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 News
 NSPI Settles Two of Four Lawsuits
New Drug Combats Crypto
Council Expands 'Pool People USA' Budget
Sta-Rite Announces 2003 Classes
Acu-Trol Offers Training Seminars in January
Paragon Pools' Vassallo Aids Charity
Features
Going for the Gold
See how today's award-winning builders are transforming backyards.
A Year in Review
Check out some of the top stories that affected the industry during the past year.
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 News
Exhibitors Gamble on Atlantic City
NSPI Region 3 Halts Affiliation Push
NSPI Explores Offering Arbitration Between Builders, Homeowners
Dimension One Spas Celebrates a Milestone
Aquascape Designs Announces Seminar Tour
Advantis Technologies Receives Environmental Award
NESPA Holds First Congress of Committees Meeting
Finnleo Dealers Win Trip to Finland
Features
Coming Out of the Shell: Between a Rock and a Hard Place
How a fiberglass-pool builder created a 100-ton paradise in an irregularly shaped backyard.
Global Awareness
The top 10 reasons service managers should consider a fleet-management system for their companies.
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 News
Attendees Pleased With Expo
Environmental Test Systems Wins Award
Afras Industries Expands
Joe Stone Named Eagle Award Winner
Genesis 3 Moves Corp. Headquarters
Southeastern Pool & Spa Show to Host Casino Night
NESPA Calls for Scholarship Applications
Features
Disturbing Behavior
Five problem personality types and ways you can modify their behavior to improve workplace productivity .
Color Coordinated
Use these resources when researching which colors will work best in your retail store.
Light It Up
Investing in lighting can change the look of your store — and brighten sales.
One Size Doesn't Fit All
Don't forget to factor in these items when sizing your vanishing-edge catch basins.
Automated Conversation
Manufacturers of automation products discuss the market and what they do to stay on the cutting edge.
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 News
Water Chemistry 'Maverick' Dies
Acu-Trol Now Offers Products Internationally
Dimension One Spas Wins Award
Some Conseco Units To Operate Under New Name
International Pool & Spa Expo Announces Future Dates, Locations
Features
Shelf Life
Dressed up or stripped down, sun shelves offer builders an easy way to jazz up pools.
For the Long Term
Builders should keep these points in mind when engineering and constructing sun shelves.
Cleaning Up Your Act
Like beach entries, sun shelves can be tricky to keep clean. These tips should make it easier.
Shedding Some Light
Retail veterans and design experts share their advice on how to best use in-store lighting.
Storm Service
When severe weather factors into regular pool maintenance, firms must decide how to bill for that extra, time-consuming work.
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 News
Refi Boom Spurs Industry Growth
Olympic Hot Tub Co. Adds New Store
L.A. Spas Conducts Dealer Meeting
Advantis Earns Environmental Award
Pentair Announces New Training Series
Features
Gauging the Truth
The misconceptions about the pool and spa industry — the truth behind them and what you can do to set the record straight.
#8: Offering High-Cost Options Will Send Customers to Another Builder
#33: Pools and Spas Will Make My Energy Bills Skyrocket
#41: Pool Techs Are Flunkies, With Little Education or Training
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 News
Conseco Faces Class Action Suit
Former Pres. Bush Enjoys New Spa
Polaris Now a GAME Distributor
WPSS Updates its Design Contest
Pacific Pools Partners with Professional Bowler
Calif. Double-Barrier Law Expires
Expo Debuts New Demo Features
Features
Getting Grilled?
If you're not carrying high-end barbecues, you might be getting burned by the competition.
Hot Off the Grill
Tantalize the taste buds of your customers with these recipes, which are perfect for outdoor grilling.
The Right Pump for the Job
Choosing the best pump for the pool is a balancing act. Here are some pointers to make it easier.
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 News
NSPI Files Chapter 11 Again
NSPI Welcomes Barrier Code Comments
Astral to Construct World Championships Pool
Spa Builder Support Group Set for Expansion
Heliocol Reaches a Milestone
Features
Automatic for the People
The world of automation is getting broader and, oftentimes, more complex. But are customers buying into the future?
The Time of Your Life
Pool and spa automation devices save you time, which you can spend doing more important things ... like having fun.
Automated Allies
Once thought to be a pool technicians' nemesis, the automatic cleaner has become a valuable partner in the fight against dirty pools.
Remotely Worth It?
Two new remote-control pool features are slowly trying to make their way toward store shelves.
Training Days
Keep your automation problem-solving skills honed with these classes.
Going All the Way
One builder finds out what an aquascape with all the automation bells and whistles can really do.
