Waterfront: February 2009

Attention All Sports Fanatics

Colts star films national ad with the help of AQUA 100 company

Pools of Fun, Plainfield, Ind., recently had a chance to assist in coordinating a Reebok commercial starring Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne. The spot aired on the NFL network Thanksgiving night.

"It's not every day I get a phone call from New York, looking for a pool to use in a national commercial featuring a Colts player," said Annie Brock, marketing manager for Pools of Fun. "It was a challenging request, especially in November, when most pools have been winterized, but we were up for it."

The pool needed to be completely drained and a stage needed to be built inside the pool to enhance the walk-on-water effect that was digitally created.

"It was really neat to see the filming," says Bruce Holmes, vice president of sales and marketing. "It makes you appreciate how much work and effort goes into a 30-second commercial."

Crawfish Alley

You won't believe the visitors that sprang up in this pool

Imagine going out to your pool one morning, in Dallas mind you, and seeing what looks like thousands of baby shrimp swimming around the water. That's exactly what happened to one Tadpole Pool Service customer.

The gentleman called Tadpole owner Jeremy Smith and berated him about "all these little white things" floating around in the pool. After further research and confirmation from an old professor of Smith's at his alma mater - Angelo State University - the culprit was confirmed: baby crawfish.

Smith and the 90-year-old homeowner are still baffled with how the crawfish got in the pool in the first place. No matter, while many of the crawfish found their future in a big, black Hefty bag, Smith has his own supply of proof on ice. He's keeping a few of the crawfish in his freezer.

Keeps Getting Better

Beachcomber raises more than $17,000 for Canadian Cancer Society

Beachcomber Hot Tubs has done it again, this time raising $17,211 for the Canadian Cancer Society Cops for Cancer Tour de Valley. For the fourth year in a row, Beachcomber CEO Keith Scott has raffled off a hot tub in an effort to raise money to support those affected by cancer.

Scott began the event in 2005 after his brother, Beachcomber factory manager Frank Scott, succumbed to the disease.

"We continue to honor the memory of my uncle Frank," says Blake Scott, director of international sales for the company, "and we appreciate the opportunity to support children and families who are having their own battles, to help give them hope for the future."

Since its inception, the Beachcomber event has raised more than $86,800.

Woman Of Influence

AQUA 100 Hall of Famer is honored

Buffalo Business First has recognized Jeanine Colley, president of Colley's Pools & Spas, as one of Western New York's Women of Influence. Colley was selected in the "Family Business" category and was honored at a luncheon last September.

Colley credits her mom and dad for being the most influential people in her career, and she quotes a recent accomplishment as being "recognized as one of the top pool dealers in the country [by AQUA Magazine]," and Colley's induction into the AQUA 100 Hall of Fame.

As for the best career advice she's every received, Colley says, "Enjoy what you do and success will follow." Congratulations, Jeanine!

Rooftop Oasis

Dallas pool overlooks city . . . literally

The Dallas luxury hotel The Joule didn't get its name for nothing. This hotel features a dramatic, cantilevered rooftop pool that sits comfortably off the 10th floor terrace. Daring guests can swim out to its edge and look through the Plexiglas wall that displays a spectacular view of the city below. Forbes Traveler recently ranked this waterscape as one of the best hotel pools in the world, so if you're in the area, take a dip and swim to the edge. We dare you!