The Evolution of Pool Cleaners: The 1960s—Advancements Continue

Posted on by

By Richard K. Cacioppo, Sr. J.D

Progression of the pool cleaner continued when, in 1960, a patent application for a pool cleaner resembling a hand-held floor polisher was submitted. Although the device was patented three years later, this cleaner does not appear to have had any commercial impact.

This development period also witnessed what is quite possibly the precursor to today’s robotic electric pool cleaners, the Aqua Queen by AquaVac Systems in West Palm Beach, Fla., in the early 1960s. Said to weigh more than 18 kg (40 lbs), this bulky automated device used a self-contained pump, motor and filter system to vacuum the pool as it travelled from wall to wall. No patent was discovered to have been applied for or issued to this machine.

Read the full article: The evolution of pool cleaners

Small Space Design Solutions: One Cohesive Unit

Posted on by

Combining plunge pools, hot spas and swim spas into one unit is another emerging trend in small space design. Photo courtesy Poolscape Inc.

By Barry Justus

Another emerging trend in small space design is combining plunge pools, hot spas and swim spas into one unit. When considering this design solution, packaged commercial acrylic units are available from a variety of manufacturers, while clients with larger budgets can opt for concrete vessels, which can accommodate virtually every option contained in larger aquatic designs.

The lower water volume of these plunge pools, combined with a large heater or heat exchanger, allows them to be converted to a hot spa at the simple touch of a button. By adding benches and jets to a typical plunge pool, the client has the option of heating them up to spa temperature for weekends or parties. Another option is to have a relatively small hot spa attached to the plunge pool or as a combined spill-over spa.

Read the full article: Small Space Design Solutions

Showroom Design Ideas: Effective Floor Plans

Posted on by

By Vic Walker

Showroom layout is primarily driven by the types of products being displayed, as well as the available square footage and overall retail space design. However, a showroom designed to cause interaction and emotional reaction can help create that remarkable experience.

Showrooms, as well as products, are responsible for emotional brand development. More than any television or radio advertisement, the showroom experience helps build the store’s brand and reputation. An effective showroom should create an emotional engagement with the products and help customers envision a lifestyle.

Showrooms can also help produce brand loyalty by creating a strong positive experience. This is especially true when considering the products used in the design of an outdoor space. Every showroom sends a message to the customer and creates an emotional response.

Read the full article: Showroom Design Ideas

Tips for Increasing Renovation Profits: Slides and Diving Boards

Posted on by

Whether they are standalone products or custom designs, slides and diving boards offer builders great profit potential. Photo courtesy Forth Worth Custom Pools

By Jill Thompson

Whether they are standalone products or custom designs, slides and diving boards offer builders great profit potential. Many homeowners had pools built before they had children or when they had older children. Now that they are grandparents, with young children coming over to enjoy the pool, this has changed. As a result, this can be a key factor in up-selling slides and diving boards.

“Slides are key to our renovation projects,” says Bullard. “Not only are custom slides a great profit centre for us, they also help distinguish us from our competitors. We sell a lot of these accessories by taking our customers to completed job sites, which incorporate these accessories.”

For builders interested in a faster profit centre, standalone slides or diving boards, which do not require additional rock and concrete work, are also popular among pool renovators.

Read the full article: Tips for increasing renovation profits with accessories

Small Space Design Solutions: Bunker Benefits

Posted on by

The most effective use of small space is to locate equipment in an underground bunker that can be accessed via stairs or access cover. Photo courtesy Poolscape Inc.

By Barry Justus

The most effective use of small space is to locate equipment in an underground bunker that can be accessed via stairs or access cover. This design solution allows the area above the equipment vault to serve as a pool deck, or possibly even part of the actual pool or water feature.

Underground bunkers are also safe, energy efficient and quiet. Bunkers and equipment vaults may require additional permits and engineering and safety precautions for confined space areas.

Read the full article: Small Space Design Solutions