Pool & Spa News back issues from May 2004:
Gas prices rock the industry.
May 07, 2004; ... U.S. motorists have been paying an average 31.5 cents per gallon more since December 2003, according to a recently released report. No near-term relief is in sight as pool building and service companies desperately seek ways to protect their bottom lines. The nationwide ...
Pentair names new president.
May 07, 2004; ... Pentair Pool Products has recently named Scott Levin its president and general manager, creating a new position for the company. Levin will help the Sanford, N.C.-based manufacturer adjust to its large-scale growth, improving distribution methods, customer service and ...
Before cupid strikes.(Reflections)
May 07, 2004; ... Prior to coming to Pool & Spa News, I worked at a research company, overseeing day-to-day operations for a variety of studies. I liked my job. The people who reported to me all seemed happy and motivated, and if there was a morale problem, I figured out the answer using common sense. ...
More health-care options for small firms.(Making News)
May 07, 2004; ... Owning a business is part of the American dream. But as many small-business owners know, getting quality health-care insurance for themselves and their employees is a nightmare. "I'm jumping through hoops all the time," said Sandy Bradbury of Bradbury Watering Hole in Columbus, ...
Middle East Pool show debuts.
May 07, 2004 ... The Middle East Pool Exhibition 2004 came to a successful close April 22 at the Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Centre in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, aka UAE. The first-ever four-day event--sponsored by the General Exhibition Corp., Society of Engineers (UAE) and ...
Marquis and King Tech. strike deal.
May 07, 2004 ... Two manufacturers, Marquis Spas and King Technology Inc., recently announced an agreement to install King's Spa Frog sanitizing system as standard equipment on Marquis models. The system is a mineral purifier intended to cut bromine usage and ...
Industry copes with severe drought.(Making News)
May 07, 2004; ... One of the worst droughts in recent history continues to grip much of the west and southwestern United States. Yet pool and spa industry workers said they've yet to completely feel its impact. "Oh, my God, yes. There is absolutely a drought," said Rick Millard, owner of Aqua ...
Symposium tackles pool safety issues.(Making News)
May 07, 2004; ... It was all about changing attitudes on pool safety. The Third Annual National Drowning Prevention Symposium in Palm Springs, Calif., last month drew pool industry experts, community advocates, relatives of drowning victims, and health and safety officials. It was three days of ...
Aquatherm receives NSF approval.
May 07, 2004 ... Aquatherm Industries of Lakewood, NJ., announced it is the first solar pool-heating equipment manufacturer to receive safety certification from the National Sanitation Foundation for its line ...
ThermoSpas helps aching teen.
May 07, 2004 ... ThermoSpas of Wallingford, Conn., recently donated one of its Healing Spas to fibromyalgia sufferer Kaitlin Durkin in Marion, Mass. The donation is part of the company's "Seasons of Giving" program, designed to provide therapy spas to kids with illnesses that might benefit ...
NSPI debuts advanced builder program.(Making News)
May 07, 2004; ... NSPI will roll out a new advanced education program for builders at this year's International Pool & Spa Expo in Las Vegas. Organized by the NSPI Builders Council, the program will be held Nov. 30 to Dec. 1, two days before the exhibits open. "There is a large number ...
Housing starts grow after winter chill.(Making News)
May 07, 2004 ... New-home construction thawed from last month's freeze as housing starts reached a season ably adjusted annual rate of 2.007 million units in March, up from 1.887 million units during February. "The interest rate structure remains favorable; national, regional and local economies are ...
DuPont to slash workforce.
May 07, 2004 ... DuPont recently revealed plans to cut back its workforce by 6 percent, or 3,500 positions, as part of a $900 million cost-cutting program originally announced back in December. The company also plans to slash 450 contractor jobs. The statement comes as part of the company's increasing ...
G.B. Financial Services renamed.
May 07, 2004 ... In an effort to create a new identity for its financing program for pool builders, Pool & Spa Systems in Tempe, Ariz., has switched the name of this branch from G.B. Financial Services Inc. to Paramount Capital Finance Corp. The services aim, however, of assisting pool builders in ...
Report: economic momentum strong.(Making News)
May 07, 2004; ... The Conference Board reported in April that its Index of Leading Economic Indicators was above the 100.0 mark for the seventh consecutive month. That indicates strong economic momentum going into the second quarter. The Associated Press noted that the index rose 0.3 percent in ...
