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PHTA UPDATES
  
Tune in to Episode 8 of the Step Into Swim podcast, Unsinkable: From Russian Orphan to Paralympic Swimming World Champion. Host Rowdy Gaines sits down with 5-time Paralympian Jessica Long to discuss the impact she's had on the world as the face of Paralympic swimming. The two discuss her countless successes while also delving into the struggles she experienced on her way to the top. You can find the Step Into Swim podcast on Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts.

And remember, Jessica Long is delivering this year's WAHC keynote address! Register today for the opportunity to see her in person.
This Friday, August 27, is the last day to submit nominations for the PHTA Awards! The PHTA Awards program recognizes prominent achievements and outstanding performers in the pool, spa, and hot tub industry. Nominate yourself or someone you know for the following categories:

—PHTA Fellow
—Builder of the Year
—Service Professional of the Year
—Retailer of the Year
—Young Professional of the Year
—Chapter of the Year
EDUCATION AND EVENTS
  
GENESIS® is back in session! We took a break from live courses during the summer busy season, but we know our builders are ready to get back to the classroom. We have five live, virtual courses (conducted over Zoom) scheduled between September and February:

—D211: Elements of Design (September 13, 15, 20, 22)
—E245: Standards, Codes, and Ordinances: A Builder's Guide to Proper Implementation (September 20, 22)
—C410: Advanced Pool Construction (October 26, 28 OR December 7, 9)
—D271: Architectural Styles (February 14, 15, 21, 22)

Level up your pool building and design and register today!
  
WAHC 2021 is offering four education tracks for attendees:

—Track 1: Water and Air Quality
—Track 2: Codes and Standards
—Track 3: Facility Management
—Track 4: Employee Management and Aquatic Programming

You can follow one track for all sessions, or pick and choose between them. And don't forget to join us early on October 12-13 for either the Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) Course or How to Create a Successful Pool Plan Review. You can attend up to 5 days of exceptional education!
  
If you're a pool contractor attending PSP/Deck Expo in November, be sure to attend GENESIS® C225: Quality Shotcrete Placement for Pool Contractors. This session, provided by American Shotcrete Association Executive Director Charles Hanskat, P.E., F.ACI, F.ASCE, will examine the specifics needed for proper shotcrete placement and discuss quality materials and recommended shotcrete standards. We look forward to seeing you there!

 

 
Evosus Business Management Software
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Lonestar Fiberglass Pool Swag
Lonestar Fiberglass Pools®
9 reasons why you should become part of the LoneStar Fiberglass Dealer Program; Unprecedented swimming pools sales provide a new normal for pool dealers.; LoneStar Fiberglass Pools provides higher PROFIT margins, quality construction and turnkey installation; Swimming PoolTV Episode 1: Why Chris Owens is doubling down on the FiberGlass Pools Market
Enter Now!
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MEMBERSHIP
Stay on top of what others in the industry are talking about. This week in the myPHTA Online Community, the newest discussions are about:
—Educating Customers: Shortages and Wait Times
—Chapter of the Year
For the swimming pool industry, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a godsend. All of Aqualine Insurance's swimming pool clients across the nation have enjoyed a banner year. But be wary of the Grim Reaper that will come in the form of an insurance auditor and Uncle Sam and the IRS. They will want their share. Get prepared by contacting Aqualine Insurance.
Looking for ways to save on office essentials? Turn to your PHTA Office Depot Savings Program. $15 off $100, $20 off $150, and $30 off $200 coupons exclusively for PHTA members are valid through August 30.
Verifying Spa and Hot Tub Safety
Environmental Safety Technologies, Inc.®
The public may be at risk of Legionnaires disease (and other diseases) from exposure to the water in hot tubs or whirlpool spas. Our comprehensive test provides everything that you need to know, to determine if your spa disinfection system is providing a safe environment.

LEARN MORE
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STANDARDS AND CODES
  
PHTA is now accepting applications for members of the PHTA-4 Standard for Aboveground/Onground Residential Swimming Pools Standard Writing Committee (SWC). This standard describes certain criteria for the design, manufacturing, testing, care, and use of aboveground/onground residential (Type-O) non-diving swimming pools and their components. The PHTA-4 SWC Chair is Matthew “Chip” Whalen, Intex Recreation Corporation.
  
