December 16 2011 Table of Contents

Hot tub retailers often find themselves in close proximity to one or more direct competitors, not unlike furniture stores or dealerships in an auto mall. Read more

Industry members, as well as the general public, are taking exception to Arizona’s new pool and spa energy standards. Read more

Two years ago, a troubling incident occurred at Dublin Spa Center. Read more

It was a contentious scene. Read more

As part of a settlement with federal regulators, distribution giant PoolCorp has agreed not to engage in anticompetitive practices Read more

Change is afoot at the managerial level of Taylor Technologies’ sales department. Chemical engineer Christopher Golden has been promoted to director of business development, and degreed chemist Jody O’Grady has risen to director of sales operations. Read more

Ask a service technician what makes a spa different from a pool, and you’ll get a fairly predictable range of answers: Smaller size, warmer temperature, and the addition of jets and perhaps a blower. Read more

Many modern spas include an ozonator, an important component that’s not as widely understood as jets and blowers Read more

Even if a pool’s suction outlet cover is properly certified, it’s still crucial to ensure that it operates within parameters that preclude entrapment. Understanding concepts such as flow rate, open area and velocity will make this process much easier. Read more

In lieu of a column on whether LeBron James can realistically win back the public’s affection after some disastrous ‘Decisions,’ I give you scattered thoughts… Read more

Portable spas can go from visually pleasing to downright beautiful when placed in a wood deck. Read more

For hot tub retailers, today’s economy provides few certainties. Read more

In my years of writing and reporting I have always tried to avoid becoming preachy. Read more