Wednesday July 28, 2010 News from The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals

Dear APSP and MyAPSP Members,

In this issue you will find an article from Pool & Spa News about proposed changes to the 2011 NEC that could affect our industry, and news that the ANSI-7 standard has been adopted into Virginia state code.

This issue also features a link for you to leave feedback or ask questions about the 2010 APSP Industry Summit and a promsing article on the correlation between this summer's heat and an increase in residential pool sales.

If you're collecting ideas for next year's National Water Safety Month, keep reading for an entertaining and memorable event idea involving mermaids!

Make sure you’re signed-in to your MyAPSP.org account, so you can follow the links in the articles. Sign in here

Equipotential Gridlock Explained

Dan Schechner of Pool & Spa News details the latest attempts by representatives from a grounding and bonding manufacturer to alter the 2011 National Electrical Code (NEC) so it mandates a full copper wire grid beneath certain decks and perimeter surfaces. Grid supporters claim that the single conductor application may not provide adequate protection that a copper grid provides, but APSP officials maintain there hasn’t been a single report of injury or death resulting from stray currents involving pool decks or perimeter surfaces. Read more from Pool & Spa News and weigh-in on MyAPSP.org.

Virgina Adopts New Standards. Are You in Compliance?

The ANSI/APSP-7 American National Standard for Suction Entrapment Avoidance in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, and Catch Basins has officially been adopted into Virginia code. This standard covers design and performance criteria for circulation systems, including components, devices, and related technology installed to protect against entrapment hazards in residential and public swimming pools, wading pools, spas, hot tubs, and catch basins. Make sure you’re in compliance, and encourage your residential customers to upgrade their backyard pools, understanding that VGB is not mandatory for backyard pools until the state of Virginia adopts a state-wide code requirement for residential pools and spas. Read the ANSI-7 fact sheet and visit the APSP store to order standards and technical publications online.

Attend the Industry Summit? Let's Talk

If you attended the 2010 APSP Industry Summit, share some feedback! The APSP Manufacturers Council wants to continue this year's summit dialogue online at apsp.org. Read the blog post from Bruce Fisher, Manufacturers Council chair, and add your own insights. Those who did not attend the summit can ask questions of the council and attendees through blog comments as well. Stretch your blogging fingers and post your comments here.

Pool Sales Soar with Rising Temperatures

The combination of hot weather and homeowners' preferences to stay close to home have helped residential pool sales this summer, especially in Toledo, OH, as reported by ToledoBlade.com. Though customers are buying less expensive in and above-ground pools, some builders and retailers are reporting higher-than-usual pool sales, even well after the July 4th holiday. How are your sales in this heat? Share your story on MyAPSP.org.

Mermaids Net Attention for Swimming Awareness- Get Your Own!

Kalahari Resorts hired a real mermaid to teach children and parents about swimming and water awareness, and you can too! Thanks to the viral nature of the Internet, we can gather fun ideas like this for next year's National Water Safety Month. Linden the mermaid and her silicone tail travel the globe to teach children safe swimming and water safety practices. "I see children, they see me, everyone's smiling," she says. "When you have a captive audience, you can send a message." Learn more about hiring a real mermaid for your water safety events here.

 

Builder Spotlight: Andre Del Re, Lisa North, CBP and Nick Pappas

APSP is proud to feature builders from the 2009 International Awards of Excellence Competition (AOE).

Da Vida Pools APSP's Andre Del Re and Lisa North of Da Vida Pools received the silver medal in the Natural Material category, the silver medal in the Technical/Engineering Achievement category and the award of merit in the Pools with a Vanishing Edge - 600 sq. ft. or less category. Watch these award-winning builders here.

Neptune PoolsAPSP's Nick Pappas of Neptune Pools received the gold medal in the Concrete Spas category and the gold medal in the Traditional - 600 sq. ft. or more category. Watch this award-winning builder here.

Member Spotlight: Steven Metz

Steven MetzSteven Metz, APSP member and active volunteer, is the president and co-owner of Central Jersey Pools of Freehold, N. J. and a 29-year industry veteran.

How did you get started in our industry?

My grandfather David Metz started Central Jersey Pools in the early 1950’s, and it’s been in the family ever since. When I was seven years old, I started coming to work with my father, Martin Metz, and at age 12 I attended my first APSP (then NSPI) industry shows and board meetings with him. At the store, I learned to work the register but also tested water and taught customers about pool water chemistry. Because I attended so many industry events as a child, I got to meet a lot of people who later remembered me as a little kid. Now, my brother Michael and I run the business together.

What changes have you seen in the hot tub industry?

We started selling spas in the early ’80s. Today, they’re certainly built to be much more reliable and energy efficient. They’re also sexier and more desirable than they ever have been and can appeal to a broader range of customers. There are so many more bells and whistles available for spas now — so many different options. There’s one for every taste.

Click here to read more about Steven in the APSP Member Spotlight