Going Underground
How to keep extensive automation wiring under control.
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 News
SCP Acquires Fort Wayne Pools
Americans Consider Homes Their Most Important Investment
U.S. Designer to Create Memorial Fountain
Michigan U Puts Hot Tubs in Dorms
BioGuard Dealer Mart Set for October
Woodard Adds West Coast Facility
NSPI Region 10 Show Debuts New Web Site
Features
Pool & Spa News 100
Ranking the nation's most successful builders and retailers.
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 News
No Reorganization for NSPI
Wis. Officials Question Safety of Inflatable Pools
Master Spas' Lauter Receives Honor
Colorado Homeowners Offer Pools as Emergency Water Source
Expo Features Online Registration
NSPI Offers Revised Builders Manual
Features
Soul Food
The best ponds and streams not only dazzle the eyes, but also touch the soul. Experts achieve this through top-notch craftsmanship — and an understanding of the human psyche.
It's All in the Presentation
Retailers share effective techniques for displaying aboveground pools.
Insuring Against Lawsuits
Experts offer tips on how to prevent lawsuits surrounding the hiring, management or termination of employees.
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 News
Entrapment Statistics Not Reliable
Las Vegas Nightclub Showcases Pool Fun
markUrban, Fail-Safe to Offer Anti-Suction Device
Crystal Clear Pool and Spa Features Photo Contest
Pool Pro Alliance Kicks Off Contest
NSPI Councils' Seeking Manufacturers for Expo's Demo Site
Pool Service Specialist Greases His Way to the Top
Features
A Safe Bet
Growing public awareness and regulations have combined to make sales of safety products soar.
Layers of Protection
Here's a look at many of the safety precautions available for today's swimming pools. Use it as a handout for your customers.
The Proactive Approach
A pool expert argues that proactively addressing safety concerns is the best defense against unnecessary reactive government regulation.
Safety Restraints
An industry lobbyist discusses how to evaluate barrier bills and other proposed safety regulations.
The Safe Way
A veteran builder explains how he addresses safety with every project — and why you should too.
Loud and Clear
Pool and spa professionals who adopt safety as their theme find both consumers and themselves inspired by it.
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 News
Vinyl Industry Facing Shortages
Bromitron Stops Production of Generators
Pool Maintenance Worker Charged with Sexual Misconduct
Help Line for Small Business Owners Debuts
Canadian General-Tower Receives Award
Florida Show Slated for Larger Venue
Tennessee Recognizes A.O. Smith's Achievement
Features
Automatic Response
Automatic covers need care and attention. Here's how to keep them in good working order — and running smoothly.
Preventing Problems
Use these tips to take good care of your automatic pool covers — and ward off headaches down the road.
Bills, Bills, Bills
How much should you charge for your automatic cover repairs? It all depends on how you package it, experts say. Here's what they factor into their fees.
Dry and Wild
Take a closer look at curbless, dry-deck fountains — a beautiful and versatile waterfeature option.
Background Checklist
See how to do your own background checks like a pro, and stay within the law.
Solar-Powered Profits
Solar-powered lighting provides a wireless option for today's cautious consumer. Here are some of the benefits.
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 News
Tragedy Puts Focus on Entrapment Issue
California Pool Bills Moving Along
Southeastern Pool & Spa Show Heads for Peach Country
Bush Aims to Increase Minority Home Ownership
National Spa & Pool Institute Debuts E-News
NESPA Rewards Four Scholars
Bullfrog Gets New Home
Features
Built-In Satisfaction
Pool & Spa News challenged industry professionals to design a backyard aquascape for three fictional families. Find out how these "superbuilders" met the needs of these demanding customers — on a budget.
Tough Customers
This family wants a pool that's safe, beautiful and entertaining. They also want it to fit in their multilevel backyard.
 Up for the Challenge
With the site's multiple levels and the client's high demands, this project may have said "challenge," but this designer saw opportunity.
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On a Different Level
This builder used the family's multiterraced backyard to create a multifunctional aquascape.
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Made to Order
By taking advantage of the views, this builder designed a backyard that meets — and exceeds — expectations.
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Bending the Rules
The graceful curve of an existing patio inspired an East Coast builder to create an aquascape that comes full circle.
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Form and Function
A steeply graded backyard and some special requests convinced this inground vinyl-liner builder to go with the flow.
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Exceeding Expectations
Using automation and careful placement of the pool, this contractor met the needs of the customers — and then some.
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Privacy Please
These folks were looking for a private backyard retreat where they could entertain the grandkids now and then.
