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Drawing the Dream

Four high-end builders discuss their design approaches — hand-rendered drawings vs. 3-D software.

Media Matters

Selecting the right filter media saves time, headaches.

Lethal Light

Properly applying UV radiation for maximum effect.

Race to the Bottom

An insider’s take on the state of the pool industry.

Will to Survive

Meet four Phoenix retailers who beat the odds.

Sitting Pretty

A S.D. retailer wins big with family games and barstools.

Layering Effect

How to best place plants in a landscape design.

HOT TOPICS
What our readers are talking about.

Re: Slow Response to ADA Deadline
“I have bid on a number of projects, but it seems like everyone is waiting until the last possible moment and risk being shut down.”

Re: Lack of Code Enforcement Angers Arizona Techs
“I think the real problem is with Arizona techs not being trained properly or never taking the time to learn. Too many guys run around with a truck and call themselves pool guys. Ridiculous.”

Top Tweeted Articles

• Early-Buy Activity Improves
• Industry Groups Intensify Push for Membership

INDUSTRY EDUCATION

Certified Aquatic Energy Auditor Course
Become the most trusted pool service tech and maintain loyal customers when you help homeowners save money. This course is designed for residential service pros to audit and recommend energy-efficient improvements for pool owners.
Sponsored by:

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MASTERS OF DESIGN
Looking for some design inspiration? The latest Masters of Design winners turn aquascapes into works of art. View this year’s award-winning pools, spas and waterfeatures.

MORE CONTENT

Special Reports • Tragic Accidents: Childhood drowning and parental responsibility. • Covering the Drain: Ensuring drain-cover safety is complicated. • Pressing Matters: How is the industry dealing with its image problem? • Paying the Price: The case of a builder charged in a drowning death.	Design/Construction • Safety Solution: Layers of protection save lives — when done right. • Multi-Level Marvel: Creating a space that’s contemporary, but not cold. • Illuminating Safely: Keep customers safe with these lighting tips. • Gravel v. Sand: Debating the best backfill material for fiberglass pools.	Service • Fighting Scale: The causes and effects of calcium phosphate scale. • Algae Arsenal: How algaecides can treat water problems. • Spa Sleuthing: Tricks to troubleshooting spa jets and blowers. • Know Your Stains: The trick to diagnosing and treating vinyl-liner stains.

Retail • In the Minority: Are you selling to this affluent, yet untapped, demographic? • Great Expectations: Colorful accessories and displays boost sales. • Event Planning: How to make a splash at home shows. • Read All About It: Maximizing the effectiveness of your enewsletter.	Spas • A Thing of Beauty: Tips for integrating a portable spa into a wood deck. • State of the Market: Today’s hot tub sales trends focus on price, hydrotherapy. • Show Stopper: A Texas pool builder redefines the spa showroom.	Technical • Salt on Site: Learn more about electrolytic chlorine generation. • Drain Hydraulics: Understanding hydraulics aids in drain cover selection. • Feed Needs: Liquid chemical feeders can simplify pool maintenance.

Energy Efficiency • The Energy Boost: Insulating pools to boost energy efficiency. • Selling Efficiency: Consumers will pay a premium for clean, quiet solutions. • Shine a Light: Solar pool heating suppliers assist dealers through a variety of channels.	Technology • Facing the Future: Internet pricing vs. independent service firms. • Embracing E-commerce: Brick-and-mortar stores turn to e-tailing. • Conquering the Internet: Brick-and-mortar stores need to go on the offensive.	Business/Economy • United They Stand: Industry advocates work for the common good. • How to Fight City Hall: Following certain guidelines can help win over government officials • Your Brand Here: Making your mark through branding. • The Art of Reinvention: How some distributors have revamped their operations.

STOREFRONT

Pool & Spa News now showcases a variety of books, supplements and directories for sale online that will give you the tools you need to enhance your skills and boost your business.
FEATURED ITEMS:

Directory	Ultimate Tech Manual	Tech Tips
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BREAKING NEWS

Slow Response to ADA Deadline
With only weeks to go before the compliance deadline, inquiries about the ADA are trickling in from aquatics facilities. Still, there isn’t as much activity as would be expected.

Dallas-Fort Worth Area May Face Permit Ban

Industry Groups Intensify Push for Membership

Lack of Code Enforcement Angers Arizona Techs

Early-Buy Activity Improves

Retail Summit Offers Motivation, Optimism

Genesis 3 Co-Founder Leaves Organization

ThermoSpas Searches for a Buyer

AquaStar Sues Hayward

Leslie’s to Purchase Shasta Retail

Neptune-Benson Acquires Lawson Aquatics

New Service Licensing Bill Introduced in Florida

More News...

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IN THIS ISSUE

IN THE
JANUARY 27, 2012
ISSUE:
• Hand-rendered drawings vs. three-dimensional software
• Selecting the right filter media
• Ultraviolet radiation
• Commentary: An inside look at the pool industry
• Survival story: How four Phoenix firms have toughed out the economy
• A South Dakota retailer wins big with family games, bar stools

• Read this issue

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Check out the latest products from some of the industry’s leading suppliers.

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

• Leading Economic Indicators

• Unemployment Rates

• Consumer Confidence Index

• Mortgage Rates

Visit Hanley Wood Market Intelligence for more market-level data and analysis.

EDITOR’S NOTE

The Spirit of Innovation
By Erika Taylor

Let’s hope that as technology continues to advance and we come out of this recession, the pool and spa industry will regain some of the passion and enthusiasm that was prevalent in its early years.

INDUSTRY EVENTS

International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo
Exhibits: Nov. 6-8, 2012
Conference: Nov. 3-8, 2012
New Orleans, La.
972.536.6350
www.PoolSpaPatio.com
info@PoolSpaPatio.com

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THEAQUAPEDIA.COM

Pool & Spa News features TheAquapedia.com — an editable encyclopedia and referral resource for the pool, spa and aquatics industries. There are more than 1,300 pages online now!

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Be a part of the TheAquapedia.com’s growth — add your own information today!

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