Hayward® Pledges Up to $1 Million in Product to Pools in Need

ELIZABETH, N.J., Jan. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Hayward® Pool Products announced today its pledge of up to $1 million dollars in Hayward safety vacuum release systems (SVRS) to North American pools in need. According to Hayward, the leading pool products manufacturer in the country, the "Safe Swimming Initiative" is designed to assist those public pools serving the community who are facing compliance challenges with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act (VGB) because of budgetary issues.

Hayward Vice President of Product Management Kevin Potucek explained that the safe enjoyment of pools and spas is paramount to Hayward's mission. "When it comes to pool safety, multiple layers of protection are crucial," he said. VGB went into effect December 19, 2008 to improve public pool safety specifically as it applies to suction outlets. Under the law, all public pools and spas must have VGB-compliant drain covers, properly separated or unblockable drains or  anti-entrapment systems such as a Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS) as prescribed by the Act.

"We know that due to economic cutbacks this is a difficult time for many public swimming pool operations," Potucek said. "There are many facilities serving under-privileged children, senior citizens, physically or mentally disabled citizens or other worthy causes. For whatever reason, they are not yet compliant and are at risk of not opening this spring. We want to help."

Under the terms of the initiative, Hayward will donate up to the retail equivalent of $1 million of Hayward Stratum® SVRS to qualified swimming pool facilities that demonstrate a valid need. The initiative will run through July 1 or until $1 million in Hayward Stratum VRS products have been awarded, whichever comes first.  Hayward will refer facility operators to registered installers.

To submit a request for consideration in Hayward's Safe Swimming Initiative, concerned citizens, pool operators and servicers are encouraged to go to https://www.haywardpool.com/ and click on the "Hayward Pledges up to $1 Million for Pool Safety" button. Products will be awarded with special consideration for public or non-profit facilities serving populations that are under-privileged or have special needs.

About Hayward Pool Products

Hayward Pool Products, a division of Hayward Industries Inc., is the largest manufacturer of residential swimming pool equipment in the world. Headquartered in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Hayward designs, manufactures and markets the Totally Hayward® System, a full line of residential and commercial pool equipment including pumps, filters, heating, cleaners, sanitization, automation, lighting, safety and energy solutions.

The company, which has built its brand on innovation, energy-efficiency, safety and reliability, includes such brands as EcoStar™, TriStar®, Stratum® VRS, Super Pump®, Pro Logic®, HeatPro®, ColorLogic®, Aqua Rite®, Navigator® Pro, Pool Vac XL™, TigerShark®, among others.  Hayward products are sold through a network of distributors and 3,000 Totally Hayward Dealer Partners throughout the U.S., Canada, Asia, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East. For more information, contact Hayward at (908) 351-5400 or visit www.haywardpool.com.

SOURCE Hayward Pool Products