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- Obama administration enforces pool-drain safety measure
The Obama administration is cracking down on enforcement of new pool drains and boosting regulation on other consumer products. The chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission dispatched 100 inspectors across the country and closed down more than 200 pools that did not comply with the order for new drains. "With the consumer protection agencies, you're going to see a lot more stuff happening because they fit Obama's broad vision for government," said Michael Livermore, executive director of the Institute for the Study of Regulation at New York University Law School. The Washington Post
(10/13)     
- Analysis: Accounting changes could hinder consumer lending
The Financial Accounting Standards Board plans to implement changes to accounting rules that this article argues could choke off credit to consumers and disrupt the Federal Reserve's effort to revive the securitization market. The American Securitization Forum urged regulators to suspend such accounting changes. "We believe that this action is necessary to avoid a potentially severe capital and credit shock to the financial system as of January 1st, when the new accounting rules generally take effect," the ASF said. Reuters
(10/9)
| In the News | | |
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- Employees help Hawaii pool business expand
Andy Mertz handled his pool repair and maintenance business in Oahu entirely on his own for several years. About three years ago, however, he hired two full-time employees as part of an effort to expand his business. Since then, he has more than doubled his business to 150 clients. "The only way you can get bigger is by hiring employees," Mertz said. American City Business Journals/Honolulu
(10/8)
- New swimming pool lifts bear's spirits
An 8-year-old bear at Florida's Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary seems to be enjoying a new swimming pool. Volunteers at the wildlife sanctuary noticed Buck the bear would not swim in his original swimming pool, but the Kodiak perked up after a group of contractors built a $25,000 pool for him in just 48 hours. "Since we got this new pool, he's absolutely in heaven. His whole attitude has changed," volunteer Linda Rosaire said. Central Florida News 13 (Orlando, Fla.)
(10/10)
- Texas couple landscape to make pool a focal point
Crystal Hauk of Celina, Texas, planted landscaping to make her swimming pool the focal point of her backyard. Landscape beds surround the perimeter of the pool on the site of a former cotton field, in a design inspired by cottage gardens in Carmel, Calif. Hauk, who owns a custom pool design and construction business with her husband, selected a naturalistic design because her yard is near a seasonal creek lined with trees. The Dallas Morning News (free registration)
(10/8)
- Kansas business aims to transform backyards
A business in Wichita, Kan., focuses on customizing backyards with playhouses, landscaping, putting greens and basketball courts. The owners of Backyard Specialists recently worked with a homeowner who wanted to install a putting green, basketball court and swimming pool in his backyard. "We're trying to do things that make people's backyards more inviting, more appealing and more entertaining," said co-owner Lance Pierce. The Wichita Eagle (Kan.)
(10/8)
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- 5 things not to do when marketing a small firm
Massachusetts marketing consultant Tim Hurley identifies five things not to do when launching a small-business marketing plan. His writes that a small business should not be too ambitious; commit time or money it cannot afford; expect instant success; believe marketing is not measurable; or develop only one approach. BusinessWeek.com/Today's Tip blog
(10/8)
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- Saltwater community pool generates positive feedback
The Recreation Centers of Sun City in Arizona received so much positive feedback after installing a saltwater system in a community pool that it has requested funding for another one in 2010. The additional system will need to tolerate more gallons of water and a higher number of swimmers in order to suit one of the RCSC's larger pools. Daily News-Sun (Sun City, Ariz.)
(10/8)
- The new, more frugal American?
Spending in America is down sharply as a result of the recession, and many analysts predict that this shift may be a permanent change. But they always say that after a recession, James Surowiecki reminds us. And the "notion that the Depression turned Americans into tightwads is largely a myth," he writes. The New Yorker
(10/12)
| APSP News | | |
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Peace of mind: Verify VGB compliance
Compliance requires more than just replacing drain covers. Conduct your own inspection to verify compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Safety Act. The APSP's new Drain Safety Test Kit includes all the tools you need to accurately determine whether a pool or spa's entire system is in compliance with the VGB.
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ANSI/APSP-11 standard published
The new ANSI/APSP-11 2009 Standard for Water Quality in Public Pools and Spas is now printed and available to order from the APSP Store. This standard outlines recommended minimum guidelines for pool and spa water quality and chemistry in public pools and spas.
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- Hilton switches pool to salination system in Maine
The swimming pool at the Hilton Garden Inn in Auburn, Maine, recently switched from chlorine to a salination process that naturally chlorinates the water. The change reduces the pool's carbon footprint because heavy containers of chlorine are no longer shipped to the hotel. "Hilton is very committed, on a macro level, to doing business in an environmentally responsible way," said Scott McKenney, general manager of the hotel. MaineToday.com/Sustainable Maine blog
(10/7)
| SmartQuote | | |
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 | Food is an important part of a balanced diet."
--Fran Lebowitz,
American author
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| About APSP |
The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) is the world's largest international trade association representing the swimming pool, spa and hot tub industry.
APSP's mission is promoting consumer safety and enhancing the business success of its members. Members adhere to a code of business ethics and share a commitment to
public health and safety in the use of pools, spas and hot tubs. APSP member companies include manufacturers, distributors, manufacturers' agents, designers, builders,
installers, retailers, and service professionals. For more information, visit www.APSP.org
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| | Recent APSP SmartBrief Issues:
- Wednesday, October 07, 2009
- Wednesday, September 30, 2009
- Wednesday, September 23, 2009
- Wednesday, September 16, 2009
- Wednesday, September 09, 2009
| | | Lead Editor: Jennifer Hicks
Mailing Address:
SmartBrief, Inc.®, 1100 H ST NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005 | |
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