Pool and spa industry stock market transactions.(Making News)
May 07, 2004 ... <Pre> Pool and Spa Industry Stock Market Transactions Net Change Quotations are for Vol.Closefrom April 19, 2004...
Aqua Pool helps fight cancer.
May 07, 2004 ... At the American Cancer Society Hope Gala 2004 in Plantsville, Conn., Aqua Pool & Patio Inc., a pool designer in Windsor, Conn., donated a gunite pool for a live auction benefiting the Society's programs for cancer ...
Correction.(Correction Notice)
May 07, 2004 ... In the 4/9/04 issue's Top 50 Products, King Technology's Spa Frog Floating System's bromine cartridge was described as lasting two to four months; it actually lasts two to four weeks. In addition, Zeotech Corp. manufactures ...
'Rudy' tapped as Expo keynote speaker.(Making News)
May 07, 2004; ... Organizers of Hanley Wood's 2004 International Pod & Spa Expo have announced that Rudy Ruettiger, best known as the inspiration for the 1993 hit movie "Rudy," will be this year's keynote speaker. "Rudy has a story to tell about his life and about his challenges," said ...
Inflation signs point toward small firms.(Making News)
May 07, 2004 ... Continuing an 11-month string of readings above the 100 mark, the Small-Business Optimism Index remained unchanged at 102.6 in March. Though small businesses are holding a positive economic outlook, the reading indicates an inflationary trend. "The readings we're getting from ...
Sundance promotes Pasley, Ferguson.
May 07, 2004 ... Sundance Spas Inc., a Chino, Calif. based manufacturer, has promoted Jerry Pasley from director of sales to vice president of sales. An 11-year company veteran, Pasley is responsible for North American sales of Sundance's Jacuzzi Spa Division, which ...
Three join San Juan Pools.
May 07, 2004 ... San Juan Pools has added three new faces to its sales and support team. Bill Sheldon now is national sales manager for the Lakeland, Fla.-based fiberglass pool manufacturer. Sheldon has a 20-year background in sales and marketing. Thirty year pool-industry veteran Jim Erskine has ...
Certol names Shaw sales V.P.
May 07, 2004 ... Certol International has named Fred Shaw the vice president of national sales. Shaw will oversee sales of the company's ...
Water Tech hire Falzer.
May 07, 2004 ... Mike Falzer has joined Water Tech Inc., a maker of pool and spa products. As national sales manager, Faker will cover ...
Redman to endorse Pacific Pools.
May 07, 2004 ... Golfer Michele Redman of the Ladies Professional Golf Association has signed an endorsement deal with Pacific Pools, a vinyl-liner pool manufacturer. The contract calls for Redman to wear the company's logo on her ...
Turning a new Leif: from the Cold War to steel shortages, Leif Zars has survived it all, and reinvented his company along the way.(People)
May 07, 2004; ... Keim He patented one of the first cantilevered deck designs for inground pools and chaired the first NSPI committee to develop workmanship standards for the pool industry. In the 50 years he's been in the pool business, Leif Zars is responsible for a lot of firsts. "I've always ...
The right size: sizing commercial sand filter systems means paying attention to all the details.(Technically Speaking)
May 07, 2004; ... When selecting the correct sand filtration system for a commercial project, you must pay close attention to every step of the process. Whether the project is a new waterpark or a renovation of a smaller commercial pool, certain aspects of the job require a detailed plan of action. ...
Bad documents can bite: identifying ways to eliminate or manage litigation through better documentation.(Legal Eagle)
May 07, 2004; ... One significant risk area for companies that are litigation targets is "bad" documents. In litigation, you generally need to turn over all the relevant documents you have to the opposing party--whether good or bad for your case. What constitutes a bad document? It is one whose ...
Three moon bay pool.(New Products)
May 07, 2004; ... by Blue Hawaiian Fiberglass Pools Features: latest addition to company's line of one-piece fiberglass pools; free-form, patent-pending design goes from shallow to deep to shallow, enabling it to double as an activity pool; steps include underwater ...
Sunchaser supercushion lounger.(New Products)
May 07, 2004; ... by Swimline Corp. Features: company introduces floating lounger with nylon-covered, inflatable cushion; sturdy, molded adjustable frame and pontoon design; ...
