Pool & Spa News articles from October 2005

Pool & Spa News archives from October 2005

Latham buys viking pools.
October 10, 2005... In yet another major industry acquisition, Latham International, the nation's leading manufacturer of packaged inground swimming pools, has purchased Viking Pools, one of the largest makers of fiberglass shells. It is the fourth...

Sex sells.(REFLECTIONS)
October 10, 2005... Over the course of my life, I've probably seen close to 1,000 movies. Maybe half of those films contained a sex scene of one kind or another. Yet out of a whopping 500 sex scenes, I can only recall about a dozen. Here's one I remember: ...

All dressed up: custom pool covers are a specialized feature for high-end projects. Here are the pros and cons of using this application.(MAKING NEWS)
October 10, 2005... The largest pool cover image Rick Clark can remember is a 25-by-50-foot U.S. flag designed for a wealthy New York magazine publisher. "As a matter of fact, there were some stories about airplanes flying overhead and passengers reporting it...

SCP enters landscape industry: the pool-industry megadistributor buys Horizon, a landscape and irrigation products distributor.(MAKING NEWS)
October 10, 2005... Pool industry megadistributor SCP has acquired a Western distributor of irrigation and landscape products. Automatic Rain Co., which does business as Horizon, has 40 branches throughout Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon,...

Industry ads Hurricane Katrina survivors.
October 10, 2005... Pool industry members nationwide have been showing their support for those affected by Hurricane Katrina. Some companies have donated money, while others have given their time and even use of their storefronts as supply drop-off points. Pentair...

Spa industry's dispute with UL nears resolution.(MAKING NEWS)
October 10, 2005... In an effort to resolve its conflict with the industry, Underwriters Laboratories Inc released another draft of its portable spa standard that is designed to address the recent concerns of manufacturers. After revisions to the standard's...

Housing starts continue steady pace.(MAKING NEWS)
October 10, 2005... Despite Hurricane Katrina's attempt to disrupt the housing market, building continued at a steady pace in August. Housing starts slipped 1.3 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 2.01 million units that month, following a downward...

Next step in Sta-Rite trial.
October 10, 2005... There's a fork in the road for a record-breaking entrapment case against Sta-Rite. Lorenzo Peterson v. Sta-Rite Industries, in which a jury awarded the family of a teenage entrapment victim $104 million, will go before either the Florida...

Carecraft has moved.
October 10, 2005... The Carecraft Inc. buying group has relocated within Anaheim, Calif. Its new address is 2121 S. Towne Centre Place, Ste. 300, Anaheim, CA 92806. The phone number stays the same: (714) 938-1122.

Judge orders restitution in rebate scheme.(MAKING NEWS)
October 10, 2005... The operators of a consumer rebate promotion have been ordered by a judge to send out new rebate vouchers and pay nearly $2 million in restitution. In February, Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon sued Consumers Trust of Lee's Summit, Mo.,...

Leading Economic Index changes course.(MAKING NEWS)
October 10, 2005... As summer ended, the U.S. Leading Economic Indicators Index changed direction and dipped slightly. The index had been moving upward 0.4 percent in the previous six-month period, but the August reading of 137.6 was down 0.1 percent from July....

Computer system helps lifeguard save child.
October 10, 2005... A 10-year-old girl in North Wales was saved from drowning with the help of an underwater computer monitoring system. The unconscious girl had drifted to the bottom of a public pool and was rescued after lifeguards were alerted by the system's...

Gas grill and patio heater recall.
October 10, 2005... The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall of Coleman gas grills and patio heaters, in voluntary cooperation with the company. According to the CPSC, regulators on these products can leak propane when the cylinder is...

NSPF awards its largest-ever grant.(MAKING NEWS)
October 10, 2005... The National Swimming Pool Foundation recently awarded its largest grant ever to Drs. Bruce Becker and Susan Dunlap at Washington State University for a study regarding the impact of water exercise on respiratory function. Becker's...

Small-businesses remain optimistic.(MAKING NEWS)
October 10, 2005... Company owners remain relatively upbeat about the U.S. economic outlook, resulting in a Small Business Optimism Index reading of 100.9 in August, only 0.2 points below July. Advances were made in capital spending and job-creation plans, along...

Pond pals: lifelong friends Kevin Simmler and Joey Rawdan turned their love for ponds into a charitable enterprise.(People)
October 10, 2005... Since they were 3 years old, Joey Rawdan and Kevin Simmler have shared practically everything: their pool service company, their pond-building business and their home, for starters. Now these lifelong friends are sharing their generosity with...

