October 31, 2007
APSP Testimony Well-Received at Oregon Title 20 Hearing
The August 15 edition of Industry Currents announced that Oregon had just signed into law an energy-efficiency bill (SB375) covering portable residential spas and hot tubs. The Oregon law is based on the California Energy Commission’s Title 20, a key formula of which is in debate. On October 23, APSP’s testimony at a hearing in Oregon about the Title 20 energy-efficiency standards was well-received by Oregon officials. The officials said they will adopt any clarifications that APSP can work out with California. John Kaufmann, the Oregon Hearing Officer, said that he wants to be kept informed about the APSP testing, and he said he appreciated APSP’s contribution in clarifying the testing protocol and setting appropriate standards for energy efficiency. MORE.
Members to Receive $1,200 Resource*
For years, members of the APSP Builders Council, Technical Committee, and staff have extolled the value of the ANSI/APSP pool and spa safety and design standards in protecting your business. For the first time ever, these standards will be available electronically to all members as part of your membership dues. Members who renew for 2007-2008 will receive a CD that includes the most recent version of all the design and safety standards, including the ANSI/APSP-7 Suction Entrapment and Avoidance Standard. If you have not yet renewed, there is still time! Contact Member Services at 703.838.0083 and renew today. CDs are in production and will be mailed to members in mid-November.
*Non-members who wish to purchase a set of ANSI/APSP design and safety standards pay $1,200 per set.
Expo Attendees: Don’t Miss Awards of Excellence Banquet
Gather with leaders of the industry to celebrate the vision and creativity of the world’s best! Make plans to attend the International Awards of Excellence Presentation Banquet, the only international awards program recognizing superior achievement in the design, building, and installation of pools, spas, hot tubs, and water features. Awards are presented in more than 40 categories and celebrate the most beautiful and technically innovative installations across the United States and around the world. The banquet will be held Thursday, November 29, 2007, 6:30-10 p.m. at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida.
Tickets are available at $85 per person, or you can purchase a table for 10 for $850, which includes a three-course dinner, live entertainment, and photo and networking opportunities. For more information and online registration, please contact memberservices@APSP.org or visit www.apsp.org/166/index.aspx.
Winterizing Tips for Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs
Pool, spa, and hot tub maintenance includes dealing with seasonal care—in mild climates where freezing temperatures are rare, and in colder climates where these products may be winterized or shut down for the season. Here are some winterizing tips for pools, spas, and hot tubs.
Off-Season in Mild Climates
Winterizing a Pool in Severe Climates
Winterizing an Inground Spa
Winterizing a Hot Tub
Staph Infections in the News
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been in the news recently, including an article in The Wall Street Journal. The Associated Press reports that MRSA bacteria were blamed for the deaths of a 17-year-old Virginia high school senior and a 12-year-old New York City middle school student this month. MRSA is a type of Staph that is a serious human threat because it is resistant to nearly all common antibiotics. Although the Staph bacteria are an uncommon cause of recreational water illness (RWI) and MRSA has not been positively linked to any outbreak in pools or spas, there is strong evidence that Staph is found in spas. Outbreaks of Staph have not been documented in properly sanitized and maintained pools or hot tubs. MORE.
Albert Rizzo to be Named First CBP of the Year
The APSP Builders Council will present its first CBP of the Year award to Albert Rizzo of Rizzo Pool Construction Company, Newington, Connecticut. The award will be given during the CBP Recognition Dinner, to be held Tuesday, November 27, 2007 in conjunction with the International Pool & Spa Expo in Orlando, Florida. Rizzo is being honored for his many years of outstanding service, notes Joe Vassallo, Chairman of the Builders Council Honors and Awards Committee. MORE.
Technical Update
At its October meeting, APSP’s Technical Committee cleared the APSP-11 draft standard, Water Quality in Public Pools and Spas, for the ANSI voting and public review process. The draft and ballot will be distributed to more than 40 individuals and organizations nationwide for the development of consensus to publish the standard as an American National Standard that can be adopted into code by state and local jurisdictions. To receive a review copy, contact Jeanette Smith. MORE.
High School Football Player Credits Hot Tubs as his Secret Weapon
An article in the Post-Tribune credits hot tubs as being a secret weapon toward the success of an extraordinary high school football player. The feature names Russell Chick as the most relied-on football player in northwest Indiana. Throughout vigorous practices, numerous injuries, and tough games, Chick points to hot tubs as his secret weapon against soreness.
View the complete article.
IC Lite: Tricks and Treats by the Pool
Take advantage of this fall’s unusually warm weather and get spooked this Halloween in the coolest way by hosting a Halloween “ghoul pool” party! Halloween decorations are a must, and the natural night light will allow ghostly imaginations to take over. Follow these additional tricks to throw a Halloween party that guests will be screaming about. MORE.
Wishing our members a safe and happy Halloween!
- The IC Team
You can contribute to IC. Click here to find out how, or send an email to ic@APSP.org. You may also fax 703.549.0493.