August 15, 2007

APSP Board Approves Two New Manufacturer At-Large Directors
APSP Chairman of the Board Penny Johnson has announced that the Board of Directors has authorized the addition of two new seats exclusively for the manufacturing segment. This change was designed to improve the balance of participation on the APSP Board. To read Penny’s letter to APSP member manufacturers, CLICK HERE.

APSP Works to Caution States About Adopting California Title 20 Formula
Oregon just signed into law an energy efficiency bill (SB375) covering, among other products, portable electric spas. This is unfortunate, as the new Oregon legislation is based on the California Energy Commission’s Title 20, a key formula of which is in debate. APSP will pro-actively work with states that have pending energy efficiency regulations and request that they hold off on development until the APSP-14 Standard for the Energy Efficiency of Self-Contained Portable Electric Spas and Hot Tubs is available. MORE.

CBS Video on Shallow-Water Blackouts, Drownings
A series of accidental drownings involving children has hit the news this summer. Entrapment incidents, such as the one involving the little girl in Minnesota and the more recent death of a 6-year-old Connecticut boy, continue to make headlines. Additionally, the newly identified shallow-water blackout syndrome is particularly alarming and could be the reason behind some accidental drownings.

A CBS News video ran back-to-back coverage on both the Connecticut drowning and the syndrome. The CBS News video features APSP Commercial Council member Tom Griffiths, Aquatics Director of Penn State University, who brought the shallow-water blackout syndrome to the attention of Industry Currents. Tom told IC that “breath-control and relaxation go hand in hand when swimming, but when breath-holding games and contests become competitive, repetitive, and include hyperventilation, this is a recipe for sudden death or drowning.” CLICK HERE to view the video.

For more information on shallow-water blackouts, CLICK HERE.

APSP Gets Credit for Driving Pool Safety Regulation
An article in the Stamford, CT, Advocate credits APSP with being a key proponent of safety regulations for pools, specifically in the area of entrapment. This article comes on the heels of the entrapment drowning of a 6-year-old boy in Greenwich. Carvin DiGiovanni of APSP is quoted giving the facts on why the focus should be on drain covers, rather than relying on a safety vacuum release. The piece clearly positions APSP as a driver on pool safety regulation. CLICK HERE to view the article.

Live Workshops Offer FREE Hands-on Training to Expo Attendees
Want to learn more about color lighting installations? Waterfalls? Automatic pool covers? Heat pumps? Salt water chlorine generators? Plastering? Shotcrete? Find the answers you need by attending the Live Workshops at the International Pool & Spa Expo on November 28-30. Presented by the APSP Builders and Service Councils, this show-floor venue offers hands-on training and tips from the industry’s top experts. FREE to Expo registrants! Check out the Live Workshops Schedule and register online now!

Learn and Share at the APSP Volunteer Leadership Forum
The APSP Volunteer Leadership Forum (formerly called the APSP Networking Workshop) will be held at the Crowne Plaza Old Town Hotel, Alexandria, VA, October 25-27, 2007. If you’re involved with chapters, regions, affiliates, councils, or committees–or if you’re interested in becoming involved–this meeting is for you! Subject areas to be presented and discussed include APSP programs, membership, ethics, and chapters, as well as a special focus on government relations. Hotel deadline is September 24. CLICK HERE to register.



APSP Hot Tub Service Task Force Developing Training for Technicians
The APSP Hot Tub Service Task Force, composed of members from both the hot tub segment and the service segment of the industry, met July 19 to continue its work on developing a training and certification program for technicians who service pre-manufactured hot tubs. The program is to be based on the APSP Hot Tub Technician Manual, which is available now for purchase. For more information and to order your copy, CLICK HERE.

Swimming Pool Water Too Hot?
(by permission of Woody McDowell)
How can you cool down a swimming pool during extreme heat conditions? Not enjoying your swimming pool when it is as warm as a bathtub? How can you get swimming pool water back to a cool and refreshing temperature? While dumping large blocks of ice into the pool may seem like a great idea, the cost is prohibitive, and the effect is only temporary. There are other ways.

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.