PHTA is also accepting applications for members of the PHTA-5  Standard for Residential Inground Swimming Pools Standard Writing Committee. This standard applies to permanently installed residential inground swimming pools intended for noncommercial use as a swimming pool by not more than three owner families and their guests and exceeding 24 in. (61 cm) in water depth. The PHTA-5 SWC Chair is Dan Johnson, Clean Water Design LLC.
AQUATRON ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGY LTD
Dell Inc.
Waterco USA, Inc.
ADVOCACY
  
PHTA Director of Government Relations Jason Davidson attended the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) 2021 Summer Conference last week. He met with Maryland Governor Larry Hogan (center) and Angela Munro from the Maryland State Bar Association.

Questions or input on any legislative, regulatory, or local matters should be directed to PHTA Director of Government Relations Jason Davidson at jdavidson@phta.org.
FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Over the last few months, PHTA members have been participating in an ongoing discussion thread on myPHTA regarding shortages and wait times, and how to share this information with customers. Members have shared important tips and information, such as:

  • Sharing articles on how weather impacts our industry
  • Getting the word out early across mainstream media
  • Providing ample notification about delays and disruptions
  • Informing customers about pricing increases due to materials shortages
  • Open and continuous communication with distributors and manufacturers
  • General updates via email paired with one-on-one customer conversations
  • Getting selections (tile, grout, interior finishes, etc.) early

We encourage you to sign in and keep the conversation going!

OSHA recently updated its information on Protecting Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace. Updates include:

—July 27, 2021 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mask and testing recommendations for fully vaccinated people
—Reorganized Appendix recommendations for Manufacturing, Meat and Poultry Processing, Seafood Processing, and Agricultural Processing Industries
—Additional links to guidance with the most up-to-date content
AQUA Magazine
Smart pool professionals are capturing additional data in the customer relationship management database to maximize the industry’s surge in demand. Detailed information about customers help gain insights about new business opportunities.
PoolPro Magazine
What happens when a home is sold and there is still time left on the pool warranty? Builders offer differing perspectives.
AQUA Magazine
Pool builders shouldn’t assume that whatever might go wrong with their work will be covered by their general liability insurance. Don’t overlook the details of property and auto insurance either.
INDUSTRY NEWS
  
Pleatco and longtime co-sponsors GENESIS® and PHTA, along with new media partner AQUA Magazine, are proud to launch the 2021 search for the best of the best pool and spa service technicians nationwide and extending as far as Canada and Europe. Since 2007, Pleatco and co-sponsors have been shining a spotlight on this segment of industry professionals who are more accustomed to working in the shadows. The Perfect PoolGuy/Gal contest is an innovative way to honor the hardworking men and women of the pool and spa service industry. We are looking forward to our best contest ever and urge everyone, even if they have entered in previous years, to nominate themselves or a colleague for the reward and recognition they so duly deserve.
Pool and Spa News
Renowned tile expert and GENESIS® instructor Greg Andrews discusses the discoloration issues behind the two most common types of glass tile and provides tips on prevention.
Pool and Spa News
The “gas” in chemical gas incidents refers to the noxious, dangerous byproduct of chemical mixing that can occurs when a circulation system with a chemical feeder malfunctions.
PoolPro Magazine
Changing sanitizing methods is a complex subject – here are some basics that pool professionals should know before switching customers to alternative sanitizers during the trichlor shortage.

 
New Partnership, New Opportunities
Naylor Association Solutions®
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance is pleased to announce that we are working with Naylor, LLC, as our official integrated media communication partner. Naylor provides advertising, publication and media services that build your company’s image and link your brand with buyers in the pool and hot tub industry. Connect with the industry online with customized packages that brings your company exposure throughout the year while meeting your marketing budget.
Learn more here!
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Spa Electrics Ltd
UPCOMING EVENTS
13
Sep 2021
 
September 13, 15, 20, 22
6 p.m. - 10 p.m. ET
20
Sep 2021
 
September 20, 22
6 p.m. - 10 p.m. ET
13
Oct 2021
 
October 13-15
Houston, TX
26
Oct 2021
 
October 26, 28
6 p.m. - 10 p.m. ET
13
Nov 2021
 
November 13-18
Dallas, TX
7
Dec 2021
 
December 7, 9
6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
14
Feb 2022
 
February 14, 15, 21, 22
6 p.m. - 10 p.m. ET