January 23, 2008

Analysis of New Pool/Spa Safety Law Available
APSP members can now obtain and use the completed “Summary Analysis of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.” The analysis is available on the APSP website and provides information about the technical requirements of the act. The act imposes mandatory federal requirements for suction entrapment avoidance and establishes a grant program for states with laws that meet certain requirements of the act. The entrapment guidelines in the new law are consistent with the new ANSI/APSP-7 American National Standard for Suction Entrapment Avoidance.

View the Summary Analysis, the Title XIV Pool & Spa Safety Act, and the December 19 press release about the act. MORE.

APSP and NPIRC Look to Partner; Industry Funding Required
The National Pool Industry Research Center, in partnership with California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) has submitted a proposal to APSP to build a chamber to test the energy efficiency of hot tubs/spas. Phase I of the research at Cal Poly is to clarify the California Title 20 Regulation. Gary Fernstrom of Pacific Gas & Electric has already Proposed to the California Energy Commission (637K*) that it “incorporate refinements to the spa test procedure as developed by APSP and Cal Poly.” Clarifying the California Regulation impacts Oregon’s law as it is based on Title 20, Canada’s evaluative process, and that of New Jersey and other states.

Phase II of the Cal Poly research is to begin developing the new APSP-14 standard on spa efficiency. If you support the industry’s need to have a comprehensive energy standard, to be developed by the industry and approved by ANSI for subsequent possible adoption state-by-state, then you need to contribute to the NPIRC program. See who the leaders are and join with them to protect your industry! MORE.  

Aqua Magazine: “It’s In Your Head—Alter Your Approach to Lift Sluggish Hot Tub Sales”
A recent article in the January 2008 edition of Aqua Magazine addresses the rising concern over diminishing hot tub sales across the country. Although it’s a common perception that the decline in the housing industry is the culprit, there are many ways to approach the situation to lift hot tub sales immensely. The article gives advice on altering one’s approach to raise hot tub sales, and indicates the need for a national hot tub campaign, referencing the Hot Tub Industry Growth Initiative of the APSP Hot Tub Council. To view the entire article, click HERE:

Atlantic City Pool & Spa Show Next Week
Start 2008 by attending the Northeast Spa and Pool Association’s (NESPA) Atlantic City Pool & Spa Show from January 29-31. Join over 12,000 pool & spa professionals in Atlantic City, NJ for an exciting conference that includes, for the first time, a separate Commercial Product Exhibition Area and Seminar Track, attracting new attendees from the commercial pool sector, such as property management companies, hotels/motels landscape architects, fitness facilities, etc. MORE.

Jan 08 Issue of RWQ Newsletter Explains Chlorine/Bromine Limits Set by the U.S. EPA, Hot Water Rashes, Testing Problems
The third issue of Recreational Water Quality (RWQ) newsletter includes three technical articles of interest to state and local public health officials. Articles in this issue explain why states and the U.S. EPA sometimes are out of sync on chlorine and bromine limits in pools; testing interferences from non-chlorine shocks; and a review of rashes in treated water venues and best practices to avoid them. Click here to learn more about these topics in the latest issue. MORE.

Sign Up Now for Educational Classes, Exams, and Correspondence Courses
If you or your employees need training or certification, review the APSP Education Calendar now to make your educational plans. For service technicians, APSP offers TECH I and TECH II classes, the TECH I Correspondence Course for those who prefer a mail-in study program, the Service Proficiency Exam for those who would like to “skip” TECH I, and the CSP Certified Service Professional® Exam. For pool and spa builders, we offer the Building Professional I class, the Building Professional I Correspondence Course, a CBP Exam Refresher Course, the CBP Certified Building Professional® Exam, and an Advanced Builder Program. For more details, contact Bird Dawson.

Advanced Pool Builder to Share Best Practices
Success in the pool and spa industry requires a unique mix of sales and marketing finesse and technical competence. The Advanced Builder Program will feature industry thought leaders and Certified Building Professionals® Lew Akins, Ron Lacher, and Tommy Johnson teamed with other select experts in an interactive experience designed for dedicated building professionals who have a stake in the success of a pool building business. Make plans now to attend the Advanced Pool Builder Program on March 5-6 at the Southwest Pool & Spa Show in Houston, Texas, or visit www.swpoolandspashow.com. MORE.

APSP Offers Retailers Education and Certification
APSP is proud to offer the Certified Retail Sales Associate (CRSA) program, a comprehensive and self-directed learning program. Developed by the APSP Retailers Council, it is intended for training retail employees with entry-level or even supervisory positions, as well as seasonal or even potential workers. The program is appropriate for high school students or adults of any age or experience level. It offers knowledge that is relevant to the pool, spa and hot tub retail environment, including customer service skills; consultative sales techniques; and basic technical information. MORE.

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.