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 News
Dry Spell Hits Nationwide
NSPI Seeks Feedback on New Pool Standard
MPG's Spring Conference Features Marketing Expert
Hot Spring Spas Celebrates Silver Anniversary
Multiquip Acquires Diamond Tools
Canadian General-Tower Gains ISO Status
Blue Hawaiian's New Training Center Opens
Features
Taking the High Road
High-end sales require a different attitude — and a different staff. Here's how to assemble yours.
Money Matters
If charging design fees makes your sales staff nervous, they should know that upscale pool prospects aren't as resistant to the idea as they may think.
Eight is Enough
The ideal high-end salesperson often exhibits these eight qualities. Do your salespeople have what it takes?
What Managers Want to Hear
What determines a salesperson's worth? Here's what pool professionals say they ideally want to hear about their salespeople.
Effective Employee Evaluations
A well-conducted evaluation consists of both a thorough review of the employee and some self-reflection on the part of the manager. This worksheet will assist you in preparing a successful evaluation.
Women in Construction
Pool building can appeal to more women — if they are given the opportunity and the training.
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 News
Bednerik Resigns Florida Post
Hayward CEO Honored
Consumer Survey to be Launched
CRA & Workbench Sponsor Deck Contest
Calif. Committee Passes Barriers Bill
Safety in B Flat
BaquaSpa Web Site Earns Award
Features
Something Special
Specialty finishes are finally making strong inroads into the white plaster market. Can marcite still compete?
Training Day
Study pays off for aspiring applicators of some specialty finishes.
Adding to the Mix
Additives and admixtures affect every characteristic of finishing materials — from smoothness to long-term durability. Experts explain how they work and why you should be using them.
Building Trust
Additives are an inseparable, albeit sometimes mysterious, part of the finishing-materials industry. Here's how they can work for you.
Natural Desires
When it comes to today's pool tile and decking materials, gloss is out and the natural look is in. Here's what you should be carrying if you want to keep with the times.
Finishing Materials Resources
Use this helpful guide to easily locate manufacturers of finishing materials.
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 News
Officials Warn: Plan for Future Droughts
NSPI Seeks Comments on Standard
Esther Williams to Produce Vegas Show
SPP Raises Money for 9/11 Relief Efforts
Multiquip's Levine Named to Hall of Fame
Mareva Opens New Chesapeake Facility
Balboa Reaches Milestone
Baquacil Takes to the Road
Features
French Lessons
How a designer went the extra mile to bring the French countryside to the Arizona desert.
Feeling the Heat
Take a closer look at three popular heating fuels, and how to service the heaters that use them.
Creative (Stock) Marketing
Thinking of taking your company public, but don't know where to start? Here are some unconventional ideas.
Are You Ready?
Use these handy resources when researching whether the time is right for your firm to go public.
Hitting the Right Target
Mail-order sales make fiscal sense — if you're choosy about who receives your mailings.
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 News
Northeast Moving to Beat Drought
Marquis Honors Spa Dealers
Splash! Makes a Splash
¿Habla Usted Español?
Stage 3 Drought Declared in New Mexico
Lucky Duck Rescued in Minnesota
NSPI Service Council Seeks New Members
Features
Supplying Satisfaction
With all of the new technology and consolidation, it's harder than ever for distributors to satisfy their clients. Here's what customers say distributors can do to keep their business.
A Master Plan
A step-by-step look at how one builder used planning and supervision to create a perfectly calibrated perimeter-overflow pool.
Getting Intimate
Consumers are more interested than ever in creating cozy, intimate backyard settings. Savvy retailers not only carry the products that help them do that, they also show them how.
A Cottage Industry
Offering consumers natural backyard getaways, cottage or secret gardens have bloomed into a profitable niche for retailers.
Survey Says...
Pool & Spa News' exclusive survey of portable spas reveals the health of this industry segment in 2001. How do you stack up?
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 News
Board Positions NSPI for Future
Spa Retailer Gets Statewide Honor
Merlin Cover Aids in Accident
LeeSure Wins Parade of Homes Awards
Builders Council Discusses Formation of ISCAP
NSPI-Florida Honors Manning, Van Tilburg
Las Vegas Builder Resolves Issue with Wells Fargo
Features
Planting the Seed
Creating truly integrated aquascapes means thinking about plants during design — not after. Our plant primer is a good start.
On the Margins
Creating a good-looking pond requires making a transition between water and land, and knowing which marginal and bog plants work well together.
Floating Foliage
Professionals pick the best water plants to keep a pond ecosystem healthy and beautiful.
Green Thumb Guidelines
Grow a few multitextured plants. Add a dash of color for drama. Our handy tips will assist you in choosing the right softscape elements.
