PHTA is thrilled to announce the re-launch of our drought awareness campaign, entitled Let's Pool Together. The campaign is aimed at educating the public and policymakers at state and local levels on the facts about water use in relation to swimming pools and home spas, as well as the economic, social, and public health implications of the pool and spa industry in California.

One of our most popular downloads! The PHTA Recreational Water Quality Committee (RWQC) compiled a Fact Sheet on Alkalinity that explains total alkalinity, recommended levels in pool or spa water, how to calculate total alkalinity, and precautions.

We're ready for The 2022 Pool & Spa Show in Atlantic City next week! Are you? Visit PHTA at Booth #1913, and take part in the PHTA and GENESIS® education sessions during the conference:
—E345: Examining PHTA Standards
—D123: Trends in Outdoor Design
—D285: Case Study: How I Present to My Clients
—The VGBA Standard for Drain Covers Has Changed: An Interactive Workshop
—Examining Elevated Pools
—What’s in Your Contract? A Legal Checkup
—How Existing Federal Pool Pump Regulations Impact Your Business & Boost Sales
—Running a Safe & Compliant Workplace
—RWQC: Let’s Clear the Air – Air Quality for Indoor Swimming Venues

Join instructor Paul John Boulifard on February 14, 15, 21, and 22 for D271: Architectural Styles. In this course, you will review different architectural styles found throughout the United States, discuss the significance of changes in style, and learn how to design a pool to match the home's architecture.

During E245: Standards, Codes, and Ordinances: A Builder's Guide to Proper Implementation, you will become familiar with the current provisions and requirements of the standards, codes, and ordinances governing swimming pool and spa construction. You will also learn how to create a bridge between code officials and contractors to streamline the process of permitting. Join instructor Terry Brannon, P.E., on February 23-24!

If you're in Florida and need CILB credits for your license, sign up for GENESIS® education at the Everything Under the Sun Expo in Orlando! We're offering two 16-hour pre-conference sessions on March 2-3: E211: Fluid Hydraulics for Pools & Spas and D180: Drawing for Professionals. Both of these courses are required for moving up the PHTA Certified Pool Builder & Design Professional Pathway.

Interested in attending this year's National Water Safety Conference (NWSC)? PHTA members get $100 off the registration price by using the code PHTA100 at checkout! NWSC, presented by the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA), is taking place April 11-14 in Fort Worth, TX and online. PHTA is proud to be a sponsor of NWSC.

The World Aquatic Health Conference (WAHC) virtual platform closes this Friday at 11:59 pm ET. If you still have a session or two left to watch, be sure to log in soon! Thank you to all of our sponsors, speakers, and attendees for making WAHC 2021 such a success.

Stay on top of what others in the industry are talking about. This week in the myPHTA Online Community, the newest discussions are about:
—Info on Pool Builder

PHTA has endorsed APPI Energy to provide data-driven procurement solutions that reduce and manage electricity and natural gas supply costs for members on an ongoing basis. Every day, APPI Energy identifies the wide range of energy supplier prices across the U.S. and the lowest prices available among many vetted, competing suppliers.

To take advantage of this membership benefit program, contact Carrie Shepard at APPI Energy at (667) 330-1167 or visit www.appienergy.com.

Mentors often receive just as much – if not more – benefit from mentoring as their mentees! Sign up for the PHTA Mentor Program and you will shape the future of pool, hot tub, and aquatic professionals; enhance your reputation and professional identity; further develop your leadership and management qualities; gain recognition for your skills and experience; and so much more!

The PHTA-2 Standard for Public Pool and Spa Operations and Maintenance is currently under a Technical Committee ballot. For the PHTA-4 Standard for Aboveground/Onground Residential Swimming Pools, the PHTA-4 Standard Writing Committee will hold a third meeting in February. Representatives from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission will participate. Please contact standards@phta.org if you would like to attend, or for more information.

On January 13, 2022, the Supreme Court reinstated the stay against the OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) for employers with 100 or more employees. The ETS requires employers that fit this criteria to implement a COVID-19 policy that either 1) requires employees to be vaccinated or 2) gives employees the option between being vaccinated or wearing a face covering and getting tested every seven days.

With this stay, PHTA member companies with 100 or more employees will not have to comply with the ETS standards for the time being.

AQUA Magazine
It’s likely that demand will remain strong in the pool and hot tub industry even as the challenges of materials and worker shortages continue. Here’s a marketing checklist to help you be as prepared as possible for what’s ahead.

Aquatics International
Owners/operators should take control of their facility’s representation on the internet. Manage and leverage the message beyond the official website, because customers don’t always check that first.

Forbes
Learn to find, hire, and retain good talent, because it could mean the difference between meeting business goals and falling short.

Inc.
Every business leader needs help generating engagement, loyalty, and bottom-line success. To improve your leadership impact, take a look at these key attributes, distilled from The Leadership Star by Brian Hartzer.

PHTA is sad to announce the passing of David Kruse, who worked for BioLab, Inc. for more than 30 years. David also served as chair of the PHTA Manfacturers Council. He will be missed by many in the pool and hot tub industry. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

Last year, we were happy to feature David in our member profiles series. You can read David's thoughts on our industry by clicking the button below.

PHTA Strategic Partner Fluidra recently announced the opening of the first Fluidra Pro Center in Latin America, in Brazil. This center is focused on solving the needs of pool professionals and offering the best service to their customers.

Pool & Spa Marketing
Service technicians are incorporating robotic and battery-powered cleaners into their routines, which buys them more time and makes each stop more profitable.

PoolPro
Pool companies are building throughout colder months to meet the continuing pandemic-fueled demand.