Pool & Spa News articles from October 2004

Pool & Spa News archives from October 2004

Summer weather a challenge for industry.
October 1, 2004... Heavy rains and a cooler-than-average summer affected the swim season for pool builders nationwide. "Altogether it was nice weather, about 75 degrees, but we only had two days [that were] over 90 degrees. It rained all the time," said John...

New builder program has diverse speakers.
October 1, 2004... NSPI is debuting an Advanced Pool Builder Program at this year's International Pool & Spa Expo in Las Vegas. Scheduled for Nov. 29-30, the course will cover technical topics, business issues and sales presentations. "We wanted an...

Political animals.(Reflections)
October 1, 2004... Our new(ish) business editor, Shabnam Mogharabi, is a news junkie. So it was no surprise when she pitched an idea for an article focusing on the upcoming election. She was specifically interested in how the pool industry thinks our next...

Hold your horses.(Letters)
October 1, 2004... The article in the Sept. 3 issue titled "Horse Power" makes an incorrect statement. You say if a up-rated motor is replaced with a full-rated motor, you can "overburden the pool's hydraulic system." The pump is not going to pump any more...

Wake-up call.(Letters)
October 1, 2004... Bravo! Once again, you've picked up on something that is actually rampant in our industry (Reflections, Aug. 20). I've seen the same behavior in my travels. It appears in some cases where the store employee is actually "bothered" by the...

Bush vs. Kerry: with the presidential election just weeks away, the pool industry sounds off about who should be the next commander-in-chief.(Making News)
October 1, 2004... What's that old saying? Don't mix business with pleasure--or is it politics? That's how many pool professionals feel when it comes to discussing their political leanings. In an industry that is predominantly conservative, discussing...

Florida tallies hurricane damage.
October 1, 2004... Three weeks after Hurricane Charley roared into Florida, causing $7.4 billion in insured damage, the state was hit again by Hurricane Frances. Initial estimates of the insured damage from Frances ranged from $2 billion to $4 billion. Retailers...

Aviva Sports recalls water slide.
October 1, 2004... Aviva Sports in Osage Beach, Mo., recently recalled its Astroslide inflatable water slide. The Astroslide has an excessive length of rope attached to the safety mat, which presents a risk of entanglement in the water and thus poses a drowning...

NSPI selects new officers.(Making News)
October 1, 2004... The National Spa & Pool Institute has chosen its officers for the upcoming year. Guy Larsen, current NSPI chairman-elect and vice president of All Seasons Pools & Spas in Oakland Park, Ill., will become the 2005 chairman of the board,...

Small business optimism drops.(Making News)
October 1, 2004... Small-business owners felt less optimistic about national economic growth as summer waned, according to NFIB's monthly survey. The Small Business Optimism Index slipped from 105.9 in July to 102.9 in August. Expectations for sales increases...

Crypto outbreak shuts down waterpark.
October 1, 2004... An outbreak of cryptosporidium prompted a California waterpark to close its doors early for the season. After the waterborne parasite was discovered at the Mustang Water Slides in Arroyo Grande, health officials issued warnings at every public...

Filbur Mfg. relocates operations.
October 1, 2004... Filbur Manufacturing, a maker of pool and spa cartridges and DE grids, has relocated its operations from Santa Ana to Buena Park, Calif. The move was designed to accommodate the company's recent growth and need for expanded manufacturing and...

Neglected pools linked to West Nile virus.(Making News)
October 1, 2004... With West Nile virus reaching epidemic proportions in Arizona, public health officials here are citing neglected pools as a major contributor to the problem. Poorly maintained pools can provide a fertile breeding ground for mosquitoes, the...

Loop-Loc receives nod from UL.
October 1, 2004... Underwriters Laboratories Inc. in Northbrook, Ill., has awarded Loop-Loc Ltd. a UL Classification for its Loop Loc mesh and Ultra-Lot solid safety pool covers. The covers were found to be in compliance with ASTM Designation F 1346-91, the...

