|
|
| |
Industry News |
|
| |
|
|
| |
ADVERTISEMENT
|
|
| |
Sneak Peek
Be the first to read an article that will be appearing in the next issue of Pool & Spa News:
 A Cut Above
For the past several years, vinyl-liner pools have become ever more intricate in their design. In fact, some builders rarely install standard shapes anymore.
Considering this reality, it is crucial that installers know how to measure pools for both new and replacement liners, no matter how complex the perimeter shape and inner contours.
Doing this involves a process known as A-B measuring. Here, experts provide a detailed explanation of this method, and how to do it right.
|
|
| |
ADVERTISEMENT
|
|
| |
MOD Design Tip
 What great design concept are you working on?
We just finished a project that we’re excited about, at a house designed by an architect who was famous here in the 1970s. E. Fay Jones was an Arkansas native and apprentice to Frank Lloyd Wright. Like Wright, Fay preferred working with organic materials, such as wood. He had a practice in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas.
How does it work?
Fay Jones homes have simple lines, and the insides are more slick, like Japanese-style, with really low ceilings and waterfeatures. This is a large project. The gunite pool is simplified, with straight lines, and raised beams with 2-by-2-inch glass tiles on it.
We also built waterfeatures in front of the house. Visitors walk across a bridge [over] a waterfeature ... to get into the home. The waterfeature is at different levels — the yard and waterfall drop down toward the house. Water is really made to be a feature of the home. But the design is simple. Lately, customers don’t seem to be trying to do things as grandiose.
— David Burton, president Burton Pools and Spas, Fort Smith, Ark.
Pool & Spa News Masters of Design Winner — 2003 Vinyl-Liner Pools
|
|
| |
ADVERTISEMENT
|
|
| |
Business Tips
 5 Ways to Inspire Employees
Companies are demanding a lot from their workforce, and that can lead to a higher burn-out rate if employees don’t feel appreciated for their efforts.
Even when monetary incentives are available, the feeling of being valued is essential to worker productivity, according to a 2009 New York University study. Here are simple steps you can take to make your staff feel valued:
1. Educate employees about your mission. Post your core values where people can see them. That will remind your staff of the firm’s larger purpose and send the message that everyone is essential to achieving it. People want to know that their work matters.
2. Hold social events — both in and out of the office. During stressful periods, these events are a chance for employees to bond and blow off steam. It doesn’t have to be expensive: Take your team out for margaritas, hold seasonal events or have a barbecue at the local park.
3. Send a thank-you note. When work starts to interfere with people’s personal lives, your staff can become resentful. So, it’s important to communicate your appreciation for the sacrifices they make. A small, but meaningful, gesture? Write a note — not an email — to the employee with a simple message, such as “I’m so glad you’re on our team” or “Fantastic job on the proposal.” Read on for more tips — and expert advice on the topic.
Source: National Federation of Independent Business
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Trade Show News
Make plans to attend the 2010 Retail Power Panel
Returning to the IPSPE this year is the 2010 Retail Power Panel where you will hear a lively exchange of views and in-depth discussions from leading retail experts.
APSP Retailers Council Chairman, April Nielsen, also national accounts manager at Arch Chemicals, will moderate and lead the discussion with this distinguished group:
• Doug Carlson, owner, Dolphin Pool Supplies & Services
• Sandy Bradbury, owner, Bradbury’s
• Aaron and David Hagen, owners, Cactus Valley Pools
During this fast-paced, interactive session, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and hear the panel offer real solutions for tackling today’s toughest issues. Bring your entire team to strengthen your operation. The Panel will be held 9:45-10:50 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 3, just prior to the opening of the show.
This exciting Power Panel is free, but registration is required, so register online now!
To read the IPSPE blog, visit blog.poolspapatio.com.
Questions? Contact Info@PoolSpaPatio.com or 972.536.6350.
 2010 International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo
Exhibits: Nov. 3-5
Conference: Oct. 31 - Nov. 5
Mandalay Bay Convention Center | Bayside Halls
Las Vegas, Nevada USA
972.536.6350
www.PoolSpaPatio.com | info@PoolSpaPatio.com
|
|
|
