Hayward Pool Products has partnered with Pool Cover Specialists to create a new feature for Hayward's Omnilogic system: the Hayward/PCS Pool Cover Interface. This new technology allows the integration of a Pool Cover Specialists automatic swimming pool cover into the Hayward OmniLogic and Hayward ProLogic automation systems, which can control all swimming pool functions as well as other backyard features.
“By providing seamless integration, pool owners don’t have to choose between having the convenience of automated water features or having an auto cover…they can now have both,” says Bruce Grogg, general manager of Pool Cover Specialists. “This new interface allows the pool cover to talk with the automation system and automatically coordinate between the two systems."
“Having worked with Pool Cover Specialists for a couple years on this idea, we’re very excited about adding this new capability into our existing automation systems,” says Greg Fournier, Hayward’s senior product manager for controls and backyard synergies. “We have future enhancements planned that will allow pool owners even more functionality and control when they add an automatic swimming pool cover to our OmniLogic controls.”
Anthony & Sylvan Pools Vice President of Operations Named Penn-Jersey Chapter President of NESPA
The Penn-Jersey Chapter of NESPA recently announced that Alan Walker, vice president of operations at Anthony & Sylvan Pools, will serve as the board’s new president. Walker plans to focus on membership outreach, getting more members involved and increased promotion of the board’s education and meetings.
“As we move into a new year with a new outlook and goals at Anthony & Sylvan, we couldn’t be more pleased that one of our own is taking an active role in helping to shape the entire pool and spa industry,” says Mark Koide, CEO of Anthony & Sylvan Pools. “He goes above and beyond for Anthony & Sylvan and we know he will do the same for NESPA’s Penn-Jersey Chapter, as well.”
Walker has been with Anthony & Sylvan Pools for nine years, focusing on national operations. During his tenure, he has developed and implemented training programs to make Anthony & Sylvan Pools a prime employer, and in turn provides customers with knowledgeable pool experts.
DeltaUV has joined forces with Ron Williams to sell its UV products to OEM spa manufacturers in the US and Canada. Williams has worked in the spa industry for more than 25 years.
“With the rise in popularity of built-in UV sanitation for spa water, Ron is helping the ‘DeltaUV-inside’ program allowing DeltaUV units to be installed within spas at the manufacturing plant,” says Jeff Boynton, sales and marketing manager at Delta UV.
(Left to right): Ron Williams and Delta UV’s Jeff Boynton.
VivoPools Announces Commercial Offerings
VivoPools, an organization that offers swimming pool management services, is excited to announce its new brand of commercial solutions, VivoAquatics. The line was created for hospitality organizations, waterparks and municipalities and made its debut at the 2014 World Waterpark Association Show.
The goal of the new brand is to make it easy for facility managers to improve operational efficiency, reduce liability and improve guest experience. In particular, VivoAquatics’ services center around four solution sets: Audits and assessments (i.e., energy efficiency, safety, chemistry) to support brand standards; complete chemical automation through purchase and lease programs; 24/7 remote monitoring (and adjustment) of aquatic chemistry metrics; and product support and fulfillment through a proprietary inventory and ecommerce system.
Clients that have taken on VivoAquatics include Wet’n’Wild, MGM Resorts Int’l, Sheraton Waikiki, Westin Ka’anapali and many others.
“Water features and swimming pools remain the number one amenity within resorts, hotels and waterparks, and yet the complexity of the aquatic operations and automation is becoming that much harder to manage,” says Willan Johnson, CEO and founder of VivoAquatics. “We are at the nexus of real change within the industry with an opportunity to leverage new technology, products and solutions to help our clients save significant money and resources while providing their guests with a safer and more enjoyable experience.”
Zodiac Pool Systems Raises Funds for Local Nonprofits through Employee-Driven Charitable Giving Program
Zodiac Pool Systems, an automatic pool cleaner and equipment manufacturer based in North County San Diego, has pledged support for a variety of employee-driven charitable activities focused on improving the health of the local community.
The Providing Alternative Tomorrows with Hope (P.A.T.H.) program, which organizes Zodiac employee volunteer and outreach initiatives, is working with several local nonprofit organizations to raise funds and awareness for issues including veteran’s health, breast cancer and homelessness.
“Giving back to the local community is an integral part of our company’s culture,” says Bruce Brooks, CEO of Zodiac’s Global Pool Care division. “We care about our employees and the causes that are personal to them. That's why the Zodiac family is committed to improving lives by supporting organizations that keep San Diego families healthy.”
The P.A.T.H. program has participated in several activities this year and plans to continue throughout 2015:
- The first annual Zodiac Golf Tournament in July raised more than $10,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project, a veteran’s service organization that offers a variety of programs, services and events for wounded veterans. A second annual golf tournament is currently schedule for March 2015 at The Crossings in Carlsbad.
- On November 2nd employees participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, to which Zodiac has made an annual commitment. This year, the company set a goal to exceed earlier years’ donations by raising more than $6,000.
- In September, Zodiac raised nearly $1,000 for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis through an impromptu ALS ice bucket challenge participation in honor of another member of Zodiac’s family who lost his daughter to the disease. In addition to dunking Brooks and the headquarters team in ice water, the company engaged Facebook users to increase Zodiac’s donation to ALS research by liking or sharing the video online.
- During the holiday season, Zodiac hosted the company’s annual Thanks for Giving, a food and clothing drive for the poor and homeless served by Brother Benno’s as well as a holiday toy drive for children and families at Rady Children’s Hospital.
“What makes our charitable giving program outstanding is the level of engagement we have from our employees and the pool community,” says Jill Rooks, director of information technologies and customer operations and head of the P.A.T.H. program. “We all share a sense of responsibility for improving the health of our community and that’s what makes our charitable work together so effective and fulfilling.”
