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Industry News
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Video Gallery
 Check out the videos featured in the Pool & Spa News Video Gallery. The videos showcase the latest projects, products and equipment, as well as in-the-field demonstrations.
Latest video: Get a behind-the-scenes tour of a Pool & Spa News Masters of Design winner.
• Watch Videos...
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Service Tip
Air Leaks
Air leaks can cause a variety of problems in a pool, especially in making a pump lose prime. Having a lighter handy can save a lot of hassle when trying to identify these suction-side air leaks, which often form around fittings, valves and the pump basket lid. Simply move the lighter around the suspected area to see where the flame is drawn, cupping your hand over the fire if necessary. Fixing the leak could be as easy as replacing an O-ring. This quick trick to detect leaks will save your customers time and money.
— Thanks to Bryan Chrissan, owner, Clear Valley Pool & Spa Service, Temecula, Calif.
• More Service Tips
Visit our Website to find industry experts’ tips on installation, troubleshooting, repair and maintenance.
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MOD Design Tip
 What great design concept are you working on?
“I’ve been rethinking how I design, and am going back to classic and timeless looks with simple shapes.”
How does it work?
“I’ve often done natural backyard designs, but not every pool has to look like a pond. Even out in the country here, more people are gravitating toward simple shapes as opposed to free-forms.
“Simpler designs make economic sense, too. People have less money and want the biggest bang for their buck, so we [suggest] using a simple design and maybe adding nice, upgraded materials for an elegant look.
“I recently worked on a pool at an old dairy farm. It’s a 12-by-24-foot rectangle with scuppers at one end and glass tile at the backside. It’s out of the ground, so it looks more like a fountain. It’s just a simple rectangle, no frills, but it has high-quality materials.
“We’re also working with round pools. I’m getting ready to do one that looks like an old [1800s-style] ranch cistern. This pool will be built 12 inches out of the ground, and we’re going to face one-third of it with stone, one-third with corrugated tin, and one-third with wood, just like it was done 100 years ago.”
— Michael Logsdon, president, Land Design, Boerne, Texas
Pool & Spa News 2007 MOD Winner - Concrete Pools
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Retail Snapshot
 “We implemented a new program this year to get better input from our customers. We created the Colley’s Advisory Board, which is made up of our select customers. We asked about five to 10 couples to join. Our plan is to meet once or twice a year.
“We want to know what’s working in our store and what’s not. We also get their input on new products. Manufacturers send samples for them to review; and then we ask them about pricing and whether we should carry the items. We want all their constructive criticism… the good, the bad and the ugly. In return, they get discounts on retail products and services, and priority scheduling on service visits.
“We just had our first meeting, and we’ll probably fine-tune the program as it goes along. But, we have already received invaluable information. It’s absolutely paying off for us. Anything that we can do to make our business better is worth it.”
— Kathy Dennehy, sales coordinator, Colley’s Pools & Spas, Hamburg, N.Y.
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Trade Show News
VGB Education & Product Pavilion
When at the 2009 International | Pool | Spa | Patio Expo, stop in at the new VGB Education & Product Pavilion, a must-see exhibit for attendees looking for VGB Safety Act-related products such as anti-entrapment drain covers, safety devices, fences and more.
At the pavilion, which is located on the show floor, attendees will also be able to hear 30-minute vendor presentations on compliance requirements, water safety, drowning prevention and more.
Don’t miss this opportunity to check out the VGB-compliant products!
Register online by Oct. 6 to receive discounted registration rates!
• More Expo News
Get the latest news about all the events and opportunities available at this year’s International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo.
 Exhibits: Nov. 16-18
Conference: Nov. 13-18
Mandalay Bay Convention Center
Las Vegas, Nevada USA
972.536.6350
www.PoolSpaPatio.com | info@PoolSpaPatio.com
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