases, a narrower width to allow greater utilization in trenches; built-in primary engine air filter simplifies service and maintenance; lower...

Organo-phosphate test. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Palintest * Features: easy-to-use test for monitoring OP levels in boiler and cooling water systems; specially developed tablet contains a pH buffer and screen indicator, eliminates problems of pH adjustment and endpoint determination...

High-purity seals. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Parker Seals * Features: for high temperature sealing applications; new material's softer properties allow for easier installation of O-rings and other seal types into less-common groove shapes such as dovetails and radius corner...

Royal Hawaiian designer lounge. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Poolmaster * Features: polyform flotation collar with pearl-white finish and built-in beverage holders; extra-large, all-weather, quality fabric seating; full-body, heavy-duty PVC frame with stainless steel hardware; Dacron-filled...

SonarGuard pool safety systems. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By RJE Technologies * Features: utilizes patented sonar technology; provides 24/7 invisible underwater sonar "net" that is broken when a child falls into pool, instantly triggering alarm; flexible enough to ignore the rain, wind or small...

FuturaPool. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By RenoSys Corp. * Features: PVC-lined stainless steel pool systems offer durable, cost-effective integrated system for building new pools; combines durability of a stainless steel or galvanized steel wall system with reinforced PVC pool...

Entertainment systems. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Saratoga Spas * Features: company offers upgrade options for its line of luxury spas; options include stereo/CD player and/or a pop-up TV/DVD system with remote for use in spa; remote can operate both the stereo and TV functions *...

Diamond quartz-colored aggregate. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Southern Grouts and Mortars * Features: made of natural quartz; insoluble; designed to be unaffected by harsh pool chemicals, resist permanent staining; won't rub off, rust or fade; can be blended to create unique finishes to complement...

Emergency containment tank. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Sofpool * Features: portable containment tanks can be set up in less than five minutes, per manufacturer; made of 64-mil, multidirectional weave, reinforced vinyl material; two sizes available that hold 6,000 or 11,000 gallons of water,...

Elements and heaters. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Spa Components * Features: company manufactures electric heater assemblies for spa OEMs, equipment pack OEMs and spa service and repair in 304 stainless steel; offers Incoloy Heater Elements in various wattages for portable spa use;...

SplashTub for two. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Splash SuperPools * Features: intimate-size spa weighs only 75 pounds empty and can be easily moved to different locations by user; features six jets powered by a two-speed, 1hp Sta-Rite motor with digital controls; available in five...

#751 power paddles. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Sprint Rothhammer * Features: product is designed so user will develop the proper technique, with each stroke performed correctly; wide rubber straps for added comfort; a catalog that highlights additional products and features also is...

Marin model spa. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Sundance Spas * Features: measures 6 feet 5 inches and 2 feet 9 inches deep; seats five adults; features total of 31 hydro-jets, including palm, calf and foot jets; offers a half-lounge and full lounge seating; double-end filter ensures...

Premium floating lounger. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Swimline Corp. * Features: nylon-covered, inflatable lounger chair designed to provide soft, gentle, relaxed-all-over feeling that can't be obtained from plastic chairs, according to manufacturer; two drink holders; head- and footrests...

Smarter electronic phototimer. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Tork * Features: combination photocontrol and microprocessor timers fit an ordinary turn-lock photocontrol socket; designed to offer extra savings for outdoor lighting; model 5737TZ can be programmed to turn off at midnight and turn...

EZ Coil-N-Store drinking water hose. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Valterra Products * Features: 25-foot-long hose neatly recoils itself to 15 inches; kink-resistant; comes in translucent, dark blue that resists algae buildup; wire-reinforced end to prevent kinking at hook-up * Contact: Valterra...

Waterking automatic tablet feeder. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Waterco USA * Features: Low cost form of automatic sanitation designed for use in any pool or spa; feeder features large corrosion-resistant, UV treated, thermoplastic casing for maximum strength and durability; 1.5-inch quick connect...

Deck-O-Seal One Step. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By W.R. Meadows * Features: single-component, non-sagging, elastomeric, polysulfide-based sealing compound used for caulking joints in structures that are subject to movement caused by temperature changes; holds well to masonry, glass,...

Aqua Falls. (product pipeline).
October 11, 2002... By Waterway * Features: waterfall system provides 24 or 8 blade sheer water descent; 24 Aqua Fall has a range of 24 gpm to 50 gpm; 8 Aqua Falls has range from 8 gpm to 25 gpm depending on desired look of the fall; adds charm to a spa;...