Hayward Holdings, Inc., global designer, manufacturer, and marketer of a broad portfolio of pool equipment and technology, announced this week its platinum-level sponsorship of Step Into Swim, a 10-year initiative organized by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance to create one million more swimmers. Hayward’s investment helps Step Into Swim advance its mission of promoting safe swimming for children in underprivileged communities by providing swimming lessons and access to pools.

PHTA and GENESIS® are thrilled to be back in person for the industry's reunion at PSP/Deck Expo, which starts this Saturday in Dallas. If you haven't already registered, there's still time! PHTA and GENESIS® are hosting 7 pre-conference sessions and 20 education sessions during the conference, plus a variety of lunches, dinners, and other networking opportunities. Visit PHTA at booth #1645 and the GENESIS® Solution Center at booth #1345.

For a full list of all PHTA and GENESIS® events taking place next week, download the PHTA Guide to PSP/Deck Expo.

Award-winning designer Jason Brownlee will be teaching GENESIS® D211: Elements of Design beginning November 29. This virtual course will teach you the fundamental elements (e.g., line, color, and form) and principles (e.g., unity, balance, and scale) of design; give you a better understanding of spatial organization and spatial relationships; and explain how to use your communication skills to accurately portray your design intent to the client.

Join instructor Terry Brannon, P.E., for the virtual GENESIS® C410: Advanced Pool Construction. You will learn how to render science-based decisions on project alternatives, examine soil sciences that prove useful in everyday swimming pool and spa projects, and discuss details for construction components and methods. C410 is a core course for the new Certified Master Pool Builder & Design Professional certification. Class starts November 30!

Looking for tips on managing your employees and developing aquatic programming? We're offering an Employee Management and Aquatic Programming educational track at WAHC, which includes five courses:

– Employee Management in the Aquatic World
– Building a Swim School Program
– Leadership Excellence in the Post-Pandemic World
– Active Aging: Developing Aquatic Programs to Help Body, Mind, and Spirit
– Essential Triple E’s of Evolving Successful Aquatic Venues

If you currently hold one or more of the following PHTA certifications and have a 2021 expiration date, you have until December 31 to complete your recertification! 

– CBP
– CMS
– CST
– CSP
– CPI
– CHTT
– CRP

In order to maintain your status as a PHTA-certified individual, you must submit a completed recertification application along with documentation of 24 hours of continuing education credits (CEUs).

PHTA is always looking for new webinar ideas! If you have suggestions for webinar topics, we would love to hear them! Please send the title, seminar description, learning objectives, and speaker bio to Katie Junkers, PHTA Director of Education, at kjunkers@phta.org.

PHTA is always growing! In October, 69 companies and individuals from around the country and the world joined PHTA. Meet our newest members and reach out to them to say hello!

Stay on top of what others in the industry are talking about. This week in the myPHTA Online Community, the newest discussions are about:
– Slide on Recirculation

Resourceful Compliance
The maximum penalty for federal posting violations is now going up by more than $400 under the increases announced by the Department of Labor - highlighting the seriousness about posting compliance.

Aquatics International
Aquatics expert Sue Nelson recommends reframing your aquatic fitness offerings in your marketing – aquatic exercise has come a long way since its beginnings in the 1950s.

AQUA Magazine
The pandemic has been good for business, but new pool construction has long lead items and rising costs. Managing expectations with your clients is key.

Forbes
Information is moving fast and we learn new things every day, but COVID-19 and its variants are still the greatest financial threat facing small business owners right now.

Fluidra, a worldwide leader in the pool and wellness industry and global manufacturer of equipment and connected solutions, today announced it has acquired Taylor Water Technologies LLC, a leading US-based manufacturer of water-testing solutions.

Taylor, the foremost brand in water testing, joins Fluidra’s family of already distinguished brands. The addition of Taylor’s highly trusted water-testing kits, strips, and instruments in North America not only broadens Fluidra’s rapidly growing portfolio of pool and spa products and solutions, but also provides an established foundation in water testing from which the company can build upon with future innovations.

PoolPro Magazine
Commercial pool builders can guide aquatic facility owners toward the best upgrades for their spaces, from more inclusive waterplay features to improved sanitation systems.

AQUA Magazine
Even though there are charts and tables listing the amount of acid, soda ash, or bicarb needed to adjust pH and alkalinity, water conditions such as alkalinity, CYA, borate, calcium hardness, salt and water temperature will affect the amounts needed.

Pool and Spa News
Parts of the country have experienced wildfires recently, and it undoubtedly will happen again. Pool professionals do their best to help clients through the disaster and must also protect their own safety.