Pool & Spa News articles from September 2004

Pool & Spa News archives from September 2004

Cement shortage, steep material costs persist.(Making News)
September 3, 2004... Rising materials prices and cement shortages continue to affect pool and spa builders, with little relief visible in the near future. The Portland Cement Association, a Skokie, Ill.-based trade group, reported Aug. 9 that six more states...

Two hair entrapments in California.(Making News)
September 3, 2004... Two California girls have been involved in hair-entanglement incidents within three weeks of each other. One was in a spa, one was in a pool. One had a trained rescuer nearby, the other did not. One survived, one did not. In the first...

It's in the bag.(Reflections)
September 3, 2004... Not long ago, I had the opportunity to be a fly on the wall while a high-end pool builder presented his ideas to a potential client. The man had the spot all picked out for his swimming pool, and he wanted the equipment housed in an existing...

Up, up and away: robust second-quarter sales poise public companies for a strong fiscal year.(Making News)
September 3, 2004... Numerous acquisitions and higher sales volumes spurred many publicly traded company related to the pool industry to report double-digit growth in second-quarter sales. Polyair Inter Pack Inc. has experienced the biggest growth by far. The...

NSPI seeks feedback on new entrapment standard.
September 3, 2004... The National Spa & Pool Institute is conducting a public review of a new standard (NSPI-7) concerning suction entrapment avoidance in pools and spas. Conceived in collaboration with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the proposed...

Las Vegas waterfeatures circumvent drought restrictions.
September 3, 2004... Despite a five-year drought and increasing water restrictions, a Las Vegas shopping center has found a way to keep its four fountains flowing by importing water from neighboring states. Because of city drought restrictions that ban the use of...

New spot etching study released.(Making News)
September 3, 2004... A study conducted by the National Plasterers Council in conjunction with Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, Calif., has concluded that water chemistry is the most important factor in the spot etching of swimming pool plaster. ...

Housing starts ascend.(Making News)
September 3, 2004... Housing starts marched upward, reaching a seasonably adjusted annual rate of 1.98 million units in July. That's 8.3 percent above June's revised rate of 1.83 million--and 4.5 pep cent over July 2003. "Favorable market conditions continue to...

Overchlorinated pool injures 69.
September 3, 2004... Sixty-nine swimmers were injured at the Oststadt Swim Center in Essen, Germany, when a Failure in the chlorine release mechanism caused severe overchlorination of the pool. Of the 47 injured swimmers who were hospitalized, 40 were children,...

Water Tech workers join AIDS walk.
September 3, 2004... Four employees of Water Tech Inc participated in the 19th Annual AIDS Walk New York, a 10K marathon created to benefit the Gay Men's Health Crisis. The New York-based GMHC is a not-for-profit organization and advocacy group dedicated to...

Violations abound at Arizona public pools.(Making News)
September 3, 2004... A new report shows that nearly 60 percent of Arizona's public pools have been hit with violations. The Arizona Republic conducted an analysis of Environ mental Services data and discovered that as of Aug. 1, Maricopa County had inspected...

Groundbreaking for Aqualand held.
September 3, 2004... Aquascape Designs Inc. broke ground on its new eco-friendly headquarters, Aqualand, in St. Charles, Ill., in July. Designed by the architectural firm Artisan Design-Build of Monroe, Wis., the facility will feature a 5.5-acre green roof,...

Woman fatally electrocuted in pool.
September 3, 2004... An Arleta, Calif., resident was found unconscious after being electrocuted in a pool in August. The woman, whose name had not been released at press time, was swimming in the pool with her brother when she came into contact with the pool light...

Retail Concept Store designer chosen.(Making News)
September 3, 2004... The National Spa & Pool Institute has chosen the designer for this year's NSPI Retailer of Excellence Concept Store. Retail Design Associates of Roseville, Calif., which specializes in developing store concepts for niche industries,...

Texas town denies Olympian his dream pool.
September 3, 2004... Officials in Hill Country Village, Texas, twice turned down a permit request from Josh Davis, U.S. swimmer and Olympic gold medalist, to build a 50-meter pool at his house. Davis wanted to be close to his family during training, so he had...