Bauer new Super Vision president/CEO.
October 10, 2005... Super Vision International Inc. has appointed Mike Bauer as president/CEO, effective January 1, 2006. Bauer has been the vice president of sales and marketing at Super Vision for the past year and was recommended for his new post by Brett...

Pentair promotes Ruis.
October 10, 2005... Dennis Ruis has been promoted to vice president/ general manager of Pentair Water Pool and Spa. He will now be responsible for developing market strategies for all of Pentair Water Pool and Spa's commercial pool business units. Ruis also is...

Eilers joins Great Lakes.
October 10, 2005... Great Lakes Home & Resort, a manufacturer of hot tubs, pool tables, saunas and casual furniture, announced the appointment of Lee Eilers to vice president of marketing and distribution. He will be responsible for the alignment and expansion of...

S.R. Smith hires Weisenfluh and Fieger.
October 10, 2005... S.R. Smith, a manufacturer of pool deck accessories in Canby, Ore., has added two to its roster: Jason Weisenfluh now is the marketing manager and Molly Fieger is the new marketing communications specialist. Weisenfluh will be responsible for...

Multiquip adds dealers in Chile, South Africa.
October 10, 2005... Multiquip has added Santiago-based AMECO Chile and Rockcrete Equipment in Alberton, South Africa, to its dealer network. AMECO Chile, a branch of Greenville, S.C.-based AMECO, is a full-service equipment, tool and supply dealership involved in...

Meadows-Smith to head Chemtura's pool division.
October 10, 2005... Chemtura Corp., parent company of BioLab Inc., has announced that Marcus Meadows-Smith, executive vice president of crop protection, now will also head the company's Pool, Spa & Home Care Division. He joined Chemtura 12 years ago and has worked...

Home sales surprise economists.(MAKING NEWS)
October 10, 2005... The National Association of Realtors reports that sales of previously owned homes rose in August to the second highest level ever. NAR also stated that home prices were growing at the fastest pace in 26 years. The sales defied expectations...

Pool and Spa industry stock market performance.(MAKING NEWS)
October 10, 2005... Pool and Spa Industry Stock Market Performance Quotations are for September 26, 2005 Vol. Symbol (100s) NEW...

Life lines: runnels make bold, but elegant, statements.(DESIGN CORNER)
October 10, 2005... The concept emerged centuries ago in the and Middle East--long, straight channels that deliver precious water to crops, symbolizing life's bloodline in places with little or no precipitation. The pragmatic idea also was used as ornament in...

Cartridge filters: a look at how to keep them working at their best.(TECHNICALLY SPEAKING)
October 10, 2005... One of the fastest-growing filter media for backyard pools today is the cartridge. It's inexpensive, easy to care for, and keeps the water clear and sparkling. Cartridge filters have been popular for use in portable spas since their...

Seeing the light: with the right lighting design, you can brighten up your store's bottom line.(SHOWTIME)
October 10, 2005... Does the lighting in your store make any difference to the bottom line? At least two peer-reviewed studies suggest it does. Two recent studies found a statistical link between retail daylighting and increased sales. The studies, which were...

Lounging around.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 10, 2005... Poolmaster introduces the Aqua Thunder nylon river float, which can be used for pool lounging or outdoor action on lakes and rivers; 420-denier nylon outer shell encloses three zippered compartments for the body, back-rest and headrest...

Magical gloves.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 10, 2005... Gloves In A Bottle has created a new lotion to bond with the outer layer of skin and turn it into what works like an invisible pair of gloves; made to keep moisture-robbing irritants out while retaining natural moisture; for use when working...

Extreme heat.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 10, 2005... Cal Spas presents the Extreme Outdoor Sauna Series; product features two floor-to-ceiling vista windows, a glass door and vinyl floor; each model comes with a UL-approved 8kW, 240V, stainless steel heater; siding can be painted; OD200 model...

Swim forever.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 10, 2005... Infinite Pools introduces the Free Swim Pool, a swim-in-place exercise pool; features an 18-inch, stainless steel propeller and 7.5hp motor; moves up to 7,000 gpm; powder coating, 2-foot-wide decking with a nonskid surface, swim current gauge...

Shock-ingly clean.(New Products)
October 10, 2005... SeaKlear presents Chlorine-Free Shock for pools; the product shocks water with active oxygen instead of chlorine to keep it clean and odor-free; removes contaminated chlorine, suntan oils, perspiration and odors; pool is suitable for swimming...

Made in the Shade.(New Products)
October 10, 2005... The Solana is Shade To Go Products' patent-pending, versatile shade umbrella for pool and spa owners; side-mounted so it does not need a center pole; adjustable and swings 360 degrees; tilts seven ways; optional mounts; can be attached to...

