In The News: August 5, 2010

New Balance

Much like the coats of paint covering their houses, homeowners want beautiful and durable finishes on their pools, but the staying power of a good pool finish is highly dependent on its environment. Getting 20 to 25 years out of a pool finish requires diligent monitoring of water balance, says Randy Dukes, technical sales representative for Aquavations, South Miami, Fla.

Read more about pool finishes.

Hayward Helps City Drowning In Debt

Elizabeth, N.J.-based Hayward Industries recently rescued Newark's municipal pool system with a $150,000 lifeline that will allow the debt-ridden city to keep six pools open for an additional three weeks this summer.

Newark Mayor Cory Booker and Hayward company officials make the announcement at the city's John F. Kennedy Recreation and Aquatics Center.

"This is the business we are in and it warms our hearts to see children swimming and enjoying the water," said Robert Davis, Hayward president and CEO.

According to the city, the facilities hosted more than 67,000 people for swimming classes, water aerobics and clubs, including the Newark Piranhas youth swim team, which trains and competes in the Kennedy Center's Olympic-sized pool.

"We are grateful that the Davis family and their corporation offered to become a champion for our city," Booker said. "To me, this is a relief from the heat and we are a grateful city.

News of Hayward's gift elated lifeguard Ameleen Paniagua, a resident of the Central Ward neighborhood that's home to the Kennedy Center.

"I was really worried when I heard the pools might close because I'm depending on this job for college expenses, and more than that, I was concerned about what was going to happen to the kids who come here everyday. It's been a hot summer and this is great news!"

Arch Chemical Offers 35 Scholarships

Arch Chemicals' HTH Water Products business will fund more than 35 scholarships for pool industry professionals in 2011 as part of the company's new "Advancing the Industry" initiative.

Scholarship winners will be able to select from any class or seminar offered by the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) or the Certified Pool Operator (CPO) course offered through the Independent Pool and Spa Service Association (IPSSA). All pool and spa professionals can apply for a scholarship, including those who are not Arch dealers or Advantis Branded Distribution customers.

Once selected, each scholarship recipient will be assigned an advisor - an Arch employee chosen based on the type of education the scholarship winner is pursuing. The advisor will help the scholarship recipient maximize the educational opportunity with follow-up contacts.

"We are very excited to be embarking on this new level of partnership with APSP and IPSSA," said J. Michael Waddell, vice president and general manager, HTH Water Products, North America. "These well-established and successful professional associations strive to educate and promote safety, and in these ways, their missions are very consistent with ours."

To apply for a scholarship, visit www.archchemicals.com/advancingtheindustry. Winners will be selected in December, and courses should be completed by July 1, 2011.

2010 Retail Outlook

"I feel in our market our clients sat back and saved money. They paid off bills. We've got a glimmer of hope that the economy will pick up and our clients will be comfortable spending money."

- survey respondent

Read more about the retail outlook in our State of the Industry issue.