Poetry journal pools modern talent.
September 3, 2004... A new Los Angeles-based poetry magazine with a "Southern California feel" will hit bookstores this autumn with its third volume, Dedicated to publishing progressive modern scribes, Pool, A Journal of Poetry features an image of a pool, water or...

Master Tile acquires International Pool Tile.(Making News)
September 3, 2004... Master Tile Inc. has acquired International Pool Tile in a step designed to help the company achieve a stronger coast-to-coast presence in the pool tile market. Terms of the sale were undisclosed. "From a geographical standpoint, IPT got us...

SCP declares 6th stock split, new CFO.
September 3, 2004... In August, SCP Pool Corp. declared its sixth stock split since 1995. The 3-for-2 split is to be effected in the form of a 50 percent stock dividend. The additional shares will be distributed Sept. 10 to shareholders of record as of Aug. 23. As...

Gas prices drop--for now.(Making News)
September 3, 2004... Gas prices dropped 5 cents during a three-week period last month due to an increase in supply. But crude oil prices could cause rates to rise again. According to the Lundberg Study, the weighted national average for all three grades of...

Pool and spa industry stock market performance.(Making News)
September 3, 2004... Pool and Spa Industry Stock Market Performance Quotations are for August 16, 2004 Net Change ...

NSPF names director of educational programs.
September 3, 2004... The National Swimming Pool Foundation has appointed Alex Antoniou, Ph.D., as the director of educational programs. He is responsible for coordinating and expanding current NSPF education and certification programs, including the Certified Pool...

Beachcomber appoints two.
September 3, 2004... Beachcomber Hot Tubs Inc. in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, has appointed Lyndon Throness as director of marketing. He actually started with Beachcomber as director of marketing in 1997, but for the past two years has overseen the label...

Hallam wins Ernst & Young award.
September 3, 2004... Bob Hallam, CEO/founder of Dimension One Spas Inc., has been named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2004) in the Consumer Products category for the San Diego area. Since 1977, Hallam has grown his portable spa manufacturing business into...

Johnson joins Acu-Trol.
September 3, 2004... Scott Johnson has joined the research and development team at Acu-Trol Programmable Controllers in Auburn, Calif. As the new engineering technician. he's responsible for administering test procedures for new product development and will assist...

Pentair taps Menezes.
September 3, 2004... Pentair Pool Products has hired Jeevan Menezes as general site manager for its Sanford, NC, manufacturing facility. His duties will include overseeing all manufacturing operations at that location, as well as improving the manufacturing quality...

Pool prose: community-minded teens bring summer school to the pool.(People)
September 3, 2004... If Dr. Seuss had lived to see the day that aquatics centers offered free libraries and read-alouds, perhaps his next children's classic would have started something like this: "I will not read books in a school; I will only read books by the...

Workplace discrimination: be crystal clear on antidiscrimination policies and procedures so that managers and employees know exactly where you--and they--stand.(Legal Eagle)
September 3, 2004... Unlawful discrimination occurs when an employer makes a staffing decision motivated in part by an employee's age, race, disability, gender, pregnancy or religion. These are all examples of what's known as "protected status." Discrimination...

Listen up: through active listening, you can build the kind of customer trust and rapport that most businesses only dream about.(Showtime)
September 3, 2004... No one likes to receive complaints. Yet they are the most direct way customers can tell your organization how they're dissatisfied with your business. In most cases, consumer complaints give a business a second chance if it quickly fixes a...

3D pool design rendering service.(New Products)
September 3, 2004... by Creative 3D Visuals Features: product takes CAD or hand-drawn plans and creates high-definition 18-by-24-inch prints; can create virtual-tour videos showing day or nighttime, water movement, lighting, trees and shadows moving; company's...

Pond retailers bible.(New Products)
September 3, 2004... by Aquascape Designs Features: 160-page, full-color business book covers a range of pond retailing tips, including store setup and layout, finding and training employees, retailing and caring for plants and fish, and marketing and...

Ultra-Mayd mesh pool cover.(New Products)
September 3, 2004... by Plastimayd Corp. Features: new cover material incorporates a tighter weave mesh, which is intended to offer the advantages of a solid safety cover with less weight: blocks 93 percent of sunlight and filters out more dirt than...

