PK Data Studies Available Through APSP Research Library
The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals announced that it plans to offer market research reports through its new online Research Library at theapsp.org. The library, drawn from studies produced by P.K. Data, a Duluth, Ga., market analysis firm, will include reports on industry statistics, consumer preferences and profiles, trends, historical data, and geographic assessments.
The reports, which will be more tightly focused than in the past, will be priced at $50 to $500, depending on the study. Topics include consumer surveys for hot tub, above-ground and in-ground segments; the impact of the Internet on the pool and hot tub industry; the pool/spa chemicals market, real estate characteristics of inground pools, and many more.
"A key component of the APSP mission is the development of timely, meaningful industry data," said Jack Cergol, chief staff executive of APSP, in a press release.
APSP says it plans to add to the library as studies are completed, and that it will update old reports as new information becomes available.
Pool Pump Discontinued
Aqua-Flo announced that it is discontinuing its Bronze Series line of A and AC pool pumps after 34 years on the market. The Chino, Calif., manufacturer says the decision to discontinue the models came after product demand shifted from bronze pumps to plastic pool pumps.
Pool Design By Subscription
Structure Studios is now offering Pool Studio, its three-dimensional pool design technology, as a subscription service, allowing users to purchase the technology on an annual or monthly basis without waiting for periodic full-product releases.
The subscription service also allows users to access the company's new software releases and updates, including a content library, bug fixes and new features as they become available, eliminating the hassle associated with purchasing, budgeting and tracking new releases, the company says.
The cost to subscribe to Pool Studio services is $95 per month or a $995 a year, according to the company.
For more information or to subscribe, visit structurestudios.com or call 800/778-8996. Headquarters On The Move
- Cover Valet recently acquired a 50,000-square-foot headquarters in Long Beach, Calif., after outgrowing its 20,000-square-foot facility, in Cerritos, Calif. More than 70 percent of the 50,000 square feet will be used for manufacturing Cover Valet's four spa-cover lifts and its spa accessories line. The remaining 30 percent will serve as office space with room for expansion.
- The National Swimming Pool Foundation recently relocated to 4775 Granby Circle, Colorado Springs, Colo. The 8,000 square-foot facility includes classroom space for CPO and CPO instructor training. For more information call 719/540-9119 or visit nspf.org.
Manufacturer Recalls Gas Valve
Robertshaw Controls has voluntarily recalled certain models of its Robertshaw 7000 series Gas Control Valve.
Under certain circumstances, some valves have failed to halt the flow of gas when pilot lights go out, posing a risk of gas explosion and fire.
The voluntary recall applies to specific 7000 series models produced between February 2003 and September 2004. However, not all 7000 series valves manufactured during the indicated time frame are being recalled.
For a full listing of recalled model numbers, visit robertshaw.com or call 800/232-9389.
Commercial Teasers Available
The World Waterpark Association is offering its members three 30-secondlong television commercials that are designed for waterparks of any size to use as preseason teasers, or for parks on a limited budget to use as primary TV commercials.
Each high-definition video (choose from "Waterslide" or "Wave Pool" themes) includes a customized voiceover, the ability to add text over background footage of wavy water, the ability to insert a logo and/or a written tag line, a master tape for future orders, and one DVD copy. Additional customization, including the addition of footage from a park, can be added.
The WWA says spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis to all member parks based on a protected geographic area. For more information, call 913/599-0300.
401 (OK!)
The new Paramount Capital Retirement Plan offers Paramount Pool & Spa Systems' builders and their employees access to a consolidated 401(k) plan through John Hancock Retirement Services.
Builders can choose from more than 70 investment options representing 25 different money managers, including Fidelity, T. Rowe Price, Franklin Templeton and American Funds. There are also five actively managed Lifestyle funds to choose from.
Builder benefits also include annual education and enrollment meetings for companies with at least 10 participating employees, and national support and bilingual support in Spanish for companies with at least 10 participating employees.
AWARDS
- DIRK CAUDILL, president of Aqua-Flo, is the 2004 recipient of the APSP Eagle Award. Caudill also won the original Eagle award in 2001 and 2004 and is the only person in the history of the award to win twice. The APSP Eagle Award is presented by the Hot Tub Council and recognizes an individual whose efforts have demonstrated the highest commitment and service to the advancement of the hot water industry, embodying an overall spirit of pride and dedication.
- MASCO CORPORATION, parent company of Watkins Mfg./HotSpring Spas, presented its top suppliers with MASTAR (Masco Supplier Team Award Recognition) awards in December 2004. Among the winners of the award, which recognizes leadership, communication, commitment and cooperation in Masco's extensive national supplier group, are Lucite International and PPG Industries' fiberglass division. PPG Industries' fiberglass division manufactures continuousstrand fiberglass used in a wide range of plastics applications. Lucite International, a global supplier of methacrylates, has U.S. headquarters in Cordova, Tenn.
- ARCH CHEMICALS recently ranked sixth out of 15 American chemical companies for IT innovation in 2004 by InformationWeek 500, a listing of innovative and productive users of information technology. The listing identifies organizations that exhibited best practices in a number of critical areas, including information technology productivity and measurement systems, cutting-edge technologies, IT spending as a percentage of overall sales, improvement tactics, and IT staffing practices.