Do the two-step.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 10, 2005... The CenterStep is InnoVate's new double step; features two offset 8-inch risers, making a 4-inch riser in the center; designed with children and seniors in mind; available in a variety of colors, including nonskid options Contact:...

Heavy-duty heat.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 10, 2005... SunStar Heating Products has a new, heavy-duty infrared patio heater; available in stainless steel finish or a black and silver textured painted finish; can be used for residential and light commercial applications; provides a 360-degree circle...

Speedy results.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 10, 2005... Silver Lake Research Corp. has developed the Watersafe Rapid Bacteria Test for pools and spas to receive immediate health data without sending samples to a lab; kit measures less than the size of a compact disc, per maker; process is designed...

Skimming the surface.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 10, 2005... EasySkim is Iwanit Products' new floating skimmer connecter; aims to simplify the use of leaf skimmers on the end of long poles; the reach extends to the pole's full length; to collect debris along the sidewall, tow the attached perpendicular...

Round and Round We Go.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 10, 2005... Advanced Space-age Systems & Engineering Technologies presents The Circulator; the patented product is a 360-degree controlled rotating water jet that is designed to give pools 1,500 percent more circulating power; easy to install and can be...

Enhancing the stone.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 10, 2005... Stone Enhancer created by Aqua Mix has a new label design and is available in gallons, quarts and pints; the sealer provides stain protection and has color-enhancing properties; formulated to darken and highlight the character and beauty of...

Water falling.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 10, 2005... Aquascape Designs presents its Pondless Waterfall Kit, new to the Signature Series pond kits; the upgraded kit includes a Biofalls 2500 Vault, MicroSnorkel Vault, MicroCentipede Module and a new Water Fill Valve with preinstalled slide plate...

Tile with style.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 10, 2005... The Vinyl Works, a division of Imperial Pools Manufacturing & Distribution, announces its new Miranda Creekstone Tile; the pattern features patent-pending Truedge design, which brings the border design all the way up to the coping to replicate...

Dive in.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 10, 2005... S.R. Smith introduces designer gray colors for its diving board line; the silver and pewter grays were chosen specifically to blend with the latest decking, vinyl liner and patio furniture; available in 6-, 8-, 10- and 12-foot lengths ...

Winter protection.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 10, 2005... Quaker Plastic Corp. presents the Star Shield for covering inground pool steps during the winter; the plastic cover is noncorrosive, and durable, per maker; designed to be lightweight and easy to use; no nailing or rotting; available in 6- and...

Show 'em what you've got.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 10, 2005... Essentials offers new displays and dealer merchandising programs for its All Seasons and Woodland product lines; the display is a set of 8-foot-wide and 6-foot-high panels; All Seasons display includes four sets of steps, gridwork and...

Algae away.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 10, 2005... Endure by Arch Chemicals' Water Products is a new algae suppressant for pools and spas; product is long-lasting and compatible with sanitizers; white powder contains 100 percent sodium tetraborate pentahydrate, which is broadcast directly into...

Salty water.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 10, 2005... United Salt Corp. presents its food-quality Aqua Salt, intended for use in pools with chlorine generators or saltwater sanitizer systems; high-purity sodium chloride; quick-dissolving and contains no additives or calcium chloride, per maker;...

Pristine packaging.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 10, 2005... LaMotte Co. introduces a blister-style foil packaging for its DPD reagent tablets; product also has been enhanced for faster dissolution; 10 tablets per strip package; 3.25-by-1.35-inches with a tablet shelf life of four years, per maker;...

Bright light.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 10, 2005... Osram Sylvania introduces the Osram DRAGONpuck modules, LED lights that are designed for compact fixtures; products come with onboard optics for spotlighting applications and landscape lighting; available in three color temperatures for white...

Dazzling display.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 10, 2005... GAME has made its "Light Chaser" experience available for any backyard pool or spa with the introduction of the new AquaGlow Underwater Light Show; stand-alone floating unit is powered by three AA batteries (not included) and an automatic off...

Hide and protect.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 10, 2005... Sunstar Spa Covers and Accessories now offers a privacy wind guard; designed to provide privacy around a spa and protect from the wind; galvanized steel-reinforced; will not crack, rot or peel, per maker; one size fits all at 96-by-96 inches;...

Fitting in.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 10, 2005... Pentair Water Pool and Spa's new fitting, Deck Jet, adds moving water to pools and other aquatic environments; streams can reach 8 feet; can produce single, double and triple water arches, blossom designs, fan sprays and more; can be cast in...