S.R. Smith donates pool gear.
October 1, 2004... S.R. Smith donated 520,000 worth of its pool equipment to the city of Canby, Ore., for use in a municipal pool. According to a report in The Oregonian newspaper, S.R. Smith contributed railings, ladders, diving boards and lifeguard stands to...

Polyair expands in Canada; Watkins enters Mexico.(Making News)
October 1, 2004... Taking similar bur separate steps, two major players in the pool and spa industry, Polyair Inter Pack Inc. and Watkins Manufacturing Corp., have expanded their North American businesses. Toronto outsourcing Polyair has entered into a...

NSPI updates educational calendar.
October 1, 2004... The National Spa & Pool Institute in Alexandria, Va.. has issued an update of its 2004-05 educational calendar for its Professional Pool & Spa Operator program, NSPI Tech Schools, and certification exams. NSPI said it will be offering more...

Carolina couple wins extreme pool makeover.
October 1, 2004... Jack and Priscilla Owenby of Marion, N.C., were named winners of the 2004 Extreme Swimming Pool Makeover. More than 200 builders and retailers east of the Mississippi River collected entries for the drawing, which was sponsored by Merlin...

Hayward completes Goldline acquisition.
October 1, 2004... In September, Hayward Pool Products Inc. completed the acquisition of Goldline Controls Inc. Company officials said the purchase allows Hayward to offer a complete, single-source pool management system. Hayward's bid to purchase Goldline, which...

Consumer spending dips.(Making News)
October 1, 2004... Increasing oil prices and a disappointing report on U.S. retail sales kept stock indexes straggling as summer gave way to autumn, according to an Associated Press report. Crude oil futures moved upward, renewing investors' fears of a...

Pool and spa industry stock market performance.(Making News)
October 1, 2004... Pool and Spa Industry Stock Market Performance Quotations are for September 13, 2004 Vol. Close Net Change Symbol (100s) 9/13/04 from 8/27/04 ...

Acu-Trol names new CEO.
October 1, 2004... Acu-Trol Inc. recently promoted Jeffrey S. Sanchez from vice president of consumer sales to chief executive officer. As CEO, he will concentrate on areas of profitable growth and expansion for the company, as well as supervise the launch and...

Wilkes Pools adds Breuer, promotes Mitros.
October 1, 2004... Wilkes Pools Corp. in Mifflinville, Pa., has hired Lloyd Breuer for the newly created position of director of sales and marketing. He will be in charge of sales and marketing for the pool manufacturer. The company also promoted John Mitros to...

McKinney moves to Artesian spas.
October 1, 2004... Sean McKinney has been named plant manager at Artesian Spas in Victorville, Calif. His duties include overseeing the company's spa manufacturing facilities and helping prepare Artesian Spas for its move to North Las Vegas later this year. The...

Pentair appoints Frantz and Early.
October 1, 2004... Pentair Pool Products of Sanford, N.C., has made two changes to its sales team. Scott Frantz was appointed territory sales manager of Las Vegas and Southern Nevada. A 25-year industry veteran, Frantz will be responsible for developing new sales...

San Juan Pools hires Kisgen.
October 1, 2004... San Juan Pools of Lakeland, Fla., has appointed Jerry Kisgen as regional sales manager for its mid-Atlantic territory. He is responsible for sales and customer service in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina for the...

Pool folk: a lifetime before Don Koss was executive director of the Pool Industry Expo, he was a folk music star.(People)
October 1, 2004... He has shared the stage with legendary folk artists the Kingston Trio and calls the Smothers Brothers good friends. But 46 years ago, Don Koss traded in his guitar for a net pole and hasn't looked back. Today, Koss is one of the executive...