Working on the Edge
Repairing decks is easy and a good way to make extra money. In this first of a two-part series, you'll learn how to tackle one of the most common problems: a broken cantilever edge. (Part II appears in the April 19, 2002 issue of Pool & Spa News.
Handling Bad Apples
Effective business owners must learn to deal with problem employees before their negativity becomes contagious.
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 News
Anti-Entrapment Device Makers Organize
NSPI Region 3 Announces Design Winners
A&S Institute Opens in Florida
Vestal Wins BioGuard Contest
NSPI Offers Health Insurance Plan
Caretaker Systems Sponsors Trip
Voters Nix Pool Plan
Rock Musician Sued Over Drowning
Features
Right on Schedule
A lighting expert shows how to subtly create the illusion of daylight at night.
Child's Play
Having kids does not mean an end to intimate spaces in the backyard, experts say. Here are some easy ways to find room for both children and adults.
Sale Killers
Selling your business? Here are common mistakes to avoid.
More on Making a Clean Break
Employ these resources to make a graceful exit from your business.
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 News
Diving Boards Making a Comeback?
Master Pools Guild Meets in Italy
GlobalShop Breezes Into Chicago
Horner Donates to Disaster Relief Funds
Bayrol Reaches Milestone
Jandy Control Wins Award
Hot Tub's Image Still Troublesome
Features
Night Moves
A lighting expert shows how to subtly create the illusion of daylight at night.
Let There Be Light
To be a good lightscaper, the nighttime aquascape is a canvas waiting for the right strokes of light to bring it to life. (This article first appeared in the Feb. 22, 2002 issue of Pool & Spa News.)
Business As Unusual
After a divorce, couples still can work together. It just takes a different kind of commitment.
More on Business Divorces
Use these resources if you're thinking of splitting up your partnership or want to prevent one from going sour.
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 News
Company Buys Gordon, Aqualine
Jakks Pacific Acquires Toymax
Sundance Wins Mazzei Visionary Award
FiberOptics Attains ISO Certification
Updated Commercial Pool Data to be Released
Backyard Pool Saves Six
Derby Duck Copyright Defended
Aqua Expo Held in Vegas
Features
Home Coming?
The country's new stay-at-home feeling, along with innovations in aboveground pools and an improving image, could make for sky-high sales this season.
Great Expectations
Today's aboveground pools boast features and amenities that mirror their inground cousins.
Above It All
With improved product and service, aboveground pools enjoy a better image — and better sales — than in years past.
Above and Beyond
Rather than selling on price, a growing number of aboveground-pool dealers are selling on lifestyle.
Economic Slowdown? Not for E-tailers
While many of their brick-and-mortar conterparts felt the effects of a weakened economy, these Web-based retailers say their 2001 aboveground-pool sales were brisk.
Good Location Needed to Capture Web Consumers
Aboveground-pool retailers report that their prominent placement on Internet search engines has given them greater success.
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 News
NESPA Show Draws 8,180
Debate Delays ASTM Standard
Team Horner Opens New Distribution Franchise
Merced, Calif., School Seeks Hotel Tax for Pool
KD Pools Offers Bicoastal Distribution Centers
A.O. Smith Achieves Safety Milestone
Backyard Products Associations Merge
Watkins Ships Its 500,000th Spa
Features
Against the Grain
In the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks and a sluggish economy, many pool plasterers are reporting that business couldn't be better.
Blasting Off
After two decades in the trenches, sandblasting and prepping old pools for resurfacing, the Anderson family made a move into plastering — and their business really took off.
Trowel Time
Pool plasterers rely on a variety of tools to get a surface as smooth as can be. (This article, which previously appeared in Pool & Spa News, provides information on plastering basics.)
Surprise Burnout
While most instances of job burnout stem from visible problems, experts say there are some surprise cases.
• To Learn More
These information sources will assist you in identifying and dealing with job burnout.
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 News
Florida Show Prospects Bright
Calif. Pool Builders Forge Alliance with Child-Safety Advocates
Genesis 3 Drawing School Set for March
Watkins Continues Support of Endangered Species
Tenn. Pool Co. Relocates, Changes Name
Features
They've Got Questions, You've Got Answers
In this special report, we answer your customers' top five questions about pool and spa construction, service and chemistry.
Bridging the Gap
You may claim to have sound customer service, but do you really know what your customers think?
Retail Discussion
Which questions about pool and spa construction and maintenance do your customers frequently pose to you? What are your answers? Share your thoughts on our Retailing Forum.
Looking Long-Term
Check out the 15 best-performing pool and spa industry stocks of the past three years.
Keeping it Full |