WorldFLAME floating candles.(New Products)
September 3, 2004... by LAN Enterprises Features: outdoor floating candles for pools, ponds or fountains are designed to withstand breezes of up to 25 mph, as well as drizzle, without the protective glass cylinders encompassing the flame: made from paraffin...

Fitting/privacy room.(New Products)
September 3, 2004... by Walls + Forms Features: latest addition to company's collection of privacy room systems; modular enclosures are designed to be easy to install and can be used for fitting, tanning, storage, office applications and more; custom and...

Net 'em pool game.(New Products)
September 3, 2004... by S.R. Smith Features: pool game uses Frisbees and balls that are tossed at the wide-mouth net opening; can be used for a number of gaming applications, including water polo or Frisbee soccer; made of 1.9-inch diameter, commercial-grade...

Enviro-culture koi pond treatment.(New Products)
September 3, 2004... by Bio-Energy Systems Features: koi pond treatment contains a patented bacterium that is designed to treat viruses, tumors and pathogenic bacteria: eliminates algae, improves water clarity and increases dissolved oxygen, per maker:...

The brometer duo.(New Products)
September 3, 2004... by Palintest USA Features: hand-held, splash-proof meter for determining bromine and chlorine levels; designed to offer fast, easy checks of sanitizer levels; 10mm LCD screen; tests bromine in the range of 0-10 ppm and chlorine in the...

Pool access ladder.(New Products)
September 3, 2004... by Stevens Pool Ladder Features: new patent-pending, pool access ladder is designed for comfort and to help reduce liability; includes 20-by-48-inch cushioned seat, which is wheelchair height for easy transfer from wheelchair to ladder;...

Million in one mitt.(New Products)
September 3, 2004... by Mijo Enterprises Features: pool and hot tub mitt is designed to remove dirt, grime, oil, scum lines and more; white side is acrylic, vinyl, tile and stainless steel; gray side is used to clean on textured surface areas such as steps and...

AS-V combo motorized valve control.(New Products)
September 3, 2004... by Allied Innovations Features: operates one or two 24V motorized valves; 120V safety air switch with built-in 24V transformer; ideal for pool/spa combinations that share the same heating/filtration system; can be used as a single valve...

First-step foot bath.(New Products)
September 3, 2004... by Poolmaster Features: plastic foot bath is designed to wash away dirt and grass; accessory was created to help keep user from tracking dirt into pool or spa; measures 22-by-15v2-inches and features a safety-textured bottom Contact:...

Better, stronger, faster: pool equipment is steadily becoming more advanced and efficient. Here, industry pros reveal new trends affecting heaters, pumps and filters.
September 3, 2004... It's amazing the difference a few years can make. Five years ago, most people thought "google" was just a very large number, and Roger Galvin was the CEO of NSPI. Back then, the pool equipment pad also was different. Though the machinery...

The perfect fit: when it comes to equipment rooms, builders have to squeeze pipes, fittings, valves and more into a limited space. Here, three builders show how they piece the puzzle together.(Quarterly Market Report)
September 3, 2004... Space is often a problem with equipment sets. The homeowner or architect may want the best pool money can buy, but they don't want to devote a lot of room to the mechanical part of the equation. In enclosed equipment rooms, the problem is...

Horse power: horsepower ratings for pool and spa pumps are confusing and controversial. But that could soon change.(Quarterly Market Report)
September 3, 2004... If Florida pool builder Dan Johnson could have just one wish for his industry, it would be for the development of a new system to rate the power of pumps and motors. "It's a huge issue," says Johnson, owner of Swim-In, a Sarasota...

The little heat pump that could: the energy-efficient pool heat pump is growing in popularity. How far will it go?(Quarterly Market Report)
September 3, 2004... Michael D. Manley balks at the idea of Florida builders using anything in lieu of a heat pump to warm up a swimming pool. "Why wouldn't they use a heat pump?" he asks incredulously. Manley, the owner of Champagne Aquatech Pools and Spas in...

Bias in the media: the filter media of choice varies from region to region. Here, we examine the popularity of various types.(Quarterly Market Report)
September 3, 2004... All pool filters perform the same task: Keep the water sparkling clean. It is the media within the system that sets them apart. Today, three types of filter media dominate the market: sand, cartridge and diatomaceous earth, and their...