Real or replication?(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 10, 2005... Replications Unlimited is offering new Self-Contained Waterfeatures for 2006; the texture is a patented process that mimics nature by replicating the product line off real rock formations; made of composite polymer with structural strength and...

New place to surf.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 10, 2005... Canadian General-Tower Ltd. has updated its Web site and changed the domain name to www.cgtpoolliners.com; newly expanded site includes new features in its virtual pool tour with all of the company's pattern selections; includes extensive...

Watery relaxation.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 10, 2005... The new Performance XS 1042 Series Spa by Baja Spas is designed for two to four people; 27 therapeutic jets and a dual pump system; Kleen [H.sub.2]O system; self-cleaning; sealed and pressurized 24-hour filtration system; solid modular FON...

Pleasure palette: how to design scintillating, sensual aquascapes that stimulate all your client's senses.
October 10, 2005... On a recent episode of HGTV's "Landscapers' Challenge," a group of designers was asked to create an outdoor retreat for a newly engaged woman. Her small, grassy backyard had a plain concrete patio and portable spa. The lot was...

The big fix: service recovery can turn angry customers into lifelong patrons Here's how to do it.
October 10, 2005... One day, more than 15 years ago, Matt McWilliams was pumping water from a client's pool. He inadvertently destroyed a nearby limestone stairway that had just been built at a cost of $1,400. "I watched the trail of water go on its merry way....

Keeping the peace: when landscape architects and pool builders work together, it can sometimes be explosive. Here's how pool builders can put the fires out.
October 10, 2005... Keith Williams spends a lot of time on his designs, fashioning them around specific visual concepts and functional logic. So the landscape designer wasn't pleased when one of his spas was changed by a pool builder. "It was just [supposed...

Bigger isn't better: when it comes to selecting pool pumps, don't automatically go for higher horsepower. See what the pool pros suggest.
October 10, 2005... 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...

Orlando 2005 International Pool & Spa Expo.
October 10, 2005... Our exclusive guide to all things Orlando will help you create an enchanting Expo experience

Sneak peek: the 2005 International Pool & Spa Expo promises to inspire, motivate and educate.
October 10, 2005... Attendees at this year's International Pool & Spa Expo are sure to leave the show with fresh ideas, new contacts and a greater awareness of the myriad products on the market. The numbers say it all. Approximately 750 of the industry's...

Cool pools: forget about waiting in lines at a theme park. You can have fun without even leaving your hotel.
October 10, 2005... Picture this: You're speeding down a water slide, gaining more and more momentum as you twist and turn. Just when you think the excitement is about to end, you splash into a pool of cool, refreshing water. Resurfacing, you rub the water...

Something for everyone: Orlando isn't just about theme parks. The city's other attractions will pique a variety of interests.
October 10, 2005... Despite its reputation as the place for amusement parks, Orlando, Fla., should not be written off as a one-dimensional city. It also offers visitors an array of cultural, social, natural and physical outlets to explore. ATTRACTIONS ...

Fright night: beware of ghouls, ghosts and goblins as Orlando celebrates Halloween.
October 10, 2005... If you'll be in Orlando, Fla., during Halloween, get ready for a spine-tingling, hair-raising, panic-inducing good time. Many of the city's gathering spots and theme parks offer ghoulishly spooky, yet delightful, celebrations. For those...

On with the show: this extensive schedule of events will help you make the most out of your time at the Expo.
October 10, 2005... While it still isn't humanly possible to be in two places at once, many attendees at the upcoming International Pool & Spa Expo may wish they could bi-locate--if only for the week. There are hundreds of course hours to take in, numerous...

Certifications and exams.(Calendar)
October 10, 2005... The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals is offering several courses that will provide attendees with various certifications. To register for the courses and exams listed below, contact Bird Dawson via e-mail at bdawson@theapsp.org or by...

Working it: your show business doesn't end when you go home. It's just getting started.
October 10, 2005... You heard it here first: "Anybody who likes going to trade shows is a very sick person because these are hard work if you do them right," says Steve Miller, author of How to Get the Most Out of Trade Shows (McGraw-Hill, 2000) and a consultant...

A star is born: swimming pools now take center stage in performing arts.
October 10, 2005... Front-row ticket holders, beware. Dozens of performances, from the multimillion-dollar Cirque du Soleil's "O" to small local plays, now incorporate water elements--and you may find yourself sitting in the "splash zone." "Audiences want...

Rain or not.(Editor's Notes)
October 10, 2005... It was a blazingly hot summer in the Washington, D.C., region, where I live. For weeks rain was scarce, the temperatures soared above 90 degrees F, and the sun was unforgiving. Fortunately, we had a wet spring. That made things uncomfortably...