Pendulum swing.(New Products)
May 07, 2004; ... by Health in Motion Features: new, two-sided 440P pendulum swing is designed to seat four; constructed of 3-inch round 11-gauge steel with polyesterelectrostatic resin powder coat finish; sealed steel ball ...
Inground steel pools.(New Products)
May 07, 2004; ... by Imperial Pools Mfg. & Dist. Features: company offers two new free-form shapes of inground steel pools: keyhole and lagoon (shown); both shapes are available in 16-by-32-feet, 18-by-46-feet or ...
Metro spa.(New Products)
May 07, 2004; ... by Sundance Spas Features: made to seat three adults; four therapy stations for a variety of hydrotherapy options; total of 21 hydrojets, including Pro-Touch II with interchangeable nozzles for personalized ...
In-pool bar.(New Products)
May 07, 2004; ... by S.R. Smith Features: mosaic table option now is available for company's in-pool bar accessory; comes with two seats and an umbrella table manufactured from UV-stabilized, chemical-resistant, high-impact ...
Zeobrite.(New Products)
May 07, 2004; ... by Zeotech Corp. Features: filter media is designed to replace sand in sand filters while reducing chemical and operating costs, backwashing frequency and eye irritating ...
Pool liner visualization tool.(New Products)
May 07, 2004; ... by Plastimayd Corp. Features: Web-based program enables homeowners to visualize how pool liner patterns will look in their pools: users can drag various liner patterns into pool with water and brick coping to see how pattern might look ...
sureTrack 4 test strips.(New Products)
May 07, 2004; ... by Taylor Technologies Features: new one-dip test strips measure for free chlorine or bromine, pH and total alkalinity; target ranges for each of these values correspond to recently updated ANSI and NSPI standards, ...
Micron disposable pool & spa filters.(New Products)
May 07, 2004; ... by Micro-Pure Water Filtration Features: disposable alternative to regular cartridges; designed to eliminate filter cleanings; life expectancy ranges from two to four months; filters have three times the dirt-holding capacity and 30 times ...
Calcium removal system.(New Products)
May 07, 2004; ... by Modern Surfaces Features: chemical-free calcium-cleaning system designed to remove calcium buildup from various surfaces, such as aggregate, tile or stone, without damaging pool glaze; uses water instead of air in an effort to ...
Hadco 22V transformer.(New Products)
May 07, 2004; ... by Hadco Lighting Features: lighting transformer with stainless steel power console: encapsulated coil arrangement designed for reduced noise and cool operation; available up to 1500 watts and voltage taps from 12V to 22V; ...
Annual distributors issue.
May 07, 2004 ... What is the place of the distributor in 21st century business? With consolidation seemingly an everyday occurrence in the pool and spa industry, more and more independent distributors are beginning to wonder what the future may hold for them. Pool & Spa News' annual distributors ...
Bundling up: more and more manufacturers use the art of bundling to increase sales. However, distributors say the strategy has its pros and cons.
May 07, 2004; ... With industry consolidation becoming an everyday occurrence, an increasing number of manufacturers are turning to a strategy they hope will maintain customer loyalty. That strategy, known as "bundling," ties several high-ticket items together in a package and encourages buyers to try new ...
WINDO on the world: thriving in today's distribution world means more than just business--it's personal.
May 07, 2004; ... Many of today's independent distributors are slowly disappearing due to industry consolidation and the growing popularity of online retailing. Yet under the shadow of behemoth distributors, the Wholesale Independent National Distributors Organization not only survives, but thrives. ...
Distribution derby: meet 11 of the industry's most respected distributors. See how their products and points of differentiation help them remain strong in a competitive market.
May 07, 2004; ... Rising health-care costs, industry consolidation, dealer buying groups and competition from overseas markets are some of the current issues facing distributors in the pool and spa industry. Despite these challenges, many companies still see lots of opportunity. "Any builder who ...
Risky business: in the first installment of this two-part series on office romance, we explore ways employers can deal with workplace dating and avoid potential liabilities.
May 07, 2004; ... Suzzette Diaz and Kevin O'Meara are in love. But a year ago, she wouldn't even go to dinner with him. "I didn't think it was appropriate," says Diaz, the service manager at All American Custom Pools in Norwalk, Conn. O'Meara works for the same company in construction. ...
