February 27, 2008

Signing the memorandum of understanding, left to right: Dominic Sims, Carvin DiGiovanni, Bill Weber, Jay Peters.

APSP Signs Cooperative Agreement with the International Code Council
APSP and the International Code Council (ICC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together on areas of mutual benefit and interest including standards development, research, education, marketing, and communications. The agreement was announced February 22 during the ICC’s Code Development Hearings held February 18-March 1 in Palm Springs, CA. MORE

ICC Defers Code Changes on Suction Entrapment; Final Action Expected in September
APSP last week presented its proposals to the International Code Council (ICC) to adopt the new ANSI/APSP-7 2006 standard for suction entrapment into the ICC codes. Other proposals were submitted as well. However, ICC opted not to approve any code changes at this time. Rather, ICC invited APSP to resubmit its proposals at the final code hearings September 17-23, 2008, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. MORE.

March 26 Hot Tub Meeting Hotel Deadline Next Week!
On March 26, 2008, a landmark meeting for the hot tub growth initiative will take place in Alexandria, VA.  All contributors to the start-up campaign are urged to be at the meeting as the agenda is packed with learnings for and decision-making by you!  The deadline for The Westin Alexandria room block is March 5th.  Register today!

New! Frequently Asked Questions About the Federal Pool & Spa Safety Act

Business Week: Come On In, the Water’s Always Fine
A recent article in Business Week discusses the growing popularity of the construction of indoor waterparks among the hotel industry nationwide. This latest fad is emerging in diverse climates and is predicted to give a significant boost in the economy.  In a time of heightened concern over water conservation, this article is a prime example of positive use of water to transform the economy. To view the entire article, click here.

New Sponsorship Opportunities for APSP Advanced Service Program
The APSP Service Council is already planning its 4th annual Advanced Service Program, an educational event for pool and spa professionals in November at the 2008 International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo in Las Vegas. Sponsorship opportunities are available now for companies exhibiting at the 2008 Expo. Click here for the Advanced Service Program sponsorship application. For more information about sponsoring the Advanced Service Program, contact Tracy Beaulieu at 972.536.6366 or tbeaulieu@hanleywood.com. MORE.

Commercial Council to Set New Course at March Meeting
APSP’s Commercial Council meets March 26 during the National Recreation and Park Association’s (NRPA) National Aquatic Conference (NAC), Palm Springs, CA. The council will continue the strategic planning begun at its meeting last summer and expects to define key goals for 2008 including new council activities and programs. The council has also recently welcomed two new members: Larry Biscornet, LBI Pools (NY), and Larry Scherr, Integrity Pools (TX).

WSU Receives Grant to Create National Aquatics Institute
Thanks to a $1 million grant from the National Swimming Pool Foundation®, Washington State University researchers plan to create the National Aquatics and Sports Medicine Institute (NASMI). "This will be the world's premiere center for aquatic health research," says institute director, Dr. Bruce Becker, M.D., a physician and research professor in WSU's College of Education. Click here to view the press release. MORE.

APSP Resource Center: Your One-Stop Service Center for Information
The APSP Resource Center is your one-stop service center for valuable information and reference materials. This area of the APSP.org website houses resources including links to the APSP Industry Currents library, AQ Magazine, a research library, and information for the APSP Councils. The APSP Resource Center has information on everything from APSP literature to tips on how to enjoy your pool and spa during times of water conservation. The APSP Resource Center is an excellent way to expand your knowledge and stay up to date on important industry information. Click here to visit the APSP Resource Center.  Don’t know your password? Contact memberservices@apsp.org.

Key Media Seek Out APSP Experts
In order to gain authoritative insight into the pool industry, writers from many publications, including The New York Times, Better Homes & Gardens, and HGTVPro, turn to the experts at APSP. Thanks to all those APSP members who help us facilitate these media requests, often on short notice. If you are interested in becoming an expert resource for the media, please contact Christina Cozzi of Gibbs & Soell, Inc.  Thanks!

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.