In The News: July 1, 2010

Uncovering Winter Covers

Winter pool covers aren't usually the main topic of conversation in July with the summer season in full swing, but for those who make and sell them, it's never a bad time to discuss that essential off-season pool lid. AQUA spoke with a few experts in the category to get a better understanding of how winter covers are being marketed, what dealers are looking for and any manufacturing advancements.

Read more about winter pool covers.

Is There An Artist In You?

Here's your chance to shine and create art with an aquatic theme for the 2010 World Aquatic Health Conference. WAHC is accepting 2-D work in all medias, no larger than 36-by-36 inches for a juried three-day exhibit.

Submit up to five digital images (in JPEG format) to [email protected] by August 15. Prizes will be awarded and all work will be for sale, with the National Swimming Pool Foundation keeping a 40 percent commission on all work sold.

For more information, visit www.nspf.org or e-mail [email protected] with inquiries. All work must have images related to pools or hot tubs or individuals involved in swimming, aquatic fitness or warm water immersion activities.

New Hires and Promotions

Pleatco, Glen Cove, N.Y., has appointed Scott Bittner vice president of sales. Bittner has more than 20 years of industry experience, most recently 16 years with King Technology.

Aqua Comfort, Sykesville, Md., a swimming pool heat pump and chlorine generator system manufacturer, has named Joseph Valentino director of business development. Valentino previously served as vice president of Latham International, and most recently owned Perfect Pool & Patio.

Leviton, Melville, N.Y., has appointed David Keller to the newly created position of senior director of e-business. Keller will lead the company's Web-based marketing initiatives. His focus will include expansion of Leviton's online brand identity. The company also appointed Frank Leicht to business development manager for the company's international retail operations. Leicht will be responsible for growing Leviton's global retail operations.

Evosus, Vancouver, Wash., has promoted Jessica Chase to senior support specialist. Chase will be responsible for supporting customers who use Evosus software with their day-to-day operations.

Distribution/Reps

BHG Sales, Atwood, Calif., has signed Bostik-Warm Water Sales to represent the company's silicone and silicone-based products in the western states.

Hot Tub Rebound

Even though hot tub sales have dropped by more than 50 percent during the last few years, about half of the retail respondents told AQUA they expect sales revenues to increase this year by 1 to 15 percent, and another 16 percent of respondents expect even bigger gains.

Read more about builder projections in our State of the Industry issue.