Seaside summit: the 2004 Pool Industry Expo makes waves in Monterey, Calif.
September 3, 2004... As summer wanes, the annual migration of service technicians and builders to Monterey, Calif., for the 2004 Pool Industry Expo is set to begin. The 18th annual show, scheduled for Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, will host approximately 5,000 to 6,000 pool...

Massage therapy systems.(Specialty Spas, Saunas and Steam Rooms)
September 3, 2004... by Aqua Massage Intl. Features: company offers massage therapy systems designed to give users full-body massages without getting undressed or wet; line includes Aqua Massage Spa (shown), Aqua Massage and Aqua PT Contact: Aqua Massage...

AromaMist eucalyptus oil delivery system.(Specialty Spas, Saunas and Steam Rooms)
September 3, 2004... by Accurate Industries Features: eucalyptus steam bath; microprocessor controlled; menu adjustable speed: LCD backlit digital display; LED indicating lights with solid brass injector; optional wall/floor mounting 5-gallon reservoir ...

Sauna and steam rooms.(Specialty Spas, Saunas and Steam Rooms)
September 3, 2004... by Baltic Leisure Co. Features: company offers precut sauna kits: modular units; commercial-grade benching; electronic programmable controls; ADA-compliant handicapped access doors, per maker Contact: Baltic Leisure Co., Oxford, Pa....

Saunas.(Specialty Spas, Saunas and Steam Rooms)
September 3, 2004... by American Infrared Saunas Corp. Features: saunas are designed for easy installation and can be assembled in 20 minutes without tools, per maker; 120V operation Contact: American Infrared Saunas Corp., Anaheim, Calif. (866) 527-8800...

Stainless steel ceramic tile spas.(Specialty Spas, Saunas and Steam Rooms)
September 3, 2004... by Bradford Products Features: company offers spas, pools and aquatic vessels made from 316L stainless steel construction; CAD engineered; inground and portable applications Offerings: lifetime warranty on stainless steel shell ...

Infrared saunas.(Specialty Spas, Saunas and Steam Rooms)
September 3, 2004... by Cal Spas Features: crafted from aspen wood, the Cal Heat infrared sauna plugs into standard wail outlets: three available models with seven temperature elements that heat up in five minutes and reach temperatures of 110- to 150 degrees...

Diamond spa.(Specialty Spas, Saunas and Steam Rooms)
September 3, 2004... by Coast Spas Mfg. Features: two-seater spa is 70 inches wide; features fiberoptics, 3hp pump, 16 jets and an optional Sony AM/FM/CD player; ideal for small decks and patios, per maker Contact: Coast Spas Mfg., Langley, British...

Spa-2-go.(Specialty Spas, Saunas and Steam Rooms)
September 3, 2004... by Comfort Line Products Features: portable spa is designed for easy installation; plugs into standard 110V outlet; fills with garden hose; rocking cover included; seats four adults; full-body turbo wave massage; cushioned bottom and side...

Custom stainless steel spas.(Specialty Spas, Saunas and Steam Rooms)
September 3, 2004... by Diamond Spas Features: spas are made from 316L stainless steel and are buffed and finished by hand; plumbing fixtures forged from stainless steel and copper; can be built to fit most small spaces; customizable options include shape,...

AquaFit 19 DT training station.(Specialty Spas, Saunas and Steam Rooms)
September 3, 2004... by Dimension One Spas Features: multiple low-impact strength training stations include swimming, rowing, running, stretching, running and a hydrotherapy spa; dual-temperature feature allows the hydrotherapy station temperature to differ...

Saunas by Finlandia Sauna Products.(Specialty Spas, Saunas and Steam Rooms)
September 3, 2004... Features: locking system in prefab models: 1-by-4-inch paneling; hand-etched glass designs for doors and a selection of Western woods is offered Offerings: POP materials; design consulting Contact: Finlandia Sauna Products Inc.,...