Desert storm: they took over their father's company during a recession. But within a decade, brothers Buzz, David and Edward Ghiz had swept through Phoenix and Las Vegas. Here's how they did it.
May 07, 2004; ... It was the time second-generation business owners dread, yet spend their entire lives working toward. When George Ghiz passed away in May 1988, his three sons were ready to run Paddock Pools & Spas. They'd grown up with the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based company and done everything ...
AK600 pump room control.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 07, 2004; ... by Acu-Trol Programmable Controllers Features: made to control chemicals, temperature, filtration and backwash; new combined-chloramines control; high-speed data/voice modem for 24-hour remote access: automates DPD ...
Chlorinator system.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 07, 2004; ... by AquaPower-Plus Salt Water Chlorinators Features: saltwater chlorinator for pools and spas; designed to run at 2500 ppm of salt: clear cell Offerings: 24 hour turnaround on ...
Chlorine generators.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 07, 2004; ... by AutoPilot System Features: models for residential and commercial applications; in-line, in-deck and in pool models avail able: self-cleaning; microprocessor controlled; controller compatible ...
UV sanitation system.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 07, 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 ...
Automated chemical controllers.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 07, 2004; ... by Aquasol Controllers Features: designed to monitor and maintain sanitizer and pH; provides safety alerts and features: electrodes and flow cell included in every controller; made for easy installation and ...
Eco-matic saltwater sanitizing system.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 07, 2004; ... by Balboa Direct Features: automatic cleaning system designed to be environment friendly, economical and easy to install ...
Aqua-doc water conditioner.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 07, 2004; ... by Aqua-Nova Features: company offers a new titanium series magnetic water conditioner; conditioner is more powerful than earlier models, per maker Offerings: ...
Caldera Monarch Corona discharge ozone system.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 07, 2004; ... by Caldera Spas Features: mixes concentrated ozone with spawater as it travels through contact chamber, per maker; oxidizes organic contaminants; designed for low maintenance ...
The Mineral Springs system.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 07, 2004; ... by BioGuard Features: produces a continuous sanitizer using a blend of Beginnings & Renewal minerals in conjunction with Mineral Springs ...
BioFree automatic pool sanitizing system.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 07, 2004; ... by BioQuest Features: patented BioQuest sensor; electrolytic cell produces bromine; designed to simplify spa maintenance ...
FlexFlo A-100N peristaltic chlorinator.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 07, 2004; ... by Blue-White Industries Features: peristaltic chlorinator with exclusive tube-failure detection system Offerings: training; counter ...
Cal Zone Quest 2000 ozonator.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 07, 2004; ... by Cal Spas Features: corona discharge cell enables system to purify spa water without the use of damaging UV rays, per maker; designed to be nearly maintenance-free ...
Electronic water purification equipment.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 07, 2004; ... by Carefree Cleanwater Ltd. Features: new model 1200 series includes features such as power control knob, high ion button for quick start-up, check anode indicator light, and slide switch for ...
CAT 2000 professional package.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 07, 2004; ... by Chemical Automation Technologies Features: designed to save time and effort during installation; factory assembles a CAT 200 pH/ORP water-chemistry controller and flow cell with rotary flow sensor onto a 24-inch backboard; ...
CH255 PPM/pH digital controller.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 07, 2004; ... by Chemtrol Features: free-chlorine control with solid-state sensor that is designed to be easy to operate; maintenance-free, per maker Offerings: five-year ...
Autoclear plus salt chlorine generator.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 07, 2004; ... by Clear-Tech Automation Features: digital salt readout; Jandy Aqualink compatible Offerings: 10-year limited warranty: POP displays and literature; retail ...
The Scaleblaster model SB-300.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 07, 2004; ... by ClearWater Enviro Technologies Features: product is designed to reduce chlorine use in pools and spas; digitally controlled microprocessor releases copper and silver into water to kill algae and ...
Apex VI.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 07, 2004; ... by ClearWater Tech Features: according to manufacturer, the product offers ozone output of 8 grams per hour at 8 SCFH; system is shipped complete and fully integrated ...
Chlorine generators.(Sanitizing Equipment)
May 07, 2004; ... by Clormatic Features: commercial units include 3-inch flanges, automatic self-cleaning cycle, ORP interface, 250-gallon flow rate, and can treat up to 100,000 gallons; NSF-certified, per maker ...