Salt minds: customers are falling for salt pool chlorinators in a big way. Here's how to set one up.(Technically Speaking)
October 1, 2004... In-line salt chlorinators are more popular than ever. As a service technician, knowing how to work with them begins with learning how to install them. First, you need to determine if the system is chlorinating a pool, a spa or a pool/spa...

The future of chemical automation: with wireless Internet access now available from controller manufacturers, customers' pools and spas can be monitored anywhere in the world from a laptop or PC.(Showtime)
October 1, 2004... In the past, chemical automation has been treated as just another part of pool or spa equipment. Its ability to report and compare complete pool room data from multiple bodies of water over long periods of time hasn't factored into the total...

Soundsations.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... by Marquis Spas Features: company introduces this audio-ready system, available as an option on every Marquis spa; designed as an extension of a home stereo system; spa shell acts as the speaker: four transducers are placed inside spa...

'Pool Studio' demo CD.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... by Structure Studios Features: company offers a demo CD for its "Pool Studio" software for pool and landscape designers; the software allows a customer to visualize his or her pool and backyard by giving a virtual reality tour of the...

EQ series pump.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... by Pentair Pool Products Features: a new noncorrosive, all-plastic, self-priming pump for commercial pool and water applications: efficient impeller design is intended to lower load and extend the motor's life; includes 6-inch suction...

Redesigned spa-care line.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... by Leisure Time Features: company has redesigned its look and offers a new program design to simplify spa care for customers; proprietary bottle shape; updated icon and logo; color-coded caps and other design elements are intended for easy...

The space arena pool enclosure.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... by Plastimayd Corp. Features: air-inflated dome is made of all-clear, durable, UV-resistant vinyl that is formulated to fight discoloration and maintain resiliency in varying climates; transparent, straight wall design provides an outdoor...

Crack repair system.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... by Torque Lock Features: the Torque Lock staple is designed to repair structural cracks in solid cement surfaces; uses a patented cam lock technique to stabilize the crack by creating up to 5,000 pounds of compression torque: for gunite,...

Spa metal free.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... by Natural Chemistry Features: chelating agent is designed to deactivate iron, copper and other problem-causing trace metals in spa water; one capful per week eliminates metal ions that can cause scaling, staining and discoloration, per...

Biofiltration products.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... by NSW Features: line of biofiltration products for ponds includes custom block filters, Nor-Pat filter media, Kontakt high performance carrier elements and standpipes; designed to prevent biological agents or debris from fouling the...

How the west was won: even as Shasta aggressively makes its mark in the pool world, it retains the warm, family business attitude that keeps employees on board for decades.
October 1, 2004... It's a Wednesday morning and Ed "Skip" Ast takes his seat at the head of a large table. Looking a bit like a cattle rancher with his broad shoulders and rugged charm, Skip seems out of place in this indoor, corporate environment. But then...

View from above: tips for properly installing and maintaining aboveground pools.
October 1, 2004... Aboveground-pool installations can look like anything from an oversized kiddie pool to a luxury home vacation retreat, complete with decking and landscaping. The pool's appeal continues to grow and, in fact, more than 3.35 million abovegrounds...

The Canadian Pool and Spa Conference & Expo chills out in tourist-friendly Toronto Oh, Canada.
October 1, 2004... Basking in the success of last year's 25th anniversary show, the Canadian Pool and Spa Conference & Expo, scheduled for Nov. 2-4 in Toronto, is continuing the growth spurt it has recently enjoyed. Last year's sellout crowds--which hit...

Automatic results: automation products can play a pivotal role in projects that run the gamut in price. See proof positive here.(Close Up Automation)
October 1, 2004... Rick Wolpin, vice president of sales and marketing at Lifetime Pools in Palo Alto, Calif., can still remember when pool automation was considered a novelty. The thought of controlling water chemistry, heat, lights and more with the flick of a...

The step.(Aboveground Pools)
October 1, 2004... by Acces,s Resin Products Features: ladder includes safety back panel and is designed for easy installation on the original One Grab Rail Step; underwater light fixture is available for both models Contact: Acces,s Resin Products,...