Saunas/steam & infrared heat therapy rooms.(Specialty Spas, Saunas and Steam Rooms)
September 3, 2004... by Finnleo Sauna and Steam Features: Scandinavian designs; portable plug-ins or deluxe luxury saunas with curved glass windows, low-voltage lighting and deluxe interiors are available Offerings: dealer program includes showroom design,...

Redwood hot tubs.(Specialty Spas, Saunas and Steam Rooms)
September 3, 2004... by Gordon & Grant Redwood Tanks Features: constructed of hand selected, all-heart, kiln-dried redwood: oval, round, conical or slant-back shapes: custom sizes available Contact: Gordon & Grant Redwood Tanks Inc., Santa Barbara, Calif....

Penta hot tub.(Specialty Spas, Saunas and Steam Rooms)
September 3, 2004... by Great Lakes Home & Resort Features: new hot tub includes a range of jet styles and options, a reclining bench; the Rumble Seat with high-powered jets along back and the Great Falls Power Massage with soft pillow and neck jets designed to...

Rubadub tub.(Specialty Spas, Saunas and Steam Rooms)
September 3, 2004... by Great Northern Engineering Features: 44-inch deep hot tub with adjustable height seating and customized jet placement; designed to be lightweight and energy-efficient; custom sizes and depths available Offerings: literature,...

The 212 everday hot tub.(Specialty Spas, Saunas and Steam Rooms)
September 3, 2004... by Marquis Spas Features: with its 68-inch triangular-shape, this two-person unit allows for three seating positions; comes with 10 jets and holds 50 gallons of water; includes Durashell interior with Western red cedar cabinet, gray cover...

Sauna rooms, heaters and steam generators.(Specialty Spas, Saunas and Steam Rooms)
September 3, 2004... by McCoy Sauna & Steam Features: company offers precut and modular custom sauna rooms for commercial and residential spaces Contact: McCoy Sauna & Steam, Novi, Mich. (800) 225-7519 Write 1036 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION...

The fun tub.(Specialty Spas, Saunas and Steam Rooms)
September 3, 2004... by Medallion Pools Features: 42-inch deep hot tub; light weight, yet strong aluminum shell with durable vinyl liner; can be assembled on site so it will fit in most rooms Offerings: brochures Contact: Medallion Pools, Colonial...

Health mate infrared saunas.(Specialty Spas, Saunas and Steam Rooms)
September 3, 2004... by PLH Products Features: company offers free-standing infrared saunas with no wiring, plumbing or ventilation; most units plug into 120V/240V outlets; can be assembled in 10 minutes, per maker Contact: PLH Products Inc., Buena Park,...

Crown II and impulse hot tubs.(Specialty Spas, Saunas and Steam Rooms)
September 3, 2004... by Nordic Products Features: 120V/240V convertible Crown II hot tub (shown) has 21 jets and Nordissage Seats for overall massage; four-person Impulse hot tub features 14 jets Contact: Nordic Products Inc., Grand Rapids, Mich. (888)...

Jade 24 tanning bed.(Specialty Spas, Saunas and Steam Rooms)
September 3, 2004... by ProSun Tanning Industries Features: residential bed with commercial design and 24 lamps, including nine face tanners and four arm tanners Contact: ProSun Tanning Industries, St. Petersburg, Fla. (800) 874-2776 Write 1041 on...

Therasauna heat sauna.(Specialty Spas, Saunas and Steam Rooms)
September 3, 2004... by QCA Spas Features: patented sauna features Thera Heat System, which maintains the infrared heat produced by Theramitters at the 9.4 micron range, the maximum absorbed by the human body to boost heating: heats body through conversion...

Tuff spa.(Specialty Spas, Saunas and Steam Rooms)
September 3, 2004... by Quality Leisure Products Features: company offers a one piece rotomolded spa; neck jets, lounge, multi pump and jet upgrades are available Contact: Quality Leisure Products. Glendale, Ariz. (866) 939-0851 Write 1043 on...

AquaSwim n' spa.(Specialty Spas, Saunas and Steam Rooms)
September 3, 2004... by Rio Swim Spas Features: two size configurations available; larger spa measures 19 feet across with depths of 4- to 4.5 feet; smaller spa is 16 feet across with 3- to 3.5-foot depths; spas are steel-reinforced with 2.5-inch square tubing...