Gate escape.
October 10, 2005... An individual's right to privacy may raise political questions, but when it comes to protecting the home, owners still reign supreme. The privacy fences and gates highlighted below provide attractive solutions for generating seclusion while...

Water-smart landscapes: apply the principles of xeriscaping. Some municipalities are asking homeowners and builders to install landscapes that conform to the climate and the local water supply.(In Depth)
October 10, 2005... Over the past two decades, homeowners in and parts of the United States have been quietly yanking out their thirsty Kentucky bluegrass lawns, replacing them with drought-tolerant turf such as tall fescue and buffalo grass, and surrounding them...

Conquering the wet wall: how to create these simple get versatile water features.(Problem Solved)(Cover Story)
October 10, 2005... It's such a simple concept: Take a wall and spill water over it. This basic idea gives wet walls, also called water walls, a singular beauty. The sleekest examples feature polished black stone with a thin film of water clinging to the...

Las Vegas Oasis: making a splash in the desert.
October 10, 2005... Nothing refreshes quite like water, and that goes double in the hot, dry, climate of Las Vegas. Just the sight and sound of sparkling, splashing water make the environment seem a little cooler--and a house a little more appealing. For its Las...

Rest easy.
October 10, 2005... This Low Country retreat sits gently on its island site. Hurricanes, humidity, and termites, oh my. South Carolina's island Low Country presents harsh elements that cause flora and fauna to flourish, but leave manmade structures susceptible...

Light underfoot.(What's New: Outdoor Products)
October 10, 2005... The MS-2200 Miracle Solar Energy Lighting Brick is designed for use in roads, paths, and poolside patios. The solar-powered LEDs can stay illuminated all night, the maker says, and have an operating life up to 100,000 hours. The NIS-2200...

Cobbled tile.(What's New: Outdoor Products)
October 10, 2005... The HI-TECH Gres tile collection is manufactured from porcelain and replicates the look of flat cobblestone with a rough texture and natural edges. The series comes in six colors and two sizes. Gruppo Ceramiche Saicis. 877.675.3772,...

Clean up.(What's New: Outdoor Products)
October 10, 2005... Modular outdoor family shower> are constructed of Western red cedar with tongue-and-groove walls. and come in four configurations. Interior features include a shower tower with rain showerhead, a heated towel rack, a tankless water heater, and...

Protected deck.(What's New: Outdoor Products)
October 10, 2005... CorrectDeck CX composite decking with SafeGuard incorporates an antimicrobial agent extruded with each plank that resists, mold, mildew, and staining. SafeGuard also enhances traction control and resists color fading, the maker says....

Row away.(What's New: Outdoor Products)
October 10, 2005... The Aqua Fit 19 Dual Temp Aquatic Fitness System has been redesigned with an adjustable jet that provides a high-volume lower-body massage and an ergonomic rowing seat. The fitness pool features six high-volume swim jets, an adjustable current,...

Chilled out.(What's New: Outdoor Products)
October 10, 2005... The Outdoor line of under-counter refrigeration units features argon-charged, insulated glass doors and quiet compressors. Single-cabinet models in single-, dual-, and triple-compartment styles are available. Options include beer taps, wine...

Water dance.(What's New: Outdoor Products)
October 10, 2005... Custom musical fountains are suitable for outdoor pools, ponds, and lakes. The Liquid Fireworks series incorporates articulated nozzles, musical progrm31s, and colored lights. An ambient mode changes the display every 15 minutes. Waltzing...

Gas glow.(What's New: Outdoor Products)
October 10, 2005... Based on the design of vintage European fixtures, the Berlin Landhaus transportable gas pole lantern does not require installation of gas lines, but houses a butane gas container in its hollow base. Dahlhaus Lighting. 718.218.6651....

Synthetic green.(What's New: Outdoor Products)
October 10, 2005... SofTrak synthetic putting greens deliver a realistic roll and bounce, the manufacturer claims. Each green starts with a double-layer crushed-stone base and is finished with a proprietary silica-blend in-fill that fluffs the green fibers for...

Garden party.(What's New: Outdoor Products)
October 10, 2005... Polyester powder coated cast-aluminum Taiyo Bollard exterior fixtures are available with the conical Garden dome (shown) and Urban dome. Taiyo is available in black, silver, and several other options, Forms+Surfaces. 800.451.0410....

Dry below deck.(What's New: Outdoor Products)
October 10, 2005... Constructed of solid extruded vinyl, TimberTech DrySpace is a drainage system designed to keep water from draining into the space below second-story decks, turning previously unusable space into a dry outdoor living area. DrySpace installs to...