March 5, 2008

Hot Tub Industry Meeting Hotel Deadline TODAY!
On March 26, 2008 a landmark meeting for the hot tub industry 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 5. Register today!

New Member Resources Available on APSP.org for Pool & Spa Safety Act
APSP has published two new membership resources that provide specific guidance about how to comply with the new federal requirements of the Pool & Spa Safety Act. The two new documents cover frequently asked questions and how the act affects specific businesses, including swimming pool operators, manufacturers, builders, and service companies.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Federal Pool & Spa Safety Act

How Does the New Federal Pool & Spa Safety Act Affect Your Business?
MORE.

NPC Posts FREE Pool Startup Procedures
The National Plasterers Council recently released its new pool startup card, available free online at www.npconline.org. The card was released February 13, 2008 at the NPC’s annual conference in Orlando, FL. More than a year in the making, it was developed by the NPC Technical Committee and approved by the NPC National Board in response to continued requests from the pool industry for a standardized, plaster-industry-approved, pool startup process. The new, research-based consensus process addresses all commonly used plaster and cementitious pool surfaces. For full-color laminated copies, contact the NPC at 866-483-4NPC or through www.npconline.org. The laminated cards are available at $2.00 for NPC Members/$5.00 for non-members, with discounts available for quantities over 50, plus shipping and handling. Click here for an NPC discussion of various pool surfaces.

How the New Georgia Licensing Law Affects You
State licensing for Georgia building contractors, first mandated by a 2004 law, will be required as of July 1, 2008. Recently, the Georgia Board of General and Residential Contractors posted on its website a directive (OCGA 43-41-17(f)) that exempts pool and spa builders from this requirement. In the posting, pool and spa contractors are recognized in the category, “Outdoor Environmental Limited Service Specialty Contractor,” and may complete or coordinate certain types of work without a state license. MORE.

ANSI-7 Suction Entrapment Standard Referenced in Updated WV Regulations
West Virginia’s 2007 updated regulations for recreational water facilities incorporate, through reference, the ANSI-7 2006 suction entrapment standard plus three other ANSI/APSP standards. The 2007 West Virginia Code of State Rules requires that all recreational water facilities designed, constructed, or renovated after the effective date of April 18, 2007, comply with the ANSI/APSP-1 2003 standard for public swimming pools, ANSI/APSP-2 standard for public spas, ANSI/APSP-9 standard for water parks, and ANSI/APSP-7. Click here for a copy of the rule. MORE.

Accessing APSP Member Logos
To gain full advantage from your APSP membership, make sure you are using the APSP member logo in your advertising and marketing, reminding your customers that you are a member of the world's largest association of pool, spa, and hot tub professionals. Use the member logo in your company news releases, company newsletters, order forms, contracts, company stationery, business cards, checks, brochures, company catalogs, company websites, TV and newspaper/magazine ads, information kits, displays, company vehicles, uniforms, shipping cartons, and PowerPoint presentations. Click here for easy steps to access the APSP member logo from the APSP.org website. MORE.

Boosting Your Bottom Line in a Gloomy Economy
With a gloomy economic forecast and customers’ expendable resources becoming shorter, luxury products are falling by the wayside. Pool builders are not strangers to the economic strain the industry is facing. Fortunately, there are alternatives in a weak economy. Veteran pool industry marketer Mike Miller provides tips on how to boost your business. Using techniques such as setting up a website or having your company listed on a dealer site can make all the difference. 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.