Aboveground pool liners.(Aboveground Pools)
October 1, 2004... by Canadian General-Tower Ltd Features: company offers the Tower Collection of aboveground pool liner patterns; collection includes classic tile and stone designs, as well as modern patterns using the latest styles Offerings:...

Aboveground pools and accessories.(Aboveground Pools)
October 1, 2004... by Doughboy Recreational Features: line includes aboveground pools, expandable liners, pumps, filters and accessories Offerings: lifetime warranties; co-op advertising; product literature POP materials Contact: Doughboy...

AG 48WP access lift.(Aboveground Pools)
October 1, 2004... by Aquatic Access Features; water-powered access Lift mounts to a wooden post adjacent to the aboveground pool; device operates on the water pressure from a garden hose, per maker Contact: Aquatic Access Inc, Louisville, Ky (800)...

Summer fun aboveground pool line.(Aboveground Pools)
October 1, 2004... by Cantar Features: three pool styles available: The Classic, The Estate II and The Chateau; Classic comes with 48- or 52-inch walls; the Estate II and Chateau come standard with 52-inch walls Offerings: four-color literature; retail...

Aboveground pools and accessories.(Aboveground Pools)
October 1, 2004... by Embassy Pool Co. Features: company offers aboveground pools, liners, pumps, filters, decking, fencing and accessories Offerings: product literature Contact: Embassy Pool Co., West Helena, Ark. (870) 572-3466 Circle 473 on...

Aboveground pools and accessories.(Aboveground Pools)
October 1, 2004... by Artesian Pools Features: company offers steel and resin aboveground pools, aluminum decks and fences, liners, pumps and filters Contact: Artesian Pools, LLC, Baltimore (410) 547-7303 Circle 478 on Postage-Free Card ...

Everguard 2000.(Aboveground Pools)
October 1, 2004... Classic Pool Installers Features: patented product is made using rigid ASS plastic with glued seams; designed to eliminate any water contact with pool wall skimmer opening: also ideal for repairing pool walls on existing pools, per maker...

Perfect pool bottom.(Aboveground Pools)
October 1, 2004... by Gladon Co. Features: the PPB 4000 is a hard, flat, impervious polymer material that is placed under the pool to form a smooth bottom and protect the liner; product eliminates footprints and installs quickly and easily, per maker;...

Aboveground pool liners.(Aboveground Pools)
October 1, 2004... by Imperial Pools Mfg. & Dist. Features: new Monterey Tile and Sand Pebble liner pattern for aboveground pools; uses traditional tile with three dimensional touches to create a realistic rock look; a range of beaded and overlap liners for...

Aboveground pool liners.(Aboveground Pools)
October 1, 2004... by Integrity Pool Products Features: the Blue Majorca/Crystal liner pattern (shown) is available in overlap patterns and duo bead for beaded or J-hook installations Offerings: pattern samples; four color brochures Contact:...

Onground pools and spas.(Aboveground Pools)
October 1, 2004... by Kayak Pool Corp. Features: all-aluminum onground pools and spas: rectangular shaped; slip resistant decking in numerous configurations; picket fencing; swing-up ladder; bottom main drain; optional attached spa and in pool stairs;...

Aboveground pool.(Aboveground Pools)
October 1, 2004... by Medallion Pools Features: 52-inch walls; inground, 8-foot, five-tread, twin seat radius stairs are available; can be installed completely aboveground, partially inground, completely inground, or into a hillside with only one side...

Vinyl pool liners.(Aboveground Pools)
October 1, 2004... by Pegasus Products Features: company offers a variety of pattern selections for inground and aboveground liners, including the Dolfina pattern (shown) for aboveground pools Contact: Pegasus Products, Branchburg, N.J. (908) 707-1122...