Infrared saunas.(Specialty Spas, Saunas and Steam Rooms)
September 3, 2004... by Saunagen Features: company offers an infrared sauna designed to penetrate up to 45mm inside the body, to increase blood circulation and reduce stress and fatigue; compact sizes Contact: Saunagen, div., Kingston Global Inc.,...

Steam showers and rooms.(Specialty Spas, Saunas and Steam Rooms)
September 3, 2004... by Scandia Manufacturing Features: modular steam-shower cabin (shown) includes a traditional shower, massage jets, steam bath and aromatherapy; every cabin features raised flooring with drain hole, halogen lighting, built-in speakers,...

Aqua-therapy systems.(Specialty Spas, Saunas and Steam Rooms)
September 3, 2004... by Spectrum Aquatics Features: inground and aboveground applications; stainless steel construction; designed to resist corrosion, custom designs Offerings: warranties; lease plans; installation Contact: Spectrum Aquatics, Missoula,...

SolTech pro tanning beds.(Specialty Spas, Saunas and Steam Rooms)
September 3, 2004... by Soleil Systems Features: beds are made with all-metal construction and include frosted acrylics, ballasts, body coolers, facial tanners and durable base assemblies Contact: Soleil Systems, Elk Grove Village, Ill. (800) 385-9750 ...

Swim spas.(Specialty Spas, Saunas and Steam Rooms)
September 3, 2004... by Sunbelt Spas Features: company offers swim spas with six ergonomic seats, a swim stream and Badu jet and fiberoptic options Contact: Sunbelt Spas, Houston (800) 258-7727 Write 1049 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION...

Badustream.(Specialty Spas, Saunas and Steam Rooms)
September 3, 2004... by Speck Pumps-Pool Products Features: product is designed for treadmill swimming and to create a current of 5,000 gpm; adjustable-flow nozzles; can be installed in any type of pool, per maker; optional pulsating massage hose; three...

Solo spa.(Specialty Spas, Saunas and Steam Rooms)
September 3, 2004... by Sundance Spas Features: compact spa seats one adult: includes ComforTone headrest, 24 hydrojets, a curved handrail for easy access and twin armrests with jets for targeted Offerings: POP materials, co-op advertising, new dealer...

Automatic controllers and online DPD test.(Commercial Equipment)
September 3, 2004... by Acu-Trol Programmable Controllers Features: controls entire pump room, from chemicals and temperature to filtration and backwash; new combined chloramines control; offers high-speed data/voice modem for 24-hour remote access; automates...

Powerwinder blanket reel system.(Commercial Equipment)
September 3, 2004... by Alta Enterprises Features: automatic, power winder system is designed to eliminate hand cranking; attaches to existing pool blanket reel system; 12V winder; can power numerous blankets Contact: Alta Enterprises Inc., Alta, Wyo....

Hydrolux lid.(Commercial Equipment)
September 3, 2004... by Aquamatic Cover Systems Features: hydraulics make for an automated lid that allows the cover to be hidden in the pool floor; floating slats make installation without tracks or leading edges, per maker Contact: Aquamatic Cover...

Medium-pressure UV sanitation controller.(Commercial Equipment)
September 3, 2004... by Advanced Control Logix Features: high intensity, medium-pressure UV system for pools and spas; uses only ultraviolet radiation to disinfect water, per maker; designed to eliminate chloramines without additional chemicals Offerings:...

TigerShark cleaner.(Commercial Equipment)
September 3, 2004... by Aqua Vac Systems Features: portable robotic cleaner covers pool surfaces in an organized pattern by reading and calculating the size and shape of the pool; designed for time and energy efficiency Contact: Aqua Vac Systems, West Palm...

Commercial filtration system.(Commercial Equipment)
September 3, 2004... by Astral Pool USA Features: company offers a filtration system for commercial pools; as well as a range of commercial products, from stainless steel deck equipment to cast-iron pumps up to 50hp Offerings: full-color literature;...

Lennovator pool & spa control.(Commercial Equipment)
September 3, 2004... by Allied Innovations Features: controls pool and spa functions; wireless radio hand-held remote provides real-time communication so users always know the status of their pools; remote LCD readout displays water temperature, jet status,...