Premium liner pattern collection.(Aboveground Pools)
October 1, 2004... by Plastimayd Corp. Features: company introduces five new patterns of aboveground pool liners in both overlap and beaded hung styles; 48- and 52-inch pool wall heights are available! Medina pattern is shown Offerings: POP displays:...

Aboveground pool alarm.(Aboveground Pools)
October 1, 2004... by Poolguard/PBM Industries Features: designed to detect entry into the pool by children, pets or intruders: electronic sensor triggers a loud, pulsating alarm; sensor is built to snap onto the top rail of an aboveground pool and is...

Tuff pools.(Aboveground Pools)
October 1, 2004... by Quality Leisure Products Features: portable aboveground pool; sets up in minutes, per maker; wide variety of sizes; interconnected frame, which locks the top, sides, bottom and corners; 1 1/2-inch plumbing; a complete line of equipment,...

Aboveground Pools.(Aboveground Pools)
October 1, 2004... by Strong Pools Features: company offers its Venetian and Colosseum aboveground pools; the Venetian includes a 9-inch top seat with an integrated joining plate, a 6-inch upright and wraparound bottom plate designed to simplify the...

Aboveground pools: by Swim 'n Play.(Aboveground Pools)
October 1, 2004... by Swim 'n Play Features: aboveground pool line includes the Inspiration, Bar Harbor, Laramie, Alexis, Meridian, Zenith, Princeton, Palisades and Quantum models; company also offers extruded aluminum deck and fencing and Lyfgard Ladders...

Aboveground liners and accessories.(Aboveground Pools)
October 1, 2004... by Swimline Corp. Features: company offers a variety of aboveground pool liners, covers and accessories Offerings: full warranties; 24-hour shipping, per maker; four color sell sheets; catalogs; camera ready artwork Contact:...

Impact pool.(Aboveground Pools)
October 1, 2004... by Vogue Pool Products Features: made from blow-molded resin, a new material that eliminates the chance of structural corrosion and ensures durability and a perfectly round shape, per maker; system of interlocking parts is designed for...

Amish Country onground pool.(Aboveground Pools)
October 1, 2004... by WaterPlace Features: company offers an onground pool made from quality steel construction; includes waterfeature capabilities; cedar deck comes with standard package Offerings: sales training and brochures; on-site construction ...

Genesis onground pool.(Aboveground Pools)
October 1, 2004... by Wilkes Pool Corp. Features: spacious decks and complete fencing; patented under-deck structure with no buttresses; strong steel construction; inground look with lock-tight liner; a variety of sizes and hopper options; filters, pumps and...

The new SunHeater[TM]--4' x 20' of solar in a half-size box.(Product Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... The Sunheater[TM] solar pool heating system will raise the temperature of pool water by up to 10 [degrees] F, or more. The system can be installed on a roof, mounted to a rack (optional mounting kit SK33 available), or simply placed on the...

Three classic sprays--one nice price!(Product Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... The RTN-075-X3 Trident Nozzle from Roman Fountains Corporation is a unique and cost effective nozzle that produces three classic spray patterns within the same nozzle. Three interchangeable tops and uni-body base allow a change in spray...

Modern Pool Systems offers free catalog.(Product Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... Modern Pool Systems, designer and producer of the world's finest aluminum liner and fiber optic receiver track offers this free catalog featuring tracks for use in virtually every type of pool construction, radius and step kits, and...

Automatic water leveler.(Product Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... Water Watch Inc. has designed its product to be the perfect water leveler for pools, spas and fountains. It allows customers more time to enjoy their pools. Water Watch fits invisibly in the skimmer. The water supply line is hidden inside the...

Chemical Winterizing Kits.(Product Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... Extend your selling season and protect your customers' investment by offering our Chemical Winterizing Kits! We have a great selection of winter chemical kits (even special kits for mesh-covered pools) that are top quality and proven to work...

Catalina floor lamps.(Product Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... Carefree durability, while adding a touch of elegance to any outdoor living area. All lamps feature powder coated aluminum construction with a heavy weighted base. Lamps are completely weatherproof and have a two level dimming switch and a...

Garden Prairie pool enclosures.(Product Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... GARDEN PRAIRIE custom designs enclosures to provide a light, crisp garden environment that allows for year round enjoyment of summer activities. They are made to require minimal maintenance while providing maximum durability. The powder coated,...

New 2004 Poolguard.(Product Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... Poolguard offers its new Poolguard Aboveground Pool Alarm designed to detect entry into the pool by children, pets or intruders. An electronic sensor triggers a loud, pulsating alarm. The sensor is built to snap onto the top rail of an...

Micron disposable filters.(Product Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... The filtration efficiency achieved by this filter far exceeds any cartridge filter on the market to date. No need for cleaning this cartridge with hazardous and dangerous chemicals. Disposable filters can offer lower maintenance time and costs...

PoolEye[TM] swimming pool alarms & YardGard[TM] Gate Alarms.(Product Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... PoolEye[TM] alarms are equipped with the most advanced pool alarm technology available--subsurface wave detection. False alarms from wind, rain, falling leaves, etc. are eliminated, yet PoolEye detects objects weighing 15 lbs. or more entering...

Essentials Deluxe All Seasons[TM] step.(Product Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... Make a grand entrance! The All Seasons Deluxe step offers your customers the ultimate in an affordable, good looking, large entry step. The All Seasons Deluxe step is 48" long and, like the 27" All Seasons step, also has a storage option....

Carefree deluxe sand filter system.(Product Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... This "Carefree" system, presented by Waterway, is designed and equipped to offer the ideal combination of energy efficient, trouble-free operation and crystal clear, sparkling water for your pool. Each system is designed for quick assembly, and...

Swimming pool accessories.(Product Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... JED Pool Tools, manufactured by NEP/JED Industries of Scranton, PA, manufactures a complete line of Pool Maintenance Equipment and Accessories. JED works directly with Pool Dealers of all sizes and offers a comprehensive selection of Vacuum...

A. O. Smith PolarBear[TM] spa motors.(Product Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... A. O. Smith's new PolarBear[TM] motors are the first motors ever created especially for hot tubs. The patent pending electronic "silent switch" is A. O. Smith's latest innovation in electronic technology. These are the coolest running motors...

Leak detection equipment package.(Product Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... Anderson Manufacturing Company provides everything you need to find swimming pool leaks profitably. Complete leak detection packages include a Pressure Testing Kit, Electronic Listening Device, Tankless Dive Unit, and the popular LeakTrac 2200...

Ultra-Mayd[TM] Mesh for safety covers.(Product Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... The revolutionary new tighter weave mesh for safety covers offers all the advantages of a solid safety cover without the solid safety cover weight. The new mesh blocks out more sunlight than conventional mesh covers and filters out more dirt...

Perfect pool bottom.(Product Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... A new technology has been developed to improve the way above ground swimming pool bottoms are installed. PPB 4000 is a hard, flat, impervious polymer material that is placed under your pool to form a smooth bottom and protect the linen It also...

Drop-in pool art.(Product Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... Giant emblems decorate the pool floor. The image appears to be tiled or painted on your pool floor, but that's just an illusion. Actually, you simply set one of these colorful emblems on the water and push it to the bottom. Its weight keeps it...

PCU150 spa control.(Product Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... Dual Filtration Cycles. 120V ozone receptacle. J&J Mini Style Receptacles. Stainless steel heater canister. Pressure switch protection of heater. Balboa Spa Side. Balboa circuitry protected by off-board heater contactor. For more information,...

New 2004 Poolguard.(Product Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... Entry into the pool by children, pets or intruders is detected by the Poolguard Pool Alarm's Electronic sensor, which sets off a loud, pulsating alarm. Safe, simple and easy to operate, the 9V battery-powered alarm does not require tie-downs,...